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LTTE Mannar office bombed
Monday, 14 February 2005 - 12:41 AM SL Time
One civilian had been killed and two LTTE cadres wounded in a hand grenade attack on the LTTE Mannar office on Saturday night.
An unidentified person had tricked LTTE cadres into opening the door by knocking on it and identifying himself as a civilian before lobbing the grenade and fleeing.
The deceased had been identified as M. Callister (32). He was admitted at the Mannar Hospital but succumbed to wounds.
The wounded, aged 25 and 40 are being treated at the Anuradhapura government hospital for injuries. (NP)
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Troops keep cool despite provocations
Monday, 14 February 2005 - 12:40 AM SL Time
Saturday's LTTE-led protest in Jaffna had been a deliberate bid to provoke troops, security forces spokesman Brigadier Daya Ratnayake said.
For about three hours, LTTE cadres and several civilians had desperately tried to provoke troops and police at several places, particularly at Meesalai, Sarasalai and Puttur. According to Brigadier Ratnayake, they had blocked roads and had set fire to a Palmyra fence and the fire had spread to a nearby sentry point at Meesalai-Puttur junction. Subsequently, they had gathered outside the Kodikamam police station. `They threw stones at police,` Ratnayake said, emphasizing that minimum force was used to disperse the crowd.
The spokesman said that about 60 persons had been involved in the disturbances. Initially there had been about 30 persons, he said, underscoring the fact that the civilians had clearly rejected the LTTE call for a hartal in protest against the recent killing of Ampara-Batticaloa LTTE leader Kaushalyan.
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JVP to take tougher action
Sunday, 13 February 2005 - 5:03 AM SL Time
The JVP has resolved to take further measures if its controversial decision not to participate in last week's two-day parliamentary debate on the tsunami fails to have the desired effort on the SLFP.
The Marxist party shunned the lacklustre debate, accusing the major partner of being unilateral in its handling of emergency relief, reconstruction and rehabilitation programmes that are being planned. They also differ on having a separate mechanism for the northern and eastern provinces with accommodating the LTTE being the primary objective.
The JVP politburo had unanimously agreed to take tougher measures if their action last week fails to have a positive response from the SLFP leadership. This decision had been taken at a politburo meeting Monday night at their Nugegoda party headquarters. The meeting chaired by General Secretary Tilvin Silva in party leader Somawansa Amarasinghe's absence, had resolved that they should take a hard line.
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Politics
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Akashi optimistic on agreement
Monday, 14 February 2005 - 12:45 AM SL Time
Japanese special envoy Yasushi Akashi yesterday expressed hope that the opportunity provided by the tsunami would be used by both parties to reach a lasting settlement despite the atmosphere being spoiled by the killing of LTTE eastern political leader E. Kaushalyan.
Addressing journalists prior to his departure last evening, Mr. Akashi said the Government and the LTTE would have to `share the blame` and responsibility for the numerous killings in the east since Karuna`s defection but stopped short of condemning the killing.
`We are concerned about the killings. So far, 66 killings have taken place since Karuna`s defection in the Batticaloa region. Only one has been resolved by the SLMM. These are distressing figures. The existence of paramilitary forces contributes to this. If this country claims to respect human rights and the law of the land, it is duty bound to eliminate such incidents,` he said.
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Govt rushing in where experts fear to tread
Monday, 14 February 2005 - 12:43 AM SL Time
The Government`s relocation plan for tsunami victims in the East will trigger environmental hazards such as floods and soil erosion in the future, experts warned yesterday.
Senior Lecturer in Botany at the Eastern University Dr. T. Jayasingham told the Daily Mirror yesterday that the Government`s decision to fill about 500 acres of wetland in the East to construct homes for displaced people would create many problems in the future.
`Causing damage to environment is easy, but it is not that easy to correct the damage. The overnight decision to fill marshes in the East is bad at first-hand. It needs more consultations and discussion. This is an issue which should be opened to the public, NGOs and other organizations involved with the environment, to take measures that minimize environmental impact,` he said.
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Presidential poll on or before Nov. 2006 - Mangala
Sunday, 13 February 2005 - 5:02 AM SL Time
The Government yesterday announced it will hold the presidential election on or before November 12 next year, reiterating the President had no intention of postponing the poll as alleged by the Opposition.
Cabinet spokesman Minister Mangala Samaraweera said it was not the custom of the UPFA or the President to delay elections.
`This allegation has been made to prevent the international community from channelling funds for tsunami reconstruction,portraying that President Kumaratunga is preparing for a dictatorship,` he said.
Referring to past UNP regimes where elections were delayed by years under President J. R. Jayewardene supported by the likes of Ranasinghe Premadasa and the Opposition Leader who raised both hands for putting off elections, Minister Samaraweera said, President Kumaratunga had always stuck to the general time tables with regard to elections.
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Editorial News
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Suggestions to protect people and property in coastal areas
Monday, 14 February 2005 - 12:51 AM SL Time
Tsunami is a natural calamity which nobody could stop or prevent. But the impact of this catastrophe can be reduced or minimized if meaningful and effective measures are taken for the greater well being of the people. If we unfortunately fail the recurrence and its grave consequences could not be avoided.
It is very clear to everyone that the main Southern town namely Galle, Matara and Hambantota were the worst affected due to their vulnerability.
This is mainly due to the absence of protective covers or natural barriers to prevent the tidal waves from devastating damages. A large number of people died in these coastal towns owing to the large concentration of people at Sunday fairs. These low lying towns are most unprotected due to its close proximity to the sea. But the coastal areas which have natural sand dunes ramparts, rocks, hilly places and heavy walls saved thousands of people and their properties. Hence I would like to appeal to the government to take practical and concrete measures immediately without trying to shift the people against their consent. For an example Ratnapura new town was a complete failure. Developing model towns with all the up to date facilities should be a long term Plan and the people would voluntarily shift later.
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US liberals must stand up
Monday, 14 February 2005 - 12:47 AM SL Time
Playwright Arthur Miller, an icon of the American liberal establishment from the time of the frightful McCarthy era of the 1950s is no more, having died last week. Miller, a legend in his own time, was among only a handful of people who dared to defy Sen. Joseph McCarthy when he was at the peak of his witch-hunt for Communists and Communist sympathizers, while most just watched in fear.
It was the defiant acts of such upstanding people that eventually led to McCarthy being exposed for what he really was by veteran journalists like Edward R. Murrow of the CBS.
America and the world now needs more people of the calibre of Arthur Miller to speak and act to check the neo-conservative clique in Washington who make this earth a very dangerous place. While the McCarthy era phobia was that there was a communist behind every bush, the danger today is that the bible-waving neo-conservatives are wracked with all sorts of phobias.
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When love is in the air
Sunday, 13 February 2005 - 5:07 AM SL Time
For years, we have seen most people convey two extreme opinions when it comes to Valentine's Days. In one corner, you get the soppy romantic, who takes the day in its ideal spirit, or even a little further by buying gifts and cards and other paraphernalia. On the other, you get the practicality person who scoffs at the idea, calling the day a 'commercial holiday', and boycotting all related purchases.
Valentine's Day has been commercialised beyond belief. Valentine's cards' Check. Valentine's costumes' Check. Valentine's chocolates' Check. Valentine's ring tones' Check, check, check! Name a consumer service, there's a Valentine's Day variant for it.
The event, which originated as the Roman feast of Lupercalia in honour of the pastoral god Lupercus, has transmogrified into a consumer beast. In today's context Valentine's Day means ' spend, spend, spend. Thus, these writers concur that the commercial entity of Valentine's Day is indeed a social evil. Nothing that encourages the notion of spending to such an extent can be of any common good to a society.
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| Security |
Govt-LTTE nearing agreement on peace talks agenda - Akashi
Monday, 14 February 2005 - 12:39 AM SL Time
Special Japanese Government Representative for Peace building, Rehabilitations and Reconstruction in Sri Lanka, Yasushi Akashi yesterday observed that both the Government and LTTE are very close to a final agreement on an agenda for the resumption of peace talks.
Concluding his ninth visit to Sri Lanka, Akashi said, `They (Government and LTTE) are very close to a final agreement on the agenda for peace talks.`
Explaining the basis for his comment, Akashi said that following the tsunami,` the bare minimum of mutual trust had developed between the two parties.
A new habit of co-operation in humanitarian assistance after the tsunami may create the very reason on a psychological basis, the minimum of mutual trust to resume negotiation on a more permanent solution`, Akashi said, Commenting on the developments in the peace process and donor aid flow to Sri Lanka following the tsunami Akashi said that co-chairs of the donor community had met on January 25 and had made a statement based on a few key points, one of which was that the international donor community has expressed their complete solidarity and support to tsunami affected families and to make this an opportunity for mutual understanding and to create a new impulse for peace.
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New SC judge wants justice in judicial appointments
Sunday, 13 February 2005 - 5:05 AM SL Time
The newly appointed judge to the Supreme Court Saleem Marsoof PC emphasised that for the preservation of judicial independence, it was indispensable that there was transparency and fairness in the process of making appointments to, and promotions in, the judiciary.
He was speaking at the ceremonial sitting of the Supreme court held on Friday to welcome justice Nimal Gamini Amaratunga and himself. During his address he said, `If appointments and promotions are made without regard to age old traditions and rules of seniority, not only the independence of the judiciary but also the public confidence in the judicial system will thereby be seriously affected.`
Justice Marsoof also said he strongly believed that Justice, as much as Peace, is prerequisite for social harmony, political stability, progress and development but said he doubted if justice can be secured in an environment that is devoid of an efficient, independent and impartial judiciary. On a personal note, he said that the Attorney General`s Department was his second home for twenty nine long years and said there is no better training ground for potential judges.
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Army sentry points attacked in day of hartal, high drama
Sunday, 13 February 2005 - 4:58 AM SL Time
Tiger guerillas yesterday mounted attacks on sentry points, lowered the national flag to half mast amidst a hartal that forced the closure of business establishments and crippled transport services in the north.
The attacks on the sentry points along the Main Kandy-Jaffna A9 highway and inland were carried out in Meesalai and Kaithady in the Jaffna peninsula. Army personnel manning the sentry points were immediately withdrawn. `These attacks were an attempt to provoke the army,` military spokesman Brigadier Daya Ratnayake told The Sunday Times.
He said Scandinavian ceasefire monitors and police were called to the scene to prevent any possible clashes between the protestors and the security forces. Tiger guerillas, their supporters and three Tamil National Alliance parliamentarians marched to the Vavuniya Kachcheri to hand over a petition. Just then, a group rushed to the flag post and lowered the Sri Lanka national flag to half mast. The three TNA MPs were Selvam Adaikalanathan, Sivashakthi Anandan and Sivanathan Kishore.
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Business / Economy News
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India, Sri Lanka agree to fast track CEPA
Monday, 14 February 2005 - 12:48 AM SL Time
India and Sri Lanka last week agreed to expedite the conclusion and implementation of the Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement (CEPA) as a way forward from the existing Free Trade Agreement.
According to reports from India, the two countries on Friday agreed to establish a trade negotiating committee to draw up in the next four months a road map for a comprehensive economic partnership agreement.
The decision was taken during the second round of talks on the proposed pact between the commerce secretaries of the two countries - S.N. Menon of India and S. Writhamulla of Sri Lanka - that concluded in New Delhi on Friday. The third round is scheduled in Colombo next month.
According to a joint statement, the trade negotiating committee, its various working groups and sub-groups have been asked to submit their reports in four months to conclude the pact expeditiously.
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Tea monthly sale averages appreciate in US$ terms
Monday, 14 February 2005 - 12:42 AM SL Time
After many year Sri Lanka's tea industry has witnessed an interesting phenomenon where the monthly averages even though showing a decline in Rupee value, has not shown a proportionate or corresponding drop in Dollar values, Asia Siyaka commodities said. Rupee averages for all teas sold in the month of December '04 was Rs. 210.82 as against Rs. 197.78 in January '05, with Dollar values of US$ 2.02 against US$ 2.01 respectively. Most significant being the High Growns recording Rs. 185.14 against Rs. 178.58 with US$ values of 1.77 against 1.81. In the case of Mid Growns the proportionate Rupee drop from Rs. 186.43 to Rs. 174.44 is far greater than the decline in Dollar terms i.e. $ 1.79 to 1.77 Similarly Low Growns were Rs. 228.39 in December '04 and Rs. 211.05 in January. In Dollars the market lost only $ 0.05 cts from $ 2.19 to 2.14.
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Unity essential to rebuild Sri Lanka, says Ferial
Monday, 14 February 2005 - 12:39 AM SL Time
The December 26 tsunami struck Sri Lanka regardless of any differences. All Sri Lankans should face the aftermath with unity, said Housing and Construction Industry, Eastern province Education and Irrigation Development Minister Ferial Ashraff.
The Minister was speaking at a discussion regarding the rebuilding of devastated areas of the Ampara district at the Housing Ministry on February 10.
Several Members of Parliament of all parties participated in the discussion. Ashraff said at the first stage a large amount of relief work was shared with unity.
`There may be drawbacks and deficiencies. The tsunami destroyed lives and property but we all extended our maximum support to assist the affected masses. The Cabinet Ministers visited the devastated areas and viewed the damages.
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| Sports News
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Aussie Junior Cricketers to tour Sri Lanka in March
Monday, 14 February 2005 - 12:47 AM SL Time
Moreton Cricket from Queensland Australia have decided they will not cancel their scheduled Annual tour of Sri Lanka in March this year to show their solidarity with the people of Sri Lanka in their hour of need.
The Moreton Cricket tour would be one of the largest cricket tours to Sri Lanka. Last year there were 98 junior cricketers, parents and supporters who visitied Sri lanka in April. This year there are 85 booked to tour.
Apart from the vast amount of cricket gear donated to organisations, in the past years they have identified a needy cause and helped it. In 2004 the group donated 6 computers to Christ Church Girls School in Baddegama and helped build a computer room.
The group has organised a function in Brisbane on the 26th of February to raise funds to help rebuild a school.This will be the fourth tour the group will be undertaking to Sri lanka and is the brainchild of old Royalist Baba (M.L) Sourjah and Old Trinitian Athula Unantenne. Baba is currently the Senior Coach at the South Brisbane District Cricket Club who have provided quite a few Australian Test Cricketers notably Wally Grout, Don Tallon, Arthur Morris, Greg Chappel, Craig McDermot and recently Andy Bichel. Andy is the current captain of First Grade and is also the patron of the tour.
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Boxing introduced to new schools
Monday, 14 February 2005 - 12:46 AM SL Time
The president of the Amatuer Boxing Association of Sri Lanka Dian Gomes, who is also the CEO of Slimline (Pvt) Ltd., a firm that is supporting boxing in a big way, has taken a new concept of introducing boxing to schools in the Wayamba and Gampaha districts.
The programme initiated by the CEO of Slimline and with the blessings of the ABA got underway last week with the presentation of boxing equipment to Pannala National School in the Wayamba district and Wickramasheela MV, Giriulla in the Gampaha district.
As a start boxing equipment worth Rs. 50,000/- was presented to the two schools by ABA President Dian Gomes at a simple ceremony which was graced by the executive officials of the ABA and Slimline (Pvt.) Ltd who are the sponsors.
Cuban coach and advisor to ABA George Frometa Matos and Sri Lanka`s national coach Capt. Indrasena along with T.B. Harsha who has been appointed as the boxing coach of the two schools were also present at the occassion.
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Gihan shines as Nalanda beat Isipatana
Sunday, 13 February 2005 - 4:55 AM SL Time
Leg spinner Gihan Rupasinghe finished with a match bag of 9 for 43 as Nalanda College recorded a 39 run win over Isipatana College in a Lemonade Trophy interschool cricket fixture played at Campbell place on Friday.
Chasing a winning target of 101 in 37 overs, the Patanians were bowled out for just 62 runs with 8.2 overs to spare.
Rupasinghe, who picked 4 for 30 in the first innings, had a match winning bowling spell of 5 for 13 to help Nalanda register their third outright win this season. Rupasinghe has so far claimed 77 wickets with still six matches left to be completed this season.
Chief scores
Nalanda 153 and 143 - Lahiru Wickramasinghe 20, Sakura Wijethunga 12, Yasas Hewawitharana 15, Tharindu Attanayake 13, Madawa Warnapura 22, Ashan Priyanjana 39, Tharaka Waduge 5/40, S. Denendra 2/18 Isipatana 195 Gihan Dilruk 3 1, Gayan Wijesinghe 19, Isura Vindana 14, Gihan Rupasinghe 4/30, Prabath Kariyapperuma 2/38, Milinda Weerasinghe 2/39 and 62 all out - Gihan Dilruk 15, Gihan Rupasinghe 5/13
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