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Court orders DNA test on 'Baby 81'
Thursday, 3 February 2005 - 12:05 AM SL Time
A DNA test was ordered by the Kalmunai Magistrate's Court on the infant tsunami survivor dubbed 'Baby 81' and the couple that had claimed the child as theirs, our sources in the East said.
Magistrate M.P. Mohideen told a packed Courthouse `The Court is ordering DNA tests be conducted on the parents and the child even though the parents are the only couple claiming the 4-month-old infant`.
The Magistrate added that until such time as the DNA report was obtained, the child would be in the custody of the hospital and the parents could see the infant as per hospital rules.
The Jeyarajah couple, Murugupillai and Junitha, who have claimed to be the parents, broke down in tears after the order was announced and threatened to commit suicide. They were calmed down by relatives, the source said.
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JVP foils SLFP bigwigs' plan to make a quick buck
Thursday, 3 February 2005 - 12:03 AM SL Time
SLFP bigwigs in Galle are hotly disputing the JVP take-over of a contract to relocate the main Galle bus stand destroyed in the recent tsunami.
An influential southern province based politician and his associates had ordered the Marxist party to cease work. But the JVP had emphasized that it would continue with the work on a priority basis.
The politician had threatened a senior government official and the JVP over the ongoing work, political sources said. The Galle based Home Ministry official had been accused of inviting the JVP to take-over the project, thus jeopardizing preparations made by the SLFP politician.
Political sources said the Home Ministry official had been ordered to revoke the contract. The official had pointed out that he called in the JVP as the politician who took up the contract had failed to launch the work. The official had also emphasized that there was nothing wrong in the JVP taking over the contract. He had reminded the fuming politician that the Marxist party was a Sandhanayana partner and he would stand by his decision. He had vowed to quit his post if political interference continued.
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JVP fires tough letter to CBK
Wednesday, 2 February 2005 - 1:40 AM SL Time
The JVP boomed out again yesterday against the LTTE and some foreign NGOs, demanding that President Chandrika Kumaratunga must order an immediate investigation on widespread reports that the Tigers were collaborating with foreign relief teams to smuggle in war materiel in the guise of tsunami aid.
`The rebels are enhancing their fighting capabilities as they are receiving war materiel via non-governmental organisations who are helping the Tigers` military build up under the pretext of providing humanitarian aid,` the JVP said in a tough three-page letter to the President.
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Politics
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Stalling aid under guise of peace treacherous act - CBK
Thursday, 3 February 2005 - 1:53 AM SL Time
President Chandrika Bandaranaike Kumaratunga yesterday declared that whoever that may attempt to stop the aid flow into the country on behalf of the tsunami victims was committing the ultimate act of treachery.
Speaking on a TV talk show hosted by Rupavahini the President said she was apprised by certain donors and members of the diplomatic community of attempts by the leader of a certain political party to tie up the aid flow into the country with the resumption of the peace process. They were however unanimous that the immediate need was humanitarian assistance to the stricken victims, the President said. `Peace is necessary. But if any one tries to stop humanitarian aid reaching the devastated people that is the greatest act of betrayal one could imagine.
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Trial against minister`s wife: Witnesses give evidence
Thursday, 3 February 2005 - 1:44 AM SL Time
The trial against the wife of Christian and Parliamentary Affairs Minister, Milroy Fernando and two other accused in connection with the alleged abduction and murder of a woman who was said to be the mistress of the minister and her domestic aide resumed before a jury in Colombo High Court yesterday.
The accused, minister`s wife N.Mary Juliet Monica, P. Ajith Priyankara Perera and T.M.D Neville Rohan Peiris were produced from remand when the case was taken before High Court Judge Upali Abeyratne
When the trial was taken up three witnesses gave evidence examined by Senior State Counsel Sarath Jayamanna. Two of them were cross-examined by the defence counsel. Among the witnesses was Theresa Fernando`s sister-in-law.
W.P Philomina Beatrice Rani Fernando examined by Senior State Counsel Sarath Jayamanna said that her sister-in-law told her that Milroy Fernando`s wife, Monica threatened over the phone.
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Japan keen on `early warning system` for Lanka
Wednesday, 2 February 2005 - 1:23 AM SL Time
The Japanese Government is willing to provide experts and technical assistance to set up a tsunami early warning system in the Indian ocean, and said the time to have it `up and running` would depend on Sri Lanka`s ability to integrate and absorb the system.
Japan, a leading tsunami aid provider, having pledged US$ 80 million to the country, is also in the Government bank account since January 19 and already pushing for a tsunami warning system in the Indian Ocean countries.
Visiting Japanese Senior Vice Foreign Minister Shuzen Tanigawa addressing the media yesterday said that they can send experts and provide technical expertise quickly, and it would not take much time to install the system. However, the ability of Sri Lanka to incorporate, and provide supporting services, and other facilities would decide the timeframe.
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Editorial News
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Education in disarray
Thursday, 3 February 2005 - 1:48 AM SL Time
It is unfortunate that the country`s educational system - both its body and its soul - is caught up in a veritable tsunami. While the tidal waves destroyed hundreds of schools, thus robbing the system of its material assets, the alleged corruption and misconduct of principals and teachers has damaged its soul.
The task of rebuilding schools has to be accomplished quickly, because the disruption of children`s education leads inevitably to the disruption of their adult lives. And if the US$ 65 million assistance given to rebuild 176 damaged schools, is properly used, this work will not pose much difficulty.
However, the damage caused to the system`s soul, which consists of the character of the teachers, is nearly irreparable. Some teachers have already been interdicted, while inquiries are being conducted against several others. Corruption in school admissions has assumed such scandalous proportions that the authorities have been compelled to obtain declarations of assets from all principals of schools.
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Rebuilding a National Health Policy
Wednesday, 2 February 2005 - 1:41 AM SL Time
With confusion, conflict and contradictions continuing to cloud the rebuilding of Sri Lanka from the ruins of the tsunami catastrophe, hopes of consultation, consensus and compromise appear to be dim but we still need to cling to them. Consultation, consensus and compromise were popular phrases or slogans of the Premadasa era and they could be of deep significance if they are taken seriously and acted on effectively. For instance, consultation with the people, and especially the victims of the tsunami disaster, is vital at this stage. Consultation in the spirit of reaching a consensus and compromise would help Sri Lanka to rebuild itself on the rock of public support and partnership in contrast to the sand castles that come up when decisions are taken at the top and imposed on the people. Rebuilding also needs to take place step by step, sector by sector. While all dimensions are important, the most vital area is healthcare, because it could mean life or death. First and foremost in this critical area, Sri Lanka needs a National Health Policy and a people-friendly health service. This would need to be the foundation of the healthcare sector, and it would be built on rock if it is built on the needs, the well-being and the welfare of the people.
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Mixed reactions to early US withdrawal from Lanka
Wednesday, 2 February 2005 - 1:24 AM SL Time
The announcement by the United States over the weekend that the US military personnel are scheduled to complete their departure by February 15, as expected has been met with a mixed response.
For those who saw the arrival of the US forces as the best means of checkmating the LTTE, the departure is too premature and disappointing. Despite the fact that the December 26 tsunami has considerably minimized the chances of an immediate resumption of war or withdrawal from the truce by the Tigers, a considerable section of the Sri Lankan electorate, especially the Sinhalese, preferred the forces of the world super power extending their stay here.
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| Security |
SLA-LTTE delegations meet in Jaffna
Thursday, 3 February 2005 - 1:52 AM SL Time
Delegations of the Liberation Tigers of Tamil Eelam (LTTE) and Sri Lanka Army (SLA) Wednesday morning met at the Jaffna office of the Sri Lanka Monitoring Mission (SLMM) and discussed several issues including restoring normalcy in the lives of tsunami affected people and the fishing industry, sources said.
Mr.Ilamparithi, Jaffna district political head led the LTTE delegation comprised Mr.R.Kannan, deputy head Mr.R.Kannan and Mr.Suthas, Head of the Jaffna District Civic Forum. Major General Sunil Tennekon, SLA`s Jaffna area commander, Mr.Vanniarachchi, Head of the Karainagar Sri Lanka Navy base, Mr.Weerasinghe, Head of the Kankesanthurai Naval unit and Mr.Wanaguru, Deputy Inspector General of Police, Jaffna district comprised the government delegation, sources said.
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Staff shortage impacts tsunami relief work in Vadamaradchy
Thursday, 3 February 2005 - 1:51 AM SL Time
Relief and rehabilitation work in tsunami hit coastal areas in Jaffna district have been affected due to shortage of public servants in divisional offices, civil society sources said. Public servants transferred out to these offices located in affected areas in Vadamaradchy East have not reported for duty causing severe hardships to the tsunami-affected people, sources said.
Six public servants transferred to Maruthankerni divisional secretariat in Vadamaradchchi east division have not reported for duty till Tuesday. All the six public servants have submitted medical certificates for their absence, sources said.
`When we have to increase our efforts to handle the tsunami disaster, public servants abusing their privilege and abstaining from work is inexcusable,` said a Government official at the District Secretariat.
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School building collapses in Jaffna, fifteen students injured
Thursday, 3 February 2005 - 12:10 AM SL Time
Barathi Vidiyalayam in Valigamam division in Jaffna district were injured when the tiled roof of a dilapidated building collapsed while classes were in session Wednesday morning. Injured students were admitted at the Jaffna Teaching Hospital, education sources said.
Of the fifteen, six were discharged after OPD treatment. The rest 9 students, E.Viyasagan (10), E.Priyasan (7), J.Nitharshan (10), R.Renuha (8), P.Pavithra (8), S.Sivaranjini (8), J.Januja (8) and S.Dinosha (8) are still warded in the hospital, education sources said.
Parents and civilians who rushed to the site immediately on receipt of information rescued the injured and other students in the mishap, police said.
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Business / Economy News
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Suntel expands to Kataragama and Tissamaharama
Thursday, 3 February 2005 - 1:49 AM SL Time
While all efforts to re-build the country, Suntel has pledged to fulfill responsibility as a telecom provider by going ahead with its commitment to expand in the rural areas of Sri Lanka, as they recently added Kataragama and Tissamaharama to their list of cities. Continuing from the aggressive coverage expansion drive from 2004, Suntel has expanded coverage over 30 cities as well as a wide scope of services for all their users.
Moving to Kataragama and Tissamaharama in a bid to take this initiative further, is of special significance at this time as Kataragama and Tissamaharama were in need of urgent telecommunication services since most of the telecommunication infrastructure was damaged in surrounding areas. Suntel set up two new base stations in two days to provide services, and there is a sudden consumer need to have a reliable and steady service provider. This need is especially prevalent amongst the small and medium entrepreneurs, as well as large businesses. In giving coverage to the rural areas Suntel has not only met their consumer`s needs but also have given them added communication benefits, such as IDD and internet enabled telephone lines. Suntel`s progression to Kataragama and Tissamaharama with their connection will also give communication benefits to the people in the surrounding areas.
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Business as usual at JKH despite tsunami
Thursday, 3 February 2005 - 1:47 AM SL Time
Despite the tsunami devastation in the country and impact on its leisure, food and beverage sectors, it is business as usual at Sri Lanka`s premier diversified blue chip John Keells Holdings (JKH).
`Our decision to proceed with the Rs. 3.4 billion 30-storeyed premium residential apartment complex, `The Monarch`, the Crescat city, and the $ 18 million refurbishment program at Colombo Plaza are testimonies to the business as usual and pro-growth and shareholder value mindset at JKH,` Joint Managing Director and Chairman designate Susantha Ratnayake told the Daily FT.
The Group has also decided to bring forward refurbishment plans for two of its resorts in the Cultural Triangle while it is exploring additional growth opportunities in sectors such as transportation. New investment opportunities in infrastructure along with the roll out of the rebuilding the nation program as well as telecom are being explored.
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Es El Tee tones
Thursday, 3 February 2005 - 1:45 AM SL Time
It is a known fact that Es El Tee was fleeced of a princely some not many moons ago by a company that launched a card with Sigiriya to talk to foreign lands. Now another party from the land of the Queen is eyeing the same deal. One Pathma who failed to strike the deal with the earlier management has sent down his son to pull the strings and he had struck up a friendship with the present Es El Tee boss`s son. The duo areseen entertaining themselves at five star hotels till the wee hours- of course expenses are borne by the London man.
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| Sports News
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Delmege dump HNB by 85 to 49
Thursday, 3 February 2005 - 1:48 AM SL Time
Delmege Forsyth dumped Hatton National Bank by 85 points to 49 points in their Delmege Super League 2005 cager `A` division match at the Otter Aquatic court on Tuesday. At half time, Delmege held a comfortable 45 -22 points lead.
For the winner`s, R. Gunasekera with 16 points that was inclusive of three, three pointers, R. Pushpakumara 14 with two, three pointers and Niroshan Danusha 11 with one, three pointer were the highest scorers. While M. Saranapala 17 with one, three pointer and D. Rajapakse 10 that included one, three pointer top scored for HNB.
HSBC in 66-48 win over Maritime
The Hong Kong and Shanghai Bank `A` posted a comfortable 66 to 48 points win over Maritime Holdings in their Delmege Super League `B` division cager fixture at the Otter Aquatic court on Tuesday.
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Hashan in a new role
Wednesday, 2 February 2005 - 1:47 AM SL Time
Former Sri Lanka Test Cricket Captain Hashan Tillakaratne has been appointed as the Executive Director of Cricket-Aid, the official tsunami disaster assistance programme of Sri Lanka Cricket.
Tillakaratne who officially assumed duties as the Executive Director of Cricket-Aid yesterday will oversee, and be overall in charge of the operations of Cricket-Aid, Cricket-Aid Camp Management, Cricket-Aid Village Project, and the Cricket-Aid Foster Parent Scheme.
A tough competitor, Tillakaratne was an important figure in Sri Lanka`s emergence as an international cricketing force. He first came into prominence with a match saving century against England B at Galle in 1986 whilst being a school cricketer.
An active member of all three departments of the game he marked his debut in ODIs during the 1986/87-cricket season playing against India at the Champions Trophy held in Sharjah. Three years later he entered the Test arena playing against Australia at Hobart.
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Muralitharan to wed Chennai girl
Tuesday, 1 February 2005 - 10:09 PM SL Time
Muthiah Muralitharan (32), the famous Sri Lankan cricketer, is to wed an Indian girl Mathimalar (24), in Chennai on March 21, his family has said.
Murali's father, Muthiah, told Hindustan Times on Tuesday, that the bride was a relative, as per the ancient Tamil custom of seeking brides from among cousins.
Orthodox Tamils tend to go for a Murai Kalyanam, in which cousins, who are not in the same patrilineal kin group or the same male line of descent, marry each other.
Mathimalar, a qualified manager, is one of the directors of Malar Hospital, a multi-speciality hospital in Adyar, a suburb of Chennai, Muthiah said.
Muthiah is the owner of a biscuit factory in Kandy in Sri Lanka. The Muthiahs are Sri Lankan Tamils of Indian origin with close links with India. The family also owns the well known Ramya Hotel in Tiruchi in southern Tamil Nadu.
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