Jayasuriya averts crisis in midnight drama at SLC

A crisis that could have destroyed Sri Lanka’s cricket was averted at the last minute thanks to the timely intervention by chief national selector Sanath Jayasuriya while the whole of Sri Lanka was deep in their sleep on late Thursday night, a Sri Lanka team source told “Daily Mirror”.

“The national players refused to sign the “squad terms” for the forthcoming ICC World T20. These squad terms gives the ICC commercial right to use the player images during the tournament. But the players wanted to negotiate their payments as SLC is paid by ICC for getting these image rights. Since last year, SLC has scrapped a 20 percent share of this ICC payment that had been allocated to the players,” said the source.

However, SLC top officials refused to budge from their position at a meeting with players on Thursday afternoon and had asked the national players to sign the squad terms on Thursday itself. SLC officials had threatened that no player who refused to sign the ICC World T20 squad terms would be allowed to join the Bangladesh tour for which the team left Colombo in the early hours of yesterday. SLC had decided to take the stern step of even sending a second string team if the national players refused to sign.

Jayasuriya confirmed that he was involved in the negotiations and added that players agreed to sign the “Squad terms” but refused to elaborate further.
“I was at a meeting with the President till 11 o’clock last night. Angelo called me and said that they needed to meet me urgently before they took the final decision on whether to sign the terms or not. He told me that they would come to SLC headquarters at 1 a.m. in order to take a decision and then leave for Bangladesh. So, I went home at 11 and set the alarm and had a little sleep before going to cricket board office a little after one in the morning,” said Jayasuriya.

Jayasuriya said that Mathews and Chandimal who had discussions with SLC Ex-co members including himself earlier in the afternoon agreed to sign the “squad terms” in the night, but had apparently changed their mind later.

He said that his discussions were successful, but did not wish to announce what was discussed.

Sources however said that the entire national team discussed the issue for nearly two hours with Jayasuriya who had somehow influenced the players to sign the “squad terms” finally.

However some senior players still had reservations about it though they signed the terms and had handed over their concerns in a letter to the Jayasuriya, sources added.

Though “squad terms” are a pre-requisite for any ICC event, the disputed payments are a part of the players’ annual contract with the SLC. The annual contracts of the players end in February and according to the contracts the players signed last year, they do not have to sign fresh contracts this year as all existing contracts will be renewed automatically, unless there are changes in the contracted category of a player.

“Though players took up this issue before signing squad terms, the payment issue is actually related to the annual contracts. If they didn’t sign the squad terms, their contracts would not be valid as all their payments were specifically stated in their contracts,” said an SLC source.(Channaka de Silva)

Source: Daily Mirror (Sri Lanka)

66th National Day Celebration at the Sri Lanka High Commission – London

The High Commissioner for Sri Lanka

 

cordially invites

all Sri Lankans living in the UK  

to the

66th National Day Celebration

to be held at the Sri Lanka High Commission,

No.13, Hyde Park Gardens,

London, W2 2LU

 

on 04th February 2014 (Tuesday)

from  1000hrs to 1200hrs

 

(Nearest Tube Stations – Lancaster Gate & Paddington)

 

RSVP: cultural@srilankahighcommission.co.uk

Sri Lanka Schools’Cricket round up 25/1/2014

  • Revatha College, Balapitiya  142 (49) S Kumara 57, M Mahela 5-41 & 184 (54.4) M Mahela 6-57  Vs  Mahinda College, Galle  292 (66.2) Udayanga 65, G Dhanushka 74, Suresh Kumara 4/66 – & 37/0 (8.2)  –  U19 Div1 – At Mahinda ground – Mahinda won by 10 wickets

 

  • St.Peters College, Colombo  359/6 d (71.1) S Madhushan 79, K Thisera 92,D Mendis 53* & 116/9 (41)  Vs  Prince Of Wales College, Moratuwa  320 (90.1) S Dulaj 178, Ashen Mendis 65  –  U19 Div1 – At POW Ground  – Match drawn (St.Peters won on 1st innings)

 

  • Kingswood College, Kandy  168 (63.1) & 131/7 (61) Sachin Jayawardena 5-63 Vs  Wesley College, Colombo  219/8 d (69) Samod Atulathmudali 50*  –  U19 Div1 – At Wesley ground  – Match drawn (Wesley won on 1st innings)

 

  • St.Sebastians College, Moratuwa 300/5 d (80) S Cooray 135, Lakthilina 85 Vs  St.Anthonys College, Katugastota 177 (61.1) Kanishka Uggalpaya 89 & F/O 115/6 (50)  –  U19 Div1 – At St.Sebastians ground  – Match drawn – St.Sebestian won on 1st innings

 

  • Trinity College, Kandy  269 (63) Madhawa Munaweera 62, W Sajeewa 6/85 & 125/4 (35)  Vs  Mahanama College, Colombo  252 (90.3) S Kaushalya 63, R Sayer 6-95  –  U19 Div1 – At Asgiriya Ground  – Match drawn (Trinity won on 1st innings)

Sri Lanka Schools’ cricket round up 24/1/2014

  • Nalanda College  340 (83.4) Pramod Hettiwatta 76, Aroshana Kumara 62, Woshantha Silva 57, Lahiru Wijerathne 56  Vs  Thurstan College  184 (48.5) M Jaleel 102* & F/O 255/2 (52) Thimira Jayasinghe 127*,N Jaleel 61*  –  U19 Div I – At Nalanda Ground – Day 2  – Match drawn Nalanda won on 1st innings

 

  • Dharmasoka College,Ambalangoda 199 (51.1) Sachin Dewangana 84, Damitha Silva 4/48 & 237/9 (66) R Tharindu 97*  Vs  Maliyadewa College,Kurunegala  325 (74.5) Kavinga Dassanayake 123, L De Silva 65, S Deshantha 5/59, R Tharindu 3/54  –  U19 Div I – At Maliyadewa Ground – Day 2 – Match drawn Maliyadewa won on 1st innings

 

  • St Josephs College  265/9 d (83.3) D Fernandopulle 89, P Madushanka 107*, R Tillekaratne 4/72 & 86/3 (30)  Vs  St Thomas College  179/8 d (66) M Rodrigo 3/32  –  U19 Div I – At St Thomas ground – Day 2  – Match Drawn St Josephs won on 1st innings

 

  • Moratu Vidyalaya  226 (58.2) Champaka Fernando 52, Thilan Kavishka 59, Wimukthi Madushan 6/34 & 178 (47.5) Vs  Royal College,Panadura  209 (67.5) Wimukthi Madushan 50 & 92/3 (13)  –  U19 Div I – At Moratu Vidyala Ground – Day 2  – Match drawn Moratu Vidyalaya won on 1st innings

 

  • Kingswood College, Kandy  168 (63.1) Vs  Wesley College, Colombo  129/5 (31)  –  U19 Div1 – At Wesley ground – Stumps Day 1

 

  • Trinity College, Kandy  269 (63) Madhawa Munaweera 62, W Sajeewa 6/85  Vs  Mahanama College, Colombo 100/3 (31)  –  U19 Div1 – At Asgiriya Ground  – Stumps Day 1

 

  • Revatha College, Balapitiya  142 (49) Suresh Kumara 57, Thamith Kalhara 3/43, Malith Mahela 5/41  Vs  Mahinda College, Galle  186/4 (46) D Udayanga 65  –  U19 Div1 – At Mahinda ground – Stumps Day 1

 

  • St.Sebastians College, Moratuwa 300/5 d (80) S Cooray 135, Lakthilina 85 Vs  St.Anthonys College, Katugastota 36/2 (12.2)  –  U19 Div1 – At St.Sebastians ground  – Stumps Day 1

 

  • St.Peters College, Colombo  359/6 d (71.1) S Madhushan 79, Kavinda Thisera 92,D Mendis 53*  Vs  Prince Of Wales College, Moratuwa  140/3 (31) S Dulaj 68*  –  U19 Div1 – At POW Ground – Stumps Day 1

Mendis back in Test squad, Sri Lanka leave for Bangladesh today

The national cricket team will leave for Bangladesh today on a six week tour. Sri Lanka will play two Tests, two T-20s and three ODIs against Bangladesh and will remain in that country for the Asia Cup tournament that gets underway on the 25th of February.

Sri Lanka’s selectors have recalled spinner Ajantha Mendis for the Test series in place of off-spinner Sachithra Senanayake. Batsman Lahiru Thirimanne was ruled out of the series with an ankle injury and has been replaced by Kithruwan Vithanage. Those are the only changes from the squad that played Pakistan in the just concluded Test series.

Sri Lanka have so far played four Tests in Bangladesh and won all four games. Altogether there have been 14 Tests between the countries and 13 of them have been won by Sri Lanka with one Test being drawn.

Mendis was urgently recalled from the Big Bash League, Australia’s domestic T-20 tournament, to prepare for the Test series.

Sri Lanka will have little time to adjust to conditions in Bangladesh as they will play the first Test three days after landing without any warm-up games. The first Test starting on the 27th January will be played at Mirpur followed by the second Test at Chittagong starting on the Independence Day.

Sri Lanka will remain at Chittagong for the two T-20s Internationals and will return to Mirpur where the three ODIs will be played.

The Asia Cup will get underway in Mirpur, three days after the last ODI between Sri Lanka and Bangladesh.

This will be new coach Paul Farbrace’s first assignment with the national cricket team.

The tour is an ideal opportunity for Sri Lanka as the World T-20 will take place a week after the final match of the Asia Cup. Sri Lanka are strong contenders in the championship having reached the finals in the 2009 and 2012 editions of the tournament.

Sri Lanka Test Squad: Angelo Mathews (Captain), Dinesh Chandimal (Vice Captain), Dimuth Karunaratne, Kaushal Silva, Kumar Sangakkara, Mahela Jayawardena, Prasanna Jayawardena, Kithruwan Vithanage, Rangana Herath, Dilruwan Perera, Suranga Lakmal, Shaminda Eranga, Nuwan Pradeep, Vishwa Fernando and Ajantha Mendis.

Source: The Islands (Sri Lanka)

UK, SL equally responsible for addressing accountability issues – European HR body

The European Center for Constitutional and Human Rights (ECCHR) said that it hoped member states of the UN would raise war crimes committed by the UK in Iraq at the forthcoming session of the Geneva-based United Nations Human Rights Council (UNHRC) in March.

Andreas Schueller, legal adviser at the Germany-based ECCHR said that he would appreciate UNHRC members as well as those representing other countries referring to a comprehensive UK war crimes dossier the ECCHR together with prominent law firm Public Interest Lawyers (PIL) of the UK recently handed over to the International Criminal Court (ICC).

Schueller was responding to questions raised by The Island in the wake of the ECCHR and PIL pushing the ICC to launch war crimes probe targeting the UK. The 250-page dossier titled, ‘The Responsibility of UK Officials for War Crimes Involving Systematic Detainee Abuse in Iraq from 2003-2008’ dealt with accountability issues.

Having accused Iraq of stockpiling Weapons of Mass Destruction (WMDs), the US and UK spearheaded the invasion of Iraq in March 2003.

Asked whether they would submit a copy of the same dossier to UNHRC ahead of the next Geneva session, Schueller said that the Geneva body was a political organ and therefore they felt no need to move it. The decision to send the dossier to the ICC was taken on the basis it was a judicial body, the official said.

The UNHRC consisted of 47 countries divided into five sectors namely Africa (13 seats), Asia-Pacific (13 seats), Latin America and Caribbean (8 seats), Western Europe and other states (7 seats) and Eastern Europe (6 seats).

Responding to another query as regards the UK membership in the UNHRC in the wake of war crime allegations, Schueller emphasised that the UK should address accountability issues raised by ECCHR and PIL. The UK should especially explain its failure to conduct domestic prosecutions. Schueller stressed: “Every state is duty bound to effectively investigate and prosecute international crimes, this includes the UK as well as Sri Lanka.”

Members of the council serve for a period of three years and are not qualified for immediate re-election after serving two consecutive terms. The UK won a term beginning 2014.

When pointed out that the UK had ruled out the possibility of appearing before the ICC, Schueller said that the decision would be made by the ICC as the UK was a signatory to the Rome Statue.

The UK ratified the ICC Rome Statue on Oct 4, 2001 though the US shunned the ICC.

A spokesperson for UK Defence Ministry earlier told The Island that there was absolutely no need for ICC intervention as the allegations were either under thorough investigation or had been dealt with through various means including through the Iraq Historic Allegations Team, independent public inquiries, the UK and European Courts and in Parliament.

The official said: “Further action through the ICC is unnecessary when the issues and allegations are already known to the UK Government, action is in hand and the UK courts have already issued judgments. Should we be approached by the ICC, we will take the opportunity to explain the very extensive work underway to deal with historic allegations of abuse.”

The UK Premier David Cameron has set March 2014 deadline for Sri Lanka to address accountability issues or face the consequences at the UNHRC. The deadline was given on the sidelines of Commonwealth Heads of Government Meeting (CHOGM) last November.

By Shamindra Ferdinando
Source: The Islands (Sri Lanka)

Sri Lanka schools’ cricket round up 23/1/2014

  • Moratu Vidyalaya  226 (58.2) Vs  Royal College,Panadura  127/3 (36)  –  U19 Div I – At Moratu Vidyala Ground – Stumps Day 1

 

  • Nalanda College  340 (83.4) Vs  Thurstan College  40/1 (8)  –  U19 Div I – At Nalanda College Ground – Stumps Day 1

 

  • Dharmasoka College,Ambalangoda 199 (51.1)  Vs  Maliyadewa College,Kurunegala  156/4 (43) –  U19 Div I – At Maliyadewa College Ground – Stumps Day 1

Maldivian President receives a warm welcome in Sri Lanka

[By Janaka Alahapperuma]
The newly elected Maldivian President Abdulla Yameen Abdul Gayoom who is in Sri Lanka on a three-day official visit, met President Mahinda Rajapaksa at the Presidential Secretariat in Colombo this morning on January 22. The Maldivian President visited Sri Lanka for the first time after his election victory as the president on an invitation made by President Rajapaksa. Young Sri Lankan children welcomed Maldivian President on arrival for bilateral talks with President Rajapaksa.  Sri Lankan President accorded a warm welcome to his Maldivian counterpart and the First Lady Fathimath Ibrahim at the Presidential Secretariat. A special Military Guard of Honour was held in honour of President Yameen. First Lady Shiranthi Rajapaksa also joined in the welcoming ceremony.

After a cordial discussion between the two leaders, the delegations of the two countries commenced bilateral discussions covering several spheres. President Rajapaksa expressed his appreciation over the victory achieved by the Maldivian leader in the Presidential elections held in November last year and the peaceful political transformation that took place in the neighboring country.
“I am confident that under your able guidance, the Maldivian people would prosper and the country would reach its full economic potential,” President Rajapaksa said. “As the only two island nations in South Asia, we share many values and cultural traditions.” The President further added that visits between officials at the highest political levels serve to further strengthen the “bonds of friendship between our two countries.”
Speaking about the historical ties between Sri Lanka and Maldives, President Yameen pointed out that almost every Maldivian feels, Sri Lanka is often like a second home. Currently, there are more than 9,000 Maldivians living in Sri Lanka. “Sri Lanka has always been a brother and ally,” President Yameen said. “We are very grateful for the invaluable friendship.”
President Rajapaksa thanked Maldives for its continuous support to Sri Lanka at international fora to which President Yameen quickly replied, “What are neighbors for, if we can’t support each other in times of need. We will support you.”
Citing economic development, and the peace and stability currently prevailing in Sri Lanka, Maldivian President noted, “We marvel the remarkable achievement the Sri Lankan people are enjoying. What is good in Maldives will transfer to Sri Lanka. Peace and prosperity in Sri Lanka will benefit Maldives.” The two leaders discussed at length in several fields including the fisheries industry, higher education, health, immigration, air services, sports, food security, defence, tourism and trade relations.

Three agreements were signed after the bilateral talks. Minister of Youth Affairs and Skills Development, Dullas Alahapperuma and the Maldivian Foreign Minister Dunya Maumoon inked a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) on Vocational Training and Youth Development. The MoU on Bilateral Corporation in the Field of Sports was signed by Minister Mahindananda Aluthgamage and the Minister of the Maldivian President’s Office Mohamed Hussein Shariff. Inspector General of Police N.K. Ilangakoon and the Maldivian Police Commissioner Husaid Waheed signed the MoU on Combating Transnational Crime. After the talks and the signing of the agreements, the Maldivian President signed the guest book at the Presidential Secretariat.
Senior Minister Urban Affairs A.H.M. Fowzie, Minister of External Affairs Prof. G.L. Peiris, Minister of Economic Development Basil Rajapaksa, Minister of Health Mr. Maithripala Sirisena, Minister of Youth Affairs and Skills Development Dullas Alahapperuma, Minister of Industry and Commerce Rishad Bathiudeen, Minister of Fisheries and Aquatic Resource Development Dr. Rajitha Senarathne, Minister of Education Bandula Gunawardena, Minister of Sports Mahindananda Aluthgamage and Many Parliamentarians were present on the occasion.
High Commissioner of Sri Lanka in the Maldives Sarathchandra Dela, Maldivian High Commissioner for Sri Lanka Hussain Shihab, Chief of Staff of the President Gamini Senarath, newly appointed Secretary to the Ministry of External Affairs, Mrs Kshenuka Seneviratne and a number of other secretaries of ministries and government officials were also present at the bilateral talks.
The Maldivian High Commission said that many important meetings with the Sri Lankan government officials and other sectors have also been arranged for the Maldivian President to participate including the Sri Lanka Maldivian Business Council meeting which businessmen from both countries will attend. The Maldivian President and his entourage arrived in Sri Lanka yesterday (21 Jan).
Photos by: Sudath Silva

President Rajapaksa attends Zayed Future Energy Prize Awards Ceremony – 2014

[By Janaka Alahapperuma]
Sri Lanka President Mahinda Rajapaksa who arrived at the Abu Dhabi Capital of the United Arab Emirates (UAE) on a one-day state visit has attended the opening ceremony of the 7th World Future Energy Summit (WFES) and Zayed Future Energy Prize Awards Ceremony-2014 last evening (20 January) at the Abu Dhabi Emirates Palace Hotel as part of Abu Dhabi Sustainability Week.

The summit, held under the theme “Powering the Future of Energy Innovation”, graced by the General Shaikh Mohammad Bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Crown Prince of Abu Dhabi and Deputy Supreme Commander of the UAE Armed Forces with the participation of a number of heads of state and governments within the region and other parts of the world, representatives of international organisations, international energy companies and industry experts.
Zayed Future Energy Prize is awarded with the aim of encouraging innovation in the field of sustainable and alternative energy sources for future purposes. The award, being presented for the sixth time, is named after the founder of the UAE, Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan. The collective value of the annual awards given in five categories is US$ 4 million.
Since its inception in 2008, WFES has grown to become the leading discussion platform for renewable energy, clean technology and sustainability, and it is now considered the pre-eminent international event for government and industry decision makers to find viable, sustainable solutions to the world’s growing energy challenges. The UAE is one of the major oil producing and exporting countries in the world. However, the UAE government gives priority to advancing sustainable and alternative energy sources in order to meet future energy demands.
Before returning to Sri Lanka later this evening, President Rajapaksa will participate in bilateral talks today with UAE Prime Minister and several other high ranking officials of the country. During the discussions, attention will be drawn to further enhancing relations between the two nations in identified sectors. The President will meet with the Sri Lankan community living in the emirate too.
Minister of External Affairs Prof. G.L. Peiris and Monitoring MP of the Ministry of External Affairs Sajin Vass Gunawardena are accompanying the President in this official visit.
Photos By: Sudath Silva

No improvement in HR situation in Sri Lanka – UK

The British Foreign and Commonwealth Office (FCO) in its quarterly human rights report for the last quarter of 2013 stated that the Human rights situation in Sri Lanka had not improved in the last three months despite the intensified international focus on the country’s human rights issues.

It says, the Sri Lankan External Affairs Minister told diplomats in December that a proposed Witness Protection Bill was nearly at the end of the parliamentary process and that the Commission investigating wartime disappearances extended its deadline to receive complaints. The 2012 Human Rights and Democracy Report  highlights the UK’s human rights policies and concerns on key issues, and features 27 Countries of Concern where the Foreign Office has the most serious wide-ranging human rights concerns.
The full report on Sri Lanka
The human rights situation in Sri Lanka did not improve during the last three months, although the international focus on the country’s human rights record intensified during the Commonwealth Heads of Government Meeting (CHOGM) in November.
There were a number of incidents during the week of CHOGM. On 13 November, family members of the disappeared from the north were prevented by security forces from travelling to Colombo to attend a human rights festival. The festival itself was attacked on 14 November, allegedly by pro-government protestors who previously attacked the Sri Lankan Opposition Leader’s vehicle. A Tamil youth at the event was temporarily detained and allegedly attacked by the police. The police obtained a court order preventing protests and processions in Colombo during the 15and 16 November, resulting in the cancellation of a candlelight vigil by human rights defenders. Part of the British Channel 4 team in Sri Lanka for CHOGM decided to cut short their visit, citing extensive intimidation and surveillance, including an apparently government-orchestrated protest which prevented the train they were travelling on from reaching the North.
During his CHOGM visit, British Prime Minister David Cameron said that the UK would be forced to use its position in the UN Human Rights Council to support the call by the UN High Commissioner for Human Rights to establish an independent international investigation, if Sri Lanka failed to set up a credible, transparent and independent domestic process by March 2014. The Prime Minister also urged the Sri Lankan government to agree a meaningful political settlement with the North, including demilitarisation, and to fully implement Lessons Learnt and Reconciliation Commission (LLRC) recommendations. The Prime Minister was also able to undertake a visit to Jaffna, the first visit of any Head of Government to the Northern Province since Sri Lanka’s Independence in 1948. This visit allowed him to see the situation on the ground for himself, and speak to some of those affected by the conflict to hear their concerns directly. The Prime Minister was accompanied to Jaffna by media organisations such as BBC, ITV, Sky and Channel 4, which helped to contribute to increased scrutiny on human rights and accountability issues in Sri Lanka during CHOGM. Foreign Secretary William Hague called on Sri Lanka to end the culture of impunity on violence against women during an event addressing civil society, members of the Sri Lankan government, campaigners and the media on preventing sexual violence in conflict. The Foreign Secretary and Minister for Sri Lanka and the Commonwealth Hugo Swire met a wide range of Sri Lankan civil society actors and human rights defenders, including media activists, families of the disappeared, those working on torture prevention, and women’s rights activists. We have emphasised to the Sri Lankan government that the human rights defenders, journalists and members of the public whom Ministers met during CHOGM should not face any reprisals. Our High Commission in Colombo is closely monitoring this situation post-CHOGM.
Concerns continued over the culture of impunity in Sri Lanka. On 14 October a Sri Lankan court released on bail 12 Special Task Force personnel accused of killing five Tamil students in the eastern town of Trincomalee in 2006 (the ‘Trinco 5’). The case had been re-opened for investigation in July this year. On 3 December French NGO, Action Against Hunger (ACF), in a report on the assassination of 17 ACF humanitarian aid workers in Sri Lanka, alleged that the aid workers were assassinated by members of the Sri Lankan security forces and the crime was covered up by “top Sri Lankan authorities”. In December, newspapers reported that the Sri Lankan Human Rights Commission had postponed the National Inquiry on Torture that was due to be set up with assistance from the Commonwealth Secretariat, on a request from civil society. Prominent civil society actors have disassociated themselves from the request.
There were a number of custodial deaths of suspects under questionable circumstances during the period, in addition to two reported abductions. One of the alleged victims returned days later while the other remains missing.  In a statement, civil society activists condemned the detention of seven Tamil youths under the Prevention of Terrorism Act (PTA) following their arrest in November. All seven remain in detention. Activists were concerned that the arrests were unfounded and would perpetuate the climate of fear and insecurity of the people of the North. A 10 December Human Rights Day demonstration by the families of the disappeared in the eastern town of Trincomalee was attacked by unidentified masked men. EU Heads of Missions in Colombo in their Human Rights Day message encouraged the government to extend further invitations to facilitate outstanding visit requests by other UN special mandate holders, including the Working Group on Enforced or Involuntary Disappearances. There were also a number of attacks on Christian churches and mosques during the period, including three on Christmas Eve.
Positively, the Sri Lankan External Affairs Minister told diplomats in December that a proposed Witness Protection Bill was nearly at the end of the parliamentary process. The Commission investigating wartime disappearances extended its deadline to receive complaints. The Commission’s mandate was also extended by six months. Dr. Chaloka Beyani, the UN Special Rapporteur on Human Rights of Internally Displaced Persons (IDPs), visited Sri Lanka from 2-6 December. He noted Sri Lanka’s “impressive strides in rebuilding infrastructure” and highlighted the need for more durable housing, access to social services, and the creation of livelihood opportunities. He also noted that of equal importance is an environment allowing the resettled and remaining IDPs to exercise their property rights, receive information on missing family members and access legal services.
Source: Daily Mirror (Sri Lanka)

Sri Lanka schools’ cricket round up (22/1/2014)

  • De Mazenod College, Kandana  194 (51.2) & 214 (54.4) Vs  Mahanama College, Colombo  217 (77.1) & 16/3 (5)  –  U19 Div1 – At De Mazenod College Ground  – Match drawn Mahanama won on 1st innings

  • Isipathana College, Colombo  167 (50.1) & 165 (53)  Vs  DS Senanayake College, Colombo  354/7 d (76) –  U19 Div1 – At DSS College Ground  – DS won by an inning & 22 runs

 

  • Dharmasoka College, Ambalangoda 62 (27.2) & 188 (46.3)  Vs  Trinity College, Kandy  173 (37.4) & 83/6 (27.3) –  U19 Div1 – At Asgiriya Ground – Day 2Trinity won by 4 wickets 

 

  • Prince Of Wales College, Moratuwa 206 (56) & 174 (55.4) Vs  Richmond College, Galle  306/8 d (69.1) & 76/3 (12.2) –  U19 Div1 – At POW Ground – Day 2Richmond won by 7 wickets 

 

  • Zahira College, Maradana  280 (88) & 135/2 (22)  Vs  Maris Stella College, Negambo  232 (83)  –  U19 Div1 – At Kadirana Ground – Day 2 Match drawn (Zahira won on 1st innings) 

 

  • Bandaranayake College, Gampaha  180 (60.5) & 167/8 (56)  Vs  St.Servatious College, Matara  262 (77.3)  –  U19 Div1 – At Uyanwatte Ground – Day 2 Match drawn (St.Servatius won on 1st innings) 

 

  • Joseph Vaz College, Wennappuwa 187 (65.1) & 101 (47.3)  Vs  Lumbini College, Colombo  165 (38.1) & 125/5 (29.5)  –  U19 Div1 – At BRC Ground – Day 2Lumbini won by 5 wickets 

President Rajapaksa arrives in UAE to attend 7th World Future Energy Summit

[By Janaka Alahapperuma]
Sri Lanka President Mahinda Rajapaksa arrived in the United Arab Emirates (UAE) to attend the official opening ceremony of the 7th edition of the World Future Energy Summit (WFES) at the Abu Dhabi National Exhibition Centre (Adnec), as part of Abu Dhabi Sustainability Week.
The President who left the island today (20 January) on a one-day official visit for UAE reached Abu Dhabi, the capital City of the Arabian nation. Chairman of Department of Municipal Council Affairs Majid Ali Al Mansouri and Sri Lankan Ambassador in the UAE Dr. Mahinda Balasuriya warmly welcomed the President at the Abu Dhabi International airport. President Rajapaksa is scheduled to take part in the World Future Energy Summit and the Zayed Future Energy Awards Ceremony this evening.
In addition the President will also hold bilateral discussions with top government officials of UAE and meet with the Sri Lankan community living in the Emirate.
According to the Prize website, the annual award celebrates achievements that reflect impact, innovation, long-term vision and leadership in renewable energy and sustainability.

Among the finalists for this year’s award include multinational companies such as General Electric and Wal-Mart, among others.
Minister of External Affairs Prof. G.L. Peiris and Monitoring MP of the Ministry of External Affairs Sajin Vass Gunawardena are a part of the Sri Lankan delegation.
Photos By: Sudath Silva

Sri Lanka Schools’ Cricket round up 20/1/2014

 

  • Dharmasoka College, Ambalangoda 62 (27.2) & 84/4 (19.5)  Vs  Trinity College, Kandy  173 (37.4)  –  U19 Div1 – At Asgiriya Ground – Stumps Day 1
  • Bandaranayake College, Gampaha  180 (60.5)  Vs  St.Servatious College, Matara  111/4 (30)  –  U19 Div1 – At Uyanwatte Ground – Stumps Day 1
  • Zahira College, Maradana  279/9 (87) Vs  Maris Stella College, Negambo   –  U19 Div1 – At Kadirana Ground – Stumps Day 1
  • Prince Of Wales College, Moratuwa 206 (56) Vs Richmond College, Galle  173/5 (42)  –  U19 Div1 – At POW Ground – Stumps      Day 1
  • Joseph Vaz College, Wennappuwa 187 (65.1)  Vs  Lumbini College, Colombo  119/5 (29)  –  U19 Div1 – At BRC Ground – Stumps Day 1

President Mahinda Rajapaksa says only 12,000 troops in the North

President Mahinda Rajapaksa says the number of soldiers based in the North has been reduced to 12,000 following the end of the war.

He said that around 60,000 – 75,000 soldiers were based in the North during the conflict but now there are only around 12,000 soldiers.

Speaking to the public after opening the new Thelipallai Trail cancer hospital in Jaffna today, the President said that the Government will ensure equal treatment for all communities in the country.

He said that no race can suppress another race in Sri Lanka and the Government will not leave room for such an attempt.

“Our blood is the same. There is no green, yellow or black blood,” he said.

The President also said that following the end of the war the Government had a short period of time to address most issues.

He said that within a short period of time the Government was able to resettle over 300,000 war displaced people, rebuild the war damaged areas and also release rehabilitated former LTTE cadres.

The President also said that by holding elections, including provincial council elections, the Government was able to ensure the people were able to exercise their democratic rights.

Northern Province Chief Minister C.V Wigneswaran and Government and opposition politicians including UNP MPs Ruwan Wijeywardena, Harsha de Silva and Eran Wickremeratne were also present at the event.

Speaking in Tamil to the public, the President spoke on the importance of the new cancer hospital for the North. He said the people of the North will stand to benefit from the new hospital.

Source: Colombo Gazette (Sri Lanka)

I’m an adopted daughter of Rajapaksa family: Hirunika

Kicking off her political campaign in a bold and determined note confronting her rivals, the newly-appointed Sri Lanka Freedom Party (SLFP) Colombo Central Organiser Hirunika Premachandra today said no-one could separate her from President Mahinda Rajapaksa as she was his adopted daughter.

Ms. Premachandra who was speaking at a SLFP Bala Mandala meeting at her residence in Kolonnawa today morning said she was an adopted daughter in the Rajapaksa family.

“I am the adopted daughter of President Rajapaksa’s family and the sister of MP Namal Rajapaksa and no-one can separate me from them,” she said.

She said she had told President Rajapaksa to summon her at any time if he received a complaint about her, so that she could respond.

Ms. Premachandra said that her future would be a challenging one when it comes to politics. “I have faced lots of obstacles, and will have to face more in the future, but that will not pull me down,” she said amidst loud cheers from her supporters.

She said many had asked her why she was so adamant about the killing of her father-the late Presidential advisor and former MP Bharatha Lakshman Premachandra-and stressed that she wouldn’t be silent until the killers were brought to book.

“I cannot bear the painful feeling I experience whenever I meet my father’s killers. and that is why I cannot keep quiet about it,” she said.

She told the gathering that her campaign would be like the tortoise in the famous folk-tale that moved towards its goal slowly but steadily, unlike the rabbit that started running only when it saw its opponent was at the threshold of victory.

“I will move slowly but steadily like the tortoise unlike the rabbit,” she added. (Yohan Perera)

Source: Daily Mirror (Sri Lanka)

Sri Lanka Schools’ Cricket round up (18/1/2014)

  • St Thomas College Mt Lavinia  252/8 (62.2) & 72/4 d (12)  Vs  Wesley College Colombo  160 (48.2) & 104/7 (33)  –  U19 – D1 – At Colombo 164  – Match drawn (St.Thomas, Mt.Lavinia won on 1st innings)
  • St Josephs College Colombo 10  221 (85.2) & 78/3 (37) Vs  Trinity College Kandy  223 (67.1) –  U19 D1 – At Asgiriya ground  – Match drawn (Trinity won on 1st innings)
  • Dharmaraja College  151 (74.4) & 124 (57)  Vs  Mahinda College Galle  165 (72.3)  –  U19 D 1 – At Galle – Match drawn (Mahinda won on 1st innings)

Britain allowed ex-SAS officers to train Sri Lankans as Tamil Tigers rebelled

Former SAS officers were allowed by the British government to train security forces in Sri Lanka around the time of the 1980s Golden Temple massacre, recently released government documents show.

The disclosure comes days after documents emerged appearing to show that SAS officers were involved in training Indian troops in the months leading up to the raid on the Amritsar temple, the Sikh religion’s holiest site, in June 1984.

It will intensify the diplomatic tensions over Britain’s role in the raid in Amritsar and add to evidence suggesting the government was happy to let former and serving special forces soldiers operate in India.

The new documents show that in September 1984 foreign secretary Geoffrey Howe’s private secretary, Peter Ricketts, wrote to David Barclay, private secretary to prime minister Margaret Thatcher about a request to allow a British company with SAS connections to work in Sri Lanka.

Continue read >>http://www.theguardian.com/world/2014/jan/16/former-sas-officers-training-sri-lanka

Source: The Guardian (UK)

Sri Lanka Schools’ Cricket Round up 17/01/2014

  • Dharmaraja College  151 (74.4)  Vs Mahinda College Galle  37/1 (16.3)  –  U19 D 1 – At Galle  – Stumps Day 1

 

  • St Thomas College Mt Lavinia  224/7 (54.1)  Vs  Wesley College Colombo   –  U19 – D1 – At Colombo  – Stumps Day 1

 

  • St Josephs College Colombo   221 (85.2)  Vs  Trinity College Kandy  2/2 (2) –  U19 D1 – At Asgiriya ground  – Stumps Day 1

 

  • Thurstan College, Colombo  202 (75.1)  Vs  St.Benadicts College, Kotahena  63/3 (27)  –  U19 Div1 – At St.Benadicts Ground  – Match drawn

 

  • Gurukula College, Kelaniya  178/10 (65.5) Vs  De Mazenod College, Kandana  137/7 (41) –  U19 Div1 – At De Mazenod College Ground  – No result

 

  • St.Anthonys College, Katugastota 166/8 d (67.3)  Vs  Holy Cross College, Kalutara  11/2 (5)  –  U19 Div1 – At Katugastota  – Match drawn

Prayer centre attack: Court orders suspects’ arrest

The Galle Additional Magistrate Gunaratne Kumara today ordered the police to arrest the 24 suspects identified by the Police as those involved in the attack on two prayer centers in Hikkaduwa

The Magistrate gave the order after the Police made submissions to court.

The Magistrate also ordered all media institutions to handover to the police the unedited video footage of the attack which damaged the two prayer centres to the Police.

A group of protestors including monks attacked two prayer centres belonging to an evangelical denomination last Sunday causing damage to the prayer centres in the presence of media and the Police. ( D.G Sugathapala)

Source: Daily Mirror (Sri Lanka)


Attacks on Hikkaduwa churches: UNP condemns govt. inaction

The upsurge in religious violence in recent times was profoundly damaging to the national psyche and should concern all fair-minded Sri Lankans and social and religious harmony was the patriotic duty of every citizen, especially in a country emerging from 30 years of ethnic conflict, Chairman of the UNP Leadership Council Karu Jayasuriya said yesterday.

Jayasuriya pointed out that last Sunday’s attack on two churches in Hikkaduwa were neither isolated nor accidental.

His statement in full:

“It is merely the manifestation of a greater tragedy that is now engulfing our nation; religious and ethnic intolerance is being allowed to reign with impunity by the ruling regime distorting the values inherent to Sri Lanka’s culture, ethos and long respected civilisation.

“This orchestration of violence against ethnic and religious minorities is not only a conspiracy against the country but also an attempt to destroy the concept of Buddhism as taught by the Buddha, who gave the world a philosophy of peace, loving kindness and non violence towards all beings. These actions are by certain extremists claiming to represent all Buddhists but they only befoul and denigrate the teachings of the Buddha. The impunity these groups enjoy has brought Sri Lanka to the very brink of communal strife yet again.

“The greatest tragedy of this moment is not merely the tacit patronage provided to these extremist groups by the state and its agents, but also the fact that Sri Lanka finds herself staring into this abyss once again less than five years after the end of brutal and protracted conflict. No true patriot of Sri Lanka, grateful to have seen the end of war, would have wished to see a repetition of past mistakes so soon again in their lifetime.

“Religious intolerance that saw the attacks in Hikkaduwa last Sunday, has reached its climax due to the impotence and inaction of the ruling regime in the face of a dangerous trend that contributes to the insecurity of minority communities and embarrasses the Buddhist majority. While untrammeled hate speech has ruled the day, leading to numerous attacks against religious minorities and a massive spike in inter religious tensions, to date the government has failed to book a single perpetrator or hold any single person accountable for these crimes. It is baffling that the police tasked with protecting every Sri Lankan citizen irrespective of race or religion have been made to look like powerless by standers to this unfolding tragedy. This leaves Sri Lankans with no alternative but to conclude that this religious intolerance and violence has the blessing of the present regime.

“As a party that believes in studying and learning from the mistakes of the past, the UNP holds firm to the values of pluralism and freedom of conscience. As standard bearers of the country’s oldest party, we will stand for the religious freedoms of all Sri Lankans. If the place of religious worship of any Sri Lankan is subjected to attack, the UNP will raise its voice against it. If we hold true to the concept of one Sri Lanka, then our reaction to an assault against a mosque, a church or a Hindu Kovil cannot differ in strength to the reaction against an attack on a Buddhist temple, for they all belong to Sri Lanka and Sri Lanka belongs to them all. In this country that has been often called the land of the Buddha, there is space enough, tolerance enough, peace enough for each of these religious communities to co-exist.

“Political expediency sought through sowing discord between religious faiths threatens all this.

“Against this devilry and short-sightedness, the UNP will take the strongest possible stand. This party places on notice all those officials who fail in their duty to protect and uphold the freedom of religion in this country and thus lay the building blocks for religious and communal strife that threatens to engulf and destroy the very fabric of Sri Lankan society. It is an unpardonable offence and a crime against the nation.

If the present regime believes that by patronising these extreme movements which wish to create further division they will garner the support of Buddhists in this country, they are making a fundamental mistake. The fanaticism and violence irk the moderate and peace loving Buddhist of Sri Lanka, that I believe still forms the majority, irrespective of their political affiliation. The proof of their repulsion will be known at the next national election.”

By Zacky Jabbar
Source: The Island (Sri Lanka) 

Casinos operate with Government’s blessings: Ranil

UNP National leader Ranil Wickremesinghe said today Sri Lanka received Buddhism and a rich culture with the advent of Arahat Mahinda Thera, but now we have received casinos and ethanol detrimental to the nation.

“With the advent of Arahat Mahinda Thera we received Buddhism and a rich culture and spiritual values based on Buddhism. But this regime supports drugs, Ethanol and casinos which will ruin the rich culture and spiritual values inherited from the advent of Arahat Mahinda Thera. So far these values were upheld with the blessings of the past leaders,” Mr. Wikremesinghe said.

Mr. Wikremesinghe said at the “Campaign against Casinos” held at the Maharagama Vipashyarama Temple under the guidance of Maduluwawe Sobhitha Thera that if the Government took action against this drug, ethanol and casinos by establishing an Independent Police Commission, Judiciary System and Attorney General’s Department, they would help the government despite political differences.

“When we protested against this the Government said the other countries also have these things, but here it is done by the Government politicians. In those countries, they caught drug traffickers but here it is the government that does it. It is only in Sri Lanka that the casinos are operating with the blessings of the Government,” he said.(Ajith Siriwardana and Muditha Dayananda)

Source: Daily Mirror (Sri Lanka)

Asalanka excels as Richmond record fourth win

A century by Charith Asalanka (135) and an unbeaten 83 runs by Kamindu Mendis were the highlights on the second day as Richmond College beat Dharmasoka College by nine wickets to record their fourth outright victory in their match ended at the Galle Stadium yesterday.

Scores:

Dharmasoka 158 all out in 55.4 overs (Pasan Piyaranga 23, Sachin Diwangana 50; Saveen Nanayakkara 2/32, Waruna Deshapriya 4/51) and 162 all out in 69 overs (Isuru Chathuranga 55, Hasindu Vidarshana 36; Vanindu Hasaranga 2/44, Charith Asalanka 2/40, Thisara Banuka 2/11, Waruna Deshapriya 3/26)

Richmond (154 for 3 overnight) 285 for 7 wkts decl in 64 overs (Charith Asalanka 135, Kamindu Mendis 83 n.o., Saveen Nanayakkara 21; Sudara Deshantha 2/64, Thilan Maduranga 3/96, Ushan Imantha 2/64) and 37 for 1 wkt in 5.1 overs (Kelum Nanayakkara 15 n.o., Charith Asalanka 16 n.o.)

by Reemus Fernando

Source: The Islands (Sri Lanka) 

Schools Cricket Round-up (14/1/2014)

  • Dharmasoka College,Ambalangoda 158 & 162  Vs  Richmond College  285/7 d  & 37/1  –  U19 Div I – Match at Galle Stadium  – Richmond won by 9 wickets
  • St.Peters College, Colombo  301/8d  Vs D.S.Senanayake College  143  & FO 313 U19 Div I – Match at Air Force Ground – Match drawn – St.Peters won on 1st innings
  • Joseph Vaz College,Wennappuwa 450/5d  & 36/1 Vs  Royal College,Panadura  312  U19 Div I – Match at Panadura Public Ground  – Match drawn – Joseph Vaz won on 1st innings
  • Rewatha Vidyalaya,Balapitiya  176  & 206/9 d  Vs  Moratu Vidyalaya  172  & 106/4 –  U19 Div I – Match at Moratu Vidyala Ground  – Match drawn – Revatha won on 1st innings
  • President College,Kotte  82  & 76 (26.1) A Cader 4/17  Vs  St.Thomas College,Mt.Lavinia  146/9d & 13/2 –  U19 Div I – Match at President College Ground  – St.Thomas College won by 8 wickets
  • Zahira College  186  & 125  Vs  Mahanama College  187  –  U19 Div I – Match at BOI Katunayake Ground  – Match drawn – Mahanama won on 1st innings

Opening of Galle to Matara expressway put off

The Government has decided to postpone the opening of the Galle — Matara section of the Southern Expressway by another month. This section was to be commissioned on January 31 by the President.

This move has been prompted by the delay in completing the access point from Nupe Junction in Matara to Godagama and the landscaping of the stretch of land from Pinnaduwa to Godagama.

Presidential coordinator Ven. Getamanne Gunanada Thera said the opening was scheduled to take place during the first week of March this year.
Government sources indicate that this section of the Southern Expressway would be commissioned before the elections to the Southern Provincial Council.

Meanwhile the delay had attracted a large number of peacocks to this section of the highway and the peacocks entertain the visitors with a colourful dance, which is a wonderful sight for tired eyes. (Krishan Jeewaka  Jayaruk)

Source: Daily Mirror (Sri Lanka)

Hirunika Colombo Central SLFP organiser

Hirunika Premachandra, daughter of slain former UPFA Parliamentarian for the Kolonnawa Electorate Bharatha Lakshman Premachandra has been appointed by President Mahinda Rajapaksa the Colombo Central SLFP Organiser and will contest the Western Provincial Council Election scheduled for March on the UPFA ticket.

SLFP sources told The Island that President Rajapaksa had taken that decision after discussions with Hirunika, who was dilly dallying over entering politics, but said that she would follow her father’s principles. President Rajapaksa met her yesterday morning at Temple Trees.

Bharatha Lakshman Premachandra was killed in an intra party confrontation during the 2012 Local Government Elections at Kolonnawa. At the time of his death, Bharatha was an adviser to President Rajapaksa on trade union affairs. He was killed during a clash with Parliamentarian Duminda Silva and his supporters, in which Silva, too, received at least two bullets to his head.

She said that she was getting the backing of the Kolonnawa voters who would assist her fully and was optimistic about doing well in Colombo Central at the Western Provincial Council Elections.

By Lal Gunasekera
Source: The Islands (Sri Lanka) 

Clinical Sri Lanka take 1-0 lead

Sri Lanka 388 (Mahela 129, Silva 95, Junaid 3-102) and 137 for 1 (Karunaratne 62*, Silva 58) beat Pakistan 165 (Manzoor 73, Pradeep 3-62, Herath 3-26) and 359 (Misbah 97, Younis 77, Sarfraz 74, Lakmal 4-78) by nine wickets

It had rained for most of the night in Dubai and the floodlights were switched on to brighten a gloomy morning, but there were no alarms for Sri Lanka once play began on time on the fifth day. They won this Test of attrition by bowling clinically to polish off the Pakistan tail, and then their openers guarded against any slip-ups in a chase of 137 by playing watchfully and taking liberties only after the contest had been killed. The weather was Sri Lanka’s only concern, as clouds gathered and dispersed through the day, but there was not a drop of rain and the winning runs were scored in sunshine.

Continue read>>http://www.espncricinfo.com/pakistan-v-sri-lanka-2013-14/content/story/709211.html

Source: ESPNCricinfo

Sri Lankan woman found dead in London with child and baby

Police are investigating a suspected murder-suicide after the body of a woman, a child, and a baby were found in a flat in London.

The 33-year-old woman was found dead alongside two boys aged seven months and five years in Woodgrange Close, Brent, at around 5.30pm yesterday.

Neighbours believe the woman was the children’s mother and the father discovered the bodies at their family home.

Leslie Gotts, who has lived in Woodgrange Close for 18 years, said the family, who are believed to be of Sri Lankan origin, had lived in the first-floor flat for around a year.

Continue read >> http://www.independent.co.uk/news/uk/crime/woman-found-dead-in-london-with-child-and-baby-in-suspected-murdersuicide-9052341.html

Source: The Independent (UK)

Schools Cricket Round-up (12/01/2014)

    • At Campbell Park, Wesley 180 vs Prince of Wales 203/7 (Prince of Wales won on 1st innings)

 

    • At BOI grounds Katunayake, Bandaranayake college Gampaha 197 & 141 vs St. Aloysius 164 & 119/5 ( Bandaranayaka won on 1st innings)

 

    • At DSS grounds, Nalanda 175 & 66/2 vs D.S.Senanayake 183 (DSS won on 1st innings)

 

    • At Mt. Lavinia, St. Thomas’ 204 & 70/5 vs Ananda 206 (Ananda won on 1st innings)

 

    • At Katugastota, St. Anthony’s 198 vs Dharmaraja 229 ( Dharmaraja won on 1st innings)

Schools cricket round up (10/01/2014)

  • At Campbell Park, Wesley 146/7 vs Prince of Wales (1st day)
  • At BOI grounds Katunayake, Bandaranayake college Gampaha 197, St. Aloysius 116/5 (1st day)
  • At President’s college grounds, Gurukula 432 and 96/2 vs President’s college Kotte 123 (Gurukula won on 1st innings)
  • At DSS grounds, Nalanda 126/5 (bad light stopped play early on 1st day)
  • At Thurstan grounds, Thurstan 106 & 113 vs St. Sebastian’s 150 and 70/1 (St Sebastian’s won by 9 wickets)
  • At Mt. Lavinia, St. Thomas’ 204 vs Ananda 3/0 (1st day)
  • At Kadirana, St. Peter’s 160 & 127/7 vs Maris Stella 47 & 263 (St. Peter’s won on 1st innings)
  • At Katugastota, St. Anthony’s 198 vs Dharmaraja 18/1 (1st day)
  • At Kandana, Joseph Vaz 188 & 175/5 vs De Mazenod 315/8 (De Mazenod won on 1st innings)
  • At Asgiriya Trinity 223 vs Dharmapala 90 & 111 (Trinity won by innings and 22 runs)
  • At Uyanwatta, St. Servatius 90 & 106 vs Richmond 208/4 (Richmond won by innings and 12 runs)

President Rajapaksa visits historic religious sites in the Old City of Jerusalem

[By Janaka Alahapperuma]

President Mahinda Rajapaksa and First Lady Shiranthi Rajapaksa visited historic religious sites in the Old City of Jerusalem in Israel on Wednesday afternoon (08 January). The historic Old City is home to a number of sites sacred for the Christian, Islamic and Jewish faiths.

Islamic religious leaders have warmly welcomed President Rajapaksa to the Dome of the Rock, which is one of the most sacred sites for the world’s Islamic community. It is believed to be the site where the Prophet Muhammad ascended to heaven.

The President also visited the Western Wall, the Kotel, commonly known as the Wailing Wall. The Western Wall is one of the most sacred sites for the Jewish faith and the last remains of the Temple Mount.

The visit to the Old City took place following bilateral discussions with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu earlier in the day. President Rajapaksa is scheduled to meet his Israeli counterpart Shimon Peres tomorrow. He is on a two-day visit to Israel, following visits to Jordan and Palestine.

Minister of External Affairs Prof. G.L. Peiris, Monitoring MP of the Ministry of External Affairs Sajin Vass Gunawardena, Parliamentarian  Roshan Ranasinghe, Secretary to the President Lalith Weeratunga and several other officials joined with the President at the Old City.

Photos by: Sudath Silva