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LTTE firm on venue, Co-chairs `committed and impartial`
Saturday, 24 December 2005 - 10:26 PM SL Time
`The Tamil leadership is firm and will oppose Colombo`s effort on imposing geographical limitations and preconditions on the venue of talks on the implementation of the Ceasefire Agreement and thereby alienating the Liberation Tigers from European countries,` the LTTE Political Head Mr. S.P. thamilchelvan.jsp' class=black>Thamilchelvan told media after a two-hour-long meeting with the Co-Chairs` representatives held in Kilinochchi Saturday. Head of the EU Delegation to Sri Lanka, Ambassador Julian Wilson, speaking to the media, reiterated the Co-Chairs statement on Monday and urged the parties to `start talks on Ceasefire Agreement`s Implementation immediately,` adding that Co-Chairs were `committed` and `impartial.`
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LTTE tells Monitoring Mission: Navy opened fire first
Saturday, 24 December 2005 - 3:36 AM SL Time
The LTTE has told the Lanka Monitoring Mission that its cadres had returned fire in self-protection on navy boats that intercepted and attacked three LTTE vessels in the seas off Mannar on Thursday morning, Tamil Net reported yesterday.
Two navy men were found dead inside a boat that was abandoned by the navy fleet, and another sailor, seriously wounded and rescued by the Tigers, later drowned in a Tiger boat that had sustained extensive damage, the LTTE said.
One LTTE cadre was wounded the Tigers said adding that their cadres were continuing to travel in the seas with arms for self-defence in accordance with their earlier announcement.
In a letter to the SLMM the LTTE said:
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Tigers blast Navy bus killing 15
Saturday, 24 December 2005 - 12:25 AM SL Time
In the worst ceasefire violation by the LTTE todate, 15 Navy men were killed and 16 wounded in two Claymore mine explosions at Mannar around 2.30 p.m. yesterday (23).
A Navy bus was heading towards Nadukudah in Pesalai when the two mines were set off hitting the bus which caught fire after the explosion, police sources in Mannar said.
Troops were rushed to the scene and the injured were evacuated to the Mannar hospital shortly afterwards.
Police sources said the LTTE launched an RPG attack on the Navy vehicle immediately after the explosions.
Armed Forces sources in the North said the LTTE has become very aggressive in recent days despite the peace initiative of the government but the SLMM has remained silent on the several incidents of ceasefire violations.
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Politics
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Jaffna insecure: calls to shut down government institutions from 26th.
Sunday, 25 December 2005 - 1:19 AM SL Time
A trade union called the National Labor Union Federation has requested the closure of government institutions from Monday 26th until there is an improvement in the prevailing insecure situation.
The Union has distributed leaflets and put up posters and banners to this effect in Jaffna.
A volatile situation has erupted in Jaffna in the wake of series of attacks committed by the LTTE targeting security forces.
Our special reporter in Jaffna said as a result of this situation, non governmental organizations engaged in development and tsunami rehabilitation projects in the peninsula are packing up their bags to return to Colombo.
Due to the call made to shut down government establishments except for essential services like hospitals, residents in Jaffna are reported be in state of fright fearing an outbreak of violence.
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Mangala stops London deal
Sunday, 25 December 2005 - 1:11 AM SL Time
Foreign Minister Mangala Samaraweera has stayed any further action on a planned exchange of the official residence of Sri Lanka`s High Commissioner in Britain, and an investigation is pending on the suitability of the exchange, Mr. Samaraweera told The Sunday Times.
The Minister said he had been unaware of what happened over this transaction, and that he would be personally looking into the matter to see if any irregularities had taken place.
The Sunday Times last week exclusively reported a bid to have the Sri Lankan High Commissioner`s residence exchanged for a smaller property down the same road at The Avenue, St. John`s Wood, London even after a team of Sri Lankan officials, including technical personnel had advised the then Foreign Minister Lakshman Kadirgamar against the exchange.
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Mahinda kicks Udaya out
Sunday, 25 December 2005 - 1:07 AM SL Time
The Sri Lanka Tourist Board crisis has taken a new turn with President Mahinda Rajapakse dismissing Tourist Board Chief Udaya Nanayakkara.
This comes in the backdrop of the tourism industry vehemently opposing Tourism Minister Anura Bandaranaike decision to allow Nanayakkara, his former brother-in-law, to continue.
Rajapakse is also believed to have phoned Bandaranaike Friday regarding the fresh developments.
Former Colombo District SLFP/PA MP Nawalage Bennet Cooray is expected to fill the vacancy. Cooray said that he was informed of the appointment Friday although he was yet to receive his letter of appointment.
The former Chairman of the Sri Lanka Credit Insurance Corporation campaigned for Rajapakse at the recently concluded presidential polls.
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Editorial News
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Faith and the fate
Sunday, 25 December 2005 - 1:13 AM SL Time
Those living in Sri Lanka can see the reality of the `commercial X`mas` and the `real Christmas` being celebrated side by side, despite the hype that anti-Christian elements sharpening their tools to destroy the spirit of Christmas.
Here`s a classic example of how a section of the so-called independent western media, namely the Wall Street Journal, has played the bogeyman: In an article published on December 12, where it says `Many Sri Lankans celebrate Christmas with shuttered windows and barricaded doors out of fear for their lives. Those brave enough to celebrate Christmas in defiance of local Buddhist authorities risk discrimination, exile, fire bombings, or worse`.
This requires no comment, except to say in Latin, the language of the Church -- res ipsa loquitor -- or that the facts speak for themselves. All people of all faiths must be permitted to celebrate their holy days the way they choose without offending others. We have had enough of religious intolerance around the world for too long now. And those who obstruct such observances do no service to the faiths they claim to profess.
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Politics is the art of the possible
Saturday, 24 December 2005 - 12:30 AM SL Time
We are hearing the call for a national government once again. In some quarters, the belief is that the coming together of the UPFA and the UNP is the panacea for all our ills, including the much vexed LTTE problem. Some of the proponents of a national government are genuinely interested in consensual politics while others are peddling a hidden agenda, especially the big businesses who betted on the wrong horse at the recent election.
Intentions apart, are the national government campaigners striving for something possible' The two parties don`t see eye to eye on almost everything as evident from the absence of national policies in this country. Political leaders may shake hands, exchange pleasantries and have tea together but beneath that veneer of bonhomie there is simmering hatred, which precludes any cooperation. No amount of effort is going to bring them together. Like the similar poles of two magnets, they naturally repel.
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The Rathagaaya syndrome
Friday, 23 December 2005 - 2:47 AM SL Time
Today, we carry a report that fifteen double cabs will be purchased for a forest resources management project under the Ministry of Environment. Purchase of vehicles either for the use of the government or NGOs is everyday news.
Many vehicles are said to be on their way for the post tsunami reconstruction projects as well. Are those vehicles really necessary and have those already given to tsunami rebuilding projects served the intended purpose' And where do these vehicles finally go' These questions need to be answered.
Apart from ad hoc projects, in the public sector as a whole, wasteful expenditure is usually incurred on vehicle purchases. The Ceylon Petroleum Corporation is said to be in bad shape, mostly because of the unsettled government dues accumulating at a rapid pace due to the increasing fuel bill of the government. More vehicles are going to aggravate an already bad situation. The JVP Unions, as our report says, have lambasted the CEB top brass for vehicle abuse. The so-called government servants are said to suffer from two chronic ailments'Ratha Gaaya and Telephomania (excessive desire for using vehicles and uncontrollable urge to abuse the telephone, respectively.) Another corrupt practice prevalent among drivers at state institutions also costs the government dearly; it is called Mala Kepeema (adopted from toddy tapping) or pilferage of petrol and diesel.
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| Security |
Indian Tamil leaders convey `ground situation in Lanka` to Prime Minister Manmohan Singh
Sunday, 25 December 2005 - 1:18 AM SL Time
With just two days to go for the arrival here of Sri Lanka President Mahindra Rajapaksa on December 27, an effort is afoot to keep Delhi posted with the `real` ground situation in island nation. These efforts have assumed significance in the context of reports that the visiting President would take up with Indian leadership his proposal for some changes in the peace format.
Forefront of the call for a proper appraisal ground situation is Vaiko, the chief of his own Dravidian party, Marumalarchi Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam (MDMK). He and others like him want Delhi not to be swayed by Colombo claims and contentions and also ensure that India retains its bipartisan image in matters Sri Lanka.
Vaiko met Prime Minister Manmohan Singh and the Defence Minister Pranab Mukherjee here. Though he is not available for comment as such, people familiar with the meetings said that the MDMK leader presented a `sitrup` to drive home his point that armed forces were targetting innocent civilian Tamilians in Jaffna as a part of their reprisals. He also disputed the Colombo line on ceasefire violations, the sources said.
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Woman casualty in Jaffna fire fight
Sunday, 25 December 2005 - 1:07 AM SL Time
Jaffna police said that a woman, who suffered injuries during a confrontation near an army checkpoint in Chavakachcheri on Friday around 1.30 pm about an hour before LTTE terrorists attacked a Navy convoy at Pesalai, had succumbed to her injuries at the Jaffna Teaching Hospital.
She is believed to have been hit when troops fired at a terrorist fleeing after lobbing a hand grenade on their post.
The pro-LTTE TamilNet identified the victim as Ms. Markandu Pushpamalar (31). Hospital sources said that Ms. Pushpamalar had three serious bullet wounds that damaged internal organs and surgery failed to save her life. Rajathurai, the second civilian injured during the same incident, is still recovering.
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Useless talking to `animals`- JHU
Saturday, 24 December 2005 - 12:27 AM SL Time
Having discussions with the Liberation Tigers of Tamil Eelam (LTTE) is like having discussions with the likes of Kudu Noor, Mora Sunil or Thel Anil, the Sinhala Jathika Sangamaya President S.L. Gunasekara said yesterday.
He told a press conference in Colombo, that one must have talks with the human beings and not with Russell`s Vipers or Cobras.
Gunasekara also termed the LTTE as an underworld group that consists of heartless creatures who kidnap children for their military activities.
He also said that there is no point in going for peace talks with the LTTE, `because without a separate state they won`t be satisfied.`
Federation of National Organisations Joint Secretary Gunadasa Amarasekera said that the ban on the LTTE is a must.
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Business / Economy News
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Long march to rebuild their once shattered lives
Sunday, 25 December 2005 - 1:12 AM SL Time
Udaththanai, Amban and Vallipuram in the northern tip of the country were among three of the coastal villages badly affected by the December 26 tsunami, with the residents trying hard to recover and return to their normal lives.
As most of those living along the coastal belt the villagers saw their fishing boats being washed away, their houses destroyed by the sea and loved ones dragged into a watery grave.
Twelve months after the disaster they continue to live in tents put up by the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees with no immediate hopes of permanent houses being constructed in the foreseeable future.
'We are not sure when permanent houses would be put up for us. There is no one in a position to give us any definite date', Paneer Chelvan (38) said.
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JHU calls for rehabilitation reports
Saturday, 24 December 2005 - 3:38 AM SL Time
The Jatika Hela Urumaya (JHU) yesterday urged the Sri Lankan Government, International and local Non-Governmental Organisations (NGO), politicians, political parties and individuals who received large donations for tsunami rehabilitation to present a progress report prior to the first tsunami anniversary.
JHU General Secretary, Ven. Omalpe Sobitha Thera commenting on the tsunami rehabilitation almost one year after the tragedy said that JHU is ready to present a tsunami-rehabilitation progress report to the public calling for others to follow suit.
The Ven. Thera noted that there had not been much rehabilitation or development in the tsunami devastated areas despite the heavy pour of foreign funds, volunteers, duty free items and vehicles to the country.
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Pramuka to be reopened as State bank
Friday, 23 December 2005 - 2:53 AM SL Time
Pramuka Bank which was set to be liquidated will be reopened as a state bank before January 31, 2006 after acquiring its assets and responsibilities to the Central Bank, State Banks Development Minister Wijedasa Rajapakse told Parliament yesterday.
He said the Government has taken this decision to keep the public confidence on the bank system which considered as the backbone of country`s is economy.
The Government is of the opinion that if erosion of public confidence on the bank system will make negative effect.
`That is why the Government took this decision to reopen the Pramuka Bank as a State bank.
Minister Wijedasa Rajapakse made these remarks responding to a question raised by Jathika Hela Urumaya Parliamentary Group Leader Ven. Athuraliye Ratana Thera, on the liquidation of Pramuka Bank.
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| Sports News
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Santa comes to Reid Ave.
Sunday, 25 December 2005 - 1:15 AM SL Time
Bloomfield tightened their grip on the Premier Limited Over cricket title when they won the title for the third successive year with a nail biting four wicket win over NCC in the final played at the SSC grounds yesterday.
Chasing a modest target of 222 for victory the Reid Avenue boys were set for trouble losing their first three wickets for just 16 runs which included Sanath Jayasuriya who failed for the second successive day. In the semi final encounter against SSC he was able to make only 13 while yesterday he managed only five being clean bowled by paceman Akalanka Ganegama.
But the saviour for Bloomfield was T.M. Dilshan who made a 130 ball 107 being involved with a match winning fourth wicket stand of 108 with Shanuka Dissanayake who contributed a valuable 46.Their partnership was supported by another 51 runs stand for the fourth wicket between Dilshan and Kandamby. But the win for the Bloomfielders was really given by Chinthaka Jayasinghe who slammed two towering sixes and a single to make 13 in three balls when time was running out for them.
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Sri Lanka Cricket bowls underarm to Sanath
Saturday, 24 December 2005 - 12:29 AM SL Time
Hours after former captain Sanath Jayasuriya was picked to play the four-match ODI series in New Zealand, a mysterious media release came out from Sri Lanka Cricket suggesting that although the player was picked he`s yet to gain full fitness. The media release not signed by chairman of selectors Lalith Kaluperuma or any other selector provided a distorted version of the injury in an attempt to mislead the public.
Previously, Sri Lanka Cricket`s version of Jayasuriya`s injury had varied day after day and the latest release suggested that despite his inclusion in the squad he may still struggle in New Zealand.
`An independent opinion was sought from Dr. Phaneesh at Apollo hospitals whilst Sanath was undergoing treatment where the said Specialist states that he should not bowl for three weeks but he may bat,` the release from Sri Lanka Cricket stated.
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Harbhajan and Kumble spin India to big victory
Friday, 23 December 2005 - 2:47 AM SL Time
Harbhajan Singh finished with 10 wickets as India thrashed Sri Lanka by 259 runs in the third Test Thursday to clinch the series 2-0.
The wily off-spinner finished the match with 10-141 as Sri Lanka, chasing an improbable 509-run target, were bowled out for 249 in their second innings after resuming at 235-6.
This was Harbhajan`s fourth haul of 10 or more wickets in a Test.
The series win lifted India to second place behind Australia in the International Cricket Council`s official world rankings.
The hosts needed just 7.3 overs to seal the win, with Harbhajan and leg-spinner Anil Kumble claiming two wickets apiece in the morning session of the fifth and final day here.
Kumble, who took three wickets on Wednesday, finished with 5-89 for his 31st haul of five or more scalps in a Test innings in 100 matches.
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