The Parliamentary Select Committee (PSC), mandated to evolve constitutional proposals, has requested the Tamil National Alliance (TNA) to make submissions on its stand if it cannot attend regular sessions, informed sources said today.
The government took steps to appoint this PSC last year to evolve political proposals to resolve the national problem with the consensus of all the parties represented in Parliament. However, the main Opposition United National Party (UNP), the Janatha Vimukthi Peramuna (JVP) and the TNA, as opposition parties, decided not to participate in its sessions, calling it a futile exercise.
The TNA reaffirmed its stand that the government should first talk to it for bipartisan agreement on the appropriate constitutional amendments. The TNA said the proposals agreed on by the government and itself could then be placed before the other parties for consideration.
The government began the PSC sessions despite the absence of the opposition parties. The PSC, headed by Leader of the House Nimal Siripala de Silva, has now asked the opposition parties to make their submissions.
The TNA has asked for a power sharing agreement with the minorities. A PSC member, who wished to remain anonymous since he was not authorised to speak to the press on the subject, said an invitation had been extended to the TNA to make its submissions.
The government has been under pressure from sections of the international community to devolve power to the provinces. The newly elected prime minister of India, Mr. Narendra Modi has also asked President Mahinda Rajapaksa to expedite the process. (KB)
The death toll due to the prevailing adverse weather conditions affecting many parts of the country has shot up to 15 while two others are reported missing, according to the Disaster Management Centre (DMC).
Police spokesman SSP Ajith Rohana said that out of seven victims who had died due to the collapse of an embankment, in Matugama, three were children. They were identified as nine year-old Duddini Ishara of Dammage Watta, Kithulgoda, eight year-old Sanduni Nimesha of Polwattagoda and four-year-old K. V. Ruhiru of Polwattegoda, Kithulgoda. Others were 45-year-old Renuka Herath and 22-year-old Nadeesha Madushani of Dammage Watta, Kithulgoda and 57-year-old Shashiyage Punyasena and 47-year-old Uru Liyanage Kusumawathi of Omanta, Agalawatta.
The SSP said that two residents of Bulathsinhala had also died under similar circumstances and one was missing.
The missing person was identified as Susil Rajapaksa of Ambagahakanda, Mahagama and the deceased were 80-year-old K. Noiya and 54-year-old R. S. Piyasena of the same village.
A 73-year-old of Kudapahana, Meegahatenna in the Meegahatenna police area was killed by a landslide while a 38-year-old of Badugama, Matugama in the Welipenna police area died in floods. Five victims were being treated at the Wettewa hospital, the Police Spokesman said.
In another tragic incident in the early hours of yesterday in the Talangama North police area, a couple living on Dharmashoka road, No. 1080/01/D––73-year-old Premasiri Nawaratna and 62-year-old O. P. Premaseeli––were buried alive when a granite wall collapsed on their house.
The highest rain fall of 160 mm during last 24 hours ended at 8.30 am yesterday was recorded at Neboda in the Kalutara District and it was the worst affected area due to the overflowing of the Uyanwatta Weva.
DMC Deputy Director (Media) Sarath Lal Kumara yesterday told The Island that around 7,194 persons had been affected by floods in Kegalle, Kaluthara, Colombo, Gampaha and Matara Districts.
Ten deaths were reported from Agalawatte in the Kalutara District and two others from Kaduwela in the Colombo District due to collapsing embankments. Two persons had been reported missing in Agalawatta under similar circumstances and another one in Kelaniya due to floods, Lal Kumara said.
The DMC requested people living in the low lying areas to be cautious as several rivers including Kalu, Kukule, Gin, Bentrata and Nilwala were in spate and the threat of floods was imminent.
According to DMC several low lying areas in the country are already inundated.
Low-lying areas in the Agalawatta, Welipanna, Matugama, Paalinda Nuwara and Omatta Divisions in the Kalutara District have been affected by floods. Several main roads and byroads in Colombo, Kalutara and Galle also went under water yesterday.
Lal Kumara said that five teams from the Navy and Air Force had been deployed to rescue victims.
The Welipenna access to the Southern Expressway had gone under water by yesterday morning. But, officials said that the floods had not disrupted vehicle movement on the southern highway.
The Ceylon Electricity Board (CEB) said that the power supply to flood hit areas such as Matugama, Kitulgoda, Bulathsinhala and Kukuleganga in the Kalutara District had been disconnected yesterday for public safety.
Meanwhile, a severe weather advisory issued by Early Warning Centre of the Meteorology Department states that due to the active cloudiness in the Western sea area, there is the possibility of sudden rough seas associated with sudden increase of wind speed (up to 70-80 km/ph) over those sea areas off the coast extending from Mannar to Pottuvil via Colombo and Hambantota. Heavy showers are also expected in the above sea areas, it says.
The rainy weather is expected to continue in the Colombo, Gampaha, Kalutara, Galle, Matara and Ratnapura districts, while heavy showers were also likely at some places (more than 100 mm of rainfall), according to the Met Department.
The Met Department has requested the naval and fishing communities to be vigilant.
Met Department Duty Meteorologist P.D. Ananda Perera said that prevailing rainy weather was expected to continue in the western, Sabaragamuwa and Central provinces and in the Galle and Matara districts. He added that the heavy falls were also likely (more than 100 mm) at some places. “Thundershowers will develop at several places in the Uva, North central and Eastern provinces during the afternoon or evening.”
Perera noted that fairly strong winds could be expected along the western slopes of the Central hills at times and there might be temporary localised strong winds during thundershowers.
The Met Department requests the public to take adequate precautions to minimise the damages caused by lightning.
The National Council for Road Safety (NCRS), Chairman Gamini Ekanayake, yesterday warned that there was a risk of the number of road accidents increasing due to heavy rains and, therefore, all drivers and motorcyclists should be extra careful due to slippery road conditions.
by Maheesha Mudugamuwa Source: The Island (Sri Lanka)
Sri Lanka off-spinner Sachithra Senanayake has been reported for a suspected illegal bowling action.
Senanayake, who has twice recorded career-best figures in the ongoing Royal London series against England, was reported by umpires Ian Gould and Marais Erasmus at the end of his team’s victory at Lord’s on Saturday.
He will be free to bowl again in the series decider at Edgbaston on Tuesday, but will face further scrutiny under International Cricket Council regulations.
An ICC press release read: “The umpires’ report cited concerns over a number of deliveries that were considered to be suspect.
“Senanayake’s bowling action will now be scrutinised further under the ICC process relating to bowlers reported in Tests, ODIs and T20Is.
“The off-spinner is required to undergo testing within 21 days, and, during this period, he is permitted to continue bowling in international cricket until the results of the testing are known.”
However, the Sri Lanka Cricket said that Sachithra is not debarred from consideration for selection to the 5th ODI to be played at Edgbaston tomorrow
“The International Cricket Council (ICC) has informed SLC that the umpires officiating in the 4th ODI of the ongoing England tour have reported a number of deliveries bowled by Sachithra Senanayake were considered to be suspect,” the SLC said.
It also said that since Sachithra had over the past 2 years played many bilateral/ ICC tournaments and four earlier games in the current tour without any hint of suspicion, this comes as a surprise to SLC.
“As however, the ICC has a procedure in place for situations such as this, SLC has no option but to adhere to the laid down process,” it added.
The Ceylon Shipping Corporation (CSC) has signed a USD 70 million (over Rs. 9.1 billion) loan agreement with the state-owned People’s Bank to purchase two 63,600 MT DWT bulk cargo-carrying ships from China, to revive the corporation.
The two ships will be built by AVIC International Beijing Company Limited of China. The first ship will be delivered on October 31, 2015 and the second on January 31, 2016.
There are plans to use the ships for transporting thermal coal imported for the coal fired power plant in Norochcholai.
The agreement was signed by Navy Commander Vice Admiral Jayanath Colombage, who is also the Chairman of the Shipping Corporation, and the General Manager of the People’s Bank Wasantha Kumar.
These ships are also specially designed, to add an extra deck at an extra cost, to accommodate around 25 persons in addition to its standard crew complement, with the view of providing mandatory onboard sea-training for nautical and engineering cadets.
During the 1970s and 1980s the Ceylon Shipping Corporation owned and operated over 20 ships including commercial ships but with the war, its operations and strength gradually declined.
The Corporation earlier said the need to acquire ships for the CSC was in the interest of the country and the national economy as well. (Supun Dias)
The National Freedom Front (NFF) had put the government on probation just like the Janatha Vimukthi Peramuna (JVP) had done in the past, NFF leader Wimal Weerawansa said today.
Mr. Weerawansa in a media briefing recalled that the JVP gave a probation period for the then PA government in 2001 in order to put it on the right track and his party was performing a similar exercise tomorrow.
However, he said his party would be compelled to change its political journey even if it became a bitter experience if the government failed to accept and implement the 12-point proposal presented by his party.
Mr. Weerawansa said Saturday’s talks with President Mahinda Rajapaksda were cordial.
“President Rajapaksa has assured me that he would discuss the 12-point plan with other senior members of the Sri Lanka Freedom Party (SLFP) and would respond,” Weerawansa said.
Therefore, he said, the success of his party’s deliberations with the government would depend on how the SLFP leaders reacted to his 12-point plan.
“Our objective is not to create a perfect ground for the enemies of this State to fulfil their objectives, but such a perfect condition would be set for these unfriendly forces if the government did not change its ways,” he said.
Mr. Weerawansa said he did not discuss the removal of Treasury Secretary Dr. P.B. Jayasundera and only discussed other shortcomings on the economic front.
However, he said removing Dr. Jayasundara as the Secretary to the Ministry of Economic Development was a useless move just to satisfy people.
Besides he said the crossing over of two Provincial Council members of his party to the SLFP and the UNP respectively was a political exercise engineered just to scare his party.
He said the Provincial Council member who crossed over to the SLFP was yet to be accepted by that party. (Yohan Perera and Dharashana Sanjeewa)
President Mahinda Rajapaksa who is in Shanghai, China on an official visit to attend the Conference on Interaction and Confidence Building Measures in Asia (CICA) met with the Secretary General of the United Nations Ban Ki-moon this evening (May 21). The President enlightened him about the post-war development activities and the progress achieved in other sectors after the Secretary General’s visit to Sri Lanka in May 2009.
The President requested the Secretary General to pay another visit to Sri Lanka to witness the real ground situation by himself and see the progress Sri Lanka has achieved in a short span of time. The President also enlightened him that reasonable and satisfactory percentage of the recommendations of the Lessons Learnt and Reconciliation Commission (LLRC) has now been implemented. While appreciating the implementation of LLRC recommendations, the UN Secretary General commended President Rajapaksa’s commitment and dedication being made by him for ensuring democracy in the country. The President told him that although it takes certain time period to solve problems related to some sensitive matters including land matters, Sri Lanka is committed to implement the recommendations of the LLRC. The president also informed that Sri Lanka is fully committed to inquire in to allegations reported to have been taken place during the elimination of 30 years of brutal terrorism through a local mechanism and emphasised that an international investigation does not fall in line with the aspirations of the people of Sri Lanka.
The president also pointed out that the controversial differences existing in the new proposal of the UN Human Rights Commission. The president also assured that Sri Lanka will uninterruptedly work with the UN network. The UN Secretary General said that Sri Lanka has recently achieved a high level of development and commended holding of the World Youth Conference-2014 in a highly successful manner.
In the meantime, President Rajapaksa also met Iranian President Hassan Rouhani on the sidelines of the 4th Summit of the CICA in Shanghai. During the bilateral talks between the two leaders, President Rajapaksa said that Sri Lanka is keen on further strengthening ties, especially in the area of trade. Iran also would like to develop economic relations with Sri Lanka, President Rouhani commented.
Chinese President Xi Jinping hosted the welcome banquet with his wife Peng Liyuan on Tuesday evening (May 20) for the leaders of Asian nations or representatives of international organizations and their guests attending the 4th summit of the Conference on Interaction and Confidence Building Measures in Asia (CICA). The banquet took place at the Shanghai International Conference Center.
Chinese President warmly received President Rajapaksa, along with other heads of state and heads of delegation currently in China for the conference as they arrived for the banquet. President Vladimir Putin of Russia, President Hamid Karzai of Afghanistan, President Nursultan Nazarbayev of Kazakhstan, President Almazbek Atambayev of Kyrgyzstan, President Susilo Bambang Yudhoyono of Indonesia, President Hassan Rouhani of Iran and the Secretary General of United Nations Ban Ki-moon are among the world leaders attending the welcome banquet.
The two days summit on building up self- confidence of Asia is scheduled to open in Shanghai tomorrow. It will continue until the 22nd of this month. 46 state leaders and heads or representatives of international organizations are scheduled to attend the summit.
President Xi Jinping will chair the summit and deliver a speech on China’s view of the security situation in Asia, and to put forward China’s position on strengthening security dialogue and cooperation among other Asian nations.
In these photos, Chinese President Xi Jinping is seen with First Lady Peng Liyuan welcoming President Mahinda Rajapaksa and other Asian leaders as they arrived for the welcome banquet last evening and heads of state and heads of delegation pose for the group photo at the Shanghai International Conference Center.
Demonstrators displaying LTTE flags during the protest
A group of around 20 pro-LTTE Tamils demonstrated in front of the Oval cricket ground in London last week when Sri Lanka played their T20 cricket match against England.
Despite being listed as a proscribed terrorist organization in the United Kingdom, the protesters freely waved Tamil Ealam flags and shouted anti-Sri Lanka slogans.
When Sri Lanka played their first one-day international match against England at the same venue last Thursday, there were only about five pro-LTTE Tamils demonstrating in front of the ground. By the time the match ended, the demonstrators had dispersed.
There was a large police presence to prevent any untoward incidents.
In June 2013, when Sri Lanka played a one-day international match against England at the same venue, there was a clash between an anti-LTTE Sinhalese group and demonstrators.
However, no violence was reported this time.
By Sujeeva Nivunhell Source: The Islands (Sri Lanka)
President Mahinda Rajapaksa held bilateral discussions with his Pakistani counterpart Mamnoon Hussain this afternoon (May 20) in Shanghai, China, on the sidelines of the 4th Summit of the Conference on Interaction and Confidence Building Measures in Asia (CICA).
Pakistani President extended his country’s unwavering support to Sri Lanka when both leaders met for the discussion. During the talks, the two leaders also discussed reviving cricket tours between the two nations and enhancing trade relations to boost the amount of trade that takes place between the two South Asian nations.
Minister of External Affairs Prof. G.L. Peiris, Chief of Staff Mr. Gamini Sedara Senarath, Secretary to the Ministry of External Affairs Mrs. Kshenuka Seneviratne and Sri Lanka’s Ambassador in China Mr. Ranjith Uyangoda were also present at the discussion.
President Rajapaksa arrived in China this morning commencing a three-day official tour to attend the conference on an invitation from the Government of China. The President is schedule to conduct bilateral talks with several other heads of states in parallel to the summit proceedings. He is also scheduled to address the summit.
Meanwhile Secretary General of United Nations Ban Ki Moon and Russia’s President Vladimir Putin have arrived in Shanghai to attend the summit. The Chinese President Xi Jinping will host a banquet for the visiting heads of states and overseas delegation tonight.
President Mahinda Rajapaksa arrived in China this morning (20 May) commencing a three-day official visit. The President was welcomed at the Pudong International Airport in Shanghai by Deputy Secretary-General of Shanghai Municipal Government Mr. Huang Rong, Executive Vice President of Shanghai People’s Association for Friendship with Foreign Countries (SPAFFC) Mr. Wang Xiaoshu and Sri Lanka’s Ambassador in China Mr. Ranjith Uyangoda.
A Chinese child presented a bouquet of flowers to President Mahinda Rajapaksa to welcome him to China as he began his visit during which the President will attend the fourth summit of the Conference on Interaction and Confidence Building Measures in Asia (CICA) on an invitation from the Government of China.
The fourth summit on building up self- confidence of Asia is scheduled to open in Shanghai tomorrow. It will continue until the 22nd of this month. 46 state leaders and heads or representatives of international organizations will attend. Secretary General of United Nations Ban Ki Moon is also scheduled to attend the summit.
During his stay in China, President Rajapaksa is scheduled to hold discussions with high level officials of the Chinese Government as well as many foreign delegates. Accordingly, a meeting between the President and the Pakistani President is schedule to take place this evening. The Chinese President Xi Jinping will host a banquet for the visiting heads of states and overseas delegation tonight.
Pictures are seen here, a Chinese child greets President Mahinda Rajapaksa on arrival at Pudong International Airport in Shanghai as Minister of External Affairs Prof. G.L. Peiris, Chief of Staff Mr. Gamini Sedara Senarath and Sri Lanka’s Ambassador in China Mr. Ranjith Uyangoda look on.
Meanwhile Russia’s President Vladimir Putin has arrived in Shanghai ahead of the CICA summit at which Russia and China are hoping to deepen ties as Chinese President is expected to make announcements on security in Asia at the summit.
The High Commission of Sri Lanka in the United Kingdom organized an almsgiving for twenty Venerable members of the Maha Sanga representing the Buddhist temples in the UK, on Wednesday 14th May, with the participation of the Sri Lankan community, as part of its Vesak Celebrations, and also to invoke blessings on H.E. President Mahinda Rajapaksa, the Government and the people of Sri Lanka. The High Commission premises were colourfully adorned with Vesak lanterns, Buddhist flags and decorations.
Chief Sanganayaka of Great Britain & Head of the London Buddhist Vihara Ven. Bogoda Seelawimala Nayaka Thero; Chief Incumbent of the Kingsbury Saddhatissa International Buddhist Vihara, Ven. Galayaye Piyadassi Nayaka Thero; Chief Incumbent of the Birmingham Jetavana Buddhist Temple Ven. Keppetiyagoda Gunawansa Nayaka Thero; and Ven. Maha Sanga from the following Buddhist Viharas also participated at the Almsgiving:- Athula Dassana International Buddhist Temple, Hounslow; East London Buddhist Cultural Centre, Plaistow; Upton Temple, Plaistow; Thames Buddhist Vihara, Croydon; Mahamevnawa Asapuwa, Billericay; Scotland Buddhist Vihara, Scotland; and Redbridge Buddhist Cultural Centre, Ilford.
Ven. Bogoda Seelawimala Nayaka Thero, Ven Dr Handupalpola Mahinda Nayaka Thero, and Ven Dedunupitiye Upananda Thero, in their Anusasanas outlined the meaning of the Triple Festival of Vesak commemorating the Birth, Enlightenment and Parinirvana of the Buddha; the universality of Buddhism; and the imperative of unity of all Sri Lankans.
In his concluding remarks, Ven Bogoda Seelawimala Nayaka Thero commended the service rendered by the High Commissioner and staff and for their active participation in many Temple events throughout the UK, and that this was reflected in the participation of the Ven Maha Sanga from so many Temples in the UK in the High Commission’s Vesak celebration and almsgiving today.
British Prime Minister, David Cameron, sends his best wishes to all Buddhists celebrating Vesak on May 14, 2014. This is the first time Mr Cameron has issued a Vesak message since he assumed office in May, 2010.
In his message issued by PM’s office the British Premier said;
“I’d like to send my best wishes to Buddhists in Britain and around the world celebrating Vesak, the sacred festival commemorating the birth, enlightenment and the passing away (Parinirvana) of the Buddha.
For millions of people it is a time to reflect on the Buddhist teachings of tolerance and compassion, and to make offerings to those in need. It is a special occasion that reminds us of the sincere and enduring principles espoused by Buddhists throughout the world.
At this time I’d like to especially praise Britain’s Buddhist communities for the outstanding contribution they make to our country. You play a valued and important part in our Island story and I thank you for everything you do.
To Buddhists in the UK and the world I wish you a happy and peaceful Vesak.”
However to commemorate “Sri Sambuddhathwa Jayanthi” which marked the 2600th year of the Enlightenment of Lord Buddha, which was celebrated in the year 2012, British Government organised a first ever Vesak celebration under the patronage of Baroness Sayeeda Warsi, Senior Minister of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs in the Foreign and Commonwealth Office and Minister for Faith and Communities.
Earlier in 2009, then Prime Minister Gordon Brown surprised British Buddhists by issuing the first ever Vesak message which was highlighted as a very rare occasion in the UK history by many Buddhists scholars.
The government has made plans to celebrate the fifth anniversary of the end of the war with a “Victory Day” celebration in Matara in the Southern Province. But at the opposite side of the country there will be no such celebration. The government has prohibited any public commemoration of the war’s end in the Northern Province. Speaking on behalf of the government, the military spokesperson has said that “Individuals may have religious services to commemorate their loved ones killed in the fighting, but there cannot be any public events.” The government has been concerned that public events could be used to praise the LTTE in the guise of remembering the war dead.
While the government’s concerns may be real, the contrasting manner in which the May 18 events will be remembered in the two extremes of the country will highlight the polarization that continues to exist in post-war Sri Lanka. It is likely that only the government and its political allies will be present at the Victory Day celebrations, which include a victory parade by the military in Matara. The rest of Sri Lanka’s political plural and multi-ethnic polity will be missing. The failure of national reconciliation will be manifest in the government’s celebration and victory parade. It makes it seem as if five years after the war, the war victory over the LTTE was the only real thing that happened.
The disparity between the government’s treatment of the North and South shows that the ethnic and political conflict remains, despite the end of the war. The country is geographically and administratively unified but remains politically and ethnically divided and in a state of conflict. In recent weeks there also appears to be some signs of opposition appearing from within the ranks of the government itself. This might be seen as signs of a coming implosion, which is a scenario that has been speculated upon for several years, due to the increasing concentration of power within the government. The danger for the government is that there will come a point where the forces of fragmentation, which is indicated by the growing internal opposition, will grow too strong to keep the government coalition together.
MUSLIM COMMUNITY
With presidential elections widely anticipated by early next year, both the government and opposition are trying to attract support to themselves from as wide a constituency as possible. The war victory celebration in Matara could be seen as an effort to remind the people of the government’s most important achievement, and consolidate their support for the electoral challenges that lie ahead. However, an overemphasis on the nationalism of one ethnic community can prove to be a double edged sword. An important constituency that the government seems to have lost in recent times is the Muslim community. The attacks on them by Sinhalese nationalist groups, such as the BBS, have alienated them from the government.
There is a perception that these Sinhalese groups are supported by sections within the government. It would be in the interests of the government to distance itself from these attacks in a manner that would restore the balance. In a noteworthy development Minister Rishard Bathiudeen has filed action in the courts against one of these groups. He has taken this action when the entire Muslim community feels helpless and vulnerable in the face of anti-Muslim sentiment which is being spread by these groups, and even against the violence perpetrated against the community. Members of the BBS not only entered his ministry premises by force, they have also denounced him for allegedly resettling Muslims who were displaced during the war in an illegal manner in the Wilpattu wildlife park. Minister Bathiudeen has rejected these allegations and has demanded either an apology or a legal judgment in his favour.
There is no doubt that Minister Bathiudeen’s actions will obtain for him the support of many within the Muslim community. This could have positive results to him and his political party which is a coalition partner of the government. However, his implicit critique of the government’s inaction in regard to the attacks on the Muslim population is likely to be undermined by what is happening on the ground. In Aluthgama a Muslim shop was torched by a mob, the latest in a series of attacks against the Muslims. At the same time, the concerns of the Sinhalese nationalist groups which have been targeted against the Muslims are also matters of concern to the larger Sinhalese population. Many Sinhalese who do not support the methods and actions of the Sinhalese nationalist groups, nevertheless share their concerns.
GOVERNMENT DIFFICULTIES
The problem facing the government is the opposite of what is facing the opposition. If the government is perceived to be too much of a monolith, and too centralized, it can risk losing support from sections of the population who are not in favour with some parts of current government policy. This can range from its policy on casinos to its attitude to the rise in anti-minority activities. The drastic reduction in the ethnic and religious minority vote going to the government at the provincial council elections held in March has been a matter of concern to the government. It cannot risk losing the minority vote in a similar manner at a presidential election, in which every vote will count.
The government needs to maintain a social and political balance without going to one extreme. The present weakness in the opposition parties provides the possibility for the government to indeed go to the extreme. There are countervailing forces within the government itself are serving to keep its tendency to go to the extreme in check. In the absence of a strong opposition those countervailing forces within the government will tend to remain with the government rather than spin off to the opposition. This suggests that those who seek policy change in the government at this time could do more to work with sympathetic and like-minded government members to ensure constructive change from within.
It is easy to get disheartened by the continuing emphasis on the divisions that exist within Sri Lankan society instead of on factors that could genuinely unify the polity. It was all of Sri Lanka that went through a thirty year war that saw large scale civilian casualties through military offensives, bomb attacks and assassinations. There is a need to remember all who died in the hope that this bloodletting will never occur again. This indeed is the message and recommendation of the Lessons Learn and Reconciliation Commission appointed by the President, which is yet to be implemented in full. Hopefully, the South African initiative at promoting reconciliation within the country at the invitation of the government will soon bear fruit. At the present time, the actions of the government and of its nationalist allies on the ground defy hope.
Mr Karuna Basnayake (86) was recently honoured by British Sri Lankan Forum (BSLF) for his long term commitment towards the Sinhala and Buddhist community by awarding a special commemorative plaque in presence of a large gathering in London. Mr Wimal Edirweera, President of Sinhala Centre was invited to present the award to Mr Basnayake.
Mr Basnayake, a patriotic senior citizen in our community has been involved in community work almost from his arrival in the UK well over 40 years. He was the 1st to open up a Sri Lankan shop in Hampstead, London. His clients at the time were people like former London Mayour Ken Livingston, distinguished Labour Party members like Venessa Redgrave and many more.
Mr Basnayake has been outspoken fearless critic of terrorist atrocities committed against Sinhala Buddhists and continued his patriotic work for number of years for the benefit of the nation. He was deeply touched when the Anuradhapura massacre occurred in 1985 and gunned down monks, nuns and 146 innocent civilians as they were worshipping inside the Jaya Sri Maha Bodhi sacred Buddhist shrine and the Aranthalawa Massacre in June, 1987 killing 33 Buddhist monks and innocent villagers by Liberation Tigers of Tamil Eelam (LTTE). Mr Basnayake took the initiative to organise a remembrance pinkama in 1998, in memory of those who have died from terrorist attacks just after LTTE attacked most venerated Buddhist shrine, Sri Dalada Maligawa in Kandy killing 23 innocent worshippers including two infants and injuring large number of peaceful innocent civilians, who were on their way to the holy temple that morning. Since then his remembrance pinkama still continues to date in every January and two years ago BSLF members came forward in support of Mr Basnayake to continue this noble annual event and held its 16th commemoration last January.
He has been actively involved in welfare of poor and needy Sri Lankans and more recently resettlement and rehabilitation of war victims in rural areas of Sri Lanka. He has been a great asset to the Sinhala community in the UK and most of his work has been done without any publicity and keep in line with his Buddhist principles. He has been involved in London Buddhist Vihara from its inception and has also been an active member of Amarawathi Buddhist Monastery at Hamel Hampstead.Mr Basnayake has a special affinity for art and sculpture. He made his debut in sculpturing at the Mary Ward Centre in Bloomsbury where he sculptured the life size bust of one of the most revered Buddhists in the 20th century ‘Anagarika’ Dharmapala. In 2004, a Buddhist statue (Samadhi Buddha – Anuradhadura era, Sri Lanka, about 3-4 AD) sculptured by Karuna Basnayaka won the People’s Prize award and the winning Buddha statue was exhibited at the Victoria and Albert Museum in London. A large gathering of both British and Sri Lankan friends were there on the opening day to see his works and amongst them was Professor Lakshman Perera.
On behalf of all the members of British Sri Lankan Forum, its President Janaka Alahapperuma said that this is a small token of gratitude for Mr Basnayake’s invaluable services to the community over a number of years. He also expressed his sincere appreciation to Mrs Prema Basnayake for all her assistance throughout this period. He further said BSLF would like to take this opportunity to wish Mr and Mrs Karuna Basnayake, good health and happiness for many more years to come. Large number of BSLF members, including its patrons Dr M.B.Ranatunga and Dr R.N.De.S. Amarasekera, supporters and well wishes were present at the occasion.
President Mahinda Rajapaksa said that school children should not be allowed to fall prey to the whims and fancies of various elements. He said certain groups are ready to cause destruction to the education of school children to achieve their political objectives and narrow personal gains. The President made these remarks at the opening ceremony of the Mahindodaya Technical Laboratory at the Thalawa Maha Vidyalaya in Anuradhapura this morning (09 April)
Addressing the ceremony President Rajapaksa further said certain foreign embassies are also supporting programmes of these sorts to mislead school children. The President requested parents not to allow their children to become victims of such vicious elements that emerge in various forms. He emphasised that his government will not allow anyone to sabotage the school education system merely for foreign dollars and any child to become a victim of such element. The President stated he believe that parents, teachers, principals and even politicos should be aware of it and urged politicians not to exploit school children for their personal gains.
The President pointed out that development of the country will not benefit the society if the children are misled. It is the younger generation that suffered most from the uprising took place in the South in 1988/89 and from the three decades of brutal terrorism in the North. While noting that the younger generation is the backbone of the development, the President noted that the process would be disrupted if they are misled.
The laboratory which is constructed under the programme of establishing one thousand (1000) Mahindodaya Technical Laboratories throughout the island is equipped with a fully-fledged Mathematics Laboratory, a Language Laboratory with 25 computers, a Computer Laboratory with 45 computers and a Distant Education Centre. After declaring it open the President inspected the new facilities of the laboratory and made inquiries from the students about their educational activities. Subsequently the President presented a laptop to Namal Udara who is a Grade 12 student of the Thambuttegama Maha Vidyalaya who will represent Sri Lanka in the World Innovative Creations Competition which will be held soon in Los Angeles in the USA.
Venerable Maha Sangha headed by the Chief Sangha Nayaka of the Nuwara Kalawiya and Chief Incumbent of Ruwanweli Maha Seya, Ven Pallegama Hemarathana Nayaka Thero, Governor of the North Central Province Karunaratne Divulgane, Education Minister Bandula Gunawardena, Special Projects Minister S.M. Chandrasena, Chief Minister S.M. Ranjith, large number of dignitaries, officials, local politicians, teachers, parents and school children were also present.
President Mahinda Rajapaksa participated in several religious observances and paid homage to the Jaya Sri Maha Bodhiya in Anuradhapura this morning (08 April). Later, the President called on the Chief Incumbent of the Atamasthanaya Venerable Pallegama Siriniwasa Nayake Thera and received his blessings after a brief discussion. The President also inspected the ongoing construction work within the Jaya Sri Maha Bodhi sacred site.
Thereafter President Rajapaksa attended religious rituals held in the Ruwanweli Seya and secured the blessings of the Triple Gem. He joined in the Pinkama of ordaining 75 novice monks entered the Buddhasasana at the same day and offered Pirikara to those monks. The president also paid a courtesy call on the Chief Incumbent of the Ruwanweli Seya Venerable Pallegama Hemarathana Nayaka Thero and secured his blessings.
The President also seized the opportunity of exchanging pleasantries with devotees who were at the Ruwanweli Seya. Later President Rajapaksa participated in several other public ceremonies in the Anuradhapura area.
North Central Governor Karunaratne Divulgane, Chief Minister S.M. Ranjith and Deputy Minister W.B. Ekanayake were among those present on the occasion.
The Hon Speaker Chamal Rajapaksa was in the UK to attend a meeting of the Executive Committee of the Commonwealth Parliamentary Association (CPA). The Hon Speaker is the immediate Past President of the CPA.
The Hon Speaker was welcomed by High Commissioner Dr. Chris Nonis, to the Sri Lanka High Commission, during his stay in London. The Hon Speaker commended the work carried out by the staff of the Mission for the Sri Lankan community, as well as the several Commonwealth related events held at the High Commission in recognition of His Excellency President Mahinda Rajapaksa assuming the Chair-in-Office of the Commonwealth.
Sri Lankan High Commissioner to the UK, Dr Chris Nonis, met the Prime Minister of Pakistan, HE Nawaz Sharif, during his visit to London. Dr Nonis articulated the strong and longstanding friendship and cooperation that exists between the two countries, and the value of the comprehensive bilateral Free Trade Agreement. HE Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif reaffirming his strong bond of friendship, spoke about his meeting with HE President Mahinda Rajapaksa during his visit to Sri Lanka for the Commonwealth Heads of Government Meeting 2013, chaired by President Rajapaksa.
The impartiality of the match referee and the umpires at the annual big match between Richmond College and Mahinda College at the Galle Esplanade on March 22 and 23 has raised concern amongst cricket lovers.
Match Referee Basil Perera and the two umpires Thilak Fernando and Ruchira Palliyaguru – an international cricket umpire – are alleged to have been biased at the 109th annual Lovers’ Quarrel in Galle as Richmond College was awarded the win after the match was stopped when spectators swamped the ground.
Meanwhile, discipline in school cricket appears to be deteriorating fast as evident at this big match. Allegations have been leveled and video clips clearly show how few Richmond players removed stumps and attacked the spectators that came running to the ground during the last few mandatory overs.
Eyewitnesses confirmed to The Sunday Leader the indecent behaviour of Richmond College Vice Captain/Wicket Keeper Sithara Gimhana, who played for the Sri Lanka Under 19 team, going to the extent of pulling down his trousers and showing his back to the Mahinda College players in an act of insult to the game in front of the Mahinda College dressing room when the awards presentation was taking place a few feet away.
A standing ovation
According to spectators, more than the indecent behaviour of the Richmond vice-captain, it was most disheartening to witness the way the Richmond College supporters gave a standing ovation to their Vice Captain for his ‘heroic act’.
“This is very unfortunate. Let the school take action against this player for his indecent behaviour, but, as elders, we should not encourage this. The more you encourage, the more our children become indecent as they assume that such acts are accepted. I was in the pavilion when this happened and I had to tell my two sons how ugly it was for one of their players to behave that way in front of thousands of school children and spectators,” Ian Perera said.
Richmond College deserved a win after 45 years as they have performed extremely well and is the number one in school cricket ranking; Mahinda College has outplayed them on three occasions during the past 45 years. Be that as it may, questions have now been raised as to the grounds on which the match referee decided to award the win when there was ample time and good day light to re-start the match.
Mahinda College Principal’s letter to the Match Refree
According to Match Referee Basil Perera, the win was awarded to Richmond College because of the ‘trend’ – the way wickets were falling regularly.
When asked as to how he could assume that Mahinda would have lost the match had they continued the play, Perera agreed that cricket is an uncertain game where there were many instances the last pair has saved matches but added that there were more chances for Richmond College to win the game.
In their defense
Although video clips show clearly as to how Richmond College players removed the stumps and assaulted some spectators that swamped the ground, Master-in–charge of Richmond College cricket Damith Prasanna sees no wrong in his players for assaulting the spectators.
“I don’t see any wrong in this. They did this for their safety. We have not taken any disciplinary action against these players nor will we question them over this,” said the Master-in charge.
When reminded of the World Cup Semifinals in 1996 in India between Sri Lanka and India where the match had to be called off because of the Indian interruption where bottles and other objects were thrown towards the Sri Lankan players who were at the field, the Master-in charge said that the two incidents cannot be compared as Richmond College players are still small children.
“The Sri Lankan players are much older and our players are still teenagers. Don’t try to compare these two teams. Consider their age groups. Small children cannot behave the way adults behave,” he said.
Surprisingly, Richmond College Principal E M S Ekanayake agreed with his Master-in-charge and queried as to who will wait without assaulting when somebody attacks.
“Will you wait silent if someone assaults you? I don’t see any wrong in this,” he claimed.
When told that the video clips do not show spectators assaulting but only Richmond College players attacking them with stumps, Principal Ekanayake said that he was told that spectators has assaulted his players but none of his players got injured.
“We have not received any complaints against our players. Why should we take disciplinary action against them? I was told that our Vice-Captain was involved in an indecent matter but I haven’t received a complaint,” said the Principal.
Code of conduct
Sri Lanka Cricket (SLC) and Sri Lanka Schools Cricket Association (SLSCA) said that, if an official complaint is received, they would hold an inquiry to see whether the match officials have failed to abide by cricket rules and regulations.
General Secretary SLSCA and Executive Member SLC Dilshan de Silva, when contacted, said, at an impartial inquiry, both SLC and SLSCA could take stern action not only against the match officials but also against the school players if they have breached the rules and code of conduct.
“I came to know about this indecent behaviour in Galle but we are yet to get an official complaint. We also received a copy of the letter the Mahinda College Principal has sent to the Match Referee asking him for a copy of the match report. Based on this letter, how can we take any action? Let them come officially to us and we will do the needful,” De Silva added.
De Silva further said that, although SLC and SLSCA has nothing to do with big matches which are called friendly matches, if complaints are received, action could be taken after an inquiry against those who are found guilty.
“I saw this video clip in question which focuses only on the pitch. It shows that there was no discipline in the middle of the pitch. The players have no right to remove stumps during the match and to use them to assault any person. There are four players in the Richmond College team that have represented Sri Lanka Under 17 and 19 teams. If they are found guilty at an official inquiry they can be suspended from representing the country. This applies for the match officials as well,” said De Silva.
When asked whether there is a necessity for the match referee to send the match report to the schools after the match and how soon this has to be done, De Silva said the report has to be sent within a couple of days for the schools to rectify if there were any shortcomings.
“If these types of incidents are ignored and we let the gentleman’s game be ruined, what would happen to our cricket? It has to be dealt severely with whoever who is at fault. In this instant, only some spectators invaded the ground and the match referee and the umpires could have got the police intervention to calm the crowd and re-start the match as there was time for further play and the day light was good. If the interruption followed several times then these officials could have taken a decision,” he added.
Hasitha Rajapaksa Coach of the Mahinda College team said he would have dealt severely with his players had they behaved unruly at any match. “These four players who were involved in the attack have represented the Sri Lanka Under 17 and 19 teams and if they are not reprimanded they will behave in the same manner even at an international match. If so, what would be the situation of Sri Lanka Cricket? They are still young and the school has to make them correct immediately not to repeat this at any match in future. We have to accept victory and the defeat in the same spirit,” Rajapaksa said.
Quoting the International Cricket Council (ICC) code of conduct applied for players and player support personnel, Rajapaksa said that assaulting a spectator by a player is a level 4 offence. “Clause 2.4.2 of the ICC code of conduct says that physical assault on another player, player support personnel, umpire, match referee or any other person (including a spectator) during an international match is a level 4 offence which is a suspension for a fixed period ranging minimum one year up to a maximum of a lifetime suspension. Clause 5.4.2 further says that any number of Level 3 and or Level 4 Offences can all be determined by a Judicial Commissioner. This means, such offences are of serious nature and it should be determined by a person who has the judicial power.
These guidelines are given for international players but, in these instances, four of the alleged Richmond College players who removed stumps and assaulted the spectators too have represented the country in international matches,” said Rajapaksa.
“Almost six weeks have passed since this incident took place but surprisingly the match referee has failed to send his report to the two schools although our principal has requested him twice asking the report,” added Rajapaksa.
According to Rajapaksa, it is the Umpires Association that has to take action against the referee and the two umpires for not sending them their report on the match.
“After last year’s big match, the match referee sent his report claiming that it was the best match he had ever seen,” he added.
Old boys taken aback
Suranga Jayaweera, an old boy of Mahinda College and an eye witness to the whole ‘drama’, said he was taken aback when the Richmond College Vice Captain pulled his pants down and showed his back towards the Mahinda College dressing room at the awards presentation.
“We are not against awarding this match to Richmond College as they played well right throughout. That does not mean that we lost the match as there were only few overs to be played and there were chances for Mahinda College to draw the match. The way the entire incident was handled by the Match Referee and the two umpires was not correct,” said Jayaweera.
He further claimed that Richmond College players used abusive language to Mahinda College players reminding their mother when they were taking their time to draw the match in the middle.
“We do not agree with the time wasting tactic used by our own players. These two players told me as to how some Richmond College players scolded them after the umpire reprimanded the pair to go to their creases. Why couldn’t the school take any action against these few players? The umpires were in the middle of the pitch. Why can’t they come out with this in their report?” Jayaweera asked.
Jayaweera said he is ready to face any inquiry and to give evidence.
“The way Richmond College spectators gave rounds of applause when their Vice Caption pulled his pants down was appalling. Is this the way the elders and supporters encourage the youngsters to behave? If these players get an opportunity to represent the national team, what would be the reputation of our team be if they repeat the same?” he asked.
Umpires disheartened
Member of the Sri Lanka Cricket Umpires Committee Gajaba Pitigala said he was disheartened to note how the entire incident took place and added that, according to ICC code of conduct, these players could be banned life time.
“There were 11 overs to be played and had 45 minutes when this has happened. The match referees, umpires and scorers come under Sri Lanka Umpires Committee and they are bound to give reports to our committee, Schools Cricket Association and the two schools their reports. But they have failed to do,” said Pitigala.
When asked as to what action they could take against the referee and the two umpires who failed to discharge an impartial duty and send their reports, Pitigala said that his association is not bound to take action against them as they have been hired by the two schools but added that it is up to the SLSCA to take disciplinary action against the three officials.
“A match referee and the umpires have to be impartial. If they are biased we cannot expect a good match. It is alleged that both umpires and the match referee were biased at this match. But this has to be proved. However if our own veteran match referee Ranjan Madugalle was there he would have taken a best ever decision as we know he is very impartial in his work and cannot be swayed by any one,” said Pitigala.
However he said that failing to submit reports by the three officials have clearly showed that they are not in a position to give an accurate report.
Match referee’s side
Match referee Basil Perera however said that the reason why he failed to reply the Mahinda College Principal on time was that he did not receive the letter till last week.
“Instead of sending it to my personal address, the Principal has addressed this letter to SLC. Since I do not go there very often, when I went to SLC towards the end of April, the security handed over this letter to me. On Tuesday, I wrote to SLC and I will be sending the reply to Mahinda College in due course,” said Perera.
When asked as to why he awarded the win to Richmond when he could have re-started the match after dispersing the crowed that swamped the ground, Perera said that he had to consider the players and umpires safety first as the spectators started making mayhem in the ground. “How could I see the players assaulting the spectators with the stumps when the spectators were causing a ruckus?” he said in his defense. When asked whether the umpires who witnessed the unruly incident made their submission that Richmond College players behaved unruly, the match referee said that he was not informed about such incident. He further said that he had to award the win to Richmond College just because few spectators with Mahinda College flag came running to the ground which obstructed the play, to which Mahinda Principal too agreed and gave his consent.
“It was unfair by the Richmond College team if I did not award the win to them as the spectators came running to the ground when Richmond College win was on the card.
There were only four runs for Mahinda College to score to give Richmond College to bat again.
I had to call off the match considering the safety of the players and the umpires. After this incident, the police had to escort us up to the Galle-Colombo highway to send us home safely,” he added.
Mahinda College Principal Vasantha Siriwardena confirmed that the match referee is yet to send him a copy of the match report.
“I sent two letters to the match referee but he did not respond,” he said.
A devastating blow came for Sri Lanka last week as one of the country’s brightest young prospects for international cricket A.K. Tyron had been found by the International Cricket Council’s authorised laboratory at the University of Western Australia in Perth, Australia to have an illegal action and was recommended to be suspended from bowling in all forms of cricket until his action is corrected, sources told “Daily Mirror” yesterday.
The results of the report received by SLC had been contrary to what “Daily Mirror” reported on May 1 quoting the bowler Tyron himself and SLC officials.
An SLC source said that the laboratory that tested Tyron on March 24 this year had observed a massive 25.1 degree straightening of the arm by the young off spinner in his normal delivery while Tyron’s doosra had measured an even bigger straightening of 26.3 degrees.
SLC’s coaching department has assigned Sri Lanka national spin bowling coach Piyal Wijetunge to work with Tyron and correct his action before he undergoes a second Test at the ICC laboratory in Perth later.
Wijetunge had stated that he felt that Tyron would need to work hard on his action.
“A K Tyronne’s bowling action has been found to be an illegal one at the test done at UWA and was given a remedial program to be followed in order to remodel his action into a legal one. According to my opinion, Tyronne will have to make a resolute effort to remediate his action and it is advisable to suspend him from playing in the domestic tournaments until the remedial process is completed. Otherwise, playing competition cricket during this period would affect the process and would lengthen the remedial period,” Wijetunge had written in his observation to the SLC.
Tyron said he was shocked by the result and claimed that he had no indication of an illegal action during testing in Perth.
“I am keen to make it clean. I would start the correction procedure on May 25 with coach Wijetunge,” Tyron told “Daily Mirror”. He is to go on a short tour of Malaysia with the big match winning Richmond team before starting his work at the national academy.
The lanky right arm spinner had been reported by umpire Lindon Hannibal for a suspect action during a series Sri Lanka Under 19 had played against Australia prior to last year’s Under 19 World Cup in UAE.
The young bowler had then undergone remedial measures with SLC’s top coaches at the national academy before taking part in the Under 19 World Cup, but there, he had been reported by the umpires again for a suspect action which resulted in ICC asking SLC to send him to the laboratory in Perth for a further assessment.
According to the Laws of Cricket bowlers are not allowed to extend their arm during the bowling action as only the rotation of the shoulder is allowed to be used to deliver the ball. However, as no extension is almost impossible, bowlers are allowed a grace of straightening their arm a few degrees in their delivery action. Current ICC regulations specify that the bowler would be allowed to straighten the arm to a maximum angle of 15 degrees at the elbow during delivery. The amount of straightening is calculated between the point at which the bowling arm passes above shoulder height and the point at which the ball is released. The 15 degree grace has been permitted to allow the natural flexing of the elbow joint during a legal delivery.
Despite the massive disparity in Tyron’s action with legal limits, a top SLC coach expressed confidence that they would be able to turn the promising cricketer into a world class spinner with a correct action.
Tyron captained the Richmond College team which emerged unbeaten schools champions for the second successive year and finished their season with a magnificent innings win over Mahinda in the big match. In the big match, Tyron who missed most of the school season due to national duty with the Sri Lanka Under 19 team, scored a century and also captured six wickets in the first innings. (By Channaka de Silva)
The Sri Lankan Government says the United States has through a recent report made clear that the LTTE is still active and obtains funds through some diaspora organisations.
Defence Ministry spokesman, Brigadier Ruwan Wanigasooriya told reporters today that the recent US State Department report on terrorist organisations shows that the LTTE is still a threat internationally as well as to Sri Lanka.
The US report said that the LTTE uses its international contacts and the large Tamil diaspora in North America, Europe, and Asia to procure weapons, communications, funding, and other needed supplies.
In its latest annual report on terrorism, the US State Department Bureau of Counterterrorism said the LTTE employed charities as fronts to collect and divert funds for their activities.
The Government had recently listed several groups and individuals operating overseas on the basis that they are funding the LTTE.
The listing was done under a UN Security Council resolution but Canada has said it will not abide by the listing.
Brigadier Ruwan Wanigasooriya said that so far only Canada has said it will not accept the listing and in his view rejecting the Sri Lanka list would mean Canada is refusing to agree to the UN Security Council resolution.
He said that information related to all the organisations listed by Sri Lanka have been sent to the respective countries via the External Affairs Ministry.
President Mahinda Rajapaksa says there is no move to ban Facebook or Twitter in Sri Lanka adding that if he made such a move it will be faced with resistance from his own family.
Responding to a question raised during a Twitter interaction today, the President noted that he himself has a huge following on Facebook and Twitter and so there is no way he can place restrictions on such social media websites.
“I have more than 300K like on Facebook & more than 25K on Twitter. How can I & why should I block them. If I block these, I will have a revolution at home from my sons,” he said.
President Rajapaksa also said that the youth in the Northern Province enjoy equal rights and are not discriminated. He said that youth in the North are provided with all facilities that are in the schools in the South.
“Terrorism took away all the rights of these young people. We are restoring all of them,” the President added.
He also said that he will not allow any form of disharmony among religions in Sri Lanka and added that only a few incidents have been reported so far.
“We have never had religious-based violence, maybe a few incidents,” he said.
President Mahinda Rajapaksa took part in the Question and Answer session on Twitter to coincide with the ongoing World Youth Conference in Sri Lanka.
The Q&A, moderated by President’s Secretary Lalith Weerathinga, was conducted via @PresRajapaksa and participants were able to pose questions using the hashtag #WCY2014MR.
The government will enact new laws to prevent animals being subjected to various forms of cruelty, Parliament was informed on Tuesday.
United National Party (UNP) MP moved an adjournment motion in the House seeking Parliamentary attention on the welfare of animals, either kept as pets or caged in zoos. Mr. Kiriella, in his motion, said the global trend was to close down zoos by releasing animals to their natural habitats.
“Though Sri Lanka is a Buddhist country, it is unfortunate that the issue of cruelty to animals is not very much focused in Sri Lanka. Animal cruelty takes place in many forms – caging, held in captivity, inadequate sustenance, slaughter and so on. Big cats, eagles and other animals travel long distances daily when living free,” he said. He referred to a number of zoos closed down in the United States and some other countries.
Detroit Zoo in Michigan, Philadelphia Zoo in Pennsylvania, the London Zoo and the Bristol zoo are some of them.
The UNP MP said the existing laws did not do enough to prevent cruelty to animals, and therefore urged the government strengthen the laws as soon as possible. He said even lighting firecrackers harmed animals.
Leader of the House Nimal Siripala de Silva acknowledged the facts placed before the House by the UNP MP.
Stressing the importance of ‘responsible pet ownership’, he said the government had taken note of the fact that zoos were being closed down in the world today.
“I agree with Mr. Kiriella in this case. We have to treat both humans and animals alike. It mirrors our civility then. We have paid special attention to this matter. There is the need for a law to deal with keeping pets. We are planning to amend the already existing laws dealing with cruelty to animals. We are working with the Attorney General’s Department,” he said. (Kelum Bandara and Yohan Perera)
Speaker Chamal Rajapaksa lost his temper in Parliament yesterday and threatened to walk out of the House if both government and Opposition MPs did not abide by Standing Orders during question time.
He took a tough stance against MPs spending too much time on one question and was perturbed by a lengthy answer given by Minister of Foreign Employment Promotion Dilan Perera to a question raised by UNP Hambantota District MP Sajith Premadasa.
Question time is restricted to an hour, from 1.00 to 2.00 p.m, but more than 20 minutes were spent on the first question itself which angered the Speaker.
The Speaker requested MP Premadasa to keep his supplementary question short but to no avail.
The Speaker then abruptly ended his turn and moved on to the next question.
Rajapaksa repeatedly asked members to keep their questions and answers short and to the point so as to save time, but most members chose to preface their questions with lengthy statements and the answers they received were also long.
Usually, around 15 questions are listed to be asked and answered during the question hour. The Opposition is also permitted to raise three supplementary questions on responses to each of the 15 questions. (By Saman Indrajith)
Emmaus House in Acton is a centre “a Beacon of Hope” for the poor, the marginalised and those who suffer from isolation or are homeless. It is a registered UK charity. We will be taking an offering after Vesak Day from the London Buddhist Vihara as an act of generosity. Please bring any contributions at Vesak.
Things that are most needed are:
Cooking Oil
Salt
Tinned Fruit Salad
Tinned Tomatoes
Shampoo
Black Pepper
Sugar
Toothbrushes
Shower Gel
Biscuits
Toothpaste
Towels Mens Vests Mens Underpants Socks
BUDDHA DAY (VESAK) which commemorates the Birth, Enlightenment, and the Parinibbana of the Buddha will be celebrated at the London Buddhist Vihara on SUNDAY, 18th MAY 2014 (B.E. 2558).
The 16th World Conference on Youth 2014 commenced this morning (06 May) at the Magam Ruhunupura International Convention Center in Hambantota on a grand scale under the patronage of President Mahinda Rajapaksa.
President of the United Nations General Assembly Dr. John William Ashe and special envoy on Youth Affairs of the Unite Nations Secretary General Ban Ki Moon, Ahamad Al Hendavi were among the special guests. Ministers of Youth Affairs from 27 countries, special diplomats and representatives from youth organizations in 118 countries have participated in the today’s opening ceremony of the conference.
The objective of this event is to strengthen the youth to face the global challenges in the coming decade. The theme of the Summit is “Securing the contributions of the youth for the post 2015 Millenium Development Goal”. This is the first time the World Youth Conference is being hosted by an Asian country. The main session of the conference will be held at the BMICH, Colombo from tomorrow to 10th of this month.
The President arrived at the venue accompanied by First Lady Shiranthi Rajapaksa amidst beating of traditional auspicious drums. After lighting of the traditional oil lamp the opening remarks were delivered by the Sri Lanka UN Youth Delegate 2012, Miss Jayathma Wickramanayake. She said that the youth delegates will be representing two billion of young people not only in Sri Lanka but over the globe who are left voiceless.
The United Nations General Assembly President Dr. John W. Ashe and UN Secretary General’s Envoy on Youth Ahmad Al Hindawi also addressed the conference. Thereafter launching of the theme song took place with the participation of Bathiya, Santhush and a group of artistes. The guests also joined the group with much enthusiasm.
Addressing the conference, President Rajapaksa extended his well wishes to all the participants and the 16th World Youth Conference being held in Sri Lanka. He said that holding this summit in Sri Lanka is well timed and that the young generation has a special responsibility at a time peace has been established in the country and it is rapidly moving forward for massive development and reconciliation. Sri Lanka gained peace after ending 30 years of brutal terrorism. The terrorist menace which led to the war subjected the youth of this country to much suppression and hardships. However, the development era has now dawned. The theme of the summit reflects that this century belongs to the youth and it is the century of knowledge. President Rajapaksa emphasized that the summit will give priority to realize the objectives of this theme.
In his official message issued for the conference, the President has stated that it is the policy of the Sri Lankan government to respect the ideas and opinions of the youth and to give priority for their development. The youth of the contemporary period has become able to travel to various countries simultaneously due to the progress being achieved in the information technology sector. The President also states that he welcomes with much delight all the delegates who will be attending the summit.
An important document titled “Colombo Declaration” will be announced at the end of the conference. All the decisions taken at the conference will be included in this declaration. Minister Dallas Alahapperuma said that this declaration will be different from the traditional declarations announced in the previous summits. He said that in the previous summits the declaration was prepared by the relevant policy formulators. The Minister said that however this time the declaration will be formulated by policy formulators after having a wide dialogue with the youth delegates. Dr. Palitha Kohona has been appointed as the main mediator of this task. The Colombo Declaration will be used as a basis for global dialogues on the youth in the future. Already several international organizations have requested for copies of this declaration. In addition to this President Mahinda Rajapaksa will present this Declaration at the forthcoming 69th UN General Assembly Session.
Meanwhile a national programme is being implemented under the title ‘World Conference on Youth to the Villages’ in the nine provinces in Sri Lanka. This programme will discuss on how the Colombo Declaration could be utilized to suit the youth. Minister Alahapperuma further said that accordingly the 16th World Youth Conference will be a significant summit locally as well as internationally. Academics say that world youth conference will help Sri Lankan youth to obtain international support to overcome future challenges and also to showcase its skills and potentials to the international community. They further said this conference is an ideal opportunity to prepare international guidelines with regard to the youth affairs, education, health, culture, economy and many other sectors.
Meanwhile, the Police Department informed that a contingent of 8,000 Police officers have been deployed for the security of the Summit and the delegates. They have been deployed from Colombo area and other areas in which summit activities will be held.
Pix by: Sudath Silva
PHOTO CAPTIONS
Photo 22
President of the U.N. General Assembly Dr. John W. Ashe delivers his remarks at the opening ceremony of the World Conference on Youth (WCY) 2014 held at the Magam Ruhunupura International Convention Center (MRICC) in Hambantota, Sri Lanka, today (May 06).
Photo 23
Sri Lanka’s President Mahinda Rajapaksa makes his speech at the opening ceremony of the World Conference on Youth (WCY) 2014 held at the Magam Ruhunupura International Convention Center (MRICC) in Hambantota, Sri Lanka, today (May 06).
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Sri Lanka’s President Mahinda Rajapaksa speaks to the youth delegates at the opening ceremony of the World Conference on Youth (WCY) 2014 held at the Magam Ruhunupura International Convention Center (MRICC) in Hambantota, Sri Lanka, today (May 06).
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A cultural performance at the opening ceremony of the World Conference on Youth (WCY) 2014 held at the Magam Ruhunupura International Convention Center (MRICC) in Hambantota, Sri Lanka, on Tuesday, May 06, 2014.
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A cultural performance at the opening ceremony of the World Conference on Youth (WCY) 2014 held at the Magam Ruhunupura International Convention Center (MRICC) in Hambantota, Sri Lanka, on Tuesday, May 06, 2014.
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A cultural performance at the opening ceremony of the World Conference on Youth (WCY) 2014 held at the Magam Ruhunupura International Convention Center (MRICC) in Hambantota, Sri Lanka, on Tuesday, May 06, 2014.
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A cultural performance at the opening ceremony of the World Conference on Youth (WCY) 2014 held at the Magam Ruhunupura International Convention Center (MRICC) in Hambantota, Sri Lanka, on Tuesday, May 06, 2014.
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The audience of international and local youth delegates is seen here enjoying a Sri Lankan musical performance by local artists during the opening ceremony of the World Conference on Youth (WCY) 2014 at the Magam Ruhunupura International Convention Center (MRICC) in Hambantota, Sri Lanka, on Tuesday, May 06, 2014.
Photo 30 Popular young Sri Lankan artists perform the theme song of the World Conference on Youth (WCY) 2014 during the opening ceremony at the Magam Ruhunupura International Convention Center (MRICC) in Hambantota, Sri Lanka, today (May 06).
Photo 31 International delegates with their respective country flags swarmed the stage during the performance of young Sri Lankan artists and participated in the dance event.
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A large number of international and local dignitaries and approximately 1,500 youth delegates attended the opening ceremony of the World Conference on Youth (WCY) 2014 in the southern port city of Hambantota, Sri Lanka, on Tuesday, May 06, 2014.
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Popular young Sri Lankan artists perform the theme song of the World Conference on Youth (WCY) 2014 during the opening ceremony at the Magam Ruhunupura International Convention Center (MRICC) in Hambantota, Sri Lanka, today (May 06).
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A large number of international and local dignitaries and approximately 1,500 youth delegates attended the opening ceremony of the World Conference on Youth (WCY) 2014 in the southern port city of Hambantota, Sri Lanka, on Tuesday, May 06, 2014.
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A cultural performance of traditional Sri Lankan dance at the opening ceremony of the World Conference on Youth (WCY) 2014 held at the Magam Ruhunupura International Convention Center (MRICC) in Hambantota, Sri Lanka, on Tuesday, May 06, 2014.
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A cultural performance of traditional Sri Lankan dance at the opening ceremony of the World Conference on Youth (WCY) 2014 held at the Magam Ruhunupura International Convention Center (MRICC) in Hambantota, Sri Lanka, on Tuesday, May 06, 2014.
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All delegates participating in the World Conference on Youth (WCY) 2014 in Sri Lanka this year pose for a photograph with Sri Lankan President Mahinda Rajapaksa at the Magam Ruhunupura International Convention Center (MRICC) in Hambantota, Sri Lanka, today (May 06).
The Parliamentary Select Committee (PSC), mandated to evolve constitutional proposals, has requested the Tamil National Alliance (TNA) to make submissions on its stand if it cannot attend regular sessions, informed sources said today.
The death toll due to the prevailing adverse weather conditions affecting many parts of the country has shot up to 15 while two others are reported missing, according to the Disaster Management Centre (DMC).
Sri Lanka off-spinner Sachithra Senanayake has been reported for a suspected illegal bowling action.
The Ceylon Shipping Corporation (CSC) has signed a USD 70 million (over Rs. 9.1 billion) loan agreement with the state-owned People’s Bank to purchase two 63,600 MT DWT bulk cargo-carrying ships from China, to revive the corporation.
The National Freedom Front (NFF) had put the government on probation just like the Janatha Vimukthi Peramuna (JVP) had done in the past, NFF leader Wimal Weerawansa said today.
Demonstrators displaying LTTE flags during the protest
British Prime Minister, David Cameron, sends his best wishes to all Buddhists celebrating Vesak on May 14, 2014. This is the first time Mr Cameron has issued a Vesak message since he assumed office in May, 2010.
The government has made plans to celebrate the fifth anniversary of the end of the war with a “Victory Day” celebration in Matara in the Southern Province. But at the opposite side of the country there will be no such celebration. The government has prohibited any public commemoration of the war’s end in the Northern Province. Speaking on behalf of the government, the military spokesperson has said that “Individuals may have religious services to commemorate their loved ones killed in the fighting, but there cannot be any public events.” The government has been concerned that public events could be used to praise the LTTE in the guise of remembering the war dead. 
The impartiality of the match referee and the umpires at the annual big match between Richmond College and Mahinda College at the Galle Esplanade on March 22 and 23 has raised concern amongst cricket lovers.
A devastating blow came for Sri Lanka last week as one of the country’s brightest young prospects for international cricket A.K. Tyron had been found by the International Cricket Council’s authorised laboratory at the University of Western Australia in Perth, Australia to have an illegal action and was recommended to be suspended from bowling in all forms of cricket until his action is corrected, sources told “Daily Mirror” yesterday.
The Sri Lankan Government says the United States has through a recent report made clear that the LTTE is still active and obtains funds through some diaspora organisations.
President Mahinda Rajapaksa says there is no move to ban Facebook or Twitter in Sri Lanka adding that if he made such a move it will be faced with resistance from his own family.
The government will enact new laws to prevent animals being subjected to various forms of cruelty, Parliament was informed on Tuesday.
Speaker Chamal Rajapaksa lost his temper in Parliament yesterday and threatened to walk out of the House if both government and Opposition MPs did not abide by Standing Orders during question time.
