Sri Lanka News Updates with Discussions

Nov 19, Colombo: Sri Lanka`s opposition is to lodge a complaint at the Election Secretariat against the newly released Rs. 1000 currency note by the Central Bank.

Speaking to the media, the leader of the People`s Faction of Sri Lanka Freedom Party parliamentarian Mangala Samaraweera said the currency note bearing President Mahinda Rajapaksa`s picture would be election propaganda ahead of the upcoming crucial polls.

By Maduranga Rathnayake
Writes from Melbourne

(November 20, Melbourne, Sri Lanka Guardian) The latest debate, MR (Mahinda Rajapakse) or SF (Sarath Fonseka)-SS (Sarath Silva) appearing to be out of the ring, at least at the moment. There is one man, a most important man, who has already won, certainly and obviously not the Presidency. RW (Ranil Wickramasinghe).

General Fonseka chased out from his official residence: even obstructed from finding a rented house



(Lanka-e-News, Nov.18, 2009, 8.40PM) The defense Ministry had given instructions to General Sarath Fonseka to quit his residence at the Army Headquarters along with all his belongings immediately by tomorrow (19), and to hand over his official residence at Bullers Road by this Sunday.

Gen. Fonseka is now forced to get a house on rent. But, there has arisen a situation for him where threats are being made from certain quarters to owners of houses who are ready to give a house on rent to General Fonseka.

(Lanka-e-News, Nov.18, 2009, 8.40PM) The defense Ministry had given instructions to General Sarath Fonseka to quit his residence at the Army Headquarters along with all his belongings immediately by tomorrow (19), and to hand over his official residence at Bullers Road by this Sunday.

Gen. Fonseka is now forced to get a house on rent. But, there has arisen a situation for him where threats are being made from certain quarters to owners of houses who are ready to give a house on rent to General Fonseka.

I can call the Speaker by whistling to him, says `Dr` Mervin Silva who has entered Parliament with the blessings of the President through the national list and was able to obtain the portfolio of Minister of Labour. He said this in Parliament yesterday (17th).

While UNP Parliamentarian Ravi Karunanayake was speaking in Parliament yesterday `Dr` Mervin obstructed him continuously. As this was a common occurrence in Parliament no body took `Dr` Mervin seriously and Mr. Karunanayake continued to speak.

Gen. Sarath Fonseka, who resigned from the post of Chief of Defense Staff, has been ordered by the Ministry of Defense to vacate his official residence within three days. The relevant order was received by Gen. Fonseka yesterday.

Gen. Fonseka handed over his resignation to the President on the 12th and he resigned from his post officially on the 16th. Normally, an officer of security forces who retires is given sufficient time until he finds another residence to vacate the official residence.

Govt. condemns `media harrassment`


Minister says allowing journalists was an `internal issue` of Sri Lanka army
The Sri Lanka government say that harassing journalists at a ceremony to mark the end of tenure of Gen Sarath Fonseka was `wrong`.
Media Minister Lakshman Yapa Abeywardene told journalists that the military who organised the farewell parade for Fonseka should bear the responsibility of the manner in which journalists were treated.

(Lanka-e-News 17.Nov.2009 7.30PM) The CID Director who furnished a survey report that, if General Sarath Fonseka contest the Presidential election as a common candidate he would secure more than 50% of the votes has been transferred to the Police Headquarters with immediate effect.

It is learnt that , because the Director gave out this report in favor of the General `s popularity , he had earned the disfavor of the Superior Officers.

JVP lays down 4 conditions for the common candidate

-President degraded the constitution and the members yesterday

(Lanka-e-News, Nov.16, 2009, 7.40PM) JVP M.P. Anura Kumara Dissanayake said, the President yesterday (15), after questioning from the party members at the convention whether it is the Presidential or General elections they want first, and when they raised their hands and wanted the Presidential elections, the President then stating that this will be referred to the party and answered later, had insulted the party members and the constitution.

Despite all members of the SLFP, who had participated at the National Convention of the party held at Keththarama Stadium today (15th), opted for a presidential election when asked which election should be held first, the President rejected it stating he would have to ask the party. However, he was requesting this from the members of the party who had gathered for the National Convention of the party.

Reduced at once to 8 soldiers Commando Force withdrawn

(Lanka-e-News 15.Nov.2009 9.00PM) It is a matter of regret immediately following General Sarath Fonseka`s retirement , the Govt. hasplaced General Fonseka` s life In dire jeopardy.

Prior to General Sarath Fonseka`s retirement as Chief of Defense staff , he had a security contingent of 400 personnel . After he tendered his resignation letter , it was reduced to 125 , and after the Govt. decided to accept his resignation , his security detail was reduced immediately to 25 personnel.

Fri, Nov 13, 2009, 07:51 pm SL Time, ColomboPage News Desk, Sri Lanka.

Nov 13, Colombo: Sri Lanka Opposition Leader Ranil Wickremasinghe today said that the United National Front would resolve all the problems in the country within 180 days if it comes to power.

Opposition Leader gave this assurance speaking at a special ceremony held this morning to commence a motorcade heading to Kandy tor present the manifesto of the newly formed United National Front to the chief prelates of Malawaththa and Asgiriya chapters.

His party has not forgotten the tremendous dedication of the JVP in bringing victory to the UPFA says Minister of Transport Dulles Alahapperuma.

Speaking at a media meeting held today (12th) in Colombo Minister Alahapperuma said, We would never forget the contribution the JVP made in bringing the UPFA to power in 2004 and at the presidential election in 2005. Whatever allegations they make against us, we would not forget that. Forming an alliance with them for a programme to develop the country would not be a problem for us.

The Patriotic National Movement, the Patriotic Bikkhu Front, the Jana Vijaya Foundation, the Jayagrahana Lanka Foundation and several Buddhist Monks yesterday urged Chief of Defence Staff Sarath Fonseka not to contest the presidential election.
They warned that otherwise they would have a `Sangha Agna` or Decree issued to stop him from doing so.

(Lanka-e-News, Nov.10, 2009, 8.00 PM) President Mahinda Rajapkse had stated that if General Sarath Fonseka tenders his letter of resignation, he will accept it.

President added that he is not prepared to violate the fundamental rights of anyone. He can face any challenge he may have to encounter following the resignation of Gen.Sarath Fonseka.

The media reported recently, that Gen. Fonseka had informed the Defense Secretary one month ahead that he does not wish to extend his services any longer. At any rate, if Fonseka is to send in his resignation papers, there is room for the President to reject, reports further said