|
 |
 |
| |
Cracking The Rajapaksa Siblings’ Estate Deals |
|
|
|
2009-12-13 | 11.55 PM | By Mandana Ismail Abeywickrema |
|
 |
|
The fortunes of the First Family and immediate family members continue to grow with one of the Presidential siblings setting his eyes upon becoming an estate owner in the Kurunegala District.
A younger sibling of President Mahinda Rajapaksa is currently on the look out to purchase coconut estates in the Kurunegala District spending millions of rupees. |
|
|
 |
|
|
|
| |
'Defence Secretary ordered to shoot the surrendered LTTE leaders' says former SL Army Chief |
|
|
|
2009-12-13 | 11.55 PM | By Mandana Ismail Abeywickrema |
|
 |
|
Common opposition candidate General Sarath Fonseka says Defense Secretary Gothabaya Rajapaksa instructed a key ground commander in the north that all LTTE leaders must be killed and not allowed to surrender.
In an explosive interview with The Sunday Leader General Fonseka the then Army Commander said he had no information communicated to him in the final days of the war that three key LTTE leaders had opted to surrender to Sri Lanka’s armed forces as the battle drew to a bloody finish. |
|
|
|
|
|
|
| |
Only 600 families of the 16,000 resettled IDP families receive food items |
|
|
|
2009-12-13 | 5.15 PM |
|
 |
|
TNA parliamentarian Sivashakthi Anandan says that Vavuniya GA P.S.M. Charles had informed him that the essential food items sent by the government to be handed over to 16,000 resettled families was sufficient only for 600 families. |
|
|
|
|
|
|
| |
Although government has its faults we will support the President to protect our vote base – Ven. Ratana Thero |
|
|
|
2009-12-13 | 5.15 PM |
|
 |
|
JHU parliamentarian Ven Athuraliya Ratana Thero says the party has decided to support President Mahinda Rajapaksa at the Presidential election regardless of the many faults of the present government in order to protect the JHU vote base.
Ven. Ratana Thero made this statement when he participated in Sirasa TV’s political programme, Satana on the 10th. |
|
|
|
|
|
|
| |
Three thousand policemen summoned to Temple Trees to support the Presidential election |
|
|
|
2009-12-13 | 5.15 PM |
|
 |
|
Amongst the many meetings organized between the President and representatives of various sectors in the country at Temple Trees as part of the Presidential election campaign, one day has been allocated for the President to meet with police personnel.
Sources from Temple Trees said a meeting has been organized for the 13th where about 3,000 police personnel from the rank of Assistant Superintendent of Police and above are to meet with the President. |
|
|
|
|
|
|
| |
PB to promote Milinda as well |
|
|
|
2009-12-13 | 4.30 PM |
|
 |
|
Finance Ministry Secretary P.B. Jayasundera had reportedly been invited to gathering of several leading figures in the country organized by Justice and Law Reforms Minister Milinda Moragoda, who is also the head of the Sri Lanka National Association.
The discussion attended by Morgaoda was held at an apartment in the Monarch Residency at the Cinnamon Grand owned by John Keells Holdings under Susantha Ratnayake. AMW head, Thilak de Soyza, Ceylon Tobacco Company head K. Bandaranayake and several other leading business figures attended the meeting. |
|
|
|
|
|
|
| |
Palandis in Sri Lanka to help President Mahinda Rajapaksa’s e-mail campaign |
|
|
|
2009-12-13 | 4.30 PM |
|
 |
|
Two Indians, Rahul Palandi and Palan Palandi, have arrived in the country to organize the President’s e-mail campaign and they are carrying out their work from the Sovereign Hotel owned by the Central Bank, sources from the SLFP headquarters said.
It also reported that Namal Rajapaksa has provided them with 500 Nokia 2700 mobile phone through the Tharunyata Hetak Organization.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
| |
“A political solution will be given” – Basil tells India |
|
|
|
2009-12-13 | 4.30 PM |
|
 |
|
The Press Trust of India states that Senior Presidential Advisor Basil Rajapaksa had informed the Indian government that his government would present a political solution to the Tamil people soon after the Presidential election and that the necessary Constitutional amendments would be introduced in the future.
Also, Basil Rajapaksa had avoided a question by the Indian media on whether the displaced Tamil people in the North would be given their Constitutional rights. |
|
|
|
|
|
|
| |
Police stop Susanthika’s confession over TNL |
|
|
|
2009-12-12 | 4.40 PM |
|
 |
|
The replay of a TV programme in which Ms. Susanthika Jayasinghe participated when Mr. S.B. Dissanayake was the Minister of Sports telecast by TNL TV channel Thursday (10th) night was immediately stopped by the police.
At the telecast Ms. Jayasinghe talks about the sex abuse she was subjected to at the Ministry of Sports. However, while the programme was being telecast TNL suddenly stopped the programme at about 10.50 p.m. stating they had to do it due to an unavoidable reason. |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
2009-12-12 | 4.40 PM |
|
 |
|
Intellectuals trade union activists media activists and Tamil diaspora key people are meeting in London today (Sunday) in order to help support common left candidate Dr. Vicramabahu Karunaratne in the coming presidential election.
A spokesperson said that some of them have already recieved positive responses from MPs of the TNA. The group plans to nominate a delegation to work out the modalities with the TNA and the Tamil diaspora. |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
| |
Fuel fraud of over Rs. 20 million reported from the Navy |
|
|
|
2009-12-12 | 12.05 PM |
|
 |
|
Sources from the Sri Lanka Navy say that 10 fuel bowsers brought by the Navy that is valued at Rs. 25 million has gone missing. A special inquiry is currently being held into the matter under the Navy Commander’s supervision.
The current Nay Commander has also launched several inquiries into alleged acts of fraud and corruption that had taken place during former Navy Commander Wasantha Karannagoda’s tenure
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
| |
Jaiyamathullah Ulama Muslim leaders reject President’s invitation |
|
|
|
2009-12-12 | 12.05 PM |
|
 |
|
An invitation extended to the Muslim leaders of the All Ceylon Jaiyamuthullah Ulama by the President to meet with him on Friday evening at 4 p.m. was turned down by the Muslim leaders.
The President had earlier rejected several requests made by the Ulama leaders through Muslim ministers in government for an appointment with the President. |
|
|
|
|
|
|
| |
Employees object to President’s decision to meet with Customs officers |
|
|
|
2009-12-12 | 12.05 PM |
|
 |
|
The President has reportedly informed all Customs officers to attend a meeting him at Temple Trees on the 12th.
The letter sent to all customs offices by the Customs Director General Jayathilaka has informed the Customs officers of the President’s intention.
However the All Ceylon Customs Service Union has protested against this and has said this was a violation of election regulations. |
|
|
|
|
|
|
| |
President’s representative promises to establish a Buddhist Affairs Ministry to Malwatte Chief Priest |
|
|
|
2009-12-12 | 12.05 PM |
|
 |
|
Director General of the Telecommunications Regulatory Commission, Priyantha Kariyapperuma has told the Chief Priest of the Malwatte Chapter that the President has agreed to re-establish the Buddhist Affairs Ministry once again, sources from Temple Trees said.
The Chief Priest of the Malwatte Chapter has made critical of the President’s failure to establish the Buddha Sasana Ministry and has also made positive comments on General Sarath Fonseka’s decision to enter politics. The President immediately sent Kariyapperuma as his representative to meet with the Chief Priest to build a consensus. |
|
|
|
|
|
|
| |
Rajapaksa - HR campaigner turned serious violator - Bahu |
|
|
|
2009-12-10 | 9.55 PM |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
| |
SLFP trade unions at Lake House decide not to support the President |
|
|
|
2009-12-10 | 6.15 PM |
|
 |
|
Members of the SLFP affiliated trade union, the Sri Lanka Nidahas Sevaka Sangamaya at the Lake House have reportedly decided not to support the government at the Presidential or the general elections.
The SLFP trade unionists have arrived at this decision since the Media Ministers and the President have not intervened to address several issues raised by them in relation to the dictatorial rule of the Lake House Chairman Bandula Padmakumara.
Journalists at Lake House have expressed surprise at the silence maintained by the government in the face of a dictatorial and suppressive rule currently prevent at the institution, when it accuses the UNP of suppressing the media. |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
| |
Left Front deposit money for Bahu |
|
|
|
2009-12-10 | 12.05 PM |
|
 |
|
General secretary of the Left Front Linus Jayathilake along with Fr Yohan Devananda, organizing secretary of left front Chamil Jayaneththi , General Secretary of the Socialist Party Mahinda Devage, leading media activist Dharmasiri Lankapeli, Sama Dharmam Editor Nadarasa Jenagan and Kusumsiri Jayewardene of the Ratnapura Left committee, deposited money with the elections commissioner for the candidacy of Common Left Candidate Dr Vickramabahu Karunaratne, on Wednesday morning. |
|
|
|
|
|
|
| |
Swarnavahini slings mud at Lanka News Web following a Presidential directive |
|
|
|
2009-12-10 | 12.05 PM |
|
 |
|
The President had reprimanded the Managing Director of the EAP Group of Companies, Jeevaka Edirisinghe over the story carried in our website the Basil Rajapaksa had purchased the Swarnavahini TV channel and had ordered him to issue a statement denying the story.
The President had asked Jeevaka to keep the Swarnavahini deal a secret until the conclusion of the general election.
It is reliably learnt that the President had also requested Basil not to appoint Nishantha Ranatunge and others to Swarnavahini until the conclusion of the general election.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
| |
SB’s henchmen try to capture power in the SLFP |
|
|
|
2009-12-10 | 12.05 PM |
|
photo courtesy TheIsland |
|
S.B. Dissanayake’s political friends it is really learnt are drawing up plans to capture power in the SLFP within short period.
SB meanwhile had told his friends on Monday (7) night, “I have won regardless of whether the election is won or lost.” The party held to celebrate SB’s crossing over to the government had ended around 2 a.m. on Tuesday (8). He had said that he would be Prime Minister if the President and won and the Opposition Leader if he lost the election.
SB’s political future and steps to be taken to uplift his image within the SLFP had been discussed at length at the party attended by his friends. |
|
|
|
|
|
|
| |
Specialist doctors ask the President to be given psychiatric treatment |
|
|
|
2009-12-10 | 12.05 PM |
|
 |
|
Sources from Temple Trees say that specialist doctor for heart ailments, Dr. Vajira Tennekoon had recommended that the President be shown immediately to a psychiatrist to receive treatment for the severe mental distress currently experienced by him.
The President’s physician, Dr. Rohan had consulted Dr. Vajira Tennekoon, as the President was suffering from high blood pressure.
After inspecting the President, Dr. Vajira Tennekoon had concluded that he was suffering from severe mental stress and not to burden him with additional mental worries as a result.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
| |
Kuruppuarachchi resigns to make way for SB in Yatinuwara |
|
|
|
2009-12-10 | 4.30 AM |
|
 |
|
The President has agreed to appoint S.B. Dissanayake as an SLFP electoral organizer of the Kandy District for him to contest the next general election from the UPFA and in order to pave the way for SB’s appointment, SLFP Yatinuwara organizer, Vincent Kuruppuarachchi has resigned from his post, sources from the SLFP headquarters said.
Although SB has not been assigned any responsibilities after his cross over to the government, the President had informed his media unit to give SB the speech before his at rallies that would be attended by the President.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
| |
Disciplinary inquiry against Johnston |
|
|
|
2009-12-10 | 4.30 AM |
|
 |
|
UNP General Secretary Tissa Attanayake told Lanka News Web that the party has decided to hold a disciplinary inquiry against UNP parliamentarian Johnston Fernando for holding a press conference to criticize a decision arrived at by the party leadership without the party’s consent.
Another key charge leveled against Johnston is his role in the disruption of a Platform for Freedom meeting held in Kurnegala.
However, it is learnt that Johnston has decided to pledge his support to the President on the day of the nominations.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
| |
Mahinda’s Presidential election campaign pushes Rupavahini into a financial crisis |
|
|
|
2009-12-10 | 4.30 AM |
|
 |
|
The Sri Lanka Rupavahini Corporation (SLRC) is reportedly facing a financial crisis due to the Presidential election campaign of President Mahinda Rajapaksa. The revenue of Rs. 6-7 lakhs earned through advertising during 8 and 9 p.m. has declined drastically to Rs. 1.5 lakhs.
The decline in the number of viewers has resulted in a drop in SLRC ratings in the survey report prepared by LMRB. The survey report has resulted in the decline in advertising during the news bulletin at night. |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
| |
Sathasivam rejects SB’s request to join him |
|
|
|
2009-12-08 | 11.55 PM |
|
 |
|
Leader of the United People’s Estate Workers Union and Central Provincial Councilor S. Sathasivam has rejected a request made by S.B. Dissanayake to join the government along with him. SB had tried to bring Sathasivam along with him for the media briefing held yesterday (7).
Sathasivam had told SB that since his party had already joined the UNF and was working with the alliance, he could not join the government with him.
Although SB had made several attempts to get UNP parliamentarians Johnston Fernando and Indika Bandaranayake and several opposition members of the Central Provincial Council to attend yesterday’s press conference, he was unsuccessful and finally had to appear before the media on his own.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
| |
The President’s massive cut out causes inconvenience to rail and bus commuters in Fort |
|
|
|
2009-12-08 | 11.55 PM |
|
 |
|
A massive cut out of the President has been put up opposite the Fort railway station in a manner that has caused much inconvenience to rail and bus commuters.
Commuters say the police filed legal action against the Convener of the Unemployed Graduates Union, Sujith Kuruwita for allegedly obstructing the free movement of rail and bus commuters in Fort when the union organized a continuous strike opposite the Fort railway station, but has thus far remained silent about the massive cutout that has become a nuisance to everyone.
Legal experts observe that action could easily be taken against the erection of the cut out as the board carried the name of a sponsor. The cut out is said to have been produced by the Federation of Self Employed Entrepreneurs. |
|
|
|
|
|
|
| |
Special seminar to celebrate 1st anniversary of People’s March magazine |
|
|
|
2009-12-08 | 11.55 PM |
|
 |
|
A seminar titled, “the importance of a people’s movement in the current political backdrop,” will be held at the Public Library Auditorium in Colombo on December 9 from 2 p.m. to 6 p.m. to celebrate the first anniversary of the People’s March magazine.
The key note address will be delivered by Prof. Vijitha Nanayakkara from the Peradeniya University.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
| |
Namal buys 300 acres of government land in Giriulla |
|
|
|
2009-12-08 | 11.55 PM |
|
 |
|
Sources from the Lands Ministry say that Namal Rajapaksa’s Tharunyata Hetak organization has been allocated 300 acres of state owned land in Giriulla in the Kurunegala District.
A senior official at the Lands Ministry said he could not confirm the matter as the Land Reforms Commission functioned under the President. The official added that the President had not agreed to several requests made by Lands Minister Jeevan Kumaratunge for the allocation of the Land Reforms Commission under his purview.
The Land Reforms Commission has in the past functioned under the Lands Ministry.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
| |
Maithripala, Nimal Siripala and Dullas unhappy with SB’s defection to the government |
|
|
|
2009-12-08 | 11.55 PM |
|
 |
|
Sources from Temple Trees said that although UNP National Organizer S.B. Dissanayake joined the government after resigning from all posts he held in the UNP, the SLFP General Secretary Maithripala Sirisena and several senior SLFP ministers including Nimal Siripala de Silva and Dullas Alahapperuma were unhappy with the package promised to SB by the President.
The President had agreed to appoint SB a Senior Vice President of the SLFP and appoint him as the SLFP Kandy District Leader. SB had also been promised a slot in parliament by the President, who had said the vacancy would be created by getting Basil Rajapaksa to resign from parliament. |
|
|
|
|
|
|
| |
Attempt to get people’s sympathy towards the President by using terrorism threats |
|
|
|
2009-12-08 | 11.55 PM |
|
 |
|
The President’s security advisors it is learnt are looking at the possibility of earning the people’s sympathy towards the President during the election campaign by using various terrorism threats. It is also reliably learnt that Defence Secretary Gotabhaya Rajapaksa was in the process of conducting a proper study on the matter. |
|
|
|
|
|
|
| |
Indika requests for appointment to meet the General |
|
|
|
2009-12-08 | 4.30 AM |
|
 |
|
Parliamentarian Indika Bandaranayake, who spoke against the candidature of General Sarath Fonseka as the common candidate at the UNP Working Committee, has requested for an appointment to meet with General Fonseka, sources from Sirikotha said.
The other members who spoke against General Fonseka at the Working Committee, Johnston Fernando and Azath Saaly, organized a press conference to explain their stance on backing the General. Indika however, did not attend the press conference. |
|
|
|
|
|
|
| |
Mangala and Anura appointed as Co-Media Spokesmen for the General |
|
|
|
2009-12-08 | 4.30 AM |
|
 |
|
A coordinating officer to the General told Lanka News Web that Co-Leader of the UNF, Mangala Samaraweera and JVP parliamentarian Anura Kumara Dissanayake have been appointed as Co-Media Spokesmen for the common candidate General Sarath Fonskea during the election campaign.
All propaganda and media related events are to be organized under their supervision. A special media unit has been set up for the purpose opposite Royal College, Colombo. |
|
|
|
|
|
|
| |
If any one attacks Rajapaksas they will be attacked – President tells Malik |
|
|
|
2009-12-08 | 4.30 AM |
|
 |
|
The President had called former UNP Chairman Malik Samarawickrema a few days back and threatened to attack exceeding any limits if the Opposition Leader continued to level any kind of allegation against him and his family. The President had asked Malik to convey the message to Ranil Wickremesinghe.
The Presidential call had been made to Malik after the controversial speech exposing many secret deals of the Rajapaksa family made by the Opposition Leader at the UNP convention on Saturday (5). |
|
|
|
|
|
|
| |
Ministers’ and MPs’ phones tapped |
|
|
|
2009-12-08 | 4.30 AM |
|
 |
|
A senior officer at the State Intelligence Service (SIS) told Lanka News Web that Defence Secretary Gotabhaya Rajapaksa has ordered the tapping of personal phones belonging not only to opposition politicians abut also several senior government ministers. SIS Head, DIG Keerthi Gajanayake has been ordered to present frequent reports on calls tapped and 17 officers have been assigned to the task.
The officer said that telephones of Ministers Maithripala Sirisena, D.M. Jayaratne, Anura Priyadarshana Yapa, Mahinda Yapa Abeywardena, Pavithra Wanniarachchi, Nimal Siripala de Silva, Mahinda Samarasinghe,
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
| |
President visits SB in Hanguranketha
SB to make special statement today |
|
|
|
2009-12-07 | 6.30 AM |
|
 |
|
The President who was in Galaha, Kandy to open a medical center for monks on Sunday (6) morning paid a special visit to UNP National Organizer S.B. Dissanayake’s residence in Hangurnaketha. The President has had a two hour discussion with SB.
Minister C.B. Ratnayake also accompanied the President.
An official from the President’s Media Unit told Lanka News Web that SB had agreed to support the President during this discussion and is scheduled to announce his decision at a special press conference organized at Taj Samudra Hotel at 10 a.m. today (7). |
|
|
|
|
|
|
| |
The President’s promises to Douglas are dangerous – Tilvin Silva |
|
|
|
2009-12-07 | 12.05 PM |
|
 |
|
JVP General Secretary Tilvin Silva called on President Mahinda Rajapaksa to immediately explain whether the promise he has made to Minister Dougles Devananda includes the devolution of power exceeding the 13th Amendment, which paves the way for the establishment of a regional self rule that accepts Tamil homeland concept, as requested by the Tiger organization at Thimpu talks.
Silva made this comment at a press conference on Sunday (6). |
|
|
|
|
|
|
| |
Opposition Leader on a European tour |
|
|
|
2009-12-07 | 12.05 PM |
|
 |
|
Opposition Leader Ranil Wicrkemesinghe left for Europe on Sunday (6) morning to attend several meetings Brussels, Germany and Paris. Sources from the Opposition Leader’s Office said the main aim of Wickremesinghe’s European tour is to create awareness among EU leaders about the common candidate General Sarath Fonseka’s policies.
Sources said that Wickremesinghe was scheduled to return to the island on the 10th and leave for India on a two day official visit to India on the 14th.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
| |
Three Sri Lankan ambassadors summoned to the country for campaign work |
|
|
|
2009-12-07 | 12.05 PM |
|
 |
|
The President has requested the Foreign Ministry to summon Sri Lankan ambassadors to Iran, Myanmar and the Philippines, namely M.M. Zuhair, Newton Gunaratne and Nawalage Bennet Cooray respectively back to the country to participate in the Presidential election campaign, Foreign Ministry sources said.
The three ambassadors are to arrive in the island on Monday (7) and the Foreign Minister has ordered Ministry officials to pay them their respective salaries and allowances during their stay in the country. |
|
|
|
|
|
|
| |
Mediate to abuse of government properties
– The United National Front request to The
Election commissioner. |
|
|
|
2009-12-06 | 8.30 PM |
|
 |
|
The United National Front Ask to The Election Commissioner Dayananda Disanayaka that the
Presidential Election yet started and takes over the power which provided to Commissioner for abuse
of government property. The United National Front point toward that current ruling government and the minister of the government are using their power as despotism and abuse the government property for the ongoing presidential election campaign for their politics desires. In addition UNA point that this
situation should be stopped as soon possible, otherwise other contestant should let off and we can not
expect the free and fare election. “Media Watch” The official media of that party said this is the
circumstances. |
|
|
|
|
|
|
| |
SB in secret meeting with the President on Friday night |
|
|
|
2009-12-06 | 8.30 PM |
|
 |
|
UNP National Organizer S.B. Dissanayake had met with the President for a secret discussion on Friday (4) night. SB had been taken to meet the President by Additional Secretary to the President, Gamini Senarath.
A lawyer closely affiliated to SB had also attended the discussion. Sources from Temple Trees said the discussion between the President and SB had lasted for about three hours. |
|
|
|
|
|
|
| |
Maheswaran’s brother receives benefits from Basil and Uthuru Wasanthaya |
|
|
|
2009-12-06 | 8.30 PM |
|
 |
|
Sources from the Essential Services Commissioner’s Department say that late parliamentarian Maheswaran’s brother, Parameswaran has become a millionaire businessman within a short period after becoming a business partner to Basil Rajapaksa.
Basil used Parameswaran to cover up the inquiry into Maheswaran’s killing. Maheswaran was allegedly killed by members affiliated to the government. |
|
|
|
|
|
|
| |
Money in the President’s Fund used for election work |
|
|
|
2009-12-06 | 8.30 PM |
|
 |
|
An official from the Presidential Secretariat named Salgadu had withdrawn a sum of Rs. 250 lakhs from the fixed account of the President’s Fund at the second city branch of the National Savings Bank in Colpetty.
The money it is learnt is used to give out “pocket money” to active organizers involved in the Presidential election campaign. The Presidential campaign coordinating committee has given a provincial councilor a sum of Rs. 50,000, a local government member or a municipal councilor is given Rs. 10,000 for their involvement in the election campaign. |
|
|
|
|
|
|
| |
Ranaviru Seva Authority funds used for election campaign |
|
|
|
2009-12-06 | 8.30 PM |
|
 |
|
Sources from the Ranaviru Seva Authority say that funds from the Authority are being used for election campaign work including funds that have been allocated to be used in 2010. The Defence Secretary has ordered Acting Chairperson of the Authority, Padma Wettewa to use funds allocated for 2010 to purchase 200 three wheelers to be distributed among disabled soldiers by the President.
The Defecne Secretary has also requested the Authority to summon military personnel for a special meeting at BMICH on the 8th and to provide the necessary funds for the event.
The Authority is also working on a special media campaign aimed at the Presidential election. The campaign has been assigned to one of the Authority’s directors and Managing Director of the pro-government advertising agency, Dilith Jayaweera.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
| |
Trade union leaders warmly welcome General Sarath Fonseka |
|
|
|
2009-12-06 | 8.30 PM |
|
 |
|
The common candidate General Sarath Fonseka on Friday (4) attended a gathering of trade union leaders at the Solis Hall in Pitakotte. The trade union leaders warmly welcomed General Fonseka.
The meeting was organized by the All Ceylon Trade Union Federation (ACTUF). The meeting commenced after National Trade Union Center President, parliamentarian K.D. Lalkantha and other trade union leaders received General Fonseka. |
|
|
|
|
|
