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Govt. expects international pressure on Tigers over use of civilians
Monday, 3 July 2006 - 11:29 AM SL Time
The government expects the international community to pressure the Tigers against using civilians for military purposes. Peace Secretariat Chief Dr. Palitha Kohona Sunday expressed serious concern over ongoing LTTE efforts to train civilians in armed combat as part of their efforts to strengthen their fighting units.
`We hope the international community would take notice of this,` the former Chief of New York-based UN Treaty Section told The Island. Even the Geneva Convention prohibits the exposure of civilians to danger, he said, expressing belief Sri Lanka`s peace co-chairs namely the US, EU, Japan and Norway would take up this issue with the LTTE leadership.
Army Chief of Staff Maj. Gen. Nanda Mallawaarachchi accused the Tigers of arming civilians on the pretext of training them in self-defence techniques. Speaking to The Island from Trincomalee, Mallawaarachchi claimed the civilians were engaged in isolated attacks on security forces and police.
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Brilliant Jayasuriya leads Sri Lanka whitewash
Sunday, 2 July 2006 - 12:12 PM SL Time
Sanath Jayasuriya and Upul Tharanga led Sri Lanka to a quite brilliant eight-wicket win in the final one-dayer against England at Headingley to secure the most comprehensive of whitewashes, taking the series 5-0 - with more than 12 overs to spare.
Though they won the series over a week ago, the method and destruction with which Sri Lanka`s batsmen chased down 322 was a spectacle of remarkable audacity, self-belief and skill. Jayasuriya, of course, has been doing this for years but even he, the wise old man of Sri Lanka`s side, looked over the moon at his 72-ball hundred and celebrated with the same wide-eyed enthusiasm as a young whippersnapper.
It all happened so fast, too. Despite the pitch at Headingley being a treat to bat on - flat, lifeless, straw-coloured on a lovely warm day - it was the unabashed ferocity of Jayasuriya and Tharanga which took the game away so quickly from England. The carnage began as early as the second ball of Sri Lanka`s reply, as Kabir Ali darted one down the legside for four leg-byes, followed by another legside gift which Jayasuriya whipped away for four more. 10 runs conceded from the first over. Opening with Ali at the other end was Tim Bresnan and, if the paying public were surprised at the delayed introduction of Steve Harmison, Sri Lanka were gleeful: they smashed through cover; cut past point; cut over the slips and mowed through point. Four brilliant fours and a second over costing 18 runs.
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Plans to assemble Maruti cars here
Sunday, 2 July 2006 - 12:04 PM SL Time
The Associated Motorways Group (AMW) which burst into the news last week with a strategic deal with John Keells Holdings, a few weeks after De Zoysa took majority control of the company, has some mega diversification plans ahead to steer growth.
It is gearing for more investments with a Maruti assembling plant here and a marina service centre in Bentota with the landmark property development alliance with JKH set to venture out into real estate and apartment buildings.
`We are having discussions with Maruti in India to assemble Maruti cars in Sri Lanka,` Ajith de Zoysa, Chairman, AMW told The Sunday Times FT in an interview. He said that presently nothing is concrete as yet but talks are progressing positively.
He said the company had bought land in Bentota to put up a marina service centre to repair and attend to sports marine equipment. `We will be investing Rs.70 million on the marina service centre,` he said, adding that this business will `definitely` develop with more tourists coming into the country.
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Politics
Politics Forum
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Bribes for scribes?
Monday, 3 July 2006 - 11:44 AM SL Time
On the heels of the news of a parliamentary decision to increase MPs` salaries; the Provincial Council of the poverty stricken North Central Province purchasing luxury vehicles for the chief minister and ministers, and all the provincial councillors, save Ratu Sahodarayas demanding pay hikes and cars, comes a proposal to shower duty free goods on the media personnel. New Governor of the Central Bank Ajith Nivard Cabraal has said, according to an AFP dispatch, the government will implement the proposed scheme to offer tax free cars, motorcycles among other things to journalists before the end of the year. The government`s objective, Mr. Cabraal has said, is to ensure the freedom of the media. `The freedom of media could be truly established only if the living conditions of the media personnel are raised,` he has said. True, the living conditions of journalists need to be raised and the freedom of the media guaranteed. But how can that twofold objective be achieved through the provision of duty free vehicles' Cars and motorcycles may help ensure journalists` mobility but not their freedom of expression! On the contrary, such concessions may go the wrong way and lead to the erosion of whatever freedom they already have as they might be beholden to the government for the ministrations in question.
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JVP wants funding of TRO stopped
Monday, 3 July 2006 - 11:31 AM SL Time
The JVP wants international agencies, particularly UN bodies, to stop funding the Tamil Rehabilitation Organisation (TRO). JVP parliamentary group leader Wimal Weerawansa Sunday said that they would shortly make representations to the government regarding this. He said that funds received by the organisation, which was under investigation in several countries, including Australia, were used by the LTTE.
He cited the Australian Federal Police raids on `TRO targets` following reports of transfer of funds to the Vanni war chest.
He claimed that some of the `warlike` items needed by the LTTE had been imported through the TRO. According to him, a large stock of iron balls was among the items found in a container received by the TRO from a Tamil living in the UK. `The navy found them,` he said, adding, `Authorities wanted to confiscate warlike items. But the government released the entire consignment.`
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Police arrest 39 Tamil youths from Akuressa guest house
Sunday, 2 July 2006 - 12:22 PM SL Time
Police took into custody 39 youths from a guest house in Akuressa who claimed that they were brought there by an intermediary to board a vessel in Devundara to sail to Italy.
ASP (Weligama) Vijitha Coomasaru said all of suspects were Tamils between the age group 25-30 and 32 of them were from the areas in Kayts, Velvettiturai, Chunnakam, Kopay and Point Pedro in Jaffna while five others were from Chilaw and two from Colombo.
They have been brought to Akuressa from Colombo in an air-conditioned bus by a man who had introduced himself as `Lingam` on June 29 and handed over to a person who claimed his name was Dishan from Devundara, ASP Coomasaru said.
Dishan had checked them into Nilwala guest house in Akuressa town. The youths have told police that each of them paid Rs 200,000 to `Lingam` to send them to Italy, he said.
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Editorial News
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A time to kill, a time to regret
Sunday, 2 July 2006 - 8:33 PM SL Time
ON JUNE 26, 2006, an LTTE suicide bomber on a motorcycle killed Major General Parami Kulatunge, Deputy Chief of Staff of the Sri Lankan Army, and two of his aides in a suburb of Colombo. The General`s car was burnt to cinders. Even as Sri Lanka`s President Mahinda Rajapakse paid homage to him the next day, LTTE ideologue Anton Balasingham in an interview to an Indian TV channel was expressing half-hearted `regret` for another LTTE suicide killing ' Rajiv Gandhi`s assassination in May 1991. Describing it as `a great tragedy, a monumental, historical tragedy,` he asked India to forgive and forget to build a new relationship with the LTTE. The grotesque juxtaposition of the two events aptly illustrates the LTTE`s doublespeak. It always finds `a time to kill and a time to regret` at the same time.
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New hand but wrong shoe
Sunday, 2 July 2006 - 12:11 PM SL Time
The unceremonious ouster of ex-President Chandrika Bandaranaike Kumaratunga from the presidency of the ruling Sri Lanka Freedom Party and the installation of incumbent President of the Republic of Sri Lanka Mahinda Rajapaksa, timed awkwardly on the former`s birthday, heralds a major turning point in the country`s politics.
Ever since the party was formed by the patriarch S.W.R.D. Bandaranaike in the early 1950s as a protest against the family politics that prevailed in the United National Party, the SLFP has been the family heirloom of the founder`s kith and kin, its many members virtual retainers of that family.
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Tamil Eelam: The Global Implications
Saturday, 1 July 2006 - 4:27 AM SL Time
Center for Strategic and International Studies In the current global pressure cooker, the only realistic way for the Liberation Tigers of Tamil Eelam (LTTE) to achieve secession from the government of Sri lanka is, well, with the wholehearted blessing of that party. From all the political propaganda emanating from the Emerald Isle, such a concession seems improbable. The next logical option seems to be through international intervention, as happened in East Timor. However, the LTTE must realise that such an intervention is unlikely to happen. The West is exerting pressure on India to intervene, as it can`t allow a prolonged conflict so close to home. A number of factors such as the failure of the previous intervention, the influence of India`s Tamils and, most of all, the fact that India herself is plagued by secessionist movements in the north and north-east, all make India extremely reluctant to get involved again; and especially averse to dividing up the country. Thus, it is hard to see how Sri Lanka could go the way of East Timor without dragging in that presently very shaky entity -- the United Nations. For its part, however, the UN is probably keen to treat Sri Lanka like the proverbial hot potato. The last decade witnessed three terrible UN failures -- in Somalia, Bosnia and Rwanda -- that severely damaged its credibility as an agent of peace. It is believed that the failure of the current peace operations would mean that the UN`s role in complex emergencies would, in future, be solely limited to humanitarian aid. How tragic that would be! Of the four current missions, Kosovo and Congo look doomed for several reasons -- and these two missions are very similar to what a UN undertaking in Sri Lanka would be like. East Timor provides hope and until recently, so did Sierra Leone. Unfortunately, the recent implosion in the West African nation once again exposed how easily committed, well-armed guerrilla fighters can overcome weak UN forces, especially with the militarily powerful Western nations refusing to commit troops. Thus, not only does the UN have its hands full but it also cannot afford another failure. In all of these missions, the UN`s goal has been the achievement of a politically stable, multi-ethnic, one-state. Secession is not encouraged. Unfortunately, in several areas, it is increasingly looking like the only solution. For example, keeping Kosovo multi-ethnic has been one of the principle aims of the UN mission there. Unfortunately, one of the UN`s own arms, the UN High Commissioner for Refugees, recently proclaimed that it could not advise ethnic Serbs to return to Kosovo since it was `too dangerous.` This was a severe setback to the Kosovo mission. The UN is reluctant to encourage secession for fear of creating a Ripple Effect. East Timor brought us to the precipice of such a calamity. It instilled in several separatist movements, perhaps even the Tigers, the hope that they too could achieve something similar. To use a nuclear metaphor, dividing Sri Lanka could provide the critical mass necessary for a chain reaction that would rapidly spread throughout the world. After its East Timor debacle, Indonesia faces secession from Aceh and Irian Jaya. Islamic separatist movements in the Philippines are gaining both in momentum and level of violence. Besides Kosovo and India, even Canada possesses discontent in Quebec. However, most worrying for the UN is the potential spread of such ideology to that most volatile of all regions -- sub-Saharan Africa. If Africa, already poverty-stricken, politically unstable and devastated by AIDS, were to further break up, the world would face a crisis of unimaginable magnitude. It is also not proven that secession brings about peace. Time will tell about East Timor but a border dispute since 2000 is driving Ethiopia to war with Eritrea -- a former province that gained independence in the early `90s. The histories of these two independent nations is however rather different to the situation between the Tamils and the Sinhalease in Sri Lanka. The former colonial ruler of Eritrea, Italy, left in 1952. Soon there after, Ethiopia annexed it in 1962 (Not too unlike the case between Indonesia and East Timor). However, in the Sri Lankan model a similar annexation never occurred after independence, since the country was undivided after the British, the last colonial rulers of the island granted independence. For all these reasons, the member states of the UN have a real stake in preserving the one-ness of Sri Lanka. Thus, it will neither encourage nor assist the LTTE in its secessionist endeavours. The major political barrier for the LTTE is its location. The area it wants to control is not of any significant global strategic value like Aceh is. No pipelines flow through it as they do through Chechnya. It possesses no valuable natural resources and is not likely to drag several other nations into a war, both applicable to Congo. Thus, despite the extreme brutality of the conflict, it has been unable to attract much attention from Western media. As a result, to procure international attention, it has had to resort to violent actions such as suicide bombers and targeting visiting cricket teams and foreign embassies. Such actions only bring international condemnation rather than understanding and unlike the Albanians of Kosovo or the East Timorese, there is virtually no international sympathy for their cause. This is not to say that their grievances are not legitimate. The Tamils in Sri Lanka have borne the brunt of severe discriminatory policies ever since the British left. However, the present international climate is one in which violent extremism and separatism are anathema. They will not be tolerated. The LTTE needs to re-assess their strategy and show that they desire peace. Only then will the rest of the world take notice of their claims and only then will they be able to achieve some of their goals.
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| Security
Security Forum
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Several Tiger attacks: No fatal incidents
Monday, 3 July 2006 - 11:49 AM SL Time
Several minor incidents were reported during the last 48 hours from the North-East border areas where the security forces came under LTTE small arms attacks, with no fatalities reported.
In Welioya, the Tigers launched an attack on the Kokkutuduvai FDL on Saturday evening using small arms, mortars and RPGs.
The attack, launched from three different directions around 6.30pm, had lasted for about an hour.
Troops repulsed the attack, with two soldiers being admitted to Welioya hospital with minor injuries. The SLMM had been informed of the incident.
Meanwhile, in Jaffna, Tiger cadres had lobbed a hand grenade at an army bunker in Valvettiturai on Saturday evening around 7.45 pm but no casualties were reported. Minutes later, a bunker in Viyaparamulai also came under LTTE small arms attack.
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Footboard train commuter killed
Monday, 3 July 2006 - 11:33 AM SL Time
A youth who was travelling on the foot board of a train was killed when he was hit by a train running in the opposite direction.
This was revealed at the inquest, into the death of Anil Sanjeewa, (27) of Enderamulla, held by City Coroner Edward Ahangama
Giving evidence at the inquest witness Wasantha Kumara said that both he and the deceased were travelling on the foot board of the Colombo to Ragama bound train, though in different compartments. The witness said when the train stopped at Dematagoda the witness saw the deceased fallen with bleeding head wounds.
The deceased was taken to the National hospital Where he was pronounced dead on admission, witness said.
Dr. Ganesh, AJMO who performed the Post Mortem states that death was due to Cranio cerebral injuries.
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Govt weighs US, Israeli offers to boost naval power
Sunday, 2 July 2006 - 12:20 PM SL Time
The government is in the process of evaluating US and Israeli offers to boost the navy`s fire power. Although the Defence Ministry received several proposals the only viable ones are believed to have been made by these firms.
The Sunday Island learns that the US supplier of the Bush Master Mark 44 cannon has offered to supply the required cannon thereby allowing the Israelis to integrate them on Fast Attack Craft (FACs). The Bush Master supplier has declined to get involved in the installation of the weapons systems at the expense of the Israeli system integrator-Rafael.
The Bush Master supplier and Rafael are believed to have discussed the issue ahead of the US firm making the offer. Defence Secretary Colonel (retd) Gotabhaya Rajapakse is believed to have met representatives of US Navy International programme Office (NIPO) recently in Washington. He is expected to visit Tel Aviv soon.
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Business / Economy News
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Changing role of women in Sri Lankan market
Monday, 3 July 2006 - 11:45 AM SL Time
It is no secret that women in Sri Lanka play a dominant role in the purchasing decisions of many households. Women are increasingly balancing their roles between wives, moms and career women. Therefore, the traditional thinking of marketers towards women has to change, from being considered as mainly housewives to a dual role. (Housewives plus career women).
Demographic changes in the marketplace
The latest statistics reveal that women`s roles are rapidly changing in Sri Lanka. For example, four million women are in the labour force in 2006, as compared to two million in 1996, a growth of 100 per cent. For men, in 2006 the figure is six million and in 1996 it was four million, a growth of only 50 per cent.
Another important statistic is that approximately 30 per cent of Sri Lankan households are headed by women at present, compared with about 18 per cent in 1992. This means that women are indeed major decision makers in Sri Lankan households. The life expectancy of females are also higher than the males, providing women a greater opportunity to take care of their families.
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Suicide over wife going abroad
Monday, 3 July 2006 - 11:42 AM SL Time
A father of one, hanged himself with a necktie, because his wife ignoring his protests went abroad.
At the inquest into the death of Jagodawatte Rohana Nishanta (38), of Borella, held by City Coroner Edward Ahangama, the deceased`s brother Jagodawatte Jayaratne Perera said the deceased, the father of a seven-year-old boy, was living with him. On the day of the incident, witness opened the room occupied by his brother, and saw him hanging by a noose made from a tie, which was tied to a rafter.
The tie was cut and the deceased was taken to the National Hospital where he was pronounced dead on admission witness said.
SI Upali Bandara produced the tie and a letter written by the deceased. In the letter addressed to his son, the deceased stated that his wife had gone abroad despite his protests and he refrained from harming her as his child would become destitute.
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Eight applicants vie for fifth mobile operator opening
Saturday, 1 July 2006 - 4:23 AM SL Time
With the Telecommunications Regulatory Commission (TRC) throwing open the doors for a fifth mobile operator to enter the the fray, eight leading mobile telecommunication companies had applied to fill the slot as at 4 p.m. yesterday, the closing date for applications.
According to Kanchana Ratwatte, Director General of the Commission, among the eight applicants are four reputed mobile operators. They are the dominant operator from Malaysia Maxies, Bharath Telecom of India, Lanka Bell and Suntel.
The TRC invited for operators with 3 - G experience. The applicants had to pay the processing fee of Rs 200,000 each.
The successful applicant will be required to pay a licence fee of USD 4 million.
There are already four mobile operators in the fray namely Celltel, Mobitel, Dialogue GSM and Hutchinson while SLT, Lanka Bell, Suntel and Dialogue Broad Band are the fixed line operators.
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| Sports News
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Mahinda stumps colleagues
Saturday, 1 July 2006 - 4:15 AM SL Time
President Mahinda Rajapakse has prohibited any ruling party member from contesting the forthcoming Cricket Board presidency.
The elections are scheduled to take place on July 15. Well informed sources said that Rajapakse directed that UPFA members would not be allowed to join the fray.
Sports Minister Jeevan Kumaratunga is believed to have welcomed the President`s decision. Kumaratunga openly clashed with Deputy Minister Sripathy Sooriyaarachchi over the latter`s decision to contest the incumbent Sri Lanka Cricket Chief Jayantha Dharmadasa who heads the interim administration.
Kumaratunga continues to back Dharmadasa, accused by the opposing camp of wasting SLC funds to strengthen his position ahead of the elections called by Kumaratunga.
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`Wrong time` for cricket in Caribbean
Friday, 30 June 2006 - 4:06 AM SL Time
West Indies cricket captain Brian Lara says future Test series should start earlier in the Caribbean to avoid the rain which has plagued the India tour.
Rain affected two days during the first Test in Antigua, washed out the entire fourth day in St Lucia, and robbed two sessions of the third Test which finished on Monday.
`We lost an entire day in St Lucia so it`s a bad time of the year to be playing cricket,` Lara said.
`It is June and I don`t know why we are playing cricket this time of the year, and it (rain interruption) has been happening for the last four or five years and I think it is unfortunate.
`There is no international cricket in the West Indies in the months of February and March when the sun is out ... but we just have to accept it because that is the situation.`
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Sri Lanka triumph
Thursday, 29 June 2006 - 4:49 AM SL Time
Sri Lanka defeated England by 33 runs while defending a total of 318 in the fourth one-day cricket international in Manchester yesterday.
England were bowled out for 285 after Sri Lanka captain Mahela Jayawardene scored his second hundred as the tourists made 318 for seven.
But Jayawardena rode his luck here as England twice dropped the stylish right-hander early in his innings.
An unbroken eighth-wicket stand of 68 in 38 balls between Farveez Maharoof (58 not out) and Malinga Bandard (28 not out) led Sri Lanka past the 300-mark after injury-hit England, who had lost eight of their previous 10 one-day internationals, had threatened to pull things back.
Recalled seamer Kabir Ali bore the brunt of the assault, his 10 wicketless overs costing 77 runs with 20 off his last, including two sixes by Maharoof - the first taking him to a maiden fifty at this level.
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