Powerful Peterites win Under-18 Rugby Sevens

St. Peter’s College, Bambalapitiya won the Singer Schools Under-18 Rugby Championship beating Royal College, Colombo 14 points to five in the grand final worked off at Royal Sports Complex in Colombo yesterday. (Pic by Saman Ranaweera)

St. Peter’s College, Bambalapitiya displayed a powerful show against Royal College, Colombo in the grand final as they clinched the Singer Schools Under-18 Rugby Championship at Royal Sports Complex yesterday. The final score was 14-5.

St. Peter’s were discipline and displayed a powerful show to score their points through two goals in the 20 minute game while Royal came up with an unconverted try during latter stages of the game.

St. Peter’s dominated proceedings with their big made players and drew the first blood when Avishka Heenpalle ran through the Royal defense to touch town near the left side flag. St. Peter’s skipper Sandesh Jayawickrama added the extra points with a wonderful kick as the score read 7 points to nil early in the first-half.

During the latter part of the second-half, Heenpalle got into act again running between the gaps to touch under post. Jayawickrama cleared the easy kick and the score was in favour of the visitors 14 nil at the half way mark.

In the second-half, Royal tried their best. St. Peter’s defense, however, was solid. Their tight defense was finally broken as Kashyapa Wijesinghe came up with a try as he touched down near the right of the flag.

Isipatana College won the Plate Championship beating Trinity College, Kandy 19 points to 12. Patana collected their points through two goals and an unconverted try while Trinity scored a goal and an unconverted try.

The Bowl Championship was won by Prince of Wales College, Moratuwa who defeated Vidyartha College, Kandy 20 points to nil. Prince of Wales scored four unconverted tries to collect their ultimate score.

The Shield was won by Lalith Athulathmudali College, Mount Lavinia who overcame St. John’s College, Nugegoda 24 points to ten.

The Tournament was conducted by Sri Lanka Schools Rugby Football Association.

by Roshen Steelman
Source: The Island (Sri Lanka) 

Big 3 ICC reforms approved in Singapore

The International Cricket Council board today approved wide-ranging structural and governance reforms despite complaints that they place too much power in the hands of the “Big Three” of India, England and Australia.

The proposals were passed after gaining the support of eight of the ICC’s 10 full members, with Sri Lanka and Pakistan – who have both been vocally opposed – abstaining, a spokesman said.

The package resolution, passed at a meeting in Singapore, includes setting up a five-man executive council with seats reserved for India, England and Australia, the sport’s leading financial powers.

And N. Srinivasan of India, which contributes the lion’s share of cricket’s global revenues, will chair the ICC board from the middle of this year.

“There were eight full members who were in a position to support the resolution today and the two who have abstained have pledged to further discuss the issues with an aim to reaching unanimous approval over the coming weeks,” said ICC president Alan Isaac. (AFP)

Cameron held talks with Tamil groups before CHOGM-UK

Britain said that Prime Minister David Cameron held discussions with representatives of several leading Tamil groups in UK, including Global Tamil Forum and British Tamil Forum, before he leaves for Colombo to participate in the CHOGM last November.

In a response to a question Conservative MP Baroness Warsi informed UK Parliament on Friday that representatives of the following groups were invited to a meeting at Number 10 Downing Street on 7 November 2013: Global Tamil Forum, British Tamils Forum, British Tamil Conservatives, Tamils for Labour, Tamil Information Centre, Tamils Against Genocide, and Ilankai Tamil Arasu Katchi (UK Branch). All of the invited groups attended the meeting.

“In addition to meeting these groups to discuss their concerns relating to attendance at the Commonwealth,” he said.

Speaking further, Warsi also said, “Heads of Government Meeting (CHOGM), and before visiting Sri Lanka to attend CHOGM, my right hon. Friends the Prime Minister, the Foreign Secretary and the Minister of State, (Hugo Swire) met with a range of interlocutors, including the Sri Lankan High Commissioner, Non-Governmental Organisations, the UN High Commissioner for Human Rights, the Conservative Friends of Sri Lanka, and Parliamentarians including from the All Party Parliamentary Groups for Tamils and on Sri Lanka, my noble Friend included.”

Meanwhile, Minister of State, Foreign and Commonwealth Office Hugo Swire told UK Parliament that his government will continue to consistently call for progress on human rights, reconciliation and accountability in Sri Lanka, both privately and publicly.

“We continue to consistently call for progress on human rights, reconciliation and accountability in Sri Lanka, both privately and publicly. During his visit to Sri Lanka to attend the Commonwealth Heads of Government Meeting (CHOGM) in November 2013, the Prime Minister raised our concerns directly with President Rajapaksa. The Prime Minister called for a credible and transparent independent investigation into allegations of violations of humanitarian and human rights law during the military conflict, a meaningful political settlement with the North, including demilitarisation and full implementation of Lessons Learnt and Reconciliation Commission (LLRC) recommendations. We judge all of these to be important steps towards reconciliation and lasting peace between communities in Sri Lanka.”

“As a result of our continued concerns, the UK co-sponsored the UN Human Rights Council resolution on promoting reconciliation and accountability in Sri Lanka in March 2013. We have made clear the ongoing importance that the international community attaches to lasting peace and reconciliation in Sri Lanka. The Prime Minister has been clear that if credible domestic accountability processes have not begun properly by March 2014, the UK will use our position on the United Nations Human Rights Council to call for an international investigation,” he added.

Source: Daily Mirror (Sri Lanka)

Sri Lanka Schools’ Cricket Round up 9/2/2014

  • Moratu Vidyalaya  206 (49.2) Thilan Kavishka 95, Jayanga Peiris 6-77 & 205 (60) Harsha Devinda 59, Thilan Nimesh 4-99, Shanuka Dulaj 3-37  Vs  Prince of Wales College  286 (67.5) Hasitha Lanka 57 & 126/9 (13.5) Krishane Aponso 38, Denuka 5-64  –  At Prince of Wales ground Prince of Wales won by 1 wicket 
  • St Anthonys College  188 (121.1) Yohan Soyza 5-55  Vs  St Benedicts College  162 (69) Kavinda Udapola 7-51 –  U19 Div 1 – St Benedicts ground Match drawn (St.Anthonys won on 1st innings) 
  • St Thomas college  205 (69.3) Pramod Hettiwatta 5/54 & 181/4 (45) R Opatha 95 Yohan Mendis 52, Pramod Hettiwatta 3/41  Vs  Nalanda College  183 (70.1)  –  U19 Div 1 – St Thomas ground match drawn – St.Thomas won on 1st innings) 
  • D S Senanayake College  254 (63.2) K Bandara 50,H Maduwantha 76,U Bandara 73, , D Muthumal 4/54, S Kumara 4/63  Vs  Revatha College  153 (66) & f/o 245/5 (59.3) Suresh Kumara 93, Dilshan De Soyza 75,  –  U19 Div 1 – D S ground Match drawn (DS Senanayaka won on 1st innings) 
  • Dharmapala College Pannipitiya  189 (66.3) W Radella 72, D Udayanga 4/18, Malith Mahela 4/62 & 151 (49.5) HRG Bandara 63, Malith Mahela 8-46  Vs Mahinda College  164 (61) & 169/6 (17) Malith Mahela 53, Nilanka Laksiri 53  –  U19 Div 1 – Mahinda ground Match drawn (Dharmapala won on 1st innings) 

Sri Lanka Schools’Cricket Round up 8/2/2014

  • Moratu Vidyalaya  206 (49.2) Thilan Kavishka 95, Jayanga Peiris 6-77  Vs Prince of Wales College  183/4 (44) H Lanka 49*, K Aponso 15*  –  At Prince of Wales ground  – Stumps Day 1
  • Royal College, Colombo  229/7 (73) R.Pathirana 91, Sahan 3-52 & 165/9 (47) Anupa 56, Vinu 4-48  Vs  Sr.Peters, Colombo  233/8 d (67.2) J Liyanage 68 –   – Match drawn
  • Dharmapala College Pannipitiya  189 (66.3) W Radella 72, D Udayanga 4/18, Malith Mahela 4/62 & 151 (49.5) HRG Bandara 63, Malith Mahela 8-46  Vs Mahinda College  164 (61) & 169/6 (17) Malith Mahela 53, Nilanka Laksiri 53  –  U19 Div 1 – Mahinda ground  – Match drawn (Dharmapala won on 1st innings)
  • D S Senanayake College  254 (63.2) K Bandara 50,H Maduwantha 76,U Bandara 73, , D Muthumal 4/54, S Kumara 4/63  Vs  Revatha College  153 (66) & f/o 245/5 (59.3) Suresh Kumara 93, Dilshan De Soyza 75,  –  U19 Div 1 – D S ground  – Match drawn (DS Senanayaka won on 1st innings)
  • St Thomas college  205 (69.3) Pramod Hettiwatta 5/54 & 181/4 (45) R Opatha 95 Yohan Mendis 52, Pramod Hettiwatta 3/41  Vs  Nalanda College  183 (70.1)  –  U19 Div 1 – St Thomas ground  – match drawn – St.Thomas won on 1st innings)
  • St Anthonys College  188 (121.1) Yohan Soyza 5-55  Vs  St Benedicts College  162 (69) Kavinda Udapola 7-51 –  U19 Div 1 – St Benedicts ground – Match drawn (St.Anthonys won on 1st innings)

Sri Lanka Schools’Cricket Round up 7/2/2014

  • De Mazenod College  234 (74.4) Shehan Fernando 4/51 & 136/9 (39) L. Wickramasinghe 56, S. Fernando 5/56 Vs  Maris Stella College  202 (73.2) P Jayamanna 82*, K Manamperi 3/5, S Deemantha 3/54  –  U19 Div I – Maris Stella College Ground  – Match drawn – De Mazenod won on 1st innings
  • Thurstan College  279 (54.1) M Jalil 117, Sajith Gunathilake 66, Chandima Bandara 4/60 & 192/3 d (30.2) M Jalil 83, T Jayasinghe 88  Vs  Maliyadewa College  183 (52.3) S Wijesinghe 6/63 & 155/7 (46) H. Wijerathna 60  –  U19 Div I – Maliyadewa College Ground  – Match Drawn Thurstan won on 1st Innnings
  • St Thomas college  205 (69.3) Pramod Hettiwatta 5/54  Vs  Nalanda College 63/3 (23)  –  U19 Div 1 – St Thomas ground – Stumps Day 1
  • Dharmapala College Pannipitiya  189 (66.3) W Radella 72, D Udayanga 4/18 Vs  Mahinda College  77/4 (19)  –  U19 Div 1 – Mahinda ground  – Stumps Day 1
  • D S Senanayake College  254 (63.2) K Bandara 50,H Madushanka 76,U Bandara 73, H Maduwantha 76, D Muthumal 4/54, S Kumara 4/63  Vs Revatha College  70/4 (30.5)  –  U19 Div 1 – D S ground  – Stumps Day 1
  • St Anthonys College  179/7 (111)  Vs St Benedicts College   –  U19 Div 1 – St Benedicts ground  – Stumps Day 1
  • St.Servatious College, Matara  275 (103.1) Ramesh Nimantha 61, Kavindu Umesh 95  Vs  Mahanama College  205 (85.5)  –  U19 Div I – BOI Katunayake Ground  – Match drawn St.Servatious won on 1st innings
  • Bandaranayake College  105 (33.5) Roshan Anurudda 5/38 & 98 (38.5) D Hasitha 5/51, R Anuruddha 4/17  Vs Gurukula College  145 (35.1) & 62/0 (13.1)  –  U19 Div I – Prison Ground, Mahara – Gurukula won by 10 wickets
  • Trinity College  226 (44) Ron Chandraguptha 106  Vs  President College, Kotte  95 (31.3) R Sayer 6/33 & 98 (30.4)  –  U19 Div I – Asgiriya Stadium – Trinity won by an inning & 33 runs

Thevrapperuma suspended from UNP for manhandling, abusing Ranil in filth

Kalutara District UNP MP Palitha Thevarapperuma, who manhandled the party’s National Leader Ranil Wickremesinghe at Wednesday’s parliamentary group meeting, was suspended from the party yesterday.

Informed sources said that the notice of suspension had been served on Thevarapperuma and also copied to the Disciplinary Committee of the UNP.

According to the UNP leader’s complaint Thevarapperuma abused him in filth, grabbed him by the coat and attempted to drag him back to the chair immediately after he had got up to leave the meeting.

Thevarapperuma’s grouse was that two of his nominees had not been included in the Kalutara District candidates’ list for the forthcoming Western Provincial Council Election, a senior parliamentarian who was present at the meeting said. “No matter what the issue was it was very ugly to see one our colleagues behaving in such a rowdy manner. He not only abused the leader in raw filth but also grabbed him by the coat and attempted to drag him back to the chair. If not for the others intervention, Mr. Wickremesinghe may have even been assaulted. I feel ashamed to be in the company of such an MP.”

Source: The Island (Sri Lanka)

MEDITATION SESSION

You are cordially invited to attend a meditation session conducted

By

Dr. Sumana Perera

at

the London Buddhist Vihara

on

Saturday 08 February 2014

at 5.00pm – 8.00pm

All are welcome!

 

LONDON BUDDHIST VIHARA
Dharmapala Building
The Avenue, Chiswick, London
W4 1UD

Tel: 0208 995 9493
Fax: 0208 994 8130

Prince Charles unveils plan to launch charity for SL

Britain’s future king Prince Charles has endorsed his commitment to charity projects in countries like India, Pakistan and Sri Lanka with a plan to launch a charity for South Asia.
Prince Charles made the announcement at the annual fundraiser of the British Asian Trust at Victoria and Albert Museum in central London yesterday.
“I am someone who can’t help believing that people of common purpose and good spirit can achieve so much more when they work together,” CHarles said.
“I should therefore like all of us, the British Asian community, British-based companies, philanthropists in India, Pakistan and Sri Lanka and my charities, such as the Prince’s Trust, my Foundation for Building Community and International Sustainability Unit, to come together to establish The Prince’s Charities South Asia,” he said at the event attended by the who’s who of the South Asian community in the UK.
The British Asian Trust was founded in 2007 by a group of British Asian business leaders at the suggestion of the Prince of Wales. It serves as a “social fund” to support high impact charities within the areas of education, health and livelihoods in Bangladesh, India, Pakistan and Sri Lanka.
“I am among the fortunate few to have been picked by the Prince of Wales for this idea to bring together the best of British Asian ability and skills. It offers a hand up rather than a hand out approach and has impacted over a million lives since inception,” said well-known comic and actor Sanjeev Bhaskar, among the many celebrity supporters of the trust.
The gala evening included performances by popular British singer Emeli Sande alongside Pakistani-origin musician Shahid Khan, the latest celebrity to become a British Asian Trust ambassador.
Prince Charles mingled with the high-profile guests and supporters of the trust, including former tennis champion Boris Becker, Indian high commissioner to the UK Ranjan Mathai and businessmen such as Tom Singh of the New Look Fashion group.
“With the next phase of our work, the basic principle remains unchanged, helping the most disadvantaged gain a hand up rather than a hand out by identifying, developing and funding some wonderful solutions such as the Katha Lab School in Delhi and the Mumbai Mobile Creches, which my wife and I visited on our recent trip to the region,” Prince Charles said in reference to his visit to India and Sri Lanka in November last year.
Source: PTI

Sri Lanka Schools’ Cricket Round up 06/02/2014

  • Thurstan College  279 (54.1) M Jalil 117, Sajith Gunathilake 66, Chandima Bandara 4/60  Vs  Maliyadewa College  138/6 (37) Aruna Thennakoon 48  –  U19 Div I – Maliyadewa College Ground  – Stumps – Day 1
  • De Mazenod College  234 (74.4) Shehan Fernando 4/51  Vs  Maris Stella College  48/3 (13)  –  U19 Div I – Maris Stella College Ground  – Stumps – Day 1
  • Bandaranayake College  105 (33.5) Roshan Anurudda 5/38 & 47/2 (23)  Vs Gurukula College  145 (35.1)  –  U19 Div I – Prison Ground, Mahara  – Stumps – Day 1
  • Trinity College  226 (44) Ron Chandraguptha 106  Vs  President College, Kotte  95 (31.3) R Sayer 6/33 & 34/4 (14)  –  U19 Div I – Asgiriya Stadium – Stumps – Day 1
  • St.Servatious College, Matara  264/8 (95) Ramesh Nimantha 61, Kavindu Umesh 90*  Vs  Mahanama College   –  U19 Div I – BOI Katunayake Ground – Stumps – Day 1
  • Dharmasoka College, Ambalangoda 84 (27.4) S Pathirana 4/22, I Gunasekara 6/15 & 239 (63.2) Isuru Chahuranga 64, Raveen Tharinda 53, I Gunasekara 5/84  Vs  Ananda College 308/6d (75) K Perera 55, Sahan Arachchige100* & 18/0 (3.2)  –  U19 Div I – Ananda Ground  – Ananda College won by 10 wickets

Milton Mallawarachchi Live in Concert

Ambalangoda Dharmasoka College Past Pupils Association, United Kingdom is organising a Musical concert to pay tribute to the legendary Sri Lankan singer Milton Mallawarachchi. Sri Lankan fans will have this rare opportunity to enjoy Milton’s songs perform by his own son Ranil Mallawarachchi at the Ranil Mallawarachchi Live in Concert 2014 on 08 th of March 2014 at The Kings Hall, Stoke Town Hall, Glebe Street, Stoke-on-Trent, ST4 1HH. 

Sri Lanka Schools’ Cricket Round up 5/2/2014

  • Dharmasoka College, Ambalangoda 84 (27.4) S Pathirana 4/22, I Gunasekara 6/15  Vs  Ananda College  269/5 (65) K Perera 55, S Arachchige 77*  –  U19 Div I – Ananda Ground  – Stumps Day 1
  • Zahira College  304 (69.3) M Inshaf 86, Shehan Weerasinghe 55, Vimukthi Madushan 6/75 & 228/8 (43) Niskey Ahamed 116,Vimukthi Madushan 1-76 Vs  Royal College,Panadura  287 (79.3) R Rajapaksha 76, A Lakshan 70*,  –  U19 Div I – Zahira Ground – Toss PA/RoyalMatch drawn – Zahira won on 1st innings 
  • Prince of Wales College,Moratuwa 214 (61.2) Krishen Aponsu 74, Rukshan Fernando 7/66 & 261/8 d (54) S Dulaj 148, Rukshan Fernando 2-48 Vs  De Mazenod College,Kandana  211 (54.4) L Wickramasinghe 58, Thilan Nimesh 4-53 & 86/3 (8)  –  U19 Div I – De Mazenod Ground – Toss De MazenodMatch drawn – Prince of Wales won on 1st innings 
  • Holy Cross College,Kalutara  216 (77.2) Pasindu Perera 76, Avishka Fernando 4/79 & 137/6 (49)  Vs  Joseph Vaz College,Wennappuwa  296 (60.3) Rukshan Fernando 107, Janapriya Fernando 58, Sewvinda Silva 52  –  U19 Div I – Albert Peiris Ground – Toss Joseph Vaz Match drawn – Joseph Vaz won on 1st innings 

 

  • Revatha College, Balapitiya  161 (66.5) Charith Sasalanka 59, S Thulakshana 6/53 & 148/9 d (42) S Kumara 56, S Thulakshana 4/36, L Vimukthi 4/74  Vs Sri Sumangala Collge, Pandura  181 (62.3) V Randika 63 & 39/0 (19)  –  U19 Div I – Panadura Ground  – Match drawn Sri Sumangala won on 1st innings

Sri Lanka won’t sue Channel – 4

The Sri Lankan Government has decided not to sue Channel-4 for its telecast of videos on Sri Lanka as it had adopted more effective strategies to deal with such situations, External Affairs Minister G.L. Peiris told Parliament today.
The minister, who responded to a question asked by United National Party (UNP) MP Ravi Karunanayake, said the Government had effectively countered such allegations.
He said a video titled, ‘Lies agreed upon’ was screened while the government was having a discussion with Callum McRae, who was instrumental in preparing the Channel-4 documentary on the war in Sri Lanka. The minister said the Sri Lankan Government had in no uncertain terms told BBC, Al Jazeera and those in charge of Hard Talk TV what it felt about all this.
Mr. Karunanayake who raised a supplementary question asked whether the UNP should file legal action against channel-4 on behalf of the country.
The minister said there was no need to do so because the Government had already dealt with the issue through alternate methods.(Yohan Perera)
Source: Daily Mirror (Sri Lanka)

Russian president Putin congratulates Buddhists on Lunar New Year

Russian President Vladimir Putin has congratulated the country’s Buddhists on the Lunar New Year, the Kremlin press service said on Friday.

“This festival heralds the arrival of the New Year under the lunar calendar and symbolizes the transparency and purity of thoughts, an aspiration to a moral reinvention. There is a tradition to do good things, forgive old wounds and help those who are in need during these days,” Putin said in his message.

“For many centuries, the everlasting values of Buddhism have been serving honorable goals – people’s unity and the strengthening of mutual understanding of cooperation,” the Russian president said.

“Russia’s Buddhists carefully safeguard this unique spiritual legacy and pass it down from generation to generation, making a significant contribution to the harmony of the inter-ethnic and inter-faith dialogue in our country, the development of productive cooperation with state and social institutions in the sphere of culture, awareness raising and the education of young people. They have been doing a great deal to revive the traditions of spiritual education and have been actively engaged in charitable causes,” Putin said.

Source: Voice of  Russia 

Biswal briefs Britain on SL

US Assistant Secretary of State for South and Central Asian Affairs Nisha Desai Biswal held talks with Britain’s Minister of State, Foreign and Commonwealth Office Hugo Swire in London yesterday on the human rights situation in Sri Lanka.

 “Held productive discussions with US Assistant Secretary Nisha Biswal on the Sri Lanka human rights situation and Human Rights Council meeting in March,” Swire twitted after the meeting with Biswal.
Biswal visited Sri Lanka last weekend and held talks with the government, opposition and NGOs about the current situation in the country. She also visited the Jaffna peninsula and held talks with members of the Northern Provincial Council, the Governor and civil societies based in Jaffna.
Prior to her departure, she told the media in Sri Lanka that the US did not contemplate economic sanctions although a third resolution would be brought against Sri Lanka, owing to the ‘lack of progress on accountability and the deteriorating Human Rights situation in country’.
However, she said that the international community was ‘losing its patience’.
 “We are concerned about the worsening situation with respect to Human Rights including continued attacks against religious minorities as well as the weakening of the rule of law and increase in the levels of corruption and impunity. All these factors lead to undermine the proud tradition of democracy in Sri Lanka,” she said in her opening statement.
Source: Daily Mirror (Sri Lanka)

Athula Dassana Multi Cultural Buddhist Community Centre celebrates 66th Sri Lankan Independence Day in UK

Athula Dassana Multicultural Buddhist Community Centre had successfully organised celebration of 66th Sri Lankan Independence Day at the Lampton School, Hounslow on Saturday 01st February 2014. This is the second year the celebration took place and the event was organised with a theme of “The Lion”.

The event was one of the most successful events organised by the Athula Dassana Multicultural Buddhist Community Centre with a large number gathering, representing Most Venerable Mahasanga, invitees and devotees of the Athula Dassana Buddhist Temple. The chief guest of the event was His Excellency Dr. Chris Nonis, Sri Lankan High Commissioner to the United Kingdom and Ireland.

H.E. Dr. Chris Nonis Highlighted the importance of celebrating Independence Day and his speech reminded us the history of gaining our freedom. He also reminded the importance of remembering leaders, soldiers and citizens of the country who had shed their blood and lives to gain our freedom.

Ven. Wanduramba Kassapa Chief Incumbent and President of Athula Dassana Multicultural Buddhist Community Centre briefly disclosed the purpose of the event. The main focus was to educate younger generation about their mother land, focusing on the historical aspects whilst allowing children to experience and learn about the culture. It is important for this to happen as children who are born in the UK or have come to live in the UK do not always get a sense of Sri Lankan Culture in their everyday lives rather than when at home, therefore by celebrating this day, it allows us to educate children and for them to experience the importance of Sri Lankan culture.

The other invitees present at the event was Most Reverend Dediyawela Wimala Thero, Letchworth Buddhist Temple, Reverend Konwewe Ariyarathne Thero, London Buddhist Temple, Reverend Aheliyagoda Dhammapala Thero, Thames Buddhist Temple, Reverend Panamure Thapassi Thero, Enfield Abayarama Vidharshana Meditation Centre, Reverend Homagama Kondangha Thero, Kavidhaja Mediation Centre, Moratuwa, Sri Lanka, Hon. Ms. Seema Malhothra Member of Parliament, Mr. Sachin Guptha Mayor Of Hounslow, Miss. Lakmini Shah, Councillor, East Ham.

Mr. Sunil Kariyakarawana, Buddhist Advisor, Ministry of Defence, UK, Mr. Indunil Wijekone, Sri Lankan Airlines, UK, Mr. Nalin Perera, Tourist Board, UK.

Hon. Ms. Seema Malhothra had appreciated the effort by Athula Dassana Multicultural Buddhist Community Centre in bringing Sri Lankan culture and tradition to the Sri Lankan community living in a foreign country. Whilst the Mayor of Hounslow, Mr. Sachin Guptha had remarked that Hounslow is a multi-ethnic and multicultural borough and he was always impressed by the culture and the values of Sri Lankan community living in his borough.

Following officials represented the Sri Lankan High Commission in UK, Mr.Sepala Rathnayake Minister Councillor, Mr. M.K.H.Herath Chief Secretary, Dr. Kokila Waidhyarathne Minister Education,

Mr. Prasad Rosa represented LycaFly was our main sponsor for the event.

There were a large numbers of business community and devotees also present as invitees to the event. Dr. Nishane Bajramovic, Managing Director, Estetica Dental Clinic, Mr. Tharin Konstan, Owner, White Bear Restaurant, Mr. Nishantha Pathirana, Chairperson, Ipswitch, Sri Lanka Ekamuthuwa, Mr. Ranga Ranasinghage, Managing Director, TSL Exchange, Mr. Wasantha Pathirane, Mr Bandara Wekadapola.

The compares of the evening were Mr.Chanuka Samarakoon, Mrs. Maheshi Kokila and Mr. Vijitha Alwis.

Mr. Roshan Lutes and his team from Saro dancing Academy and students of Athula Dassana Dhamma School enriched the event with traditional cultural dances and performance.

Prepared by
S.V. Lakshman

Watch more pictures on event highlights:  http://www.facebook.com/srilankanspuwath

Anura Kumara Dissanayake is new JVP leader

Janatha Vimukthi Peramuna (JVP) MP Anura Kumara Dissanayake was appointed as the new leader of the party at its seventh convention today. He took the baton from Mr. Somawansa Amarasinghe who held the leadership nearly 20 years.

In fact, Mr. Amarasinghe proposed the name of Mr. Dissanayake for the leadership post at the convention.  It was unanimously approved by the party members. Since its inception in 1965, the JVP has mainly been ruled by two leaders –Rohana Wijeweera and Somawansa Amarasinghe barring the brief leadership of Saman Piyasiri soon after the assassination of Mr. Wijeweera during the insurrection.

Mr. Amarasinghe was appointed JVP leader at its convention in 1995 even though he was abroad at the time. He returned to the country in 2001. Mr. Amarasinghe is the only surviving member of the party’s central committee appointed during the 1971 insurrection.

Tilvin Silva and Vijitha Herath were reappointed as Party’s General Secretary and Propaganda Secretary respectively. Bimal Ratnayake was appointed as JVP National Organiser and Somawansa Amarasinghe was appointed as International Affairs Secretary of the party.(KB)
Source: Daily Mirror (Sri Lanka)

Sri Lanka Schools’ Cricket Round up 3/2/2014

  • Prince of Wales College,Moratuwa 214 (60) Krishen Aponsu 74, Rukshan Fernando 7/66  Vs  De Mazenod College,Kandana  79/5 (19)  –  U19 Div I – De Mazenod Ground – Toss De Mazenod – Stumps – Day 1

 

  • Zahira College  304 (69.3) M Inshaf 86, Shehan Weerasinghe 55, Vimukthi Madushan 6/75  Vs  Royal College,Panadura  95/4 (23)  –  U19 Div I – Zahira Ground – Toss PA/Royal – Stumps – Day 1
  • Holy Cross College,Kalutara  216 (77.2) Pasindu Perera 76, Avishka Fernando 4/79  Vs  Joseph Vaz College,Wennappuwa  77/1 (15) Rukshan Fernando 46*  –  U19 Div I – Albert Peiris Ground – Toss Joseph Vaz – Stumps – Day 1

Sri Lanka Schools’ Cricket Round up 1/2/2014

 

  • Ananda College, Colombo  147 (47.5) J Pieris 6/45 & 226/7 d (45.5) K Perera 65, J Peries 3-63  Vs  Prince of Wales College  171 (60.5) I Gunasekara 6/45 & 197/5 (30.3) S Dulaj 63, V Weerakkody 53,  –  U19 Div I – Prince of Wales Ground  – Match drawn – POW won on 1st innings

  • St.Benedicts College, Kotahena  235 (73.1) Janidu Karunathilaka 72 & 82/3 (40)  Vs  St.Sebastians College,Moratuwa  209 (88.2) S Cooray 76, Y Soyza 7-67  –  U19 Div1 – At St.Benedicts Ground  – Match drawn – St.benedict won on 1st innings

  • St.Thomas College,Mt.Lavinia  130 (47) Thanisha 4/41, S Nana 3/09 & 226/7 (62) Yohan Mendis 68, Lahiru Opatha 101  Vs  St.Peters College, Colombo 166 (56.4) Dinitha Thimodya 50, Tharindu Ratnayaka 4-38 Sachitha Jayathitalaka 4-12 & 105/7 (27) Tharindu Ratnayaka 5-36  –  U19 Div I – St.Thomas Ground  – match drawn – St.Peters won on 1st innings

  • Wesley College  325/8 d (81) J Caderamanpulle 90, S Jayawardhana 95, T Karunarathne 53*  Vs  Trinity College  221 (65.5) & fo 198/5 (42) Ron Chandraguptha 98, M Munaweera 50 –  U19 Div I – Asgiriya Ground  – Match drawn – Wesley won on 1st innings

  • St.Anthonys College,Katugasthota 251 (85) Nimesha Gunasinghe 60 , Dilan Bandara 55 & 118/3 (40) Pulasthi Bandara 62  Vs  D.S.Senanayake College  178 (49.2) Kavinda Uudapola 5-38 & 68/2 (11)  –  U19 Div I – DSS Ground  – Match drawn – St.Anthony’s won on 1st innings)

  • St.Josephs College, Maradana  202 (62.5) Aravinda Akurugoda 51, Waruna Deshappriya 6-63 & 120/9 (59) Waruna Deshappriya 6-53  Vs Richmond College, Galle  267/9 d (66.3) Sithara Gimahana 54  –  U19 Div I – St.Josephs Ground  – Match drawn – Richmond won on 1st innings)

Sri Lanka Schools’ Cricket round up 31/1/2014

  • St.Benedicts College, Kotahena  235 (73.1) Janidu Karunathilaka 67  Vs St.Sebastians College,Moratuwa  85/1 (19) S Cooray 56*  –  U19 Div1 – At St.Benedicts Ground  – Stumps Day 1

  • Presidents College, Kotte  287/9 (83) C Wimalaweera 121, B Hettiarachchi 3/54, Anjula Senanayake 3/42 & 112/4 (29) Vs  Bandaranayake College, Gampaha  270 (73.5) Madushanka Jayasinghe 62,C Wimalaweera 5/85  –  U19 Div I – FTZ Ground, Katunayake – Match drawn Presidents won on 1st innings

 

  • Ananda College, Colombo  147 (47) J Pieris 6/45  Vs  Prince of Wales College  113/5 (45) I Gunasekara 4/30  –  U19 Div I – Prince of Wales Ground – Stumps Day 1

 

  • St.Josephs College, Maradana  202 (62.5) Aravinda Akurugoda 51  Vs Richmond College, Galle  134/3 (25)  –  U19 Div I – St.Josephs Ground  – Stumps Day 1

 

  • Nalanda College, Colombo  239 (86.4) Woshantha Silva 54, Senura Amarasinghe 52 & 112/6 (41)  Vs Dharmaraja College, Kandy  201 (65.5) Ramesh Rannasinghe 72, Malinga Amarasinghe 5/58  –  U19 Div I – At Nalanda College Ground  – Match drawn Nalanda won on 1st innings

 

  • Wesley College  325/8 d (81) J Caderamanpulle 90, S Jayawardhana 95, T Karunarathne 53*  Vs  Trinity College  39/1 (12)  –  U19 Div I – Asgiriya Ground  – Stumps Day 1

 

  • St.Anthonys College,Katugasthota 251 (85) Nimesha Gunasinghe 60  Vs D.S.Senanayake College  32/0 (8)  –  U19 Div I – DSS Ground  – Stumps Day 1

 

  • St.Thomas College,Mt.Lavinia  130 (47) Thanisha 4/41, S Nana 3/9  Vs St.Peters College, Colombo  138/9 (48) Dinitha 50, Tharindu 4/26  –  U19 Div I – St.Thomas Ground  – Stumps Day 1

 

Sri Lanka Schools’ Cricket Round up 31/1/2014

  • St.Aloysius College, Galle  118 (52.4) & 126 (65.4) M Mahela 5/28, T Kalhara 4/47 Vs  Mahinda College, Galle  239/8 d (60) Dulash Udayanga 150* & 8/1 (2)  –  U19 Div I – At Galle Stadium Mahinda won by 9 wickets 
  • Gurukula College, Kelaniya  198 (50.4) Vs  Dehiwala Central College, Dehiwala  34 (13) Jayamaal Wanniarachchi 6/15,Roshan Anuruddha 4/13 & F/O 160 (36.1)  –  U19 Div I – At Mahara Prison Ground Gurukula won by an inning & 4 runs 
  • Presidents College, Kotte  267/6 (83) C Wimalaweera 121, B Hettiarachchi 3/54 Vs  Bandaranayake College, Gampaha  75/2 (26)  –  U19 Div I – FTZ Ground, Katunayake  – Day 2
  • Wesley College  88/3 (17)  Vs  Trinity College   –  U19 Div I – Asgiriya Ground – Day 1
  • St.Anthonys College,Katugasthota 48/2 (13.5)  Vs  D.S.Senanayake College   –  U19 Div I – DSS Ground  – Day 1
  • St.Benedicts College, Kotahena  32/1 (12)  Vs  St.Sebastians College,Moratuwa   –  U19 Div1 – At St.Benedicts Ground  – Day 1
  • St.Josephs College, Maradana  7/2 (6) Vs  Richmond College, Galle   –  U19 Div I – St.Josephs Ground  – Day 1
  • Ananda College, Colombo  46/1 (10.6) Vs  Prince of Wales College   –  U19 Div I – Prince of Wales Ground
  • St.Thomas College,Mt.Lavinia  49/1 (17.5)  Vs  St.Peters College, Colombo  –  U19 Div I – St.Thomas Ground  – Day 1
  • Nalanda College, Colombo  239 (86.4) Woshantha Silva 54, Senura Amarasinghe 52  Vs  Dharmaraja College, Kandy  33/1 (9)  –  U19 Div I – At Nalanda College Ground  – Day 2

People-smuggling Sri Lankan gang jailed after Channel port arrests

Five members of a criminal gang who smuggled Sri Lankans into the UK through Channel ports have been jailed.

The men, four Sri Lankans and one British national, helped illegal immigrants attempting to reach the UK by smuggling them in vehicles and charging them £4,500 each for the service, according to the Home Office.

Many of the smuggling attempts were foiled by Border Force officers who discovered stowaways hiding in vehicles stopped at ports including Calais, Dunkirk, Coquelles and Dover.

Read more >>http://www.theguardian.com/uk-news/2014/jan/29/people-smuggling-gang-jailed-channel

Source: The Guardian (UK)

Video: I am not a king – President Rajapaksa

President Mahinda Rajapaksa said that he is not a king but just a temporary custodian of the state.

“When I was coming to here, these children called me ‘dearest king’. Please, children, I would appreciate it if you call me ‘dearest father’. I am not a king. As I point out every day, I am just a temporary custodian of the state,” President Rajapaksa said, addressing an event at the Makandura Maha Vidyalaya.

Watch Video:  http://www.dailymirror.lk/news/42370-video-i-am-not-a-king-mr.html

Source: Daily Mirror (Sri Lanka)

Five-star Dilruwan hands SL massive win

Angelo Mathews embraces Dilruwan Perera after the spinner took the last Bangladeshi wicket to help Sri Lanka secure a comprehensive victory in the first Test in Dhaka yesterday.

Off-spinner Dilruwan Perera picked up five wickets as Sri Lanka thumped fragile Bangladesh by an innings and 248 runs in the first Test in Dhaka on Thursday.

Bangladesh, trailing by a huge 498-run margin on first innings, were bowled out for 250 in their second knock after lunch on the fourth day at the Sher-e-Bangla stadium.

Perera, a 31-year-old playing in his second Test, finished with five for 109, while seamer Suranga Lakmal took three as the hosts were dismissed in 51.5 overs with a day to spare.

Bangladesh, who resumed the day at 35-1, failed to cope with Sri Lanka’s pace and spin assault and lost their last nine wickets for 215 runs despite the even-paced pitch.

The hosts were reduced to 197-9 before the last-wicket pair of Rubel Hossain and Hossain Al Ameen boosted the total with some lusty hitting during an entertaining partnership of 53 runs off 38 balls.

Rubel made 17, while Al Ameen returned unbeaten with a quickfire 32 off 18 balls that contained four sixes and one boundary.

Bangladesh, who made 232 in their first innings, conceded their highest Test total of 730-6 declared. Three Sri Lankans hit centuries including Mahela Jayawardene, who scored an unbeaten double-ton.

Jayawardene, who was named man of the match, said he was happy to contribute to what was a “great game” by the team.

“It has been some time since I got a big one,” the 36-year-old former captain said. “I thought it was a great game by the team as everyone put their hands up and performed.

“I think the wicket played really well, and even today there was a little bit of pace for our quicks, and for the spinners it was turning, but the important thing was the bounce, which really helped us.

“Test cricket is all about handling situations, that is where our guys did well. We applied ourselves and made sure we did not lose wickets up front.”

Sri Lanka have now won 14 of their 15 Tests against Bangladesh, eight of them by an innings margin, and drawn the other.

On their previous tour in 2008-09, Sri Lanka had won the first Test by 107 runs and the second by 465 runs.

Bangladesh, who languish at the bottom of the Test rankings at number 10 — lower than unfancied Zimbabwe — have lost 68 of their 82 Tests since gaining full status in 2000.

They have won four Tests, two each against Zimbabwe and the West Indies.

Bangladesh captain Mushfiqur Rahim rued the lack of runs in the first innings that set his team back.

“It was a good wicket to bat on, but we did not play well from day one and that put us on the back foot,” he said. “It is very difficult to come back from there.

“The boys just did not show the fight in the middle. Hopefully we will come back strongly in the next Test. We need to work on our batting. It is important that someone from the top plays a big innings.”

Opener Shamsur Rahim was dismissed off the second ball of the day, fending at a vicious short ball from Shaminda Eranga and edging a catch to wicket-keeper Dinesh Chandimal.

Mominul Haque smashed eight boundaries in a fluent 50 off 57 balls, but the assault did not last long as he fell leg-before to Perera.

The second Test starts in the port city of Chittagong on February 4. It will be followed by two Twenty20 matches and three One Day Internationals.

Source: The Islands (Sri Lanka)

Malinga to play in the Big Bash

Sri Lanka cricket (SLC) today announced that Lasith Malinga has been released to play in the semi-finals of the upcoming Big Bash League (BBL) in Australia.

In a media statement the SLC said the national coaching staff and the national selectors decided to release Malinga to play in the Big Bash because he had shown a tremendous improvement in his fitness levels during the training programme.

The Management of the Melbourne Stars had written to the SLC requesting that Malinga be released to play in the semi-final on February 4.

SLC had last week asked Malinga and Ajantha Mendis to return to Sri Lanka to undergo an intense training programme.(DS)

Source: Daily Mirror (Sri Lanka)

Sri Lanka schools’ cricket round up (29/01/2014)

  • Servatius College, Matara  245 (71.5) Ashen Deemantha 55 & 125/2 (28) Ashen Deemantha 56  Vs Dharmasoka College, Ambalangoda 194 (69.3) Isuru Chathuranga 53, Sanjika Ridma 5/50  –  U19 Div1 – At Uyanwatte Ground, Matara  – Match drawn Servatius won on 1st innings
  • Mahanama College, Colombo  269 (81.1)  Vs  Joseph Vaz College, Wennappuwa  330/7 (101) Dulashan Perera 56, Sewvinda Silva 120*  –  U19 Div1 – At Albert Peries Ground  – Match drawn Joseph Vaz won on 1st innings
  • Trinity College, Colombo  322/5 d (61) Kavin Hiniduma 121, Chathura Jayasundara 59, Ron Chandraguptha 80*  Vs  Isipathana College, Colombo 218 (79.1) Sachin Jayasooriya 59, Ravin Sayer 7/79 & F/O 193 (58.2) Salinda Ushan 95* Ravin Sayer 6/93  –  U19 Div1 – At Colts Ground  – Match drawn Trinity won on 1st innings
  • St.Aloysius College, Galle  118 (52.4) Vs  Mahinda College, Galle  102/3 (32) –  U19 Div1 – At Galle Stadium  – Stumps Day 1

We are ready to support Sri Lanka – UK

Britain on Monday said that if the Sri Lankan government has begun a genuine and credible domestic process into the alleged war crimes claims, properly by March 2014, it would give it its full support to the Sri Lankan government.

Speaking in UK Parliament Minister of State, Foreign and Commonwealth Office Hugo Swire stated, “We have also highlighted that any domestic process should be credible, independent and transparent to be accepted by the international community. We do not believe that any of the processes established to date by the Sri Lankan Government—such as the Lessons Learnt and Reconciliation Commission—meet these standards.”

He also said that in her September 2013 oral statement to the UN Human Rights Council, the UN High Commissioner for Human Rights, Navi Pillay, said she had ‘detected no new or comprehensive efforts to investigate’ alleged war crimes during her visit to Sri Lanka.

“At the Commonwealth Heads of Government Meeting in Colombo in November, the Prime Minister, subsequently made clear to President Rajapaksa that unless a credible national accountability process has begun properly by March 2014, we will use our position on the UN Human Rights Council to call for an international investigation. If a genuine and credible process has begun properly by March 2014, we would give it our full support,” he added.

Source: Daily Mirror (Sri Lanka)

Former President Chandrika Kumaratunga says will not contest

Former President Chandrika Kumaratunga says she was approached by some political parties to contest as a common candidate for the next Presidential elections but so far she has decided not to accepted the invitation.

Responding to a question posed to her at an event in Colombo today, Kumaratunga said that while things can change as far as her decision on contesting is concerned, at this moment it is very unlikely.

Meanwhile, she said she got involved with the South Asia Policy and Research Institute (SAPRI) to call for inter faith dialogue when places of worship were attacked and things were getting out of hand.

“I remained silent for a long time since I retired, because I get hammered by the Government or Government kept media saying she has no business to talk…this and that…I think I have every business because I am one of the most senior citizens in this country,” she said.

Kumaratunga said that most moderates are frightened to talk in Sri Lanka because of the atmosphere of intimidation and fear and killings.

As a result she said she got involved with SAPRI to raise a voice while keeping it non-political despite being a former President.

She noted that people hear only what the extremists say and not what the moderates say as most moderates are not heard.

Asked about a set of recommendations formulated by SAPRI to address the religious issue and if those recommendations will be accepted by the Government, Kumartunga said that she hopes the Government will be willing to meet SAPRI and discuss the issue.

Listen to audio >>

Source: Colombo Gazette

My powers are not limited: Mervyn Silva

Minister of Public Relations Mervyn Silva said, he had received Rs.300 million for the development programmes of the area within a day of assuming duties as Kelaniya electoral organiser.

“I will start this journey with 300 million rupees of money for this year,” he said.

Addressing a meeting at Kelaniya on Monday he said according to his ministry he had the power to implement development programmes anywhere in the country.

He said that Public Relations was applicable to the welfare of everyone from birth to death and it comes within his purview and that his portfolio covered a wide range of responsibilities.

“Great teachers like the Buddha, Jesus Christ and Prophet Mohamed and the gods did not have a specific subject assigned to them. They had limitless responsibilities,” he said.

He said that President Mahinda Rajapaksa considered it as the most appropriate to appoint him as the Minister of Public Relations.

“In India it is a portfolio assigned to the Prime Minister. There is no cause for anxiety to anyone and I will do the needful to the incomplete works and unauthorised works,” he said. (Chaturanga Pradeep)

Listen to Audio 

Source: Daily Mirror (Sri Lanka)

Sri Lanka schools’ cricket round up (28/01/2014)

 

  • St Benedicts College  288 (71.5) Thulina Dilshan 77, Janidu Karunathilake 59, Nimesh Mendis 4/72 & 179/5 (78) Parakrama Thennakoon 90*  Vs  St Sylvesters College  105 (38.4) Yohan Soysa 5/22, Geethaka Jayathilake 3/28  –  U19 D1 – At Rangiri dambulla international stadium  – Match drawn St Benedicts won on 1st innings
  • Trinity College, Colombo  322/5 d (61) Kavin Hiniduma 121, Chathura Jayasundara 59, Ron Chandraguptha 80  Vs  Isipathana College, Colombo 85/1 (29)  –  U19 Div1 – At Colts Ground – Stumps Day 1
  • Servatius College, Matara  245 (71.5) Ashen Deemantha 55  Vs Dharmasoka College, Ambalangoda 14/0 (8)  –  U19 Div1 – At Uyanwatte Ground, Matara  – Stumps Day 1
  • Mahanama College, Colombo  269 (81.1)  Vs  Joseph Vaz College, Wennappuwa  17/0 (5)  –  U19 Div1 – At Albert Peries Ground  – Stumps Day 1
  • Revatha College  214 (66.5) Dilshan De Soysa 85 & 84/6 (27)  Vs  Royal College Panadura  256/8 d (75.2) Yasith Chamod 64  –  U19 D1 – Panadura Public Ground  – Match Drawn Royal College Panadura won on 1st innings
  • Lumbini College  223 (60.2) Mohomad Akram 61, Chamara Nishantha 74 Dinuka Kumara 4/4 & 147/6 d (26.2)  Vs Bandaranayake College  150 (48.1) Thanuka Madushan 3/12 & 181 (38.4)  –  U19 D1 – At Kadirana ground  – Lumbini won by 39 runs
  • Dharmaraja College  178 (56.5)  Vs S.De S. Jayasinghe Central College  51 (26.2) & F/O 70 (26.4)  –  U19 D1 – Dharmaraja Ground  – Dharmaraja won by an inning & 57 runs

Sri Lanka Schools’ Cricket Round up 27/1/2014

  • Revatha College  214 (66.5)  Vs  Royal College Panadura  85/1 (24)  –  U19 D1 – Panadura Public Ground – Day 1

 

  • Dharmaraja College  178 (56.5)  Vs S.De S. Jayasinghe Central College 18/4 (13.5)  –  U19 D1 – Dharmaraja Ground – Day 1

 

  • St Benedicts College  288 (71.5)  Vs  St Sylvesters College  4/0 (2)  –  U19 D1 – At Rangiri dambulla international stadium – Day 1

 

  • Lumbini College  223 (60.2)  Vs Bandaranayake College  14/1 (5.3)  –  U19 D1 – At Kadirana ground – Day 1

The fall of the Tiger, the rise of the Sinhala Roar (Ravaya), and Geneva anxieties

It is as though the fall of the Tiger has directly led to the rise of Sinhala Roar, or Sihala Ravaya, literally speaking. Looked at it another way, just as there is talk about LTTE remnants floating around the globe, it is possible to talk about Sihala Ravaya and other organizations of its ilk as being the remnants of the wave of triumphalism that the Rajapaksa government unleashed in the south after crushing the LTTE in the north. The Sihala Ravaya seems to have earned special notoriety after trying to storm the Prime Minister’s office on Flower Road. Not long after came the attacks on Christian churches in Hikkaduwa, this time by an outfit called the Hela Bodu Pawra, adding to the negative reactions in the media. But for quite awhile these remnants of triumphalism have been on a free roll with open blessings from higher echelons of the regime. Their free ride may not be over yet, but their senseless and hateful antics are making them more a liability than an asset to the regime. Their liability is all the more magnified now, with the onset of Geneva anxieties in government circles.

A responsible and, in these senseless political times, a path-breaking response appears to be coming from former President Chandrika Kumaratunga. She recently confirmed to the Venerable Mahanayake Theros that she has no intention of reentering politics and that her only intention is to stop “Buddhist extremist organizations attacking Christian and Muslim places of worship” and destroying Sri Lanka’s religious harmony. To that end, the former President has invited leaders of all faiths/religions for a meeting in Colombo, at the Sri Lanka Foundation Institute, on Tuesday, January 28. Hopefully, the meeting will go ahead without running into nutty protestors, and something worthwhile would come out of her initiative. This is also an opportunity to uplift her rather lopsided legacy; running for President would only drag it down.

Let us take our eye from the former to the current President. Could we ever hear such a commitment from President Rajapaksa – to castigate the extremist organizations in order to protect religious harmony? And he, in case anybody forgot, has no intention whatsoever to leave the presidency or politics any time soon. I cannot recall President Rajapaksa ever taking to task the “Buddhist extremist organizations” like the way his favourite predecessor is starting to be doing. But other voices are belatedly emanating within government ranks not so much as questioning the legitimacy, purpose and the method of these organizations, but expressing concern over the damage these organizations are causing to the Rajapaksa government internationally. All are symptoms of Geneva anxieties.

Rhyme and Reason

Bandula Gunawardena of Grade-Five fame, who is also President Rajapaksa’s Minister of Education, has alerted whomever to “moves underway to use some Buddhist monks’ activities as part of an anti-Sri Lankan propaganda drive in Geneva.” He bemoaned that the internet and the social media are being used to give “adverse publicity” to activities of Buddhist monks in Sri Lanka. Notably, the Grade-Five specialist did not venture to criticize the so called “activities of some Buddhist monks.” Appropriately or not, the Minister was speaking at a gathering of Pirivena teachers, where he went on to announce that “the Pirivena Act would be amended to impart a better education to Buddhist monks”. All we can hope for the Minister is – much better luck and much less bungling with amending the Pirivena Act than what he had in trying to stop Grade Five scholarships.

A much broader broadside came in last week’s Sunday Island Political Column under the headline: “The Mad Monk Phenomenon.” Curiously, the Minister of Education and the Sunday Island (SI) columnist are shy of naming names. The Minister laments about the “activities of some Buddhist monks”, and the SI columnist lambastes the “The Mad Monk Phenomenon”. Neither of them refers by name to any one group in the long list of “Buddhist extremist” organizations that includes besides Sihala Ravaya and Hela Bodu Pawra, the Ravana Balaya, Bodu Bala Sena, Sinhala Weera Vidahana, Chinthana Parshadaya and Jayagrahanaya. There might be a rhyme to their names, but is there a rhyme or reason for their being?

According to JHU Monk and Leader Ven. Omalpe Sobitha Thero (in his interview in the same SI column), “there is nothing wrong in bhikkus protesting or demonstrating on the streets, but the bhikku image and identity have to be safeguarded. It is only then that the people and the government will take notice. Very often there are just reasons for these demonstrations. When the government does nothing to address these grievances, the other side tries to do whatever they can to be heard.” This was a circular answer to the rather pointed question by the columnist about the reason for “the phenomenon of bhikkus demonstrating on the streets and behaving in an unprecedentedly uncouth and violent?manner in public.” There is nothing for the government to notice when important sections in the government are known to have been promoting these protests, and the government as whole has done nothing to put an end to what are really open exercises in lawlessness.

Although an attempt is being made to separate the nameless “mad monks” from the JHU, according to most observers the organizations to which the “mad monks” belong, are themselves off springs and affiliates of the JHU. The JHU is said to have emerged when there was “a life and death issue in the country – which was the war on terror … to safeguard the interests of the Sinhala Buddhists. There is more embellishment than truth in this assertion. The emergence of the JHU was certainly one expression of the disquiet among the Sinhalese with the peace process of the Wickremesinghe administration. A more powerful expression had, by then, come and gone, in the person of the late Soma Thero. From a political standpoint, there is nothing unusual or illegitimate about this disquiet and its expressions. The mistake was the failure of the political leadership to respond to them honestly and forthrightly.

As the administrators of the peace process, the Wickremesinghe government made no attempt to reach out among the Sinhalese. The then government simply assumed that the goodies from the ‘peace dividend’ would be sufficient to quieten the masses. The goodies of peace and war went to private pockets and not to the masses. The expressions of disquiet were left to find alternative forums as they had no place in the formal preoccupations with war and peace. At the same time, and quite cynically, both the UNP and SLFP leaderships courted these organizations, especially the JHU (and the JVP), and cultivated them electorally. The proportional representation and the district-list system have become particularly conducive to the cultivation of marginal parties, and the destruction of the Old Left parties. Neither the JHU nor the JVP would ever have got into parliament in the numbers they did, without the support of the two major parties. The chickens are now coming home to roost.

Whatever reason there might have been for the emergence of the JHU during the war, there is no reason, whatever, for the JHU and its affiliates continuing after the war with anti-Muslim and anti-Christian agendas. If there was arm-length electoral cultivation of marginal parties during the ‘alliance politics’ of Wickremesinghe and Kumaratunga, there is wholesale absorption of them under Mahinda Rajapaksa. In fact, as it is now becoming apparent, the extremist marginal parties have more clout in the UPFA than the SLFP. The so called SLFP old guard, including the Prime Minister, has become the new marginalized entity.

As for the “mad monk phenomenon”, it has not only benefited from state protection so far, it is also “technologically enabled” with its mastery of the social media of blogs, tweets and facebooks. The Minister of Education, who is now complaining about the internet and the social media being used to badmouth his government internationally, should realize how much damage has been done internally to religious harmony and social peace by the social media excretions of the extremist nationalists. Soma Thero mastered the television medium to bandy his message with dignity and decorum. Now the social media is being used by bigots to spread the message of hate and violence.

The funniest angle on the mad monk phenomenon is the suggestion that it is being funded and sponsored by western organizations to destroy Buddhism in Sri Lanka. If this is an explanation, it will not be too much of a stretch to suggest that the whole Rajapaksa regime is a western conspiracy! The reality is that it is the regime that is laboring under the delusion that the west is out to get it. Now that the season of Geneva anxieties is upon us, there are liberal calls to rebuild an international consensus in favour of Sri Lanka. The more urgent task, in my view, is to un-build the scaffoldings of extremism that the government has been putting up in many parts of the country. Un-building the unnecessary could also be a therapy for Geneva anxiety. [Rajan Philips]

Source: The Island (Sri Lanka)

Britain says must push hard to pass resolution against SL

Britain says it faces an uphill struggle to secure the passage of an appropriately robust resolution at the UN Human Rights Council in March against Sri Lanka but the Foreign and Commonwealth Office (FCO) is working hard to mobilize opinion and get the necessary majority.

“We face an uphill struggle to secure the passage of an appropriately robust resolution at the UN Human Rights Council, but I assure him that the FCO network is already hard at work with the resolution’s main sponsor, the United States, to mobilise opinion and the necessary majority, and that our campaign at the Human Rights Council will be led at ministerial level,” Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs Mark Simmonds told UK Parliament during the debate on Sri Lanka on Thursday.

The full debate:>>

Source: Daily Mirror (Sri Lanka)