News

Rishad demands 500 Mn from BBS

Rishad BathiudeenMinister of Industry and Commerce of Sri Lanka Rishad Bathiudeen has sent a letter of demand  to the  Bodu Bala Sena (BBS) seeking $ 3.8 Mn (Rs 500 Mn) in compensation over defamatory statements made by them.

The Minister said the BBS had wrongly accused him of destroying the Wilpattu National Park and creating an exclusive Muslim Zone from Wilpattu to Mannar and an  Arab colony in Sri Lanka in the Mannar – Wilpattu area.

“In the aftermath of the end of war thanks to President Mahinda Rajapaksa, we Muslims were looking forward to a new beginning. But we are facing newer problems” Minister Bathiudeen said.

Minister Bathiudeen, who is also the leader of All Ceylon Makkal Congress, said the letter of demand was sent to the venerable Galagodawatte Gnanasara Thero, the General Secretary General of the BBS.

“After more than 20 years, the Muslim IDPs have not re-settled yet. Many Mosques and Muslim schools in their places of origin were destroyed. We do not get any support from anyone for resettlement. Meanwhile, I have been wrongly accused. These are clearly defamatory and they are intended to create anti-Muslim feelings. I demand an apology for these false statements from BBS and if no apology is made to me or no retraction is made in the next two weeks, I will ask BBS for $ 3.8 Mn in compensation. If no compensation is made, then I will institute legal proceedings,” the Minister said.

Source: Colombo Gazette (Sri Lanka)

News

Fishing issue: SL had made significant progress-EU

EUThe European Union has considered Sri Lanka, which was warned earlier over illegal fishing issue, had made significant progress, but the Commission is continuing to monitor the situation, the EU said.

It also blacklisted Belize, Cambodia and Guinea, effectively banning their products from the world’s most valuable seafood market.

The move to target the three “as countries acting insufficiently against illegal fishing” means EU states will now be required to ban their fish imports and EU vessels required to stay out of their waters.

“These decisions are historic,” said the EU’s Fisheries Commissioner Maria Damanaki. “I want EU citizens to know that the fish they consume is sustainable, wherever it comes from.”

Illegal fishing is estimated to account for 15 percent of world catches and the decision by the EU, which imports 65 percent of its seafood, won swift praise from environmental groups.

“Illegal, unreported and unregulated fishing depletes fish stocks, damages marine ecosystems, puts legitimate fishers at an unfair disadvantage and jeopardizes the livelihoods of some of the world’s most vulnerable communities,” said WWF, Oceana, the Pew Charitable Trusts and the Environmental Justice Foundation.

The three countries were among eight nations warned in late 2012 to take action against illegal fishing or face such action.

The European Commission considered that the five other nations warned — Panama, Fiji, Togo, Sri Lanka and Vanuatu — had made significant progress, but the Commission is continuing to monitor the situation.

Another three countries — South Korea, Ghana and Curacao — received warning “yellow cards” in November and are currently being evaluated.

Source: Daily Mirror (Sri Lanka)

News

Third revised draft resolution;Time frame for probe

UN_Human_Rights-CouncilThe third revised draft resolution on Sri Lanka currently in circulation among the UNHRC members call for a comprehensive independent investigation into alleged serious violations and abuses of human rights and related crimes by both parties in Sri Lanka, during the period covered by the Lessons Learnt and Reconciliation Commission (LLRC) from 2002-2009.

 “b) to undertake a comprehensive independent investigation into alleged serious violations and abuses of human rights and related crimes by both parties in Sri Lanka, during the period covered by the Lessons Learnt and Reconciliation Commission, and establish the facts and circumstances of such alleged violations and of the crimes perpetrated with a view to avoiding impunity and ensuring accountability, with input assistance from relevant experts and special procedures.”

It is learnt that the resolution was revised following India’s intervention and is also confirmed that this would be the final resolution that would be tabled at the UNHRC on March 26.
Source: Daily Mirror (Sri Lanka)
Full resolution25/1. Promoting reconciliation, accountability, and human rights in Sri Lanka The Human Rights Council,
1. Reaffirming the purposes and principles of the Charter of the United Nations,
2. Guided by the Universal Declaration of Human Rights, the International Covenants on Human Rights and other relevant instruments,
3. Bearing in mind General Assembly resolution 60/251 of 15 March 2006,
4. Recalling Human Rights Council resolutions 5/1, on institution-building of the Council, and 5/2, on the code of conduct for special procedures mandate holders, of 18 June 2007,
5. Recalling also Human Rights Council resolutions 19/2 of 22 March 2012 and 22/1 of 21 March 2013 on promoting reconciliation and accountability in Sri Lanka,
5 bis.   Reaffirming its commitment to the sovereignty, independence, unity and territorial integrity of Sri Lanka,
6. Reaffirming that it is the responsibility of each State to ensure the full enjoyment of all human rights and fundamental freedoms of its entire population,
7. Reaffirming also that States must ensure that any measure taken to combat terrorism complies with their obligations under international law, in particular international human rights law, international refugee law and international humanitarian law, as applicable,
8.                  Recognizing the Human Rights Council’s support of Reaffirming that all Sri Lankans toare entitled to the full enjoyment of their human rights regardless of creed, faith religion, belief, or ethnicity, in a peaceful and unified land,
9.  Welcoming and acknowledging the progress made by the Government of Sri Lanka in rebuilding infrastructure, demining, and resettling the majority of internally displaced persons, but noting nonetheless that considerable work lies ahead in the areas of justice, reconciliation, land use and ownershipdemilitarization, the resumption of livelihoods and the restoration of normality in civilian life,  and stressing the importance of the full participation of local populations, including representatives of civil society and minorities, in these efforts,
Welcoming the announcement made by the Government of Sri Lanka that elections to the Provincial Council in the Northern Province will be held in September 2013,
10. Welcoming the successful holding of Provincial Council elections held on September 21, 2013 and in particular the high turn-out and participation in all three provinces, but noting with concern reports of election-related violence, as well as voter and candidate intimidation,
11.              Expressing appreciation for the efforts and cooperation of the Government of Sri Lanka in facilitating the visit of a technical mission from the Office of the United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights and providing her with open access, and encouraging the Government to increase its dialogue and cooperation with the Office of the High Commissioner, and welcoming the visit of the High Commissioner to Sri Lanka in August 2013,
12.              Expressing deep concern over reported intimidation and retaliation against civil society members who engage with UN human rights mechanisms including those who met with the High Commissioner during her visit,
13. Expressing serious concern at the continuing reports of violations of human rights in Sri Lanka, includingsexual and gender-based violence, enforced disappearances, extrajudicial killings, torture and violations of the rights to freedom of expression, association and peaceful assembly, threats to judicial independence and the rule of law, as well as intimidation of and reprisals against human rights defenders, members of civil society, lawyers and journalists,
14.              Alarmed at the significant surge in  attacks rapid rise in violence and discrimination on the basis of religion or belief, particularly against members of religious minority groups in Sri Lanka, including Hindus, Muslims and Christians,
15. Calling upon the Government of Sri Lanka to fulfil its public commitments, including on the devolution of political authority which is integral to reconciliation and the full enjoyment of human rights by all members of its population,
16. Taking note of the report of the Lessons Learnt and Reconciliation Commission of Sri Lanka, its findings and recommendations, and acknowledging its possible contribution to the process of meaningful national reconciliation in Sri Lanka,
17. Recalling the constructive recommendations contained in the Commission’s report, including the need to credibly investigate widespread allegations of extrajudicial killings and enforced disappearances, demilitarize the north of Sri Lanka, implement impartial land dispute resolution mechanisms, re-evaluate detention policies, strengthen formerly independent civil institutions, reach a political settlement on the devolution of power to the provinces, promote and protect the right of freedom of expression for all persons and enact rule of law reforms,
18. Taking note also of the national plan of action to implement the recommendations of the Lessons Learnt and Reconciliation Commission of the Government of Sri Lanka and its commitments as set forth in response to the findings and recommendations of the Commission,
19. Noting Reiterating Noting that the national plan of action does not adequately address all of the findings and constructive recommendations of the Commission, and encouraging the Government of Sri Lanka to broaden the scope of the plan to adequately address all elements of the Commission report,
20. Noting Also reiterating Noting with concern that the national plan of action and the Commission’s report do not adequately address serious allegations of violations of international human rights law and international humanitarian law,
21.              Emphasizing Emphasizes the importance of a comprehensive approach to transitional justice incorporating the full range of judicial and non-judicial measures, including, among others, individual prosecutions, reparations, truth-seeking, institutional reform, vetting of public employees and officials, or an appropriately conceived combination thereof, in order to, inter alia, ensure accountability, serve justice, provide remedies to victims, promote healing and reconciliation, establish independent oversight of the security system and restore confidence in the institutions of the State and promote the rule of law in accordance with international human rights law, with a view to preventing recurrence of violations and abuses
22. Underlining underlines that truth-seeking processes, such as truth and reconciliation commissions, that investigate patterns of past human rights violations and their causes and consequences are important tools that can complement judicial processes and that, when established, such mechanisms have to be designed within a specific societal context and to be founded on broad national consultations with the inclusion of victims and civil society, including non-governmental organizations,
23.              Recalling Reaffirms the responsibility of States to comply with their relevant obligations to prosecute those responsible for gross violations of human rights and serious violations of international humanitarian law constituting crimes under international law, with a view to end impunity;
24. Recallingthe High Commissioner’s conclusion that national mechanisms have consistently failed to establish the truth and achieve justice, and her recommendation that the Human Rights Council establish an international inquiry mechanism to further investigate the Noting the call made by the High Commissioner for an independent and credible international investigation into alleged violations of international human rights law and international humanitarian law and monitor any domestic accountability processes,
25. Encouraging the Government to increase its dialogue and cooperation with the Office of the High Commissioner, including with regard to technical assistance,
1.         Welcomes the oral update of 25 September 2013 and the report of 24 February 2014 of the Office of the United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights on advise and technical assistance for the Government of Sri Lanka on promoting reconciliation and accountability in Sri Lanka and the recommendations and conclusions contained therein, in particular including on the establishment of a truth-seeking mechanism and national reparations policy as an integral part of a more comprehensive and inclusive approach to transitional justice;
2.         Calls upon Encourages the Government of Sri Lanka: to implement the recommendations made in the reports of the Office of the High Commissioner, and also calls upon the Government to conduct an independent and credible investigation into allegations of violations of international human rights law and international humanitarian law, as applicable; to hold accountable those responsible for such violations; to end continuing incidents of human rights violations and abuses in Sri Lanka; and to implement the recommendations made in the reports of the Office of the High Commissioner;
3.         Reiterates its call upon the Government of Sri Lanka to implement effectively the constructive recommendations made in the report of the Lessons Learnt and Reconciliation Commission, and to take all necessary additional steps to fulfil its relevant legal obligations and commitment to initiate credible and independent actions to ensure justice, equity, accountability and reconciliation for all Sri Lankans;
4.         Urges the Government of Sri Lanka to investigate all alleged attacks, by individuals and groups, on temples, mosques, and churches and to take steps to prevent future attacks; and calls on the Government of Sri Lanka to investigate and hold accountable perpetrators of attacks on places of worship, journalists, human rights defenders, members of religious minority groups, and other members of civil society, as well as on temples, mosques and churches, and further urges the Government of Sri Lanka to hold perpetrators of such attacks to account and take steps to prevent such attacks in the future;
5.         Calls upon the Government of Sri Lanka to release publicly the results of its investigations into alleged violations by security forces, including the attack on unarmed protesters in Weliweriya on August 1, 2013, and the Army Court of Inquiry report of 2013;
6.         Encourages Encourages the Government of Sri Lanka to provide ensure that all Provincial Councils, including the Northern Provincial Council, and its Chief Minister with the resources and authority necessary to govern, as required by are able to operate effectively, in line with the 13thAmendment of Sri Lanka’s constitution;
7.         Welcomes the visit by the Special Rapporteur on the Human Rights of Internally Displaced Persons in December 2013, and to issue an invitation to the Special Rapporteur on the Human Rights of Migrants; and calls upon the Government of Sri Lanka to facilitate the effective implementation of durable solutions for IDPs, including the long-term displaced
7 bis. Further welcomes the invitation to the Special Rapporteurs on the Human Rights of Migrants and the Right to Education;
7 ter. Encourages the Government of Sri Lanka to cooperate with other special procedures mandate holders and to respond formally to their outstanding requests, including long standing requests;
8.         Welcomes Takes note of the High Commissioner’s recommendations and conclusionsregarding ongoing human rights violations and on the need for an independent and credible an international inquiry mechanism in the absence of a credible national process with tangible results, and requests the Office of the High Commissioner:
a) to monitor the human rights situation in Sri Lanka and continue to assess progress toward accountability and reconciliation on relevant national processes;
b)to undertake a comprehensive independent investigation into alleged serious violations and abuses ofhuman rights and related crimes by both parties in Sri Lanka, during the period covered by the Lessons Learnt and Reconciliation Commission, and establish the facts and circumstances of such alleged violations and of the crimes perpetrated with a view to avoiding impunity and ensuring accountability, with input assistance from relevant experts and special procedures special procedures mandate holders as appropriate,;
c) to present an oral update to the Human Rights Council at its twenty-seventh fourth session, and a comprehensive report followed by a discussion on the implementation of the present resolution at itstwenty-eighth fifth session.
9.         Encourages the Office of the High Commissioner and relevant special procedures mandate holders to provide, in consultation with and with the concurrence of the Government of Sri Lanka, in consultation with and with the concurrence of the Government of Sri Lanka, advice and technical assistance on implementing the above-mentioned steps;
10.  Calls upon the Government of Sri Lanka to cooperate with the Office of the High Commissioner concerning the implementation of this resolution.
News

President links polls to UNHRC vote

Mahinda-Rajapaksa-420x0President Mahinda Rajapaksa says the outcome of the Provincial Council elections next Saturday will be significant as it could send a message to the international community at the UN Human Rights Council (UNHRC).

Speaking at an event in Kalutara, the President said that the public must send a message to those looking to pass a resolution against Sri Lanka that they will not support international interference in the country.

“The people and the whole world is watching this election. The countries that support and do not support the resolution brought on Sri Lanka by the UN Human Rights High Commissioner, the US and UK in Geneva, they are all watching to see the pulse of the people,” he said.

Rajapaksa said that the war in Sri Lanka was a war against terrorism and not against the Tamil people.

He said that after 30 years of fighting the Government was able to secure the right to life for the people in the country.

However he says powerful countries have succumb to pressure from the LTTE diaspora and are making allegations of human rights being violated in the country.

He also said that those who failed to form a Government in Sri Lanka are now looking at doing that with the support of the international community.

The President said the people of Sri Lanka reject suck moves and must reiterate this at the March 29th elections.

Source: Colombo Gazette (Sri Lanka)

News

EU backing me on Sri Lanka – Cameron

cameronBritish Prime Minister David Cameron said that he had secured the ‘full backing of the European Union’ for the UK co-sponsored resolution on Sri Lanka next week at the UN Human Rights council session.

“Countries will vote on that resolution next week, and today I secured the full backing of all of the European Union for that approach,” the Premier said in a statement.

“I also raised the situation in Sri Lanka. As you know, this is an issue I care deeply about. I want to see reconciliation in the country, and that means properly addressing issues of the past. President Rajapaksa has failed to do this, so now we need an international, independent investigation into alleged war crimes. The UN human rights commissioner has called for this, and that is what a UK co-sponsored resolution at the UN human rights council supports,” Cameron added.

Source: Daily Mirror (Sri Lanka)

Sports, Sri Lanka Cricket Round-up

Police fire tear gas to control Richmond-Mahinda big match clash

Big MatchPolice fired tear gas to bring under control a tense situation during the Richmond-Mahinda annual big match in Galle yesterday evening.

Richmond College won the match with Mahinda College in their 109th encounter due to  crowd invasion.

Richmond College declared the innings for 257/9 while Mahinda scored only 128 and 126/9 respectively in both innings.

Source: The Islands (Sri Lanka)

Sports

Sri Lankans have peaked at the right time

SL cricketTillekeratne Dilshan went to Bangladesh with doubts over his fitness and the selectors had given him an ultimatum of 19th of March. He top scored with 43 runs during Sri Lanka’s second practice game against West Indies on Wednesday and that should be sufficient proof that he is good enough to play.

The form of fast bowler Laisth Malinga will be huge bonus for the Sri Lankans. Malinga was the Man of the Match during the finals of the Asia Cup and prior to leaving for Bangladesh he spoke on the disappointments of losing ICC finals and his keenness for a good show this time around. Malinga also owed up to the defeat in the last World T-20 saying that the team lost because of him.

 by Rex Clementine

By the time you read this, Sri Lanka would have already played their first match of the World T-20 – against the Proteas on Saturday in Chittagong. Amazingly, the team has come up with some outstanding performances, just ahead of the ICC T20 World Cup, although the months prior to big events have been a struggle. The national team entered the 2007 and 2011 World Cups with not so great momentum but went onto reach the finals over many fancied teams.

This time around they have had the perfect momentum. Sri Lanka won the Asia Cup and remained unbeaten in Bangladesh during the bilateral series between the counties and having spent over eight weeks in Bangladesh, they enter the tournament not only as the number one ranked team, but also as the side that everyone is talking about.

Sri Lanka won their first warm-up game against India and after getting a winning mindset; they experimented for the second game and left out some players for the second game against West Indies which they lost.

They have also got an easy group in the Super Ten Round. Sri Lanka are pooled alongside South Africa, New Zealand, England and one of the qualifiers, possibly Ireland. In the other group, there’s huge competition to get into the semi-finals among defending champions West Indies, former champions India and Pakistan and Australia who look determined as this is the only trophy they haven’t been able to win.

With such momentum and an excellent draw, the Sri Lankans should go all the way. Their semi-final though will be tough. At times in T-20s, things like momentum and good form hardly matter as momentum shifts in just a matter of couple of overs unlike in ODI cricket.

Sri Lanka could have done without some of the controversies though. The players left the island without signing the contracts. Even 12 hours before leaving the island they were at SLC headquarters trying to resolve the contracts dispute and the following morning they left SLC headquarters with a heavy heart.

Then there was a massive controversy about the manner in which Kumar Sangakkara and Mahela Jayawardene announced their retirement. SLC officials were making a big fuss over a minor thing. They certainly have bigger things to worry about.

The form of fast bowler Laisth Malinga will be huge bonus for the Sri Lankans. Malinga was the Man of the Match during the finals of the Asia Cup and prior to leaving for Bangladesh he spoke on the disappointments of losing ICC finals and his keenness for a good show this time around. Malinga also owed up to the defeat in the last World T-20 saying that the team lost because of him. In hindsight, Sri Lanka’s strong batting line-up should have chased down a target of 138.

In recent months, Angelo Mathews has started to take up more responsibility in the middle order. Sri Lanka’s batting heavily depended on Kumar Sangakkara, Tillekeratne Dilshan and Mahela Jayawardene and Mathews stepping up to take more responsibility is sure to help improve the performances of the team.

Mathews had an outstanding Asia Cup with match winning knocks and Sangakkara prior to leaving for the World T-20 said Mathews will become a Graeme Smith like figure leading the team for a long time although he is not the captain of the shortest format.

Tillekeratne Dilshan went to Bangladesh with doubts over his fitness and the selectors had given him an ultimatum of 19th of March. He top scored with 43 runs during Sri Lanka’s second practice game against West Indies on Wednesday and that should be sufficient proof that he is good enough to play.

The Sri Lankans play the shorter versions well and that’s why they are successful in ICC events. They are not the most talented side in the world and do not possess the luxury of several big hitters that other teams possess, but the Sri Lankans adapt according to opposition and conditions well and it will be a great sight to watch them compete in the World T-20.

Source: The Islands (Sri Lanka)

UK Community News & Photos

‘Food Festival’– Heathrow Athula Dassana Multi-Cultural Buddhist Community Centre

Athula Dassana Multi-Cultural Buddhist Community Centre held their 4th food festival successfully at the Lampton School, Lampton Avenue, on Saturday 1st of March 2014.

This day was special as not only for all Sri Lankans but also other communities. Devotees and other members of the community could remember the past event of food festivals organised by this Buddhist organisation under the guidance of the head of the temple Ven. Wanduramba Kassapa Thero.

“Blend of Delicacies 2014” was a fundraising event, organised with the aim of contributing towards the community development projects of Athula Dassana Multi-Cultural Buddhist Community Centre, which enhances the way of the life of needy children & youngsters in Sri Lanka. At “Blend of Delicacies 2014”, all communities had an extreme opportunity to experience various Sri Lankan food items and enjoy an Authentic Sri Lankan Buffet.

The main sponsor of the event was LycaFly. Mr. Prasad Rosa of the company and his team gave us great support for our event. Also special thanks to all the devotees of our Buddhist centre who have up there busy schedules to make our event a success.

Ven. Wanduramba Kassapa and the honoured guests, Mr Prasad Rosa – Managing Director Lycafly, Indika Gamage – IT Manageer Lycafly, Dr.Nishanie Bajramović (BDS) – Estetica Dental Clinic, Camberley, Tina Vlok, Iranganie Samarakoon, Sugandi Ekanayaka, Dishan Nanayakkara, Rangith Rathnasiri, lit the traditional oil lamp and started the event.

We had a great selection of traditional Sri Lankan foods which was a prepared by the Buddhist Centre. Special thanks to the chefs, Iranganie Samarakoon, Menaka Amarathunga, Rangith & Sharmalie Rathnasiri. The ticketing help was provided by Pradeepa Walikannage, Asela Perera, Nadeera Adikari. The guests had an opportunity to buy traditional Sri-Lankan crafts, where all proceeds went to our fund raising. Mrs Tina Vlok from the Estetica Dental Clinic provided complimentary Holisitic massage treatments for the guests. We offered food carving with Sanjay Indunil.

There was entertainment in the form of an auction, where the prize was a pair of designer unisex sunglasses. A raffle was also held where the first prize was a session of Holistic treatments with Mrs Tina Vlok, worth £150.

The guests all enjoyed the entertainment and the friendly relaxed atmosphere. Sri-Lankan and English DJ music was provided by Mr.Dishan Nanayakkara.

Approximately 250 visitors came to the food festival. The devotees of the temple and sponsors great support made the event successful.

The Buddhist centre opened on the 7th of July 2011 and has held a number of various religious, cultural and social services within its first year. In 2012 the Buddhist centre had its first experience of the food festival. Today it continues to provide an annual, relaxing evening fest for our local community.

Ven Wanduramba Kassapa Thero
Athula Dassana International Buddhist Temple (Heathrow Temple)
153A, Sutton Lane
Hounslow
TW3 4JW
Tel. 02079980713
E-mail: info@athuladassanatemple.org

UK Community News & Photos

9th Annual General Meeting – Hounslow Sri Lanka Janahanda Foundation

One of the leading charities in London, the Sri Lanka Janahanda Foundation held its ninth Annual General Meeting with the full participation of its executive members, and well wishers, at the Indian Cultural Centre, on Sunday 23rd February 2014. Apart from AGM the main purpose was to discuss the forth coming Sinhala and Hindu new year festival which is scheduled to be held on 12th April 2014 in Hounslow Civic Centre main hall.

Few changes were took place as far as office bearers were concern, other than that same office bearers were appointed with unanimous decisions of the members consent.

Mr Sri Lal Dias, the President, out lined the history of Janahanda and its achievements at the outset of the meeting and particularly about last year. He informed the members some additional features will be  in the agenda with some Tamil dancing group also due to perform in this new year festival. He also mentioned some philanthropic acts perform by Janahanda in the past by way of distributing of spectacles and wheel chairs of the needy people in Sri Lanka. Also he mentions that plans under way to erect a pandol along with Bhakthi gee may be in the month of May or June, in this year in conjunction with Vesak or Poson poya day celebration.

Mr Neel Nanayakkara addressed the gathering and appreciated the services rendered by Janahanda while highlighting the satisfaction getting a person who cannot see the world when such a person gets a pair of spectacles. Vice President of Janahanda, Mr Shiran Almeida also addressed the gathering and praised the members the forming a chorus and Bakthi gee group for Vesak or Poson especially for important occasions. Their services could be taken even by the high commissioner office other that our own events specially for Poya days.

Mr Asiri Bandara, the media cultural secretary gave a valuable contribution by proposing to have a Bakthi gee group and explained that how  it could be work out. “Organising an annual trip for Janahanda members and their family will benefit to improve the bond between the members” he added. Attended  members were unanimously agreed the proposal and appreciated. Mr Mahinda Ushettige also gave a voluble contribution by correcting some ideas forwarded by members with his life experience and skills. Also his wife, Mrs Chandrika Ushettige, has promised to give a dancing group for the forth coming New Year festival.

Mrs Manoja Almaida also emphasised that the transparency of that Janahanda foundation at all the time especially we have been given some distribution by different parties it’s our responsibility show them the actual picture and transparency. Accordingly, the President Mr Sri Lal Dias, presented the accounts which involved in all the income and expense pertaining to the events and red in front of the members. After all the members satisfied with figures and the manner in which the disbursements done everybody seconded unanimously.

Patron Miss Surya Samaraweera, Addressing the gathering highly appraised the president efforts in the inception to the Janahanda foundation and the relationship with the Council members, mayor, and the parliament member Hon Seema Malhothra, Hounslow and Heston. She emphasised the difficulty of devoting more time by anybody due to the lifestyle of the country and economic situation of the country, but despite all the difficulties president has devoted his lots of time for the development of the foundation. Also appreciated the speech made by the Mr Neel the valuable contribution of spectacles and wheelchairs to the needy people in Sri Lanka. She also stressed the need for having full membership for the AGM where foundation takes lots of decisions for the forthcoming year.

Just after her speech Mr Kanesh Kanagathurai made a suggestion that the Janahanda must establish a fund by way of collecting membership fees in regular time basis.

Miss Surya Samaraweera, Mrs Nanda Dissanayake, Mr Sunil Perera, Mr Mahinda Ushettige, Mr Wijerathna Bandara and Mr Kamal Abeythilaka who remained as patrons will be working as patrons this year too. The President had arranged a reception at the end of the session for the participants and the meeting was adjourned with a promising note for the Sri Lankan community living in Hounslow and Sri Lanka.

Sri Lanka Janahanda Foundation Committee Members for 2014

President – Mr Sri Lal Dias

Vice President – Mr Shiran Almeida

Secretary – Mr S. P. Vithana Arachchige

Assistant secretaries – Mr Nimesh Wickramasinghe and Mr Sudesh Fonseka

Treasurer – Mr Gamini Muthukumarana

Media and cultural secretary – Mr Asiri Bandara

Committee members – Mr Gamini Dissanayake, Mr Neelanga Bandara, Mr Krishan Wimalarathna, Mr Bandula De Silva, Mr Kumara Pathirana, Mr Kaneh Kanagathurai, Mr Dave Somasundaram, Mr Kannan Sangaralingam, Mr Nilantha Munasinghe, Mrs Manoja Almeida, Mrs Madu Marasinghe, Mrs Niru Hettiarachchi, Mrs Chandrika Perera, Mrs Srimali Perera, Mrs Dammika Dias, Mr Nilantha Kuruppu Arachchige, Mr Jagath Gamunu, Mr Asoka Silva, Mr Viraj Weladage, Mr Devapriya, Mr Neel Nanayakkara.

Written by
Saman Priyantha
Secretary – Janahanda Foundation

News

Undergrads’ attempt to march on Temple Trees wreaks havoc in Fort

UndergradsPandemonium reigned in the Pettah and Fort areas yesterday afternoon as the police riot squads used tear gas and water cannon to disperse a group of undergraduates who attempted to march on Temple Trees in protest against what they called the government’s failure to solve problems affecting universities.

The Inter University Students Federation (IUSF) march which commenced from the Kelaniya University, was stopped by the police at the Lotus Roundabout in Fort.

Hundreds of slogan shouting university students, including undergraduate monks participated in the march and blocked the main road to and from Colombo city disrupting traffic.

One lane of the Kandy road had to be closed due to the protest march yesterday.

IUSF Convener Najith Indika said that they had  launched the protest against the reduction of the duration of the Allied Health Sciences degree from four years to three, lack of accommodation for female undergraduates of the Kelaniya University, suppression of students in the Rajarata, Ruhuna and Sri Jayewardenepura universities.

“We wanted to hand over a statement to President Mahinda Rajapaksa after the protest march yesterday, but police blocked us at the Lotus Roundabout near the Hilton hotel,” he said.

Indika alleged that one of their undergraduates from the Ruhuna University had been assaulted by police intelligence officers near the Presidential Secretariat.

He said that the injured undergraduate was admitted to the National Hospital.

The Police Media division said it was not aware of such an incident.

By Dasun Edirisinghe
Source: The Islands (Sri Lanka)
Photo courtesy  The Islands (Sri Lanka)

News

Probe launched on missing in East

inquaryThe Presidential Commission to investigate cases of persons from the Northern and Eastern Provinces who went missing during the period between 1990–2009 commenced its first public sittings in the eastern part of the country in the Batticaloa District today, a Government statement said.

The public hearings take place from March 20–22, 2014, in the towns of Chenkallady, Vakarai and Batticaloa, covering 56 Grama Niladhari Divisions in the district.

The Commission will hear oral submissions of those persons who have already submitted their complaints and it will also register any new complainants on the days of the public sittings.

The Commission held its first public sittings in the Northern Province from January 18–21, 2014 in Kilinochchi, where it heard complaints from 440 people. Another 984 people made submissions from Feb. 14–17, 2014, when the Commission conducted its sittings in the Jaffna District.

The Commission has thus far received a total of approximately 16,000 complaints from all parts of the country. Of those complaints, approximately 9,300 are of civilian disappearances while 4,300 are of disappearances of security personnel.

The three-member Commission, comprising Maxwell Parakrama Paranagama (Chairman), Mrs. Dimingu Badathuruge Priyanthi Suranjana Vidyaratne and Mrs. Mano Ramanathan, has been given the authority to conduct inquiries and investigations necessary, and submit a report to the President.

President Mahinda Rajapaksa had extended the mandate of the Commission by another six months until August 2014.

Source: Colombo Gazette
Photo Courtesy Colombo Gazette  

News

Sri Lanka has to consider national security

UN_Human_Rights-CouncilSri Lanka today informed the UNHRC in Geneva that the Sri Lanka’s Law enforcement authorities have to take national security into consideration as a prominent LTTE operative now in Sri Lanka was actively involved in reviving the LTTE by regrouping LTTE cadres.

“Investigations revealed that K.P. Selvanayagam a.k.a. Gobi who had been overseas and returned to Sri Lanka was actively involved in reviving the LTTE through regrouping LTTE cadres and recruiting unemployed local youth with the intention of using them for acts of terrorism,” the Sri Lankan delegation to the UNHRC said in its right of reply on statements made regarding the arrest and detention of Ms. Balendran Jeyakumari, and the detention of Ruki Fernando and Father Praveen, today.

It also said that the intention of these LTTE operatives headed by Gobi had been to recover arms cachés hidden by the LTTE prior to their defeat.

The intention of these LTTE operatives headed by Gobi had been to recover arms cachés hidden by the LTTE prior to their defeat.

The key operative directing the operations, Gobi, had been evading arrest. Following further investigations, the Terrorist Investigations Division (TID) had recovered an arms caché including mortar and RPG type live ammunition, 3 hand grenades, 2.5 kg claymore bomb and ammunition for T-56 weapons.

Pursuant to this recovery, and a lead obtained on the whereabouts of Gobi, a team of Police Officers proceeded to the residence of Balendran Jeyakumari in Killinochchi. During the search operation Gobi had fired at the Police, injuring a sub-Inspector and escaped.

The statement also said that at this residence, the landlady Balendran Jeyakumari and her 13 year old daughter Vibooshika were present.  Since suspect Gobi while being armed escaped, a search was carried out on the said residence. A Menelab F-3 type mine detector was recovered.  Therefore, Ms. Jeyakumari was placed under arrest on suspicion of aiding and abetting Gobi in his activities.

As Balendran Jeyakumari had been unable to provide an appropriate caregiver/relative to keep her 13 year old daughter, she was taken along with the mother and produced before the Killinochchi Magistrate. Based on the Magistrate’s order, Vibooshika has been placed under the care of Probation and Child Care Services.

The aforementioned arrest was made under the Prevention of Terrorism Act (PTA). The ICRC has access to all detainees being held at Boossa.

“Therefore, it is regrettable that an elected member of the Northern Provincial Council, Ms. Ananthi Sasitharan, has chosen to misrepresent this case in this august body and depict it as an arrest made of a child who had participated in protests.  It is also regrettable that Ms. Sasitharan, despite being a member of a provincial administration, has chosen to make statements in the Council using time allocated to two NGOs. We also note that Ms. Sasitharan, in referring in her statements to the Council to “Tamil Eelam”, has failed to adhere to the agreed language of the United Nations, and is in violation of the Constitution she has pledged to uphold as a Provincial Councilor,” the statement said.

The detention on 16th March of Ruki Fernando and Father Praveen under the PTA were in connection with the aforesaid investigation into attempts to revive the LTTE by operatives, including the recovery of the arms caché at Vishwamadu and the shooting incident in Dharmapuram involving Gobi. Investigations have revealed that Mr. Fernando and Father Praveen had been in Killinochchi engaging with persons connected to Gobi. Their questioning is continuing at present to ascertain the whereabouts of Gobi and other related operatives.

“The above actions taken by the Law Enforcement Authorities of Sri Lanka are well within the existing legal framework and following due process. This development also underscores the need to be vigilant on the activities of the remnants of the terrorist group, considering its bearing on national security,” the statement added.

Source: Daily Mirror (Sri Lanka)

News

I will never back down in challenging this regime

Sarath fonseka1In a recent interview, Former Army Commander General Sarath Fonseka who heads the Democratic Party spoke to Daily Mirror about the present political situation in the country, his party’s plan to win the upcoming Provincial Council elections and expressed his views about the UNHRC session taking place in Geneva.

He said that the main aim of his party was to save the citizens of Sri Lanka from the present rulers of the country.

Read full interview>> 

Source: Daily Mirror (Sri Lanka)

UK Community News & Photos

Dharmaraja College Kandy OBU UK branch AGM 2014

Dharmaraja OBU UK is pleased to announce the election of new executive committee for 2014/15 at the Annual General Meeting held on 15th of February 2014 at Lihiniya Restaurant, Criklewood Broadway, London.

The new office bearers are:

President : Upul Ekanayake
Joint Secretaries : Udeni Amrakoon & Dulan Mudalige
Treasurer : Uchitha Herath
Vice President : Manjuka Tennakoon
Sports Secretary : Dinesh Kapukotuwa
Media & Cultural Secretary : Asiri Bandara
Chairman Cricket : Danushka Herath
Chairman Rugby : Udayanga Wijesekara
Chairman Fund Raising : Sajith Denuwara


Committee Members:

Sanjeewa Kalupahana, Indika Daswatte, Sadun Siriwardana, Sanka Weerasekara

Anuradha Rajapaksa, Amal Navaratna, Malinga Ranatunga, Sampath Nissanka

Upul Ekanayake thanked the member for re-electing him as the Hon President and support he received.  He also thanked the outgoing executive committee members for their hard work, dedication and invaluable contribution to the OBU during their tenure of office.

All members of OBU UK and their families and friends welcome the new executive committee and wish them all the very best while assuring the continuous support to keep Dharmaraja flag flying high.  All those who present enjoyed an evening full of music, dancing, food, fellowship and fun.

Latest Events

MEDITATION SESSION

You are cordially invited to attend a meditation session conducted By

Dr. Sumana Perera

at

the London Buddhist Vihara

on

Saturday 08 March 2014

at 5.00pm – 8.00pm

All are welcome!

LONDON BUDDHIST VIHARA
Dharmapala Building
The Avenue
Chiswick
London
W4 1UD
Tel: 0208 995 9493

News

Lankan jailed for life over murder in UK

Justice and lawA callous killer has been jailed for life after police filmed him confessing at the scene and saying: ”I hope she’s dead. I’m happy she die.”

Gobinath Vellasamy still had blood on his hands when his dramatic arrest was captured on a police bodycam as he calmly told officers “Some people are not eligible to be on this earth.”

The Sri Lankan asylum seeker was caught within minutes of his brutal knife attack on victim Mayurathy Perinpamoorthy because one neighbour saw it through a ground floor window.

Horrified neighbour Bernadine Reid saw Mayurathy run to the window with her arms outstretched, shouting for help, before Vellasamy dragged her back and killed her.

She was stabbed so many times in the neck she died before police arrived and a pathologist was unable to count the number of wounds.

Vellasamy resented Mayurathy because she had started a relationship with fellow Sri Lankan Punnahairaja Serveraj, known as Raj, who was a distant relation and who had been his closest friend after they both fled to Britain to escape the civil war in their own country.

He referred to her as a cheating bitch in a phone call to another friend just moments before the killing but later claimed she had been pestering him for sex.

Former shop worker Vellasamy killed 32-year-old mother-of-one Mayurathy after going to the flat she shared with Raj in Tudor Court, Yeovil, while she was alone on the night of August 6 last year.

An upstairs neighbour heard an argument and her screams for help and Miss Reid saw the killing as she passed the window on her way back from a swimming session.

Police were on the scene within a couple of minutes, some officers running from the nearby Yeovil police station and the next constable to arrive wore a bodycam which captured Vellasamy’s arrest.

The jury took just over an hour to reach their guilty verdict. Earlier in the trial they had a unique chance to be taken inside the crime scene when they were shown footage from the camera worn by Pc Mark Doble.

It showed Vellasamy still inside the flat but handcuffed through an open window to Sergeant James Page. The body of the victim was visible in the background, lying in a pool of blood.

Vellasamy still had blood on his hands but was calm and passive. He was eventually manhandled out of the open louvre window by three officers while still handcuffed to the Sergeant.

He told the officers:”She is a cheating bitch and does not belong on this earth. You are wasting your time, she is dead. She is not worthy to be on this earth. I hope she is dead.”

The bodycam footage recorded him saying: ”I hope she’s dead. I’m happy she die.”

Later, on the way to the police station, he was seen saying: ”How many years will I get? Ten, 20, 30, 40?” Some people are not eligible to stay in this world. She’s not fit for this world.”

Vellasamy, aged 36, of Everton Road, Yeovil, denied murder but was found guilty and was jailed for life with a minimum term of 18 years.

Judge Mr Justice Lindblom told him:”You used the knife with frightful force in a sustained attack on a defenceless young woman.

“She ran to the window screaming for help but this seems to have had no effect on you, neither did the desperate effort of a neighbour who saw what you were doing and banged on the window trying to get you to stop.

“That witness described the mechanical way in which you killed her and the prosecution likened it to an execution.

“You showed not even the faintest remorse and even now I cannot discern any real sense in you of the dreadful crime you have committed.

“It is impossible to say precisely what was your motive, but no motive could justify any violence, let alone the brutality with which you ended her life.

“A very serious aggravating feature is the quite extraordinary degree of sustained violence with a knife you used to murder the victim in her own home. It was a truly horrific attack.

“She had no chance of escape or of parrying your relentless assault.”

The judge praised the ‘quiet fortitude’ of Mayurathy’s parents, who had sat through the trial with Raj.

He quoted from their victim impact statement in which they revealed that Mayurathy’s seven-year-old daughter Thanika has been left orphaned because her father died in the Sri Lankan civil war.

The father’s statement said:”We struggle to express in words our feeling of devastation at Mayurathy’s death. I will never see my daughter again, never be able to chat to her or laugh with her or comfort her.

“Her child will grow up without a mother. The impact on her is huge. She does not have a mother or a father.

“It is very difficult to explain to a seven-year-old that her mother has been taken away from her and why she will never be able to see or talk to her again.”

Vellasamy came to Britain as an asylum seeker after being accused of supplying mobile phones to the Tamil Tiger rebels in Sri Lanka and worked in petrol stations around the country.

He developed a drinking and gambling problem while living in Glasgow and then moved to Somerset where he lived in Ilchester before moving to Yeovil.

He shared a flat with Raj and Mayurathy in Ilchester but they argued because of his drinking and volatile behaviour and he held a grudge against both.

He believed Raj owed him money and blamed Mayurathy for coming between him and his friend.

In the eight months he lived in Yeovil he was in constant trouble with the police because of his heavy drinking. Every beat officer had dealings with him and had previously been arrested trying to get into Raj and Mayurathy’s home.

In all the police were called to 34 different incidents including two half-hearted suicide attempts, one when he took an overdose and another when he put his head on the railway line at Yeovil Junction.

He denied murder and claimed he had no intention to kill but had lost control when Mayurathy referred to his grandmother as ‘an old piece’, which is apparently a serious insult in Sri Lankan.

His defence team argued he was suffering from depression and paranoia brought on by alcohol dependency, but a prosecution expert said he knew what he was doing when he carried out the killing.

After the case Mayurathy’s family and her boyfriend Raj thanked the police for their efforts.

Raj said:”We are relieved at the verdict and would like to thank everyone who has got justice for Mayurathy, especially the Avon and Somerset police.”(Western Morning News)

Source: Daily Mirror (Sri Lanka)

Sports, Sri Lanka Cricket Round-up

Sri Lanka Schools’ Cricket Round up 4/3/2014

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  • Thurstan College  335/7d (65) Minhaj Jaleel 109, Sajith Gunathilaka 58, Kavindu Kulasekara 47  Vs  Kingswood College  32 (24.5) Thimira Jayasinghe 5/4  –  U19 Div I – Thurstan Grounds – Traditional Match  – Stumps – Day 1
  • St. Servatius College  187 (78.4) Ashen Deemantha 39, Chathuranga Kumara 4/32 & 196 (45.2) Ramesh Nimantha 55 Vs  St. Aloysious College  151 (58.5) Ashan Madushanka 56, Thilan Prashan 5/49  –  U19 Div 1 – Galle Stadium GroundsMatch Drawn – St. Servatius won on 1st innings 
  • Dharmaraja College  274 (85.4) Ramesh Ranasinghe 120, Shifran Muthalif 5/65  Vs  DS Senanayake College  155 (59.3) Shifran Muthalif 46, Deneth Lanka 4/40, Wenuka Galahitiyawa 4/65 & 106 (48.4) Wenuka Galahitiyawa 5/57  –  U19 Div I – DS Grounds Dharmaraja won by an innings & 13 runs 
  • St. Benedicts College  134 (65.1) F Fernando 3/18 & 136/8 (70) Hashindra Perera 5/48  Vs  St. Josephs College 256/6d (53) Y Samarasinghe 61, F Fernando 73*  –  U19 Div I – St. Benedicts Grounds Match Drawn – St Joseph won on 1st innings 
  • St. Thomas College  222 (66) Sachitha Jayathilaka 54, Lahiru Heshan 4/63 & 112/3 (35) Lahiru Opatha 56  Vs  St. Sebastians College  271 (86) Luke Jayadewa 61, Sachintha Fonseka 54, Madushan Ravichandrakuma 4/53  –  U19 Div I – St. Thomas Grounds Match Drawn – St Sebastians won on 1st innings 
  • Wesley College  164 (53.4) Shanaka Roshan 4/28 & 228/9 (62) Sachin Jayawardana 164*, Harsha Devinda 4/66 Vs  Moratu Vidyalaya  206 (69.3) Shanuka Madushan 54, Sanesh Champaka 36,Charith De Silva 5/45  –  U19 Div 1 – Moratu Vidyala Grounds Match Drawn – Moratu Vidyalaya won on 1st innings 
News

Some amendments to Pillay’s report following GoSL representations

Navanethem PillayThe Office of the High Commissioner for Human Rights (OHCHR) has effected some changes to its report on Sri Lanka scheduled to be submitted to the Geneva-based United Nations Human Rights Council (UNHRC) sessions scheduled to begin today (March 25).

Government sources told The Island that the amendments had been made following Sri Lanka’s responses to the unedited version of the report prepared following UNHRC chief Navy Pillay’s visit to the country last year.

External Affairs Minister Prof. G. L. Peiris will address the UNHRC on Wednesday (March 5).

The OHCHR has changed its original demand that Sri Lanka establish a timeline for the demobilisation and disarmament of the armed forces in addition to stop them from performing civilian tasks.

Following representations made by the External Affairs Minister, the OHCHR has dropped its unprecedented call for demobilisation and disarmament of armed forces as well as a time line to achieve the objectives. Responding to a query, sources said that Sri Lanka reminded the OHCHR that it had no mandate to make such demand of a sovereign state.

She also recommended that the government work with five party Tamil National Alliance (TNA). Senior officials said that they were taken aback as the OHCHR didn’t realise the importance of the Northern Provincial Council polls.Sources appreciated that the OHCHR had included a new paragraph which dealt with the reduction of military presence in the Northern and Eastern Provinces by 30 and 26 per cent, respectively, and the release of state (20,011 acres) and privately (5,470 acres) owned land. Pillay added that over 6,000 acres of privately owned land had been acquired around security forces cantonment at Palaly and over 2,000 persons were seeking legal redress. Pillay quoted the GoSL as having said that the affected would be compensated and alternative land provided for them.

Another important amendment was the sourcing of allegations relating to about 280 incidents of threats and violence directed at the Muslim community in 2013 to the NGO called Secretariat for Muslims.

The OHCHR has amended the number of persons killed due to the Sri Lanka Army opening fire at those demanding clean water to three. The original report mentioned the deaths of six persons. The OHCHR also corrected the date of the appointment of Army Court of Inquiry to August 2, 2013 from September 2, 2013.

She also acknowledged that the GoSL had sought information regarding Sri Lankans whose asylum claims were denied by foreign governments. The External Affairs Ministry said that this addition was due to Sri Lanka seeking information from UK, Canada and the USA.

Interestingly, the OHCHR had deleted part of a sentence that dealt with the killing of Prabhakaran’s 12-year-old son, Balachandran. The deleted part claimed that the boy was killed when troops were moving to take the LTTE’s last stronghold located on a strip of coastline near Mullaitivu.

by Shamindra Ferdinando
Source: The Island (Sri Lanka)

News

බ්‍රිතාන්‍ය මහකොමසාරිස්‌ හා ඇමරිකානු තානාපතිනිය යෝජනාවට ඡන්ද සොයති

UN_Human_Rights-Councilජිනීවා මානව හිමිකම් රැස්‌වීමේදී ඇමරිකාව විසින් ශ්‍රී ලංකාවට එරෙහිව ඉදිරිපත් කිරීමට යන යෝජනාවට සහාය ලබා ගැනීමට මෙරට බ්‍රිතාන්‍ය මහ කොමාසරිස්‌වරයා සහ ඇමරිකානු තානාපතිනිය ඉකුත් සතියේ නවදිල්ලියේදී හා නිව්යෝක්‌හිදී මානව හිමිකම් කවුන්සිලයේ සාමාජික රටවල තානාපතිවරුන් සහ රාජ්‍ය තාන්ත්‍රිකයන් හමු වී සාකච්ඡා පවත්වා ඇතැයි තානාපති ආරංචි මාර්ග කියයි.

ශ්‍රී ලංකාවේ බ්‍රිතාන්‍ය මහකොමසාරිස්‌ ජෝන් රැන්කින් මහතා පසුගිය සතියේ නවදිල්ලියට ගොස්‌ ශ්‍රී ලංකාවේ තානාපති කාර්යාල නොමැති මානව හිමිකම් සමුළුවේ සාමාජිකකත්වය හිමි රටවල තානාපතිවරුන් හමුවී ඇමරිකානු යෝජනාව සම්මත කර ගැනීම සඳහා සහාය දෙන්නැයි ඉල්ල ඉල්ලා තිබේ.

මේ අතර ශ්‍රී ලංකාවේ ඇමරිකානු තානාපතිනිය මිචෙල් ඡේ සීසන් මහත්මියද ඉකුත් සතියේ නිව්යෝක්‌හිදී සාමාජික රටවල තානාපති නිලධාරීන් හා රාජ්‍ය තාන්ත්‍රිකයන් මුණගැසී සාකච්ඡා කොට ඇත.

විදේශ කටයුතු ඇමැති මහාචාර්ය ජී.එල්. පීරිස්‌ මහතාද පසුගියදා නවදිල්ලියට ගොස්‌ එහි සිටින විදේශ තානාපතිවරුන් හමුවී ඇමරිකානු යෝජනාව සම්බන්ධයෙන් ශ්‍රී ලංකාවේ ස්‌ථාවරය පැහැදිලි කළේය. ජනාධිපති ලේකම් ලලිත් වීරතුංග මහතාද ඉකුත්දා නිව්යෝක්‌ නුවරට ගොස්‌ එරට රාජ්‍ය තාන්ත්‍රිකයන්ට කරුණු පැහැදිලිs කළේය.

Source: Divaina (Sri Lanka)

Sports

Asia Cup 2014: An unforgettable victory for Pakistan

Asia cup 2014Match six of the Asia Cup ended in a nail-biting finish as Pakistan clinched victory off the hands of the Indians at the Shere Bangla National Stadium in Mirpur on Sunday.

After being put to bat first the Indians posted a total of 245 runs for the loss of etigh wickets in their allotted 50 overs.

None of the Indian batsmen could get the start they required, as they lost wickets at regular intervals. Ambatti Rayudu top scored for India with 58 while Ravichandran Jadeja remained unbeaten on 52.

Saeed Ajmal picked three wickets for 40 runs while Mohammed Hafeez and Mohammed Talha bagged two wickets a piece. Batting in reply, the Pakistanis got off to a good start as openers Sharjeel Khan and Ahmed Shehzad put on 71 runs.

Mohammed Hafeez played a brilliant knock for his side with 75 runs. The game went down to the last over as Pakistan lost two quick wickets. However, big hitting Shahid Afridi sealed victory for Pakistan with a massive six followed by a boundary to end the match.

Pakistan won the match by oen wicket with 2 balls remaining. Ravichandran Ashwin ended with figures of three wickets for 44 runs.

Source: News First (Sri Lanka)

Sports, Sri Lanka Cricket Round-up

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

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  • St. Servatius College  187 (78.4) Ashen Deemantha 39, Chathuranga Kumara 4/32 & 196 (45.2) Ramesh Nimantha 55 Vs  St. Aloysious College  151 (58.5) Ashan Madushanka 56, Thilan Prashan 5/49  –  U19 Div 1 – Galle Stadium GroundsMatch Drawn – St. Servatius won on 1st innings 
  • Dharmaraja College  274 (85.4) Ramesh Ranasinghe 120, Shifran Muthalif 5/65  Vs  DS Senanayake College  155 (59.3) Shifran Muthalif 46, Deneth Lanka 4/40, Wenuka Galahitiyawa 4/65 & 106 (48.4) Wenuka Galahitiyawa 5/57  –  U19 Div I – DS Grounds Dharmaraja won by an innings & 13 runs 
  • St. Benedicts College  134 (65.1) F Fernando 3/18 & 136/8 (70) Hashindra Perera 5/48  Vs  St. Josephs College 256/6d (53) Y Samarasinghe 61, F Fernando 73*  –  U19 Div I – St. Benedicts Grounds Match Drawn – St Joseph won on 1st innings 
  • St. Thomas College  222 (66) Sachitha Jayathilaka 54, Lahiru Heshan 4/63 & 112/3 (35) Lahiru Opatha 56  Vs  St. Sebastians College  271 (86) Luke Jayadewa 61, Sachintha Fonseka 54, Madushan Ravichandrakuma 4/53  –  U19 Div I – St. Thomas Grounds Match Drawn – St Sebastians won on 1st innings 
  • Wesley College  164 (53.4) Shanaka Roshan 4/28 & 228/9 (62) Sachin Jayawardana 164*, Harsha Devinda 4/66 Vs  Moratu Vidyalaya  206 (69.3) Shanuka Madushan 54, Sanesh Champaka 36,Charith De Silva 5/45  –  U19 Div 1 – Moratu Vidyala Grounds Match Drawn – Moratu Vidyalaya won on 1st innings 
News

Assist SL to set up domestic mechanisms-US resolution

srilankaEleven US Senators on Thursday tabled a resolution urging the ‘US and the international community to assist Sri Lanka in establishing domestic mechanisms to deal with any grievances arising from actions committed by both sides during and after the civil war in Sri Lanka.’

The resolution urged the US Government and the international community to assist the Sri Lankan Government to set up such domestic mechanisms with due regard to its sovereignty, stability, and security.

It has also urged  the US President to develop a comprehensive and well balanced policy towards Sri Lanka that reflects United States interests, including respect for human rights, democracy, and the rule of law, as well as economic and security interests.

The resolution urges the Sri Lankan Government to improve religious and media freedoms and to bring to justice those responsible for attacks on journalists and newspaper offices as well as places of worship, regardless of religion.

The eleven Co-Senate sponsors are: James Inhofe (R-Oklahoma);John Cornyn (R-Texas);Orrin Hatch (R-Utah);Senator John Barrasso (R-Wyoming); Senator Roy Blunt (R-Missouri); Senator John Manchin (D-West Virginia); Senator Jeff Sessions (R-Alabama); Senator John Boozman (R-Arkansas)Senator Mike Crapo (R-Idaho); Senator Susan Collins (R-Maine) and Senator Mike Enzi (R-Wyoming)

The Full resolution>>

Source: Daily Mirror (Sri Lanka)

Sports

Sanga powers Lanka to dramatic win over India

Kumar_SangakkaraFATULLAH, February 28, 2014 (AFP) – Kumar Sangakkara hit a brilliant 103 as Sri Lanka survived anxious moments to overcome India by two wickets in a thrilling last-over finish Friday, securing their second win in the Asia Cup.

The victory was set up by spinners Ajantha Mendis and Sachithra Senanayake, who shared seven wickets to restrict the reigning world champions to 264-9 in the day-night match in Fatullah.

But Sri Lanka lost wickets at regular intervals and were reduced to 216-7 in the 44th over when Thisara Perera helped Sangakkara add 42 crucial runs for the eighth wicket.

Left-handed Sangakkara, who hit 12 boundaries and a six in his 18th one-day century, fell in the penultimate over when just seven runs were needed for victory.

But Mendis and Perera saw Sri Lanka through with four deliveries to spare in a nail-biting finish, giving their team a second win after they beat Pakistan in the tournament opener.

India, who won against Bangladesh, must defeat arch-rivals Pakistan in Dhaka on Sunday to stay in contention for a place in the final.

Opener Shikhar Dhawan scored 94 as India, sent in to bat, moved to 175-2 in 35 overs before losing five wickets for 40 runs to slide to 215-7.

Big hitting by the lower order, including two sixes by last man Mohammed Shami off Mendis, lifted India past the 250-run mark.

Mendis, who replaced seamer Suranga Lakmal for the match, justified his selection with four for 60, including the key scalps of Dhawan and stand-in captain Virat Kohli.

Off-spinner Senanayake finished with his best one-day figures of three for 41 as the Indians struggled against the turning ball on the slow wicket.

Kohli, leading India in the absence of the injured Mahendra Singh Dhoni, put on 97 for the second wicket with Dhawan after Rohit Sharma had been trapped leg-before by Senanayake for 13.

Kusal Perera and Lahiru Thirimanne gave Sri Lanka a flying start with a 80-run partnership for the first wicket by the 18th over.

Off-spinner Ravichandran Ashwin removed both openers, trapping Thirimanne leg-before for 38 and then having Kusal Perera caught behind for 64.

India bounced back strongly when left-arm spinner Ravindra Jadeja dismissed Mahela Jayawardene and Dinesh Chandimal with consecutive deliveries to reduce Sri Lanka to 148-4 in the 32nd over.

Seamer Mohammad Shami, who conceded 42 runs in his first six overs, returned for a spell and trapped skipper Angelo Mathews leg-before with his second ball.

Shami also had Senanayake caught at mid-wicket and Jadeja had Chaturanga de Silva leg-before as Sri Lanka slumped to 216-7.

Afghanistan will take on hosts Bangladesh in the next match in Fatullah on Saturday.

Scoreboard>> 

Source: The Island (Sri Lanka)

Sports, Sri Lanka Cricket Round-up

Sri Lanka Schools’ Cricket round up 27/2/2014

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  • St. Aloysius College  226 (67) (61) Ashen Bandara 54, Dilruk Hashan 51, Navindu Nirmal 46, Tathsara Bandara 4/45, Daniel Geethangana 3/47 & 133/4 (46) Akila Gimhan 36  Vs  DS Senanayake College  304/5d (74.5) Harith Maduwantha 96, Duleeka Brahakmanage 73*, Udesh Sendanayake 46, Chathuranga Kumara 4/107  –  U19 Div I – Mahinda Grounds Galle – Match Drawn – DS Senanayaka won on 1st innings
  • Nalanda College  301 (70.3) Dasun Senvirathna 57, Lahiru Wijerathna 53, & 127/6 (28.2) Avishka De Silva 40  Vs Maliyadeva College  220 (79.2) Damith Silva 73  –  U19 Div I – Maliyadeva Grounds – Match Drawn – Nalanda won on 1st innings
  • Dharmapala Vidyalaya  344/9d (71.2) Tharindu Maduwantha 95, Prasan Rathnayake 71, Himasha Liyanage 60, , Raveen Tharinda 4/9  Vs  Dharmasoka College  55/3 (20.2)  –  U19 Div I – Dharmapala Grounds  – Stumps – Day 1
  • St. Peters College  302/5d (67) Kavinda De Thisera 108*, Dineth Thimodya 54, & 172 (51) Kavinda De Thisera 72, Damitha Hasith 4/84  Vs  Gurukula College  219/9d (69.1) Sasheen Dilranga 49, Nipul Maduka 49  –  U19 Div I – Air Force Grounds  – Match Drawn – St.peters won on 1st innings
  • Richmond College  322 (62.5) Sithara Gimhan 81, Kaveen Nanayakkara 51, Pasindu Bimsara 50  Vs  St. Thomas College Matara  11/0 (2.2)  –  U19 Div I – Uyanwatte Grounds  – Stumps – Day 1
  • Revatha College  216 (47.2) Danush Lakmal 64  Vs  Devananda College 241/9 (48) Amindu Mendis 90  –  U19 Div I – Amabalangoda Public Grounds – Stumps – Day 1
  • St. Annes College  181 (48) Janith Perera 59,  Vs  Kegalu Vidyalaya  68/4 (18)  –  U19 Div I – St. Anthonys Grounds – Stumps – Day 1
  • St. Servatius College  189 (66) Sanjika Ridma 102, Thushan Eranga 41, Shenal Wijesinghe 6/56  Vs  Thurstan College 55/3 (21)  –  U19 Div 1 – Thurstan Grounds – Stumps – Day 1
  • Lumbini College  135 (31.1) Hashan Chamara 4/18 & 155 (31.2) Tharushan Iddamalgoda 50, Vimukthi Madushan 5/57  Vs  Royal College Panadura  219 (60.5) Hashan Vimukthi 51, Upekshitha Karunaratne 4/47 & 75/2 (13.4)  –  U19 Div I – Kadirana Grounds  – Royal College Panadura won by 8 wickets
News

Video: ‘The Last Phase’ screened in London

The Last Phase‘The Last Phase’, a documentary film depicting the life story of a former female LTTE cadre during the final stages of the humanitarian operation in Sri Lanka was screened in the Westminster Houses of Parliament, London on Monday.

The event was hosted by Lord Naseby, Chair of The All Party Parliamentary Group on Sri Lanka, supported by Conservative Friends of Sri Lanka.

The documentary revolves around the life of a former LTTE female cadre who grew up at ‘Senchcholai’, the LTTE run orphanage for Tamil children. ‘Jayawadanee’ was brought up in an environment that was deliberately planned to portray the other side as the necessary evil.

The defenec ministry said that it was the first time that an independent Sri Lanka produced documentary about the War had been shown in the cradle of Britain’s democracy and seen by parliamentarians from all sides of the Houses of Commons and Lords. Ian Paisley MP, who attended the meeting commented that it was refreshing to see an alternative perspective about the Sri Lankan war, and this event clearly demonstrated that the international community did not have a monopoly on the truth in relation to Sri Lanka.

Apart from Mr Paisley, the other parliamentarians who attended the event were Baron West of Spithead (former First Sea Lord) and the following Members of Parliament, Brian Binley, Mark Durkan, Bob Blackman, James Wharton, Laurence Robertson, Andrew Turner, Nick De Bois as well as Foreign Office and Parliamentary researchers and assistants.

Lord Naseby introduced a distinguished panel, comprising Professor Paul Moorcraft and Mr. Richard Mundy, who was the narrator on “The Last Phase” to discuss the war and current developments in Sri Lanka.

Professor Moorcroft spoke of the events at the end of the war from a military perspective. He explained that in all his experience, having investigated wars in other countries, that the Sri Lankan Army conducted themselves very professionally in comparison to other armies. His observations and opinions were formed after visiting Sri Lanka and having had access to all the workings of the armed services as well as with surviving Tiger cadres. The total civilian casualties in the final days of the war, he observed, could not be ascertained with accuracy, but based on the figures of those injured, the estimate of 40,000 civilian deaths quoted by Gordon Weiss in his book and thereafter repeated by many others, including by the Darusman Report and Channel 4, is a gross exaggeration, which he confirmed should not be relied upon as being accurate.

Dr. Chris Nonis, High Commissioner addressed the issues pertaining to the Government of Sri Lanka. In a robust delivery he stated that there was never a Civil War in Sri Lanka and that it should be instead correct to understand it as a war against terrorism. He said that people from all communities and religions lived side by side in all parts of the country, and that for example, the demography of the capital Colombo was 30% Sinhalese, 30%Tamils, 30% Muslims. He maintained that many external politicians were making unwarranted pronouncements about Sri Lanka with understanding basic demographics and that it was long and complex war story, which needs to be understood by visiting and experiencing the country’s committed efforts at post-war progress first-hand. He made a passionate plea for supporting the country’s reconciliation processes via the LLRC and appealed to all expatriate communities to work towards this goal. His appeal to the international community was for greater understanding of Sri Lanka’s achievements and stated that all communities are playing a substantial role in the economic and social progress of the country. His address was well received by all those present.

Source: Daily Mirror (Sri Lanka)

News

Human Rights now a political tool

glThe Government says human rights is now being used as a political tool and was no longer based on moral or ethical issues.

External Affairs Minister, Professor G.L Peiris said that human rights was also being used selectively and there was a need for uniformity in its application; with some countries left alone and other countries, such as Sri Lanka  being singled out and hounded, disproportionately.

The External Affairs Ministry quoted the Minister as saying that Sri Lanka, which drew from a great continuum and heritage in the region, did not subscribe to a vindictive justice that was pushed by some.

He noted that despite the quests of a few to target Sri Lanka, other countries stood behind Sri Lanka to have its own national solutions to its specific challenges and circumstances and not impose external solutions.

The Minister urged the need for nations to be treated equally and fairly in the international arena adding that the eradication of terrorism in Sri Lanka has paved for not only Sri Lanka’s development and progress, but that of the region.

He said that Sri Lanka looked forward to engage its friends and the international community, with mutual respect and reciprocity and that after enduring the difficult legacy of the past, as a nation, could collectively face any challenge ahead.

Source: Colombo Gazette

News

GR warns demob may cause social upheaval

gotaColombo based British, US envoys campaign against SL in New Delhi, NY

Defence Secretary Gotabhaya Rajapaksa yesterday said that the government wouldn’t demobilize the Army or reduce military presence in the Northern Province under any circumstances, though a section of the international community was pushing the government on the diplomatic front ahead of the 25th session of the Geneva-based United Nations Human Rights Council (UNHRC).

The war veteran was responding to Western calls for a smaller army in the wake of the LTTE’s battlefield defeat in May, 2009.

British High Commissioner John Rankin was in New Delhi during the second week of February to urge heads of missions of member states of the UNHRC accredited to Colombo. HC Rankin sought their support for the US-UK initiative, while US Ambassador in Colombo Michele J. Sisson met several Permanent Representatives of UNHRC members based in New York to convince of the need to move the resolution. The US and UK are seeking as many countries as possible to co-sponsor the resolution.

Asked whether the government would demobilize some formations raised during eelam war IV (June 2006 to May 2009) to appease Western powers threatening to haul Sri Lanka up before an international war crimes tribunal over accountability issues, the Defence Secretary said that the peacetime deployment of the Army as well as the acquisition of armaments too, was the prerogrative of the government.

Recently British High Commissioner John Rankin as well as Norwegian Ambassador Grete Løchen inquired about the military presence in the Northern Province when they met Jaffna Security Forces Commander, Maj. Gen. Udaya Perera. The Norwegian envoy inquired about the possibility of demobilization.

The Defence Secretary told The Island that United Nations Human Rights Commissioner Navi Pillay too, had called for demobilization of the Army in accordance with their overall plan to destabilize the country. An irate Rajapaksa said that large scale demobilization would cause a major social upheaval. “Can any sensible government send home those who risked their lives in the battlefield. Demobilization can cause uncertainty and political turmoil, thereby undermine social as well as economic stability. Perhaps, those working closely with the LTTE rump expected us to send men home believing such a course of action will lead to a major crisis.”

The armed forces had been deployed in support of the post-war recovery projects and people of all communities benefited from their expertise, he said. President Rajapaksa endorsed a plan to double the army at the onset of eelam war IV.

The government wouldn’t do anything to jeopardize security, the Defence Secretary said, pointing out that those who now wanted the government to demobilize the Army went to the extent of recognizing the LTTE’s conventional military deployment across eight districts in February 2002.

Commenting on US concerns over intimidating military presence in the Northern Province, the Gajaba Regiment veteran pointed out that the US was concerned only about its security as well as its closest allies. The Defence Secretary said that the US was fully aware of sharp reduction of Jaffna military presence since the conclusion of the conflict, though it acted as if Sri Lanka was retaining wartime strength in the Northern Province. The Defence Secretary said that the US maintained substantial forces outside US territory to ensure safety and security of its citizens as well as those of its closest allies. Why couldn’t they realize that our deployment was nothing but to ensure that the LTTE wouldn’t make an attempt to reorganise again, the Defence Secretary said.

Presidential Secretary Lalith Weeratunga recently briefed the international community in Geneva and separately met US officials to explain the implementation of the Lessons Learnt and Reconciliation Commission (LLRC). Weeratunga assured that there had been a 30 per cent drop in the military strength in the Northern Province since the end of the war.

by Shamindra Ferdinando
Source: The Island (Sri Lanka)