The official website of Lanka Rest Houses Ltd - www.lankaresthouses.com, was launched today morning (07th March) at a function held at the Folk Arts Centre in Sri Jayewardenepura Kotte. Chairperson of the Lanka Rest Houses Mr. P.B.K.U.A Wickremasinghe launched the web site at the auspicious time during the event.

The Lanka Rest Houses Ltd has been established as a fully owned subsidiary company of the Urban Development Authority (UDA) under the directives of the Secretary to the Ministry of Defence Urban Development Mr. Gotabaya Rajapaksa.

The new web site provides information on 32 Rest Houses that are functioning under the Lanka Rest Houses Ltd. All Rest Houses belonging to local authorities were acquired under act no 105/09 of 09th Sep 1980 by the UDA which was established under the Urban Development Act No: 41 of 1978.

Sri Lanka's tourism sector is rapidly growing since the dawn of peace with new vistas being opened in both northern and eastern region. The industry has seen a substantial growth due to the island wide infrastructure development that the government has undertaken especially in the former theatre of conflict. Sri Lanka has being identified as one of the best bio-diversity hot spots in the world and haven for eco tourism.

Speaking at the event Chairperson Mr. Wickremasinghe said that the new web site would provide more information on rest houses and its exact locations including facilities provided and features for convenient booking.

Defence Ministry officials, Company officials and invited guests were present at the event.

A group of four Cadets of the National Cadet Corp (NCC) were in Nepal on a Youth Exchange Programme among SAARC Countries recently. The cadets visited Nepal on an invitation extended by the Directorate of Military Training of the Nepalese Army to witness the Nepalese Army Day Parade and the NCC Camp.

The young cadets, selected from different regions of the country were treated as state guests and were offered the honour of calling on the Hon. President, Hon. Prime Minister and the Commander of the Army.

The Sri Lankan Cadets joined their counterparts from other SAARC nations in taking part in a Cultural show and Presentation about their respective countries.

The Cadet delegation was led by the Director of the National Cadet Corps Major General HMHA Herath.

The Youth Exchange Program has been incorporated into the curriculum of the NCC to develop greater national awareness and understanding among Cadets from different countries. At present there are more than 65,000 school students, both boy and girls enrolled as cadets in the NCC.

The NCC consists of seven Provincial Headquarters with 24 Battalions established island wide. There are four wings representing the Army, Navy, Air Force and Police.

With the end of war there is a renewed interest among Northern and Eastern schools to join the NCC. A number of cadets from the Northern Province have represented the country at youth exchange programmes within the last few years.

India hosted the third NSA-level Trilateral Meeting on Maritime Security Cooperation between Maldives, Sri Lanka and India on 6 March 2014 in New Delhi. Indian National Security Advisor Shri Shivshankar Menon led the Indian delegation and chaired the meeting. The Maldivian delegation was led by Col (Retd) Mohamed Nazim, Minister of Defence and National Security, and the Sri Lankan delegation by Mr. Gotabaya Rajapaksa, Secretary, Ministry of Defence and Urban Development.

Delegations from Mauritius and Seychelles also participated in the meeting as Guest countries. Mr. Motichand Seebah, Permanent Secretary in Prime Minister’s Office, represented Mauritius, while Ambassador Maurice Loustau-Lalanne, Principal Secretary, Ministry of Foreign Affairs, represented Seychelles.

India, Sri Lanka and Maldives launched the Trilateral Cooperation in Maritime Security in October 2011 at the first NSA-level Trilateral Meeting on Maritime Security Cooperation in Maldives. At the second meeting in Colombo in July 2013, the three countries agreed on a roadmap for cooperation in maritime security, comprising the following three categories of activities:

1. Initiatives to enhance Maritime Domain Awareness (MDA) through access to systems run under the aegis of the International Maritime Organization (IMO), such as Long Range Identification and Tracking (LRIT) services and sharing of Automatic Identification System (AIS) data;

2. Training and capacity building initiatives in areas of MDA, Search and Rescue, and Oil Pollution Response; and

3. Joint activities including trilateral exercises, maintaining lines of communication on illegal maritime activities, formulation of marine oil pollution response contingency plans and cooperation in legal and policy issues related to piracy.

During the third NSA-Level meeting in Delhi, the participants reviewed and expressed satisfaction over the progress in the implementation of various activities in the identified areas. They also discussed new areas of cooperation including hydrography; training in Visit, Board, Search and Seizure Operations; training on board Indian Sail Training Ships; exchanges between think tanks; and joint participation in adventure activities.

The participants directed the Working/Technical Level Groups to meet at an early date to accelerate the implementation of joint activities and work out a programme of cooperation in the new areas.

The participants also welcomed the presence of Mauritius and Seychelles in the meeting. They noted that participation of Mauritius and Seychelles in this initiative would contribute to enhancing maritime security in the Indian Ocean Region.

The next NSA level Meeting on Maritime Security Cooperation would be held in Maldives on a date to be decided through diplomatic channels.

Five troops killed as coalition forces accidentally bombs site in Charkh district of eastern Logar province.

A NATO air raid in eastern Afghanistan has accidentally killed five Afghan soldiers, officials say.

NATO offered its condolences for Thursday's deaths and pledged action to avoid further mistakes, but President Hamid Karzai has often seized on botched raids to launch bitter criticism of the international military effort in Afghanistan.

"At 3:30am this morning, due to a NATO air strike in Charkh district, Logar province, five service members of the Afghan national army were martyred and eight others were wounded," Zahir Azimi, Afghanistan's Defence Ministry spokesman, said on his Twitter account.

Khalilullah Kamal, Charkh district governor, told AFP news agency he had visited the site of the attack, which he said was from a US drone.

"The post is totally destroyed," he said. "The Americans used to be in that post but since they left, the ANA [Afghan national army] took over. The post is on a hilltop. The attack was conducted by drones."

NATO's International Security Assistance Force (ISAF) issued a statement confirming that at least five Afghan soldiers had been killed accidentally.

"An investigation is being conducted at this time to determine the circumstances that led to this unfortunate incident," it said.

"Our condolences go out to the families of the ANA soldiers who lost their lives and were wounded ... we will determine what actions will be taken to ensure incidents like this do not happen again."

An ISAF source told Reuters news agency that the soldiers were bombed because they were mistaken for insurgents.

"The aircraft engaged suspected insurgents on a ridge overlooking Nawer village," the source said, adding that the victims were later identified as soldiers.

'Extreme anger'

Karzai, who is due to stand down after a presidential election on April 5, in an interview this week expressed his "extreme anger" at the US as it prepares to end its 13-year war in his country.

Karzai was on a state visit to Sri Lanka, and there was no immediate comment from the palace.

NATO's fleet of fighter jets, attack helicopters, unmanned drones and transport aircraft have supported ground troops in operations against the Taliban.

But while air strikes have been an important weapon in the fight against the fighters, they have also proved hugely controversial since they have led to numerous civilian deaths.

Civilian casualties have been one of the most sensitive issues of the war and Karzai has often used accidental shootings and misguided air strikes to berate foreign countries and stir public anger.

In January the president, who has ruled since the fall of the Taliban in 2001, accused the US of killing seven children and a woman in an air raid in central Afghanistan.

Late last year Karzai made a surprise decision not to promptly sign a bilateral security agreement (BSA) with the United States, leading to the threat of a complete withdrawal of NATO troops by the end of 2014.

The BSA would see several thousand US troops remain in Afghanistan to provide training and assistance in the battle against the Taliban after the NATO combat mission ends in December.

Signing the agreement is also a precondition for the delivery of billions of dollars in Western aid.

Courtesy : Al Jazeera

External Affairs Minister Prof. G. L. Peiris has said, the highly prejudiced actions taken by a few countries and the Office of the High Commissioner for Human Rights (OHCHR) to give disproportionate negative attention to Sri Lanka, has made the separatist Tamil elements in Sri Lanka and abroad more intransigent, making the intensely difficult task of reconciliation in Sri Lanka, even harder. He said it was unfortunate that Sri Lanka has become a "political football" in the electoral fortunes in some countries.

He made this observation, when as leader of the Sri Lanka delegation to the 25th Human Rights Council sessions now on in Geneva, as is customary, earlier today ( 6 March) he met with UN High Commissioner for Human Rights, Navaneetham Pillay.

The Minister who briefed the High Commissioner on the continuing efforts on reconciliation and development in the country, said she was well aware of the important political decisions the Government of Sri Lanka had taken in the restoration of normalcy to those affected following the conflict, the channeling of necessary resources to develop the previously conflict affected areas and then holding of the Northern Provincial Council elections- in September 2013, the latter which four previous Presidents over 26 years did not have the courage to do.

Minister Peiris drew to the High Commissioner's attention the objections he made in the national statement yesterday to her report on Sri Lanka to the current Human Rights Council session, where he detailed the lack of objectivity and patent bias evidenced in her report, which also called for the setting up of an international inquiry mechanism on Sri Lanka. He said the report was both one sided and politicized. The Minister observed that it was particularly unfortunate that the High Commissioner should have done so, after having had the benefit of an extended visit to Sri Lanka where she was given unimpeded access. Noting that the High Commissioner had undertaken her visit almost 2 1/2 years after the original invitation was extended by the Government of Sri Lanka, he said some of the High Commissioner's comments while in Sri Lanka, as well as her final report, represented a "lost opportunity" in contributing positively to Sri Lanka's reconciliation process and development.

Minister Peiris said the bias and unfairness with which Sri Lanka was being treated was also evident in recent acts such as the refusal of the OHCHR to place Sri Lanka's comments on the High Commissioner's report as an addendum giving it equal visibility, as done when she presented her report on Sri Lanka the previous year. While appreciating that the OHCHR had incorporated some of the glaring errors that were contained in her draft report following Sri Lanka's comments, he said, the GOSL was nevertheless concerned about the methodology and sources that continue to inform the High Commissioner's reports and action on Sri Lanka. He said this eroded the confidence in the UN system, the HRC and the OHCHR.

Sri Lankan Permanent Representative to the UN in Geneva Ravinatha Aryasinha and Deputy Permanent Representative Manisha Gunasekera were associated with the Minister at the meeting. Mr. Hanny Megaly, Head of Asia Pacific of the OHCHR and other officials of the OHCHR were associated with the High Commissioner.

It is an eye opener to him that in Sri Lanka peace has been achieved by President Mahinda Rajapaksa, which accounts for the tremendous gains made under his watch such as the 8% growth rate, said Afghanistan's President Hamid Karzai at a media interaction yesterday at the Hilton Hotel, Colombo.

President Karzai said that it is his wish that Afghans also enjoy such peace and the resulting peace dividend.

Peace is the most important factor and what is the country that would say 'we want your money even if it means that we don't have peace',

Mr. Karzai also said, when asked about the NATO bomb attack in his country yesterday which killed 05 soldiers, that NATO has informed him that it was a mistake. However, the President said he has asked his Defence Minister to look into the matter and report back.

He said that U.S. troops and other Western troops are not in Afghanistan due to an interest in Afghan people but they are there in the interest of maintaining peace in their own countries. He said that he would expect that likewise they help Afghans maintain peace in their own country as well.

When asked about the gains made by Sri Lanka despite which U.S. has brought a resolution against Sri Lanka in the UNHRC he said that peace is the most important factor and that we kindred people should convince the Western media for instance, that they should see their own country's shortcomings the way they see the shortcomings of other countries.

He added that he asked his brother to withdraw from his candidacy from the Afghanistan Presidential Election and that was the correct thing to do.

Courtesy : Daily News

Japanese Ambassador to Sri Lanka Nobuhitho Hobo has emphasized that those who are making various accusations against Sri Lanka should visit the North and ascertain for themselves the peace dividend enjoyed by the Northern civilians at the end of the conflict.

He lauded the peace the civilians enjoy after the end of the 30-year conflict and the services mooted by the Sri Lankan Government to rebuild the North.

Japan's Ambassador to Sri Lanka Nobuhitho Hobo pledged full support of the Japanese Government for education, health and the upgrading of livelihoods in the North. The Japanese Ambassador made these references during a meeting with Northern Governor G.A. Chandrasiri in Jaffna last morning.

Expressing his satisfaction over the present situation prevailing in the North, the Japanese diplomat said that his government is always prepared to support Sri Lanka.

Courtesy : Daily News

The National Rights Organization (NRO) comprising of multi-religious membership submitted a letter of protest against the US sponsored resolution against Sri Lanka at the United Nations Human Rights Council (UNHRC). The petition addressed to UN Secretary General Ban Ki-moon was handed over to an official at the office of the UN Representative in Colombo.

The petition, signed by religious leaders representing Buddhist, Hindu, Muslim and Christian communities was handed over after a protest march from the All Ceylon Buddhist Congress premises to the United Nations Office to register strong protest against the resolution to be moved by the United States against Sri Lanka.

Clergy representing all religions walked to the United Nations Office in Colombo and handed over a letter to UN officials to be sent to the UN Secretary General and UN Human Rights Commissioner Navi Pillai.

The letter, signed by Ven. Bengamuwe Nalaka Thera, Rev. Mohan Sharma Kurukkal, Rev. Fr. Sarath Hettiarachchi and Alhaj Hassan Maulana representing Buddhist, Hindu, Christian and Muslim faiths stated that the proposed resolution against Sri Lanka is totally based on information disseminated by persons with hidden agendas. The letter stated that those who supported terrorism then and those who continue to do so today are conspirators against the unitary nature of Sri Lanka.

The organisation in its letter to the UN Rights High Commissioner said the LTTE is responsible for depriving the people of their basic human rights. It said the LTTE had violated Articles 3, 5 and 13-1 of the UN Declaration on Human Rights one of which is the right to freedom of movement. However, in the past Sinhala, Tamil and Muslim persons did not have the freedom of movement free from fear of threat.

The letter also stated the organisation is determined to enlighten the world about the true situation in the country and live in unity safeguarding human rights.

Following is the text of the letter, handed over to the UN officials by the National Rights Organization;

The resolution proposed to be moved by the United States of America at the March 2014 sessions of the UNHRC against alleged human rights violations in Sri Lanka is totally based on information of questionable veracity disseminated by persons with hidden agendas and false evidence concocted by the pro-LTTE Tamil Diaspora is unreasonable, biased and unjustifiable.

We wish to bring Your Excellency's attention to the following Articles of the UN Declaration on Human Rights:

Article 3

Everybody has the right to life, liberty and security of person.

Article 5

No one shall be subjected to torture or to cruel, inhuman or degrading treatment or punishment.

Article 13 -1

Everyone has the right to freedom of movement and residence within the borders of each state.

The LTTE has violated the above three Articles for a period of three decades. Sinhala, Tamil or Muslim persons did not have the freedom of movement without fear of threat. Irrespective of ethnicity, everybody was subjected to violent attacks. The Government of Sri Lanka took required steps for the restoration of the above human rights of the people.

The President of Sri Lanka, Defence Secretary and the Chiefs of the Armed Forces acted to end terrorism and it was eradicated on the 19th May 2009 to fulfill the desired objectives of the UN Human Rights Declaration of 1948. In other words, it was to safeguard the human rights of all the citizens of the country. The Tamil people did not get any freedom or liberation from the LTTE terrorism. We are greatly surprised that your organization has not taken any steps to look into the massacres of thousands of Sinhala, Tamil and Muslim people by the LTTE terrorists.

Terrorism under the leadership of Prabhakaran was carrying out to divide Sri Lanka into two. It was an attempt to violate not only the human rights but also national rights of the people. All those who supported terrorism then and those who continue to do so today are conspirators against the unitary nature of Sri Lanka. Tamil Diaspora is doing the same thing.

There is no obstruction for any Sri Lankan citizen living abroad to come back to the country. Therefore, those Sri Lankan citizens who claim they are stateless Tamils have not lost their Motherland. They can return to Sri Lanka any time and live freely as equal citizens. To be fooled by their false propaganda and accepting them to accuse Sri Lanka of human rights violations is indeed an insult to the humanity.

We are determined to enlighten the world about the factual situation in Sri Lanka and live in unity safeguarding the human rights. We write this with the firm belief that you too should oppose the attempts to level charges of human rights violations against Sri Lanka as your organization too respects humanity and also support our endeavour to live in unity protecting the human rights of our people.

Courtesy : President Media Unit

The Census and Statistics Department has issued its interim report on the nationwide census the Department conducted to assess the human and property damages occurred during the nearly three-decade long war.

The interim report on "2013 Census on Death/ Injuries to Persons and Property Damages Due to Conflict" contains details of the methodology, training, enumeration and supervision, and the processing of the census data.

The preliminary report based on enumerator summaries is expected to be released within a few weeks.

The Census Department launched the island wide survey on November 28, 2013. The island-wide census collected detailed information on the deaths, missing persons, injured and/or disabled persons, and damages to the property. The census covered the period from 1983 to May 2009.

The data collection of the Census was done at Grama Niladhari level and Grama Niladharis and other government officers were engaged as enumerators. Over 15,000 enumerators were deployed to collect information from about 5.3 million residential units in 14,022 Grama Niladhari Divisions of the country.

Enumeration activities were conducted throughout the country between 27 November 2013 and 20 December 2013. The Census data processing will be done in three stages.

In the first stage, which was completed by January 2014, completeness of coverage was ensured and receipt of forms at the head office was confirmed.

The second stage will verify the accuracy of data collected at the field level. Enumerator summaries which contain number of affected families, deaths, missing persons, injured/disabled persons, and damages to family property are checked at this stage to ensure that the information provided by respondents are within the scope, and that the concepts and definitions of the Census are properly followed by the enumerators.

The preliminary report based on enumerator summaries will be released within a few weeks' time.

Detailed data collected at the Census will be processed at the third stage. Processed data will then be analyzed and the detailed report based on all information collected at the field will be released within a few months.

The Ministry of Public Administration and Home Affairs and the Department of Census and Statistics were assigned with the responsibility of conducting this census as a part of the National Plan of Action for the implementation of recommendations of the Lessons Learnt and Reconciliation Commission.

The decision comes after the Central American nation requested a meeting at the Organization of American States (OAS) to discuss Venezuela's crisis.

Mr Maduro was speaking to other Latin American heads of state at events to mark the first anniversary of the death of the leader Hugo Chavez.

At least 18 people have died in street protests in the last three weeks.

"I've decided to break political and diplomatic ties with the current government of Panama and freeze all trade and economic relations from this moment on," Mr Maduro told the presidents of Cuba, Raul Castro, Uruguay, Jose Mujica, and Bolivia, Evo Morales, among other leaders gathered around the tomb of Mr Chavez.

'Conspiracy'

Panama's President Ricardo Martinelli expressed surprise at Venezuela's decision.

"Panama only hopes that this brother nation finds peace and strengthens its democracy," Mr Martinelli wrote on Twitter.

Panama's official statement said the country was "astonished" and called Mr Maduro's words "unacceptable".

"The measure announced by President Maduro should not become a smoke screen intended to hide reality," it read.

Earlier, thousands of government supporters and troops took part in a huge parade through central Caracas, commemorating the first anniversary of Chavez's death.

In other parts of the capital, anti-government protesters kept up their barricades, despite an appeal made by opposition leaders to "respect" the date.

Last week, the government of Panama requested an urgent meeting of OAS member-states to discuss the unrest in Venezuela.

Venezuelans have long been complaining about high levels of crime, record inflation and shortages of staple items.

But in the last three weeks marches initially started by disgruntled students in the western states of Tachira and Merida spread to other areas and gained support.

On Wednesday, the OAS said a meeting would take place the next day behind closed doors to decide whether or not to convene the region's Foreign ministers over the issue.

Mr Maduro accused the Panamanian government of conspiring to bring down his government.

"There are moves by the United States government in accord with a lackey government of a right-wing president which has been creating the conditions for the OAS and other bodies to step towards an intervention in our country," Mr Maduro said.

The Venezuelan president also criticised OAS President Jose Miguel Insulza, who had suggested earlier that a group of observers could be sent to Venezuela - if its government and the opposition found it useful.

"Don't intervene in Venezuelan home affairs," was Mr Maduro's message to Mr Insulza.

Earlier, thousands of government supporters and troops marched through Venezuela's capital, Caracas, in a celebratory parade.

Some opposition demonstrators staged more protests around Caracas and some other cities despite appeals by their leaders to respect the date.

The Venezuelan government has been accusing the United States of being behind the recent wave of protests.

Last month, it expelled three diplomats under allegations of orchestrating student protests.

Courtesy : BBC

When public sentiments against international public officials are voiced internationally there is an urgent need to investigate why the world public should openly find an international public official unsuitable. Thus, the UN Secretary General is duty bound to listen and in the least hold an impartial inquiry to ascertain the grounds on which people in different parts of the world are vocalizing their dissatisfaction with Navi Pillay, the High Commissioner for Human Rights. Countries too need to pay heed to calls of the public and place an official No Confidence Motion against her. Navi Pillay’s bias against Libya, Rwanda, Syria and Sri Lanka are highlighted below.

Navi Pillay bias against Libya

• Invoking R2P on Libya overriding principles of national sovereignty and international law.

• Helping demonize Gaddafi and son Saif at the UN

• Accused using NGO Bouchuiguir’s lies to suspend Libya from UNHRC and referring Libya to Security Council.

• Using UNHRC to call for an international inquiry into violence against civilians in Libya. Her call for an international inquiry led the ICC to indict Gaddafi and son for alleged human rights violations and the Western media did the rest to portray that Libya had failed its citizens giving reason enough for the West and NATO to intervene. The plan was set in place to oust Gaddafi and replace the Libyan Government was the NTC (National Transition Council), comprised of Western stooges that had been arranged by the UNHRC and 70 NGOs on February 25, 2011 initiated by UN Watch and National Endowment for Democracy (NED). There was no evidence of Libya committing crimes against its civilians though.

• In support of above, she temporarily suspended Libya’s membership at the UNHRC before the meeting to deny Libya the chance to respond to the charges. Navi Pillay was chairing this meeting. Why would the Head of the UNHRC not allow Libya to respond to charges, would an impartial head function as she did?

• Navi Pillay went on to at this same meeting call for the international community to ‘act without delay’ to protect the Libyan civilians from serious human rights violations. She went on to forward her report to the UN Security Council after formally suspending Libya from the UNHRC. Libya was prevented from appointing a new ambassador to the UN after 2 of its representatives defected to the Opposition and were given special passes to deliver ‘anti-Gaddafi’ remarks. When Libya appointed Rev. Miguel D’Escoto Brockman (former Nicaraguan Foreign Minister) as its new Permanent Representative, his attendance was blocked by Susan Rice, former US Ambassador to the UN using excuse that he was on a tourist visa and not diplomatic visa. Brockman criticized UN Secretary General Ban Ki Moon for betraying the UN Charter calling the UN ‘a lethal weapon of the Empire’.

• In what was a remaking of the Kuwaiti incubator babies lies that led to Gulf War 1, WMD the lie for Gulf War 2, excuse for Libya’s invasion was the mass rapes using Viagra by Gaddafi troops. Like the previous cases these were all fabrications with no evidence but the lie was sufficient for the US to carry out a scathing international campaign which led to the ICC Chief Prosecutor Moreno-Ocampo (who has indicted 29 Africans) issuing an indictment against Gaddafi and son and accusing them of war criminals. Incidentally, all of ICC’s indictments under Ocampo not surprisingly were Africans and Pillay was a judge alongside Ocampo. All Africans who did not align to US policy goals ended up indicted. US citizens however are immune from ICC prosecution which makes international law and justice laughable.

• She is accused of quoting civilian casualty figures without verifying truth - February 22, the UN Human Rights Chief Navi Pillay claimed that two hundred and fifty people had been killed in Libya….going on to say “widespread and systematic attacks against the civilian population” which “may amount to crimes against humanity.” – these were all lies prepared for the intervention by US and NATO.

Navi Pillay bias against Rwanda

• Pillay is accused of establishing her international credentials as a servant of the US empire following a US-sponsored proxy war in Rwanda.

• Pillay was President of the International Criminal Tribunal for Rwanda.

• Opposition was made against her appearance by lawyer, Justry Patrice Lumumba Nyaberi in view of her bias.

• She is accused of covering up US culpability in Rwanda - Stephen Rapp prosecutor at ICTR concealed US culpability in Rwanda

• Rwanda's civil war and "ethnic massacres were an integral part of US foreign policy, carefully staged in accordance with precise strategic and economic objective." (Michel Chossudovsky)

Navi Pillay bias against Syria

• Abusing official position of UNHRC Head

• Regime change exercise in Syria started in early 2011 funded through ‘Friends of Syria” (initiated by Canada) conference on 1 April 2012 attended by Canadian Foreign Minister John Baird and represented by 70 countries. US committed to provide ‘communications equipment’, Saudi and Qatar pledged large sums of money, Canada committed to provide 8.5m

• 18 Feb 2013, repeating calls for Syrian President Assad to be referred to the ICC. Is Assad who is repelling mercenaries attacking Syria wrong or the mercenaries funded and trained by the West?

• Calling for military intervention in Syria (under the disguise of a humanitarian intervention) ignoring the ground realities of rebels following orders by the West

• Seeking an arrest warrant against Assad to officially delegitimize his Government and to turn Assad into an international fugitive.

• Referring to foreign compiled bogus-films to accuse Syria of crimes against humanity.

• Completely ignoring US/Allies call to send mercenaries to oust President Assad. Did she forget the Nuremberg Principles, the London Charter of 1945, and Article 1 of the UN Charter that regime change within a sovereign country was a war crime? Did Pillay have to be told that to threaten regime change in a sovereign country was a violation of Article 2 of the UN Charter. Did she not look at the video footage filmed by the western-backed mercenaries themselves taking part in extralegal assassinations, execution of military prisoners, destruction of public places and infrastructure? As head of Human Rights should she have not done something when she can look at western created films and declare people and nations war criminals!!!

• Urging UN Security Council to refer widespread human rights abuses in Syria to the ICC. Navi Pillay’s involvement with West’s Gulf States Syrian agenda started in August 2011. Repeating this call in December 2011 and several times in 2012 and she continued to do so in 2013. In a CNN Interview with Hala Gorani she complained that Russia and China were using vetoes to oppose resolutions targeting Syria.

• Brief to UN General Assembly on 13 February 2012 she declared that ‘the failure of the Security Council to agree on firm collective action appears to have emboldened the Syrian Government to launch an all-out assault in an effort to crush dissent with overwhelming force”. She then called for the matter to be referred to the ICC.

• Navi Pillay quotes casualty figures supplied by foreign-backed Syrian opposition – another example of bias.

• Syria’s delegation at the UNHRC “ My country’s delegation inspected the Commissioner’s report and wants to express their deep denunciation and regret at the obvious bias which Pillay practices in her dealing with the events in Syria’. (Faisal Al-Hamwi)

• Accused of ignoring human rights violations of Al Qaeda and Al-Nusra groups and takfiris arriving from 40 states facilitated by Qatar and Turkey.

• Accused of not condemning Qatar or Turkey a serious drawback to credibility of UNHRC and its head. Qatar is said to have spent 3billion on war in Syria.

• Accused of ignoring Syria’s states right to protect its people

• Accused of presenting an unprecedented exaggeration of situation in city of Al-Qseir – predicting massacres were going to happen 20 days before events started.

• Accused of hiring an American agency in taking eyewitness accounts on Syria resulting in biased one-sided versions.

• Accused of continuously referring Syria to the ICC which was not part of her mandate.

Quotes from Syrian delegation: “If the High Commissioner’s office isn’t qualified to give documented data, then it’s better for it to remain silent,”

Quotes from Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Expatriates: “It is really strange that she used the UN human and financial resources against Syria, based on lies and calls outside her jurisdiction,”

”The Commissioner has rejected to consider the acts of terrorist groups as crimes against humanity, although all standards of identifying crimes against humanity apply to them, and chose instead to level this accusation at the state which is doing its duty in protecting its own people,”

Navi Pillay bias against Sri Lanka

• Navi Pillay’s Tamil ethnic origins are a direct conflict of interest in functioning as a mediator in Sri Lanka’s conflict. Nemo iudex in causa sua (or nemo iudex in sua causa) means no one should be judge in their own cause. This is a principle of natural justice that no person should judge a case in which they have an interest. Justice should not only be done but should be seen to be done. That cannot happen when there is a suspicion of improper interference in the course of justice. Judicial disqualification or recusal warrants abstaining from participating in an official action if there is a conflict of interest. Navi Pillay’s emotional, genetic and ethnic ties being a Tamil with roots to Tamil Nadu disqualifies her from functioning in a neutral, impartial, unbiased and emotionally detached manner. This directly links to UN ethics guidelines at organizational and personal level. We then question why she has not voluntarily withdrawn using law of recuse a requirement under continental civil law and by the Rome Statute.

• Her neutrality is questioned why she kept using data supplied by the LTTE news agencies to question a legitimate government and continues to quote from LTTE front organizations as sources for her allegations against the Sri Lankan state.

• Navi Pillay’s Indian Tamil community in South Africa was said to be aligned with LTTE, funding LTTE and secretly operating military camps to train LTTE – these camps were dismantled by President Mandela after consultations with former Foreign Minister Lakshman Kadiragamar.

• She can listen with empathy to spouses of dead LTTE leaders but she has no time to travel to other parts of Sri Lanka where LTTE struck terror for 30 years.

• Within 4 years spending 3billion when Sri Lanka has

§ rescued from LTTE and resettled 295,873 Tamil IDPs

§ Rehabilitated and reintegrated 11800 former LTTE cadres including 594 child soldiers given a Presidential Pardon

§ Demined virtually all habitable areas

§ Set up massive infrastructure that sees new roads, buildings etc on what grounds does Pillay have to say she is still dissatisfied when none of the recent military interventions have done nothing near Sri Lanka’s achievement after over 10 years of occupation?

• Accusation that Navi Pillay’s call for an ‘international investigation into war crimes in Sri Lanka’ are to satisfy the 3 prime movers (US,UK and India)

• Accusation that Pillay has totally ignored over 30 years of war crimes including that of Indian War crimes by Indian Peace Keepers in Sri Lanka and no reference has ever been made by her

• Accusation of UNHRC UN being used as an open forum by LTTE fronts lobbying to force UN/foreign politicians to bring charges against the Sri Lankan State and the reluctance to even investigate them.

• Accusation of her being a peace maker or trouble maker in demanding that the GOSL charge the over 11,000 rehabilitated former LTTE cadres who have integrated into society and starting a new life.

• Accusation of attempting to polarize communities by bringing up isolated cases of religious issues while totally ignoring the over 700 attacks of mosques in the UK and attempting to link rapes in the North with military presence in order to use that as a ground to demand the removal of the military, another imperial outsourced agenda item.

• Accusation of procedural bias by circulating her own incriminating report while refusing to attach Sri Lanka’s response giving Sri Lanka’s

• Accusation of making statements without substantiate evidence in accusing the GOSL as being ‘authoritarian’.

• The number of instances that she has issued derogatory statements against Sri Lanka from her office without any evidence or quoting from LTTE sources are many and can be listed separately were an investigation to be launched.

Why does Navi Pillay

• Not investigate the military interventions in Iraq, Afghanistan, Somalia, Libya, Yugoslavia and the suffering of these people as a result of US/NATO bombing?

• Not investigate the allegations of human rights abuses taking place in these occupied countries?

• Not investigate the devastation of land/property/infrastructure and people by US/NATO forces?

• Not investigate the Human Rights violations of over 26million refugees living in sub-standard UN-run refugee camps where 12million of these refugees have been living for over 10 years. Why does she not take up the cause of these 12million refugees?

• Not investigate the violation of using international mercenaries to destabilize countries and affect regime change?

• Not investigate and take action against West for using banned chemicals like DU, white phosphorus?

• Not investigate the funding/training of locals in countries targeted for regime change

• Not investigate NGOs and other religious institutes that are foot soldiers for Western regime change agendas – who while spreading their faith through unethical conversions are building the foundations to oust national leaders and place puppets instead?

• Not investigate terrorists disguised and functioning under charities and NGOs and using tax-free status to transfer money and arms to terrorists in a transnational exercise which foreign governments complicit and involving money-laundering elements too.

Navi Pillay needs to be investigated. Her credibility is wearing thin. She has shown that she is nothing but an imperial tool, a modern version of the Indian sepoy ever ready to use the international position given to her to serve the white masters. If the allegations are baseless, they can only be proven if the UN were to carry out an impartial investigation. That numerous countries have openly through their officials conveyed their government’s position of Navi Pillay’s bias should have warranted the UN Secretary General to hold an investigation into these allegations given that he and Pillay are ever ready to make allegations against others.

A No Confidence Motion needs to be signed and submitted to the UN if it does not hold an internal inquiry. Public Officials holding important portfolios such as that of Human Rights cannot be violating the very rights they are supposed to protect.

Shenali D Waduge

Sri Lanka Army with immediate effect has suspended the services of all three Army personnel (one officer and two soldiers), arrested and subsequently detained for alleged involvement in a robbery of cash and jewellery from a shop in Padukka.

Issuing a Media Communiqué, Sri Lanka Army says the suspects, Lieutenant M.H.A.K Rupasinghe, Private A.K.Y Sathyakumara and Private R.D.P Priyashantha, all three disable Army personnel, alleged to have robbed cash and jewellery, worth over Rs 1 million, were working in an Army welfare project before arrests were made by Special Investigations Unit of the Mirihana Police.

The Police have obtained a detention order for the suspects for a period of 72 hours after producing them to the Gangodawila Magistrate.

The Sri Lanka Corps of Military Police has also commenced its own investigation into the incident the Communiqué further reveals.

Commander of the Army Lieutenant General Daya Ratnayake, has directed the authorities to immediately suspend their services, pending further disciplinary actions on the recommendations of the Sri Lanka Corps of Military Police and Directorate of Legal Services.

South Africa has said that Sri Lanka should be allowed to find their own solution to their own problems.

Speaking at the UN Human Rights Council in Geneva on Tuesday (4th March), South Africa's Minister of International Relations and Cooperation Nkoana-Mashabane, said that the Human Rights Council has been seized with the issue of Sri Lanka for a while and that it is important that we allow Sri Lankans to find each other, and out of this find solutions that are durable for them.

Addressing the 25th session of the UN HRC she further said that South Africans also had to find each other and consequently find our own solutions to our own problems and this is South Africa's wish for the people of Sri Lanka.

Hamid Karzai, the President of Afghanistan is expected to be arrived in Sri Lanka this evening (March 05) for a three-day official visit.

Ceremonial welcome will be accorded to the visiting dignitary at the Presidential Secretariat, tomorrow March 6 , followed by bilateral talks between the two leaders.

Three Memoranda of Understanding between the two countries for cooperation in training of Afghan nurses in Sri Lanka, Education and Sports are due to be signed during the visit. MOUs on human resourse development, manpower and employment also are expected to be signed.

President Karzai will be accompanied by a high powered delegation including the Ministers of Foreign Affairs, Higher Education, Labour and Public Health.

This will be the first-ever State visit to Sri Lanka by the President of Afghanistan. But, the two countries have had taken measures to enhance the association with each other.

Accordingly, in December 2012, Sri Lanka and Afghanistan held discussions to promote and expand the political and economic relations between the two countries. An agreement on a wide range of cooperation that covers economic, education and scientific technology was signed following bilateral talks between the Visiting Afghanistan Foreign Affairs Minister Dr. Zalmai Rassoul and the Minister of External Affairs Prof. G.L. Peiris at the Foreign Ministry of Sri Lanka in 2012.

Hamid Karzai was elected as the President of Afghanistan on 07th December 2004. He is also the first President to be elected after conduct of a democratic election.

Both Sri Lanka and Afghanistan are members of the South Asian Association for Regional Cooperation (SAARC).

Sri Lanka Army launched an eco-friendly project to eradicate a hazardous invasive wild plant which is spreading rapidly in Jaffna District on Tuesday (4th March). The programme commenced in selected locations with the cooperation of residents in the respective areas.

More than 747 acres of land including vast stretches of agricultural land have been affected by the invasive plant popularly known as Parthenium. The plant is a serious invasive species which causes dermatitis, respiratory difficulties and oral diseases on humans. It can be fatal to animals if it was to be eaten.

The initiative to control the spread of the plant was taken by the army under the directives of Security Forces Commander -Jaffna (SF-J) Major General Udaya Perera.

The plant which botanically named as Parthenium Hysterophorus rooted in Jaffna when it was brought here by the Indian Peace Keeping Force (IPKF) in 1987 together with fodder brought for the goats and sheep brought in for meat and as well as through IPKF military hardware.

Meanwhile, Jaffna troops recently launched a new project to buy milk from Jaffna dairy farmers which directly contributes to enhance their lively hood and local economy.

Under the project dairy farmers in Inuvil, Suthumalai and Ponnalai in Jaffna are now able to sell their produce to the army at a price greater than the present market prices. The army is buys milk at Rs. 60.00 per litre while the current market price is Rs. 48.00

The fresh milk directly bought from farmers is used to produce yoghurt by the army to satisfy its demands. The army hopes to expand the programmes to include other areas in near future.

Continuing its community service initiatives, troops renovated the main building of Varnavil Sri Murukanda School in Puthukudiyiruppu Educational Zone recently. The initiative was taken in order to assist the children of the resettled Tamil community to gain a better education.

During the reopening ceremony of the building parents, teachers and students praised the Sri Lanka Army for their utmost commitment and support in helping them to rebuild their lives.

Acting on a Court Order, Puthukudiyiruppu Police in Mullaitivu on Tuesday (04th March) remanded three men who are said to have threatened and tried to assault a Tamil man who had consented to his two daughters joining the Sri Lanka Army.

Another suspect in the same group was released on bail by the Court.

The four suspects on hearing that two daughters of K Madaswamy of Theravil, Udayarkattu, Puthukudiyiruppu, were volunteering to join the Sri Lanka Army Women’s Corps (SLAWC) as recruits have threatened to assault the father of the two females on Monday (3rd March) for consenting for his daughters to join the Sri Lanka Army.

With the success of the first batch of recruits of Tamil females, the Sri Lanka Army has launched a programme in Nanthikandal, Oddusudan and Puthukudiyirippu areas through the respective Divisional Secretariats to recruit suitable females to its Women’s Corps.

Police maintain that it had already recorded evidence from eye witnesses to the incident to be produced before the Court.

Puthukudiyiruppu Court, fixing the next hearing for 10th March 2014, remanded three suspects and released one on Police bail after the Police produced them before the Court.

The Welfare Association of the Ministry of Defence and Urban Development organized a Meditation Programme for its staff this morning (05th March).

The programme was conducted by Most Venerable Dr. Mirisse Dhammika Thero of the Siri Sudassanarama Sadaham Senasuna in Battaramulla, at the main Auditorium of the Ministry.

Ministry officials including Additional Secretary (Defence) Mr. Hettiarachchi, Additional Secretary (Administration) Mrs. Indu Rathnayaka and members of the staff took part in the programme.

It is a problem of considerable magnitude where almost 1,500 Indian fishing boats sail into Sri Lankan waters on a daily basis, President Rajapaksa told Indian Premier Manmohan Singh in response to a question on the Indian fishing boats issue, when the two leaders met on the sidelines of the BIMSTEC summit in Myanmar yesterday.

President Rajapaksa told the Prime Minister that the use of bottom trawlers leads to a depletion of fishing resources, which ultimately adversely affects the Northern fishermen. The discussion between the President and the Premier also touched on other areas of mutual interest, including the further strengthening of ties between the two nations.

India’s Minister of External Affairs Salman Khurshid accompanied the Prime Minister at the bilateral discussion.

During the friendly and cordial meeting at the Myanmar International Convention Center in Nay Pyi Taw, the two leaders discussed a number of areas that were of mutual importance to both countries. President Rajapaksa briefed Prime Minister Singh on the progress of the National Plan of Action.

(NPoA) for the implementation of the recommendations of the Lessons Learnt and Reconciliation Commission (LLRC).

President Rajapaksa stated the government extends its cooperation to the NPC, in response to the Indian Prime Minister’s question about the interaction between the government and the Northern Provincial Council (NPC). Secretary to the President Lalith Weeratunga, External Affairs Ministry Secretary Kshenuka Seneviratne and Sri Lanka’s Ambassador to Myanmar H.R. Piyasiri were also present at the bilateral discussions.

India’s Minister of External Affairs Salman Khurshid accompanied the Prime Minister at the bilateral discussions.

Courtesy : Daily News

Ousted Ukrainian President Viktor Yanukovych asked Russia to send troops across the border to protect civilians, Moscow's UN envoy has claimed.

Vitaly Churkin told a Security Council meeting Mr Yanukovych wrote to Russian President Vladimir Putin on Saturday.

Thousands of Russian troops have been pouring into Ukraine's Crimea region.

Ukraine said Russia had set a deadline for its forces in Crimea to surrender by 03:00 GMT. So far there have been no reports of any incidents.

Russia has denied issuing any ultimatum.

The Kremlin has argued in favour of the intervention, which has sparked outrage and threats of economic sanctions from the US and EU.

Western ambassadors dismissed Russia's arguments as groundless.

Kiev's UN envoy Yuriy Sergeyev says Russia has deployed about 16,000 troops to the peninsula.

Ukrainian defence sources accused Russia's Black Sea Fleet chief Aleksander Vitko of threatening a full-scale assault if they did not surrender by dawn on Tuesday.

A Russian spokesman was later quoted as denying that any ultimatum had been issued.

But Ukrainian military personnel besieged in their bases have been waiting nervously for the deadline to pass, many of them preparing for an attack by Russian troops and pro-Moscow militias.

However, a deputy commander at one of Ukraine's units, named only as Major Lisovoy, told local ATR TV that there were no attempts to storm the base.

"We're all in high spirits, ready to defend our base. There was no official ultimatum, it was done indirectly via mobile phones. I want peace and stability, and for Ukraine to be a united country."

Build-up

The Kremlin has established de facto military control in Crimea. There are growing fears that it might try to seize more land in eastern Ukraine, where a number of people support closer ties with Moscow.

Ukrainian officials say reports suggest there is also a Russian military build-up near Ukraine's eastern border.

In another development, the Pentagon said it was putting on hold all military-to-military engagements between the US and Russia. These include exercises, bilateral meetings, port visits and planning conferences.

However, a Pentagon spokesman said that "there has been no change to our military posture in Europe or the Mediterranean; our Navy units continue to conduct routine, previously planned operations and exercises with allies and partners in the region".

Crimea, Ukraine's autonomous republic, and several cities in south-eastern Ukraine have been rocked by instability since Mr Yanukovych was ousted last month.

'Imaginary threat'

At the UN in New York, Mr Churkin offered the Security Council a copy of the letter Mr Yanukovych had sent.

He said the ousted leader had described Ukraine as on the brink of civil war, with civilians being persecuted simply for speaking Russian.

Ukraine's officials deny this, pointing out that an overwhelming majority of people in Crimea and well as in a number south-eastern cities in Ukraine's mainland speak Russian in their day-to-day lives.

Mr Churkin quoted from the letter: "I would call on the president of Russia, Mr Putin, asking him to use the armed forces of the Russian Federation to establish legitimacy, peace, law and order, stability and defending the people of Ukraine."

Mr Churkin reiterated Moscow's view that Mr Yanukovych is Ukraine's legitimate leader, not interim President Olexander Turchynov.

Western ambassadors refused to accept Russia's justification, continuing to accuse Moscow of violating international law.

"Russian mobilisation is a response to an imaginary threat," said US envoy Samantha Power.

"Military action cannot be justified on the basis of threats that haven't been made and aren't being carried out."

UK ambassador Mark Lyall Grant also rejected Russian allegations of terrorism and threats against ethnic Russians in Ukraine.

"It is clear that these claims have simply been fabricated to justify Russian military action," he said.

He dismissed Mr Yanukovych's letter to President Putin as meaningless.

A number of Western nations have urged Russia to withdraw its troops and accept international observers in Ukraine.

The US and EU have threatened sanctions including possible travel bans and targeted economic measures.

However, a British official was photographed holding policy documents that suggest the UK will not seek to curb trade with Russia or close London's financial centre to Russians.

Courtesy : BBC News

A resident of Pudukuduiruppu in a statement to the police has claimed that the grave found in his area was dug by the LTTE to conceal the bodies of civilians it killed to prevent an uprising.

This witness identified as Gopal Kodiswaran in his statement to Pudukuduiruppu Police said LTTE cadres brought several bodies of civilians in a tractor and buried them in the area in February 2009. According to Police spokesman SSP Ajith Rohana, the witness has claimed that these skeletons were of civilians killed by the LTTE terrorists for defying their orders.

Gopal in his statement said that an officer of the LTTE Police Unit, named Kunaraj told him that these bodies of civilians were dumped at the location. Police spokesman SSP Ajith Rohana said investigations are ongoing to ascertain if Kunaraj, a resident of Palai, is alive or not.

A resident of Pudukuduiruppu in a statement to the police has claimed that the grave found in his area was dug by the LTTE to conceal the bodies of civilians it killed to prevent an uprising.

This witness identified as Gopal Kodiswaran in his statement to Pudukuduiruppu Police said LTTE cadres brought several bodies of civilians in a tractor and buried them in the area in February 2009. According to Police spokesman SSP Ajith Rohana, the witness has claimed that these skeletons were of civilians killed by the LTTE terrorists for defying their orders.

Gopal in his statement said that an officer of the LTTE Police Unit, named Kunaraj told him that these bodies of civilians were dumped at the location. Police spokesman SSP Ajith Rohana said investigations are ongoing to ascertain if Kunaraj, a resident of Palai, is alive or not.

Chairperson of the MoD Seva Vanitha Unit Mrs. Ioma Rajapaksa made an inspection visit to look over the progress of the second phase of the Api Wenuwen Api Housing Project in Kurunegala District yesterday(03rd march).

Under the project 125 hoses will be constructed and constructions are carried out by Sri Lanka Navy Under the directives of Secretary Defence and Urban Development Mr. Gotabaya Rajapaksa.

After being constructed the houses will be donated to the war heroes. The Ministry of Defence has launched the 'Api Wenuwen Api' housing project with the aim of uplifting the living standard of war heroes and their families by assisting them to build their own houses. So far houses have been built covering Kandy, Kurunegala, Matara, Hambantota, Monaragala, Badulla, Galle, Ampara, Batticaloa, Trincomalee, Kalutara, Kegalle, Polonnaruwa Gampaha ,Rathnapura , Mathale , Nuwareliya and Colombo Districts.

Vice President of the Mod Seva Vanitha Unit Mrs. Indu Rathnayaka and officials of the MoD accompanied Mrs. Rajapaksa during the inspection visit.

Anyone who wishes to show their grateful appreciation to the services and sacrifices of the war heroes can do so by contributing generously towards this project. Contributions can be forwarded to the following Account Numbers. Every cent of your donation will go into providing these great souls and their families a better living facility.

Bank of Ceylon Ac No : 7040000

Sampath Bank Ac No : 7040000 and Ac No: 092960000600

Peoples Bank Ac No : 204-1-001-7-0000323

Minister of External Affairs, Prof. G.L. Peiris who leads the Sri Lanka delegation to the 25th Session of the Human Rights Council (HRC) arrives in Geneva on Tuesday (4 March 2014), and is scheduled to deliver the Sri Lanka National Statement at the High Level Segment of the HRC on the morning of Wednesday.

The 3 day High Level Segment began today with statements by UN Secretary General Ban Ki-Moon, President of the UN General Assembly John W. Ashe, President of Human Rights Council Baudelaire Ndong Ella, High Commissioner for Human Rights Ms. Navi Pillay, and the President of the Swiss Federation Didier Burkhalter. Foreign Ministers/Ministerial level heads of delegations participating in the Session will continue to address the meeting over the next two days.

As is customary for leaders of the delegations, Minister Peiris will meet High Commissioner for Human Rights, Ms. Navanethem Pillay on Thursday, 6 March 2014. He will also consult with Like Minded Countries, particularly on matters relating to Sri Lanka that are scheduled to come up during the present Session. On the sidelines of the High Level Segment of the HRC, Minister Peiris will be also meeting with heads of delegations of member states. The report by the High Commissioner on Sri Lanka is scheduled to be presented on 26 March 2014.

Monitoring MP of the Ministry of External Affairs Sajin de Vass Gunawardena is already in Geneva to participate in the High Level Segment, and is being joined by Sri Lanka's Permanent Representative to the UN in Geneva Ambassador Ravinatha Aryasinha and senior staff of the Mission, Senior Assistant Secretary to the President Chandima Wickramasinghe and the Assistant Director/West Division and Counter Terrorism Unit of the Ministry of External Affairs Fathuma Mafusa.

Leader of the House and Minister of Irrigation and Water Resources Management Nimal Siripala de Silva, and Minister of Plantation Industries Mahinda Samarsinghe, who will be in Geneva to participate in the 130th Inter-Parliamentary Union (IPU) Assembly and related meetings, will join the Sri Lanka delegation from 15-21 and 9 -21 March, respectively, in briefing regional groups of member countries to the UN in Geneva on developments relating to Sri Lanka.

Senior officials, Additional Solicitors General Jayantha Jayasuriya and W.J. Shavindra Fernando, Deputy Solicitors General A.H.M.D. Nawaz and A. Nerin R. Pulle, Minister in the Sri Lanka Mission in Qatar Sithara Azard Khan, Senior Assistant Secretary to the Ministry of Defense Shashikala Premawardhane, will join the delegation during the HRC's different segments, which will run through 28 March 2014.

United Nations Human Rights High Commissioner Navi Pillay’s report on Sri Lanka calling for an international probe into alleged war crimes in Sri Lanka, is highly politicized and unsubstantiated, said Presidential Spokesman Mohan Samaranayake.

“Her findings about the armed conflict in Sri Lanka are based on the UN Secretary General’s Panel of Experts Report or the Darusman Report, which is not even a valid UN document,” Samaranayake explained.

The report was issued on February 24, days ahead of the UNHRC sessions even as the US was preparing its third consecutive resolution against Sri Lanka with heavy support from the UK, to put additional pressure on Sri Lanka.

“Above all they have not furnished any evidence as regards these war crime allegations so that the Government could investigate them in conformity with its justice system,”he said.

Samaranayake said, External Affairs Minister Prof G.L .Peiris will present Sri Lanka’s case in regard to what the Sri Lankan Government has done in implementing recommendations in the Lessons Learnt and Reconciliation Commission (LLRC) report at the 25th session of the UN Human Rights Council in Geneva on March 5.

“Prof Peiris is due to make his presentation to the Council for 20 minutes,” he said. The President’s Special Envoy on Human Rights Minister Mahinda Samarasinghe will also be in the delegation.

Minister Peiris is currently in Myanmar to attend the Bay of Bengal Initiative for Mullti-Sectoral Technical and Economic Corporation (BIMSTEC). Prof. Peiris will travel to Geneva on March 4 to lead the Sri Lankan delegation at the UNHRC sessions.

As it stands the US will present its third resolution against Sri Lanka at the UNHRC sessions. “The Sri Lankan delegation to the UNHRC is ready to counter their arguments on a firm footing with facts and figures, Prof Peiris said.

Meanwhile, the Government has rejected outright UN Human Rights Commissioner Pillay’s call for an international inquiry into the allegations of human rights violations and accountability issues during the latter part of the war.

Asked about chances of Sri Lanka winning the vote on the US-sponsored resolution at the Council, Samaranayake said there will be a lot of support for the Government in this aspect.

“The reason for this is that the international community has been made aware about what the Government has done to restore democratic and political stability in the country after it had ended terrorism, how we held elections in the war affected Northern Province , knowing very well who the winners will be, how we developed infrastructure in these areas, the demining and the resettlement process that is in final stages,” he said.

Courtesy : President Media Unit

Air Marshal Kolitha Gunatilleke who assumed command of the Sri Lanka Air Force on 1 March 2014 paid a courtesy call on the Chief of Defence Staff (CDS) General Jagath Jayasuriya, on Monday (03).

General Jayasuriya extending a warm welcome engaged in a cordial discussion with Air Marshal Gunatilleke.

Air Marshal Gunatilleke joined the SLAF in 1980 as an Officer Cadet of the 8th Intake. He graduated from the Air Force Academy, China Bay, and was commissioned as a Pilot Officer in April 1982. He was awarded his flying brevet on successful completion of his basic and advanced flying training. Flying the SF 260 TP and the IA 58 Pucara, Air Marshal Gunatilleke saw extensive action and participated actively in the support of all ground operations against the LTTE. His conspicuous gallantry earned him the Rana Wickrama Padakkama and the Rana Sura Padakkama. In a career spanning over three decades, Air Marshal Gunatilleke commanded No 1 Flying Training Wing and No 2 Transport Squadron. He served as the Staff Officer Operations at Air Force Headquarters. He served as Base Commander SLAF China Bay and as Base Commander SLAF Katunayake where he was at the helm of the largest of the SLAF’s bases. He was appointed Director Training in January 2008 and served in that capacity till he was called to take on the responsibility of the appointment of the Director Air Operations. In this capacity he was responsible for the direction of all air operations during the critical latter stages of the Humanitarian Operation, during which the SLAF broke all records in number of sorties flown, in the attack, surveillance, CASEVAC and transport roles. He served as the Chief of Staff before assuming Command of the Sri Lanka Air Force.

Air Marshal Gunatilleke presented a memento to mark the occasion which was reciprocated by the Chief of Defence Staff.

The First Lady Madam Shiranthi Rajapaksa ceremonially opened the refurbished Maths Department building of the University of Colombo participating as the Chief Guest today morning (3rd March) at a function held at the University premises.

The Chief Guest, First Lady Madam Shiranthi Rajapaksa unveiled a plaque to mark the occasion amidst the distinguished guests at the main entrance. Secretary to the Ministry of Defence and Urban Development Mr. Gotabaya was the Guest of Honour at the opening ceremony.

Following a request made by the Dr. W.K. Hirimburegama, Vice Chancellor of the University to the Secretary Defence and Urban Development Mr. Gotabaya Rajapaksa, the nearly 175-year-old Maths Department building of the University experienced the finest touch of the Sri Lanka Army to expand its lifetime for another 200 years.

This unique historical building was in the verge of collapse for many years as it hadn't undergone any substantial repair since its inception. Even the efforts made within the University system had also been failed due to the necessity of proper expertise, consultancy, supervision and manpower.

Having understood the degree of its significance along with the Colombo's development, 6th Engineer Service Regiment (6th ESR) of SL-Army initiated the process under the directives of the Secretary Defence. The entire project flourished with the expertise, planning, manpower, and supervision of the Army brought an enormous financial benefit over Rs. 55 million to the University. The material cost was borne by the University since the Ministry of Higher Education had provided Rs.20 million.

Accordingly, Mathematics Department has initiated a "Mathematics Building Preservation Fund" for its future maintenance. Also it is noteworthy, that the refurbishment work was carefully carried out while preserving its former glory since such buildings carry a historical value.

In parallel to the city development with greener and cleaner concept under the initiatives of the Ministry of Defence and Urban Development, city dwellers witnesses a unique facelift given to many buildings preserving architectural and historical values.

Sri Lanka Army's involvement in preserving their buildings would cater thousands of undergraduates to pursue their education in future. According to of the University sources, this building caters nearly 1000 undergraduates of the Science Faculty annually. It is also a fine example to show the cohabitation between the armed forces and university system in the country.

In appreciation of the tremendous work carried out by the Army's 6th ESR, Vice Chancellor Dr. W.K. Hirimburegama presented a memento to the Commanding Officer 6th ESR Colonel P. Gunasekara during the session.

Foreign Diplomats, Commander of the Sri Lanka Army Lieutenant General Daya Rathnayaka Major Gen. WPP Fernando, Dean of the Maths Department Dr. Jagath Wijerathna, Defence Ministry Officials, Higher Education Ministry Officials, Deans of other faculties, University Lecturers, staff members, students and a large number of distinguished invitees were present at the event.

The Army spokesman yesterday said that an attempt was made by interested parties to hold the government and the Security Forces responsible for skeletal remains that have been found in the Udayarkattu area when in fact this was an area where the LTTE was known to kill civilians who defied its orders.

The LTTE was known to hide dead bodies to prevent civilian uprisings and to maintain cadres’ morale. The skeletal remains found recently near a former LTTE held area could very well be such dead, buried secretly, Military spokesman Brigadier Ruwan Wanigasooriya said.

He added: “There are numerous speculations regarding several skeletal remains recently discovered in Udayarkattu area. Hence, I believe a clarification is in order. Therefore I wish to issue the following statement.

Recently when a person in Udayarkattu area was clearing his land he has found a skeleton and later, upon receiving this information, government authorities have followed the established procedure and launched an investigation according to national laws.

Several more skeletal remains have later been discovered. A proper investigation and inquiry is ongoing and I do not wish to delve on this particular incident until that process reaches its conclusion. However, some interested parties are attempting to portray this as evidence of an incident for which the government and Security Forces should be held responsible.

There is no factual basis for such conclusions and we reject these false and misleading allegations. It is deplorable that such premature conclusions are drawn without allowing the investigations to proceed without hindrance. Such assertions are misleading the local public as well as the international community.

Obviously there is an attempt to use these premature conclusions to support their claims for an international investigation which is not really necessary as there are well established domestic processes to conduct proper investigations which is evident in this as well as in numerous other instances.

Some parties have prematurely concluded that these remains belong to people who died in February 2009.

Although such assertions are not supported by forensic evidence, it is pertinent to mention that by early 2009 the LTTE had one of their defenses in this area as they were desperately trying to stop the advancing Security Forces. The fighting cadre of the LTTE were reinforced by large numbers of civilians who were forcibly employed by the LTTE under many different formations such as Ellepaddai, etc.

Further, the LTTE unhesitatingly killed any individual or group of people that attempted to defy their orders. It is a well known fact that the LTTE did all they could to hide such deaths in order to prevent people uprising and maintain their cadre’s morale high. On the other hand, by early 2009, the civilians were beginning to cross over to Security Forces held areas and the LTTE was desperately trying to prevent the exodus.

They even resorted to killing them by direct employment of fire power as well as the use of suicide bombers.

These are well documented facts and you may wish to refer to the Factual Analysis of the Humanitarian Operations that was published in July 2011. http://www.defence.lk/warcrimes/humanitarian_operation_factual_analysis.... On page 57, in paras175 specific reference is made to an incident where the LTTE used suicide attack to prevent civilian moving away from them. “Security Forces, in moving nearer to the NFZ, aimed to facilitate the escape of people from the zone. By the first week of February, over 20,000 civilians had crossed to government controlled areas, at which point the LTTE reacted by sending a suicide bomber who intermingled with the civilians and detonated herself at a reception centre in Vishvamadu on 9 February 2009, causing many civilian and military casualties. This had the effect of discouraging civilians crossing, though many still continued to try.”

Para 176 further states: “As a result, the LTTE moved people from this relatively large and accessible NFZ, into increasingly smaller and less accessible areas of land. These are the areas that became the subsequent NFZ.

The carriage of people was the act of the LTTE. It became obvious that the people wanted to escape from the clutches of the LTTE; at every available opportunity civilians crossed to the sanctuary offered by Security Forces and many made desperate attempts to come over. Many such civilians were killed by the LTTE.”

As it is clearly stated above we reject these baseless, false and misleading allegations that are levelled against the Security Forces.

The government authorities in the area have already launched investigations in this regard and it is the duty of all concerned parties to refrain from making false allegations of this nature that could obscure the process and also be prejudicial.”

Courtesy : Daily News

Relations between Sri Lanka and South Africa have been further strengthened with the signing of the Air Services Agreement between Sri Lanka and the South Africa on 21 st February, 2014 at an official ceremony held in the Department of International Relations and Cooperation of the Republic of South Africa in Pretoria. The Agreement enables designated airlines of both countries to establish and operate international air services on agreed routes between the South Africa and Sri Lanka.

The Agreement was signed by Minister of Transport of the Republic of South Africa Ms. Elizabeth Dipuo Peters, on behalf of South Africa and Minister of Irrigation and Water Resources Management Nimal Siripala de Silva, on behalf of Sri Lanka. The High Commissioner of South Africa in Sri Lanka Geoff Doidge and the High Commissioner of Sri Lanka in Pretoria Shehan Ratnavale were also present on this occasion.

At the signing ceremony, both Ministers expressed their satisfaction at the signing of the Agreement, which is expected to enhance overall cooperation between the South Africa and Sri Lanka.

Courtesy : Department of Government Information

The moral issue, which encompasses the driving force behind punishment, is based on the concept of revenge. Human development and progress has not impeded the base and animalistic feeling of revenge.

Most religions have yielded to the pressures of the community to accept the barbaric theory of ‘Tooth for a Tooth’ and ‘Blood Money’ which has governed barbaric societies from prehistoric times.

The only way to ensure peace and equanimity among the people is to give them an opportunity of taking part in causing pain and harm to the aggressor. This was found to be the most humanistic way of appeasing the victims.

Even today, the masses, driven by their hidden subconscious psychopathic desire to cause pain to the wrongdoers, have motivated novelists and film makers to translate such psychological trauma and the baser instincts into their works to attract readers and film-goers to enjoy the ‘just desert’ to the villain. From Homer to Hamlet and Don Corleone, in God Father, are examples of such barbaric traits.

Punishment

This concept of revenge, even if it is fulfilled, fails to satisfy the ultimate ambition of the person who entertains this feeling. It is now a scientific fact that has been observed by behavioural scientists, that instead of fulfilling the desire to cause the utmost harm to the perpetrator of the alleged crime, the people dream of punishment in the most cruel and barbaric methodology to satiate their desire to cause harm, not only to the perpetrators of that crime, but to their families too. Therefore, simple methods of punishment or even ultimate punishment, which could be imposed legally; the death penalty, would not suffice the cruel expectations of the victim.

Scientists believe that according to popular belief and culture, venting aggression ultimately purges one’s soul and rids it of the pangs of emotional psychological feeling in the victim or their families. But, it has been found that the human feeling is largely governed by the society they live in, and the morals they believe in.

The researchers have found that even after the punishment of the perpetrator of a crime, the human mind is such that they would retain the wounds, created by the aggression, unhealed and, therefore, the concept of punishment would not end the desire of the victim to continue the thought of causing further harm to the person who had been punished.

In the United States, in some states, when the death penalty is imposed, the family of the victim is permitted to witness the ordeal of the condemned man, either suffering on the electric chair, or the suffering one undergoes when a lethal injection is administered to him.

This clearly exhibits the American Society, and its values, and its cultural and moral ethos. As many people have predicted, the Americans have taken one very giant step forward from barbarism to decadence.

No amount of killings by gunmen, who shoots at random at school children or innocent pedestrians, will permit the American public to change the gun laws. They revel at the notion that one could use a gun to defend one’s limb, property, and trespassers could be shot at will, in defence of one’s property.

Terry Aladjem, Executive Director of Teaching and Learning at Harvard, published a book, ‘The Culture of Vengeance and The Fate of American Justice’. In that book it was clear that this reactive American justice, driven by vengeance is a threat to democratic justice, and which eventually justifies the invasion of Iraq, as invasion against evil.

He exposes the myth of American justice which supports Capital Punishment, and believes that no nation should seek to justify vengeance as a force behind its justice system.Today, we are faced with insurmountable opposition to the manner in which we won the war against Prabahkaran. The US resolution would be tabled at Geneva on the basis of the innumerable reports and a final report prepared by Ms. Navi Pillay. One of the things that I cannot comprehend is that they want to seek a so-called International Independent Investigation to look into the alleged war crimes committed by the heroic forces of Sri Lanka. The West in supporting the resolution is imposing on us the theory of vengeance, as a mode of obtaining justice for those killed during the last few days of the war.

They believe and continue to believe that the only reconciliation possible is through an International Investigation, and punishing the guilty by sentencing them to long years of imprisonment.

Past conflicts

But, those who propose and support such investigation, fall back to the system that should be deplored by every civilised human being as it would support the theory of vengeance to obtain justice.

To understand whether this would lead to peace and reconciliation between the two communities, the Sinhalese and the Tamils, it would be prudent to examine the past conflicts and the resulting position which arose after such incidents.

In the 1971 insurrection, thousands of people were killed by misled youth, who believed that they could stage a revolution and overthrow the legally elected Government by the use of force, mainly having in their arsenal old 303 rifles, stolen from the police and contraptions made at home called ‘hand bombs’. Eventually, thousands were arrested, some were met summary justice and the others faced court trials. But, the public at large were not hostile towards the young revolutionaries, nor did they seek vengeance from them for the untold crimes they committed. When Wijeweera was finally released from jail by JRJ, he addressed one of the biggest rallies ever to be held at the Town Hall.

People cheered and applauded the convicted criminal who had been pardoned by the President. Similarly, in 1987, when the JVP and the DJV created mayhem and killed thousands of innocent people and shot at people who came to vote, the Sinhalese were very angry and after the dust settled down, those who were not killed in the fighting came back to society and many of them were elected as Members of Parliament.

Even today, there are families who have lost their family members due to the JVP-DJV insurrection and people bear no remorse or anger or vengeance against them. Even during the Peace Accord, hardcore terrorists were released as a condition of the Peace Accord.

These were terrorists who had killed thousands of people and when they were released there were no protests from even the main opposition party. Some of them were facing life imprisonment and went back as free men and joined the movement again. When the Peace Accord was abrogated and when the LTTE resumed fighting for a separate state, those hardcore terrorists led the campaign against the Sri Lankan Government.

Even today, Karuna who was the Head of the Military Wing of the LTTE, and Commander Eastern Province, renegade and joined the Government and came to the South. It was the Sinhalese who gave him protection and now his young second in Command has become a Minister of the Government of the Central Province and the Chief Minister of the Eastern Province. Karuna Amman, has become a very popular Minister, loved and respected by the Sinhalese. There were intermittent news items that he was responsible for the killing of the Arantalawa Buddhist Priests, and the 600 police officers who sacrificed their lives without a fight. They were supposed to have been killed by him. This, Karuna Amman vehemently denies. But, I have not heard or seen anyone seeking vengeance from Karuna Amman.

Similarly, Kumaran Pathmanathan, the man who was responsible for supplying arms and the sole supplier to the LTTE, is now under the protection of the Government. No one has sought vengeance from him. In fact he is being protected by the Government of Sri Lanka as India wants him as a person who was a co-conspirator in the Rajiv Gandhi killing.

There are demonstrations every day but I am yet to see a demonstration seeking vengeance or justice from these two individuals. Similarly, Daya Master lives freely in the country without any threat or intimidation from anyone. Even the rehabilitated hard core terrorists, who have been released after rehabilitation, could live in any part of the country without any difficulty.

Different tradition

The reason why the Sinhalese are not seeking revenge, justice or vengeance, is, I believe, because for the last 2,500 years, we have been nurtured in a very different tradition than the old biblical principal of, eye for an eye, tooth for a tooth. One of our main characters is Angulimala, who chopped fingers from innocent people and tied them up into a necklace. But Buddha emancipated him and he attained Rahath hood. If any learned members of the TNA or the Diaspora feels that peace and reconciliation between the two communities could be achieved only through an international impartial investigation into the alleged war crimes that were perpetrated in the last few days of the war, they have never realised the truth about the Sinhala community.

Even today, it is an indisputable fact that the Sinhalese are a forgiving race driven by the tenets of Buddhism. The Sinhalese are a nation who voted in the 1994 elections when Chandrika came and canvassed votes, the main political promise was the establishment of peace between the warring LTTE and Sinhalese. Sixty Two percent of the people, mainly Sinhala Buddhists voted for Chandrika to usher in lasting peace. At that stage they did not mind even if Prabahkaran was given a portfolio. That is the essential difference between the Sinhala Buddhists whose driving force is compassion as dictated by Buddha.

If the West feels that by prosecuting Army Officers for alleged war crimes they committed, that would create another indivisible wedge between the two communities and any hope of peace and reconciliation would be doomed. We do not believe in revenge and vengeance as a tool of justice. Today, the international community should really seek whether they could ever satisfy their mythical ideals of reconciliation and sow hatred among the communities. Most Sri Lankans have forgotten or are trying to forget the horrendous war on terrorism which lasted for more than 30 years. The resolution based on the US and Western concepts is rubbing salt into the wounds that are slowly healing.

Courtesy : Sunday Observer

Expanding the train services on the Northern railway line, the Railway Department will extend the train service up to Pallai railway station from March 4 after the completion of the 40- kilometer stretch of rail track from Kilinochchi to Pallai, the Railway Department said.

The extension of the train service from Kilinochchi to Pallai will commence under the patronage of Transport Minister Kumara Welgama and the General Manager of Railways B. A.P Ariyaratne, Railway Operations Superintendent L.A.R. Ratnayake said.

The first train to Pallai will leave Kilinochcho on March 4 at 9.20 a.m. after Minister Welgama flags-off the train.

This will mark another milestone in restoring the train services to the North which was disrupted due to terrorism. The Railway Department will restore rail service up to Jaffna before the Sinhala and Tamil New Year and fully restore the train services up to Kankasanthurai by mid this year, Railway Department sources said.

With the commencement of the train services up to Pallai the Yal Devi train leaving Fort at 5.45 a.m., Deyata Kirula Intercity train leaving Fort at 6.50 am and Night Mail train leaving Fort at 8.15 pm on daily basis will be operated up to Pallai railway station from March 5. Apart from those regular trains, trains operating from Matara to Kilinochchi on Saturday 's at 7.00 am will also be extended up to Pallai. The train will reach Pallai railway station at 4.50 p.m.

Deyata Kirula Intercity Train will also commence operations from Pallai on March 5 leaving Pallai at 2.15 pm to arrive in Fort at 8.05 p.m. The Yal Devi train starting from Pallai station will also commence its operation from March 6 s and will leave Pallai at 10.40 am to reach Fort at 18.25 p.m daily.

The night mail train from Pallai will commence operations from March 6 and leave Pallai station at 8 p.m. to reach Fort at 4.40 a.m. the following day.

The train from Pallai to Matara on every Sunday will begin on March 6, leaving Pallai at 9.45 am to reach Matara at 4.45 p.m.

Apart from these train the air-condition intercity train will also commence its operations from March 7. The train will leave Fort at 2.45 p.m. daily to reach Pallai at 8.28 p.m. The airconditioned intercity train service from Pallai to Fort will be started from Pallai from March 8 onwards leaving Pallai station at 6.50 am to reach Colombo Fort at 12.50 p.m.

Courtesy : Sunday Observer

The Sri Lanka Air Force celebrates its 63rd anniversary today. A new chief took over the command last Friday. Five years ago, on the night of February 20, just ten days before they were to traditionally celebrate their fifty eighth Air Force Day and the Sri Lankan military was on the edge of winning the war against terrorism when an LTTE flying bomb hit Colombo in a kamikaze style suicide air attack. The LTTE ZLIN 143 air craft heavily laden with C4 explosives hit the Inland Revenue Department building in th slave Island around 10 p.m.

By this time of the year in 2009 the entire area was in . For eye witnesses it was a terrifying experience. The night skies above Lake House and the vicinity were illuminated with anti-aircraft fire. According to Air Force sources the highly probable target would have been the Air Force Headquarters which was just a few blocks away from the Inland Revenue Department.

According to military sources, news reached the Air Defence Operations Centre in Katunayake around 8.30 p.m. on that night from Army frontline in Puthukkuduyirippu of two aircraft heading Southwest. They were sighted by ground troops in Mankulam and Silavathurai as well. The SLAF Radar base in Vavuniya picked up sights of the LTTE ZLINs making a turn at Mannar heading towards Colombo. When aircraft moved away from the Vavuniya radar range the Palavi radar unit in Puttalam took over. The Vavuniya radar unit was one of the first two Indra MkII radars tht became operational during January and February in 2006. These radars has a 90 kilometres range. They were mobile, gap filler-land based radars designed to operate within a large air defence system.

A F7 jet targetted the LTTE ZLINs yet could not achieve. The jest were not manufactured to suit the simple technologies of the ZLIN 143. ZLIN 143 aircraft, manufactured in the Czech Republic, is a single engine, low-winged monoplane, mainly used for training purposes. It is normally a four-seater, but is modified by the LTTE to carry four bombs on its undercarriage. The Tiger terrorists are the only group known so far to use Z-143s for military purposes. Following the F7 attempt the MI24 helicopter intercepted the terrorist air crafts. Although the camera fixed to the MI24 detected the aircraft, the enemy moved in to a cloud cover nullifying the engagement opportunity.

Air Defence System

Simultaneously the Air Force activated their Air Defence System and the two LTTE flying bombs have continued moving towards south – towards Colombo passing Katunayake. By this time a large area covering Katunayake and Colombo were plunged in total darkness due to power shut down as it would make manoeuvering difficult for the LTTE.

Radars detected that the air crafts entered the Colombo sky limits past 10.45 p.m. With this the Air Defence System started firing illuminating the pitch dark night while soldiers are checkpoints tried bringing down the enemy shooting at will.

Based on the pattern the LTTE air crafts circled in the Colombo city, Air Force sources believe that the apparent target would have been the Air Force Headquarters yet the Inland Revenue Department became the victim. Both the buildings were a few blocks apart and were on the same side of the banks of the Beira lake. Just before the LTTE rammed in to the building the Air Defence System made a hit on one of the ZLINs making the terrorists loose control of the air craft. In a few minutes the LTTE flying bomb rammed in to the Inland Revenue Building and the damage killed two people damaging the twelfth floor of the building. Fifty people sustained injuries. Almost all were non military. And no human rights activist spoke about these victims. Not even did they make a mere mention.

Over the chaotic skies the remaining ZLIN diverted its route towards Katunayake. According to the Air Force it was approaching the SLAF Katunayake base where the main two fighter jet squadrons were located. Within seconds the Air Defence System searchlight operator managed to focus the lone ZLIN and the Air Defence System showered fire targeting the terrorists. Close to 11 p.m. the aircraft was shot down and it had crashed to a nearby grove and the pilot, thrown out of the cockpit with a bullet ridden body.

It was this crash that confirmed that the LTTE were using Czech built ZLIN 143. If not for the success of the Air Defence System this evidence would have taken longer time to realise. While the SLAF radar systems operated as the eye of the Air Defence System the trailer mounted Bofors L70 40mm air defence guns attached to another fire control radar would be limbs. These guns and fire controlling radars were installed in SLAF air bases around the country and selected strategic locations in Colombo city. It is this efficient Air Defence System of the SLAF that was installed in 2006 with two Indra MK II, one command and Control Centre, that thwarted the primitive yet annoying air attack of the LTTE.

The crashed ZLIN air craft fully intact gave a lot of evidence on the ‘modus operandi’ of the LTTE. According to the GPRS found in the crashed air craft the LTTE air crafts have taken off from a narrow location at Ampalavanpokkanai which was an areas within the then demarcated ‘no fire zone. It had been loaded with C4 explosives. Both had been. With this the LTTE air attempts were totally nullified by the Air Force and finally revealing the much hidden facts of the LTTE air ‘power'.

Victorious past

Today proud members of the Air Force will celebrate their victorious past with ample success stories like the stories below. The SLAF Commander who retired Air Marshal Harsha Abeywickrama was the Director Operations at the time of the above mentioned attack. Solemnly but gracefully the commanders, the outgoing and the incoming, took their turns under the skies that once a mayhem was unleashed. Today the Air Force is under a new leadership of Air Marshal Kolitha Gunatilleke who is an extremely skilful pilot with versatility.

As there remains no remnants of the LTTE air attacks, with the unique experiences absorbed during the war against terrorism, Sri Lanka Air Force stands in an unbeatable position in succeeding mission impossible.

Courtesy : Sunday Observer

TORONTO, Canada: Tired of being on the receiving end of human rights concerns by Washington, Iran has responded with its own scathing report on rights violations by the United States.

A report by Iran's Basij militia questions the United States' role as the self-proclaimed defender of human rights, accusing Washington of a string of abuses.

Death penalties, violation of prisoners' rights, racial discriminations, breach of privacy rights, lack of free speech, and violation of the rights of indigenous populations are among the ways that Iran believes the United States breaches human rights. The 30-page report accuses Washington of using human rights as a tool to wage war on other countries, while violating those same rights at home.

"Although the United States of America claims to be a protector of human rights around the world, and each year assesses the HR situation in each country, it remains to be asked where its own situation in terms of respecting and protecting Human Rights is," said the report, published in English, Arabic and Farsi.

"As soon as we all hear the phrase 'human rights,' the painful memories of Abu Ghraib, Guantanamo, and Bagram prisons remind us of the human rights violations committed by the US government," said the report, referring to US military scandals involving prisoners under its care.

Specific cases

The focus of the report, released in a ceremony at Tehran University, is on rights abuses in 2013.

Last week, the United Nations published a report on human rights violations in the Islamic Republic, which was immediately dismissed by the Iranian justice minister, Mostafa Pour-Mohammadi.

The Basij report refers to specific cases, including Edward Snowden's, a former National Security Agency contractor who revealed top secret NSA documents to several media outlets.

"The American Civil Liberties Union documents show that (US) security agencies widely intercepted American citizens' phone calls in 2013. Many of these actions were carried out without a court order," the report notes. It also objects to a 35-year prison sentence given by a US military court to Bradley Manning, the young American soldier who was arrested in 2010 for revealing classified information to WikiLeaks, the online whistle blower.

Iran notes that rights watchdog Amnesty International has repeatedly asked for his release.

Privacy violations of Muslims by the New York Police Department (NYPD) and other law agencies is another topic of focus for Iran, which shows strong support for American Muslims whose anger it sees as justified.

"For over a decade, the NYPD's Intelligence Division has targeted Muslims for discriminatory surveillance based on nothing but their faith, spying on them in their places of worship, businesses, and even homes." the Iranian report said. "The NYPD's biased spying program constitutes a clear violation of the civil rights of innocent Muslims, who are viewed as suspect and stigmatized by the very authorities charged with protecting them," it adds.

Courtesy : Sunday Observer

Sri Lanka’s Ambassador in Geneva Ravinatha Aryasinghe has sought a clarification from UN Human Rights High Commissioner Navi Pillai as to why Sri Lanka’s response to her report was not annexed when the latter was circulated among the member countries ahead of its submission in the Human Rights Council sessions this week, Minister Mahinda Samarasinghe said.

The 25th regular sessions of the Human Rights Council will commence tomorrow in Geneva and continue till March 28.

The report ‘Advice and Technical Assistance for Government of Sri Lanka on promoting reconciliation and accountability in Sri Lanka’ is currently being circulated by the office of High Commissioner Pillai sans the 18-page Sri Lanka response where the Government has rejected a call for an international mechanism to investigate the last phase of the humanitarian operation.

Pillai’s visit and report was facilitated by the US sponsored resolution in 2013.

When HC Navi Pillai’s limited (Oral) report in the aftermath of her Sri Lanka visit was submitted to the HRC in September last year, the objections raised by Sri Lanka were also annexed. Hence, he member countries had it at hand when they perused her report which was, by and large, critical of Sri Lanka’s national reconciliation process.

“Our stand is that this is a procedural violation,” the Minister said referring to the failure to annex Sri Lanka’s response. Ambassador Aryasinghe has already written to the High Commissioner seeking a clarification and Sri Lanka’s response is currently being circulated among member countries for their reference.

The Report to be tabled this week under Item No 2 will be up for debate among the member states to decide if her recommendations should be taken on board or not.

China and Russia among other voting powers in the HRC have criticised Pillai’s call saying Human Rights should not be a tool to settle foreign policy issues. Russian Foreign Affairs Ministry’s Department for Humanitarian Cooperation and Human Rights Director Anatoly Viktorov who recently visited Sri Lanka said any impartial observer should admit that Sri Lanka has shown progress in addressing many post terrorism issues.

“The level of confrontation and politicisation of the issues at the UNHRC is incredible. It is even higher than the UN Security Council which is a political body,” he said.

Expressing support to safeguard Sri Lanka’s self-respect, sovereignty and territorial integrity, the Chinese Vice President, Li Yuanchao also told External Affairs Minister Prof. G.L. Peiris in Beijing recently that the use of human rights as a device to interfere in the domestic affairs of a country cannot be approved.

Minister Samarasinghe said, “to call for an international inquiry before even the domestic inquiry commences and continues to insist when a domestic inquiry is in progress, is a very partial and subjective manner of action by the Human Rights Chief adding that this will be raised again by the Sri Lankan delegation at the forthcoming session.

Prof. Peiris left the country yesterday morning for Myanmar from where he will proceed to Geneva to lead the Sri Lanka delegation at the opening session.

Courtesy : Sunday Observer

by K.M.H.C.B. Kulatunga

Every effort, every channel and every mode are being used to exert undue pressure on Sri Lanka as sinister forces that are lobbying in the country have intensified their campaign with only a few days away from the United Nations Human Rights Council (UNHRC) sessions in Geneva.

The LTTE rump, with the support of the Western politicians who thrive on the Tamil Diaspora vote in their countries, is making every effort to exert maximum possible pressure on Sri Lanka at the UNHRC.

At the same time, a few Western countries are using all their might for a regime change in Sri Lanka. All what they want is a Sri Lankan political leadership that dances to the melody of the West. Though they bring human rights as a tool to achieve their goals, they would opt even for a regime with the worst human rights record, as far as it says hosannas to the West.

Hence, the agenda of the West is crystal clear. They are not worried about human rights. If they are, they should have taken action against regimes of their allies which have the worst human rights record. The sinister forces in the West are only using human rights as a mere tool to tame Sri Lanka.

Fear psychosis

As President Mahinda Rajapaksa said last week, the masses should be ready to respond to international forces conspiring against the country. It is deplorable that certain elements in the country were trying to create a fear psychosis in the minds of the people in the run up to the UNHRC sessions with the ulterior motive of taking the people to the streets.

The anticipated US-led Resolution against Sri Lanka is nothing new. During the past two successive years, the US brought similar resolutions against Sri Lanka to the UN human rights body and on both occasions, India joined the US and its allies in voting against Sri Lanka. Hence, this is nothing new, but a well orchestrated battle against Sri Lanka and to undermine the country’s greatest achievements in eradicating terrorism.

It is pity that it is the self same countries which made a big hue and cry on the need to crush global terrorism are bringing resolution after resolution for reasons better known to them. If they had been sincere in their call to crush terrorism across the world, they should have hailed Sri Lanka’s exemplarily act. Instead of doing so, they are now attempting to discredit Sri Lanka’s Security Forces which have set new world standards in eradicating terrorism.

Democratic rights

Irrespective of their political affiliations, all patriotic and peace-loving people across the country will rally round the President and would never betray the country. Certain elements claim that the country lacked democracy when burning problems were solved by the government.

The local extremists who could never come to power through democratic means now day dream of Navi Pillai for short cuts. But those who cry for democracy have forgotten what the Government has done to restore democratic rights of the people in the North and the East by holding elections to the Northern Provincial Council and the Eastern Provincial Council.

Moreover, the Government has held elections even before their due time and that has been a headache for the Opposition as the UNP has suffered a series of election defeat. Hence, those who cannot win the confidence of the masses through ballot now resort to various means to capture power with the support if the extraneous elements in the West.

But the Government has been asked to show cause for bringing peace to the country by ending the three decades-long terrorism. Whether we respond or not, they will do whatever they want! That is because they have a set agenda. They are trying to single out Sri Lanka unfairly, hounded by certain nations on its human rights record.

Own solutions

As Minister of External Affairs, Prof. G.L. Peiris had said, there was a need for uniformity in raising human rights concerns when some other countries are left alone. 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.

There is no doubt that UN and certain Western nations are being misled by the pro-LTTE diaspora to take punitive measures against Sri Lanka for defeating the Tigers. Though many in the West shouted from the rooftops after the infamous Channel 4 documentary – the Killing Fields, it has now come to light how the LTTE rump had been instrumental in producing that.

Conservative peer Lord Naseby said last week that conclusive evidence had emerged, that so-called witnesses to alleged war crime in a documentary by Channel 4 were fully paid-up members of the Tigers. He has suggested the British government is not abiding by David Cameron’s promised timetable for co-operating with the UN to set up an independent inquiry into claims the Sri Lanka government carried out war crimes.

Lord Naseby questions why the British government is “already working to influence the United Nations Human Rights Council” when the prime minister said in November that the UK would allow Sri Lanka until March to begin its own investigations into alleged war crimes before taking steps through the UN. He had also called for the publication of the UK military attache in Colombo’s dispatches about the final stages of the 26-year LTTE terror during his contribution at question time on Wednesday (26).

Reconciliation

The UK is voicing on human rights as if they are reborn. Perhaps, they would have forgotten their inhuman activities in the former British colonies but we in Sri Lanka have not forgotten how the British soldiers had indiscriminately killed our people in invading countries such as Sri Lanka. Unfortunately, they now project themselves as the godfathers of human rights and pontificate us on the importance of protecting human rights.

The US Secretary of State John Kerry has jumped the gun even before his country had brought the third successive resolution against Sri Lanka. Claiming that the Sri Lanka has not made sufficient progress on reconciliation and ensuring justice and accountability for alleged war crimes, Kerry had even threatened that they would meddle in the process. It is a threat to the sovereignty of an independent nation.

“We will do it in Sri Lanka, where the government still has not answered basic demands for accountability and reconciliation, where attacks on civil society activists, journalists, and religious minorities, sadly, still continue,” he was quoted as saying. We wonder on what basis he is making such a statement which could well have been based on the evidence given by the LTTE sympathisers.

We strongly urge the West to have a closer look at Sri Lanka, the progress it has made since the eradication of terrorism, restoration of democratic rights after the successful resettlement of the people liberated from the jaws of their death and above all, the peace and harmony enjoyed by all communities across the country. In brining resolutions, the West intends to disrupt this hard-earned peace because they would always like to see countries such as Sri Lanka being pressed with problems and conflicts.

Sincere effort

The Presidential Commission to investigate cases of persons from the Northern and Eastern Provinces who went missing during the period 1990-2009 will commence its first public sittings in the Eastern part of the country in the Batticaloa District next month. The public hearings will take place from March 20-22, 2014, in the towns of Vakarai, Chenkallady and Batticaloa, covering 56 Grama Niladhari Divisions in the district.

This is the first time the Commission is hearing cases in the East, and Commission Secretary H.W. Gunadasa has said that officials from the Commission will be visiting the district on Monday (March 3) to hold discussions with Divisional Secretaries for preliminary arrangements.

The Commission held its first public sittings in the Kilinochchi District in the Northern Province from January 18-21, 2014, 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 13,700 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. President Mahinda Rajapaksa extended the mandate of the Commission by another six months until August 2014.

This is one good example that the Government is making a sincere effort to strengthen national reconciliation after the defeat of the terrorism.

But the West cannot expect Sri Lanka to perform miracles, achieves no other country had achieved before after such a bitter battlefront experience.

Sri Lanka needs time to make a notable advancement in reconciliation and completely address the grievances of the people in the North. They are not only the Tamils but also the Muslims and Sinhalese who had been forcibly ejected by the LTTE terrorists.

The Government has taken every possible step to develop the North and the East and built infrastructure facilities. As a result of mega development projects and finding livelihood activities for the people liberated, the two provinces have shown an unprecedented growth rate of around 25 percent, compared to around eight percent national growth.

Why can’t the Western countries take a serious note of these positive developments without continuing to hard on the human rights of the LTTE terrorists killed in action.

Courtesy : Sunday Observer

Secretary Defence and Urban Development Mr. Gotabaya Rajapaksa was the Guest of Honour at the closing ceremony of the 8th Deyata Kirula national exhibition in Kuliyapiya today (1st March).

Symbolizing the closing of the annual expo the Golden Sword was brought in on a grand procession and placed on a special dais by Hon Prime Minister. Thereafter he declared the official closure of the exhibition.

A special mementoes were presented to the Prime Minister and Secretary Defence for their contribution and cooperation.

Speaking at the event Secretary Defence paid his sincere gratitude to the organizing committee for their untiring effort and commitment in making the 8th national exhibition a grand success. He also said that the exhibition which was held only in Colombo during the war was taken to other parts of the country with the dawn of pea-e thereby bringing in a era of development of prosperity to those areas. He emphasized the benefits of the exhibition to the society especially to the children for their education.

Religious dignitaries including the Maha Sanga, Ministers, Members of Parliament Provincial Councilors, state officials, tri forces offices and a large number of people were present at the occasion.

The 8th Deyata Kirula was declared open by the President on 21st of last month in Kuliyapitiya. The location is a 62-acre area site encompassing the Wayamba University, Technical College and Kuliyapiya Central College. More 1700 stalls of both public and private sector entities and tri forces and police had been put up to offer their services for the visiting public. More than three million people have visited the exhibition.

Held under the theme, 'A Peaceful and Prosperous Nation this year’s the programme was focused on the development of Kurunegala and Puttalam district of the Northwestern Province and the Kegalle District. A number of Grama Seva level mobile programmes in which all government departments were represented to solve the problems faced by the people in the districts concerned were conducted throughout the period leading up to the opening of the exhibition.

The Annual Exhibition Deyata Kirula commenced in 2007. Initially it was held in Colombo but under a Presidential directive steps were taken to hold it in different parts of the country. Subsequently the following exhibitions were held in Pallekele (Kandy), Buttala (Monaragala), Oyamaduwa (Anurahapura), Ampara and Kuliyapitiya.

Calls on President Obama to adopt balanced and comprehensive policy towards Sri Lanka

Eleven senior Members of the United States Senate introduced a bipartisan Senate Resolution (S. Res. 364) on Thursday, Feb 27 expressing support for Sri Lanka's internal reconciliation process and the significant overall progress the Country has made since the end of the civil war--some 5 years ago.

The Senators also called on the President of the United States to develop a "comprehensive and well balanced policy towards Sri Lanka", supportive of promoting U.S. interests including respect for human rights, democracy the rule of law as well as taking onto account the United States economic and security interests.

Senate Resolution 364 recognizes the immense suffering of the Sri Lankan people caused by the 26-year conflict, and the genuine aspiration of the government to prevent any outside force from triggering a reemergence of similar situations that are now behind us; but instead look to the future through enhanced national unity and reconciliation . A special recognition has been given to the establishment of the Lessons Learnt and Reconciliation Commission (LLRC) and the significance of implementing its recommendations.

Sri Lanka President H.E. Mahinda Rajapaksa appointed the LLRC in May 2010, following the end of the three decade long terrorist conflict. The Commission Report was released in November 2011 and tabled in the Parliament in December 2011. The Cabinet of Ministers approved the National Plan of Action to implement the recommendations of the LLRC in July 2012.

Senate Resolution 364 underscores that the Government of Sri Lanka has made significant progress in implementing the LLRC recommendations within a limited time. With a special reference to the first ever elections held in the Northern Province of Sri Lanka in September 2013, the Resolution commends the reestablishment of representative democracy in the conflict-ridden areas through elections.

“ …the elections allowed the people of the North of Sri Lanka to exercise their political rights that had been withheld from them for more than 20 years by the Liberation Tigers of Tamil Eelam (LTTE) and resulted in a clear victory for the provincial wing of the Tamil National Alliance”

The Resolution however remains concerned over possible restrictions to the media freedom and religious freedom of Sri Lanka. It highlights that a peaceful and just society reconciled through a political settlement addressing the needs of all ethnic group should be achieved by a process driven by the people of Sri Lanka themselves.

The Resolution calls on the United States Government and the International community to offer meaningful assistance to theGovernment of Sri Lanka to make its domestic endeavors toward reconciliation more effective, while respecting the country’s sovereignty, stability and security.

The Resolution encourages Sri Lanka to consider a mechanism similar to the South African Truth and Reconciliation Commission to heal the wounds of war. The Government of Sri Lanka is further urged to take necessary steps to improve religious and media freedom in the country.

The following U.S. Senators are original Co-Sponsors of Senate Resolution 364:

The Honorable James Inhofe (R-Oklahoma);

The Honorable John Cornyn (R-Texas);

The Honorable Orrin Hatch (R-Utah);

The Honorable John Barrasso (R-Wyoming);

The Honorable Roy Blunt (R-Missouri);

The Honorable Joe Manchin (D-West Virginia);

The Honorable Jeff Sessions (R-Alabama);

The Honorable John Boozman (R-Arkansas);

The Honorable Mike Crapo (R-Idaho);

The Honorable Susan Collins (R-Maine);

The Honorable Mike Enzi (R-Wyoming)

The Following is the Full Text of U.S. Senate Resolution 364:

113th CONGRESS

2d Session

S. RES. 364

Expressing support for the internal rebuilding, resettlement, and reconciliation within Sri Lanka that are necessary to ensure a lasting peace.

IN THE SENATE OF THE UNITED STATES

February 27, 2014

Mr. INHOFE submitted the following resolution; which was referred to the Committee on Foreign Relations

RESOLUTION

Expressing support for the internal rebuilding, resettlement, and reconciliation within Sri Lanka that are necessary to ensure a lasting peace.

Whereas May 19, 2014, marks the five-year anniversary of the end of the 26 year civil war between the Liberation Tigers of Tamil Eelam (LTTE) and the Government ofSri Lanka;

Whereas the people of Sri Lanka suffered greatly as a result of this conflict, the impact and aftermath of which has been felt by all, especially by women, children, and families;

Whereas the Government of Sri Lanka established a ‘‘Lessons Learnt and Reconciliation Commission’’ (LLRC) to report whether any person, group, or institution directly or indirectly bears responsibility for incidents that occurred between February 2002 and May 2009 and to recommend measures to prevent the recurrence of such incidents in the future and promote further national unity and reconciliation among all communities;

Whereas the LLRC report was presented to the Sri Lankan Parliament on December 16, 2011, and officially translated into Sinhala and Tamil on August 16, 2012;

Whereas the LLRC report acknowledges important events and grievances that have contributed to decades of political violence and war in Sri Lanka and makes constructive recommendations on a wide range of issues, including the need to credibly investigate widespread allegations of extrajudicial killings; enforced disappearances; intentional targeting of civilians and noncombatants; demilitarizing the north and the country as a whole; reaching a political settlement with minority communities on the meaningful decentralization of power; and promoting and protecting the right to freedom of expression for all through the enactment of a right to information law and additional rule of law reforms;

Whereas the Government of Sri Lanka developed the National Plan of Action to implement the recommendations of the LLRC and has made significant progress within limited time in the implementation of the National Plan of Action, notably in the areas of demining, rehabilitation of ex-combatants, resettlement of displaced persons, improvements of infrastructure and social services in the North and East, as well as investigations into complaints regarding persons who have disappeared during the war;

Whereas there have been reports of attacks on places of worship and restrictions on the media in several places in Sri Lanka;

Whereas the Government of Sri Lanka expressed its commitment to address the needs of all ethnic groups and has recognized the necessity of a political settlement and reconciliation for a peaceful and just society, which is a long-term process that will need to be driven by the people of Sri Lanka themselves;

Whereas the September 21, 2013, elections in Sri Lanka for the Northern, Central, and North Western Provincial Councils were an important step in fulfilling this commitment;

Whereas these elections were made possible through a sustained effort by the Government of Sri Lanka to restore infrastructure in the North and put in place a system for the conduct of the elections;

Whereas the elections allowed the people of the North of Sri Lanka to exercise their political rights that had been withheld from them for more than 20 years by the Liberation Tigers of Tamil Eelam (LTTE) and resulted in a clear victory for the provincial wing of the Tamil National Alliance;

Whereas Sri Lanka is enjoying rapid economic growth as an important hub for shipping transport, technology, and tourism in the South Asia region;

Whereas Sri Lanka is of great strategic importance to the United States, due to its location, deep- water ports, and proximity to the world’s busiest shipping lanes, an importance noticed and pursued by other significant powers; and

Whereas Sri Lanka seeks to be a key United States partner in the fight against terrorism and Indian Ocean piracy:

Now, therefore, be it

Resolved, That the Senate—

(1) calls upon the 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;

(2) calls on the United States Government and the international community to assist the Government of Sri Lanka, with due regard to its sovereignty, stability, and security, 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;

(3) encourages the Government of Sri Lanka to put in place a truth and reconciliation commission similar to the one adopted by South Africa to help heal the wounds of war, taking into account the unique characteristics of the conflict and its aftermath; and

(4) urges the Government of Sri Lanka 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 Embassy of Sri Lanka Washington

Secretary to the Ministry of Defence and Urban Development Mr. Gotabaya Rajapaksa launched the official web site of ‘Rakna Arakshaka Lanka Limited’ (RALL) at a function held at the Ministry this evening (28th February).

RALL is a fully state owned organization which functions under the purview of the Ministry of Defence and Urban Development.

Fulfilling a long felt necessity the newly launched web site will provide necessary information on the services provided by the RALL. In addition it provides a vide range of news update on its activities.

Comprised of over 4,000 employees with its broader vision RALL is providing commercial and industrial security services allowing more professional opportunities for ex-servicemen and women base on their past experiences.

The new web site also entails information on industrial and commercial security, maritime security, services offering, pirates threats, process and law including international standards / laws that it complies.

Chief Executive Officer of RALL Major General (Retd) K.B Egodawele, Chairman of the Board of Directors and Military Liaison Officer Major General Palitha Fernando, company officials and Defence Ministry officials were present at the occassion.

National Cadet Crops (NCC) provides various happenings alive with thrilling and leadership building activities for students with a view of developing leadership and positive thinking qualities of those who are willingly engage in the various activities organized at the NCC site premises in Deyata Kirula 2014 mega exhibition.

Such challenging activities for children would help in boosting their self discipline and basic competencies by shaping inborn talents for rapidly changing future. Accordingly, it would also help to culminate talents of younger generation with integrated personalities to the society with a strong moral boost.

The melodious musical play and the eye-catching dancing display performs by cadets entices a large gathering to the venue.

NCC is the key institution which train and inspires cadets via an effective training curriculum. Thereby cadets gradually develop their character, courage, sportsmanship, self-reliance, discipline, responsibility and comradeship which are vital to be resourceful individuals.

The National Cadet Corps (NCC) is a unique organization with a vision to develop and mould the character of young school boys and girls. At present NCC provides an insight into its commitment to prepare the future generation to live in a peacefully reconciled and prosperous Sri Lanka.

The National Cadet Corps as a unique formal organization plays a pioneer role in grooming future leaders with timely concepts of the Secretary Defence and Urban Development Mr. Gotabaya Rajapaksa.

On assuming duties as the 14th Commander of Sri Lanka Air Force, Air Marshal Kolitha Gunathilaka paid a courtesy call to the Secretary Defence and Urban Development Mr. Gotabaya Rajapaksa today (28th February).

Air Marshal Gunathilake joined the SLAF in 1980 as an officer cadet of the 8th Intake. After graduating from the Air Force Academy China Bay he was commissioned as a Pilot Officer in 1982. He is an experienced pilot and an instructor.

Air Marshal Gunathilaka had under gone several foreign trainings in Pakistan, India and USA. He holds a MSc in Defence Studies and a MSc in management.

He is the recipient of 'Rana Wickrama Padakkama' and 'Rana Sura Padakkama', 'Vishista Seva Vibhushanaya', 'Uttama Seva Padakkama' and Sri Lanka Armed Services Long Service Medal.

Prior to his elevation to the rank of the Commander of Air Force he was serving as the Director Air Operations and Chief of Staff respectively.

A cordial discussion was held between Mr. Rajapaksa and Air Marshal Gunathilaka on matters of official interests and mutual relevance.

The New Commander presented a memento to the Secretary Defence to mark the occasion.

The Defence Ministry today initiated the process find a new successor to former Navy Chief Admiral D K Joshi, who resigned following the spate of accidents involving naval warships in the last seven months.

The process to appoint a new Navy Chief has been initiated by the Defence Ministry in which four-five senior officers would be considered for appointment as the next leader of the maritime force, a Defence Ministry spokesperson said.

His resignation was promptly accepted by Defence Minister A K Antony and Vice Chief of Naval Staff Vice Admiral R K Dhowan was asked to take over as the Acting Chief till regular Chief is appointed.

As per the seniority, Vice Admiral Shekhar Sinha, acting Navy Chief Vice Admiral Dhowan, Eastern Naval Commander Vice Admiral Anil Chopra and Strategic Forces Commander Vice Admiral SPS Cheema would be considered for the appointment.

Taking "moral responsibility", Joshi submitted his resignation yesterday, hours after fire and smoke on submarine INS Sindhuratna in which two officers died and seven sailors were taken seriously ill.

Vice Admiral Sinha, who is Commander of Western Naval Command, has been under scanner after a number of accidents took place under his command.

He was even summoned to the Naval headquarters last month after a series of mishaps involving naval warships there and was pulled up by Admiral Joshi in his office.

The Defence Ministry is also miffed with him but it is not clear whether action would be initiated against him or not.

The sudden decision by the Navy chief will also result in the change in the line of succession of the force as Southern Naval Commander Vice Admiral Satish Soni was supposed to succeed Joshi in August 2015.

Courtesy : Deccan Herald

Conservative peer Lord Naseby has asserted that "conclusive evidence" had emerged, that so-called witnesses to alleged war crimes appearing in the Channel 4 videos on Sri Lanka were "fully paid-up members of the Tamil Tigers".

This confirms the long held view by independent analysts that Channel 4 footage was doctored and produced with the sole aim of demonising the Sri Lankan Armed Forces in order to create a case against Sri Lanka. He also called for the publication of the dispatches of the UK military attache in Colombo on the final stages of the 26-year civil war.

Lord Naseby made these observations during question time on February 26, 2014. He asked why the UK government is "already working to influence the United Nations Human Rights Council" when the Prime Minister said in November that the UK would allow Sri Lanka until March to begin its own investigations into alleged war crimes before taking steps through the UN.

Foreign Office Minister Baroness Warsi told the House she was aware of new material concerning the war, which lasted from 1983 to 2009.

It has all along been the view of independent observers that Sri Lanka be given time to conduct its own internal inquiry into the allegations of human rights violations and such a process has already been set in motion.

A rousing welcome was accorded to Richard Mundy on his arrival at the Bandaranaike International Airport on February 26 having attended a special screening of the documentary The Last Phase in the United Kingdom.

A special screening of the documentary was organised by the Conservative Friends of Sri Lanka in the United Kingdom on February 24 in which Mr. Mundy, a British national who narrates the film 'The Last Phase' was invited to be present as a special guest.

The documentary which depicts the life of a female ex combatant who grew up as an orphan in an LTTE run orphanage that had also served as nursery for future recruits was shown to a packed audience at the House of Lords in the UK Parliament.

Speaking on arrival, Mundy said that it is important that the world see the different sides to the story disseminated by the likes of Channel 4. He also said that Prof. Paul Moorcraft who was also a speaker at the screening author of "Total Destruction of the Tamil Tigers" also said that Channel 4 had got the facts wrong.

He said that the documentary received a good response in the UK and that many among the mixed audience present at the screening had said that they were largely unaware of the facts depicted in the film until now and since watching it they had seen an untold side of reality which had largely been ignored or shunned by mainstream media and also it had helped them to get a better, more balanced view of the whole issue from a entirely different perspective.

The screening was presided over by Rt Hon. the Lord Naseby who also chaired the discussion followed by a panel discussion and question and answer session.

The distinguished gathering included Lord Ian Paisley Jr, Members of Parliament, diplomats, Sri Lankan Ambassador Dr. Chris Nonis and a cross section of the public. Mundy made special mention of Lord Naseby's assistance in making the screening a success.

Responding to questions during the Q and A session, Mundy had said that he as a member of the expatriate British community living Sri Lanka was greatly embarrassed by the actions and comments made by Prime Minister David Cameron during his visit to the Commonwealth Summit held in Colombo last year.

He said that nothing has been done about the gross human rights violations that occurred in Northern Ireland up to now and that seeking to prosecute a small nation that had defeated terrorism that threatened its sole existence for three decades is an act of bullying and plain hypocricy.

The Secretary to the Ministry of Defence and Urban Development (MoD and UD) Mr. Gotabaya Rajapaksa and Mrs. Ioma Rajapaksa visited the "Deyata Kirula" Exhibition today (27th Feb).

Minister of Telecommunication and Information Technology and Deyata Kirula Organizing Committee Chairman Hon. Ranjith Siyambalapitiya was also present during the visit.

Meanwhile, Mr. Rajapaksa visited all the projects, sections and organizations which performs under the purview of the MoD and UD including Urban Development Authority, Land Reclamation and Development cooperation, Department of Registration of Persons, Immigration and Emigration Department, Sri Lanka Coast Guard, KDU, Ranaviru Seva Authority, Ministry’s Centre for Research and Development, Sanda Hiru Stupa Project, Projects under Ministry’s Seva Vanitha Unit and Defence Information Unit those who illustrates their exhibits in the Ministry premises.

Seeing that there have been numerous public requests especially from schoolchildren for an extension to the exhibition, organizing committee announced that it has been extended by two days up to 1st of March on the directives of His Excellency the President Mahinda Rajapaksa.

A series of development projects were also launched to develop the infrastructure in Anuradhapura District parallel to this event.

Chief of Defence Staff General Jagath Jayasuriya, Commanders of the Sri Lanka Army and Navy, Defence Ministry Officials including officials of the respective departments, Military Officials were also present.

President Mahinda Rajapaksa issuing a message in view of the Hindu holy festival the Maha Siva Rathri states that Hindu devotees in Sri Lanka can freely celebrate this important festival in a peaceful environment and in a true spirit of unity and understanding.

The full text of the message.

I am pleased to extend my warm greetings to all Sri Lankan Hindus on this festival of Maha Siva Rathri celebrated in honour of Lord Shiva.

The Hindus of Sri Lanka join their fellow worshipers the world over on this day, belived to be when he married Parvathi and also performed the dance of Shiva that marks primordial creation and preservation. The celebrations on this sacred day include fasting and night-long vigils at temples, making special offerings to Lord Shiva and chanting hymns in his honour.

The lighting of lamps which is an important aspect of this festival symbolizes the constant efforts by humans to dispel the darkness of ignorance with the light of knowledge, as well as achieve unity and harmony, both in their lives and society.

The Hindus of Sri Lanka have lived for centuries in brotherhood and harmony with the followers of other religions in our society. We now have the conditions of peace throughout the land to freely celebrate this important festival in true spirit of unity and understanding.

May the prayers on Maha Siva Rathri strengthen their commitment to peace and unity among all communities in our Motherland.

I wish all Sri Lankan Hindus the Blessing of Maha Siva Rathri to realize their aspirations for a better today.

The preliminary session of the ‘Ranaviru Real Star Mission IV’ got off the ground last evening (26th February) at the Sri Lanka Air Force base in Ratmalana. Secretary Defence and Urban Development Mr. Gotabaya Rajapaksa and Mrs. Ioma Rajapaksa were present at the occasion.

'Ranaviru Real Star'' is a unique reality programme solely dedicated to showcase the hidden vocal talents of the tri forces. Running on its fourth successful season the show which began in 2010 has become one of the most watched reality programmes in the country. Contestants are selected by a panel of judges comprised of renowned local artists while the public participation through SMS voting will decide the final outcome of the results.

During the last evening’s proceedings 18 of the 36 contestants presented their renditions of popular songs. The stage was set resembling the transformation that Colombo is going through at present. One of the new features of this season is the introduction of the contestant by a senior military officer.

The programme is produced in collaboration with Dialog Axiata PLC by the Sri Lanka Rupavahini Corporation and is telecast over the national channel on Friday’s and Saturday’s at 9.00 pm.

The “Ranaviru Harasara” loan scheme for war heroes was launched at a function held at Deyata Kirula MoD site premises in Kuliyapitiya today (26th February).

The Armed Forces and Police welfare Division established under the Ministry of Defence and Urban Development together with Pan Asia Bank were organized the event with the view of assisting all war heroes except those who still serve in the servise in Kurunegala, Puttalam, and Kegalle districts.

Under the “Ranaviru Harasara” loan scheme the funds will be granted to initiate the self employing ventures to Ranaviru families.

Participating the event additional secretary Mr. Janaka Kurukulasooriya gave away the financial donations during the occasion.

Meanwhile school amenities including School bags, exercise books and statuaries were also presented to the war hero children.

Director project of Armed Forces and Police welfare Division Maj Gen Wasantha Kumara, MoD officials and family members of the war heroes were present at the occasion.

The outgoing Commander of the Sri Lanka Air Force Air Marshal Harsha Abeywickrama made a farewell call to Secretary Defence and Urban Development Mr. Gotabaya Rajapaksa today (26th February).

Air Marshal Harsha Duminda Abeywickrama joined the Sri Lanka Air Force (SLAF) with the 8th Intake of Officer Cadets in 1980 and was commissioned as a Pilot Officer in 1982. During the height of the conflict he was selected as one of the first pilots to take up training in fighter jets. He was also given the responsibility of establishing the first Fighter Jet Squadron of the Sri Lanka Air Force. Subsequently he was appointed as the first Commanding Officer of No 5 Jet Squadron. He holds the honour of being the first Sri Lankan pilot to fly supersonic.

He was appointed to the Air Force Board of Management as the Director Operations in 2006 and thereafter as the Director Air Operations. He was subsequently appointed as the Deputy Chief of Staff whilst continuing as the Director Air Operations in 2008.

In February 2011, Air Marshal Harsha Duminda Abeywickrama was appointed as the Commander of the Sri Lanka Air Force. Air Marshal Abeywickrama is a decorated combat pilot. He is the recipient of 'Rana Wickrama Padakkama' (twice), 'Rana Sura Padakkama', 'Uttama Seva Padakkama' and the 'Vishishta Seva Vibhushanaya' medals.

During the meeting Secretary Defence had a brief discussion with Air Marshal Abeywickrama and wished him well in all his future endeavors.

The two officials exchanged mementoes to mark the occasion.

A number of welfare programme have been launched by the National Secretariat for Non Governmental Organization in view of the 8th Deyata Kirula 2014 National Exhibition currently underway in Kuliyapitiya in the Northwestern Province. Under the programme an Eye Clinic is to be conducted to provide glasses to the visually impaired in the Northwestern Province and the Kegalle district.

The eye clinics will be conducted by specialist eye surgeons and glasses will be provided free of charge for the needy. Those who are interested can get themselves registered for the clinic by visiting the Ministry of Defence and Urban Development stall at the Deyata Kirula site. The clinic will be held in April.

Meanwhile Secretary Defence and Urban Development Mr. Gotabaya Rajapaksa will distribute books among 100 schools in the Northwestern Province and the Kegalle district. Mr. Rajapaksa will give away these books to some selected school during his visit to the exhibition site tomorrow (27th February).

The 'COYLE' Ladies Chapter donated Rs. 1.2 million to the Ministry of Defence Seva Vanitha Unit today (26th February).

The donation was made by representatives of the chapter to the Chairperson of the MoD and UD SVU Mrs. Ioma Rajapaksa at a function held at the ministry premises. The funds will be utilized to build a house for disable service personnel.

Members of COYLE and MoD SVU officials were present during the occasion.

At the recommendation of the Chairperson of the Ministry of Defence Seva Vanitha Unit Mrs. Ioma Rajapaksa, The Chinese Embassy in Colombo donated 5 electrically powered standing wheel chairs to "Mihindu Seth Medura" at a function held at its premises in Aththidiya today (26th February).

Representing the Chinese Embassy, the spouse of the Chinese Ambassador Mrs. Ding Yue made the donation of the modern wheel chairs worth Rs. 1.7 million during the ceremony. These electrically powered wheelchairs allow its users to stand and also mobility. This feature is useful for the inmates who suffer from the spinal code damages.

Mrs. Rajapaksa together with Mrs. Yue visited the sanatorium including the Emergency Treatment Unit (ETU), Physiotherapy Unit and wards. They inquired into their well being and looked into the welfare matters during the visit.

The "Mihindu Seth Medura" was established in 2011 turning a concept of Secretary Defence and Urban Development Mr. Gotabaya Rajapaksa into reality, with the view of assisting war heroes who had got immobilized during the brutal war. It's the first of its kind in South Asia and this special institution provides care to 50 dependant war heroes.

Vice President of the MoD Seva Vanitha Unit Mrs. Indu Ratnayake, Commanding Officer of the Mihindu Seth Medura Col. Vajira Kariyawasam and the staff were also present at the occasion.

UN Secretary-General Ban Ki-Moon commended Sri Lanka’s initiative to host the World Conference on Youth (WCY) in May 2014, the first ever global youth conference in Asia. The WCY will seek to mainstream youth concerns in the post-2015 development agenda.

He made these remarks when a Sri Lankan delegation led by Youth Affairs and Skills Development Minister Dullas Alahapperuma called on him at the UN Headquarters in New York last week to hand over President Mahinda Rajapaksa’s invitation to him to the World Conference on Youth in Colombo in May 2014.

The Secretary General said youth are one of his key priorities in the program that he had outlined at the commencement of his second term.

“More than half the world’s population is under the age of 25 so this is a youth world,” the UN Secretary General said.

He highlighted the urgency of resolving the burden of unemployment and providing political and economic opportunities to youth. “I am impressed by what Sri Lanka has been doing for the advancement of the youth”.

He recalled the comments of the UN High Commissioner of Human Rights Navi Pillai of the impressive success of the Youth Parliament of Sri Lanka.

Secretary-General Ban Ki-Moon thanked President Rajapaksa for the invitation and said that he would make every effort to be in Colombo for this event despite his busy schedule.

Minister Alahapperuma expressed his gratitude for the assistance given by the UN system and the Secretary-General’s Envoy on Youth with regard to the arrangements for the Colombo Conference.

“As a nation, we believe that the Youth Conference will help in rebuilding the nation. The ‘Colombo Youth Action Plan’ - the outcome of the Conference which will be jointly produced by the youth and the policymakers would serve as a guideline to meet youth aspirations in many multilateral processes in the post-2015 era. This action plan will cover seven fundamental issues and seven thematic areas that have been recognized as vital for youth engagement in the global development agenda,” he added.

Permanent Representative of Sri Lanka to the UN Ambassador Dr. Palitha Kohona said: “Youth are today’s concern, not tomorrow’s. They contribute to electing governments and in the formulation of national policies. Their concerns and aspirations could be addressed only by recognizing their input to policy-making and empowering them. That is why the government of Sri Lanka has set up a task force of 20 global young leaders to prepare the key components of the conference arrangement”.

Minister Alahapperuma presented the UN Secretary General with copies of the recently launched “Youth Policy of Sri Lanka” and the publication on “Youth and Development: Realizing the Millennium Development Goals for Sri Lankan Youth”.

National Youth Services Council Chairman/Director General Lalith Piyum Perera spoke about the successful conclusion of the Commonwealth Youth Forum in Hambantota last November.

Courtesy : Daily News

A Coffee Table book titled ‘1975- 2014 Sri Lanka’ was launched today (25th February) at the Lakshman Kadirgamar Institute for International Relations and Strategic Studies (LKIIRSS) in Colombo.

The book is a comprehensive collection of pictorial illustrations of the various phases of Sri Lankan history from the mid 70s to the contemporary times. Authored by veteran journalist and the editor of the Nation newspaper Malinda Seneviratne and published by the Center for Reconciliation and Co-existence (CRC) the book gives a running visual commentary of the ruthless operations of the LTTE terrorist and their brutal and inhumane methods that they employed to install a sense of fear among the people that often if not always involved blood, death and destruction.

The launching ceremony was graced by Secretary Defence and Urban Development Mr. Gotabaya Rajapaksa who was of the driving force behind the military offensive that paved the way to end the misery and usher in an era of peace and prospect in this once resplendent land. Hon Minister of External Affairs Prof. GL Peiris was also present at the occasion. The book was presented to Mr. Rajapaksa by Prof Peiris in the presence of the author and Mr. M Perera, the President of the CRC.

Senior Attorney Mr. Gomin Dayasiri, Executive Director of the LKIIRSS Mr. Asnga Abeyagoonasekera, Mr. Arun Thambimuttu, and the Author Sanga Seneviratne were also among the members of the Head Table. Incidentally two of its members Mr. Rajapaksa and Prof. Peiris were once targeted by the LTTE and attempts were made on their lives in which they were miraculously escaped. And Mr. Thambimuttu and Mr. Abeyagoonasekera lost their fathers, both prominent political figures at the hands of the terrorists.

A short but comprehensive documentary that reflected the contents of the book was shown to the audience which largely comprised of members of the Colombo diplomatic community, think tanks, intellectuals, experts, politicians leading journalist and military top brass. The documentary gave the audience an opportunity to see a timeline of real life images of LTTE atrocities from 1975 to the end of conflict.

Gasps of horror and occasional sobs were heard coming from the audience during the screening of the documentary and many were reaching to wipe their tears for this maybe was one of the first times that they would have seen such scenes of death, destruction and mayhem in their own land and for most it was a terrifying reminder of a phase of time gone by that no one wish to remember but could not forget and certainly would never wish for a repeat.

The CRC together with the LKIIRSS had produced the documentary. The presenter Anjali Perera takes us through the pages of our illustrious and recorded history of 2500 years. The journey goes the independence and post colonial era and towards the becoming a republic and ultimately through the dark pages of LTTE sponsored secessionist terrorist era. It shows how the country is moving forward engaging in wider dialogue on the post conflict process in rebuilding the nation and healing the wounds of conflict in order to meet future challenges head on.

Continuous political violence for three long bloody decades courtesy of the LTTE was seeking the creation of a separate state threatening the sovereignty and integrity of the nation. Theie militancy continued unabated in spite of a string of peace initiatives by six successive governments beginning from the 1980’s. This led to the stifling of country’s growth in every aspect and the progress held back. In the end the government was left with no option but to take a military offensive to eradicate terrorism from the shores of the country.

“History is a version. The gaze of the historians is shaped by the gazer’s lived reality, reading of events, political persuasions and preferred outcomes” the book quotes in its beginning page. It invites the reader to take a walk through the pages and caress the terrible times, today that one will find innumerable reasons to celebrate.

There are countless reasons that could be given to justify the reasons for the elimination of the LTTE. The LTTE was accounted for accounted for countless murders of Tamil politicians, intellectuals and civil society leaders. They were so ruthless in their pursuit of separatism that they even extracted revenge from its one time benefactors.

The book gives in details of the list of presidents, politicians, intellectuals, religious figures, civic society leaders and civilians murdered or targeted by the LTTE in a sequential order beginning from 1975 onwards. The pictorial depictions of the growth of the LTTE from a small group to a sophisticated terrorist organization with its own land, sea and air powers and its trail of cold blooded murders, mass scale massacres, ethnic cleansing of huge proportions, suicide missions, bomb blasts, economic targets and butchering of devotees in temples and mosques is a poignant reminder of the recent past that all Sri Lankans experienced and some members in the international community tend not to notice or failed to remember for reasons unknown. Or rather for reasons that would serve them for their own selfish needs.

The victims of LTTE atrocities were not people caught in cross fire but they were deliberately targeted in offensives carried out in well planned and precision operation on whole villages, places of worship, trains, busses and everywhere that their megalomaniacal leaders think it fit to satisfy their blood thirst orgies. The ‘Dalada Maligawa’, holiest place of worship of the Buddhist, Kebithigollewa village and the Eravur mosque shootings are but a handful of instances where they spilled blood of ordinary people including the old, sick women and children and let it flow like a river. This is not a exaggeration seeking cheap publicity but stark reality that is truly and well documented in the book. Each and every page speaks volumes of the crimes against humanity that can be rivaled by only a few in the recent history of the world.

Sri Lanka fought a terrorist war and came out of it successfully thereby setting an example to the world to follow. It was a war that was fought by a legitimately elected government against a terrorist band that was termed as the most ruthless in the world and proscribed around the world including the very nations that seek to drag Sri Lanka in to the dock for doing so. What Sri Lanka needs is support in rebuilding its shattered nation. Much has been achieved in the form of physical resource development in the former theatre of conflict.

The western community must be fair in its dealings with the lesser nations that are emerging from conflict situations. They should not be selective in their approach of human rights issues and be more proactive in assisting these nations to come out of their tribulations in a more accommodating way. In a global village every nation relies on one another for its existence. By eradicating terrorism Sri Lanka has ensured the safety of the region and the waters of the surrounding seas for the world especially to the neighboring countries to venture into without fear.

Sri Lanka has the will and the capacity to deal with its own issues, independently and truthfully. If eliminating terrorism from its shores is such a crime that had resulted in a witch hunt calling for international probes what would one call, for offences that are carried out in foreign shores on the pretext of fighting against terrorism producing bogus claims based on cooked up intelligence data.

This book and the documentary is a good reminder of the stark reality that the socalled champions of human rights and their self appointed minions to have a look and get initiated into what they are really dealing with and its history. For the uninitiated anything that goes beyond its grasp of perception or its intentions are plainly ignored or discarded as unimportant.

Students of the North Western Province those successfully competed in the Poetry Competition received their certificates and awards form the Department of Immigration and Emigration at a function held at the North Western Training Institute today morning (25th Feb).

Poetry completion covering three districts was held in parallel to the Deyata Kirula mega exhibition.

Students of Three Districts had been divided into nine segments with a view of increasing the number of price winners. Outstanding poetry writers received Rs 10000 for their exceptional skills. Meanwhile, Rs 5000, Rs 3000 and Rs 1500 were gifted for the first, second and third places of every segment respectively during the session.

According to the Department of Immigration and Emigration sources, over 2500 students had been responded with their unique writings. This event had been organized with a view of uplifting the poetry writing and aesthetic skills of students in three Districts of North Western Province.

Department of Immigration and Emigration is one if the organizations which functions under the purview of the Ministry of Defence and Urban Development.

The conduct of such a noteworthy super competition among students was came under the praise of many parents and teachers those who were present at the event.

His Excellency the President ceremonially declared open the newly constructed multi storied Pre- School building at the Defence Services College (DSC) in Colombo today (25th February). Secretary Defence and Urban Development Mr. Gotabaya Rajapaksa was also among the distinguished guests present during the opening ceremony.

The new building was opened amidst the blessings of Maha Sanga and the President unveiled a plaque to mark the occasion. Subsequent to the opening ceremony President made an inspection visit of the building accompanied by Secretary Defence.

While attending the opening ceremony the President and Secretary Defence also graced the annual prize giving of the Defence Services College at the main auditorium. During the prize giving ceremony the President launched the ‘Vidu Piyasa’ news paper and the School’s official web site. During the event Secretary Defence gave away prizes to young achievers who had excelled in studies and extracurricular activities during the past year.

The Defence Services College is the premier school dedicated to serve the educational needs of the tri forces personnel. Secretary Defence has taken special attention to develop this school on par with that of popular Colombo schools. Within a short span since its establishment the DSC has made its presence felt in producing results at public exams. It is one of the first schools to be awarded the ISO standard certificate for quality that is maintaining throughout and under a well disciplined environment. It was a great achievement of the school where the school was able to obtain such international honour.

According to a brainchild of President Rajapaksa and under the supervision of Secretary Defence the Defence Services College was established as a National School in 2007 at Malay Street in Colombo. It directly functions under the direction of Ministry of Education while the administrative matters come under the purview of Ministry of Defence and Urban Development. The students’ population is over 1400 and it will reach up to 3600 once the classes expand to year 13.

Once the school was funded by National Defence Minister of China Liang Guanglie in 2012. He granted a donation worth of 30m to the Defense Service College which was the highest donation made by China to an academic institution.

The donation included funds and materials for a fully fledged laboratory, furniture to the school, fridges, micro wave ovens etc.

Venerable Maha Sanga, Deputy Minister Education Hon.Mohan Lal Grero, Secretary to the Ministry of Education Mr. Anura Dissanayake, Senior Defence Ministry Officials, Principal of the School and parents of the children were also present at the occasion.

The Government of Sri Lanka (GOSL) has rejected the call by UN High Commissioner for Human Rights Navnanethem Pillay's "to establish an international inquiry mechanism to further investigate the alleged violations of IHRL and IHL and monitor any domestic accountability process in Sri Lanka", saying "it gives scant or no regard to the domestic processes ongoing in Sri Lanka within the framework of the LLRC NPOA, and is politicized in premise". The government said, the trajectory that has emerged with regard to the recommendation of the High Commissioner "reflects the preconceived, politicized and prejudicial agenda which she has relentlessly pursued with regard to Sri Lanka", since just a week following the defeat of terrorism in Sri Lanka, on 26th May 2009 at the 11th Special Session of the UNHRC on Sri Lanka, and at subsequent sessions and reports. It is noted that the reference in the current report that "the High Commissioner remains convinced" for an "independent, international inquiry" demonstrates her persistent efforts against Sri Lanka. Sri Lanka said, "it is pertinent to question the factual basis for the High Commissioner's initial formal call to the HRC for an independent, international investigation in May 2009 and its continuation, in order that the international community not be misled".

GOSL made these observations in "comments" submitted to the draft report of the High Commissioner on 12 February 2014, ahead of the High Commissioner's(HC) final report on Sri Lanka to the 25th Session of the UN Human Rights Council (HRC) which was placed on the OHCHR website today (24 February 2014).

Although on the last occasion when the HC reported on Sri Lanka to the 22nd Session of the HRC in March 2013, GOSL's "comments" were placed as an addendum to the report, ensuring the integrity of the HC's report and the GOSL comments, and also that they were equally visible, the GOSL's request this year that its comments be published as an addendum to the HC's Report has been refused, and have instead been placed at a separate link under "Communications from Governments" which contains an assortment of correspondence from governments on a broad range of matters of specific concern to respective governments.

In its "comments" GOSL noting its "non-recognition and categorically rejected of resolution 22/1 that mandated the HC's report", observes that "it has nevertheless continued to make significant progress in its own reconciliation process, and has continued to regularly update the Council on such progress. In this context, GOSL rejects, without prejudice to its position of non-recognition of resolution 22/1, the High Commissioner's claim that most of the recommendations made in her previous report to the Human Rights Council remain unimplemented". GOSL has also "reiterated its categorical rejection of the conclusions and recommendations contained in the HC's Report, which reflects bias and is tantamount to an unwarranted interference in the internal affairs of a sovereign State".

In its detailed point by point "comments" on the HC's report, GOSL has regretted that "the HC had raised concerns regarding a range of issues based on information of questionable veracity and arrived at conclusions in a selective and arbitrary manner". It added that this included many she had raised during her August 2013 week long visit to Sri Lanka, "where the GOSL had requested the High Commissioner to provide factual evidence to substantiate allegations" and "to refrain from making general comments without a degree of specificity which would allow the GOSL to investigate and respond in a comprehensive manner", which however had not been forthcoming.

"Please, please take us out, we are dying here," 60-year-old Wafiqa pleads, sobbing uncontrollably as she cradles her lined face in rough gnarled hands.

She stumbles toward us in her grief, toward anyone she thinks can rescue her from the punishing eight-month siege of Yarmouk, a devastated Palestinian refugee camp south of Damascus.

Just behind her, a tide of hundreds of people presses against a security barrier. Armed men struggle to contain a crowd desperate to reach a UN food distribution point at the end of a narrow rutted road that cuts through a desolate wasteland of utter ruin.

"I'm so tired, so tired," one woman cries out.

It was as if she was a self-appointed spokesperson for the suffering.

So many were in tears - old men bent over in wheelchairs, exhausted women with vacant stares, distraught children of every age. Many show signs of malnutrition.

"We had to eat local herbs boiled with spices," one mother told me. One of her daughters in a pink pushchair was inconsolable. Her little scuffed black patent shoes and a fraying tweed coat may have been the last remnants of a better life lived long ago.

Emotion was so raw it was as if disaster had just struck.

Fragile food deal

And Yarmouk looks like a earthquake zone. Buildings are now shells of gaping holes with jagged slabs of concrete and plaster hanging from the floors. Some are just mounds of rubble.

But this is a human catastrophe born of a conflict where food is a weapon of war.

The UN's Relief and Works Agency, Unrwa, which takes care of Palestinian refugees, first secured access to a camp which is now one part of a sprawling suburb, on 18 January. A fragile agreement between Syrian rebel groups and government forces working with Palestinian factions has allowed limited amounts of food and medicine to be distributed, on and off, since then.

The deal means Syrian rebel groups will leave this camp, to be replaced by Palestinian factions allied to the Syrian government.

But with details of sensitive new security arrangements still being negotiated, the UN has had to do battle every day to arrange the delivery of aid. On many days, no food at all has been given out.

The day we enter Yarmouk with the UN after securing permission from the Syrian government, only about 60 food parcels are handed out to men and women who line up, in neat and orderly separate queues.

Behind them, inside blackened buildings, we could make out more queues forming with people shouting and pushing forward. Thousands more people further inside were not even able to reach this narrow opening.

On some days there've been angry protests over the the indignity of being forced to gather in such a cramped area instead of being allowed to go to one of the Unrwa buildings, which are relatively intact, further inside.

'Much more to be done'

But Unrwa's commissioner-general also came to Yarmouk to deliver a message of hope.

"We will not forget you, the world will not forget you" Filippo Grandi promises the crowd which gathers around him, telling stories of a life which wasn't a life at all.

"We hope to reach everyone if the people who are fighting will allow us," Mr Grandi assures them.

His visit comes just days after the UN Security Council agreed a landmark humanitarian resolution which calls on all sides to lift sieges across the country now entrapping more than a quarter of a million Syrians.

Mr Grandi was carrying a copy of the resolution with him.

"What I have seen and heard today underlines the timeliness of the UN Security Council resolution 2139 on humanitarian access and the need for all sides to implement this resolution. "

He thanks the Syrian government for providing assurances that the access will be maintained and expanded.

"Much more needs to be done, he emphasises, "but this shows good will on behalf of all parties."

UN officials mingle with workers from the Syrian Arab Red Crescent Society which is involved in most aid operations across Syria.

We overhear one visibly moved UN official deep in conversation over a situation "that is against everything of humanity".

Tears of hunger

But if Yarmouk provides a small glimmer of light, it is also a reminder of the dark stubborn realities of war.

The camp, first built as a refuge for Palestinians fleeing the 1948 Arab-Israeli war, became the focus of heavy fighting in late 2012 when armed opposition groups moved in.

At the start, tens of thousands of Palestinians fled what had been their thriving community, the biggest in Syria, of about 180,000.

But since government forces cut off the rebel held camp in July last year, some 20,000 refugees have been trapped inside, with Syrians among them.

Only a few are managing to escape now.

As we are about to leave, we meet 13-year-old Kiffah waiting with his two little sisters to leave.

He dutifully puts on a brave face, telling me "life is fine, normal".

But then, he mentions "a little hunger," and suddenly bursts into tears. "There was no bread," he cries and then can speak no more.

As we walk out, we see 60-year-old Wafiqa not far behind us. She managed to get out, presumably through a relative with the right contacts.

"I have been taken out of hell," she exclaims as she clutches a piece of bread. "We have been saved from eating grass."

But the mother of five sons, four daughters, and seven grandchildren is still not at peace.

"Three sons are still inside," she laments.

Yarmouk is a small snapshot of a wider war. But it presents the clearest of pictures of overwhelming distress and destruction, and the loudest of messages of the need to find a way out.

Over 50 scholarships each worth of Rs 12000 were distributed among children of veteran War Heroes by the Chairperson of Ranaviru Seva authority Mrs. Padma Weththewa at a function held at the Defence Ministry premises in Deyata Kirula Exhibition yesterday evening (24th Feb).

Meanwhile, forty certificates were also awarded for Ranaviru children and widows' those who have successfully completed the Information Technology course which conducted in North Western area during the session.

The event replete with traditional dances performed by the Ranaviru children enticed a large gathering at the venue.

Governor of the North Western Province Hon. Ranjith Balalla Chief Minister, District Secretary, Defence Ministry Officials members of War Hero families in area including a large number of students were present at the event.

National Identity Cards for people those who handed over their duly completed applications were distributed at a function held at the Defence Ministry Premises in Deyata Kirula Exhibition under the patronage of the Commissioner General of the Registration of Persons Department yesterday evening (24th February).

Commissioner General of the Registration of Persons Department Mr. Sarath Kumara participated at the event as the Chief Guest. Many including senior citizens of Kurunegala District received their National Identity Cards during the session. Department Officials those who have been entrusted with the duty of issuance of NIC's are assiduously working with a view of facilitating the applicants without delay.

Accordingly the influx of thousands of people proved the triumph of the mega exhibition and as well experienced a huge flow towards the Registration of Persons Department while inquiring into the priceless facilities being provided.

In addition, the Registration of Persons Department is open for public throughout the Deyata Kirula Exhibition and applications will be issued from 9.00 am to 2.00 pm daily.

Indian Union Minister of State for Prime Minister’s Office V. Narayanasamy has asked the Tamil Nadu government to reconsider its decision to release three convicts in the Rajiv Gandhi assassination case.

Addressing a press conference in Puducherry on Sunday, Narayanasamy termed the Tamil Nadu government’s decision ‘arbitrary.’ The Union minister said he was shocked at the decision which, according to him, was totally unacceptable. He regretted that the decision would set a bad precedent.

He was of the opinion that the convicts should be incarcerated till their death. He said the state government had no constitutional authority to take such a decision as the case was probed by the CBI. Moreover, the culprits were punished under the Terrorists and Disruptive Activities (Prevention) Act (Tada).

He pointed out that the AIADMK, which was against the LTTE after the assassination of Rajiv Gandhi, sought a ban on it besides demanding the Union government to declare it as a terrorist organisation. The AIADMK had gone to the extent of demanding extradition of LTTE chief Prabhakaran to India for trial and punishment for his terrorist activities, he said.

The Tamil Nadu government had not even granted parole to Nalini, another convict in the case, he added.

However, now the AIADMK government planned to release the convicts to gain political mileage ahead of Lok Sabha polls, he said. The senior Congress leader said he personally did not agree with the Supreme Court’s order to commute capital punishment awarded to the convicts to life term. He said the Union government had filed a review petition before the Supreme Court and expressed optimism that the court would pass a favourable order.

Meanwhile, AIADMK Puducherry unit secretary and MLA A Anbalagan sought the dismissal of Narayanasamy for criticizing the orders passed by the country’s top court. He said the judiciary should initiate contempt of court proceedings against Narayanasamy.

He said the party would submit memoranda to the President and Supreme Court Chief Justice seeking Narayanasamy’s dismissal and contempt of court proceedings against him.

Courtesy : Daily News

Lanka not in media personnel danger list, INSI report confirms

Not a single journalist was killed in Sri Lanka in the last year under review (2013) and the island is not in the list of the most dangerous countries for journalists, a study by the International News Safety Institute (INSI) revealed.

The findings were the result of an in-depth analysis made by INSI of the circumstances in which members of the news media died last year. The report effectively demolishes claims by UN Human Rights Commissioner Navi Pillai, who in her recent report stated that Sri Lanka was not a safe country for journalists, and that the country’s media was shackled.

In her report on Sri Lanka to be submitted to the UNHRC sessions in March the High Commissioner reiterates “concern about the continuing trend of attacks on freedom of expression, peaceful assembly and association, particularly against human rights defenders, journalists and families of victims.”

However nowhere in the INSI findings has Sri Lanka ever been mentioned.

Carried out for INSI by the Cardiff School for Journalism in the UK, the annual report, entitled ‘Killing The Messenger’, provides information about the 134 journalists and media staff who were killed doing their work in 29 countries.

Sri Lanka does not figure anywhere in the list of these countries. This is the true picture that mirrors the state of media freedom in Sri Lanka which is at complete variance with what is portrayed by the West and the local NGOs in their pay.

The INSI is publishing an in-depth analysis of the causes, countries and circumstances in which members of the news media died last year. Syria bloodiest country for journalists for second year running. Over 92 percent of those killed were local journalists . Syria and Pakistan retained their position among the world’s five most dangerous countries for journalists. Iraq, the Philippines and India were also in the top five this year.

Twenty journalists died in Syria, which was the bloodiest country for journalists for a second year. Sixteen died in Iraq, 14 died in the Philippines, 13 died in India and nine died in Pakistan.

The toll is down by almost 12 percent compared to the 152 who died in 2012, although INSI is worried by what appears to be a rise in the numbers of assaults, threats and kidnappings of journalists – which go unreported for the most part. ‘Killing the Messenger’ shows that 65 journalists lost their lives in armed conflict situations, however most journalists (69) were killed in peacetime covering issues such as crime and corruption. Most journalists were targeted, and shooting was the most common cause of death (63 percent of such cases). However, 18 died in accidents – eight of them on the road. Other accidents included four journalists killed by typhoon Haiyan in the Philippines, one journalist killed on a construction site in China and one killed by an elephant in India.

As a safety organisation, INSI records all deaths, whether deliberate, accidental or health-related, of all news media staff, support staff and freelancers while on assignment or as a result of their news organisation being attacked because of its work.

Courtesy : Daily News

The selected 36 final contestants of the unique Ranaviru Real Star (RRS) reality programme were introduced to the media at a media conference held at the Galadari Hotel in Colombo under the patronage of Secretary Defence and Urban Development Mr. Gotabaya Rajapaksa this evening (24th February).

The RRS which highlights the hidden talents of the tri forces personnel is a brainchild of Mr. Rajapaksa. Running for the fourth consecutive season this programmes is telecast over Sri Lankan Rupavahini Corporation in Colloboration with Dialog Axiata PLC.

The 36 finalists were carefully selected among shortlisted contestants of 7500. They had to face stiff competition to be among the final list of contestants who will vie their way into the hearts and minds of Sri Lankan and ultimately join the elite group of 'Ranaviru Real Star' winners. Millions of worth prizes are on offer including a luxury house, cars and cash presents.

The competition is judged by eminent personalities from the local arts industry who preside over 60 percent of the final outcome whilst the rest will be decided by the public via SMS.

One of the new features of the RRS 4 is that the contestants have been facilitated a one week residential training on performance including voice training by professionals in the field. This was done under the instructions of Secretary Defence at seven location including Mullaithivu, Tricomalee, Diyatalawa and Panagoda. In response to a question by a media personnel Mr. Rajapaksa said that all 36 contestants will be presented with gifts while special gifts will be awarded to the disable contestants even if they do not make it to the finals. He also announced special prizes for female contestants. Incidentally a young Tamil woman soldier was also among the selected finalists. She is one of the Northern Tamil girls who recently passed out after completing training and presently working in the former theatre of conflict.

RRS is one the most popular TV reality programmes in the country and it is the only such programme in the world to be dedicated to the service personnel. Gathering stream the programme has not lost momentum with each concluding season but it has increased its audience base. It is clearly evident by the number of SMSs that inundate the screens during the telecast of each round over the prime time TV. More than 8.8 million SMSs were sent during the last programme alone.

A series of short commercials depicting the highlights of Colombo's hotspots that have come up under the Colombo Deverlopment Project were also presented to the first time during the event. It shows past contestants performing popular songs with popular spots such as Colombo Race Course, Diyatha Uyana and War Memorial.

RRS Mission 4 saw the inmates of Mihinduseth Medura also perform as contestants. Mihinduseth Medura is a hospice dedicated to the lifelong care of the permanentlt disables service personnel. Two disable contestants are also among the final group of 36.

The winner of RRS Mission 4 will receive a house worth Rs. 17 million which will be built in a place where the winner resides. The runner up will receive a car and cash of Rs. 1 million while the third placed will walk away with Rs. 1 million cash. The fourth and fifth placed will get Rs. 500,000.00.

Additional Secretary MoD and UD Mr. Damayanthi Jayaratna, Chief of Defence Staff, tri forces commanders, CEO of Dialog Axiata, Chairman of Sri Lankan Rupavahini Corporation, members of the panel of judges, senior military officers and eminent media personalities were present at the occasion.

A young girl has died from injuries sustained in Sunday's bomb blast in Bangkok, bringing the death toll from the attack to three.

The apparent grenade blast took place near an anti-government protest site in the heart of the capital.

A woman, 59, and a four-year-old boy were confirmed dead on Sunday. Doctors said on Monday that the little boy's sister died later of brain injuries.

Twenty-two people were hurt, including a nine-year-old boy in intensive care.

Sunday's attack came hours after gunmen opened fire on an anti-government rally in eastern Thailand, killing a five-year-old girl.

Thai Prime Minister Yingluck Shinawatra has condemned the attacks, describing them as "terrorist acts for political gain".

UN Secretary Ban Ki-moon has also spoken out, calling for violence "from any quarter" to end immediately.

'Harder fight'

Tensions across Thailand have escalated since a wave of anti-government protests began in November.

The demonstrators want Ms Yingluck to resign to make way for an appointed interim government, but she has refused.

Last week, several people were killed in clashes that erupted in Bangkok when police began clearing sites blocked by protesters.

No group has so far said they carried out either of the weekend attacks.

But the BBC's Jonathan Head in Bangkok says it appears to be the start of retaliation by the armed wing of the so-called "red-shirt" movement that backs the governing Pheu Thai party.

Ms Yingluck heads a government that won elections in 2011 with broad support from rural areas.

In response to the protests, the prime minister called snap elections on 2 February, which her government was widely expected to win.

However, the polls were boycotted by the opposition and voting was disrupted by protesters at about 10% of polling stations, meaning by-elections are needed before a government can be formed.

Correspondents say red-shirt activists have watched with growing frustration as the protesters - who enjoy the backing of the military and powerful royalists - have been allowed to obstruct the government and sabotage the election.

On Sunday, leaders of the pro-government United Front for Democracy against Dictatorship (UDD) held a rally attended by thousands of supporters.

"This fight will be harder than any other ... You must think how we can deal with [protest leader] Suthep [Thaugsuban] and those supporting him," UDD leader and Pheu Thai official Jatuporn Prompan said.

Courtesy :BBC News

Maldivian President Abdulla Yameen Abdul Gayoom said when a member state is subjected to unfair treatment, its neighbours need to stand up and demand justice.

“It is time that member states of SAARC forge common positions on critical issues of importance to our region and the rest of the world. Individually, we might only have limited impact or little strength, but collectively we can move mountains,” he said at the 25th Session of the SAARC Council of Ministers held in Male.

External Affairs Minister Professor G.L. Peiris who led the Sri Lanka delegation had a discussion on the sidelines of the 25th Session of the SAARC Council of Ministers with President Gayoom. The President also said: “It is time that we, as a region, stand up to demand our worth in the international arena. It is time that we stand up for each other, protect each other, and fight the cause for each other. It is time that we show the world the solidarity of SAARC.”

Minister Peiris also had bilateral discussions on current issues with Maldivian Foreign Minister Dunya Maumoon, Indian External Affairs Minister Salman Khurshid, Federal Minister and Advisor to the Prime Minister of Pakistan on National Security and Foreign Affairs Sartaj Aziz, Bangladesh Foreign Affairs State Minister Fhahriar Alam, Bhutan’s Foreign Affairs Minister Lyonpo Rinzin Dorji and Npeal’s Officiating Foreign Secretary Shanker Das Bairagi.

Courtesy : Daily News

Schoolchildren of war heroes in Kurunegala, Puttalam and Kegalle districts were donated with School appliances at a function held at Deyata Kirula MoD site premises in Kuliyapitiya today (23rd February).

The event was organized by the Armed Forces and Police welfare Division established under Ministry of Defence and Urban Development. The division was initially established in 2007 in order fulfill the welfare necessities of the war heroes and their family members according to a brainchild of His Excellency the President Mahinda Rajapaksa and the purview of Secretary Defence and Urban Development Mr. Gotabaya Rajapaksa.

During the today's event 200 children were presented with schooling needs comprised of School bags, exercise books and classroom stationeries. Children of the war hero families of tri forces, police and Civil Security Department (CSD) are eligible to receive the presents. Schoolchildren from grade 1 to 6 will be given the gift parcels at the Armed Forces and Police welfare Division's stall in MoD site after proving their identity with the birth certificate. The division is expected to handover around 3500 gift parcels until the end of the Deyata Kirula exhibition.

The event was headed by Additional Secretary (defence) of Ministry of Defence and Urban Development Mr. Hettiarachchi, director of the Armed Forces and Police welfare Division Mrs. Malkanthi Jayawardane, director projects of the division Major General (Rtd) Wasantha Kumara.

Mr. Hettiarachchi also visited the MoD site during his tour in the Deyata Kirula exhibition.

War hero families and their children were also present at the occasion.

Library books for Schools

On par with the Deyata Kirula national Exhibition a number of School library books were handed over to Moragane Maha Vidyalaya and Panduwasnuwara SWRD Bandaranayaka National School at a ceremony held at Deyata Kirula MoD site premises in Kuliyapitiya today (22nd February).

The event was held under the project of assisting 100 schools in Kurunegala, Puttalam and Kegalle districts.

The donations were made by Room to Read Non Governmental Organization.

Self employees supported

Meanwhile in order to encourage the self employees in Kurunegala district, selected people including farmers and retail shop owners at Udubeddawa, Wilapola in Kuliyapitiya were given the financial donations worth over Rs. 25000.00.

Ygro non governmental Organization sponsored for the donation.

Both events were headed by additional secretary (administration) of Ministry of Defence and Urban Development Mrs. Indu Rathnayake and coordinated by National Secretariat on NGOs.

The Sri Lanka Army has provided another opportunity to females in Wanni and East to serve in the Sri Lanka Army Volunteer Force. Accordingly 100 females from Killinochchi and 50 females from the Eastern Province will be recruited to the Sri Lanka Army Women's Corps, the Army said in a release yesterday.

Recruitment which began recently has a positive response from the public. Upon basic training they will be employed in their own areas mainly for civil coordination activities, the release added.

It said: " These women enlisted into the Sri Lanka Army Volunteer Force are able to leave the service whenever they wish to as per the Volunteer Service Regulations. "Some parties with vested interests have spread a rumor that the Army is recruiting women forcibly. There is no truth in such allegations. Anyone with required qualification can join willingly and no one would be forced to join as alleged by parties whose obvious objective is to disrupt re-conciliatory measures of this nature initiated by the government."

External Affairs Minister Prof. G.L. Peiris during a recent official visit to Beijing, People's Republic of China expressed support for China's initiative for the establishment of a 21st Century Maritime Silk Route Economic Belt, with the aim of integrating countries in the maritime silk route for comprehensive economic co-operation enabling common growth and prosperity.

This visit will give an added impetus to opportunities accruing to Sri Lanka in the context of promoting the country as a regional "commercial hub".

Minister Prof. Peiris, in expressing support for this concept, noted that the new initiative would be a catalyst in giving practical orientation to the "Strategic Co-operative Partnership" adopted by the leaders during the State visit of President Mahinda Rajjapaksa to China, in May last year.

The Chinese dignitaries in their discussions with the Minister of External Affairs in Beijing, reiterated the need to give consideration to each other's own national development strategy,

while advancing practical co-operation, deepening the integration of interests and strengthening support for each other.

The two countries are giving priority to fast tracking the proposed Free Trade Agreement between Sri Lanka and the People's Republic of China. The feasibility survey is on the verge of completion, and the rest of the process is to be expedited.

Meanwhile, a delegation led by the Director General, Department of the National Development and Reforms Commission of the People's Republic of China is scheduled to visit Sri Lanka from February 22 to 25, to discuss further the broad parameters of bilateral economic cooperation.

The newly constructed Palavi - Kalpitiya road in Puttalam will be ceremonially declared open by President Mahinda Rajapaksa tomorrow. The 26 kilometre- long and nine metre wide road has been widened and improved laying an asphalt carpet at a cost of Rs. 2,974 million by the Road Development Authority, Highways, Ports and Shipping Project Minister Nirmala Kothalawala told the Daily News. The road was constructed in line with the massive development project coinciding with the 8th annual 'Deyata Kirula" national exhibition.

He said the road which runs from Palavi in Puttalam to the Kalpitiya coastal area through Norochcholai will be a boon for the tourism industry vastly.

"The road will specially be useful for the thousands of devotees who visit the Thalawila shrine," he said. "With the development of this road and its access roads, the areas around it will also be developed and become highly commercialized areas in the future," Kothalawala added.

Lieutenant General Ashok Singh, GOC-IN-C, Southern Army Command of the Indian Army paid a courtesy call on the Secretary to the Ministry of Defence and Urban Development Mr. Gotabaya Rajapaksa yesterday (21st Feb) at the Ministry premises.

During the meeting a cordial discussion was held between the Secretary Defence and the Southern Army Commander on matters of mutual interests and bilateral importance.

Mementos were also exchanged to mark the occasion.

High Commissioner of India in Sri Lanka, His Excellency Mr Y.K.Sinha and Defence attaché were also present.

The 8th Deyata Kirula National Exhibition was launched auspiciously by His Excellency the President Mahinda Rajapaksa in Kuliyapitiya short while ago. The opening ceremony replete with several dancing displays made it a marvelous inauguration in this pleasant evening.

The mammoth exhibition is now open for public at the Wayamba University Technical College ground and the Central College of Kuliyapitiya premises.

The exhibition which extends up to 162 acres has been scheduled to continue for seven days. A special stamp also issued symbolically to mark the inauguration of the Exhibition.

The new bus station and the shopping complex in Hettipola will also be vested on public by the President Rajapaksa tomorrow in parallel to the event.

While visiting the sites, Additional Secretary of Ministry of Defence and Urban Development (Technical) Mr. Rohan Senaviratne and Volunteer Force Commander of the Sri Lanka Army, Major General Prasad Samarasinghe visited the Defence Ministry premises in Deyata Kirula site this evening.

Religious dignitaries including Venerable Maha Sanaga, First Lady Madam Shiranthi Rajapaksa, Hon members of the Parliament, Tri Forces Commanders, government agents and a large number of Kuliyapitiya residents were present at the opening ceremony.

A delegation led by Norwegian ambassador to Sri Lanka Her Excellency Ms Grete Lochen visited Jaffna and met the Commander Security Force Jaffna (SF-J) Major General Udaya Perera Thursday (13th Feb) at Palaly.

During the meeting while responding to a question, SF-J Commander stated that, “strength of the troops in Jaffna has been considerably reduced and almost all the sentry points manned by the army in public places were also withdrawn”.

“Jaffna being a part of the country, we have to maintain a force here on the ground of national security”. He also said. “Although we have restricted the soldiers to their camps, we have to reconsider it as some extremist political elements try to create chaos in various places of Jaffna”. Maj. General Udaya Perera added.

While paying further emphasis on the development involvement he further said that, it is also our duty to assist the Police in maintaining law and order in violent situations on their request.

Further explaining on the prevailed great demand for food and scarcity during past two three years he said that, “Army facilitated in the process of providing food for civilians who were newly resettled until they get on with their own livelihood”. “Thus, extending community oriented welfare measures Army grew vegetables since the dawn of peace and facilitated civilians to consume at a concessionary price”.

“Accordingly, with the growth of cultivation and expansion of economy along with the peasant communities we stopped and averted the market facility for farmers where they could sell their own products,” Maj. Gen. Udaya Perera added.

The three-member delegation comprised the Ambassador Her Excellency Ms Grete Lochen, Counselor Ms Dagny Mjos and Senior Advisor Ms Hanne Pilrem.

Educating spectators while giving a clear picture on the visionary measure that initiated by the government, Secretary Defence Urban Development Mr. Gotabaya Rajapaksa preceded over a conversation elaborating on the reality against the baseless misinformation telecasted recently.

Meanwhile, Chairman of the Urban Development Authority (UDA) Mr. Nimal Perera, Director General Mr. Nihal Fernando and other senior officials those who are audaciously engaged in the project were also made clarifications.

Responding a recent programme telecasted by the TNL TV channel namely “PIBIDEEMA” which aired some contradictory baseless issues related to the new housing projects in progress dedicatedly for the betterment for the Underserved Settlements in Colombo, the conversations was organized. During the concocted programme crucial baseless allegations were also highlighted while interviewing a segment of selected people living in shanties according to pity political desires.

Those who are on track towards narrow political aspirations are the people who deal out such information for their own political games while seeking advantages said Mr. Rajapaksa during the interview. We should assess while looking into the broader view whereas taking the majority as a sample without highlighting politically motivated tiny expressions. He noted.

In common slums do not have proper drainage and sewage disposal systems and as they are situated in mostly low lying areas and mash lands. Sanitary and health conditions of the slum dwellers are very low and they hardly have access to proper medical facilities. The health and hygienic conditions of the slum children needs much attention. Even sometimes slums are often affected during the rainy season. Life under such adverse atmosphere people are most vulnerable to get affected by disease such as respiratory problems, parasitic infections, and diarrhoea.

Elaborating on census revealed facts UDA officials explained that, most of these houses are illegal structures or squatters and there are about 135000 families dwelling in 68812 houses. Also it is a well-known fact that majority of them are children (below the age of 14) and owing to the low literacy rate, most of them are unemployed or under employed.

The lands of these shanties and slums are belongs to the State or Urban Council, and not own by them. But very few have been identified as personal properties during the survey and they will be given a separate house considering their previous belongings, UDA official explained. Further he stated that for those are losing legal properties could also be considered for compensation accordingly.

Responding to a question made by a shanty dweller, the UDA official explained that a separate water supply meters have been fitted to each unit and electricity meter will be provided at a concessionary rate on request of the household. Accordingly it was proved the falls allegation telecasted in the previous programme.

Secretary Defence also stated that, at the initial stage same people went on to say that “similar to the previous governments it will be only a foundation stone and nothing else more”. But now it is obvious and already the Dematagoda housing scheme flourished the aspirations of the deserved people. Mr. Rajapaksa emphasised that in the trajectory of this course of action we have succeeded with a proven track record and the same people with baseless allegations come up with some other pity false information.

Existence of criticizing segment of people on development and similar good work appears in every country and it is normal, he added.

Responding to a question pointed out into the quality and the durability of the housing projects Secretary Defence described that, these constructions have been undertaken by renowned construction companies in the country including an Indian based firm. Hence it is unacceptable. Further adding to the same, Director General Mr. N Fernando said that it has been constructed according to the British Standards and no doubt on the durability. Thus it was correspondingly proven another baseless allegation.

Mr. Rajapaksa recalling back to the past said that, there was no any government sustained in the process of massive development without foreign loans. But the important aspect is how these loans are going to be utilized effectively for the betterment of the country people.

Without visiting the actual grounds and not knowing the reality of shanty life nonentities are continue to argue based on misinformation. Please visit the houses, project sites surroundings and shanties to witness what we have done thus far. Secretary Defence said while extending an open invitation. “I am visiting these locations frequently and I was free to exchange views with the people then and there” he added.

Due to the congested environment most of the children are deprived of the opportunity to receive a good education. These with other reasons have led to degradation of these backward societies which has resulted in many anti-social elements like underworld gangs, drug addicts and drug dealers emerging from slums. Secretary Defence explained.

Responding to a meaningless point highlighted during the interview with regard to the vacated slum lands and thereby profiteering by transferring its ownership back to various parties Secretary Defence questioned that, whether such railway and Beira lake sides could be sold? Either we pay Bank loans while transferring them to entrepreneurs, investors or otherwise we implement new housing projects utilizing the same space. He said.

During the session UDA official explained that unauthorised structures utilized for commercial purposes will not be removed for the time being.

The prominent features in this process are

a. Economical benefits - Legal right and prestige of being an owner of a house, Entrepreneurship development among people, Recognized job opportunities,

b. Social benefits - Social recognition, a permanent address, better society, Elimination of illegal activities

c. Environmental benefits - Good sanitary facilities, healthier pollution free environment, Easy access to places in the city

d. Benefits to the next generation - Elemination of discrimination and improvement in youth education. Recognition in the society for females for better marriage prospects.

Some parties with vested interests are trying to hamper the smooth function of worthy course while digging up useless issues in order to tarnish the image of the governing party. Despite all the disinformation and misinformation based baseless allegations we will continue the mission. Secretary Defence concluded.

Implementing another recommendation of the Lessons Learnt and Reconciliation Commission (LLRC), the Government has introduced specific measures to ensure the maintenance of law and order, particularly the disarming of any illegal armed groups.

During the time of the conflict, illegal armed groups were known to operate in the theatre of conflict. According to the Status report on the National Plan of Action for the implementation of the recommendations of the LLRC, steps have been taken by the government to completely eliminate this activity. These measures will continue to be implemented to ensure that these groups do not re – emerge.

The relevant authorities have examined crime statistics and trends to identify critical issues.

Also, the Government has completed the rehabilitation of ex- child combatants. The National Child Protection Authority (NCPA) and the Office of the Commissioner General of Rehabilitations have successfully introduced and implemented a comprehensive scheme for rehabilitation and reintegration of the former child combatants.

The child soldiers have been given the opportunity and assistance to return to school to pursue their studies; some have sat the GCE Advanced Level Examination and even qualified to gain university admission.

Employment opportunities have been created in the former conflict affected areas in consultation with the private sector.

Former child combatants who had missed school are encouraged and facilitated to complete their formal education requirements while engaging in gainful employment.

Courtesy : President Media Unit

No government or party should be soft in our fight against terrorism

The assassination of Shri Rajiv Gandhi was an attack on the soul of India - Indian PM

The court order came as Prime Minister Manmohan Singh condemned Tamil Nadu’s decision, terming it as “legally untenable” and “contrary to all principles of justice.” Singh added that no government or political party should have double standards when it comes to fighting terrorists.

The Indian Supreme Court on Tuesday (18th Feb) commuted the death sentence of three convicts in the Rajiv Gandhi assassination, case Santhan, Murugan and Perarivalan to life imprisonment.

A day later, in what is being seen as a political masterstroke in India ahead of the Lok Sabha polls, the Tamil Nadu Government decided to release all seven convicts in the assassination case. Accordingly, in addition to the three mentioned above, the Government also decided to release Nalini, Robert Pious, Jayakumar and Ravichandran; the others convicted of plotting to kill the former Indian Prime Minister, who was killed by an LTTE female suicide bomber in 1991.

Seeking a stay on the Tamil Nadu government's decision to release all seven convicts in the Rajiv Gandhi assassination case, the Indian government yesterday moved the Supreme Court which agreed to give an urgent hearing and decided to take up the case later in the day.

Admitting a petition by the Centre, a bench led by Chief Justice P Sathasivam ordered the state government to “maintain status quo prevailing as on date” in respect of convicts Murugan, Santhan and Perarivalan until March 6.

While issuing notices to the Tamil Nadu government and the three convicts, the bench turned down Solicitor General Mohan Parasaran’s plea to also stay the state’s decision to free the other four convicts in the case.

The court order came as Prime Minister Manmohan Singh condemned Tamil Nadu’s decision, terming it as “legally untenable” and “contrary to all principles of justice.” Dr. Singh added that no government or political party should have double standards when it comes to fighting terrorists.

Several newspapers said Thursday that Jayalalithaa’s surprise decision was motivated by a desire to woo Tamil voters for her regional party at an upcoming general election, with The Times of India declaring in a front-page headline: "Jaya plays politics".

Congress vice-president Rahul Gandhi had also expressed his sadness over the state government's decision.

President Mahinda Rajapaksa has extended the mandate issued to the Presidential Commission to investigate cases of alleged disappearances of persons in the Northern and Eastern Provinces by six months to August 12, 2014, as increased numbers of submissions are received by it.

The Commission has, to date, received approximately 16,000 complaints from all parts of the country. The first rounds of public hearings in the Jaffna District concluded Feb. 17, 2014, where it heard submissions from 984 persons in the towns of Chavakachcheri, Kopay and Jaffna. Earlier, hearings were held in Kilinochchi from Jan. 18–21, 2014, where submissions from 440 persons were received.

The three-member Commission, comprising Mr. Maxwell Paranagama (Chairman), Mrs. Priyanthi Suranjana Vidyaratne and Mrs. Mano Ramanathan, is mandated to inquire into and report on alleged abductions or disappearances during the period June 10, 1990, to May 19, 2009.

Earlier, the Commission had received a total of 13,700 complaints from all parts of the country of which approximately 9,300 complaints of disappearances are of civilians and 4,300 are of security personnel.

The Chairman of the Commission Mr. Maxwell Paranagama said the Commission was well received.

“Everyone, including government officials and religious leaders were very cooperative”, Mr. Paranagama said.

Responding to concerns over the weekend that witnesses could be intimidated, Mr. Paranagama had stated that the Commission would not hesitate to take severe action against any person trying to intimidate witnesses who appeared before the Commission.

“I will take any available legal provisions to deal with it,” the Chairman said.

The work of the Missing Persons Commission addresses recommendation 9.51 of the Lessons Learnt and Reconciliation Commission (LLRC).

For more information on the progress of the LLRC recommendations, please visit www.llrcaction.gov.lk.

Courtesy : President Media Unit

The Sri Lankan community resident in Geneva and the environs came together to celebrate Sri Lanka's 66th anniversary of independence at an event organised recently by the Permanent Mission of Sri Lanka to the UN in Geneva at the ILO premises. With over 250 Sri Lankans under one roof, the event was testimony to the country's rich and multi-faceted heritage.

Addressing the gathering Sri Lanka's Permanent Representative to the UN in Geneva, Ambassador Ravinatha Aryasinha noted that when one watches the international news today, it is a great solace to see that Sri Lanka is nowhere near the headlines. More importantly no more lives were being lost on account of terrorism. He said that one tends to forget this reality despite possibly all of those present having lost loved ones in the conflict which lasted almost 30 years. The end of the conflict had also heralded an era of unprecedented socio-economic development and had paved the way for reconciliation to heal the wounds of the past. Noting that however the negative projection of Sri Lanka by those with vested interests continue unabated, Ambassador Aryasinha said this was a challenge all Sri Lankans would have to continue to confront with resolve for a while longer.

Ambassador Aryasinha recalled his appeal made to the community one year ago, to reflect on what more the expatriate Sri Lankans could do to contribute towards the development of the country and to counter the negative narratives being propagated - by clarifying genuine concerns and debunking falsehoods. He said "one year later, having come to know some of you better, the work you do, and the commitment you have for your country, I feel strengthened in the resolve that these obstacles are not insurmountable and that these can be overcome by working together". He said some had played a catalytic role in persuading friends and associates to visit Sri Lanka and to invest in Sri Lanka, while others had sought to contribute their expertise for the betterment of the motherland. There were also many within International organizations and other agencies based in Geneva who had leveraged the energies of these organizations towards the benefit of Sri Lanka and Sri Lankans. Ambassador Aryasinha said "I am also greatly encouraged by what I have seen particularly over the past few months, where across Switzerland, some valiant Sri Lankans, found the time, resources and the energy to make their presence felt, by turning up and challenging the many one-sided events being organized in this country by pro LTTE elements". He hoped that the actions of those who had made this difference will inspire all, because these are challenging times for Sri Lanka, and particularly challenging times need particularly committed and courageous men and women to step up to the plate.

Religious observances on this occasion were conducted by the representatives of the main religions being practiced in Sri Lanka. Ven. Thawalama Dhammika Thero, Ven. Halyale Wimalarathana Thero and Ven. Kaluarachchiyagama Sumanarathana Thero conducted the Buddhist religious observances. Uma Shankar Kurukkal and Karthik Ragavan Kurukkal performed the Hindu prayers. Imam A.M. Zawahir performed the Islamic prayers, while Rev. Vincent Schmid and Rev. Sister Philomina Jesudasan conducted the Christian prayers.

The 66th Independence Day messages of the President, Prime Minister and Minister of External Affairs were read at the occasion.

Ambassador Nimal Karunatilake, Permanent Representative to the World Trade Organization delivered the Vote of Thanks.

The 66th Independence Day Anniversary was celebrated in a grand scale at the High Commission and also in the Capital City of Canberra on the 4th of February 2014. Proceedings started with the hoisting of the National Flag by Admiral (Retd) Thisarra Samarasinghe, the High Commissioner in the presence of the members of the staff and a large gathering of expat Sri Lankans. This was followed by the singing of the National Anthem and observance of two minutes silence, multi-religious observances and lighting of the traditional oil lamp.

National Day Message of His Excellency Mahinda Rajapaksa was read in all three languages to the audience. The High Commissioner then addressed the gathering highlighting the significance of peace that Sri Lanka is enjoying at present under one flag and paid tribute to the military who made it possible and the courageous and visionary leadership of His Excellency the President.

Unprecedented post conflict achievements were highlighted both in the social, economic and public spheres. High Commissioner also explained the challenges faced by Sri Lanka by way of unfounded, unsubstantiated allegations and urged the community to stand against such attempts.

High Commissioner explained the deep rooted relationship with the Government of Australia which goes back to over 65 years and thanked the Australian Government for supporting Sri Lanka at the CHOGM and at international engagements. While thanking the community for the continued support rendered to Sri Lanka, the High Commissioner urged the community to support Sri Lanka individually, as a group and as a community in its economic revival.

The city of Canberra, on the 4th of February, was decorated with three sets of national flags alternatively alongside the Australian national flags on the main highway leading to the Federal Parliament in the city centre, signifying Sri Lanka National Day and the close friendship between Australia and Sri Lanka. This event was sponsored by the Sri Lankan Australian community in Canberra.

The High Commissioner, the staff and the community proceeded to the Commonwealth Place on 4th February to hoist the Sri Lankan flag in the main mast of the Commonwealth Place and the national anthem was sung by all those present. This flag is on the main area where all the country flags on either side in the picturesque sight of Graffin Lake transiting the Australian new and old Parliaments and the War Memorial.

The Canberra Times carried a two page special supplement to mark the 66th Anniversary carrying the messages of His Excellency the President, the Hon. Prime Minister, the Hon. External Affairs Minister and the High Commissioner.

Photographs of bilateral meetings, exchange of rugby t'shirts between H.E. the President and Hon. Tony Abbott, during the CHOGM and Prime Minister Tony Abbott being greeted by Mr. Gotabaya Rajapaksa at the Port of Colombo with the Sri Lanka Navy ship "Sayura' at the background were included in the supplement.

'What we build today must last for generations, and need to be future proof in terms of functionality, practicality, cost effectiveness and impact. These are important elements that I urge you to keep in mind in your deliberations during this Conference' said Secretary Defence and Urban Development Mr. Gotabaya Rajapaksa addressing the 31st National Conference on Architecture organized by the Sri Lanka Institute of Architects (SLIA) at the BMICH today (20th February).

Mr. Gotabaya Rajapaksa attended the event as the Chief Guest.

The SLIA is the professional body of the architectural professionals in the country which was originally formed as the Ceylon Institute of Architects in 1956. Over the years the SLIA has grown to be organization with a membership of over 975 comprising of seven membership categories.

Held under the theme of 'Envisioning Futures' the conference saw the attendance of a large number of industry professionals, experts, local and foreign guest speakers, intellectuals, SLIA officials and students. Prof. Alan Pert, Director of Melbourne School of Design was the keynote speaker.

Addressing the gathering Mr. Rajapaksa further said that Architects have an important role to play in the development of Sri Lanka as the nation moves swiftly to a prosperous future built on a platform of unparalleled peace, security and stability.

As envisaged in the 'Mahinda Chinthana Idiri Dekma' document the government hoped to strengthen the peace and fast track economic development. This vision centres on transforming Sri Lanka into a dynamic global hub that will make full use of the country's unique geostrategic position and its educated and productive work force. It envisions that Sri Lanka will become a Naval, Aviation, Commercial, Energy and Knowledge Hub in the future he said.

He stressed that one of the foremost requirements in facilitating this transformation is creating an overall environment that is people friendly that will greatly uplift the living standards of the people, encouraging high net worth investors, entrepreneurs, and high calibre professionals to live and work in Sri Lanka.

Mr. Rajapaksa noted that the Ministry of Defence Urban Development and its line agencies, together with the provincial and municipal authorities have initiated many programmes island wide to uplift the quality of its metropolitan areas with focus on developing clean, green, people friendly cities and towns that will foster an efficient working environment and a relaxed living environment. These projects are aimed at flood retention and improvement of drainage infrastructure, proper housing for underserved settlements, improving the road network and pavements, developing public open spaces, restoring heritage buildings, and enhancing public facilities.

He revealed that most of this work in already in progress and are scheduled for completion at the end of next year. Under the Beire Lake rehabilitation project its gates, tributaries and output channels will be unblocked and improved, while steps will be taken to address the pollution caused by adjacent unauthorised settlements and buildings. In addition, the Beddegana Park in the Kotte area will also be greatly improved and retention areas have been created in pareas such as Rampalawatta, Pelawatte and Thalawathugoda.

Under the Weras Ganga Basin Storm Water Drainage Environment Improvement Project, the dredging of the Weras Ganga will be coupled with improvements to the drainage system connecting to Bolgoda. Under a Green Growth Programme, measures will be taken to protect the marshlands in the metro Colombo region and enhance the biodiversity of the parks. This will help the city to once again claim the title of being the Garden City of the East he said.

Commenting on the resettlement of Underserved Settlements Project he said that some 70,000 families who lived in unauthorized settlements in Colombo will be given housing in high-rise buildings built in areas close to the peoples' original places of dwelling. Their improved living environment will greatly enhance their social mobility. This is the greatest contribution of the relocation programme to the people of Colombo he said.

In addition this will make available prime government land, once occupied by squatters for commercial development that has seen a great increase in Colombo and also the strategic reservations alongside the rail tracks will be freed, reducing the risks to the people and making the environment safer.

Under the city roads and pavement development programme common conduits have been introduced for utility services along these streets, and upgraded drainage facilities is a notable achievement he said. Pavement vendors have been given with alternative places he further said

He highlighted the innovative approaches taken by the Urban Development Authority has been to rehabilitate derelict heritage buildings and give them a new lease on life. The Colombo Racecourse Grounds, the Dutch Hospital, the Galle Dutch Hospital, and the former Auditor General's Department Building have been restored to their former glory and have been transformed into vibrant urban centres.

He said that city garbage collection has been streamlined and solved with more attention being paid to the administration of garbage collection contracts and the introduction of innovative solutions, such as the establishment of the Environmental Protection division within the Police to monitor the streets. Underscoring the need for a sound long-term solution for garbage disposal. he said that the Ministry of Defence Urban Development is presently working on a sustainable solution in transporting garbage via rail to a sanitary landfill being built in an abandoned quarry in Aruakkalu, Puttalam.

He expressed pleasure in seeing thousands of people patronizing the parks and other recreational spaces including the Independence Square, Water's Edge, the Nawala Wetland Park, the Viharamahadevi Park, and Thalawathugoda and said that it reflects extraordinarily beneficial these projects have been to the public at large. It has also opened up new avenues for entrepreneur to set up businesses.

The Government has spent a great deal of money on developing infrastructure and facilities, maintaining these and ensuring they do not deteriorate through neglect or misuse is critical. While the municipal and state authorities will engage in maintenance, the public must also do its part. Unfortunately, the development of an appropriate civic consciousness may take time. It is only through changing peoples mind-sets that these problems will be overcome in the long term he said.

The civic consciousness we have about preserving the environment is similarly crucial. Billboards are eyesores that obscure the greenery of the city and detract from its natural beauty. Instructions have been given to the Municipal Authorities to regulate billboards better, and the people who put up billboards should be advised to consider more effective and modern ways of advertising methods such as electronic billboards in permitted areas.

Under the secondary city development programme work is under way to develop cities including Kandy, Galle, Matara, Jaffna, Batticalao, Kurunegala, Trincomalee, Nuwara Eliya and a few other smaller cities. The historic Galle Fort city is being renovated, and the historic Galle Fort city and the heritage city of Kandy will be developed under a project funded by a World Bank loan. Through these projects and other urban development programmes, the overall quality of city life in Sri Lanka has improved greatly over the past few years and will improve considerably further in the years to come.

While establishing eco-friendly and beautiful cities is critical, it must be kept in mind that economic development is a key priority and an ongoing process. This is why we need architects, engineers and professionals in related fields to be committed to creating cities that are not just eco-friendly and beautiful, but are also practical, functional and cost effective. Novel and practical solutions as to how this might be achieved are the need of the hour. There are many areas in the present urban development programmes undertaken by the Government to which Architects can contribute. If architects and engineers can understand the present requirements and design cost effective solutions that do not unduly burden public funds, it should be possible to provide better urban housing facilities for future beneficiaries of resettlement programmes he said.

Concluding his speech Mr. Rajapaksa called upon architects, urban designers and town planners to try to help solve the existing issues facing our urban spaces through proposing innovative solutions. What we build today must last for generations, and need to be future proof in terms of functionality, practicality, cost effectiveness and impact. These are important elements that I urge you to keep in mind in your deliberations during this Conference.

A special memento was presented to Mr. Rajapaksa by Prof. Chitra Wedikkara, President of SLIA in appreciation of his services in ushering in an era of peace and his contribution towards the urban regeneration and development projects during the ceremony.

Congressman Robert Aderholt (R-Alabama), Co-chair of the Congressional Caucus on Sri Lanka, commends Sri Lanka's "ability and tenacity to keep your country free" and Sri Lanka's fundamental commitment to "democracy, human rights and the rule of law"

There is no better time than now for you to help your Motherland - Ambassador Wickramasuriya

A historic opportunity has arrived for the sons and daughters of Sri Lanka living in the United States to support their motherland, says H.E. Mr. Jaliya Wickramasuriya , the Sri Lankan Ambassador to the US.

Addressing nearly a thousand Sri Lankan-Americans gathered at the auditorium of the University of District of Columbia on February 8, 2014, the Ambassador expressed that their solidarity with Sri Lankan people is needed more than ever at this important time in Sri Lanka's history.

"Sri Lankan- Americans, we need your continued help to explain the correct positive story of our country, because all of our voices together can make a difference", he said.

"Each and every one of you can offer critical support to Sri Lanka, because you are Ambassadors of Goodwill for your country", he added.

The Ambassador made these remarks delivering the keynote address at the celebration of the 66th Anniversary of Independence of Sri Lanka organized by the Sri Lanka Embassy, Washington DC.

Speaking further, the Ambassador noted that due to terrorism Sri Lankans were denied the most basic human right - the right to life without fear, for three long decades. He added that under the visionary leadership of Sri Lanka's President, H.E. Mahinda Rajapaksa the country has been able to rid itself from terrorism and to achieve rapid development.

"Today the greatest national interest of our country is to further strengthen this peace and stability. Our people and the Government of Sri Lanka have a clear vision and we are determined to reconcile and to build a peaceful and prosperous nation", he added.

Ambassador Wickramasuriya underscored that Sri Lanka has already taken concrete steps toward this end and expects support and understanding for the reconciliation process from the international community.

The Ambassador thanked the artists of Channa-Upuli Performing Arts Foundation who were visiting the US on their own expense accepting his invitation to perform at the Embassy events to mark the Independence Day of Sri Lanka. He also congratulated the young artists from the community who performed in the cultural show that evening.

The celebration commenced with a group of nearly 50 Sri Lankan - American children singing the national anthem of Sri Lanka followed by the US national anthem sung by Mrs. Anjalika Silva. One minute silence was observed to remember the war heroes who sacrificed their lives to bring peace to Sri Lanka. The Jayamangala Gatha were sung by a group of young Sri Lankan-American girls followed by the lighting of the traditional oil lamp by the Ambassador and the guests.

Chief Incumbent of Washington Buddhist Vihara Venerable Maharagama Dhammasiri Nayake Thero, and Chief Incumbent of Maryland Buddhist Vihara, Venerable Katugastota Uparatana Nayake Thero conducted Buddhist religious observances. Mrs. Kanaga Ranganathan, Mr. Naseer Azeez and Dr.Greg Fernandopulle invoked blessings according to Hindu, Islam and Christian traditions respectively.

The Independence Day message of H.E. the President of Sri Lanka was read by Mr. Bandula Somasiri, the Minister Commercial of the Embassy. Co-chair of the Congressional Sri Lanka Caucus, Congressman Hon. Robert Aderholt, and Chief Minister of North-Western Province of Sri Lanka Hon. Dayasiri Jayasekara addressed the audience as guest speakers.

The two hour cultural spectacle featured the repertoire of the renowned Channa- Upuli dance troupe including percussionist Jananath Warakagoda and violinist Ruwan Weerasekara. The students of Sri Lankan-American choreographers Nisha Niroshini, Chathuri Wickramarachchi and Asanga Domask also displayed their talents in astounding dancing performances. Senior US officials, diplomatic dignitaries, and a large number of friends of Sri Lanka in the US joined the Sri Lankan-American community members to witness the grand celebration.

Sri Lanka Cultural Performance at the World Bank

The annual Sri Lanka Cultural Performance at the World Bank Headquarters organized by the Embassy of Sri Lanka, Washington and the Office of the Executive Director of the World Bank (Bangladesh, Bhutan, India, Sri Lanka) was held at Preston Auditorium on February 6, 2014.

This year's event featured the Channa-Upuli dance troupe from Sri Lanka, percussionist Jananath Warakagoda and violinist Ruwan Weerasekara.

The packed audience was comprised of staff members of the World Bank, International Monitory Fund (IMF) and several US federal agencies.

Also in the audience were Mr. Mukesh Nandan Prasad, Executive Director of the World Bank , Dr. Philippe Le Houerou, the World Bank Vice President for the South Asia, Ambassador Jaliya Wickramasuriya and Mrs. Priyanga Wickramasuriya.

This is the 5th consecutive year that the Embassy of Sri Lanka organized the Sri Lanka Cultural Performance at the World Bank Headquarters as part of its program to commemorate Independence Day of Sri Lanka in the United States .

One hundred brand new cars were handed over to the Army and Police at a ceremony held in Colombo today (19th February).

Secretary Defence and Urban Development Mr. Gotabaya Rajapaksa handed over the fleet of 100 Toyota Corolla Altis cars to the Commander of the Army Lieutenant General Daya Ratnayake and to the Inspector General of Police NK Illangakoone to be used for official purposes.

The cars manufactured in Pakistan by a local company in collaboration with Toyota Corporation were provided to Sri Lanka under a special Pakistan line of credit. It has fulfilled a long felt need of the two services.

The High Commissioner of Pakistan in Sri Lanka H.E. Maj Gen (Retd) Qasim Qureshi, Secretary to the Ministry of Law and Order Maj Gen (Retd) Nanda Mallawarachchi, Defence Attach‚ of the High Commission of Pakistan and a large gathering of tri-service officers were present at the occasion.

The newly renovated Town Hall Square including the Viharamahadevi Park, and the rehabilitated road network in the Colombo city were vested with the public today (19th February) at a function held at the historic Colombo Town Hall.

The upgraded facilities to these public utilities were declared open in the presence of Secretary Defence and Urban Development Mr. Gotabaya Rajapaksa by Hon. Minister of Water Supply and Drainage Dinesh Gunawardena this evening.

Upon placing flowers to the Lord Buddha statue at the entrance Mr. Rajapaksa together with the invitees went around the park and the Town Hall premises before opening the new Information Center. The Chief Guest unveiled a special commemorative plaque erected at the park.

Initiatives were taken to develop these facilities under the guidance of the President and the directives of Secretary Defence and Urban Development. The project was carried out under the Metro Colombo Urban Development Project which is a key urban regeneration project of the MoDUD through a concessionary loan from the World Bank.

The Metro Colombo Urban Development Project is being carried out at a cost of US 223 million (Rs. 29,000 million) aiming at flood reduction and retention, improving priority infrastructure and services in the Metro Colombo area.

The development of Town Hall Square has helped the city of Colombo retain its historical 'Garden City' charcter while improving access to all public areas located within the square. The more significant interventions include an overall upgrading of the Town Hall building and its extensive lawns and the three kilometer road network surrounding the historic city landmark and also the Viharamahadevi Park including the pedestrian sidewalks, street lighting, centre isles and roundabouts.

The park, the largest in the city has also had a major facelift with the new addition of cycle tracks, improved footpaths, lightning and attractively redesigned children's play area. The specially built kiddies water play will no doubt be a huge hit with the children.

In keeping with the Secretary Defence's clean, green, people friendly open space concept the surrounding walls and gates have been removed to let free movement of people day or night. Special security arrangements have been placed to ensure public safety 24/7. Any one if so wishes can walk through the green through the park with the least bother about their safety and wellbeing. It is openly evident by the huge number of people who throng the park day and night.

The Town hall Square development project was completed with a cost of Rs. 614 million.

Under the project pedestrians have been provided with safe, clean and convenient walkways along 8 kilometers of city roadways. Seventeen roads have been upgraded with new asphalting, revamped sidewalks, safety boards, street lighting, traffic signals, improved storm water drains and utility ducts.

Water pipes have been laid to supply drinking water for the next five years, new electricity cables installed and overhead power lines have been converted into a underground network to ensure safety and efficiency.

A walk in the newly landscaped sidewalks in the Town Hall area would certainly be a new experience to all and street furniture and conveniently located parking spaces would enhance it to wonderful one.

City roads including Sir James Peiris Mawatha, Kumaran Ratnam Mw, T B Jayah Mw, Sir Chittambalam A Gardiner Mw, Dr. Colvin R de Silva Mw, Lotus Road, Sir Macan Makar Mw, Justice Akbar Mw, Rifle Street, Vauxhall St, Kew Rd, Vauxhall Lane, Bahiathulla Ln, Police Ln, Barracsk Ln Kew Point Rd, Morgon Rd and Dawson Street.

Improvements to the roads network in the heart of the city's residential and commercial district have helped to streamline vehicular movement and reduce congestion of rush hour traffic. Traffic related incidents and road accidents have greatly been reduced due widened roads and improved and well placed road signs.

The entire project was handled by the Project Director, Additional Secretary (Technical) of the MoDUD Mr. Rohan Seneviratne.

Step by step the city of Colombo is on its way to regain its lost glory of being the Garden City and a world class show piece city of the Region.

Speaking at the event the Mayor of Colombo His Worship A J M Muzzammil praised efforts of Secretary Defence in initiating these mega development projects to uplift the living standards of the people.

A large gathering of distinguished gathering including Hon Senior Cabinet Minister A H m Fouzy, parliamentarians, Mayors of surrounding local bodies, state officials, Municipal Council members and civil society member were present at the occasion.

All arrangements have been finalised for the inaugural opening of the 8th Deyata Kirula National Exhibition to be held in Kuliyapitiya this year. The exhibition site includes the Wayamba University, Government Technical College and the National School of Kuliyapitiya.

Ministry of Defence and Urban Development (MoDUD) has taken measures to facilitate public services discharged by the institutes coming under its purview at its stall at the exhibition site. People who visit the stall can get their requirements fulfilled under one roof.

During the exhibition education and awareness sessions will be conducted for the visiting public on Urban Development Projects that are in progress and Ranaviru Housing Projects and other welfare services. Application forms for 'Api Wenuwen Api' housing project can also be collected from the MoD stall. In addition special sessions will be conducted on the safe use fire arms and explosives for crop protection for the agricultural community.

In addition, the Centre for Research Development of the MoDUD will provide information on research findings and innovations related to military software and hardware for the innovative minded and knowledge seeking Techies.

One of the highlights of the daily events will be the live battle ground situation display with a practical Small Arm Firing Simulator (SAFS). This interactive activity will no doubt be great crowd puller and a hit with young as well as the old. Special souvenirs will also be presented for successful participants.

A replica of the 'Sanda Hiru Seya' Stupa will be displayed at the 1st floor of the building and the public will be educated on its purpose and progress.

In order to provide a broader understanding on Urban Development a picture gallery will display visuals depicting the change that has been brought about by the various multifaceted urban development projects and comparisons with the former state of the respective areas.

The public will also be provided opportunity to avail themselves of the following services.

Department of Registration of Persons

One Day Service for obtaining National Identity Cards (NIC) will be conducted by the Department of Registration of Persons starting from 0900 am to 0200 pm daily. During this one day process, application form will be issued at the counter.

Immigration and Emigration Department

Applications will be issued for the preparation of Passports and on receipt of duly completed applications Passports will be issued at the counter.

Sri Lanka Coast Guard

Educational sessions will be held on the importance of Life Saving Gear and ways of using them effectively.

Theory and Practical sessions on providing first-aid will also be conducted.

Tri-forces and Police Welfare Divisions

Applications will be issued for Tri-forces and Police personnel who do not possess any land of their own.

Special counselling programmes for Tri-forces and Police personnel and their families.

Guidance and housing loans schemes will be provided for Tri-forces personnel from Pan Asia Bank under the patronage of the National Housing Development Authority.

Special Scholarships for children of War Heroes.

Rakna Arakshaka Lanka Limited

Applications will be issued for employment opportunities in diverse areas of operations in the company. This will provide an ideal opportunity for all those who are interested in obtaining employment in this field.

Coast Conservation and Coastal Resource Management Department

Educative sessions will be conducted on effective coastal resource management and prevention of sea erosion. Students and teachers will also be educated according to their syllabuses on coastal conservation and its importance.

Ranaviru Seva Authority

Membership will be provided for the Ranaviru Union.

Application for obtaining 'Ranaviru Mapiya Rekawarana' Account.

Information will be collection with regard to War Hero families who are not awarded with 'Utttama Pooja Pranama' bravery medal.

Educational scholarships for Ranaviru Children

Urban Development Authority

Information will be available on urban development and new town planning. Education sessions will also be conducted on the services, development projects and its intended benefits to the citizens.

General Sri John Kotelawala Defence University

Educational sessions will be provided on necessary qualifications to be enlisted into the prestigious General Sir John Kotelawala Defence University

A sum of Rs. 1.2 million rupees was donated by Mr. Uoali Jayasinghe, Managing Director of D P Jayasinghe Group of Companies to the Seva Vanitha Unit (SVU) of the Ministry of Defence and Urban Development (MoD and UD) today (19th February).

Upon receiving the cheque the Chairperson of the MoD and UD SVU Mrs. Ioma Rajapaksa handed it over to Security Forces Commander- Killinochchi Major General Sudantha Ranasinghe who was also present at the occasion.

The fund will be channeled to construct a house for a reintegrated Tamil family in the former conflict zone. The house will be constructed on a plot of land allocated by the state with security forces putting in the labour.

Mrs. Sabetha Perera, and Mr. Ruwan Kukulewithana were present at the occasion.

Meanwhile Security Forces Commander -East Major General Lala Perera also donated Rs. One million to Mrs. Ioma Rajapaksa today. The donation was made towards funding the projects of the Seva Vanitha Unit.

Reacting to news published in the British Telegraph that the The United Nations human rights chief Navi Pillai has 'called for an international war crimes investigation into alleged alleged human rights abuses in the final stages of the hostilities in 2009', External Affairs Minister Neomal Perera said, "It is likely to change into a move seeking the establishment of a domestic mechanism to investigate allegations of war crimes as against an independent international probe, the reason being that the UN is not a political playground for some countries.'

Telegraph reported, a call has been made for an international investigation by UN Human Rights Commissioner Navi Pillai in a 20-page submission to the United Nations.

It comes comes less than three weeks before a UN meeting in Geneva the newspaper reported referring to the UNHRC sessions in March.

A UN advisory report had earlier estimated 40,000 were killed in the final months of the war. "New evidence - including witness testimony, video and photographic material - continues to emerge on what took place in the final stages of the armed conflict. Human remains also continue to be discovered, for instance in Matale in November 2012 and Mannar in December 2013,' Ms. Pillai apparently states in her report according to the Telegraph.

"We believe that an independent UN member countries have accepted recommendations in the report of the Lessons Learnt and Reconciliation Commission which has a mechanism for a domestic inquiry', Mr Neomal Perera said in reaction. "How can you bring resolutions based on unfounded statistics without evidence that support such claims which assert that 40 000 civilians were killed during the final months of the war, or based on information provided by Tamil Diaspora elements that supported the LTTE," he asked.

"There was no democracy in the country's Northern Province during the war. That was because there was no civil administration. Where there is no civil administration there is war. When there is war people get killed. The government has ended terrorism and established civil administration in these provinces paving the way for democracy," he said.

Human Rights lawyer and the Dean of Law at the Kothalawala Defense University, Dr Prathibha Mahanamahewa said, the UK which has been pushing for an international resolution against Sri Lanka under pressure from the Tamil Diaspora, has been compelled to rethink their action 'because of a 250-page dossier accusing the UK of committing war crimes in Iraq, that has gone before the International Criminal Court.'

The Presidential Commission to investigate cases of alleged disappearances of persons in the Northern and Eastern Provinces during the period 1990-2009 concluded its public sittings in Jaffna on February 17.

According to the Commission, 984 people made submissions from Feb. 14-17, 2014, in the towns of Chavakachcheri, Kopay and Jaffna.

The Chairman of the Commission Mr. Maxwell Parakrama Paranagama said the Commission was well received in Jaffna.

"Everyone including government officials and religious leaders were very cooperative", Mr. Paranagama said.

Responding to concerns over the weekend that witnesses could be intimidated, Mr. Paranagama had stated that the Commission would not hesitate to take severe action against any person trying to intimidate witnesses who appeared before the Commission.

"I will take any available legal provisions to deal with it," the Chairman said.

The Commission held its first public hearings in Kilinochchi in the Northern Province from January 18-21, 2014, where it heard complaints from 440 people.

The Commission has received a total of approximately 13,700 complaints from all parts of the country and approximately 9,300 complaints of disappearances are of civilians and 4,300 are of security personnel.

The three-member Commission, comprising Maxwell Parakrama Paranagama (Chairman), Mrs. 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.

A salvaged Indian fishing trawler was handed over to the Indian Coast Guard Ship ‘Rajtarang’ at the International Maritime Boundary Line off (IMBL) near Delft by Sri Lanka Naval Ship ‘Prathapa’ last Sunday (16th February).

The ill fated fishing vessel ran aground in rough seas south of Delft Island after developing engine trouble in early October last year (2013). The crew of the vessel which was rescued by naval troops was later repatriated on 19th November.

The fishing vessel was salvaged by an Indian salvage team which was ably assisted by the Sri Lanka Navy.

Making a five-day goodwill visit to Sri Lanka, the General Officer Commanding-in-Chief of India’s Southern Army Command Lieutenant General Ashok Singh PVSM, AVSM, SM, VSM arrived in the Island this afternoon (18th February).

Lieutenant General Singh is leading a delegation comprised of Mrs Usha Singh, Operations Officer, Southern Command Headquarters, Major General Dewan Rabindranath Soni, and Mrs Suman Soni. During their stay in the Island the delegation is expected to call on the Chief of Defence Staff, Commander of the Army and Commander of the Navy.

A distinguished officer, Lieutenant General Singh is an alumni of St Anselm’s Ajmer, National Defence Academy and was commissioned into the 7 Guards in December 1974. He is a graduate of the Defence Services Staff College and has a Master’s degree in Management Studies from the Osmania University He has served in the High Commission of India in Islamabad, Pakistan as the Defence and Military Adviser.

The Southern Command is considered as one of the oldest, largest and finest commands of the Indian Army.

Another LLRC recommendation fulfilled

Implementing another recommendation of the Lessons Learnt and Reconciliation Commission (LLRC), the Government has established an independent Public Service Commission to ensure that there is no political interference in the public service and that recruitment and promotions in the public service are in conformity with the equality provisions in the Constitution states a President’s media report.

The LLRC recommended to take action with regard to detention of suspects, land issues, law and order, administrative and language issues and socio-economic and livelihood issues.

In 2012, the Cabinet approved the National Action Plan on the implementation of LLRC recommendations and it was drafted by a committee headed by the Secretary to the President Lalith Weeratunga who was appointed to oversee the implementation of recommendations.

In a decision which is likely to further strain the ties between the UPA and the DMK, the Centre has informed the Supreme Court that Kachatheevu could not be retrieved from Sri Lanka as demanded by the party president, M. Karunanidhi.

In its response to Mr. Karunanidhi’s writ petition seeking retrieval of the island from Sri Lanka, the Centre said: “The question of retrieval… did not arise as no territory belonging to India was ceded, nor sovereignty relinquished, to Sri Lanka.”

The petition comes up for hearing on Wednesday.

The Centre said the island was a matter of dispute between British India and Ceylon (now Sri Lanka), and there was no agreed boundary. The dispute on the status of the island was settled in 1974 by an agreement, and both countries took into account historical evidence and legal aspects. This position was reiterated in the 1976 agreement.

It said: “No territory belonging to India was ceded nor sovereignty relinquished since the area was in dispute and had never been demarcated.” Therefore Mr. Karunanidhi’s contention that Kachatheevu was ceded to Sri Lanka was “not correct and contrary to official records.” The Centre took exception to his filing the petition so long after the 1976 agreement and said it did not espouse any public cause.

Under the two agreements, the Centre said, no fishing rights in Sri Lankan waters were bestowed on Indian fishermen. “Indian fishermen and pilgrims will enjoy access to Kachatheevu and will not be required by Sri Lanka to obtain travel documents or visas. The right of access is not to be understood to cover fishing rights around the island to Indian fishermen.”

In a similar petition filed by Tamil Nadu Chief Minister Jayalalithaa, the Centre had said the island was never ceded to Sri Lanka.

In his petition, Mr. Karunanidhi said: “The agreement is ex-facie unconstitutional for want of a constitutional amendment under Article 368 and being inconsistent with the law declared by the Supreme Court in the Berubari case, and this agreement is liable to be declared non est , void and unconstitutional.”

Rejecting this contention, the Centre said the agreements did not require a constitutional amendment as no territory was ceded. However, these agreements were placed in Parliament and ratified.

“Thus, as far as the Government of India is concerned, the issue of maritime boundary between India and Sri Lanka, and consequently that of sovereignty over Katchatheevu, is a settled matter,” it said.

Courtesy : The Hindu

Sri Lanka Signals Corps (SLSC) donated Rs. 520,000 for the construction of Sandahiru Stupa (Pagoda) in Anuradhapura at a function held at the Sandahiru Stupa premises recently (14th February).

Major Gen. E P de Z Abeysekera, Deputy Chief of Staff of Sri Lanka Army and Colonel Commandant of Sri Lanka Signals Corps handed over the cheque along with a miniature model of the Moon Stone.

The invaluable meritorious act was initiated in view of designing of its Moon Stone situated facing the Eastern entrance.

President of the Signals Seva Vanitha Branch, Mrs Sandamalee Abeysekara, members of the branch, Chief Signal Officer Brig KRP Rowel, Signal Brigade Commander Brig. DAPN Dematanpitiya, Signal Regimental Centre Commandant Col DR Dharmasiri and a large number of signal senior officers were present at the event.

Further the donations could be made via following accounts.

Cash - Can be deposited to the following accounts

"Sandahiru Seya Fund" A/C Number 72535040 of Bank of Ceylon - Independence Square Branch

"Sandahiru Seya Trust" A/C Number 204-1-001-8-0004467 of People's Bank - Headquarters Branch

Cheque – drawings

A/C Number 7040500 of Bank of Ceylon - Torintan Branch

A/C Number 204-1-001-8-0004467 of People's Bank - Headquarters Branch

A medical clinic was conducted for the school children of Jaffna by the Security forces on Tuesday (11th February). It was organized to provide the children of the resettled community there with proper dental and oral health care facilities.

Troops serving under Security Forces Headquarters- (Jaffna) in collaboration with the doctors and medical staff of Manthikai Base Hospital conducted the programme. More than 235 children and teachers attended the clinic and obtained treatment for their ailments.

Meanwhile Naval troops attached to the Northwestern Command also conducted a field health clinic in Mannar district on Sunday (16th February). It was held at the renovated Roman Catholic Church of Our Lady of Assumption in Mullikulam by Naval medical personnel.

More than 185 families of the resettled community in Mullikulam, Pookkulum and Palugasthurai in the Mannar district were provided with medical care for communicable, non-communicable, respiratory diseases, child and women health problems and other ailments.

Several private organizations had also contributed to the programme by providing medicine free of charge.

The Roman Catholic Church of Our Lady of Assumption in Mullikulam was declared open in August 2013 by Secretary Defence and Urban Development Mr. Gotabaya Rajapaksa in the presence of RT. Rev Dr. Rayappu Joseph, the Bishop of Mannar. The place of worship was left abandoned due to LTTE terrorist activity before it was regained during the Humanitarian Operations. The church was given a new lease of life by the Navy which carried out an extensive refurbishment before it was handed over to the resettled community in the area.

Russian Deputy Foreign Minister Sergei Ryabkov told reporters at the Iranian Embassy in Moscow on Monday that the sanctions have no legal ground and are baseless.

"US unilateral sections are illegitimate and have no legal basis," Ryabkov said.

He said the illegal sanctions will impede further progress in the talks between Tehran and the Sextet of world powers on the Iranian nuclear energy program.

"We think that the US actions to expand its sanctions against Iran is a sure way to destroy a healthy and a positive basis for future progress on settling the Iranian nuclear issue," the Russian official added.

Iran and the five permanent members of the UN Security Council - China, Russia, Britain, France and the United States plus Germany are scheduled to hold the next round of nuclear talks in the Austrian capital Vienna on Tuesday.

The negotiations are aimed at reaching a comprehensive accord on the Islamic Republic's nuclear energy program after the two sides clinched a landmark interim deal in the Swiss city of Geneva last November.

Under the Geneva deal, which was implemented on January 20, the six countries undertook to provide Iran with some sanctions relief in exchange for Iran agreeing to limit certain aspects of its nuclear activities during a six-month period. It was also agreed that no nuclear-related sanctions will be imposed on Iran within the same timeframe.

On February 6, the US blacklisted nearly three dozen companies and individuals, accusing them of evading anti-Iran sanctions. The US Treasury Department said the targeted entities operated in Turkey, Spain, Germany, Georgia, Afghanistan, Iran, Liechtenstein and the United Arab Emirates.

David Cohen, the top Treasury sanctions official, also warned that companies and governments still risk heavy penalties if they expand trade with Iran.

Gordon Weiss, ex international civil servant has now turned NGO advisor and sundry report writer on Sri Lankan affairs, his latest effort being as a resource person of sorts for the Australian NGO that styles itself as PIAC. But, thereby hangs a tale.

Weiss is now a civil society hand that hands in reports for money paid by NGO donors, and he claims that the experience he had in Sri Lanka as the UN spokesman stood him in good stead in this regard.

But the President's Special Envoy on Human Rights and the former head of the Sri Lankan delegation at the UNHRC Minister Mahinda Samarasinghe went on record during the last stages of the hostilities in the North, stating that Gordon Weiss falsely claimed that he knew of the persons who spoke on the phone from the Wanni theatre of war claiming to be doctors.

Apparently some phone callers spoke to international media and whoever that would listen during those last few days, and claimed that the Sri Lankan military is shelling hospitals in that last sliver of land that Prabhakaran was holed out in, using civilians as human shields.

It was Gordon Weiss who said that these voices of doctors allegedly speaking from the Wanni were 'authentic'. It is remembered that Minister Mahinda Samarasinghe immediately held a press conference and challenged how a UN official could make a statement of this sort in the first place.

How did Weiss know who the voice belonged to, he asked, and in fact went to the extent of saying that the caller from the Wanni could have been Prabhakaran's son!

Make no mistake that the Minister was saying at that time that the UN spokesman had made himself at least by default, a voice of the Tigers.

Today nobody could fault Minister Samarasinghe for giving a press conference of this nature for the simple reason that the bona fides of the former UN spokesman are now entirely suspect.

How ethically correct is it for Mr. Weiss to literally profit from his tour of duty here in Sri Lanka as the United Nations spokesman to write a tome on the Sri Lankan conflict in which he alleged that large numbers of civilians were killed, and then work for a non-governmental organization and write papers purporting to be about the Sri Lankan situation?

None of this is being done by Mr. Weiss on a humanitarian basis free of charge and both pursuits as a freelance author and an accredited NGO resource person would have been bringing him good amounts of money in return for his efforts.

It goes without saying that Mr. Weiss's bona fides as a UN civil servant were suspect then as they are suspect now, when he goes globe trotting claiming that he is making inputs into studies in Sri Lanka due to his intimate knowledge of the situation, having been here as a UN civil servant.

It is the UN system's credibility that suffers when there are civil servants who do not seem to know that a UN job in a conflict zone comes with a certain expectation of impartiality that should be a concomitant of the job.

Justice must not only be done it must appear to be done. In the case of Gordon Weiss the partiality and the cashing in from the job he held in Sri Lanka is becoming increasingly obvious -- particularly in the context of recent developments in which the NGO which was responsible for the recent adverse report on Sri Lanka is unable to give the science on the report, as claimed recently in a local weekly.

Weiss's outfit when asked could not furnish the statistics with regard to persons interviewed, and the numbers of the eye witnesses that were spoken to.

Properly stated, it appears that the UN has enough material to conduct an investigation on Gordon Weiss and how he has acted both during and at the end of his tour of duty in Sri Lanka.

The mere mention of this however by any Sri Lankan would likely be met by howls of protest to the effect that negative pressures are being brought to bear on human rights activists, or words to that effect, or worse.

That would again be a case of turning the truth on its head to make out the victim Sri Lanka as the victimizer. But yet the facts are so glaring in cases such as Gordon Weiss that very few people would deny that people of his ilk are unhealthy for the UN system, more than they are damaging to Sri Lanka on the long run.

Under a concept of His Excellency the President Mahinda Rajapaksa, the government has planned to erect nine monumental Stupas in each province as a symbol of victory and a token of appreciation to the noble service and sacrifices made by the valiant personnel of the armed forces and Police during the Humanitarian Operations to defeat the ruthless LTTE terrorism and bring about lasting peace to the country.

The first of these Stupas is being built in the historical city of Anuradhapura near the sacred Jayasri Maha Bodhiya.

In order to select artists for the creation of traditional designs in the basal rings of the Stupa an island wide competition was advertised in the 'Dinamina' and 'Daily News' on 03.10.2013 to select suitable artists for the purpose. At the competition 13 artists were chosen out of more than 90 applicants by a selection board comprised of erudite scholars in the field.

A ceremony was held at the Ministry today (17th February 2014) under the patronage of Secretary Defence and Urban Development Mr. Gotabaya Rajapaksa to hand over certificates and presents to the selected artists.

Secretary Defence handed over presents to SMJAB Samarakoon, G Saputhantri, and KMGK Kariyawasam, the winner and first and second runners up respectively. The other selected artists DMJN Kulathunga, M Wanigaratne, SEAPG Rangana Prasad, DP Nandana Kumara, LKNLP Liyaniyakumarage, W Wijayanthi Batugoda, KAT Jayantha,m GC Ranathunga, J Wickramasinghe, and SGWMCLB Kaluwalgoda also received presents.

Military Liaison Officer of the MoD Maj Gen (Retd) WPP Fernando, Coordinating Secretary of the MoD Lesley Rupesinghe, Chairman, Peoples Bank Gamini Senerath, Chief Commissioner, Sri Lanka Scouts Association Prof. Nimal de Silva, Senior Lecturer, Aesthetic University Ranjith Liyanage, Chairman, Land Reclamation and Development Corporation Harshan De Silva, Director, National Model School Sarath Kumarasiri, and Chairman, Star Granite HCL Wickramasinghe were among the distinguished gathering present at the occasion.

SL Army gifted a new house to a veteran War Hero who remains totally blind being victimised to a LTTE booby trap during the peak of the war under the aegis of the Sri Lanka Signal Corps (SLSC) Seva Vanitha Unit (SVU) on 14th February at a function held at Thalawa in Anuradhapura.

Major General E.P. de Z. Abeysekara, Deputy Chief of Staff participated the event as the Chief Guest at the invitation extended by the Mrs Sandamali Abeysekara, Chairperson, SLSC SVU.

Father of a 2 ½ year old infant, Lance Corporal C.R.S.P. Naleen Kumara of 7 SLSC hadn’t a proper place to live and it was also a dream for him to build a house for his beloved family due to his permanent disability. During the confrontation while facing the enemy in the final stage of the war he sustained facial injuries due to an unexpected explosion of a trap in Nochchikulam on 25 July 2008. Having noticed situation, SLSC Seva Vanitha Unit carried out this meritorious act to build a house.

Accordingly, Civil Engineers of the Army extended their fullest support providing technical assistance and labour for the constructs in a 40 perch plot of land which inherited from his parents.

Major General E.P. de Z. Abeysekara, Deputy Chief of Staff, Executive Members of the Seva Vanitha Army Unit, senior officers and a large gathering of relatives were present at the house-warming ceremony.

Meanwhile, SLSC SVU continuing its welfare oriented programmes completed the construction of another modern new house of a similarly blind war hero in Thalawa.

Corporal C.R.S.P Naleen Kumara of 7 SLSC was the beneficiary of the new house who is also hadn’t proper living place before. In the same way, he is also a veteran hero who sacrificed his limbs while serving in the battle front to defend the mother land.

Government has created a centralized, comprehensive database containing a list of detainees, which made available to the next of kin with names, place of detention as well as record of transfers.

This database of detainees and those released from detention is available for access by next of kin (NoK) at Terrorist Investigation Units in Colombo, Vavuniya and Boosa.

Access to database information is restricted to NoK based on requests by detainees not to publicly disclose such information owing to privacy concerns. Over 3,000 NoKs have benefitted thus far.

The present database to be enhanced with easy access to information being available to NOK in collaboration with the Ministry of Defence.

The LLRC had made recommendations on action to be taken with regard to detention of suspects, land issues, law and order, administrative and language issues and socio-economic and livelihood issues.

Following recommendations by the Commission a special committee was appointed in January 2011, to study the cases of detained LTTE suspects and expedite legal action where necessary.

In 2012, the Cabinet approved the National Action Plan on the implementation of LLRC recommendations and plan was drafted by a committee headed by the Secretary to the President Lalith Weeratunga who was appointed to oversee the implementation of recommendations.

Courtesy : President Media Unit

Venezuela's President Nicolas Maduro is expelling three US consular officials, accusing them of meeting students involved in anti-government protests.

The country has seen growing political tension and rallies, with three protesters dying in clashes last week.

An arrest warrant has been issued for opposition leader Leopoldo Lopez, who has pledged to lead a march in the capital Caracas on Tuesday.

The US has expressed concern about arrests of opposition protesters.

Mr Maduro did not name the US officials being expelled, when he made the announcement in a national TV broadcast, but said the foreign ministry would give details later.

"It's a group of US functionaries who are in the universities. We've been watching them having meetings in the private universities for two months. They work in visas," the president said.

"Venezuela doesn't take orders from anyone!" he added.

On Saturday, US Secretary of State John Kerry issued a statement expressing concern about the rising tensions in Venezuela.

"We are particularly alarmed by reports that the Venezuelan government has arrested or detained scores of anti-government protestors and issued an arrest warrant for opposition leader Leopoldo Lopez," read the statement.

The main opposition grievances are high inflation, crime and the shortage of some staples.

The government has blamed the shortages on "saboteurs" and "profit-hungry corrupt businessmen".

'Dress white'

Opposition leader Leopoldo Lopez was last seen on Wednesday, when three men were shot dead at the end of opposition protests in the capital.

President Nicolas Maduro says an arrest warrant was issued against Mr Lopez shortly after the incidents.

Mr Maduro has accused Mr Lopez of inciting violence as part of a coup plot against his left-wing government.

The opposition say they were killed by pro-government militias known as "colectivos".

Mr Lopez, 42, is a former mayor of Chacao district, in eastern Caracas. He organised the recent protests against the government.

On Sunday morning, Venezuelan police searched the houses of Mr Lopez and his parents.

Hours later, he posted a new message on Twitter and a three-minute long video. He said he had not committed any crime and challenged the authorities to arrest him at the next protest.

"I want to invite all of you to join me on a march on Tuesday from Venezuela Square [in central Caracas] towards the Justice Ministry building, which has become a symbol of repression, torture and lies," Mr Lopez said on the video.

He called on his supporters to dress white, "to reaffirm our commitment to peace".

"I will be there to show my face. I have nothing to fear. I have not committed any crime. If there is any order to illegally arrest me, well, I will be there," added Mr Lopez.

For his part, President Maduro called on oil workers from the state company PDVSA to march to the presidential palace on Tuesday.

Courtesy : BBC News

Army Commander Lieutenant General Daya Ratnayake praised the services of Army personnel at the recent Commonwealth Heads of Government Meeting in Colombo.

On the directive and supervision of the Army Commander, 7,117 Army personnel served round the clock during the post-CHOGM stages (November 1 to 20, 2013), displaying the highest degree of integrity, honesty, commitment and selflessness.

The services included security, coordination assignments, transport, supplies, communication, IT facilities, hospitality among others.

Last Thursday's ceremony, organised by the Military Secretariat congratulated and appreciated a token of 26 Officers and 74 Other Ranks by awarding certificates of appreciation by the Commander since all personnel could not be brought under the same roof. They are to receive awards later.

Lieutenant General Ratnayake in his address thanked them for their contribution and affirmed that the Army, as in many other different instances, has once again proved their competence and unparalleled skills before the public.

After awarding the certificates, the Commander spoke with the officers.

Deputy Chief of Staff, Commandant, Sri Lanka Army Volunteer Force, Director General Infantry, Quarter Master General, Director General General

Staff, Master General Ordnance, Medical Advisor, Chief of Staff, Joint Staff, OCDS, Adjutant General, Commander, SFHQ-West and a large gathering of senior officers were present.

'CISM Day Run 2014, the joint Tri-Service marathon organized by the Brussels-based International Military Sports Council (Conseil International du Sport Militaire) in association with the SL Navy was held commencing from the Lighthouse, Colombo yesterday (16th Feb).

Accordingly, over 300 Tri-Service personnel from each service participated in the marathon which ran over a distance of 4 kilometres. Meanwhile, differently-able service personnel were also took part in the event.

CISM with its motto, "Friendship through Sport" as one of world's largest multidisciplinary organizations, dedicated to promote world peace by uniting armed forces through sport, organizes diverse sporting events for the armed forces of 133 member countries world-wide annually.

Participants received certificates from the service Commanders on completion of the day run. Renowned athletes were also present among the spectators to witness the joyful event.

The Australian government has reaffirmed its commitment to working with the Sri Lankan government to foster peace, prosperity, stability and security in the pursuit of freedom, the rule of law and democracy.

"The Australian government places great value on our longstanding relationship with Sri Lanka," Foreign Affairs Minister Julie Bishop said during a ceremony at the Sri Lankan High Commission in Canberra recently.

She stated that Sri Lanka and Australia have historic ties in various fields such as sport, trade, investment, tourism and education.

Bishop stated that both she and Prime Minister Tony Abbott were pleased to attend the Commonwealth Heads of Government Meeting in Colombo last November, "where we reaffirmed our commitment to working with the Sri Lanka government to improve lives of everybody who lives in the country."

The Australian government recognises that Sri Lanka has come through a period of conflict over 30 years, nothing less than a human tragedy of massive proportions.

"And we have urged the Sri Lankan government to implement the recommendations of the Lessons Learnt and Reconciliation Commission," she said.

"And to those who say isolate Sri Lanka, I say engage with Sri Lanka," Bishop said, adding, that was precisely what she and her colleague Scott Morrison did when in the opposition.

Bishop said she was part of an Australian parliamentary delegation which arrived in Sri Lanka and toured the North to witness the situation for themselves. "Yes you can criticise, yes you can judge but you must also recognise that much has been achieved in resettlement and reconstruction," she pointed out.

"The path for reconciliation will be long, but with the political world and the commitment that we saw during our time in Sri Lanka, I believe that the future will be bright."

"I believe that the best days for Sri Lanka lie ahead," Bishop said

Courtesy : Daily News

Iran is ready to extend its fullest support to Sri Lanka during the UNHRC sessions in Geneva, Special Representative of Iran's Spiritual head Ghazi Askar said.

He said that USA and its allies which launch merciless attacks on other countries are talking about human rights violations. They commit crimes and point their finger against others.

He told the media in Colombo, that the United States of America levels allegations on others while being the prime human rights violator in the world.

"They are taking away the national resources of other countries and create internal turbulence in some countries by stirring unrest among certain tribes or groups in those countries," Askar said.

Human rights violations should be raised against them first, the Special representative said.

"We rely on our own, we don't need assistance from the USA and its friendly nations. Other countries too should concentrate on their own traditions, people's rights and non-interference in other countries' internal matters.

"Iran has its own Shariah law and practises it. We will leave no room for anybody to invoke Western law. Our law is Shariah", Askar said.

Courtesy : Sunday Observer

While commending the socio-economic progress achieved since the end of the conflict in 2009, Indonesia has assured her fullest support for Sri Lanka whenever the country needs it.

Indonesia gave this assurance when President Mahinda Rajapaksa's special envoy, Foreign Employment Promotion and Welfare Minister Dilan Perera met Indonesian Foreign Affairs Vice Minister Wardana during the former's official visit to Indonesia.

The Vice Minister said that both Sri Lanka and Indonesia have enjoyed long standing friendly ties and these are at an all time high at present.

He assured his county's support whenever Sri Lanka needs it. Minister Perera apprised Minister Wardana of efforts made by Sri Lanka to promote and protect human rights and the successes the country had achieved since defeating terrorism in 2009.

Referring to some of the challenges Sri Lanka faces in the international sphere, Minister Perera has noted the country is being unnecessarily targeted for comprehensively defeating terrorism and making the nation safe.

According to a ministry spokesman, the minister told his Indonesian counterpart that the people who have most benefitted from the defeat of terrorism were the Tamil people who were under the clutches of the LTTE.

Minister Perera has pointed out that a section of the Tamil Diaspora domiciled overseas who carry a slander campaign against the country was doing it for their own benefit and not out of any consideration for the well being of the Tamil people in Sri Lanka.

The minister pointing out the above requested Indonesia to provide a fair voice on Sri Lanka at the upcoming United Nations Human Rights Council sessions and other similar international forums.

Courtesy : Daily News

Vice Chancellor, Jaffna University Prof Vasanthy Arasaratnam and the Vice Chancellor of the Eastern University Dr. K. Kobindarajah enlightened Chief Minister of Northern Provincial Council (NPC) C.V. Wigneswaran at the National conference on Post-terrorism Socio-Economic Development of the Northern and the Eastern Provinces held at Taj Samudra Hotel, Colombo on Thursday.

The conference was organised by the University Grants Commission under the patronage of its Chairperson Prof. Kshanika Hiriburegama.

The Vice Chancellors of the University of Jaffna and the Eastern University shot down baseless allegations made by the NPC Chief Minister who was the chief guest at the conference.

Wigneswaran, who is better known for making false allegations to please his supporters in the Tamil Diaspora, came out with his usual set of allegations but the university dons gave factual and statistical data to prove the Chief Minister's allegations are baseless.

The findings of the two Vice Chancellors is a great setback for Wigeswaran as the two eminent academics have been with the people in the North and the East and have first-hand experience in the situation whereas Wineswaran, living in posh Colombo 7, is a political parachute.

Jaffna University Vice Chancellor, Prof. Arasaratnam gave a lengthy speech on her personal experience and said that when infrastructure development is taking place, they should move forward. "We as academics will give their fullest collaboration in livelihood development of the Northern people," she said adding that she and the people in the North had suffered enough due to LTTE terrorism. "We need to move forward, try to forget the past and rebuild the North, like I have rebuilt my home

that was destroyed due to terrorism," she said.

"I have been living in Jaffna, working in the Jaffna University from 1984 till today. I have witnessed all the ups and downs and I have been carrying my bed-ridden mother during 1995 from Jaffna to Wanni. Then I brought her back in 1997. So I am somebody who has witnessed everything, who has written my PhD thesis in the kerosene lamp where we had to pay Rs. 300 for kerosene and not use the normal kerosene lamp and have used the kerosene lamp using cotton wool which has been very famous those days. So, I have been one who has been there, who have been living in Jaffna," she said.

Prof. Arasaratnam said that she still remains in Jaffna because she wanted the area to be developed. "I have no parents, no brothers or sisters. I am living alone. But still I am living in Jaffna because I want to develop my native place. I want to develop the Jaffna University for which I strive hard as the Vice Chancellor. I have no personal interest. Only interest I have is the Jaffna University has to come up. The society has to come up," she added.

The Jaffna University Vice Chancellor said that she does not want to be a politician. "But being an educationist I want to work there and I still want to work there and develop the area. In order to develop the area, we need to develop the infrastructure. It has been taking at rapid pace. We have to work together. I have done a lot of research and I have published lot of things which are really related to the development of the region. My humble request is to forget whatever that had had happened in the past. We have to think of the development, the development of the economy of our people who are waiting for us to help," she said.

The Jaffna University VC said she had lost a of things due to terrorism but will not look back. "I have lost my parents, I have lost my house, but I have rebuilt the house. So why cannot we rebuild our society? We have to think positively. All of us should work together and let us work together without petty political differences," she told the Chief Minister.

Eastern University Vice Chancellor Dr. Kobindarajah suggested forming a committee of academics to work with President Mahinda Rajapaksa with the support of the Tamil National Alliance (TNA). "All parties concerned should address the real cause and genuinely work hard. I firmly believe that if you work with an open heart we could definitely sort out whatever the problems we have. We as the academics are ready to play a key role to promote ethnic harmony and reconciliation," he said.

He said that the Naval Base of the Trincomalee housed the University during difficult period. "I lived in Canada for eight years with more than 100 communities, they say "We are Canadian". Their culture is not more than 400 years old but we are more than 3,000 years old culture.

Still we have three to four communities and still we call as we are Tamil, we are Sinhalese, but we never say we are Sri Lankan," he said.

Courtesy : Sunday Observer

The second day of the 35th annual Navam Perahera (pageant) organized by the Gangarama temple in Hunupitiya, Colombo was launched with the participation of Secretary Defence and Urban Development Mr. Gotabaya Rajapaksa last evening (15th February).

Beginning the religious proceedings Hon. Prime Minister DM Jayarathne together with Secretary Defence placed the sacred relics casket on the ceremonial tusker and inaugurated the grand spectacle.

The perahera displays the rich religious and cultural tradition of Sri Lanka, included many vibrant displays of Udarata (Up country), Pahatharata (Low country), Sabaragamu dancers. The colorfully dressed and decorated tuskers and elephants that paraded the streets added a touch of majestic grandeur to the perahera.

The Gangarama Navam Perahera, was inaugurated in 1979 and it attracts both local and foreign visitors every year to see this magnificent grand procession. The perahera was organized under the directives and close supervision of the chief incumbent of the temple, venerable Galboda Gnanissara Thero.

Venerable Maha Sanga, First Lady Shiranthi Rajapaksa, Chairperson of the MoD Seva Vanitha Unit Mrs. Ioma Rajapaksa, Parliamentarian Namal Rajapaksa, Inspector General of Police (IGP) N K Illangakoon, distinguished guests and a large number of devotees were present at the occasion to witness the colorful event.

The Indian Coast Guard has handed over 43 Sri Lankan fishermen and ten trawlers who were in Indian custody to the Sri Lanka Navy.

The Police Media Unit stated that the fishermen and the vessels were handed to the Sri Lanka Navy on the seas off Kankesanthurai. The group were subsequently handed over to the Fisheries and Aquatic Resources coordination office in Jaffna.

The fishermen are reported to be those who set out to sea in August, November and December last year from the Dickwella, Trincomalee and Gandhara fishing harbours.

Meanwhile, Naval vessels attached to the Northern Naval Command on routine patrol has arrested 29 Indian fishermen and 07 Indian fishing trawlers engaged in bottom trawling in the seas off Delft on wednesday (12). The arrested fishermen and trawlers were handed over to the officials of the Department of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources in Jaffna for legal action.

SLN Media Spokesman said the Navy was compelled to make the arrest since the Indian fishermen were poaching well within the Sri Lanka's territorial waters despite the recent talks held between the two neighboring countries and breaching the pledges of refraining from crossing the IMBL and bottom trawling.

Courtesy : Department Of Government Information

Measures taken by the leadership and the people of Sri Lanka to overcome post-war challenges are impressive, Russian Federation Foreign Affairs Ministry Humanitarian Cooperation and Human Rights Department Director Anatoly Viktorov said. "I am sure that goodwill and national movement towards reconciliation and economic restoration will help address them properly. Much has already been done for that purpose," he said

"Some countries often threaten or imply sanctions against other countries which they consider to be violators of human rights. Russia rejects such an approach," he said.

"Those sanctions only increase the suffering of people and contribute to aggravating their situation.

Every one must firmly uphold general principles of technical assistance in human rights promotion. It must be provided on request of the state concerned and politically neutral. No state must be forced to accept technical assistance," he said.

Russia strongly rejects threats or implying sanctions against other countries considering those to be human rights violators, Viktorov added. "We are of the view that although human rights could be a legitimate concern of the international community, they must not be used as a pretext for interference in internal affairs or, even worse, use of force," he told a press conference at the Colombo Hilton yesterday.

He said this was his first trip to Sri Lanka and was impressed by the beauty of the country. "I held an extensive dialogue with the representatives of various ministries, state agencies, political parties and national human rights institutions. We exchanged opinions on a number of human rights issues. In particular, it was cooperation in the United Nations Human Rights Council, General Assembly and treaty bodies, as well as functioning of the Office of the UN High Commissioner for Human Rights," Viktorov said.

"Our dialogue was a reflection of growing and strengthening bilateral relations. Sri Lanka is a reliable and time - tested friend of Russia. Our countries belong to different civilisations and cultures, but share similar ideas, aspirations and approaches to the global agenda, including human rights. Russia and Sri Lanka hold a multi - dimensional and extensive dialogue on many issues on the international agenda. This is natural for the countries whose ties are so close," he added."I hope that my visit made a modest but tangible contribution to the scope and diversity of our relations. We have agreed on the point that the work of the UN, in particular in the field of promotion and protection of human rights, must be conducted in strict accordance with the international law. No violation of the UN charter or attempt to undermine norms and principles of the international law may be justified by any cause, whatever it is - political considerations,economic interests, human rights or anything else," he said.

"Unfortunately, the UN human rights machinery experiences a number of problems. The most prominent of them is lack of trust. To restore this trust, it is necessary to firmly introduce the principle of cooperation in the work of the UN human rights dimension. Russia and Sri Lanka will continue working on it jointly. International dialogue in the sphere of human rights is infested with politicization and double standards," Viktorov said.

"We are of the view that, although human rights could be a legitimate concern of international community, they must not be used as a pretext for interference in internal affairs or, even worse, use of force. Russia's position on country - specific human rights situations is known well.

We support only those resolutions in the Human Rights Council and the General Assembly which enjoy the support and consent of the country concerned," he said. "No country is free of human rights violations. Therefore we reject the practice of teaching , naming and shaming which actually discredits human rights cause."

Courtesy : Daily News

“Religious places such as Temples play a pivotal role in transforming the society into an obedient and disciplined one while decreasing the level of crimes drastically”. “Based on the religious obedience that we have attained thus far, without any revenge we have rehabilitated and socialized 12800 former LTTE cadres and 9000 suspects” said Secretary to the Ministry of Defence and Urban Development Mr. Gotabaya Rajapaksa.

Mr. Rajapaksa expressed this views at a religious ceremony organized to place the foundation stone auspiciously for the construction of a new monastery at the century-old Sri Dharmapala Pirivena in Bellana, Kaluthara District yesterday (14th Feb).

Fulfilling a long felt necessity, once completed, the new four storied residential building would accommodate over 50 student priests.

During the event, the Anushasana was preceded over by the Chief Prelate and the Principal of the Pirivena, Most Venerable Malewana Punyarathana Thero. In the meantime Pirith Chanting session was also performed with the participation of 50 Bhikkus.

Sri Dharmapala Maha Pirivena was commenced in 1st January 1914 with the initiative of the Most Venerable Raththotuwila Sri Sobhitha thero along with four students. It is very sensible to mention that Sri Dharmapala Maha Pirivena is one of the benchmark locations of the journey of Buddhism in the Bhikku education.

By the time, since its inception this Pirivena has become a world recognized education institute due to its inborn talents and skills. Further thousands and thousands of educated people have been gifted to the society based on its farsightedness.

At present there are about 102 priests, who are residential students of Dharmapala Maha Pirivena. Priority has been given to Sinhala, Pali, Sanskrit, English and Tamil languages and Buddhist priests are taught to practice the rituals of religion appropriately while respecting its rich traditions.

Minister of Plantation Industries Hon. Mahinda Samarasinghe, Parliamentarians, Provincial Officials, villagers and a large number of devotees were present at the ceremony.

The Sri Lanka Army and the Seva Vanitha Unit spend Rs. 30 million to deposit Rs. 5,000 in a bank account of War Heroes' children, Army Commander Lieutenant General Daya Ratnayake said. He said around 6,000 War Heroes' children are admitted annually and the Army takes steps to open a bank account for all children of War Heroes.

The Army Commander said this is among the many steps taken by the Army to uplift the education standards of War Heroes' children.

Lieutenant General Ratnayake said this donation is given without being a burden to the government and from funds collected by the Army and the Seva Vanitha Unit.

He made these observations at a ceremony organised by the Army Seva Vanitha Unit to grant scholarships to 100 students admitted to grade one this year. The ceremony was held at the BMICH yesterday.

The Army Commander said that in addition to the amount given at the outset, it was decided to deposit Rs 10,000 and Rs 20,000 in the accounts of children who pass the G.C.E (Ordinary Level) Examination and those who enter universities after passing the G.C.E (Advanced Level) Examination.

Secretary to the Ministry of Defence and Urban Development Mr. Gotabaya Rajapaksa made an inspection visit to review the progress of the housing complexes nearing completion and the Abdul Gafoor Building in Main Street, Colombo today evening (13th February).

Meanwhile, Mr. Rajapaksa also reviewed the progress of the Estate 54, Estate 66 sites and gave necessary instructions to the officials entrusted with the constructions. Inquiring into the well being of the nearby slum dwellers Mr. Rajapaksa exchanged views with them and explained the benefits of the development projects initiated to improve their living standards.

The ground floor of the building complexes will be designed for commercial purposes which would generate extra financial assistance to maintain the building and also allow them to continue with their business with in the living environment. Their day to day life pattern would not be hampered as families residing in the underserved settlements of close vicinity would be selected.

Once completed these housing units will be distributed among the slum dwellers, who are presently living under deplorable conditions. As the government is committed in making Colombo a showcase city free of slums and squatters, the Secretary Defence is assiduously working towards providing these people a better living environment. Authorities also conduct awareness programmes for the housing beneficiaries.

Simultaneously with in the frame work of urban development canal systems, culverts, pavements, and leisure parks will also be developed.

Chairman of the Urban Development Authority Mr Nimal Perera, Director General Mr. Nihal Fernando, Brigadier SAAR Samarasinghe, Civil Engineering officials of the project and senior officials of the Urban Development Authority accompanied the Secretary Defence during the visit.

China yesterday strongly criticized the countries that are pressuring Sri Lanka on the human rights issue saying that people in Sri Lanka have the wisdom and capacity to manage their internal affairs.

China's Foreign Ministry spokesperson Hua Chunying at a regular press conference on Wednesday said China supports the Sri Lankan government in safeguarding national independence, sovereignty and territorial integrity.

"We believe that people in Sri Lanka have the wisdom and capacity to manage their internal affairs and oppose some countries' interference in Sri Lanka's domestic affairs under the pretext of the human rights issue," Hua said.

The Foreign Ministry spokesperson was responding to the media query regarding the four-day official visit of Minister of External Affairs Prof. G. L. Peiris to Beijing from February 10-13 at the invitation of his Chinese counterpart Minister Wang Yi.

The spokesperson said Vice President Li Yuanchao met with the Sri Lankan Minister and Foreign Minister Wang Yi held talks with him on February 11.

During the meeting the two sides have exchanged views on China-Sri Lanka relations as well as regional and international issues of common interest.

Gratified with the momentum of growth of bilateral relations, the two sides agreed to deepen practical cooperation in various fields, and based on that, to fully expand maritime cooperation and jointly build the maritime silk road of the 21st century, the spokesperson said.

During the talks, Peiris has briefed China on Sri Lanka's post-war reconstruction and national reconciliation.

"The Sri Lankan side briefed us on its post-war reconstruction and national reconciliation. China applauds Sri Lanka's efforts to promote economic and social development and improve people's livelihood and human rights," the Spokesperson said.

She said China always maintains that countries should dissolve differences in the field of human rights through dialogue and communication based on equality and mutual respect.

"We oppose politicizing and imposing double standards on the issue of human rights," Hua said.

The Chinese Foreign Ministry Spokesperson called on the international community to "respect the right of the Sri Lankan government and people to independently choose the path of development and create a favorable external environment for stability and prosperity of Sri Lanka."

Courtesy : President Media Unit

Brigadier Ruwan Wanigasooriya, Military Spokesperson announced that, the Sri Lanka Army Volunteer Force (SLAVF) is now enlisting professionals under the age of 55 and on completion of enlistment they will be commissioned as Lieutenant Colonels, Colonels and etc accordingly in the SLAVF, during a media briefing held last Tuesday (11 Feb) at the Nelum Pokuka Mahinda Rajapaksa theatre, Colombo.

The enlistment of professionals into the SLAVF was initiated under the guidance of the Secretary to the Ministry of Defence and Urban Development Mr Gotabaya Rajapaksa and with the direct supervision of the Commandant of SLAVF Major General Prasad Samarasinghe.

Having written in the annals of the SL Army, SLAVF with its rich history of more than 118 years, now expanding its capacity moulded with professionals from both public and private sectors under the well-known theme called "Api Army" (We are Army).

Accordingly, professionals those who are sound in the fields of medicine, engineering, accountancy, agriculture, languages, hospitality, event management and technology will be absorbed into the system with the intention of reversing standard of SLAVF back to the times before 1980s.

Similarly, they will be summoned into active service when requirement arises such as natural disasters, catastrophes, emergency situations and for mega development projects. They would also be able to continue the active serve until the reach of age 55 with the entitle perks relevant to the respective ranks.

With its unfathomable contribution to the development of the nation since its early stages, SLAVF has now grown up to 103 Battalions including 2322 officers and 61088 other ranks those who are serving countrywide. Their immense contribution extended during the battle field added an extra strength to the victory.

Commandant of SLAVF Maj. General Prasad Samarasinghe, Deputy Commandant Maj. General W.D.L.N Wickremasinghe, senior military officials and a large gathering of media personnel were present the event.

Further details could be obtained from the below mentioned link

www.army.lk

www.army.lk/slavf

Email - hqslavf@army.lk

Telephone - 0113560588 / 0773497183

United Nations Assistant Secretary-General and UNDP Assistant Administrator and Director for the Regional Bureau for Asia and the Pacific, Mr. Haoliang Xu who is currently on a visit to Sri Lanka met His Excellency the President Mahinda Rajapaksa yesterday evening (12th Feb) at the Temple Trees.

The progress achieved by Sri Lanka since the dawn of peace was commended by the UN Assistant Secretary General, Mr. Haoliang XU during the discussion with President Rajapaksa. Meanwhile, President also explained on the measures taken by the government to resolve matters faced by the Northern mass including overall provincial development, education and further strengthening the partnership between the UN system and the Sri Lankan Government.

In the meantime, a group of school children who were visiting the Temple Trees had the opportunity to speak with Mr. Haoliang and also posed for a photograph with the President and the visiting official.

Minister of Education Bandula Gunawardena, Secretary to the President Lalith Weeratunga, Secretary Ministry of External Affairs Kshenuka Senevirathna

Attempts to purge Muslims from parts of the war-torn Central African Republic have prompted "a Muslim exodus of historic proportions," rights group Amnesty International warned Wednesday.

International peacekeepers have "failed to prevent the ethnic cleansing of Muslim civilians in the western part of the Central African Republic," the group said.

Another rights group, Human Rights Watch, also warned Wednesday that the country's minority Muslim population is "being targeted in a relentless wave of coordinated violence that is forcing entire communities to leave the country."

The Central African Republic, a former French colony, was plunged into chaos last year after a coalition of mostly Muslim rebels dubbed Seleka ousted President Francois Bozize.

They have since been forced out of power, but Christian militias, known as the anti-balaka, which translates as "anti-machete," have been allowed to fill the power vacuum, Amnesty International said, with dire consequences for Muslim civilians.

"Anti-balaka militias are carrying out violent attacks in an effort to ethnically cleanse Muslims in the Central African Republic," said Joanne Mariner, senior crisis response adviser at Amnesty International.

"The result is a Muslim exodus of historic proportions."

The Amnesty International report said international peacekeepers in the country must do more to protect Muslim communities and rein in the anti-balaka militias. There are about 1,600 French troops on the ground, alongside about 6,000 soldiers from an African Union-led peacekeeping force, known as MISCA.

A stock of LED bulbs manufactured by the war Heroes of the Ranaviru Resource Centre was released for sale recently.

This is the first consignment of LED bulbs produced by the Ranaviru Resource Centre. The centre, located in Hekitta, wattala was declared open in May last year (2013) by Secretary Defence and Urban Development Mr. Gotabaya Rajapaksa. It consists of facilities to cater over 300 disable War Heroes. The modern facility was constructed after converting the colonial era Leprosy Hospital which lay in a state of disuse and abandon.

The Centre is build after taking into consideration the special needs of the disabled War Heroes in order to assist them to acquire vocational trainings in the fields of mechanics, carpentry, computer and IT, horticulture, electronics and electrical work etc..

The first stock of LED bulbs produced by these War Heroes was handed over to the Director General of Rehabilitation Major General A M Perera. These energy saving products come in 3W, 5W and 7W units and will be available for sale at Army Welfare Shops.

While commending Sri Lanka’s efforts to counter drug, human smuggling and maritime crime in general in the Indian Ocean, a top United Nations official yesterday said the UN was willing to lend its expertise both in knowledge and technical know-how towards further improving capacity of local officials who are behind these initiatives.

Alan Cole, Regional Coordinator (Maritime Crime Program) for UN Office on Drugs and Crime, currently in Sri Lanka said, he was here to brief what the UN is doing to prevent wider crime in the Indian Ocean and discuss and develop strategies in partnership with the government to further boost efforts.

“Drug smuggling and human trafficking is an enormous challenge. The UNODC think Sri Lanka has got one of the most challenging circumstances as the country is geographically located in an important supply route. Sri Lanka has done well to combat such crime and we are ready to help further improve capacity and develop strategies at prevention in partnership with the government” he added in an interview with the ‘Daily News’.

Cole said Sri Lanka in recent years has done well to prevent human smuggling by sea and described efforts in this regard in partnership with the Australian government as an overwhelming success.

Cole, the point man for the UN in its anti piracy coordination activities against Somali pirates said Sri Lanka with other countries had supported UN’s endeavours in this regard and as a result the UN considers the problem is now under control. “We came here four years ago to brief the Sri Lankan government on what the UN response to Somali piracy was and at that time Somali pirates were been found on this side of the Indian Ocean and as far over as The Maldives,” Cole said.

“I am pleased to say that during last four years, the international community working together have arrested 1,400 Somali pirates who are being imprisoned in 21 countries. This has resulted and as a resulted in major drop in piracy,” Cole added.

Cole said the UN at present was engaged in helping carry out prosecutions and building prisons in Somalia itself to house convicted pirates, so that they do not become a burden on the country’s which are currently holding them.

Speaking on efforts to curb drug trafficking, especially heroin, Cole said there has been a huge increase in the trafficking of heroin across the Indian Ocean, mostly into East Africa and also into eastern Indian Ocean states in recent times.

Cole said in particular, the Sri Lanka Customs has done very well in recent times to prevent heroin from entering the country through various ports of entry .

He said the container control program operated by UNODC which seeks to improve the capabilities of ports worldwide, including Colombo.

Cole said the UNODC could further help Sri Lanka Customs to improve its online tracking of containers which is is a very important component to identify containers that might be of interest and how they have being traveling.

Cole said the UN could help Sri Lanka in terms of entering in to agreements with the Navies of other countries, prosecution of international drug dealers, updating legislation and improving the capacities of the law enforcement sector and prosecutors.

“ We can also provide new detection equipment and share our expertise on forensic analysis. Sri Lanka has got excellent capacity in many of these areas but there are yet some specialist skills which our agency has and which may be of interest to the Sri lankan government” he added.

Cole during his current visit has met with the Attorney General, Commissioner of Prisons among others and is slated to meet the Minister of Justice, Secretary of Defence, Navy Commander, Secretary of law and order and many other stake holders.

Courtesy : Daily News

The UN Resident Coordinator, Mr Subinay Nandy, and MR Holiang Xu, United Nations Assistant Secretary General paid a courtesy call on Secretary Defence and Urban Development Mr Gotabaya Rajapaksa this evening(12th February) at the Ministry premises.

Following a warm welcome , matters of important and mutual relevance were discussed during the meeting between the Secretary Defence and the UN delegation.

Mr. Anatoly D Viktorov Director General/ Humanitarian and Human Right of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the Russian Federation paid a courtesy call on Secretary Defence and Urban Development Mr Gotabaya Rajapaksa today (12th February) at the Ministry premises.

Mr. Anatoly D Viktorov was accompanied by HE Alexander A Karchava/ Ambassador of the Russian Federation and Mr. Andrey O Moskvin, Third Secretary/ Embassy of Russia.

During the meeting a cordial discussion was held between Secretary Defence and the Director General of Humanitarian and Human Right, of Russia on matters of bilateral interest.

President Mahinda Rajapaksa has said that the international community should not take initiatives to sow hatred in Sri Lankan society again. He emphasized that they should realize those who can discharge their duties towards the country and support them.

"Ending the era of hatred and suspicion the Government has taken steps to consolidate peace and reconciliation among communities in the country", said the president, emphasizing that no one will be allowed to destroy the established peace and reconciliation in the country.

He made these remarks at an award winning ceremony organized under the Mother Sri Lanka project at the Sugathadasa Indoor Stadium yesterday (11) to hand over certificates and gifts to students who participated in the project named RUN.

He called on the international community to visit the country and make inquiries from the children, rather than arriving in the country and staying in five star hotels.

The president added that the statements made by the children always strengthen the future path of the government and said that he is delighted to see all children are living in harmony at present.

The President Rajapaksa also said that the aim of the government is to make children better citizens who loves their country.

Further widening its community development and welfare oriented programmes, Sri Lanka Navy conducted another field health clinic at the Kayakkuli Tamil Mixed Pre-School in Mannar District recently (8th feb).

The preceding field health clinic was conducted at the Tamil Mixed Catholic School in Mullikulam, on 25th January.

Naval personnel serving in the North Western Naval Command in collaboration with the State Pharmaceutical Corporation, Glaxo Lanka, Interpharma Ltd, Epharma Pharmaceuticals, JL Morrison Ltd and Thriposha Lanka Ltd conducted the field health clinic under the patronage of the Commander North Western Naval Area, Rear Admiral NKD Nanayakkara.

During the session treatments were given to communicable, non-communicable and pediatric diseases including gastritis treatments.

A large number of patients in different ages from Kayakkuli, Karadakkuli and Chilawathurai in Musali division, who sought medical care, were treated while providing medicine. Meanwhile, nutrition supplements were also given free of charge.

Beneficiaries expressed their heartfelt gratitude to the Sri Lanka Navy for continuously facilitating them to go through much awaited necessity of medical care. Welfare development projects focus the enhancement of eternal ethnic harmony and social wellbeing of all communities for a prosperous and peaceful coexistence.

Vavuniya district , the gateway to the once terrorism-ravaged Northern province, is fast becoming the hub of economic and agricultural activities, thanks to the several mega development programs launched by the Government since the eradication of terrorism five years ago. Vavuniya district is basically an agricultural district with thousands of acres of agricultural lands dotted with lakes, ponds or irrigation tanks and most of the places named after them viz : Rambaikulam, Marambaikulam, Welikkulam, Puliyankulam Veppankulam, Nelunkulam and Pavatkulam, the suffix 'kulam' denoting a tank.

The sights that were an eye-sore prior to the military victory, with ruined bulks of houses and buildings, collapsed ceilings and facades riddled with bullet holes; roads with potholes and crates, shutters pulled down on business establishments and all streets virtually deserted, are no longer to be seen anywhere. There were several check points where people had to dismount from buses and other transport vehicles and walk a distance carrying their heavy baggages. The infamous Omanthai check point and the no-man's zone where people bound to and fro the North had to change over to other buses. These are nightmares of the unfortunate past. Buses are now plying to every nook and corner of the country.

The main focus of the government's development programs is on promoting agriculture by renovating and rehabilitating irrigation tanks and bringing all arable lands under cultivation. Since the elimination of terrorism the investment on such development programs have been in billions of rupees, Vavuniya GA Bandula Harischandra said. According to GA Harischandra, the investment sectors, in addition to agriculture and irrigation, are road networks, water supply, electricity, health, education and civil administration.

The economy of this District is mainly dependent on Agriculture and Livestock Farming. These investments facilitate the people to engage in increased productivity by using improved Irrigation facilities, electricity, improved road network etc. Consequent to the Government's development programs, the district has become significant in relation to its contribution to the GDP in spite of the fact that it is comparatively smaller in extent viz: 1,967 Sq.Km having a population of 172,000, the GA said. Paddy cultivation is undertaken in an extent of 18,544 Ha and the annual production has reached 83,000 tonnes. A major portion of all abandoned arable lands have been cleared and utilised for cultivation. The targeted achievement of paddy cultivation by the year 2016 is 129,200 tonnes . This target is projected to be achieved through renovation of a more number of irrigation tanks, increased distribution of quality seed paddy, use of organic fertiliser and more efficient irrigation technology.

During the past five years the Government has invested Rs.30.914 billion under such programs and the year-wise breakup is Rs.1.517 billion in 2009, Rs.3.263 billion in 2010, Rs.7.148 billion in 2011, Rs.13.624 in 2012 and Rs.5.362 billion in 2013, according to the GA. The Government's commitment for last year is Rs.7,613.684 MN and the total amount spent is Rs.5,362.684 Mn which is 70 percent of the total commitment, he said.

According to the quarterly physical and financial progress report of the Director Planning of the Vavuniya District Secretariat a total of Rs.5.363 Billion has been spent by the different implementing agencies on development programs , out of the total allocation of Rs.7.613 Billion. The Implementing Agencies /Project and the amount allocated are:

Rs. 9.9 Mn for Divi Neguma, Rs. 51.50 Mn for the 'Wadakkin Wasantham', Rs. 24 Mn for the 5,000 Schools Development Program, Rs.10.74 Mn under the Decentralized Capital Budget, Rs. 129.443 Mn for the re-awakening program, Rs. 282.73 Mn under the Emergency Northern Recovery Project (ENReP), Rs. 273.37 Mn for the 'Pura Neguma' (NELSIP) program, Rs.429.17 Mn under the CARE -Irrigation (Conflict Affected Region Emergency Project- Irrigation ), Rs. 474 Mn under the CARE Road (Conflict Affected Region Emergency Project - Roads), Rs. 133.54 Mn under the NRCP program, Rs.2.39 Billion for the Road Development (Chinese-funded Project), Rs. 450 Mn for the Dry Zone Urban Water Sanitation Project, Rs. 15 Mn under the Japan Funded Poverty Reduction Program 9150, Rs. 53 Mn under the Irrigation Department (Central) project, Rs. 8.5 Mn under the Irrigation Department (Provincial) project, Rs. 51 Mn under the ACAD project, Rs. 7.8 Mn under the DDA project, Rs. 10.5 Mn under the Animal Production and Health project, Rs. 19 Mn

under the Department of Fisheries project, Rs. 1.5 Mn under the Samurdhi program, Rs.2 Mn under the Department of Industries project, Rs. 179 Mn under the National Housing Development Authority Program, Rs.01 Mn under the National Youth Services Council program, Rs. 377 Mn under the Zonal Director of Education - Vavuniya South Program, Rs. 178 Mn under the Zonal Director of Education - Vavuniya North program, Rs. 135 Mn under the Vavuniya Campus program, Rs. 33 Mn under the Road Development Department , Rs.132 Mn under the Road Development Authority program, Rs. 28 Mn under the ACLG program, Rs. 332 Mn under the CEB - 'Wadakkin Wasantham' program, and Rs. 1 Billion under the Government Agent -Vavuniya program. An average percentage of 75 - 100 was utilised on most of the allocations , while in some cases only between 25 - 50 percent has been utilised up to end of December 2013, according to the reports of the Director Planning.

Minister of External Affairs Professor G.L.Peiris, held substantive discussions with Mr. Wang Yi, Minister of Foreign Affairs of the People's Republic of China, in Beijing on Tuesday. Minister Peiris was visiting Beijing as the Special Envoy of President Mahinda Rajapaksa on the invitation of Foreign Minister Wang Yi.

An External Affairs Ministry media release states that the principal focus of the discussion was the elevation of the bilateral relationship between Sri Lanka and the People's Republic of China to a Strategic Co-operative Partnership, agreed on at the discussions between President Mahinda Rajapaksa and President Xi Jinping during President Rajapaksa's State Visit in May last year.

The two Foreign Ministers noted that the special relationship straddles four main areas ; political co-operation, defence and security, economic relations, and cultural matters. They considered practical arrangements in each of these areas and modalities to expedite progress in each sector.

The news release also states that the China's Foreign Minister expressed total understanding of Sri Lanka's situation and the significant strides made by the country since the cessation of hostilities. Minister G L Peiris gave his Chinese counterpart a comprehensive overview of progress in this regard. Mr. Yi assured Professor Peiris of the strong support which the People's Republic of China will continue to extend to Sri Lanka in respect of these issues in all international fora. They agreed on mechanisms to promote closer dialogue and collaboration between the two countries with regard to political issues.

They recalled the visit last year by Mr. Liang Guanglie, the first Defence Minister of China to visit Sri Lanka, and expressed satisfaction with the range and quality of defence co-operation between the two countries. All-round defence co-operation, with particular reference to maritime security, is facilitated by an existing mechanism -- the Joint Committee on Coastal and Maritime Co-operation which met in Beijing in August last year. In light of these initiatives, an annual strategic dialogue is timely, the Ministers agreed.

On the development of greater links in the field of trade and the economy, with feasibility studies regarding a Free Trade Agreement on the verge of completion, the Ministers were eager to put in place a fast tracking process. They considered technology transfer and value chain development to be of special importance. The China Council for the Promotion of International Trade has made a valuable contribution, they considered. They surveyed progress with regard to the large number of development projects supported by China in Sri Lanka, for which Minister Peiris expressed appreciation.

With tourist arrivals from China almost doubling last year, and with 120 entrepreneurs from China and 50 travel agents participating in the Business Forum held on the sidelines of the Commonwealth Heads of Government Meeting in Colombo in November, the scope for further expansion of tourism and Chinese investment in tourism-related infrastructure, was discussed. Other areas considered in the discussions included education and training, assistance in strengthening the small and medium sector, agriculture and fisheries co-operation, and the world youth conference to be held in Colombo in May this year.

The military aircraft was carrying soldiers and their relatives when it slammed into a mountain in Algeria.

A sole survivor has been found after a military transport plane with at least 78 people on board crashed in Algeria's rugged eastern region.

The C-130 Hercules was carrying soldiers and their familieswhen it slammed into Mount Fertas in Oum El Bouaghi.

"The plane crashed into a mountain and exploded. Several bodies were burnt to ashes and could not be identified," a local official told Reuters.

The survivor has been taken to hospital in nearby Constantine. Earlier reports said all those on board were killed.

Defence officials said women and children were among the dead.

It was initially reported that 103 people had been on the flight and it was not clear why there was a discrepancy in the figures.

Poor weather is being blamed for the crash.

"Unfavourable weather conditions and storms accompanied by snow in the region were behind the crash," the Defence Ministry said in a statement.

The plane took off from the southern city of Tamanrasset and was heading to Constantine.

It is the first major plane crash in the country since 2003, when an Air Algerie jet crashed shortly after take-off from Tamanrasset, killing 102 people.

There was a sole survivor in that crash as well - a young Algerian soldier.

Courtesy : Sky News

President Mahinda Rajapaksa said that foreign saboteurs, which level baseless allegations against Sri Lanka should visit the country and have a first-hand experience about the reconciliation process and measures taken to strengthen communal harmony.

The President was participating in a ceremony organised under Mother Sri Lanka project at the Sugathadasa Indoor Stadium yesterday.

The President added that these elements together with their Western backers conspiring against Sri Lanka are welcome to visit the country, to get a fair and balanced view about the fruitful measures taken regarding the reconciliation process.

“Those elements should meet and seek the views of the moderates rather than dealing with extremist groups who have hidden agendas,” the President said.

President Rajapaksa further said that these foreign elements should not promote politics of hate by trying to create disunity and division among the people thus taking the country back to the dark era again. They should work with the patriotic associations and organisations that contribute to the country’s betterment and not harm its sovereignty and territorial integrity.

The President added that programs like the one initiated by Mother Sri Lanka pave the way for communal harmony while building strong bonds between people.

He stressed the need to live in peace and harmony, rejecting hatred and anger.

The President also said that before May 2009, the country lived in the grip of fear of LTTE terrorism. People avoided gatherings owing to bomb blasts and the terrorists did not even allow children in the North to visit the South and viceversa.

The President further noted during the times when terrorism reigned supreme, children were sent to school with much trepidation for fear of their lives. The terrorists did not allow Tamil students to learn any other languages.

“But, I am well aware that students today have all the freedom to learn various languages of their choice. When I go to the North, the students ask me to provide more teachers to learn Sinhala. At the same time, when in the South, I am asked for more Tamil teachers to teach Tamil,” the President said.

“The development activities being carried out throughout the country would only become meaningful, if a morally upright and disciplined society is created. Therefore, it is a national need for programs of this nature (Mother Sri Lanka project), which paves the way for a well-disciplined society to be given all the support in its endeacvours. Programs of this nature are indeed a gift to the world. Programs like this are a great boon to children as it helps them become better citizens, who love the country and humanity as whole,” the President added.

The President said that parents as well as society should be vigilant about their children’s activities and direct them on the correct path.

“Children are the future stake holders of the country and therefore they should be guided on the correct path. Society too had an equal responsibility in directing their children, since the government alone could not achieve this task on its own,” the President stressed.

President Rajapaksa said that it was the responsibility of every citizen to set a good example by living in peace and harmony with others.

“As Sri Lankans, we too have to live in peace and harmony, maintaining universal brotherhood. As members of one country, we should all come forward and join hands to develop our motherland,” the President said.

Project RUN is named after the acronyms of the three components, Responsible citizenship, Unity, and National pride. It is a unique concept where children are encouraged to come up with their own project, find the team, and appoint leaders as well as find the finances for the project under the guidance of a Mother Trust.

Mother Sri Lanka is a collaborative effort of the public, non-governmental and the private sectors in the country, leveraging on the strengths in each sector with leadership and direction from the President’s Office. The campaign aims to bring together diverse perspectives in an inclusive manner with empowerment and development as a goal in the long run hoping to serve as a beginning to demystify the ideas about the past and to allow discussions on what can be done for the future, to stand up as strong individuals and a strong united nation.

Courtesy : Daily News

Professor G.L.Peiris, Minister of External Affairs, held substantive discussions with Wang Yi, Minister of Foreign Affairs of the People's Republic of China, in Beijing on Tuesday. Minister Peiris was visiting Beijing as the Special Envoy of President Mahinda Rajapaksa on the invitation of Foreign Minister Wang Yi.

The principal focus of the discussion was the elevation of the bilateral relationship between Sri Lanka and the People's Republic of China to a Strategic Co-operative Partnership, agreed on at the discussions between President Mahinda Rajapaksa and President Xi Jinping during President Rajapaksa's State Visit in May last year.

The two Foreign Ministers noted that the special relationship straddles four main areas political co-operation, defence and security, economic relations, and cultural matters. They considered practical arrangements in each of these areas and modalities to expedite progress in each sector.

China's Foreign Minister expressed total understanding of Sri Lanka's situation and the significant strides made by the country since the cessation of hostilities. The visiting Sri Lankan Foreign Minister gave his counterpart in the government of China a comprehensive overview of progress in this regard. Foreign Minister Wang Yi assured Professor Peiris of the strong support which the People's Republic of China will continue to extend to Sri Lanka in respect of these issues in all international fora. They agreed on mechanisms to promote closer dialogue and collaboration between the two countries with regard to political issues.

They recalled the visit last year by Liang Guanglie, the first Defence Minister of China to visit Sri Lanka, and expressed satisfaction with the range and quality of defence co-operation between the two countries. All-round defence co-operation, with particular reference to maritime security, is facilitated by an existing mechanism -- the Joint Committee on Coastal and Maritime Co-operation which met in Beijing in August last year. In light of these initiatives, an annual strategic dialogue is timely, the Ministers agreed.

On the development of greater links in the field of trade and the economy, with feasibility studies regarding a Free Trade Agreement on the verge of completion, the Ministers were eager to put in place a fast tracking process. They considered technology transfer and value chain development to be of special importance. The China Council for the Promotion of International Trade has made a valuable contribution, they considered. They surveyed progress with regard to the large number of development projects supported by China in Sri Lanka, for which Minister Peiris expressed appreciation.

With tourist arrivals from China almost doubling last year, and with 120 entrepreneurs from China and 50 travel agents participating in the Business Forum held on the sidelines of the Commonwealth Heads of Government Meeting in Colombo in November, the scope for further expansion of tourism and Chinese investment in tourism-related infrastructure, was discussed. Other areas considered in the discussions included education and training, assistance in strengthening the small and medium sector, agriculture and fisheries co-operation, and the world youth conference to be held in Colombo in May this year.

Accompanying the Minister at this discussion were Ranjith Uyangoda, Sri Lanka's Ambassador in the People's Republic of China, Parliamentarians Niranjan Wickremasinghe and Thenuka Vidanagamage and Ms. Shobhini Gunasekera, Director General of the Ministry of External Affairs.

A Sessions Court in Chennai has acquitted three Sri Lankan Tamils and ten others on charges of hoarding communication gadgets and medicines with the aim of supplying them to the LTTE in 2009.

Judge S. Senthil Kumaresan observed that the Q-Branch CID police, which investigated the case, had failed to prove the charges framed against the accused, who included Kannan, a London-based Sri Lankan Tamil.

A total of 25 persons, including ten LTTE cadres, were chargesheeted in the case initially. However, the case was split up and the trial was taken up in respect of ten persons of Tamil Nadu and three Sri Lankan Tamils.

According to the prosecution, on December, 31, 2008 and January 1, 2009, four of the accused entered the country illegally by a boat. Kannan later sent a laptop and washing machine, 25 satellite phones, five communication receivers, cellphones and a night vision riffle telescope, which were kept concealed in Tharamani.

Similarly, they had planned to send medicines to the LTTE, which was then involved in a fierce battle with the Sri Lankan defence forces, and purchased them in Bangalore.

A case was registered against them under IPC and Unlawful Activities Prevention Act and the Indian Wireless Telegraphic Act and the trial was proceeding in the Sessions court in Chennai.

Courtesy : President Media Unit

Vice Admiral Jayanath Colombage, Commander of the Sri Lanka Navy met and exchanged views with Indian Minister of Defence Hon. A.K. Antony and his counterpart Admiral DK Joshi, Indian Chief of Naval Staff during his recent visit to India to attend the 'Defexpo India 2014' in New Delhi. He also had the opportunity to meet and exchange pleasantries with a number of distinguished personnel at the event.

The 08th International Land, Naval and Internal Homeland Security Systems Exhibition, 'Defexpo India 2014' a biennial event organized by the Indian Ministry of Defence and the Government of India.

The event had been graced by a large number of official delegations representing number of foreign countries.

An anti-drone activist and journalist from Pakistan is missing after being abducted from his home, his lawyer said Monday.

Kareem Khan was seized from his home in Rawalpindi on the night of February 5th, according to attorney Shazad Akbar.

He was picked up by 20 men, some of them dressed in police uniforms, Akbar said.

"Kareem Khan was my first client in 2010 against U.S. drone strikes in the tribal areas of Pakistan," Shahzad told CNN Monday.

Shahzad said he lodged a complaint with local police but they denied having picked him up.

Khan hails from the tribal area of North Waziristan.

He was due to travel to Europe this week to speak to German, Dutch and British parliamentarians about his personal experience with drone strikes, according to Reprieve, a UK-based charity that provides legal support to prisoners unable to pay for it themselves.

Khan was also involved in legal proceedings against the Pakistani government concerning its failure to investigate the deaths of his son and brother in a drone strike, the charity said on its website.

"We are very worried about Mr Khan's safety," writes Clare Algar, executive director of Reprieve. "He is a crucial witness to the dangers of the CIA's covert drone programme, and has simply sought justice for the death of his son and brother through peaceful, legal routes."

Khan spoke to CNN in December 2010 about the airstrike a year earlier that had targeted his home in Machikhel, a village in North Waziristan.

Khan said the missiles killed his 35-year-old brother, a teacher with a master's degree in English literature; his 18 year-old son, and several others. He filed a 500 million lawsuit against the U.S. government.

Khan was one of the first people to raise awareness about drone strikes, said Noor Behram, a journalist based in North Waziristan.

He said it was a great setback that he had disappeared just before he could raise the issue on an international forum during his Europe trip.

Behram said a protest against what describes as Khan's arrest would be held Tuesday at the press club in the town of Miranshah.

The government will distribute pension payments to the farmers in the Northern Province from Monday under the new Farmers' Pension Scheme, an official said.

Paying pensions to the farmers in the districts of Jaffna, Kilinochchi, Manner, Mullaitivu and Vavuniya will commence on Monday, Director General of Agrarian Insurance Board Pandula Weerasinghe has said.

The official told media that Rs. 178 million is needed monthly to pay the pension to the farmers under the new scheme which, according to the official, will be gazetted shortly.

The Treasury has allocated 2.51 billion rupees for the farmer pension scheme this year, according to the official.

The programme is being jointly launched by the Agricultural and Agrarian Insurance Board and the Ministry of Finance and Planning.

The President launched the new scheme from Hambantota District last month granting payments to 1,500 farmers in the district.

Pensions for 650 farmers in the Ratnapura district were awarded yesterday under the auspices of Agrarian Services Minister S.M. Chandrasena.

Eligible farmers in Kalutara, Galle and Matara districts will receive their pensions on Wednesday and Thursday respectively.

According to the Finance Ministry, 959,254 farmers nationwide have contributed to the scheme and 128,659 farmers who are more than 63 years of age are eligible to receive the pension from January this year.

Farmers over 63 years will receive a monthly pension of Rs. 1,000, while Rs. 1,250 will be given to the farmers aged 64 to 7o years. Farmers in the age group of 70-77 years will receive Rs. 2,000 while farmers over 78 years of age will get Rs. 3,000. If the recipient is diseased the pension will be given to his wife.

Director of Agrarian Insurance Board R.B. Wijeykoon said a social security scheme has also been introduced for the farmers in addition to the farmer pension scheme.

Courtesy : President Media Unit

United Nations Assistant Secretary-General and UNDP Assistant Administrator and Director for the Regional Bureau for Asia and the Pacific, Mr. Haoliang Xu arrived in Sri Lanka on last Saturday and looking forward to receive better understanding on human development priorities of Sri Lanka.

During his stay, Mr. Xu is expected to meet and exchange views with high-level Government officials, development partners and the civil society.

According to the UN office, he expects to gain a perspective of the progress made by the UN system during the first year of implementation of the UN Development Assistance Framework (UNDAF) 2013-2017, while transitioning from a largely humanitarian to a development-focused programme in Sri Lanka.

Mr. Xu will also engage in a policy dialogue with eminent economists and representatives from think-tanks on Sri Lanka's development outlook, and with a cross-section of women leaders on issues pertaining to gender-based violence in Sri Lanka. Meanwhile, particular focus will be paid into the areas of access to justice, gender equality, socio-economic development, empowerment and disaster risk management too.

He will also meet Government officials during visit to the Northern Province.

A hitherto unknown outfit (at least in Sri Lanka) that calls itself ‘Public Interest Advocacy Centre’ has made a very serious claim: ‘Mass graves may have been systematically destroyed by Sri Lankan security forces at the end of the island’s separatist conflict to hide evidence of large-scale civilian deaths’. The key word here is ‘may’. That’s conjecture through and through. Media queries regarding sources of information, reliability of sources, substantiation of claims, and of course the kind of corroboration that is basic to any ‘study’ have been responded to by this ‘Centre’ with dead silence. That’s telling too.

Tamil National Alliance parliamentarian, M. Sumanthiran, in one of his occasional maverick avatars claims that 75,000 to 150,000 lives were lost. There are multiple ways of ascertaining approximate numbers of the overall missing. There were many entities, including UN agencies, involved in supplying food and medicine right up to May 2009. Anyone with basic arithmetic skills can do the relevant subtraction. The non-cooperation of countries that have offered asylum to Sri Lankan Tamils has not helped in the enumeration exercise. Nevertheless mechanisms to obtain the true dimensions of ‘disappearances’ (a politically charged term that is inconsistent with any academic exercise to obtain truth) have not yielded anything remotely close to the numbers trotted out by pro-LTTE elements or, as in Sumanthiran’s case, those who have conveniently erased the LTTE out of the bloody story of the war.

There’s also circumstantial evidence that counters these claims of ‘genocide’. The US Embassy, hardly Sri Lanka’s best friend, has categorically stated at the time that the security forces could have finished off the LTTE months before had there been no concern for civilians. Let’s not forget that the Government provided food and medicine, paid salaries, ensured that education and health systems continued to function throughout the war in areas controlled by the LTTE, even though it was known that the Tigers pilfered and routinely inflated ‘need’ to secure more provisions.

Forget all that. A ‘curious’ individual has offered a ‘solution’ to explain the vexed numbers problem. A simple question has been asked: ‘Eta katu ko?’ (where are the bones—read, ‘remains’). The contention is that if indeed 40,000 were massacred by the troops in Mullivaikkal, the remains, if piled up, would make a tower that puts Pisa to shame. No bodies have been found there. Were the remains vaporized, the writer asks?

Let’s remember that there’s satellite footage available of the LTTE shooting at Tamil civilians fleeing into Government controlled areas. That place was watched from above. It is also clear that there are many who want to hang this Government over war crimes. As of now their ‘best’ has been cleverly edited videos that is good as ‘collage’ but thin if they want to paint ‘systematic’, never mind the fact that the sources of the sources of the sources cited are hardly reliable given their loyalties. If these people really, really, really, want to get the job done, they’ve had ample time (more than 4 years) to mine the relevant aerial footage. It is, after all, a thin strip of land that we are talking about.

The fact remains that getting rid of 150,000 corpses is not easy. Not in the 21st Century. Forget 150,000 or even the 40,000 that is being waved these days; ‘disappearing’ even 100 would be messy. We are told, after all, that soldiers themselves were clicking away on their mobile devices to capture ‘trophy photos’.

The claims, therefore, Sumanthiran’s included, constitute an affront to general intelligence and common sense. It is time that it was responded to likewise. ‘Curious’ has the answer. ‘The only possible explanation is that our army has a secret weapon that enables it to VAPOURIZE corpses! If so, Uncle Sam should purchase this secret weapon from us – to help them erase his victims in poor Third World countries.’ Jokes aside, it seems the discussion has boiled down to a search for ghosts that never grew out of bodies. That’s a nice pastime for the human rights crusade to indulge in. Nations and peoples have better things to do.

Courtesy : Editorial - The Nation

Responsible for half a million infant deaths in Iraq

BBC did a cover up job

Two recent developments make clear why exactly David Cameron and his government does not want to answer to ICC summons on war crimes pertaining to UK, but wants Sri Lanka investigated for alleged war crimes.

British parliamentarians have stated that Prime Minister David Cameron held discussions with representatives of several leading Tamil groups in UK, including the Global Tamil Forum and British Tamil Forum, before he left for Colombo to participate in the CHOGM last November. While questions were being asked in the British Parliament about the discussions held by Prime Minister David Cameron with pro-LTTE diaspora groups prior to the latter's Lanka visit for the Colombo CHOGM, a news article also has appeared in the British press throwing light on Britain's atrocities in Iraq including it's responsibility for the the deaths of half a million Iraqi children as a result of the 13 year US-Britian sanctions in the country. In a response to a question Conservative MP Baroness Warsi informed the UK Parliament on Friday that representatives of the following groups were invited to a meeting at Number 10 Downing Street on November 7, 2013: Global Tamil Forum, British Tamils Forum, British Tamil Conservatives, Tamils for Labour, Tamil Information Centre, Tamils Against Genocide, and Ilankai Tamil Arasu Katchi (UK Branch). All of the invited groups attended the meeting.

The question comes in the wake of scathing article carried in the Guardian, of the BBC's efforts to suppress Britain's atrocities in Iraq which including the deaths of half a million Iraqi children as a result of the US-Britain 13 year blockade.

Titled "The truth about the criminal bloodbath in Iraq can't be 'countered' indefinitely' the writer the award winning John Pliger goes onto state "The media cover-up has been a weapon in the crimes of western states since the first world war. But a reckoning is coming for those paid to keep the record straight.'

The compiler John Pilger also adds "The crimes of Western states like Britain have made accessories of those in the media who suppress or minimize the carnage.

He said according scientific estimates "up to a million men, women and children had died in the inferno lit by Britain and the US".

The writer adds, "There is no question that the epic crime committed in Iraq has burrowed into the public consciousness.

Many recall that "shock and awe" was the extension of a murderous blockade imposed for 13 years by Britain and the US and suppressed by much of the mainstream media, including the BBC. Half a million Iraqi infants died as a result of sanctions, according to UNICEF.

Courtesy : Daily News

Tourism authorities are in the process of promoting Hambantota as a MICE (Meetings,Incentives,Conferences and Events) destination in the South Asian region.

The Sri Lanka Conventions Bureau is in discussions with organizers of conferences and exhibitions scheduled for this year to explore the possibility of shifting the events to Hambantota in order to promote Hambantota among the MICE visitors.

While there are two exhibition centers in Colombo, the increasing number of exhibitions registering with the Conventions Bureau has resulted in discussions with organizers to shift the events to Hambantota.

General Manager of the Conventions Bureau, Vipula Wanigasekara said that while there were about 40 exhibitions and conferences conducted last year, the number of events are expected to increase to 50 this year.

The General Manager of the Conventions Bureau said that there is enough space for holding conferences and events in Hambantota and even the banquet and foyer areas could be used for exhibitions, which accounts for an area of about 4000 square meters.

Courtesy : Daily News

In his address on Sri Lanka's Independence Day, High Commissioner to the UK, Dr Chris Nonis emphasised that the wealth of the country was in the diversity of its people of varying backgrounds, ethnicities and religions.

He said it was imperative to make optimum use of that diversity and build a strong and unified Sri Lanka which would then be able to resist those external forces that seek to divide rather than unify Sri Lanka.

Dr Nonis was speaking to a large gathering of the British polity including parliamentarians from the House of Lords and the House of Commons, heads of diplomatic missions, members of the Commonwealth Secretariat including its Secretary-General, members of the Foreign and Commonwealth Office, the business community, think tanks, international organisations and representatives from HRH Prince Charles' office and Buckingham Palace, at a reception held at the Sri Lanka High Commission in London to celebrate the 66th Independence Day of Sri Lanka.

The High Commissioner thanked the 53 London-based Commonwealth high commissioners who, in their capacity as members of the Board of Governors of the Commonwealth Secretariat, played a pivotal role in ensuring that Sri Lanka hosted CHOGM 2013 so successfully. He thanked them for their friendship, cooperation and solidarity with Sri Lanka, especially in not succumbing to the strong pressures from lobby groups in the years leading up to the CHOGM.

He referred to the value that had accrued to Sri Lanka in hosting CHOGM for it provided an opportunity to a large cross-section of the global community such as governments, business leaders, youth and media to visit Sri Lanka and form their own views of contemporary Sri Lanka without depending on hearsay and jaundiced opinions.

Dr Nonis invited those present to view the special exhibition at the High Commission premises on CHOGM 2013 and its three parallel fora, the numerous heads of state and government of the Commonwealth with whom President Mahinda Rajapaksa had fruitful bilateral meetings. The exhibition also portrayed the visit of HRH The Prince of Wales and the Duchess of Cornwall, who had endeared themselves so graciously to the Sri Lankan people.

The exhibition also depicted the comprehensive rehabilitation, reconciliation and reconstruction programmes undertaken in post-conflict Sri Lanka.

The exhibition was also viewed by a substantial number of the Sri Lankan diaspora who gathered earlier in the day to participate in the traditional ceremonies associated with Independence Day and listen to the prayers of Buddhist, Hindu, Islam and Christian religious dignitaries who bestowed blessings on Sri Lanka and its leaders.

Reminding his different audiences of Sri Lanka's history, Dr Nonis said that universal franchise was granted to both men and women in 1931, 17 years before independence. Exercising the right of the ballot even before independence helped Sri Lanka build the vibrant democracy that it is today.

Member of British Parliament Ian Paisley jr spoke from his perspective of Northern Ireland having endured terrorism and said that its post-conflict situation still had many unresolved issues after forty years. Having visited Sri Lanka on several occasions his view was that Sri Lanka had made comparatively far greater progress in four years and should be applauded.

Mayoress Frances Stainton, in her address, spoke of her work for "Walking with the wounded" the charity for British soldiers injured during conflict, and stated how remarkable it had been to meet the young Sri Lankan soldier who had won a bronze medal in the Paralympics last year, and the importance of looking after the differently-abled who have fought so valiantly for their countries.

High Commissioner Dr Chris Nonis proposed a toast to Her Majesty the Queen and the people of Britain, and Sir Peter Heap KCMG proposed a toast to HE the President Mahinda Rajapaksa and the people of Sri Lanka.

HRH Prince Charles has endorsed his commitment to charity projects in countries like India, Pakistan and Sri Lanka with a plan to launch a charity for South Asia.

Prince Charles made the announcement at the annual fundraiser of the British Asian Trust at Victoria and Albert Museum in central London yesterday.

"I am someone who can't help believing that people of common purpose and good spirit can achieve so much more when they work together," the Prince said.

"I should therefore like all of us, the British Asian community, British-based companies, philanthropists in India, Pakistan and Sri Lanka and my charities, such as the Prince's Trust, my Foundation for Building Community and International Sustainability Unit, to come together to establish The Prince's Charities South Asia," he said at the event attended by the who's who of the South Asian community in the UK.

The British Asian Trust was founded in 2007 by a group of British Asian business leaders at the suggestion of the Prince of Wales. It serves as a "social fund" to support high impact charities within the areas of education, health and livelihoods in Bangladesh, India, Pakistan and Sri Lanka.

"I am among the fortunate few to have been picked by the Prince of Wales for this idea to bring together the best of British Asian ability and skills. It offers a hand up rather than a hand out approach and has impacted over a million lives since inception," said well-known comic and actor Sanjeev Bhaskar, among the many celebrity supporters of the trust.

The gala evening included performances by popular British singer Emeli Sande alongside Pakistani-origin musician Shahid Khan, the latest celebrity to become a British Asian Trust ambassador.

Prince Charles mingled with the high-profile guests and supporters of the trust, including former tennis champion Boris Becker, Indian high commissioner to the UK Ranjan Mathai and businessmen such as Tom Singh of the New Look Fashion group.

"With the next phase of our work, the basic principle remains unchanged, helping the most disadvantaged gain a hand up rather than a hand out by identifying, developing and funding some wonderful solutions such as the Katha Lab School in Delhi and the Mumbai Mobile Creches, which my wife and I visited on our recent trip to the region," Prince Charles said in reference to his visit to India and Sri Lanka in November last year.

Gracing as a special envoy of His Excellency the President Mahinda Rajapaksa, Secretary Defence and Urban Development Mr. Gotabaya Rajapaksa unveiled the newly constructed Dolos Mahe Pahana (eternal flame oil lamp) and the Gantara Kuluna (bell tower) at a historical religious ceremony held at peak of the mountain of Sri Pada (Adam's Peak) yesterday (07th February).

On par with the religious function the President Mahinda Rajapaksa and first lady Shiranthi Rajapaksa also paid a floral tribute to Sri Pada by a Sri Lanka Air Force (SLAF) bell 412 helicopter.

Chief Prelate of the Sri Pada Ven. Bengamuwe Dhammadinna Thero presided over the religious procedures during the ceremony.

Secretary Defence offered alms (Kiripidu Pooja) and worshiped the "sacred footprint" in the morning. He also paid homage to the Saman Devalaya and got the blessing from the holy place. Furthermore he lit the eternal oil lamp amidst the blessings of the Maha Sanga. Secretary Defence declared open the new lighting system at the hilltop which was a long felt necessary of the devotees.

An all night Pirith chanting ceremony was also held with the participation of 500 Bikkus (monks) on 6th February at the Nallathanni temple to invoke blessings to the yesterday's ceremony and it was followed by an alms giving in the morning.

Chairman of the Kandy City Centre (KCC) Mr. Thusitha Wijayasena sponsored for the charity with the help of the Tri forces and other contributors.

During the ceremony Secretary Defence, pilots and other crew members of the SLAF, members of the tri forces and members of the KCC who contributed to the philanthropy were honoured and presented with the mementoes of appreciation.

Maha Sanaga including Chief Prelate of the Asgiri Chapter, Most Venerable Udugama Sri Buddharakkhitha Thero, Commander of the Sri Lanka Army Lieutenant General Daya Ratnayake, Director General of Sri Lanka Civil Defence Force (CDF) Rear Admiral Ananda Peiris, Director Operations of SLAF Air Vice Marshal GP Bulathsinghala and a large number of devotees were present at the occasion.

The preliminary discussions of the annual religious ceremony, 'Jaya Piritha' organized by the Ministry of Defence and Urban Development were held at the main auditorium today (07th February).

The ceremony will be held for the 7th consecutive time on Saturday 3rd of May at the Bandaranayke Memorial International Convention Hall (BMICH), Colombo with the participation of 4000 Buddhist monks invited from all parts of the Island.

The all night Pirith chanting ceremony will be followed by an Alms Giving on following day morning.

Necessary arrangements were conversed according to the layout of the programme and the officers who nominated to the particular task were briefed on their respective duty during the meeting.

The Pirith chanting ceremony, inaugurated in the year 2008 according to a brainchild of Secretary Defence and Urban Development Mr. Gotabaya Rajapaksa to invoke blessings to motherland and war heroes.

Venerable Maha Sanga, Secretary to the Ministry of Law and Order Major General (Rtd) Nanda Mallawarachchi, Additional Secretary (Defence) Mr. S. Hettiarachchi, Additional Secretary (Technical) Mr. Rohan Seneviratne, Coordinating Secretary to the MOD and UD Mr. Lesly Rupasinghe, Chairperson of the Ranaviru Seva Authority Mrs. Padma Wettawa, Inspector General of Police (IGP) N.K. Ilangakoon, District Government agents and senior military officers were also present at the occasion.

Top American official forcibly enters army camp near Boossa detention facility

Commenting on the allegations made by the government, a senior spokesperson for the Office of UN Resident Coordinator told The Island: "On the basis of information the UN Resident Coordinator’s Office received from IOM, the Office understands that IOM was requested to provide information on a meeting between stakeholders (rehabilitated ex-combatants) of a recently completed project with representatives of the concerned project donor. It’s normal practice for donors to interact with project stakeholders/beneficiaries with the purpose of understanding the results that the project has achieved. IOM has informed UN Resident Coordinator’s Office that it has provided the requested information on the event and are available for any further clarification, as needed"

The government has accused the International Organization for Migration (IOM) of violating its mandate by arranging a secret meeting between a group of ex-LTTE terrorists and a top level US delegation led by Ambassador-at-Large Stephen J. Rapp, the head of the Office of Global Criminal Justice, during the second week of January.

The meeting has taken place at the IOM office in Kilinochchi. The US delegation included US Ambassador in Colombo Michele Sison.

Authoritative government sources told The Island that the meeting had been arranged by the IOM in consultation with the Office of UN Resident Coordinator and UNDP Resident Representative in Sri Lanka, Subinay Nandy.

The meeting should also be examined against the backdrop of the US offer of rewards of up to USD 5 million to those who could provide information leading to the arrest or conviction in any country, or the transfer to or conviction by any international criminal tribunal, of any foreign national accused of war crimes, crimes against humanity, or genocide, sources said.

The IOM comes under the purview of Nandy in his capacity as UNDP Resident Representative.

Asked whether the US delegation had an opportunity to meet ex-child combatants under the auspices of the UN, a US embassy spokesperson said the US wouldn’t discuss the particulars of those who had met the delegation. The spokesperson didn’t respond to the query whether the US embassy had secured UN approval to meet ex-terrorists.

Government sources said that soon after the secret meeting had come to light, the Defence Ministry took up the issue with the IOM mission which accused its Kilinochchi office of arranging the meeting without informing Colombo. Sources emphasised that the local office wouldn’t have facilitated such a meeting without the blessings of higher authorities.

Subsequently, Nandy spoke to Defence Secretary Gotabhaya Rajapaksa regarding the IOM abusing its mandate. Defence Secretary Rajapaksa has insisted that action be taken against the IOM for its high handed action.

The US delegation questioned ex-LTTE personnel on the last phase of the Vanni East battles. The army crushed the last LTTE resistance on the banks of the Nanthikadal lagoon on the morning of May 19, 2009.

Army headquarters told The Island that thousands of LTTE cadres including those attached to elite fighting units had benefited through Information, Counseling and Referral Services (ICRS) carried out by the IOM. Those who had been invited to be interviewed by the US delegation were among the beneficiaries of the IOM project, sources said, adding that the US would now try to exploit whatever information elicited from them to justify the proposed US-led resolution.

Having moved two successful resolutions in 2012 and 2013, the US has declared its intention to move another, late next month at the United Nations Human Rights Council.

Asked whether the government had been aware of the IOM having access to LTTE cadres after the conclusion of the conflict, a senior military official said that the IOM had set up its project in Sri Lanka in 2002. "The original project went failed the resumption of hostilities by the LTTE. However, the IOM launched a fresh project to help ex-LTTE combatants even before the conclusion of the conflict. Those who had been rehabilitated received access to the IOM before their release. It was a unique project. Unfortunately, the new IOM leadership seems to be working overtime to undermine Sri Lanka."

Government sources alleged that the US delegation led by Ambassador Rapp had also forced its way into an army detachment adjoining the Boossa detention facility. The visiting US official had wanted to know whether the detachment was responsible for security at the detention centre, sources said, adding that the GoSL couldn’t comprehend the US attitude. The army detachment had been there for many years, they said.

Courtesy : The Island

A Sri Lankan National Cadet Corp delegation took part at the Republic Day celebrations of India in New Delhi recently (26th January). The delegation included twelve cadets (six males and six females) made the visit to India under the Youth Exchange Programme between SAARC nations.

The delegation witnessed the Republic Day Parade and the Prime Minister's Rally conducted by Indian National Cadet Corps. During the visit the delegation which was led by the Director of the NCC, Major General HMHA Herath called on the Indian President, Prime Minister, Minister of Defence, Tri Services commanders and other dignitaries.

They also took part in a cultural show and presentation ont Russia, Kazakhstan, Afghanistan ,Bangladesh, Nepal, Bhutan, Singapore, Vietnam, India and Sri Lanka.

The Permanent Mission of Sri Lanka to the United Nations in New York hosted a Diplomatic Reception at its chancery premises on 4thFebruary to celebrate Sri Lanka’s Independence Day. The event was attended by around 300 guests, including Heads of Mission and other diplomats from UN member states, the Deputy Secretary-General, representing the Secretary-General, business personalities, bankers, community leaders, philanthropists, media personnel, educators and artists.

The guests were received by Permanent Representative Dr. Palitha Kohona. Deputy Permanent Representative Major General Shavendra Silva and staff also participated. A documentary on Sri Lanka’s rich cultural heritage and scenic beauty was screened. A buffet dinner was provided reflectingSri Lanka’s distinct dishes and was greatly enjoyed by all. Guests left with a gift pack of cinnamon provided by the Spice Council and Export Development Board, tea provided by the Sri Lanka Tea Board, material on investment oppertunities in Sri Lanka provided by Board of Investment, and tourism promotion material gifted by BT Options.

President Mahinda Rajapaksa has written to congratulate the new Prime Minister of Latvia Laimdota Straujuma. Extending his best wishes, President Rajapaksa described the appointment of the country’s first female Prime Minister as “a landmark event in the history of Latvia.”

A long-serving civil servant, Prime Minister Straujuma was nominated by Latvian President Andris Berzins and confirmed last month.

“Warm and abiding relations that exist between our two countries have been characterized by friendly and mutual understanding,” President Rajapaksa further said in describing the bilateral relations between the two nations.

President Rajapaksa, in the letter, also said he is confident that the “cordial ties will be further strengthened during your tenure in office.”

Courtesy : Department of Government Information

Secretary to the Ministry of Defence and Urban Development Mr. Gotabaya Rajapaksa laid the Foundation Stone auspiciously for the construction of Southern Campus affiliated to the General Sir John Kotelawala Defence University (KDU) at a function held at Sooriyawewa today (06th February).

Secretary to the President Mr. Lalith Werathunge and other distinguished guests also joined with the Secretary Defence at the foundation stone laying ceremony amidst the religious blessings of Maha Sanga. Mr. Rajapaksa also unveiled a plaque at the venue to mark the occasion.

Subsequently, Secretary Defence made an inspection visit to the suggested area of construction and as well as visited around the whole area allocated to the University.

An education session on the core value of the project was also conducted during the event. The spectacular location of the proposed University is an ideal setting surrounded by eye-catching land marks which forms an undisturbed mindset for everyone.

Under the first phase of the project, Faculty of Built Environment and Space Science will be commenced and it is expected to be completed in year 2015. Accordingly, certain segments of the Faculty of Computing will be undertaken in year 2015.

Meanwhile, University Headquarters, Administrative Building, Student Hostel Buildings, Married and Unmarried Staff Quarters, Officers' Mess, Club House, Main Entrance, Reception Office and Other Ranks' Accommodation Buildings will also be completed in the 1st phase.

Library, Sports Complex, Computer and Research Unit, Flying Training School, Helicopter Hanger, Management Faculty and other Administrative Buildings will be completed in 2016 under the 2nd phase. The total estimated cost for the project is approx Rs. 2000 Million.

A number of courses will be conducted on completion of the initial phase including Bachelor of Architecture, Bachelor of Quantity Serving, BSc in Survey Science, BSc in Quantity Serving and Bachelor of Architecture, BSc in Industrial Information System and BSc in Information Communication Technology.

At the initial step 100 students will be enlisted into the General Degree programmes and the number of course participants will be increased up to 400 in 2018 as per the schedule. Meanwhile, 80 students will be enrolled to follow the Computer Degree in 2015 and accordingly it will be increased up to 320 in 2018.

Additional Secretary (Civil Security and Development) Mrs. D.M.S.D. Jayaratne, Commander of the Sri Lanka Army Lieutenant General Daya Ratnayake, Vice Chancellor of the Kothalawala Defence University Major Gen. Milinda Peiris, and senior military officials' of tri-forces were also present at the occasion.

Sri Lanka's tourist arrivals increased by 32.6 percent in Jnauary this year compared to the same period in 2013, the data released Wednesday by the Sri Lanka Tourism Development Authority (SLTDA) showed.

The month recorded 146,575 tourists arriving in the country compared to the 110,543 arrived in January 2013.

Arrivals from North America rose by 22.4 percent with 6,909 visitors for the month of January. Tourist arrivals from the US increased 31.5 percent in January while 12.7 percent more arrived from Canada.

Tourist arrivals from Western Europe reached 46,301 during the first month of the year rising 17.9 percent.

Arrivals from Eastern Europe increased 63.6 percent with the arrival of 24,837 tourists for the month while arrivals from Russia topped 10,700 risen by 91.6 percent.

Tourist arrivals from Middle East rose in January by 9.7 percent to 6,842.

The first month of the year recorded 25,823 East Asians as arriving in the island, an increase of 95.6 percent. China recorded a 223.9 percent increase with the arrival of 10,779 in January.

Arrivals from South Asia increased by 14.6 percent in January 2014 with 28,392 tourists visiting the island while, arrivals from India increased only 5.6 percent 17,886 in the first month.

Sri Lanka met its tourist arrival target of 1.2 million for the year 2013wih the numbers risen by 26.7 percent from the 1,005,605 arrived in 2012 and earning US 1.23 billion in the first 11 months of 2013.

Courtesy : President Media Unit

The US has warned airlines flying into Russia for the Winter Olympics that explosives hidden in toothpaste tubes could be smuggled on to planes.

The Department of Homeland Security told the BBC the alert affected flights direct into Russia as it prepares for the games in Sochi.

The agency said it was not aware of any specific danger to the US at this time.

It is the latest reported threat against the region, which has beefed up security surrounding the games.

Volgograd bombings

The Department of Homeland Security said in a statement that it "regularly shares information with domestic and international partners, including those associated with international events such as the Sochi Olympics".

The White House National Security Council said the latest threat had not altered existing travel guidelines for Sochi.

"If we should receive information in the coming days and weeks that changes our assessment of whether people should travel to Sochi, we will make that information public," spokeswoman Laura Magnuson told US media.

The US has also placed two warships in the Black Sea in case of a security breach during the games, scheduled for 7-23 February.

Fears were raised following two suicide attacks in Volgograd in December, and numerous threats from Islamist militants in the Caucasus region.

Two failed attempts have been made in recent years to detonate explosives on airliners.

Briton Richard Reid tried to set off a bomb packed in his shoes on a Miami-bound flight in 2001, while Nigerian Umar Farouk Abdulmutallab attempted to trigger explosives hidden in his underwear on a plane to Detroit in 2009.

The Presidential Commission investigating alleged abductions or disappearances of persons resident in the Northern and Eastern Provinces during the period 1990-2009 will hold its next public sittings in Jaffna district.

The public hearings will be in Chavakachcheri, Kopay and the Jaffna town from 14-17 February.

The members of the commission have visited the district to meet the district officials including the District Secretary, relevant Divisional Secretaries and Grama Niladharis in Jaffna in order to make preliminary arrangements, an official said.

Secretary of the Commission H.W. Gunadasa has said that the Commission received the highest number of missing cases from Jaffna. The Commission has received 3000-4000 cases from the Jaffna district.

He said the Commission will inform the people who lodged complaints through public media of the sittings in the district.

The Commission held its first public sittings in Kilinochchi district from January 18th -21st where it heard complaints from 440 people. Following the public hearing in Kilinochchi, the Commission has submitted details of 162 cases of missing persons in the area to the Attorney General's (AG) Department for further investigation.

The Commission has received approximately 13,700 complaints from all parts of the country and approximately 9,300 complaints of disappearances are of civilians and 4,300 are of security personnel.

According to the official, an interim report will be handed over to the President around by the end of next month. A website will also be launched soon by the Commission to facilitate complainants to access information regarding status of their complaints.

The latest report of alleged war crimes in Sri Lanka issued by a so called expert panel of a so called 'Public Interest Advocacy Centre Limited' comprising of infamous former UN spokesman in Sri Lanka Gordon Weiss is a ploy to mislead the member countries in the UN Human Rights Council, the Sri Lankan Army spokesman alleged. This report which received wide publicity in the international media last morning said that the 'expert panel' found evidence that civilians were deliberately targeted by bombardments.

According to Military spokesman Brigadier Ruwan Wanigasuriya, this report contained nothing new except the allegations that the LTTE Diaspora and its cronies have been harping on for over two - three years.

Wanigasuriya added that the military forces have never been hesitant to take disciplinary action against any soldier or officer, if such incidents are reported to the military with credible evidence.

He said the army is always willing to inquire into any allegation leveled against the soldiers or officers, whenever they are made backed by evidence.

He said that the report published by this so called experts say they found the evidence but not specified what the evidence is. "Discipline in the military is maintained at the highest level. We are the first to take action against army personnel or officers, if there are allegations of human rights violations at the hands of the Sri Lanka forces," he said. Brigadier Wanigasuriya questioned the credibility of this expert panel where infamous UN spokesman Gordon Weiss was involved. He said that this project called International Crimes Evidence Project was conducted by the Public Interest Advocacy Centre in Australia with a hidden agenda in mind in the run up to the UN Human Rights Council session in Geneva.

The Spokesman asked as to why these experts have not conducted such an investigation into the serious war crimes allegations in Iraq, Libya and Afghanistan said. "Sri Lanka is not the only country where there was a war,".

The Ministry of External Affairs wishes to refer to some media reports sourcing a spokesman of the Embassy of the United States in Colombo, regretting that Sri Lanka had refused a visa for Catherine M. Russell, the United States Ambassador -at-large for Global Women's Issues, to visit the country.

This is not a correct representation of the facts by the US Embassy in Colombo as in no instance has a visa been refused to Ambassador Russell. On the contrary, the relevant US authorities had been advised by the Ministry of External Affairs, that following consultations with the relevant agencies, the dates proposed for the visit were not convenient.

In fact, External Affairs Minister Prof. G.L. Peiris on two occasions conveyed to the US Ambassador this inconvenience and that the visit needed to be rescheduled. Accordingly, she undertook to inform the US authorities in this regard. Rescheduling of a visit does not amount to refusal of a visa. The position was fully and clearly explained to the US Embassy.

It may be recalled that in recent weeks, the Government of Sri Lanka has facilitated the visits of two senior US officials to Sri Lanka namely, Stephen J. Rapp, Ambassador-at-large for Global Criminal Justice and Nisha Desai Biswal, Assistant Secretary of State for South and Central Asian Affairs in the Department of State.

The Seva Vanitha Unit of the Ministry of Defence and Urban Development (MODandUD) donated a newly constructed house to a family of a veteran War Hero of Sri Lanka Army at a function held at the Rathnagala, Imbulana in Ruwanwella today (5th Feb).

Mrs. Ioma Rajapaksa, Chairperson of the Seva Vanitha Unit of the MODandUD handed over the keys of the newly constructed house to Mrs Nilmini Gunerathne, the widow of Lance Corporal LHAC Hettiarachchi who made the supreme sacrifice on 08th April 2000 due to a LTTE terror attack in Sorampattu area of Elephant Pass.

Late Lance Corporal LHAC Hettiarachchi was born in 31st July 1972 and on completion of his education he had enlisted to the 8 Gajaba Regiment of Sri Lanka Army on 27th June 1991with a brave initiative to serve the motherland.

The Engineering Service Regiment of the Sri Lanka Army constructed the new house in a 15 Perch plot of land owned by the widow.

Subsequently, Mrs. Ioma Rajapaksa gifted another new house to Mrs Nadeeka Hemamali, the widow of veteran War Hero, Sergeant HMSK Herath who was killed in action in Mullaithivu area during the tail-end of the Humanitarian Operation in 18th May 2009.

Late Sergeant Herath had joined the Gajaba Regiment of Sri Lanka Army in year 1996, during the peak of the war escalated.

Under the directives of the Chairperson of Seva Vanitha Unit, Mrs. Rajapaksa a partially built house which was belongs to her husband was completed appropriately and handed over during the event. Mrs. Hemamalai is a mother of two daughters.

Additional Secretary (Admin) to the MODandUD and Vice President of the Seva Vanitha Unit Mrs. Indu Rathnayake, senior military officials and relations of the beneficiaries were also present.

World leaders congratulated Sri Lanka as it celebrated 66 years since achieving independence yesterday.

Prime Minister of Pakistan Muhammad Nawaz Sharif has felicitated President Mahinda Rajapaksa and Prime Minister D.M. Jayaratne on the occasion of Sri Lanka's Independence Day being celebrated on February 4.

"It is with immense pleasure that I convey to your excellencies my sincere felicitations on the auspicious National Day of the Democratic Socialist Republic of Sri Lanka." Prime Minister Sharif has said in his message of greetings.

The Pakistani PM has expressed confidence that the close and friendly relations existing between the two countries would continue to grow in the coming days, as both the countries were jointly striving to strengthen economic and commercial ties, the official APP news agency reported.

The Prime Minister also has expressed his desire to further strengthen the ongoing cooperation to promote peace and stability in the region and beyond.

"I also take this opportunity to pray for your excellencies' personal health and wellbeing and progress and prosperity of your country," he has added.

Bahrain's Prime Minister, Prince Khalifa bin Salman Al Khalifa, has sent a cable of congratulation to President Mahinda Rajapaksa on Sri Lanka's Independence Day, the official Bahrain News Agency said.

The Bahraini Premier has wished the Sri Lankan President abundant health and happiness and the people of Sri Lanka further progress and prosperity.

The Premier has also sent a similar congratulatory cable to Prime Minister D. M. Jayaratne on the same occasion.

The President of Dubai His Highness Sheikh Khalifa bin Zayed Al Nahyan also sent a congratulatory cable to President Mahinda Rajapaksa.

His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice President and Prime Minister and Ruler of Dubai, dispatched a similar cable.

The Kuwait National Assembly Speaker Marzouq Al-Ghanim sent a cable to Sri Lankan parliament speaker Chamal Rajapaksa, congratulating him to mark independence day.

His Majesty King Abdullah II of Jordan sent a cable to President Mahinda Rajapaksa congratulating on Sri Lanka's national day.

King Abdullah II wished President Rajapaksa continued good health and the people of Sri Lanka further progress and prosperity.

The President of the Republic of Belarus Alexander Lukashenko sent greetings to President Rajapaksa.

Alexander Lukashenko expressed confidence that Belarus and Sri Lanka will continue developing productive multipronged cooperation based on mutual respect.

The Emir of Qatar, Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani sent a cable of congratulations to the President of Sri Lanka on the occasion of the anniversary of his country's Independence Day.

The Prime Minister and Interior Minister Sheikh Abdullah bin Nasser bin Khalifa Al Thani also sent a cable of congratulations to President on the occasion of the anniversary of his country's Independence Day.

A report published in an international journal argues that the United Nation's Sri Lanka strategy is flawed and Sri Lanka should petition the International Court of Justice (ICJ) for an Advisory Opinion on the legality of the UN's report on Sri Lanka which was the basis for the two resolutions against the country.

In a research paper published in the Foreign Policy Journal, author Dharshan Weerasekera says that one of the principal remedies now open to Sri Lanka was to petition the International Court of Justice (ICJ) for an Advisory Opinion on the legality of the UN Secretary General's Panel of Expert's report.

According to the author, If the ICJ deemed the report illegal, all subsequent measures based on that report, including the two US-sponsored resolutions at the UNHRC in March 2012 and 2013, would become illegal, and of no effect in law.

The author, a lawyer by profession, points out that previously, the "accountability" campaign was primarily and principally based on allegations of war crimes contained in the Secretary General's report.

However, since September 2013, it is based on the purported reneging by Sri Lanka on promises to investigate the allegations made in the Secretary General's report, along with certain allegations highlighted in the Lessons Learnt and Reconciliation Commission (LLRC) report, as well as two videos produced under the auspices of a private TV station (Channel 4) in England.

The change in strategy makes it easier for the critics of Sri Lanka to shift the burden onto Sri Lanka to justify or defend why it didn't investigate the various allegations against it, the author points out.

The strategy allows the critics to focus all attention on Sri Lanka's inadequacies in pursuing allegations, rather than on whether those allegations were worth pursuing to begin with, the research paper points out.

Read the full report: http://www.foreignpolicyjournal.com/2014/02/04/the-uns-sri-lanka-strategy-and-its-implications-for-international-law/

As peace returned to the once war torn Northern theatre, the people of the North today witness development projects in their areas, hitherto never ever witnessed since independence.

Jaffna citizens' including Government, private institutions and businessmen got together in celebrating the 66th Independence Day on 4th February 2014 while hoisting National Flags in their respective places. The celebration of the 66th Independence Day saw public and private vehicles carrying the National Flag proudly in Jaffna peninsula.

Special programmes were also conducted to mark the Independence Day in different areas with the participation of senior citizens. Meanwhile, troops conducted a range of community welfare oriented programmes in association with the populace.

Accordingly over 86 soldiers of the 51 Division donated blood to 'Jaffna Teaching Hospital' blood bank at a blood donation camp organized at the Inuvil Mc Leord (Pvt) hospital yesterday. Simultaneously, troops attach to the 513 Brigade renovated the dilapidated Keeramali-Adithy road in collaboration with the villagers.

Meanwhile, troops of 512 Brigade conducted a working party (Shramadana) to clean and colour wash the eye ward of Jaffna Teaching Hospital.

Troops of the 523 Brigade of Allarai also cleaned the 'Social Care Home' for abandoned children and 'Ayurvedic (Native Treatment) Teaching Hospital' in Kaithady. The worthy course was assisted by Hospital staff too. During the session, 20 beds of the hospital were also repaired.

Meanwhile, lunch packs were served to the resident patients, including doctors and hospital staff. The senior citizens living at the 'Shanthi Nilayam Elders' Home' were also provided with lunch packs.

Among the freedom fighters that fought hand in hand with Sinhalese and Muslim community to win the independence in 1948, Sir Ponnamabalam Ramanathan, Sir Ponnambalam Arunachalam and Sri Arumuga Navalar were the brave leaders hailed from the Jaffna.

The government of His Excellency the President Mahinda Rajapaksa, through the concept of 'Uthuru Wasanthaya" (Northern Spring) has launched an extensive development effort in the North covering every aspect close to the needs of those people.

Thus, no government in the past since independence have focussed attention on the North as done today by this government.

The three month long 'Asymmetric Warfare Course' organized by the Special Boat Squadron (SBS) of the Sri Lanka Navy commenced recently (27th Jan) at the SBS headquarters in Trincomalee. Commander Eastern Naval Area, Rear Admiral Rohan Amarasinghe graced the inauguration ceremony as the chief guest.

The second course conducted by the SBS comprised of twenty-four personnel comprised of officers and sailors representing foreign countries of China, Pakistan, Maldives, Bangladesh, and Sudan.

Accordingly, one officer and 03 sailors from Pakistan, four officers from Sudan, four officers from China, one officer from Bangladesh and a Coast Guard officer including two sailors from Maldives will be the participants.

Meanwhile, eight sailors have been included from the SBS to follow this year's course.

Following to a three day long blessing invoke ceremony comprised of Bodhi Pooja and Pirith Chanting, the building of the Hemispherical Dome of the Sanda Hiru Stupa was inaugurated auspiciously today morning (4th Feb) at the ancient city of Anuradapura.

The Military Liaison Office of the Ministry of Defence and Urban Development (MOD UD), Maj. General (Rtd) Palitha Fernando and Coordinating Secretary to the MOD UD Mr. Lesly Rupasinghe participated at the religious activities. Meanwhile, a Korean delegation also participated at the event as special guests at the invitation of the Mr. Lesly Rupasinghe.

Foundation stones were laid auspiciously by the distinguished invitees and devotees for the constructions of the superstructure during the session.

Under a concept of His Excellency the President Mahinda Rajapaksa, the government has planned to erect nine monumental Stupas in each province as a symbol of victory and a token of appreciation to the noble service and sacrifices made by the valiant personnel of the armed forces and Police during the Humanitarian Operations to defeat the ruthless LTTE terrorism and bring about lasting peace to the country.

Accordingly, first Stupa is being built in the historical city of Anuradhapura.

Venerable Maha Sanga including chief incumbent of the Atamasthana Most Venerable Dr Pallegama Siriniwasa Thera, Senior Officials of the Tri-Forces, Police and Civil Defence Force and a large gathering of devotees were present at the ceremony.

"No country was bothered when LTTE killed own leaders and even the Indian Prime Minister Rajiv Gandhi". "No one raised rights concerns when the LTTE forcibly recruited school children". "Those who opposed the peace are now forwarding baseless allegations on war crimes," said His Excellency the President at the Independence Day speech in Kegalle today (4th February).

Secretary to the Ministry of Defence and Urban Development Mr. Gotabaya Rajapaksa accompanied by Chairperson of the MOD Seva Vanitha Unit Mrs. Ioma Rajapaksa were also present to witness the 66th Independence Day celebration.

President Mahinda Rajapaksa hoisted the National Flag and inaugurated the celebration officially. Meanwhile, National Anthem was sung by school children of Kegalle.

Further speaking on the rapid infrastructure development that has taken place, President Rajapaksa said that, "no any country in the world has achieved such a development in a short span after a war". Further elaborating on the dividends of hard won peace he said that, "our children are going to schools without fear".

President Rajapaksa emphasized that, "Influential countries should realise the difficulty of fighting such a ruthless terrorism". "We never prepared to lose the hard earned peace". He added.

Further he said that, "anxious behaviours of some countries remind us the past cruel incidents of LTTE". "The harsh memories should be erased and only the charming memories should be kept in our minds", President noted.

He also emphasised that, "We have opened our doors to the foreign media without any obstruction to witness the reality". "Influential nations are now trying to hide behind the northern people while trying to interfere into our country". He also said.

Further President Rajapaksa stressed that, "no room will be allowed at any cost to deprive the freedom achieved.

First Lady Mrs. Shiranthi Rajapaksa, Prime Minister D.M Jayaratne and Mrs Jayaratne, Speaker, Governor for Sabaragamuwa Province, Ministers, Chief Justice, Tri-service Commanders, Inspector General of the Police, State Secretaries, Diplomats and a host of other distinguished dignitaries were also present.

Sri Lanka today celebrates the country's 66th Independence Day with all faith religious ceremonies.

This year, the main Independence Day celebrations is held in Kegalle under the patronage of President Mahinda Rajapaksa.

All faith religious observances will be held in Kegalle district to mark the National Day. Arrangements have been made to hold the religious functions today morning at several religious sites in Kegalle.

Accordingly, Buddhist religious observances will be held at Wewaladeniya Temple while Hindu religious observances will be held at Kadirawelaudam Kalie Kovil. Muslim religious observances will be held at Muhiyaddeen Jumma Mosque and Catholic religious observances will be held at St.Marry's Church while Christian religious observances will be held at Sri Lanka Christian Reformist Assembly in Meepitiya, and Kegalle.

In addition to the religious ceremonies, a colorful military parade of the tri-forces comprising 1,400 Army Officers, 250 Naval Officers, 250 Air Force Officers, 250 Police Officers, 250 Members of the Civil Defence Force, 325 Cadets of the National Cadets Force and 300 Members of the National Youth Corps will highlight the event.

The Ministry of Public Administration and Home Affairs has instructed all government departments and state institutions to hoist the national flag in their buildings tomorrow and the day after, and illuminate and decorate the buildings.

I share your dream to strengthen the Sri Lankan nation under a single flag in a united country. Achieving this requires hard work coupled with diligence and honesty. It calls for patriotism that transcends the barriers of geography and community, with reconciliation and combined unity of purpose, stated President Mahinda Rajapaksa in his Independence Day message.

This will lay the foundation for the success of our children and future generations who will inherit this land, to live in peace and harmony bringing the glories of new achievements that inspire us from our past. Let us together pledge to build this future for our land and people in the peace and freedom we have won added the President.

Full text of the message

On this day, as we celebrate the 66th anniversary of our independence, we restate our commitment to safeguard the freedom and rights of our people, and decide on our future free of dictates from the re-emerging forces of colonialism.

With our freedom strengthened by the defeat of separatist terrorism, we proceed on our journey towards progress. This requires new social, political and economic strategies that include modern infrastructure such as ports, airports, highways, power and energy and the latest trends in industry, commerce and trade, and education. While most of this is already in place, in the new drive for development, much more remains to be achieved with exciting challenges ahead.

It is our belief that the strength of our freedom largely depend on developing indigenous skills and knowledge, to restore the glories of our past and move ahead to the victories of the future.

As we celebrate our freedom today we should remember with deep gratitude the members of our Security Forces who courageously stepped forward to defend our sovereignty and territorial integrity when they themselves were under grave threat. We shall always honour and pay tribute to the great sacrifices they made to ensure that we live in freedom and unity.

Our policy of Non-Alignment, with a commitment to justice and humanity, has brought us friends in the global community who understand our trials in recent decades, and are ready to help us go forward in freedom with the assurance of support in international fora.

I share your dream to strengthen the Sri Lankan nation under a single flag in a united country. Achieving this requires hard work coupled with diligence and honesty. It calls for patriotism that transcends the barriers of geography and community, with reconciliation and combined unity of purpose.

This will lay the foundation for the success of our children and future generations who will inherit this land, to live in peace and harmony bringing the glories of new achievements that inspire us from our past. Let us together pledge to build this future for our land and people in the peace and freedom we have won.

Mahinda Rajapaksa

Nepal’s Chief of Army Staff General Gaurav Shumsher Jung Bahadur Rana currently on a six-day visit to Sri Lanka, paid a courtesy call on Secretary to the Ministry of Defence and Urban Development Mr. Gotabaya Rajapaksa today (3rd February) at the Ministry premises.

Following a warm welcome, matters of mutual interests and bilateral relevance were discussed during the meeting between the Secretary Defence and Gen. Rana.

Mementos were also exchanged between the Secretary Defence and the visiting Nepal’s Chief of Army Staff to mark the occasion.

Quarter Master General, Major Gen. Rajendra Chhetri was also present at the meeting.

The visiting delegation led by Nepal’s Chief of Army Staff arrived in Sri Lanka at the invitation of his Sri Lankan counterpart, Lieutenant General Daya Ratnayake. Accordingly, he will meet Chief of Defence Staff and tri-forces Commanders before attending the 66th Independence Day ceremony in Kegalle.

Reacting to comments made to the media by the visiting US Asst. Secretary of State for South and Central Asian Affairs, Nisha Biswal, the External Affairs Ministry spokesperson mentioned that, It is evident from this visit and that which preceded from the US, as well as intrusive behavior by other representatives of that country, that there is a desire to believe the worst of Sri Lanka and seek to build on that premise to justify punitive action against the country.

The claims, be it on the pace of implementation of the LLRC, allegations of religious intolerance or insufficient progress in addressing reconciliation and accountability, are unsubstantiated. They have been as preposterous as a visiting US official stating to being convinced of a figure of 40,000 missing persons based on a purported census of 2008 carried out by a civil society institution. Reckless and irresponsible statements without evidence have been recoursed to in order to create an impact to give way to prejudged action.

In fact the latest allegation of religious intolerance repeatedly stated by the US appears to be in order to give credence to isolated incidents as a regular occurrence. It is well known that many of the facilities for religious worship which have been targeted are those operating in violation of the guidelines governing the establishment of these places. It has generally been found that these incidents have been a reaction on the part of the community resident in those areas. Attributing blame to the government is totally unwarranted. While legal action has been taken with regard to some incidents, others have been settled amicably. Therefore, the criticism is grossly disproportionate and politically motivated.

Details of evidence have been requested with regard to allegations of individuals who have met with foreign officials being intimidated. However, such information has not been forthcoming, thereby drawing damaging conclusions. Such intimidating action could be resorted to by interested parties in order to bring disrepute to the Government of Sri Lanka. Therefore, it is imperative to receive the required information for investigations to be initiated.

The Government of Sri Lanka more than any other entity, including short term visitors to the country, has the paramount interest of maintaining a peaceful and unified Sri Lanka. The action of a US spearheaded Resolution in the UN Human Rights Council runs completely counter to the position that country is motivated with an "inclusive vision" in this regard. It is well known that such action only serves to polarize the communities within Sri Lanka and outside, causing a strain on the sensitive reconciliation process. It also seeks to divide the international community, whereas keeping them in a cohesive group would serve Sri Lanka better through assisting in meeting the challenges.

There is a lack of objectivity in recognizing the substantial progress in addressing the challenges during the brief span of 41/2 years since the end of an armed conflict of 30 years. Therefore, "patience wearing thin" is a misnomer. It is the trajectory of the democratically elected Government of Sri Lanka to ensure the best for its people. Statements during the last few days are indicative of a desire to believe the worst and to work to a preconceived political agenda.

Bona fide friendship is extremely welcome. However, the basis of a friendship is formed through fairness and open mindedness and not predetermined conclusions.

The assertion that the US does not want to see Sri Lanka being left behind in Asia's economic progress is patronizing. As a country that faced a protracted conflict, Sri Lanka has already demonstrated economic resilience and a projection of sustained economic stability.

As a sovereign state and one of Asia's oldest democracies, Sri Lanka does not wish to be dictated to by others in the international community in the conduct of its internal affairs.

A new Sports Pavilion constructed by the Sri Lanka Navy worth of 1.1 million was gifted to the Delft Maha Vidyalayam in Jaffna during the Inter House Athletic Meet prize giving ceremony on 29th January at the school ground.

Fulfilling a long felt need of the school the pavilion was construction by the Sri Lanka Coast Guard under a proposal of its Director General, Rear Admiral Ravindra Wijayagunarathna with funding from the Moretom Cricket Club of Australia and Class 56 of Royal College, Colombo under the patronage of the Director General of Sri Lanka Coast Guard,

Commander, Security Force Headquarters (Jaffna) Major Gen. Udaya Perera graced the occasion as Chief Guest and handed over the new Pavilion to the use of the school.

Uthayaraja Jelansika and Nitharshan, leader of the drill display and the school band respectively received special gifts from the Jaffna Commander for their excellent performance at the event. A special financial grant was also gifted to the principal for the development of the school.

Since the conclusion of the conflict in the North and East, one of the challenges before the government was to revive the education sector of the region. Priority was given to renovating schools and restoring educational and sports activities within the national reconciliation framework. During the process schools were provided with modern buildings, furniture, books, sports and laboratory equipment, computers IT labs and many other facilities.

This opening ceremony draws special attention as many Sinhalese nationals who have come forward on their own to help their Northern Tamil brethren, at a time where even the Tamil Diaspora have not done anything constructive to uplift the Northern education sector.

Rev. Fr. Amal Raj. Mrs. Sarathathevi Krishanthan, Dr. A.D. Wilson from 56 Class OBA of Royal College, parents, students and a large gathering of Delft Island residents were present at the occasion.

Police announced a traffic plan for Independence Day celebrations in Kegalle today and tomorrow from 5.00 a.m. to 11.30 a.m.

Drivers of heavy vehicles and lorries are advised to turn left at Ambepussa Junction from 4.00 a.m. and proceed to Kurunegala, Mawathagama, Katugastota and Kandy.

Drivers of Colombo bound heavy vehicles from Kandy are advised to take the same route from Katugastota, Mawathagama, Kurunegala and Ambepussa Junction.

Drivers of passenger buses to Kandy are advised to turn at Yattogoda junction and ply along Imbulgasdeniya, Hiriwadunna to Karandupana Junction on Kandy road and vice versa for Colombo bound buses.

Drivers of light vehicles bound for Kandy are advised to turn at Ranwala junction and proceed on Polgahawela road, Imbulgasdeniya, Hiriwadunna up to Karandupana junction and turn to Kandy road and vice versa for Colombo bound light vehicles.

Courtesy : Daily News

External Affairs Minister Prof G.L.Peiris said that no acts of terrorist violence had been committed in Sri Lanka after terrorism was eradicated in 2009 and asked the Ambassadors in New Delhi, whether the situation in Sri Lanka warranted a relentless pursuit through the UN Human Rights Council (UNHRC).

The Minister briefed the Delhi based diplomatic community on the current developments in Sri Lanka on his recent visit to India for bilateral discussions with his counterpart Salman Khurshid ahead of the cricual Geneva Human Rights sessions. The Minister accompanied by Irrigation Minister Nimal Siripala de Silva and Sri Lanka’s High Commissioner Prasad Kariyawasam met envoys of 82 countries, resident in New Delhi who are currently accredited to Sri Lanka.

Referring to the resolutions on Sri Lanka that were moved in the UN Human Rights Council in 2012 and 2013, the Minister told the gathering that the United States hopes to table a Resolution on Sri Lanka again during the forthcoming UNHRC sessions next month. He called upon the Ambassadors to reflect objectively on the situation in Sri Lanka and its achievements during the past four years with the end of terrorism and protested against the selective manner in which Sri Lanka was treated at the UNHRC sessions by certain members.

The Minister said that the Commonwealth Heads of Government and the Ministers who attended CHOGM last year were impressed by the infrastructure, the thriving economy recording 7.8 percent growth and remarkable social progress. Apart from the 53 countries of the Commonwealth, 87 countries participated in the Commonwealth Business Forum which preceded CHOGM 2013.

Referring to the cessation of violent acts of terrorism since the defeat of the LTTE in 2009, Minister Peiris said that had terrorism continued, the country would not have achieved the economic and social progress it is witnessing at present. “Terrorism would have destabilised not only Sri Lanka but the region as well,” he said.

He said the international community must take into account the dignified reintegration of 14,300 ex-cadres, the massive infrastructure development in the North and the East and holding

Provincial Council elections in the North among other things while urging the diplomatic community to reflect objectively on these exceptional achievements after terrorism was eliminated.

The head of the Anglican Church in Uganda has given a critical response to a letter from the Archbishops of Canterbury and York warning that gays and lesbians should not be victimised.

Their letter was sent to all presiding archbishops of the Anglican Communion.

It was also sent to the presidents of Uganda and Nigeria, which have recently introduced anti-gay legislation.

Archbishop Stanley Ntagali responded that "homosexual practice is incompatible with Scripture".

He said he hoped the Church of England would "step back from the path" it had set itself on "so the Church of Uganda will be able to maintain communion with our own Mother Church".

Archbishop Ntagali said the Church of Uganda had been encouraged that the country's parliament had amended the Anti-Homosexuality Bill to remove the death penalty, and make other provisions of the bill less severe - all amendments which he said the Church had recommended..

"The Church is a safe place for individuals, who are confused about their sexuality or struggling with sexual brokenness, to seek help and healing," said Archbishop Ntagali.

In their letter, Archbishops Justin Welby and John Sentamu said they were responding to questions asked about the Church of England's attitude to laws penalising "people with same-sex attraction".

Homosexuals were loved and valued by God and deserved the "best pastoral care and friendship", they said.

Nigerian President Goodluck Jonathan has recently signed a law banning same-sex marriages and shows of same-sex public affection.

The Ugandan Church, along with others in Africa, has broken its ties with Anglicans in North America over the issue of gay ordinations and same-sex blessings.

Archbishop Ntagali makes it clear that he thinks Anglican leaders from the US and Canada should not be invited to the 2018 Lambeth Conference.

The Church of England does ordain gay clergy as long as they are celibate.

Archbishop Welby has said some gay couples have loving, stable and monogamous relationships of "stunning" quality.

But he says he still supports the Church of England's opposition to active homosexuality.

Archbishop Welby, who is head of the worldwide Anglican Communion, is currently on a five-day African visit.

A British government spokesman said two days ago that UK will not go before the International Criminal Court (ICC) over the allegations of war crimes committed by British Forces in Iraq, while Britian demands that Sri Lanka go before an international tribunal. Observers said the double standard is shocking.

A spokesman of the British Defence Ministry was quoted last week as saying that there was absolutely no need for ICC intervention as the allegations against UK were either under thorough investigation or had been dealt with through various means including through the Iraq Historic Allegations Team, independent public inquiries, the UK and European Courts and in Parliament.

Sri Lanka Human Rights Commissioner Dr. Prathiba Mahanamahewa said that British Prime Minister David Cameron led UK being a signatory of the Rome Statute in 2001 is evading the International Criminal Court, when two leading organizations in the UK and Germany had filed a dossier of alleged war crimes by British Forces with evidence before the ICC.

Mahanamahewa added that Cameron while evading the ICC process to deal with those who have allegedly committed war crimes during invasion of Iraq, is calling for an international investigation into what they call war crime charges without having any evidence. The Commissioner accused the United Kingdom of adopting double standards over allegations of war crimes by the British Forces during the Iraqi invasion in search of what they called Weapons of Mass Destruction.

He stressed that the United Kingdom crowing about the Rule of Law and Good Governance is disregarding the allegations of serious human rights violations by their forces during the invasions of Iraq, Afghanistan tries to drag this country's leaders out before the ICC when Sri Lanka is not a signatory of the Rome Statute.

Mahanamahewa said the UK is berating Sri Lanka over human rights violations which had never happened in the country to consolidate their stature in the post colonial era. "These imperialist forces that committed massive human rights violations in Sri Lanka when the country was under their dominion are trying to dictate terms to us again," he said. This was said regards a prominent British law firm, Public Interest Lawyers (PIL) and the European Centre for Constitutional and Human Rights (ECCHR) moving the ICC in The Hague. The PIL and the ECCHR based in the UK and Germany, respectively, submitted a 250-page dossier titled, The Responsibility of UK Officials for War Crimes Involving Systematic Detainee Abuse in Iraq from 2003-2008 to the ICC calling for its inte rvention.

Meanwhile, Scientific Affairs Senior Minister Prof. Tissa Vitharana said that such a demand could not be justified.

He told the Daily News that the UK is talking about the resolution to be moved at the Human Right Council in Geneva and talking about taking action against us at the ICC while declining to accept the jurisdiction of ICC.

"The UK refuses to appear before ICC on issues pertaining to illegal attack on Iraq and they are expecting Sri Lanka to appear before ICC. It is clearly and completely unwarranted and unjustified. Hence, at this juncture, we feel a clear instance of double standards," the senior minister said. The minister added that it is unfair to hound Sri Lanka for the elimination of terrorism, that brought much misery to the country over three decades and for doing it in a way that minimized civilian casualties.

"I can state very clearly that the President acted in a way to minimize civilian casualties during the last stage of the humanitarian operations," Senior Minister Vitharana said. When considering the entire history of the conflict, which had been going over 30 years, there were no allegations on human rights violations at any point of time except at the very final stages, when the LTTE were using civilians as human shield and using civilians as hostages, he noted.

The only lesson history has taught us is that man has not learned anything from history.

- Anonymous-History

It was reported in the media by the Department of Government Information that all arrangements have been made to hold Sri Lanka's 66th Independence Day celebration in Kegalle which marks the Independence Day of a proud, an independent nation under the theme of "Ekwa Godanagamu-Lowa Dinana Deshayak" (Let us unite to build a world conquering country).

All arrangements have been made to hold all religious observances in Kegalle district in line with the National Independence Day which brings all ethnic communities in Sri Lanka under one flag. Accordingly, Sri Lanka's 66th Independence Day ceremony will be held in Kegalle on February 4, 2014 under the patronage of Mahinda Rajapaksa, President of the Democratic Socialist Republic of Sri Lanka, who will hoist the National Flag.

The military parade of the tri-forces which adds the distinction and elegance to the Independence Day ceremony will comprise of 1,400 Army Officers, 250 Navy Officers, 250 Air Force Officers, 250 Police Officers, 250 members of the Civil Defence Force, 325 Cadets of the National Cadets Force and 300 Members of the National Youth Corps. All arrangements have been made to add 16 beautiful cultural acts for the cultural pageant which showcases the cultural diversity of a rich nation. Moreover, at this ceremony 110 students of the schools in Kegalle district will recite the National Anthem of Sri Lanka, celebrating the nation's pride.

Similarly, 25 students representing four schools in the district will recite the Jayamangala and Prarthana stanzas for the blessings of the country. Buddhist religious observances will be held at Wewaladeniya temple, Kegalle and Hindu religious observances will be held at Kadirawelaudam Kalie Kovil, Kegalle. The Muslim religious observances will be held at Muhiyaddeen Jumma Mosk, Kegalle and Catholic religious observances will be held at St.Marry's Church, Kegalle while, Christian religious observances will be held at Sri Lanka Christian Reformist Assembly, Meepitiya, and Kegalle.

The movement for independence in Sri Lanka was a peaceful political movement which aimed at achieving independence and self rule for Sri Lanka (then Ceylon) from the British Empire. It was initiated around the turn of the 20th century initiated mostly by the educated middle class and ultimately was successful when on February 4, 1948 Ceylon was granted independence as the Dominion of Ceylon. Dominion status within the British Commonwealth was retained for the next 24 years until May 22, 1972 when it was declared a republic by the Constitution of 1972 and was renamed the Democratic Socialist Republic of Sri Lanka.

In 1795 the British attacked Ceylon as part of England’s war against the French Republic. The Kandyan Kingdom collaborated with the British expeditionary forces against the Dutch, as it had with the Dutch against the Portuguese. Once the Dutch had been evicted, their sovereignty ceded by the Treaty of Amiens and subsequent revolts in the low-country suppressed, the British began planning to capture the Kandyan Kingdom. The 1803 and 1804 invasions of the Kandyan provinces in the 1st Kandyan War were defeated with much bloodshed.

Uva Rebellion

In 1815, the British fomented a revolt by the Kandyan aristocracy against the last Kandyan monarch and marched into uplands to depose King Sri Wickrema Rajasinghe in the 2nd Kandyan War. The struggle against the colonial power began in 1817 with the Uva Rebellion, when the same aristocracy rose against British rule in a rebellion in which their villagers participated. They were defeated by the occupiers. An attempt at rebellion sparked off again briefly in 1830. The Kandyan peasantry were stripped of their lands by the Wastelands Ordinance, a modern enclosure movement and reduced to penury.

In 1848 the abortive Matale Rebellion, led by Hennedige Francisco Fernando (Puran Appu) and Gongalegoda Banda was the first transitional step towards abandoning the feudal form of revolt, being fundamentally a peasant revolt. The masses were without the leadership of their native King (deposed in 1815) or their chiefs (either crushed after the Uva Rebellion or collaborating with the colonial power).

The leadership passed for the first time in the Kandyan provinces into the hands of ordinary people, non-aristocrats. However, in the words of Colvin R. De Silva, ‘it had leaders but no leadership. The old feudalists were crushed and powerless. No new class capable of leading the struggle and heading it towards power had yet arisen.’

In the 1830s, coffee was introduced into Sri Lanka, a crop which flourishes in high altitudes, and grown on the land taken from the peasants. However, the dispossessed peasantry were not employed on the plantations: The Kandyan villagers refused to abandon their traditional subsistence holdings and become wage-workers in the nightmarish conditions that prevailed on these new estates, despite all the pressure exerted by the colonial state.

The coffee economy collapsed in the 1870s, when coffee blight ravaged the plantations, but the economic system it had created survived intact into the era of its successor, tea which was introduced on a wide scale from 1880 onwards. The only significant modification to the colonial economy was the addition of a rubber sector in the mid-country areas. The collaborationist ciompradore elements of the elite, led by S. W. R. D. Banadaranaike, F. R. Senanayake and D. S. Senanayake ganged up against the populists led by Dharmapala and removed him from the leadership of the temperance movement. In 1915 commercial-ethnic rivalry erupted into a riot in the Colombo against the Muslims, with Christians participating as much as Buddhists.

British authorities

The British reacted heavy-handedly, as the riot was also directed against them. Dharmapala had his legs broken and was confined to Jaffna; his brother died there. Captain D. Edward. Henry Pedris, a militia commander, was shot for mutiny. Inspector General of Police Herbert Dowbiggin became notorious for his methods.

E. W. Perera a lawyer from Kotte, braved mine and submarine-infested seas (as well as the Police) to carry a secret Memorial in the soles of his shoes to the Secretary of State for the Colonies, pleading for the repeal of martial law and describing the atrocities committed by the Police led by Dowbiggin. The bitterness among the Sinhalese against the British authorities was considerable.

In 1919 the Ceylon National Congress (CNC) was founded to agitate for greater autonomy. In protest against the proceeds of poppy sales on Armistice Day (November 11) being used for the benefit of the British ex-servicemen to the detriment of Sri Lankan ex-servicemen, one of the latter, Aelian Perera had started a rival sale of Suriya (Portia tree) flowers on this day, the proceeds of which were devoted to help needy Ceylonese ex-servicemen. Doreen Young was elected first president of the Suriya Mal movement at a meeting held at the residence of Wilmot Perera in Horana.

Terence de Zilva and Robin Ratnam were elected Joint Secretaries. There had been a drought in 1934 which caused a shortage of rice, estimated at three million bushels. From October on there were floods, followed by a malaria epidemic in 1934–35, during which 1,000,000 people were affected and at least 125,000 died.

On November 28, 1936, at a meeting in Colombo, the president of the LSSP, Dr Colvin R. de Silva, introduced, Mark Anthony Bracegirdle, a British/Australian former planter saying: ‘This is the first time a white comrade has ever attended a party meeting held at a street corner.’ He made his first public speech in Sri Lanka, warning that the capitalists were trying to split the workers of Sri Lanka and put one against the other. He took an active part in organising a public meeting called by the LSSP on Galle Face Green in Colombo on January 10, 1937 to celebrate Sir Herbert Dowbiggin’s departure from the island and to protest against the atrocities during his tenure as Inspector General of Police. In March, he was co-opted to serve on the executive committee.

Deportation of Bracegirdle

On April 3, at a meeting at Nawalapitiya attended by two thousand estate workers, at which Kamaladevi Chattopadhyaya spoke, Dr N.M. Perera said: ‘Comrades, I have an announcement to make. You know we have a white comrade (applause) …. He has generously consented to address you. I call upon Comrade Bracegirdle to address you.’ Bracegirdle rose to speak amid tumultuous applause. The authorities were on hand to note his speech: ‘the most noteworthy feature of this meeting … was the presence of Bracegirdle and his attack on the planters. He claimed unrivalled knowledge of the misdeeds of the planters and promised scandalous exposures. His delivery, facial appearance, his posture were all very threatening (T. Perera, The Bracegirdle Saga: 60 Years After, ‘What Next’, No 5 1997) The British planters were angry that their prestige was being harmed by a fellow white man. They prevailed upon the British Colonial Governor to deport him. Bracegirdle was served with the order of deportation on April 22 and given 48 hours to leave on the SS Mooltan, on which a passage had been booked for him by the Government.

The LSSP with Bracegirdle’s assent decided that the order should be defied. Bracegirdle went into hiding and the Colonial Government began an unsuccessful man-hunt.

LSSP started a campaign to defend him. On May 5, in the State Council, NM Perera and Philip Gunawardena moved a vote of censure on the Governor for having ordered the deportation of Bracegirdle without the advice of the acting Home Minister. Even the Board of Ministers had started feeling the heat of public opinion and the vote was passed by 34 votes to 7.

New constitution

On the same day there was a 50,000-strong rally at Galle Face Green, which was presided over by Colvin R. de Silva and addressed by Dr N. M. Perera, Philip Gunawardena, Leslie Goonewardena, A. E. Goonesinha, George E. de Silva, D. M. Rajapaksa, Siripala Samarakkody, Vernon Gunasekera, Handy Perimbanayagam, Mrs K. Natesa Iyer and S. W. R. D. Bandaranaike. Bracegirdle made a dramatic appearance on the platform at this rally, but the police were powerless to arrest him.

However, the police managed to arrest him a couple of days later at the Hulftsdorp residence of Vernon Gunasekera, the Secretary of the LSSP. However, the necessary legal preparations had been made.

A writ of habeas corpus was served and the case was called before a bench of three Supreme Court judges presided over by Chief Justice Sir Sidney Abrahams.

The brilliant H.V. Perera, the county’s leading civil lawyer, volunteered his services free on behalf of Bracegirdle; he was made a Queen’s Counsel (QC) on the day that Bracegirdle appeared in court. On May 18 order was made that he could not be deported for exercising his right to free speech, and Bracegirdle was a free man. D. S. Senanayake formed the United National Party (UNP) in 1946, when a new constitution was agreed on. At the elections of 1947, the UNP won a minority of the seats in Parliament, but cobbled together a coalition with the Sinhala Maha Sabha of S. W. R. D. Banadaranaike and the Tamil Congress of G. G. Ponnambalam. It was to this government that the British prepared to hand over power, while preserving as much of a whip hand as possible.

The history of the independence struggle in Sri Lanka indicates that all Sri Lankans of all ethnic communities stood together as one to gain independence for our little island nation and that their struggle was a non-violent cohesive movement.

At the present time when Sri Lanka is faced with a challenge at the UNHRC Sessions in Geneva in March 2014 mounted by the UK and US with their allies at the behest of the diaspora which may result in the destruction of our country by foreign interference as was seen in Iraq, Libya, Sudan, Afghanistan and presently Syria, all Sri Lankans of all ethnic communities should stand together to protect their motherland and the leaders who defeated the barbaric LTTE and vanquished its diabolical leader Prabhakaran and ushered in peace and tranquility to our motherland.

The Sri Lankans of the present time who will be celebrating the Independence Day in a few days should emulate our great leaders who lived in the past and learn lessons from that experience to settle our disputes peacefully through non violent methods such as consultation, compromise and consensus.

Courtesy : Daily News

The new Regimental Headquarters of the Sri Lanka Army Military Intelligence Corps (MIC) was ceremonially declared open by Secretary Defence and Urban Development Mr. Gotabaya Rajapaksa in the presence of Commander of the Army Lieutenant General RMD Ratnayake at Karandeniya today evening (31st January).

Mr. Rajapaksa after receiving a Guard of Honour accorded by the Officers and other ranks of the MIC declared open the Headquarters complex.

Thereafter he declared open the 'War Hero' Monument established in memory of the 8 officers and 56 other ranks of the MIC who made the ultimate sacrifice towards safeguarding the territorial integrity and sovereignty of the motherland. He also graced a special commemorative event where the family members of those War Heroes were felicitated.

The new state of the art Headquarters complex was built in a 90 acre land allocated by Secretary Defence in 2011. The extensive facility was completed within a short period of two years and is the first military facility to be established in the Southern Province.

The Military Intelligence Corps (MIC) is responsible for gathering, analysing and disseminating military intelligence and also for counter-intelligence and security. The MIC had played a pivotal role during the Humanitarian Operations to defeat terrorism from the shores of the motherland.

The MIC was formed in 28th June 1990 under Gazette notification 621/12 of 30th July 1990. The 1st MIC Battalion was housed at Muttaiah Road in Colombo. Lieutenant General (Retd) LP Balagalle RWP, RSP, USP, NDC,IG was the founder Commandant.

Subsequently it was relocated to Security Forces Headquarters (Wanni) in Vavuniya on 25th January 1993. During the course of its existence the MIC had been headed by a number of distinguished officers and at present Major General Prasad Samarasinghe is the Colonel Commandant.

The opening ceremony was attended by a large number of senior army officers and military personnel.

The Kuwaiti Fund for Arabian Economic Development (KFAED) has agreed to provide US 36 million to Sri Lanka on concessionary terms to construct and rehabilitated 25 bridges on the national road network.

Secretary to the Finance Ministry Dr. P.B. Jayasundara and Deputy Director General of the Kuwaiti Fund for Arabian Economic Development Hesham Al-Waqayan signed the loan agreement today at the Ministry.

The government in its drive to develop the country's infrastructure has identified the necessity of rehabilitation and improvement of national road network on a priority basis to improve the efficiency of transport services.

The funds will be used to construct and rehabilitate 25 bridges in seven provinces, with a length varying from about 7 - 120 meter and a width of about 10 meter consisting of two lanes, and pedestrian shoulders of about 1.3 meter on each side. Under the project 9 bridges in Western Province, 3 bridges in Southern Province, 5 bridges in North Western Province, 4 bridges in Sabaragamuwa Province, 3 bridges in Northern Province and a bridge in Eastern Province will be reconstructed.

The funds will also be utilized for site preparation, construction of foundation, substructure, and superstructure including pavement, drainage, road approaches, and safety measures, institutional support and consultancy services for preparation of tender documents, and the supervision of the construction of works.

The total cost of the project is estimated at about Rs. 5.519 Billion and the KFAED loan will cover about 77% of the total cost and the Sri Lankan government will provide the remaining funds.

The Kuwait Fund extends Loans on concessionary term to finance development projects in the developing countries and it has extended US 196 million since 1975 with concessional terms and conditions for the development of Sri Lanka.

Courtesy : President Media Unit

Sri Lanka Navy on Wednesday assisted the repatriation of 69 Indian fishermen released by Sri Lankan courts in accordance with an agreement reached by the governments of the two countries.

The Navy handed over the 69 fishermen along with 15 fishing boats to the Indian Coast Guard Ship "Vigraha" at the International Maritime Boundary Line off Kankasanthurei on Wednesday (January 29).

Sri Lanka Navy Ship "Prathapa", assisted by Sri Lanka Coast Guard vessels, CG 42 and CG 46, was deployed for the humanitarian mission, the Navy said.

The handover is a result of the discussions the two countries had in New Delhi on January 15 on the fishermen's issue.

Courtesy : President Media Unit