Sports

Dhananjaya likely to make debut against Kiwis

Sri Lanka is looking for a different kind of combination when they take on New Zealand in the first of the World T20 Super Eight matches at Pallekale International Stadium on Thursday. Given the conditions, spinner, Akhila Dhananjaya is set to make his international debut at the age of 18.

The hosts have yet to make a call whether to go ahead with their top spinning option Ajantha Mendis, who is nursing a side strain which he picked up against Zimbabwe at Mahinda Rajapaksa International Stadium, Sooriyawewa a week ago.

Whatever the situation may be, Sri Lanka is seriously contemplating playing their new found mystery spinner, Dhananjaya against the Kiwis.

“He’s certainly very close to playing,” said Sri Lanka head coach Graham Ford when he met the media after the practice session at Asgiriya Stadium, Kandy this afternoon.

“He was probably going to play against South Africa and then the game got reduced and there was the chance he would’ve been bowling with a wet ball,” Ford explained.

“He’s certainly not here just to carry the drinks,” Ford emphasized.

Dhananjaya was initially spotted by national skipper Mahela Jayawardene, when he was bowling to them at a net session. However, the teenager was not picked by the junior national selectors to represent Sri Lanka in the recently held Youth World Cup in Australia.

Later, Dhananjaya was single-handedly picked by Jayawardene himself for his Wayamba United team and fared well to claim nine wickets in the SLPL.

Ford is very much impressed by this young man and is ready to bank on him.

“I guess everyone labels him as a mystery spinner,” Ford said.

“He’s got a lot of variations with good control. It’s going to take any batsman who hasn’t seen him a bit of time to work out what he does. In this format of the game that’s quite an advantage,” he further added.

Given the choice of coming out to the middle with a pain killing injection, Mendis could still find his name in the playing XI, for the simple reason that Sri Lanka is trying out all options for a different kind of a combination.

The clear indication is to ask Jayawardene to open the innings with T. M. Dilshan and to pave the way for an additional bowler, who could well be a spinner on a brownish track at Pallekale.

At the same time, Sri Lanka is well prepared for a worst possible scenario too. In case Mendis fails to find himself match fit by Thursday, they have got a strong back up.

“With the way he bowled and the ‘X’ factor Mendis brings, it would be a big blow if he doesn’t play,” said Ford.

“In T20 cricket, you want guys who can win matches on their own and he’s one of those guys. We have a number of quality spinners, fortunately. So if Ajantha can’t play we have very capable back-up,” he said.

Sri Lankans have made a request to practice at Pallekale on Wednesday afternoon but they were told to go to Asgiriya Stadium, instead. Apparently, the team is not happy the way the officials have turned their backs on them to their request.

“Ideally we would have liked to have had a session down at Pallekele. I think we’re the only team in the group that hasn’t had a session down there, so that’s a bit of a disadvantage,” said Ford.

In contrast to what Sri Lanka has got, New Zealanders have played two of their first round matches at Pallekele in addition to a few practice sessions early this week.

Ford, usually a less talkative but a hard-working man, says he and his team will try to do their best despite all the obstacles.

“Hopefully there’s a determination and a steeliness that has come into the group. It has been a little tough,” Ford said.

“We’re also the only team likely to play at three different venues. It hasn’t been sort of home advantage all the way. But hopefully the determination comes through and we’re able to play with a lot of character tomorrow,” Ford said.

Both Sri Lanka and New Zealand players have played alongside in the SLPL and IPL and that’s going to give them a certain kind of an edge over certain players. New Zealand skipper, Ross Taylor is not much concerned over this issue.

“You learn a lot off those players, but the flipside is, they know a lot about you too. It’s tit-for-tat when it comes to that,” Taylor said.

“It’s an exciting time. It’s always nice to play the host country when it comes to the World Cup.

“They are going to be a tough opposition, but we have some form players who are doing well at the moment, so it’s time for some of the other players to step up and contribute to a team win,” Taylor added.

According to Taylor, the big made all-rounder, Jacob Oram has been feeding information to the Kiwis after playing in the SLPL.

“He’s been telling us about the local players we might not have heard much of as well,” Taylor said.

Sri Lanka Squad

Mahela Jayawardene (Captain), T. M. Dilshan, Dilshan Munaweera, Kumar Sangakkara, Angelo Mathews, Lahiru Thirimanne, Thisara Perera, Nuwan Kulasekara, Lasith Malinga, Rangana Herath, Ajantha Mendis and Jeevan Mendis, Dinesh Chandimal, Shaminda Eranga and Akila Dhananjaya,

New Zealand Squad

Ross Taylor (Captain), Doug Bracewell, James Franklin, Martin Guptill, Ronnie Hira, Brendon McCullum, Nathan McCullum, Kyle Mills, Adam Milne, Rob Nicol, Jacob Oram, Tim Southee, DAniel Vettori, B.J. Walting and Kane Williamson.

By Daminda Wijesuriya
Source:  Daily Mirror (Sri Lanka)

News

‘Significant sign’ but still concerned-UN

The United Nations today said that closure of the Menik Farm camp in Vavuniya is a ‘significant sign’ of the transition from conflict to sustainable peace in Sri Lanka, but said there are still some people who are unable to return to their homes and a solution urgently needs to be found.

Issuing a statement the United Nations (UN) Humanitarian Coordinator in Sri Lanka, Subinay Nandy said “This is a milestone event towards ending a chapter of displacement in Sri Lanka some three years after the civil war which ended in May 2009. But there are still some people who are unable to return to their homes and a solution urgently needs to be found”.

Menik Farm in Sri Lanka, once the world’s largest camp for people displaced from the conflict in Sri Lanka in 2009 has closed, as the last remaining inhabitants leave the camp.

The UN is concerned about 346 people (110 families) who are returning from Menik Farm to Kepapilavu in Mullaitivu District, who are unable to return to their homes which are occupied by the military. Instead, they are being relocated to state land where they await formal confirmation about what is happening to their land in the future, and plans for compensation if they cannot return.

“While these last residents have not been able to return to their former land the Government is providing them with land in another area. The Government is looking for solutions but it is important that the displaced people should be able to make an informed and voluntary decision about their future including being part of the planning and management of their resettlement,” said Mr Nandy.

The Government-run Menik Farm was set up in May 2009 to shelter thousands of people fleeing from the final stages of the civil war. At its peak Menik Farm housed 225,000 people in 700 hectares of land. International organizations have been providing basic services such as shelter, food, water and sanitation, schools and primary health care along with other services.

“The closure of the camp is a significant sign of the transition from conflict to sustainable peace and the commitment of the Government to resettling tens of thousands of people back to their homes,” said Mr Nandy.

“But there are still many people living with friends and relatives particularly in Jaffna and Vavuniya, or living in welfare centres. Some of these people have been displaced for years and they also need a lasting solution,” said Mr Nandy.

Mr Nandy called on the Sri Lankan authorities to fully implement the recommendations of the Lessons Learnt and Reconciliation Commission (LLRC) concerning the rights of people displaced by the conflict. “Allowing people to settle anywhere in the country and resolving legal ownership of land for those who have resettled away from their original homes is a key part of the reconciliation process.”

Source: Daily Mirror (Sri Lanka)

UK Community News & Photos

SRI LANKA IN PICTURES – A CAPTIVATING PHOTOGRAPHIC DISPLAY

A two-day photographic exhibition capturing in graphic detail Sri Lanka before and after the 30-year conflict attracted a wide cross-section of foreign and local dignitaries.

Held at the Sri Lanka High Commission in London the exhibition was viewed by parliamentarians from the House of Commons, House of Lords and the European Parliament, leading Buddhist monks in the UK, London-based diplomats, Foreign and Commonwealth Office officials and from Commonwealth institutions, public figures and the Sri Lankan community.

Among the attendees was Kamalesh Sharma, Secretary-General of the Commonwealth Secretariat who was in Sri Lanka recently during the Commonwealth Parliamentary Association’s Annual Conference.

The photo-exhibition graphically conveyed the various acts of terrorism of the LTTE and the enormity of the damage and destruction caused across the country. During that tragic period the LTTE gunned down or blasted several dozen Sri Lankan leaders including Tamil politicians and intellectuals.

A dramatic contrast was the photographs on the first floor which moved away from the mayhem of the LTTE to the benevolent socio-economic developments in the post-conflict years.

Sri Lankan High Commissioner Dr. Chris Nonis described the pictures taken in real time, showing  the  military engaged in a major humanitarian effort rescuing thousands of Tamil civilians from the clutches of the LTTE and engaged in reconstruction .

Other pictures conveyed the giant strides taken by President Mahinda Rajapaksa’s government to rebuild and reconstruct ravaged areas with modern infrastructure as part of the effort at social and ethnic reconciliation which peace has brought to the land.

The photo-exhibition was arranged by Sudath Silva, the President’s Director of Photography and officials of the Presidential Secretariat along with officers of the   Sri Lanka High Commission,UK.

The High Commission of Sri Lanka
London
26th September 2012

UK Community News & Photos

Sri Lankan Community Family Fun Day – Aliya Entertainment XI Vs Mahanama XI

Aliya Entertainment Organized a Family Fun Day for sri lankans live UK on 16th Sep at the Harrow Cricket Club,to unite the community as a one nation. prime focus of this project is to be instrumental in alleviating poverty in Sri Lanka. Main event was a 35 overs Cricket Match, Mahanama OBA vs Aliya Entertainment. Among other entertainments DJ Music,Calipso Band, for Ladies and Gents Tug Of War Bouncy castle for children and few team games. Horisen Rice N Spice Catered participants with finger licking BBQ, Kotthu and Hoppers.

Chief Guest Cllr Nizam Ismail Mayor Of Harrow Council who is a Sri Lankan born presented Hon. M. H. Mohamed trophy challnge trophy to winners Mahanama OBA while Mrs. Sudarshini Fernadopullai wife of late Mr. Jayaraj Fernadopullay presented Mr. Niluka Ekanayake

Memorial Trophy to runners up Aliya Entertainment team. Event was a tremendious success attended by all political party members, represents from Tamil and Muslim Community,Various Youth Leagues and religious groups.

News

Former CM Berty Premalal lost the battle. Sworn in as a member of NCPC

Former North-Central Province Council (NCPC) Chief Minister Berty Premalal Dissanayake who demanded that he should be reappointed to the post was sworn in before President Mahinda Rajapaksa as member of NCP Council at President’s House last night. Dissanayake was a notable absentee at the official swearing ceremony which was held at the Presidential Secretariat yesterday on 24 September.

Former Minister S.M.Chandrasena’s brother S.M.Ranjith of the ruling UPFA took oaths before the President as the new Chief Ministers of the North Central Province yesterday at the ceremony. He received the highest number of preferential votes in the Anuradhapura District with 105,232 votes beating former Chief Minister of the North Central Province and UPFA candidate Berty Premalal Dissanayake who received 95,027.

Former Chief Minister of the NCP Berty Premalal said that 120 local government members of the Sri Lanka Freedom Party will resign from their posts if he is not appointed once again as the Chief Minister of the province during a media briefing in Anuradhapura on last Thursday. According to the former Chief Minister, 120 out of the 154 SLFP local government members
in the Anuradhapura district have made a written request to the President to appoint him as the Chief Minister. Berty Premalal Dissanayake added that the group had pledged to resign from all their posts if the SLFP took the wrong decision to appoint someone else as the chief minister.

However President Mahinda Rajapaksa on Sunday met with all newly elected members of the Sabaragamuwa and NCPC provincial councils and told them they should turn the victory towards working for the benefit of the voters. Both, Dissanayake and Ranjith have been advised not to make any more controversial statements over the Chief Minister’s post.

Meanwhile veteran actress Malini Fonseka resigned from her parliament seat yesterday. A ruling party UPFA National list MP, Fonseka handed over her resignation letter to the Elections Commissioner Mahinda Deshapriya and the Secretary General of the Parliament Dhammika Dassanayaka. Actress Malini Fonseka made this decision to pave the way for former Chief Minister of the North Central Province Berty Premalal Dissanayaka to enter parliament through the National list. Her resignation was not accepted by the President. Prior to that Minister S.M.Chandrasena also resigned from his cabinet ministerial post to pave the way for his brother S.M.Ranjith to become the new CM of the NCPC.

Finally, former CM Berty Premalal Dissanayake has withdrawn his previous decision and promised to remain as a member of the NCPC to serve the people in the province.

Picture is seen former NCPC Chief Minister Berty Premalal Dissanayake was sworn in before President Mahinda Rajapaksa as member of North Central Provincial Council at President’s House yesterday. North Central Province Governor Karunarathna Divulagane is also in the picture.

By Janaka Alahapperuma
Pix by: President Media Photo Division

Sports

India, Pakistan win in World Twenty20

Arch-rivals India and Pakistan stayed on course for a highly-awaited Super Eights clash in the World Twenty20 with contrasting wins on Sunday. India demolished defending champions England by 90 runs in a group A match in Colombo after Pakistan had pipped New Zealand by 13 runs in group D in Pallekele.

Both India and Pakistan are almost certain to be drawn in the same Super Eights group, with a match between the Asian giants scheduled to be played in Colombo on September 30. India are already assured of a place in the Super Eights, while Pakistan take on Bangladesh in their last league match on Tuesday needing a win to advance.

Harbhajan Singh grabbed 4-12 on his return after a year in the wilderness as a new-look India outplayed England in front of 20,000 spectators at the Premadasa stadium in Colombo. Rohit Sharma hit an unbeaten 55 off 33 balls as India scored 170-4 before England were shot out for their lowest T20 total of 80 in 14.4 overs.

India rested seamer Zaheer Khan, spinner Ravichandran Ashwin and opener Virender Sehwag for the match that held only academic interest since both teams had already made it to the Super Eights.

Harbhajan, 32, who had been out of favour with the selectors since August last year before being recalled for the World Twenty20, claimed a wicket off his second delivery when he came on in the sixth over. When his spell finished in the 12th over, England had slumped to 60-8 and lost their ninth wicket also at the same total.

England were in danger of falling for the lowest ever total in Twenty20 internationals — 67 by Kenya against Ireland in 2008 — before the last-wicket pair of Steven Finn and Jade Dernbach prevented the humiliation. But the total still fell below England’s previous lowest score of 88 against the West Indies at the Oval last year.

Leg-spinner Piyush Chawla, who was also an unexpected selection for the match, claimed 2-13 and seamer Irfan Pathan took 2-17 as England faltered against both pace and spin. Other notable contributions for India came from Gautam Gambhir, who made 45, and Virat Kohli, who smashed 40 off 32 balls.

“It’s been a hard year being out of the side,” an emotional Harbhajan said. “Other boys were doing really well, so it was really difficult for me to make a comeback.

“For me this was an important game. Getting a wicket off the second ball gave me a lot of confidence. This India shirt is everything for me. I don’t know what I would do if not playing for India.”

England captain Stuart Broad conceded his team played poorly.

“Poor all round really,” he said. “We were okay with 171, but India bowled really well. We played across the line too much. I don’t agree we can’t play spin. Certainly in training we have been learning.

“We have had a very bad day, but that does not affect the rest of the tournament. It does not change where we go.”

In Pallekele, another off-spinner Saeed Ajmal took four wickets as Pakistan kept their nerve to pull off an exciting win over New Zealand in their first match in the tournament. Ajmal’s 4-30 helped Pakistan restrict New Zealand to 164-9 after setting the Black Caps a daunting 178-run target on the back of a career-best 56 from Nasir Jamshed.

Pakistan captain Mohammad Hafeez said he was confident his bowlers would win the game.

“We have good variations in our bowling and Ajmal was once again outstanding,” he said. “Once we got Brendon McCullum out, we were sure of winning.”

Source: Daily Mirror (Sri Lanka)

News

Ancient site needs saving not destroying

Please bear with me as I ask you to briefly use your imagination. Close your eyes. Imagine Machu Picchu at dawn cloaked in fog. Now imagine the fog slowly lifting to reveal an enormous ancient city perched on the edge of a mountain.

Picture a sense of mystery being immersed in thousands of years of history as you walk between antiquated hewn stone structures. There is tranquility in the wind-blown stillness of the primeval site. You feel a renewed sense of kinship with the past and with your ancestors and feel a deep reverence for their lives and accomplishments.

Now imagine the menacing sound of bulldozers closing in and men at work. Their heavy machinery rattles the ground. You hear workers rigging dynamite to these massive stone structures. There is a brief lull and then the deafening blow of multiple explosions as Machu Picchu is razed to the ground.

Be at ease, Machu Piccu is a UNESCO protected site. But a very similar 2,600-year-old Buddhist site in Logar province, Afghanistan isn’t so lucky.

Read more: http://edition.cnn.com/2012/09/22/opinion/afghanistan-buddha-site-mine/index.html

Source: CNN
Image Courtesy: CNN

News

Ranjith and Herath take oaths as new Chief Ministers

S.M. Ranjith and Maheepala Herath were sworn in as Chief Ministers of North-Central and Sabaragamuwa Provinces respectively before President Mahinda Rajapaksa this morning on 24 September. The sworn in ceremony took place at the Presidential Secretariat.

S.M. Ranjith of the ruling UPFA received the highest number of preferential votes in the Anuradhapura District with 105,232 votes beating former Chief Minister of the North Central Province and UPFA candidate Berty Premalal Dissanayake who received 95,027. Former Chief Minister Maheepala Herath who contested for the Kegalle district and obtained the highest number of preferential votes, was sworn in once again as the Chief Minister of the Sabaragamuwa Province. It is significant that the UPFA has marked another noteworthy victory in the recently held provincial council elections while UNP and JVP have faced severe setback.

In addition to the swearing in ceremony of new Chief Ministers, Provincial Council Ministers and the UPFA elected members to the North Central, Sabaragamuwa and Eastern Provincial Councils were also took oaths before the president

Addressing the ceremony organized at the Presidential Secretariat for the swearing in of the new Chief Ministers and Provincial Ministers, President Rajapaksa requested everyone to dedicate themselves to fulfill the peoples’ aspirations to ensure the victory of the people. He said that the people’s confidence in the government has been consolidated with the provincial council election mandate. The President further underlined that this is the last occasion that Chief Ministers are appointed under the preferential voting system. The process will not hereafter continue. He told everyone to unite and emphasized that they should do their best to eliminate public opinion that the Provincial Council is a white elephant.

Ministers, Governors of the respective provinces, parliamentarians and large number of guests were present at the occasion.

Meanwhile veteran actress Malini Fonseka resigned from her parliament seat this morning on 24 September. A UPFA National list MP, Fonseka handed over her resignation letter to the Elections Commissioner Mahinda Deshapriya and the Secretary General of the Parliament Dhammika Dassanayaka. Actress Malini Fonseka made this decision to pave the way for former Chief Minister of the North Central Province Berty Premalal Dissanayaka to enter parliament through the National list. However former Chief Minister was not present at the occasion.

By Janaka Alahapperuma
Pix by: President Media Unit

UK Community News & Photos

Food Festival – Heathrow Vihara (Video)

Athula Dassana International Buddhist temple held a food festival successfully at the Church of our Lady, Queen of Afostles, The green Heston road, TW5 0RL on Sunday 9thSeptember 2012.

Video by Sri Lankan Radio

News

India confirms support for UNHRC on Lanka war crimes

India would definitely extend its support to the United Nations Human Rights Committee (UNHRC) when it would visit Sri Lanka to study the allegations of massive human rights violations during the final phase of the war against the LTTE in 2009, says Union Minister of State for PMO V Narayanasamy.

“Not only in Sri Lanka, if war crimes and human rights violations are reported in any part of the world, India will not remain a mute spectator and will strongly oppose it,” Narayanasamy said.

He said that the Prime Minister will nt allow Human Rights violations to take place in any part of the world.

In march this year, India along with 24 countries voted against Sri Lanka today at a session of the United Nations Human Rights Council in Geneva. The US had sponsored resolution for ‘promoting reconciliation and accountability’ in Sri Lanka after the army defeated the Tamil Tigers in a 26-year-long civil war. UNHCR is one of the main providers of humanitarian assistance to IDPs and returnees in Sri Lanka.

India is Sri Lanka’s largest trade partner overall and Sri Lanka is India’s largest trade partner in South Asia. India has emerged as the largest foreign direct investor in Sri Lanka. India also contributes to the largest number of tourists arrivals in Sri Lanka.

Source: Frontier India News Network

Sports

T20: SL steps up security after clashes

World Twenty20 hosts Sri Lanka are to beef up security after angry fans clashed with baton wielding police in Hambantota where the home side lost a match to South Africa, officials said today.

Local residents in the southern port town stormed the ground after they were told that tickets for yesterday’s match at the 35,000-capacity Mahinda Rajapakse International Stadium had been sold out, a security official told AFP.

“The crowds got very boisterous and they smashed the barricades and forcibly entered the grounds,” the official said, asking not to be named. “The baton charge did not deter them. A few thousand got in.”

Heavy rains shortened the group C game to a seven-overs-a-side match, which South Africa won by 32 runs.

Witnesses said local fans pelted stones at vehicles leaving the match venue after Sri Lanka lost the match. A heavy presence of the elite Special Task Forces commandos could not deter the angry crowds.

“Their anger was because they could not enter the grounds,” another official said. “When they broke down the barricades and came in they started shouting and making a big rumpus.”  (PTI)

News

Australia removes family reunion concessions for boat arrivals

The Australian government announced changes to the Special Humanitarian Program (SHP), removing family reunion concessions for boat arrivals to further discourage people from risking their lives at sea.

Australian Minister for Immigration and Citizenship, Chris Bowen MP in a statement sated that the Government had accepted in-principle the recommendations of the Expert Panel on Asylum Seekers, which included barring family members of people arriving by boat after 13 August 2012 from proposing family members under the humanitarian program.

“These changes will remove the incentive for people to travel to Australia by boat with the intention of bringing out their families on humanitarian visas,” Mr Bowen said.

“We don’t want people risking their lives at sea on dangerous boat journeys and together with the implementation of all the other panel recommendations this measure provides clear  evidence of the Government’s determination to break the people smugglers’ business model.”
For those who arrived by boat before 13 August 2012, the changes mean applicants proposed by refugees in Australia will now need to meet all the criteria to be granted an SHP visa.

“Until now, the offshore spouse, dependent children and, in some cases, parents of refugees in Australia could be granted an SHP visa solely on the basis of that relationship, regardless of whether they were in humanitarian need themselves,” Mr Bowen said.

“This created a situation where, for example, the head of a family would arrive in Australia alone, apply for asylum and then seek to bring out several members of his family as humanitarian migrants.
“Decisions on the applications made by family of adult boat arrivals who arrived prior to 13

August 2012 will now take into account any discrimination or persecution they face in their home country, as well as their connection to Australia, their protection options elsewhere, and Australia’s capacity to help. Their applications will also be given lowest processing priority.

“These changes will also ensure highest priority is given to the applications of family of people who were granted refugee and humanitarian visas overseas and migrated to Australia in a safer and orderly manner.”

In accordance with the Expert Panel’s recommendation, applicants proposed by unaccompanied minor refugees who arrived before 13 August 2012 will still be eligible for SHP visas on the strength of their family relationship alone.
Mr Bowen said people affected by changes to the SHP would be able to sponsor their family through the regular family stream of Australia’s Migration Program.

“To accommodate the resulting increase in demand for visas in the family migration stream, and in accordance with the Expert Panel report, the Government will increase the number of places by 4,000 per year,” he said.
“Applicants sponsored by people who arrive by boat will need to meet the same requirements as everyone else applying for migration through the family stream, including the relevant visa application charges.”
The Department of Immigration and Citizenship is currently finalising amendments to regulations required to enable the changes, which will then need to be considered by Her Excellency the Governor-General.

Subject to Her Excellency’s assent, the Government expects the changes to come into effect in coming weeks, the statement added.

Source: Daily Mirror(Sri Lanka)

Sports

Ajantha Mendis concern as Lanka take on SA

Sri Lanka will be monitoring Ajantha Mendis closely before they take on South Africa in the last league match of Group C, at the Mahinda Rajapaksa International Stadium, on Saturday. The team management will name the final XI on Saturday morning after evaluating the fitness level of Mendis. Mendis left the field due to a side strain, after his match winning performances against Zimbabwe on Tuesday.

Sri Lanka has four different kinds of specialist bowlers in their spin department, in addition to T. M. Dilshan who can come out with few surprises at any given time. In case Sri Lanka team management decides not to take a risk with Ajantha Mendis, 18 year old Akila Dhananjaya is set to make his international debut on Saturday.

Dhananjaya, who bowls four different kinds of deliveries, was trying out his repertoire at the center of MRICS, while others were practicing at the nets.

T. M. Dilshan was hit on the chest by a delivery from Shaminda Eranga but the star opener had guts to come out for yet another batting session.

The two strips at MRICS, prepared for Saturday’s game, are neatly shaved. The same surface that looked greenish less than 24 hours ago, was totally brownish by Friday afternoon. Sri Lanka skipper Mahela Jayawardene seemed happy about it.

“I just had a look at the wicket and it looks good,” Jayawardene said.

“We’re playing on the same wicket that we played the other day (against Zimbabwe). I think they’ve prepared wickets expecting to play a lot of matches on them. So in the initial matches it will be a lot firmer,” Jayawardene added.

Only a couple of strips will be used for all the matches at MRICS and there will be a bit of wear and tear as the tournament unfolds.

“That is part and parcel of the game,” Jayawardene said.

The weather had become unpredictable all of a sudden and there were showers at Sooriyawewa before the Lankan team began their practice session. The villagers say the showers have come after a long lay-off. Since the match starts at 3.30 pm, the wind is not going to be a big factor too.

As Jayawardene said, this is a big tournament and that it-self is a big motivation for the players to make sure to keep their intensity levels high.

“We don’t want to turn up and play just because we’ve qualified,” Jayawardene said.

“We want to keep the momentum going, that’s important, getting into bad habits can be a problem. So you don’t want those bad habits to creep into your game,” Jayawardene explained at the pre-match press conference on Friday.

Despite the contest being a dead rubber the Lankan skipper doesn’t look at it that way.

“We need to win and get momentum going. As for the combination we’ll decide after looking at the final wicket tomorrow.

“The options are pretty open so we’ll see what the best combination is that we can put up against South Africa,” said Jayawardene.

Dilshan Munaweera will be given the license to go out and play his natural game. Sri Lanka has a long list of batsmen to add confidence to the youngster who will be asked to go after the bowling, in his second international game.

“The good thing is that he’s got a free hand. When you have a youngster coming into the set-up, there’s not much pressure on you,” Jayawardene said.

“You just go out there and enjoy yourself. Back yourself to play your game. We will give him a free hand to play as he can,” he said.

Sri Lanka Squad

Mahela Jayawardene (Captain), T. M. Dilshan, Dilshan Munaweera, Kumar Sangakkara, Angelo Mathews, Lahiru Thirimanne, Thisara Perera, Nuwan Kulasekara, Lasith Malinga, Rangana Herath, Ajantha Mendis and Jeevan Mendis, Dinesh Chandimal, Shaminda Eranga and Akila Dhananjaya,

South Africa Squad

AB de Villiers (Captain & wk), Hasim Amla, Farhaan Behardien, Johan Botha, Jean-Paul Duminy, Jacques Kallis, Richard Levi, Albie Morkel, Morne Morkel, Robin Peterson, Faf Du Plessis, Justin Ontong, Lonwabo Tsotsobe, Wayne Parnell and Dale Steyn

Daminda Wijesuriya
Source: Daily Mirror (Sri Lanka)

News

In King Kekille’s court

Writing on the Malaka fiasco you recently referred editorially, to the famous judgments of King Kekille. The latest turn of events where the complainant Major Pradeep is reported to have filed an affidavit in courts withdrawing his complaint against Malaka and others, seem to subvert the present Criminal Justice System to head towards the Kekille system. At this rate it might end up hanging the JAIC Hilton Hotel manager for running a casino in his hotel!

The Premadasa regime made Sotthi Upali a Reserve Sub-inspector of Police. This government could improve on President Premadasa by appointing Malaka too to the police and going one step further, attach him to the Police Narcotics Division!

Jokes apart, the poor Major could now be liable to be charged for making a false complaint implicating the innocent Malaka, under Section 180 of the Penal code or may be under sec.208 as the case may be, of course upon the sanction of the Attorney General in terms of sec. 135(1) of the Code of Criminal Procedure. But that is only if the Rule of Law prevails in this country. However it will be interesting to see what the Magistrate would do as he has correctly called for medical reports from the Military Hospital where the major had been warded consequent on this incident.

There seems to emerge a pattern in the incidents involving Mervyn and his son. (It reminds one the grave digger Jerry Cruncher and his son in Charles Dickens’ novel,’ Tale of Two Cities’). In the incident where Mervyn assaulted an official on duty at the Rupavahini Corporation, the victim did not make a complaint to the police. When his son Malaka assaulted the Narcotics Bureau officials no action was pursued. When Mervyn tied a Samaurdhi animator to a tree at Kelaniya in the presence of a police officer, the Samurdhi animator claimed that he voluntarily tied himself to a tree and that he deserved to be tied to the tree for neglect of duty on his part.This duo seems to be enjoying a queer kind of immunity that only the incumbent President of this country is entitled to. In fact this was underlined when some SLFP members of a Pradesheeya Sabha in the Kelaniya electorate agitated that Mervyn should be removed from the Kelaniya seat owing to corruption, a President’s sibling asserted that this man could be removed from office if at all, only by the President himself and by no other. This duo seems to be a standing embarrassment to the President, or are they?

Whatever may be the eventual outcome of this fiasco, which of course is not difficult to predict, I think the stories of King Kekille and those of Mahadenamuttha, should be taught at the Police College, SLIDA and at the Judges’ Institute. It will enlighten the present and future generations of Police Officers, Judiciary and the Bureaucracy and also the intlligensia as to how they contribute to subvert the Rule of Law in a country. It may be ironical here to recall the words of an IGP of old when he described the police as “the handmaid of Justice”. In the same breath I am reminded of an occasion where the Late G.G. Ponnambalam QC after demolishing a Justice of the Peace of dubious back ground in the witness box, summed up his cross examination with the remark : ” neither Justice nor Peace”. How prophetic!

Source: Island (Sri Lanka)

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President Rajapaksa lays the foundation stone for the Sanchi Buddhist University (Inc. Pictures)

President Mahinda Rajapaksa laid the foundation stone for the construction of the International University of Buddhist and Indic Studies in the ancient Buddhist city of Sanchi in the presence of dignitaries from Bhutan, Myanmar, Thailand, Japan, Cambodia, Mongolia, Nepal and India.

Prime Minister of Bhutan Jigmy Thinlay graced the occasion as a special guest. Chief Minister of India’s Madhya Pradesh Shivraj Singh Chouhan and Cultural Affairs Minister of Madhya Pradesh Lakshmi Kanth Sharma were among those present. President of the Sri Lanka Mahabodhi Society and Chief Sanghanayake of Japan as well as the Chief Incumbent of the Sanchi Buddhist Temple, Venerable Baanagala Upatissa Nayaka Thero was also present.

In the meantime, before the laying of the foundation stone for the Buddhist University, dignitaries paid homage to the Holy Relics of Arahath Seriyuth Mugalan, the chief disciples of Lord Buddha. The President also joined in an observation tour of the Sanchi Stupa precincts after participating in religious observances. President Rajapaksa together with Bhutan’s Prime Minister Jigme Yoser Thinley planted a sapling of the sacred Sri Maha Bodhi Tree in Mahamevna Uyana, Anuradhapura, Sri Lanka which is believed to be a sapling of the original Bodhi tree in Boddhagaya under which Buddha attained enlightenment 2600 years ago. It was specially brought from Sri Lanka to plant near the Sanchi Stupa

Addressing the ceremony, President Rajapaksa said that his journey to Sanchi, is primarily an act of gratitude on behalf of the people of Sri Lanka. Thanking for the historic opportunity to lay the foundation stone, the President said the Buddha’s message of tolerance and understanding is of great relevance today, as the “tragic results of enmity and hatred towards other faiths leading to violence and destruction, and great loss to societies” are seen. “It is of equal importance in the East and West alike,” said the President adding that undoubtedly there is a need to go back to the roots of civilizations and search for the wisdom that prevailed in the ancient world.

“The Buddhist and Indic value systems that paved the way to modern concepts of human rights and fundamental freedoms need to be revived,” the President noted.

He expressed the hope that the University of Buddhist and Indic Studies will grow strong and the graduates of the University will be inspired by the Buddha’s teachings.

Recalling Mahatma Gandhi as the greatest son of modern India, he said people on both sides of the country have duty to spread the message of non-violence, peace and compassion to the world which is “trapped in material-based progress”.

The President pointed out profound contribution by Dr B.R. Ambedkar for the revival of Buddhist thought in India and his efforts to incorporate Buddhist and Indic values in the modern day governance systems of the country.

“The Government and people of Sri Lanka and I will continue to contribute towards the success of this University,” he finally assured.

As a special feature, a group of artists of Police band played national anthems of three nations- Sri Lanka, Bhutan and India at the end of the programme. Artists also presented various colourful folk dances by Goud and Korku tribal dancers.  Scores of Buddhists and villagers from nearby areas have put colourful flags and other decorative items along the roads leading to Sanchi from Bhopal and other areas. President Rajapaksa also visited the Mahabodhi Society of Sri Lanka at Sanchi before leaving for Delhi via Bhopal.

Governor of Madhya Pradesh Ram Naresh Yadav, Sri Lanka’s External Affairs Minister Prof. G. L. Peiris, MP Sajin Vaas Gunawardena, Secretary to the President Lalith Weeratunga, Foreign Secretary Karunathilaka Amunugama, Indian High Commissioner in Colombo Ashok K. Kantha and Sri Lankan High Commissioner in New Delhi Prasad Kariyawasam also participated in the ceremony.

Elaborate security arrangements are put in place for the President’s visit in view of the protest by pro Tamil Tiger groups. Borders of Sanchi town have been sealed as part of the security measure. However Police have arrested with the mediation of the Indian Central Government a group of nearly 1000 LTTE loyalists for attempting to sabotage the President’s Indian visit.

Reports emanating from India said that 700 persons along with MDMK Party Leader of India Y. Gopal Swamy alias Vaiko were apprehended on Friday morning when they attempted to forcibly enter the Sanchi City.

Buddhist studies and research will be carried out at this University which is being established in the Sanchi City where places of Buddhist worship prevailed since third century BC. In addition to the conduct of Buddhist research and the provision of Post Degree in the field of Buddhist education, teaching in relation to the Buddha Dhamma on archaeology and Arts will also be undertaken at this University. It will also have a Buddhist Library of international standard.

Plans are underway for the construction of a conference hall and a sports complex to bring about a renaissance in the Sanchi area. Sri Lanka will contribute to the architecture of the Project.

Here is the full text of President Mahinda Rajapaksa’s address at Sanchi.

Venerable Bhikkus and Religious dignitaries

Hon. Shri Ram Naresh Yadav, Governor of Madhya Pradesh

H.E. Jigme Yoser Thinley, Prime Minister of Bhutan

Hon. Shri Shivraj Singh Chouhan, Chief Minister of Madhya Pradesh

Honoured Guests, and

Dear People of Madhya Pradesh,

I bring to you, the warm greetings of your brothers and sisters in Sri Lanka.

Dear Friends,

Over 2300 years ago, it was from this sacred land in Sanchi that your Great Emperor, Asoka sent his son and daughter, Arahat Mahinda and Theri Sanghamitta, to my country. They arrived in Sri Lanka, in peace and friendship. They brought with them, the Message of the Great Teacher, Gautama Buddha – a Message of compassion, non-violence, equanimity, tolerance and understanding.

They were received by my ancestors in Sri Lanka with deep reverence. Theri Sanghamitta brought to Sri Lanka, a sapling of the pipal tree in Bodhgaya, under which Prince Siddhartha attained enlightenment as Gautama Buddha, the Two thousand six hundredth anniversary of which we celebrate this year. This sacred tree, accepted as the oldest historically recorded tree in the world, which remains in Anuradhapura in my country, to this day, has been worshipped since the 3rd Century BC. Today I have brought back a sapling of the same tree to be planted in this sacred land for veneration by those who visit Sanchi.

In the second week after enlightenment, the Buddha spent seven days in meditation in gratitude to the Bodhi Tree that gave him shelter in his search for the truth of samsara. The deep sense of respect for nature among Buddhists in my country has its roots in this great act of gratitude of the Buddha. It also has an important message in today’s need for protection of the environment and sustainable development.

Dear Friends,

My journey to Sanchi today, is primarily an act of gratitude on behalf of the people of my country; I am here as a pilgrim, in veneration of sacred Sanchi, saluting and celebrating the glorious past of this region.

Honourable Chief Minister of Madhya Pradesh, Shri Shivraj Singh Chouhan,

I thank you for inviting me to this sacred land and giving me the honour of participating in the Foundation Laying Ceremony of the ‘Sanchi University of Buddhist and Indic Studies’. By this, you not only honour me but also the people of my country who value the historical bond between Sanchi and Sri Lanka.

As you may know, an ever-increasing number of Sri Lankans, at present over 150,000, who visit this sacred region every year, receive the welcoming hospitality of the Government and people of Madhya Pradesh, a state that is hailed as one of the most tranquil in India.

Dear Friends,

Your great Emperor Asoka, following the teachings of tolerance and understanding of the Buddha, honoured and supported all other religions in his empire. He declared that one should not honour only one’s own religion and condemn the religions of others, but one should honour the faiths of others, as well.

I think this message of tolerance and understanding is of great relevance today, as we see the tragic results of enmity and hatred towards other faiths leading to violence and destruction, and great loss to societies. This message of tolerance is of equal importance in the East and West alike.

We must recall that the greatest son of modern India – Mahatma Gandhi –, who gave spiritual strength to the freedom movement, was moved by the great values of non-violence, peace and compassion which remain among the core values of our region. I believe it is our duty as well to spread this message further and deeper, both in our own lands and the larger world that is trapped in material-based progress.

Dear Friends,

On this occasion we must also pay tribute to other great sons of our region for their contribution to the revival of Buddhist and Indic thought, values, and practice both in India and beyond. Anagarika Dharmapala, the well-known Sri Lankan Buddhist sage spent a life-time in India, working on rehabilitation of ancient Buddhist sites of worship. Next year, 2013, will be the 120th Anniversary of his memorable address at the World Parliament of Religions in Chicago, on Buddhism. Anagarika Dharmapala was joined by Swami Vivekananda at the World Parliament who spoke equally eloquently, on Hinduism.

We must also honour the memory of Dr. B.R. Ambedkar for his profound contribution to the revival of Buddhist thought in this Land of the Buddha; and for his efforts to incorporate Buddhist and Indic values in the modern day governance systems of India.

Dear Friends,

This University seeks to follow a unique path in higher education in the pattern of classical Indian Universities, such as Takshila, Nalanda, Vallabhi and Vikramshila. I believe it will focus on the study, research and spread of knowledge of Buddhist thought, in all its rich and varied dimensions.

It is more than a coincidence that this happy and auspicious occasion is graced by two heads of Government of two nations in South Asia: Bhutan and Sri Lanka. Both our countries have benefitted from the spark of civilization that came with the dawn of Buddhist practice in our nations. I am very pleased that the Prime Minister of our brotherly nation, Hon. Jigme Yoser Thinley is with me today to share the joy of this occasion.

Dear Friends,

Today’s conventional education that we have largely inherited from our colonial past often restricts development of the human mind and ignores the relationship between the mind and matters of life. Not only, does it focus on personal gain and ambition, but also gives rise to ruthless competition, and wasteful consumption. It fails to help individuals discover true and lasting values and to build a complete person capable of dealing successfully with life as a whole.

Dear Friends,

It is our long held tradition that a complete education must involve the awakening of the self and the cultivation of self-knowledge and wisdom and help fashion one’s life for the greater good of humankind.

Dear Friends,

This University will revive Buddhist and Indic studies based on the ancient concepts of teaching, self-enquiry, and traditional knowledge. It will fulfil a much needed role in our region which is today troubled by the ill-effects of commercialisation, urbanisation, de-forestation, and intense competition. We believe it will seek ways and means to revive the traditional concepts of social responsibility.

Dear Friends,

Undoubtedly, there is a need to go back to the roots of our civilizations and search for the wisdom that prevailed in our ancient world. The Buddhist and Indic value systems that paved the way to modern concepts of human rights and fundamental freedoms need to be revived.

In this context, it is our hope that the wisdom that will in time come from the work of the ‘University of Buddhist and Indic Studies’ becomes a beacon of light for our region as we battle against: intolerance and hatred; separatism and ethnic prejudice; terrorism and violence; and social inequality and exclusion.

Honourable Chief Minister,

Before I conclude, it is important to recall that we in Sri Lanka have always considered India as a friendly land and people. As in the past, our people still refer to India as Dambadiva and Jambudveepa and still undertake pilgrimages to Dambadiva. The federal structure and the emergence of states has not erased our vision of India as a single land of friendship with the great bonds of history. Our traditional education also owes much to the early Indian and larger Indic traditions. I believe this tradition of embracing all of India in friendship will continue to enrich our relations.

The Government and people of Sri Lanka and I will continue to contribute towards the success of this University. I am confident that this University will grow from strength to strength and that men and women who will graduate from it will be inspired by the Buddha’s words, displayed on the pillar that we unveiled this afternoon:

“One who is virtuous and wise shines forth like a blazing fire.”

 I wish you all, the blessings of the Noble Triple Gem: Buddha, Dhamma and Sangha.
By Janaka Alahapperuma

Pix by: Nalin Hewapathirana/ Chandana Perera
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President Rajapaksa calls on Indian Premier Manmohan Singh

President Mahinda Rajapaksa who is in India on a three day state visit primarily to lay foundation stone for the International University of Buddhist Studies in the historically important city of Sanchi in Madhya Pradesh held comprehensive deliberations with Prime Minister Dr Manmohan Singh on Thursday evening.

It was the first meeting between the two parties after India voted in favour of U.S. backed resolution on Sri Lanka at the United Nations Human Rights Council (UNHRC) Geneva sessions in March.

Prime Minister Singh raised the issue of devolution of powers so that Tamil citizens of Sri Lanka can look forward to a future where they can live with dignity and respect. In his response, President Rajapaksa noted that elections had been held in three provinces and administrative and other steps were underway to hold elections in the Northern Province near future.  The President talked about various successful steps taken by the government to rehabilitate and resettle displaced people as also in dealing with the ethnic issue. Prime Minister Singh requested to fast-track the rehabilitation of war-displaced Tamils in Sri Lanka and also asked to speed up finding a lasting solution to the ethnic issue.

In the backdrop of arrest and alleged harassment of Indian fishermen by Sri Lanka Navy, PM emphasised on the need to treat fishermen humanely in cases where they may stray across maritime boundary on both sides. Two leaders agreed it would be best for fishermen’s associations to meet and discuss these issues further.

President Rajapaksa said that the relationship between the two countries that goes back to centauries should not be tarnished by petty incidents. The President also thanked PM for the Kapilavasthu relics expositions in Sri Lanka where more than 3 million people paid their respects. During the meeting both sides discussed key bilateral issues and reviewed all matters of mutual interest, the Government Information Department reported.

Prime Minister Dr Manmohan Singh also hosted a private dinner, which was attended by a select number of guests, for the visiting dignitary.

Meanwhile pro Tamil Tiger elements in Tamil Nadu infuriated by the vanquishing of Tiger terrorism have planned protests and black flag demonstrations against the President’s visit. Certain politicians and political parties strongly supportive to LTTE terrorism in Tamil Nadu are also demanding for the cancellation of the visit. An Indian has already self immolated and died in protest against President Rajapaksa’s Indian visit.

The pro-LTTE Tamil party Marumalarchi Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam (MDMK) leader Vaiko and his convoy of buses carrying hundreds of supporters had left Tamil Nadu. They have been stopped at Pandhurna on Maharashtra-Madhya Pradesh border in Chhindwara district by the police when they tried to enter the Madhya Pradesh on Wednesday morning. LTTE ardent supporter Vaiko vowed to stage a black flag protest in Sanchi to show opposition to President’s visit. He attacked the central government and the BJP-led Madhya Pradesh government for inviting the Sri Lankan President.However Nearly half a dozen MDMK supporters were already detained at Salamatpur near Sanchi as a precautionary measure. The Indian government said that it would not allow baseless protests by Vaiko and his followers in Sanchi.

Indian Janatha Party leader Dr. Subramanian Swami said that the arrival of President Mahinda Rajapaksa is an honor to India. Expressing his views to the media he said that protests by certain groups were baseless and Indians would welcome the Sri Lankan president as a hero. Dr. Swami further said that he hope that one day India’s highest honour, “Braratha Rathna” would be bestowed on the President Rajapaksa. India also suffered immensely due to LTTE terrorism. Defeating of the LTTE would be instrumental in bringing peace not only to Sri Lanka but also to the Asian region. Dr. Swami pointed out that Asia should be grateful to the Sri Lankan President who pioneered to bring peace to the region.

Sri Lankan High Commissioner in India Prasad Kariyawasam pointed out that the tour shows the warm relations and friendship between the two countries and the Asian region. He added that India and Sri Lanka have a historic relationship and no external forces could break such a strong relationship.

However, the Indian government has provided full security to President Rajapaksa’s state visit. External Affairs Minister Prof. G. L. Peiris, Parliamentarian Sajin Vass Gunawardena, Secretary to the President Lalith Weeratunga and Secretary to the Ministry of External Affairs Karunathilaka Amunugama were present at the occasion.

By Janaka Alahapperuma
Pix by: Nalin Hewapathirana
News

Govt. commitment questionable : TNA tells UN

The Tamil National Alliance (TNA) told the visiting UN delegation that it remained questionable whether the government was unequivocally committed to the implementation of the Lessons Learnt and Reconciliation Commission (LLRC) and he UNHRC resolution adopted in March, 2012.

The TNA delegation led by party leader R. Sampanthan met Hanny Megally, Chief, Asia, Pacific, Middle East and North Africa Branch, Field Operations and Technical Cooperation Division of the Office of the United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights and his team of officials on September 20 at the office of the Resident Coordinator of the United Nations.

UN Resident Coordinator Subinay Nandy was also present. The TNA delegation comprised MPs Mavai Senathirajah, Suresh Premachandran, Selvam Adaikalanathan, P Selvarajah and M. A. Sumanthiran, Members of Parliament.

Mr.Sumanthiran told the Daily Mirror that his party discussed matters relating to land issues involving high security zones, particularly Valikamam and Sampur.

He said the displaced people had not been able to resettle because their lands had been taken over for military purposes.

A statement from the party said, “The matters discussed were about  lands being taken over ostensibly for development purposes and on which, persons of the majority community were being settled, cultural and religious places being denied to the Tamil people, issues relating to demilitarization, disappearances, detenues, changes in the demographic composition in the North and the East, accountability and the evolution of an acceptable political solution.

Meanwhile, Mr. Sumanthiran said in Parliament around 100,000 soldiers, attached to 14 divisions, had been stationed in the north and the east. Also, he scoffed at the government’s claim that the northern economy by 22 percent.

“For this calculation, they have included the salaries paid to soldiers stationed in the area,” he said.
Also, he raised concerns about the increase of tobacco and liquor sales in the north and the east.

By Kelum Bandara
Source : Daily Mirror(Sri Lanka)

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Indian President hails Sri Lanka’s rehabilitation process and development activities in the North and East

President Mahinda Rajapaksa has called on his Indian counterpart, President Pranab Mukherjee at Rashtrapathi Bhavan on Thursday evening. The president and the Sri Lankan delegation were warmly welcomed by the Indian president.

President Rajapaksa held a special meeting with the top Indian leadership. They discussed many key bilateral issues, including South Indian fishermen. India pressed for an expeditious inclusive solution to the ethnic issue and rehabilitation of displaced people.  However the two leaders paid profound attention on strengthening bilateral ties between the two nations.

The Indian president hailed the rehabilitation and resettlement process and economic growth marked by Sri Lanka. He also praised that massive development activities taking place in the Northern and Eastern provinces. The Indian president noted that de-mining 90 percent of vulnerable lands in war hit areas and completing resettlement process successfully are major achievements of the government of Sri Lanka in a very short period of time.

In the backdrop of the recent attacks against Sri Lankans in Tamil Nadu, the Sri Lankan leader, during his meeting with President Mukherjee, also noted that such unfortunate incidents should not be allowed to harm centuries old ties between the two countries. The president also thanked the Indian government for extending helping hand to expedite the country’s development initiatives.

Minister of External Affairs Prof. G.L Peiris, Parliamentarian Sajin Vaas Gunewardena, Secretary to the President Lalith Weerathunga, Sri Lankan High Commissioner in India Prasad Kariyawasam and Secretary to the External Affairs Ministry, Karunathilaka Amunugama were also present at the occasion.

By Janaka Alahapperuma
Pix by Nalin Hewapathirana
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මට මහ ඇමැති ධුරය නොලැබුණොත් උ/මැ මන්ත්‍රීවරු 130 ක්‌ ඉවත් වෙනවා – බර්ටි ප්‍රේමලාල් දිසානායක

තමාට මහ ඇමැති ධුරය ලබා නොදුනහොත් උතුරුමැද පළාත් පාලන මන්ත්‍රී සංසදයේ සිටින මන්ත්‍රීවරු එකසිය පනස්‌ හතරෙන් (154), එකසිය තිස්‌ දෙනකු (130) එක්‌සත් ජනතා නිදහස්‌ සන්ධානයෙන් ඉවත් වන බව උතුරු මැද පළාතේ හිටපු ප්‍රධාන ඇමැති බර්ටි ප්‍රේමලාල් දිසානායක මහතා අනුරාධපුර නගරයේදී ඊයේ (20 වැනිදා) පැවසීය.

තමාට මහ ඇමැති ධුරය ලබානොදුනහොත් ඇමැති ධුර ද භාර නොගෙන සාමාන්‍ය මන්ත්‍රීවරයකු ලෙස ස්‌වාධීනව පළාත් සභාවේ සිටීමට තීරණය කර ඇතැයි හිටපු මහ ඇමැතිවරයා කීවේය. උතුරු මැද පළාත් මහ ඇමැතිවරයා තෝරා පත්කර ගැනීම සම්බන්ධයෙන් ප්‍රකාශ නිකුත් කරන්නේ අමාත්‍ය එස්‌. එම්. චන්ද්‍රසේන මහතා පමණක්‌ බවත් ඒ සඳහා පත්කර ඇති කමිටුව හෝ පක්‍ෂ ලේකම් තබා ජනාධිපතිතුමා වත් ප්‍රකාශ නිකුත් කර නැතැයි හිටපු මහ ඇමැතිවරයා පැවසීය.

එම මන්ත්‍රී සංසදය සමග එක්‌ව බර්ටි ප්‍රේමලාල් දිසානායක මහතා සිය අනුරාධපුර නිවසේ පැවැත්වූ ප්‍රවෘත්ති සාකච්ඡාවේදී මෙම අදහස්‌ පළ කළේය.

වැඩිදුරටත් අදහස්‌ දක්‌වමින් හිටපු ප්‍රධාන ඇමැතිවරයා මෙසේද පැවසුවේය.

එස්‌. එම්. අමාත්‍යවරයා මාධ්‍යයට මේ ප්‍රකාශ කරන්නේ තනිවමයි. ප්‍රධාන ඇමැති තේරීමේ සම්ප්‍රදායට අනුව පක්‍ෂ නායකත්වය ඒතීන්දු තීරණ අරගෙනයි නිවේදන නිකුත් කරන්නේ. එහෙම නිවේදන නිකුත් වී නැහැ.

වැඩිම මනාප ගැනීම මහ ඇමැතිකම ලබාගන්නට සුදුසුකමක්‌ නොවේ. වෙනත් මැතිවරණවලදී ද එය ඔප්පු වෙලා තියෙනවා.

ශ්‍රී ලංකා නිදහස්‌ පක්‍ෂය බලගතු පක්‍ෂයක්. ජනාධිපතිතුමා සාධාරණ තීන්දුවක්‌ ගනීවි කියල මම බලාපොරොත්තු වෙනවා.

අනුරාධපුරය එක්‌සත් ජාතික පක්‍ෂයේ බලකොටුවක්‌ව තිබුණේ. මහින්දසෝම අධිකාරි කාලේ අපිට නිල්පාට තොප්පියක්‌වත් දාන්න බැරිව හිටියේ. අද මේක ශ්‍රී ලංකා නිදහස්‌ පක්‍ෂයේ බලකොටුවක්‌ කරන්නට මම විශාල කැප කිරීමක්‌ කළා.

පළාත් පාලන මන්ත්‍රී සංසදයේ මාධ්‍ය ප්‍රකාශක ප්‍රාදේශීය සභා මන්ත්‍රී සරත් වීරවංශ මහතා අදහස්‌ දක්‌වමින් මෙසේ පැවසුවේය.

දිස්‌ත්‍රික්‌කයේ විශිෂ්ට නායකයකු ලෙස බර්ටි ප්‍රේමලාල් දිසානායක මහතා අප පක්‍ෂයේ ජයග්‍රහණය උදෙසා අපව මෙහෙයවලා රජය පත් කළා. අපි බලාපොරොත්තු වෙනවා බර්ටි ප්‍රේමලාල් වැනි ජ්‍යෙෂ්ඨයකුට පළාතේ මහ ඇමැති ධුරය ලබාදීමට ජනාධිපතිතුමා කටයුතු කරාවි කියලා. නැති වුවහොත් මේක පක්‍ෂයේ බරපතළ බිඳවැටීමක්‌ වෙනවා. අප සංසදයේ 130 දෙනකු පක්‍ෂයෙන් ඉල්ලා අස්‌වෙනවා.

නියෝජ්‍ය අමාත්‍ය දුමින්ද දිසානායක මහතා ද මේ අවස්‌ථාවට සහභාගි විය.

සිරිල් බස්‌නායක
Source: Divaina (Sri Lanka)

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President Rajapaksa receives warm welcome in India

President Mahinda Rajapaksa left on a three day official visit to India Wednesday afternoon (19 September). The President and his entourage arrived at the Palam Air Force Base in New Delhi and they were warmly greeted by an Indian delegation at the Airport. On arrival, India’s Minister of State for Parliamentary Affairs and Planning, Science and Technology Ashwani Kumar welcomed the President. Sri Lanka High Commissioner for India, Prasad Kariyawasam and High Commission officials were present at the Airport.

The President began the official visit to India following an invitation extended to him to lay the foundation stone for the International University of Buddhist Studies in the historically important city of Sanchi in Madya Pradesh on 21 Friday. Dignitaries from Bhutan, Myanmar, Thailand, Japan, Cambodia, Mongolia and Nepal will participate for the foundation laying ceremony of the University.

Another purpose of the visit is to further strengthen bilateral relations between India and Sri Lanka. The President is also scheduled to have discussions with newly appointed Indian President and his Indian counterpart Pranab Mukherjee and Prime Minister Dr. Manmohan Singh on Thursday.

This will be the first meeting between the two parties after India voted in favor of a U.S. backed resolution on Sri Lanka at the United Nations Human Rights Council (UNHRC) Geneva sessions in March. However the visit came under a cloud after 184 Catholic pilgrims were attacked in the southern Indian state of Tamil Nadu couple of weeks ago. In response, the Government of Sri Lanka issued a travel advisory on Tamil Nadu which is still in force but insisted that their cooperation with the Indian central government would continue. Therefore the Presidential secretariat said that the talks will focus attention on recent incidents in Tamil Nadu and the ongoing fishing problems. The Indian Prime Minister is to host the visiting Sri Lankan President for a dinner Thursday night.

Meanwhile pro Tamil Tiger elements in Tamil Nadu infuriated by the vanquishing of Tiger terrorism have planned protests and black flag demonstrations against the President’s visit. Certain politicians and political parties strongly supportive to LTTE terrorism in Tamil Nadu are also demanding for the cancellation of the visit. An Indian has already self immolated in protest against President’s Indian visit.

The pro-LTTE Tamil party Marumalarchi Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam (MDMK) leader Vaiko and his convoy of buses carrying hundreds of supporters had left Tamil Nadu two days ago have been stopped by the police when they tried to enter the Madhya Pradesh this morning. LTTE ardent supporter Vaiko vowed to stage a black flag protest in Sanchi to show opposition to President’s visit. The Indian government said that it would not allow baseless protests by Vaiko and his followers in Sanchi.

Indian Janatha Party leader Dr. Subramanian Swami said that the arrival of President Mahinda Rajapaksa is an honor to India. Expressing his views to the media he said that protests by certain groups were baseless and Indians would welcome the Sri Lankan president as a hero. Dr. Swami further said that he hope that one day India’s highest honour, “Braratha Rathna” would be bestowed on the President Rajapaksa. India also suffered immensely due to LTTE terrorism. Defeating of the LTTE would be instrumental in bringing peace not only to Sri Lanka but also to the Asian region. Dr. Swami pointed out that Asia should be grateful to the Sri Lankan President who pioneered to bring peace to the region.

Sri Lankan High Commissioner in India Prasad Kariyawasam pointed out that the tour shows the warm relations and friendship between the two countries and the Asian region. He added that India and Sri Lanka have a historic relationship and no external forces could break such a strong relationship.

However, the Indian government has provided full security to President Rajapaksa’s state visit. External Affairs Minister Prof. G. L. Peiris, Parliamentarian Sajin Vass Gunawardena and Secretary to the President Lalith Weeratunga accompanied the President.

By Janaka Alahapperuma
Pix by: Chandana Perera

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එජාප කෘත්‍යාධිකාරි මණ්‌ඩල තීරණයට එරෙහි පෙත්සම නිෂ්ප්‍රභ කෙරේ

එක්‌සත් ජාතික පක්‍ෂයේ කෘත්‍යාධිකාරී මණ්‌ඩලය මගින් එම පක්‍ෂයේ නායකත්වය තෝරා පත්කර ගැනීම වසර හය දක්‌වා දීර්ඝ කිරීමට එරෙහි ඉදිරිපත් වූ පෙත්සම ගල්කිස්‌ස දිසා විනිසුරු ප්‍රියන්ත ප්‍රනාන්දු මහතා විසින් ඊයේ (19 දා) නිෂ්ප්‍රභ කරන ලදී.

පෙත්සම්කාර පාර්ශවය මගින් අදාළ පෙත්සම ඉල්ලා අස්‌කර ගන්නා බවට කළ දැනුම් දීම කෙරෙහි සැලකිලිමත් වෙමින් දිසා විනිසුරුවරයා පෙත්සම එලෙස නිෂ්ප්‍රභ කළේය.
සිද්ධියට අදාළ පෙත්සම දිසා විනිසුරු ප්‍රියන්ත ප්‍රනාන්දු මහතා හමුවේ විභාගයට ගත් අවස්‌ථාවේ දී වගඋත්තරකාර පාර්ශවය වෙනුවෙන් දිවුරුම් ප්‍රකාශයක්‌ ගොනුකරමින් කරුණු දැක්‌වූ ජනාධිපති නීතිඥ ඉක්‍රම් මොහොමඩ් මහතා පක්‍ෂ නායකත්වය තෝරාපත්කර ගැනීම වසර හයකට වරක්‌ සිදුකළ යුතු බවට ඉදිරිපත් වූයේ කෘත්‍යාධිකාරී මණ්‌ඩලයේ යෝජනාවක්‌ පමණක්‌ බවත් එය පක්‍ෂයේ මහා සම්මේලනයකදී යෝජනා ස්‌ථිරත්වයෙන් පක්‍ෂ ව්‍යවස්‌ථාවට ඇතුළත් විය හැකි බවත් කියා සිටියේය.

පෙත්සම්කාර පාර්ශවය විවිධ අධිකරණ වෙත විවිධ පෙත්සම් ගොනුකර පක්‍ෂ නායකත්වයත් පක්‍ෂයත් අපහසුතාවට පත් කරන බවද පැවසූ මොහොමඩ් මහතා කරුණු නිවැරදිව දැනගෙන වගකීමෙන් කටයුතු කරන ලෙසට පෙත්සම්කාර පාර්ශවයෙන් ඉල්ලා සිටින බවද කියා සිටියේය.

එහිදී පෙත්සම්කාර පාර්ශවය වෙනුවෙන් කරුණු දැක්‌වූ නීතිඥ පර්හාන් කාසිම් මහතා පක්‍ෂ නායකත්වය තෝරා පත්කර ගැනීම වසර හය දක්‌වා දීර්ඝ කිරීම කෘත්‍යාධිකාරී මණ්‌ඩලයේ යෝජනාවක්‌ පමණක්‌ බවට හා එය පක්‍ෂ ව්‍යවස්‌ථාවට ඇතුළත් වනුයේ මහා සම්මේලනයකින් සම්මත වුවහොත් පමණක්‌ බවට වගඋත්තරකාර පාර්ශවයේ දැනුම්දීම අනුව අදාළ පෙත්සම ඉල්ලා අස්‌කර ගැනීමට සූදානම් බවත් නඩු ගාස්‌තුවකට යටත් නොකොට පෙත්සම ඉල්ලා අස්‌කර ගැනීමට අවසර ලබාදෙන ලෙසත් ඉල්ලා සිටියේය.

ඉදිරිපත් වූ කරුණු කෙරෙහි සැලකිලිමත් වූ දිසා විනිසුරුවරයා පෙත්සම නඩු ගාස්‌තුවකට යටත් නොකොට ඉල්ලා අස්‌කර ගැනීමට අවසර ලබාදෙමින් පෙත්සම නිෂ්ප්‍රභ කළේය.

එක්‌සත් ජාතික පක්‍ෂයේ නායක විපක්‍ෂනායක රනිල් වික්‍රමසිංහ මහතා ඇතුළු එහි කෘත්‍යාධිකාරී මණ්‌ඩල සාමාජිකයන් වගඋත්තරකරුවන් කරමින් එක්‌සත් ජාතික පක්‍ෂයේ දකුණු පළාත් සභා මන්ත්‍රී මෛත්‍රී ගුණරත්න මහතා සහ තවත් නීතිඥවරුන් දෙදෙනකු විසින් මෙම පෙත්සම ගොනුකර තිබිණි.

සමන්ත ඉලේපෙරුම, එස්‌. පී. ආරියරත්න
Source: Divaina (Sri Lanka)

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බ්‍රිතාන්‍යයේ රැකවරණය පැතූ ශ්‍රී ලාංකිකයන් පිටුවහල් කරයි

“යුද්ධය ඉවරයි – දැන් සරණාගත කතා වැඩක්‌ නෑ”
බ්‍රිතාන්‍යයේ රැකවරණය පැතූ ශ්‍රී ලාංකිකයන් පිටුවහල් කරයි
දෙමළ ජනයාට හිරිහැර කරන බවට කිසිම සාක්‍ෂියක්‌ නෑ
බ්‍රිතාන්‍ය රජය කියයි

බ්‍රිතාන්‍යයේ මානුෂික අයිතිවාසිකම් සුරැකීමේ සංවිධානය දැඩි විරෝධයක්‌ දැක්‌වුවද සරණාගතයන් ලෙස බ්‍රිතාන්‍යයේ ජීවත්වීමට ඉල්ලීම් කරන ලද දෙමළ ජනයා නැවත ශ්‍රී ලංකාවට පිටුවහල් කිරීමට බ්‍රිතාන්‍ය රජය තීරණය කර තිබේ.

ඒ අනුව ඉදිරි සති කිහිපය තුළ විශේෂයෙන් කුලියට ගන්නා ලද ගුවන් යානා තුනකින් මෙම දෙමළ ජනයා බ්‍රිතාන්‍යයෙන් නැවත ශ්‍රී ලංකාවට පිටුවහල් කිරීමට නියමිතය. මේ අනුව පළමු කණ්‌ඩායමට 60 දෙනකු පිටුවහල් කර එවීමට නියමිතය.ගුවන් තොටුපළ ඉදිරිපිට විරෝධය දක්‌වන නිසා මෙම ජනයා පිටුවහල් කරන්නේ ලන්ඩනයේ කුමන ගුවන් තොටුපළින් දැයි සඳහන් කර නැත.

මානුෂික අයිතිවාසිකම් සුරැකීමේ සංවිධාන තර්ක කරන්නේ මෙම ජනයා ශ්‍රී ලංකාවට යෑවූ පසු ඔවුන් ශ්‍රී ලංකා රජයේ තාඩන පීඩනවලට ලක්‌වන බවයි.

නමුත් බ්‍රිතාන්‍ය රජය පවසන්නේ ශ්‍රී ලංකාවේ පැවැති යුද්ධයේ නිමාවත් සමගම ශ්‍රී ලාංකික දෙමළ ජනයාට බ්‍රිතාන්‍යය තුළ සරණාගතයන් ලෙස ජීවත්වීමට අවශ්‍යතාවක්‌ නොමැති බවයි.

තවද ශ්‍රී ලංකාවට පිටුවහල් කරන ලද දෙමළ ජනයා ශ්‍රී ලංකා රජයේ තාඩන පීඩනවලට ලක්‌වන බවට සාක්‍ෂි නැති බවද බ්‍රිතාන්‍ය රජය පවසයි.

මේ පිළිබඳව “දිවයින”ට අදහස්‌ දැක්‌වූ ලන්ඩනයේ ශ්‍රී ලංකා මහා කොමසාරිස්‌ කාර්යාලයේ වීසා අංශයේ ප්‍රධානී නීතිඥ චමින්ද කුලරත්න මහතා කියා සිටියේ ශ්‍රී ලංකාවට පිටුවහල් කරන දෙමළ ජනයා රජයේ තාඩන පීඩනවලට ලක්‌ කෙරෙන බවට කරන චෝදනාවන්ට පදනමක්‌ නැති බවයි.

තවද ඔවුන්ව තාඩන පීඩනවලට ලක්‌ නොවන බව කොළඹ බ්‍රිතාන්‍ය මහ කොමසාරිස්‌ කාර්යාලය පවසන බව කුලරත්න මහතා සඳහන් කරයි.

එසේම මෙම ජනයා ශ්‍රී ලංකා රජයේ තාඩන පීඩනවලට ලක්‌වන බව පවසමින් බ්‍රිතාන්‍යයට පැමිණෙන්නේ මුදල් ඉපැයීමට බවත් කුලරත්න මහතා වැඩිදුරටත් සඳහන් කරයි.

සුජීව නිවුන්හැල්ල

Source: Divaina(Sri Lanka)

Sports

ක්‍රීඩාව තහනම් වුණත් කතාවට බාධා නෑ

තරග පාවාදීම හේතුවෙන් දීර්ඝකාලීන තරග තහනමකට ලක්ව සිටින පාකිස්තාන ක්‍රිකට් ක්‍රීඩකයන් වන සල්මන් බට් හා මොහොමඩ් ආමීර් විස්සයි 20 ලෝක කුසලාන තරගාවලියේ රූපවාහිනී විස්තර ප්‍රචාරකයන් ලෙස කටයුතු කරති‍.

එංගලන්තට එරෙහිව 2010 ලෝඩ්ස් ටෙස්ට් තරගයේ හිතාමතාම නීති විරෝධී පන්දු යැවීම නිසා ජගත් ක්‍රිකට් කවුන්සලයේ පස් අවුරුදු තරග තහනමකට මේ දෙදෙනාම ලක්ව සිටිති.

ඉන්දියාවට එරෙහිව පාකිස්තානය කඩුලු 5ක් ජයක් අත්කරගත් කොළඹදී පෙරේදා පැවැති පුහුණු තරගය අතරවාරයේදී බට් ARY ප්‍රවෘත්ති චැනලයේ පෙනී සිටියේය. ආමීර්ද එදිනම එස්ප්‍රස් නිව්ස් චැනලයේ විස්තර ප්‍රචාරයට එක්වුණි.

Source: Dinamina(Sri Lanka)

News

Diyatha Uyana-New horticultural sales zone on the banks of the Diyawanna Oya

“Diyatha Uyana” Walking Path and flower shops on the banks of the Diyawanna Oya Waters Edge premises to enhance the beauty of the city of Sri Jayawardenapura , Kotte near Battaramulla was declared open for the public recently by Basil Rajapaksa, Senior adviser to the President and Minister of Economic Development and Gotabaya Rajapaksa, Secretary, Ministry of Defence and Urban Development.

The newly constructed horticultural sales zone in an environment with a breathtaking landscape and setting is mainly dedicated to the sales and marketing of local flora and tropical flowers and also other gardening equipments. It comprises of 84 sales outlets. The spectacular water fountain built at the place also adds much beauty, glamour and magnificence to the whole area including the city of Sri Jayawardenapura, Kotte.

The park was created on a marshy land between the Parliamentary complex and the Diyawanna Oya at the Polduwa junction. A reservoir was built near the Waters Edge under the programme of constructing a network of reservoirs to control floods in Colombo. The entertainment park was created simultaneously. The park also consists of walking paths, canteens and other kinds of self employments for locals.

Diyatha Uyana construction project was carried out under the close guidance and supervision of Secretary Defence and Urban Development Gotabaya Rajapaksa. The combined efforts and expertise of the Sri Lanka Land Reclamation and Development Corporation, The Sri Lanka Army, Navy and Civil Security Department personnel utilized in the construction of the project.

President Mahinda Rajapaksa also made a surprise visit to the venue. The President, Ministers and Secretary Defence took time off to talk with the enthusiastic public and the vendors on the site. The President visited almost every stall that sells flower plants exchanged views with the traders as well as those who had visited the park.  “Diyatha Uyana” which combines natural beauty with modern technology will be the central point of the local horticultural sales industry and already it has become an attraction and quite a popular place amongst local as well as foreign tourists.

Ministers Dinesh Gunawardena, Susil Premajayanth, Gamini Lokuge, AHM Fowzie, Chief of Defence Staff, Tri Forces Commanders, Chairperson of the Ministry of Defence Seva Vanitha Unit Mrs. Ioma Rajapaksa, Mayour of Kaduwela, G.H.Buddhadasa, senior Ministry officials and a large number of enthusiastic public participated in the occasion.

By Janaka Alahapperuma
Pix by: Udesh Gunarathna

News

Abdul Majeed sworn in as the Chief Minister of the Eastern Province

Sri Lanka Freedom Party’s Najeeb Abdul Majeed was sworn in as the new Chief Minister of the Eastern Province Council before President Mahinda Rajapaksa, this morning on 18 September.

There was uncertainty over the formation of the governing council of the multi-ethnic Eastern Province since the election was held on 08 September. No party was able to command absolute majority in the 37-member council. Therefore the ongoing political uncertainty in Eastern Province ended this morning with the appointment of ruling UPFA coalition’s Najeeb Abdul Majeed as the Chief Minister at Temple Trees.

Meanwhile former Chief Minister and the leader of the Tamil Makkal Viduthalai Puligal (TMVP), Sivanesathurai Chandrakanthan alias Pillaiyan has been appointed as a Presidential Advisor. Chandrakanthan, a Tamilian who held the Eastern Chief Minister’s position was replaced by a Muslim today.

Ministers Maithripala Sirisena, Susil Premajayantha, Dullas Alahapperuma, Rishaad Badiudeen, A.H.M.Athaullah, leader of the main Muslim party – Sri Lanka Muslim Congress, Rauff Hakeem, Governor of the Eastern Province Rial Admiral Mohan Wijewickrama, Secretary to the President, Lalith Weeratunga were present at the swearing in ceremony

A decision to form the government led coalition was made by a high level ministerial committee appointed by President Rajapaksa to determine the choice of a new Eastern Provincial Chief Minister and composition of the provincial ministerial board. The four member team of cabinet ministers entrusted with the task of finalizing arrangements for the Eastern province was Economic Development Minister Basil Rajapaksa, Environment Minister Anura Priyadarshana Yapa, Petroleum Industries Minister Susil Premajayantha and Youth Affairs and Skills Development Minister Dullas Alahapperuma.

They had in detailed discussions with SLMC leader Rauf Hakeem, ACMC leader Rishaad Badiudeen, TMVP leader Sivanesathurai Chandrakanthan and National Congress leader A.H.M Athaullah. The ministers also consulted UPFA coalition government’s main political party, Sri Lanka Freedom Party (SLFP) stalwarts of the Eastern Province. A senior UPFA Minister informed that a lengthy discussion with regard to this was held with Minister Hakeem and the SLMC parliamentary group last afternoon.

Finally, SLFP’s solitary Muslim provincial councillor Najeeb Abdul Majeed elected on the United Peoples Freedom Alliance (UPFA) ticket from Trincomalee district was chosen and he is the first Muslim Chief Minister of the Eastern Province.  Furthermore United People Freedom Alliance decided to grant two ministries for SLMC which supports the UPFA to hold governance in the province. SLMC Ampara district candidates M.Mansoor, A.M.Jameel and the Batticaloa district member Habiz Nazeer Ahamad would be the front runners for those ministry positions.

Former Eastern Chief Minister Sivanesathurai Chandrakanthan and the Wimalaweera Dissanayake would be appointed as provincial ministers too. The National Congress and All Ceylon Muslim Congress led by Cabinet Ministers A.H.M Athaullah and Rishaad Badiutheen will not be given any ministerial posts. Instead the Provincial Council Chairman and Deputy Chairman posts will be given to them.

The Tamil National Alliance (TNA) and UNP also engaged in a hectic effort to obtain the support of the SLMC to establish the Eastern Provincial Council. The Eastern Province which is multi-ethnic consists of almost equal number of population representing Sinhalese, Tamils and Muslims.

The Presidential Office sources informed that the swearing in of the Chief Ministers of the other two provincial councils, Sabaragamuwa and North Central will be held soon before the President’s departure to India.

By Janaka Alahapperuma
Pix by: Nalin Hewapathirana

News

ඇමැති පුතුන් තමාට පහර නොදුන් බව මේජර් කියයි

මහජන සම්බන්ධතා ඇමැති ආචාර්ය මර්වින් සිල්වා මහතාගේ පුත් මාලක සිල්වා සහ හිටපු ඇමැති මනෝ විඡේරත්න මහතාගේ පුත් රෙහාන් විජේරත්න යන සැකකරුවන් කොළඹ ජැයික්‌ හිල්ටන් හෝටලයේදී ඇති වූ සිද්ධියේදී තමන්ට පහර නොදුන් බවට මේජර් චන්දන ප්‍රදීප් සූරසේන මහතා ඊයේ (18 දා) කොළඹ කොටුව මහෙස්‌ත්‍රාත් අධිකරණය වෙත දිවුරුම් ප්‍රකාශයක්‌ මගින් කරුණු දක්‌වමින් දන්වා සිටියේය.

කොටුව මහෙස්‌ත්‍රාත් කණිෂ්ක විඡේරත්න මහතා හමුවේ නීතිඥ දිනේෂ් දොඩන්ගොඩ මහතා මගින් අධිකරණය වෙත ඉල්ලීමක්‌ ගොනු කරමින් එසේ දන්වා සිටි මේජර්වරයා සිද්ධියට අදාළ පැමිණිල්ල සමථයකට පත්කර ගැනීමට සූදානම් බවත් ඒ සඳහා අධිකරණයේ අවසරය බලාපොරොත්තු වන බවත් දිවුරුම් ප්‍රකාශය මගින් ඉල්ලා සිටී.

පැමිණිල්ලට අදාළ සැකකරුවන් ලබන 24 දා තෙක්‌ රක්‍ෂිත බන්ධනාගාරගත කර ඇති අතර එදිනට පෙර පැමිණිල්ල කැඳවන ලෙස නියෝග කරන ලෙස ද ඉල්ලා සිටින මේජර්වරයා එදිනට පෙනී සිටින ලෙසට අදාළ පාර්ශ්වයන්ට සිතාසි නිකුත් කරන ලෙස ද ඉල්ලා සිටී.

ඉදිරිපත් වූ කරුණු කෙරෙහි සැලකිලිමත් වූ මහෙස්‌ත්‍රාත්වරයා පැමිණිල්ල ලබන 24 දා යළි කැඳවන ලෙසත් එදිනට යුද හමුදා රෝහලේ ප්‍රතිකාර ලබන මේජර්වරයා ඉදිරිපත් කරන මෙන් අණදෙන නිලධාරි වෙත සිතාසි නිකුත් කරන ලෙසත් නියෝග කළේය.

ඉකුත් 09 දා අලුයම 3.30 ට පමණ කොළඹ ජැයික්‌ හිල්ටන් හෝටලයේදී මේ සිද්ධිය ඇති වී තිබේ.

සමන්ත ඉලේපෙරුම
Source:  Divaina (Sri Lanka)

News

Call to hold a National Referendum to Withdraw the 13th Amendment to abolish Provincial Councils and instead Grant Adequate Decentralized Powers to Districts

Media Release  – GLOBAL ALLIANCE FOR PEACE AND UNITY IN SRI LANKA

1. Remembering that the three decade long threat to the break-up of Sri Lanka was averted following the military defeat of the heavily armed Tamil Tigers (LTTE) by the brave men and women of the security forces of the Nation under the able leadership and wholehearted commitment given by His Excellency, Mahinda Rajapakse and the National Government, through a concerted military action which was successfully concluded on May 19, 2009.

2. Recalling with gratitude the immense sacrifices made by each and every member of the security forces and the fortitude shown by the Nation’s Leaders in safeguarding our Beloved Motherland and regaining the country, and ushering in a new era of peace and prosperity for all our people.

3. Being aware of other dangers to the security of the country, her territorial integrity, sovereignty and independence, in the wake of the recent Resolution adopted in the UNHRC at its 19th sessions in March 2012 requiring Sri Lanka to submit to international pressures in respect of matters pertaining to domestic issues, although Sri Lanka has clearly undertaken to fulfill these to the best of her abilities wherever deemed necessary in the national interest.

4. India’s stance in supporting the Resolution and the Indian Prime Minister’s statement wherein he stated that India was joining the western powers, “ to advance their objective of achieving a future for the Tamil community in Sri Lanka that is marked by equality, dignity, justice and self-respect”, is a cause for concern.

Whereas India and the western powers seek special treatment for the Tamil community, Sri Lanka does not and cannot provide for special treatment for any individual community but seeks to ensure the fullest participation of all communities as equal citizens with all the rights guaranteed by the Nation’s Constitution.

India’s unfriendly acts in the 1980’s which gave rise to Tamil terrorism and highly coercive non-neighbourly strategies adopted by her in imposing an unequal Accord in 1987, and in forcing Sri Lanka to devolve wide powers to provinces in terms of the 13th Amendment, have proven to be an impediment to peace and progress in the island. Retaining large provinces leaves room for unwarranted interference by Tamilnadu politicians to repeatedly ignite the separatist flames among the Tamils living across the Palk Strait in Sri Lanka, such as the holding of a convention recently in Chennai on August 12, 2012 to establish a separate state of “Eelam” comprising the northern and eastern provinces of the island.

5. Pro-Tamil Tiger groups within the expatriate Tamils have recently sought US and international support for a Resolution that seeks to establish the Tamil community’s presumed Right to Self-Determination by holding a Referendum in the Tamil majority regions of the northern and eastern provinces to establish a separate state to be called North-East Sri Lanka, similar to that adopted in the creation of the new state of South Sudan.

In the light of moves by extremist members of the Tamils living overseas and separatist elements represented by the TNA, the proxy party of the LTTE, we are firmly of the opinion that these avenues available through the 13th Amendment to enhanced autonomy based on ethnicity and future separation which is bound to create friction and new violence should be forthwith withdrawn from the Statute Book.  It is well to remember that the Indo-Lanka Accord was signed during a 24 hour curfew imposed throughout the island and that the 13th amendment was passed in violation of Sri Lanka’s normal democratic processes. We also need to find a better way to reduce the annually recurring expense of Rs.132 billion (US $1.32 billion) and replace it with a more affordable and efficient system of regional governance.

6. We wish to stress that the window of opportunity that has presented itself following the events in Geneva should be acted upon without delay.  We should immediately begin a process in consultation with the people of Sri Lanka who were earlier denied the opportunity to voice their opinion on the creation of Provincial Councils, by seeking their views through a Special National Referendum to determine the withdrawal of the 13th Amendment and replacing it with decentralized powers to the Districts without the right of merger of two or more districts. We are confident the people will opt to transfer powers to the Districts, that would result in the setting up of more focussed units similar to the Development Councils established per Act No. 35 of 1980, along with considerable savings to the national purse.  This move could be accompanied by some power sharing at the Centre thereby giving an equitable voice to the minority communities whilst enhancing powers of Pradeshiya Sabhas which directly serve the people at the grassroots.

7.  Sri Lanka should embark on the important exercise of making necessary changes to her Constitution not for the purpose of pleasing India or other outside powers by merely tinkering with it to include ad-hoc revisions sought or tentatively taken up at such bi-lateral meetings, but with the primary intent of determining the will of the people and complying with their decision freely taken at a National Referendum.

We need to determine the people’s will in respect of revoking the highly controversial 13th Amendment which was introduced under the previously discussed Indo-Lanka Accord of 1987, and seeking an alternative arrangement acceptable to the people.  This of necessity involves the framing of TWO questions to be put to the people in order to ascertain their preferred positions in this regard:

The TWO Questions to be posed to the voters may be phrased in English (with translations in Sinhala and Tamil) as follows:
1st:  Do you agree that the 13th Amendment establishing Provincial Councils should be revoked?  Yes / No
2nd: Do you agree that decentralized powers of governance be granted instead to Districts without right of merger of two or more districts?  Yes / No

A simple majority vote in the affirmative on the above two questions given in the Referendum will enable the legislators to uphold the people’s verdict by withdrawing the 13th Amendment and at the same time granting requisite Decentralized Powers to Districts to be headed by an Executive Chairman as determined by the relevant authority.

8. Our intention is to assist the legislators and the general public in finding the best alternative to the present Provincial Council system of government which is out of favour with the vast majority of the people.  We wish to add our voices to those of the Organization of Professional Associations (OPA) and the Federation of National Organizations which have already declared their opposition to the retention of the Thirteenth Amendment and seek its withdrawal in the national interest.

We are a group of concerned Sri Lankans living both overseas and within the country who have throughout the past three decades actively defended the good name of our motherland in the respective countries in which we reside.

Signed:

Australia: Ranjith Soysa, Dr.Gamani Goonetilleke, Kithsiri de Silva, Rohan Bandarage, Lal Dassanayake, Dilrook Kannangara, H.L.D. Mahindapala, Nimal Liyanage, Harsha Perera,  C.I.Galapathi, Dr. Priyanka Bandara, Pium Attanayake.

Canada:    Mahinda Gunasekera, Asoka Weerasinghe, Asoka Yapa, Ira de Silva,
Rohan Basnayake, Chitra Mendis, Cyril Weeratunge, Albert Fernando, Bandu Madanayake, Mahendra Wijayasinghe

Middle East: Ajantha Premaratne, Sunil Chandrakumara, Hemantha Piyasena, Ranjan Domminigae

New Zealand: Dr. Chula Rajapaksa, Mahinda Attanayake

Sri Lanka:  Gamini Gunawardana, Dick Perera, D.L.O. Mendis, Sugath Kulatunge, Lt. Col. Anil Amarasekera, Dimuth Gunawardena, Shenali Waduge, Senaka Weeraratne, Retd.Maj Gen Lalin Fernando, Jayantha Liyanage

UK :          Douglas Wickramaratne, Channa Lokuliyanage, Devsiri Hewavidana
Anoma Silva, Dhammika Mawella, Dr. Sarath de Alwis-Seneviratne, Rashantha de Alwis-Seneviratne, Sacha de Alwis-Seneviratne

USA :        Dr. Mahes Laduwahetty, Neville Laduwahetty,  Sumith de Silva,
W.B. Damayanthi, Jivinda de Silva, Chulani Wickremasinghe, Dr. Mohan Kumaratne, Dr. Sarath Hemachandra, Ranjith de Silva, Thilani de Silva, Anjalika I Silva, Dr. Chanaka Seneviratne, Lakmal Boteju, Kithsiri Athulathmudali

Dated:  September 12 , 2012

Reply to:  84 Tambrook Drive, Toronto, Ontario, Canada M1W 3L9 (Tel.416-498-0783)

Sports

Mendis marks return to international cricket with world class performance

Ajantha Mendis returned to international arena with brilliant bowling performances to claim six for eight runs and guided Sri Lanka to a massive 82 runs win over Zimbabwe in the World T20 opener, played at Mahinda Rajapaksa International Stadium, Sooriyawewa, on Tuesday.

The army officer set a new world record for T20 internationals, erasing his own record of six for 16 against Australia at Pallakele, last year.

Chasing a mammoth target of 183, Zimbabwe were bundled out for 100 runs, as Ajantha and Jeevan Mendis shared nine wickets, with  Lasith Malinga claiming the final wicket. The Zimbabwe innings lasted 17.3 overs.

Having being sent into bat, Kumar Sangakkara and Jeevan Mendis blasted 94 runs off 51 balls to lift Sri Lanka to 182 for 4 wickets. Sangakkara hammered 44 in 26 balls with a six and couple of boundaries along the ground. Jeevan proved what a useful all-rounder he can be, by scoring an unbeaten 43 off 30 balls with four boundaries and a six.

The hosts built their innings on a solid platform of 54 runs, laid by the two openers, T. M. Dilshan and Dilshan Munaweera.

Munaweera had the easiest possible start to his international carrier as he dispatched his first ball, a full toss from Kyle Jarvis, to the extra cover boundary. However, the bowler recovered well to bowl five dot balls in the same over.

Munaweera was given his life twice as he was dropped by Malcolm Waller at wide mid-on and deep square leg before he was run out for 17.

Mahela Jayawardene made only 13 off 18 balls before Sangakkara and Mendis lifted the total beyond the 180 runs mark.

Quite surprisingly, Zimbabwe won the toss and elected to field on unknown territory, where they gave away 96 runs in the last 12 overs.

Sri Lanka left out youngster, Akila Dhananjaya, along with Rangana Herath, Shaminda Eranga and Dinesh Chandimal from their 15.

Ray Price was a notable omission from the Zimbabwe playing XI.

– Daminda Wijesuriya reporting from Sooriyawewa, Hambantota
Source:  Daily Mirror(Sri Lanka)

News

Man sets himself on fire to protest against MR visit

A man in Tami Nadu’s Salem district set himself on fire to protest against a planned trip by Sri Lankan president Mahindra Rajapakse, who will arrive in Delhi later this week. The injured man from Salem is being treated in hospital for serious burn injuries.

Last month, DMK Chief Karunanidhi said that Mr Rajapakse’s visit to India was “unacceptable.”

The Sri Lankan forces have been accused of violating the rights of thousands of Tamils in the final months of the island’s civil war, which ended in May 2009. The rebel LTTE tigers were defeated.   Political parties in Tamil Nadu staunchly support the rights of Sri Lankan Tamils, who have for decades complained about persecution by the majority Sinhalese.

Political parties in Tamil Nadu have expressed their opposition to the government’s decision to allow the training of Sri Lanka defence officers in India. In July, nine air force officers were moved from an air base in Tamil Nadu to Bangalore after objections by Jayalalithaa. However, she came in for much criticism after she recently ordered school and college football team from Sri Lanka to leave the state.

Source: NDTV

News

Govt. needs to be more transparent— Dr. Roberta

Dr. Roberta Blackman-Woods who led the British delegation to the Common wealth Parliamentary Association Conference on Friday called for greater transparency on the part of the government with regard to issues of re-development and reconciliation.

“I think the government needs to be more open and transparent about what has been done and what is left to be done  and be more confident in their own ability to deliver,” she told the Daily Mirror.

She echoed the statements by the US and called for the reduction in the military presence in the North. “I do think there was heavy military presence there. I think it needs to be reduced and the whole situation needs to be stabilized, with some sense of devolution of power and responsibility to local people there. I think that has to happen,” she said.

Dr. Blackman-Woods said countries should not be given the option to opt out of attending the Commonwealth Heads of Government Meeting (CHOGM) to be held in Colombo next year. “I personally think that is unfortunate. I suppose you have to always give people a choice about attendance, but I think it should be discouraged,” she said.

She also agreed with the Britain’s travel warning towards on Sri Lanka, after having appraised the situation here for herself. “I think that is an issue that needs to be discussed between the two governments and some proper understanding needs to be arrived at. I think the two governments need to use their diplomatic services to resolve the issue,” she said.

By Dianne Silva
Source:  Daily Mirror(Sri Lanka)