President Mahinda Rajapaksa speaking at a ceremony to distribute lands to the landless at Uyanwatta, Matara today(Oct 6), condemned the covertly and brutal act of terrorism carried out at Anuradhapura, assassinating Major General Janaka Perera, Leader of the Opposition, North Central Provincial Council along with 28 others and injuring scores of others.
The President expressed his condolences to the families of the deceased and called on blessings for the speedy recovery of those injured.
The President said this attack was a further proof of the need for everyone to unite for the success of the ongoing campaign to eradicate terrorism in the country. He added that in the context of severe setbacks the LTTE is facing in what were reportedly its strongholds in the North; it is now making every attempt to create violent backlashes in other parts of the country, and urged the public to act cautiously in the face of such provocation.
Major General Janaka Perera as a Military Commander in Welioya and Jaffna led several campaigns against the LTTE. Today's LTTE suicide killer attack took place at a ceremony to mark the opening of a new office of the UNP in Anuradhapura. Among the others dead are Mrs. Janaka Perera, Dr. Johnpulle, UNP Organiser for Anuradhapura and his wife and some members of the North Central Provincial Council. Investigations are in progress.
Courtesy: Presidential Secretariat
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Monday, October 6, 2008
Over 25 civilians including Maj Gen Janaka Perera killed in LTTE suicide bomb attack- Anuradhapura
An LTTE suicide bomber blew up himself targeting a function organized by the United National Party (UNP) in Anuradhapura this morning (Oct 6).
According to the defence sources, over 25 civilians including, Opposition Leader of the North Central Province (NCP), Major General (Retired) Janaka Perera and his wife were killed in the bomb attack that was taken place around 8.45 AM.
Also, over 90 civilians were injured, out of which 15 are in serious conditions, said the sources. Among the diseased, UNP district manager for Anuradhapura, Mr. John Pulle , his wife and several other prominent opposition party activists were also there , the sources added.
The bomb attack was taken place at a ceremony organized to open the newly built UNP office situated near old bus stand in the Anuradhapura town.
Major General Janaka Perera joined Sri Lanka Army as cadet officer in 1966 and retired after 34 years of service in 2001. After retirement he was appointed as the Sri Lankan Ambassador in Australia. In 2008, he contested for the NCP as the Chief Ministerial candidate of the UNP.
Major General Janaka Perera (Retd), RWP, RSP, VSV, USP, rcds, psc also served as the Chief of Staff of the Sri Lanka Army (2000-2001). He was educated at the St. Joseph's College. He received his basic training at the Royal Military Academy Sandhurst in England. He was commissioned as a Second Lieutenant in the Ceylon Engineers. Maj. Gen Perera is a graduate of the Royal College of Defence Studies.
LTTE is a ruthless terrorist organization that has been engaged in a brutal terrorist war against Sri Lankan citizen since 1983. Influenced by their psychopathic leader, Prabhakaran, LTTE terrorists have been unleashing violence against Sri Lankans by way of suicide bombings, bus bombings, train bombings, ethnic cleansing raids , village massacres etc during last 3 decades. Over 70,000 people have been killed due to the terrorist war during this time.
Also, LTTE has assassinated number of political leaders who took strong stance against terrorism including late President Ranasingha Premadasa, former Indian Prime Minister Rajiv Gandhi , UNP Presidential candidate in 1994 Gamini Dissanayake , and many others. ( SL Diffence)
According to the defence sources, over 25 civilians including, Opposition Leader of the North Central Province (NCP), Major General (Retired) Janaka Perera and his wife were killed in the bomb attack that was taken place around 8.45 AM.
Also, over 90 civilians were injured, out of which 15 are in serious conditions, said the sources. Among the diseased, UNP district manager for Anuradhapura, Mr. John Pulle , his wife and several other prominent opposition party activists were also there , the sources added.
The bomb attack was taken place at a ceremony organized to open the newly built UNP office situated near old bus stand in the Anuradhapura town.
Major General Janaka Perera joined Sri Lanka Army as cadet officer in 1966 and retired after 34 years of service in 2001. After retirement he was appointed as the Sri Lankan Ambassador in Australia. In 2008, he contested for the NCP as the Chief Ministerial candidate of the UNP.
Major General Janaka Perera (Retd), RWP, RSP, VSV, USP, rcds, psc also served as the Chief of Staff of the Sri Lanka Army (2000-2001). He was educated at the St. Joseph's College. He received his basic training at the Royal Military Academy Sandhurst in England. He was commissioned as a Second Lieutenant in the Ceylon Engineers. Maj. Gen Perera is a graduate of the Royal College of Defence Studies.
LTTE is a ruthless terrorist organization that has been engaged in a brutal terrorist war against Sri Lankan citizen since 1983. Influenced by their psychopathic leader, Prabhakaran, LTTE terrorists have been unleashing violence against Sri Lankans by way of suicide bombings, bus bombings, train bombings, ethnic cleansing raids , village massacres etc during last 3 decades. Over 70,000 people have been killed due to the terrorist war during this time.
Also, LTTE has assassinated number of political leaders who took strong stance against terrorism including late President Ranasingha Premadasa, former Indian Prime Minister Rajiv Gandhi , UNP Presidential candidate in 1994 Gamini Dissanayake , and many others. ( SL Diffence)
Over 20 Killed including Maj Gen Janaka Perera in LTTE suicide attack - Anuradhapura
The opposition leader of the North-Central provincial council, Maj General Janaka Perera and many others were killed when an LTTE suicide cadre blown himself inside the United National Party (UNP) office near the Old Bus Stand in Anuradhapura this morning, 6 October.
According to the latest information, over 20 including the wife of Maj Gen Janaka Perera, few UNP provincial councilors, UNP Manager in Anuradhapura Dr John Pulle and his wife, were killed while more than 35 sustained injuries in this bomb attack.
The bomb blast occurred around 8.45 a,m in a function held to declare open the new UNP office in Anuradhapura, sources added.
According to the latest information, over 20 including the wife of Maj Gen Janaka Perera, few UNP provincial councilors, UNP Manager in Anuradhapura Dr John Pulle and his wife, were killed while more than 35 sustained injuries in this bomb attack.
The bomb blast occurred around 8.45 a,m in a function held to declare open the new UNP office in Anuradhapura, sources added.
First Global Investments gets SEC approval
First Global Investments (Pvt) Ltd (FGI), a Sri Lankan based Islamic financial institution was recently granted approval by the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) to function as an Investment Manager.
This approval by the country’s leading regulatory authority should considerably help FGI in gaining the confidence of investors in its move towards entering the capital market.
FGI is a boutique investment institution providing Islamic financial services with a vision to bringing global opportunities and best practices to the local markets.
Its objective is to provide clients with the broadest possible range of products in the Islamic finance market including the development of ‘tailor-made’ investment products to suit different risk/return profiles of clients
This approval by the country’s leading regulatory authority should considerably help FGI in gaining the confidence of investors in its move towards entering the capital market.
FGI is a boutique investment institution providing Islamic financial services with a vision to bringing global opportunities and best practices to the local markets.
Its objective is to provide clients with the broadest possible range of products in the Islamic finance market including the development of ‘tailor-made’ investment products to suit different risk/return profiles of clients
Civilians urged to use escape routes
COLOMBO: Disaster Management and Human Rights Minister Mahinda Samarasinghe yesterday urged displaced civilians living in the Wanni to follow suit making use of the proposed humanitarian corridor following the re-location of aid agencies from Kilinochchi to Vavuniya.
The Minister added that arrangements had been made to make Vavuniya a humanitarian assistance hub to cater to an expected exodus of IDPs who have been moving deeper into Mullaitivu due to LTTE pressure.
Authorities said the military had demarcated two No-Fire Zones in Oddusudan and Viswamadu for the Internally Displaced People to escape non-liberated areas as troops came within two kilometres of Kilinochchi town limits yesterday.
These zones, each of 10 square kilometre area in Mullaitivu, are to provide escape routes for fleeing civilians with military providing assistance when the IDPs reach their areas.
However assistance provided to the displaced in the Wanni would keep flowing uninterrupted, the Minister added with another convoy consisting of 750-1,000 tons of dry rations being transported to Wanni during the week with WFP help.
He said authorities would clear a secure avenue to help IDPs reaching Vavuniya, which would be protected from the conflict.
Commenting on the withdrawal of men and material by United Nations and other aid groups from Wanni in response to the Government’s request to relocate considering safety reasons, Minister Samarasinghe said he had received comprehensive statements from these organisations with regard to their work and logistics movements.
While noting that most of the equipment these organisations possessed had been brought to Vavuniya according to preliminary reports, the Minister however stressed that authorities were in the process of perusing detailed descriptions of logistics provided by them to get a more clearer picture.
Ones left behind have been mentioned in these reports as either been given to the GAs to facilitate humanitarian needs or has been disabled to prevent from being put to military use by the LTTE.
However there were reports regarding some stolen equipment as well in these reports, the Minister added.
The Government allowed these equipment to be taken to these areas purely on the understanding that these would be used to facilitate humanitarian needs and not otherwise, Minister Samarasinghe said adding that submitted reports by aid agencies would be compared with an inventory which authorities possessed to verify details.
While noting that the whole exercise had been done in a systematic and professional manner the Minister said this would enable continuity and would also lead to a better understanding between the two parties in addition to strengthening ties.
These organisations would be given assistance to continue their work unhindered by directing operations from Vavuniya, Minister Samarasinghe said.(Daily News)
The Minister added that arrangements had been made to make Vavuniya a humanitarian assistance hub to cater to an expected exodus of IDPs who have been moving deeper into Mullaitivu due to LTTE pressure.
Authorities said the military had demarcated two No-Fire Zones in Oddusudan and Viswamadu for the Internally Displaced People to escape non-liberated areas as troops came within two kilometres of Kilinochchi town limits yesterday.
These zones, each of 10 square kilometre area in Mullaitivu, are to provide escape routes for fleeing civilians with military providing assistance when the IDPs reach their areas.
However assistance provided to the displaced in the Wanni would keep flowing uninterrupted, the Minister added with another convoy consisting of 750-1,000 tons of dry rations being transported to Wanni during the week with WFP help.
He said authorities would clear a secure avenue to help IDPs reaching Vavuniya, which would be protected from the conflict.
Commenting on the withdrawal of men and material by United Nations and other aid groups from Wanni in response to the Government’s request to relocate considering safety reasons, Minister Samarasinghe said he had received comprehensive statements from these organisations with regard to their work and logistics movements.
While noting that most of the equipment these organisations possessed had been brought to Vavuniya according to preliminary reports, the Minister however stressed that authorities were in the process of perusing detailed descriptions of logistics provided by them to get a more clearer picture.
Ones left behind have been mentioned in these reports as either been given to the GAs to facilitate humanitarian needs or has been disabled to prevent from being put to military use by the LTTE.
However there were reports regarding some stolen equipment as well in these reports, the Minister added.
The Government allowed these equipment to be taken to these areas purely on the understanding that these would be used to facilitate humanitarian needs and not otherwise, Minister Samarasinghe said adding that submitted reports by aid agencies would be compared with an inventory which authorities possessed to verify details.
While noting that the whole exercise had been done in a systematic and professional manner the Minister said this would enable continuity and would also lead to a better understanding between the two parties in addition to strengthening ties.
These organisations would be given assistance to continue their work unhindered by directing operations from Vavuniya, Minister Samarasinghe said.(Daily News)
Forces poised for final battle to eliminate LTTE - Army Chief
The battle in Kilinochchi would be the final battle in eliminating the LTTE from the North and the Wanni as all Tiger strongholds including Mullaitivu are within the artillery range of the Security Forces, Army Commander Lt. General Sarath Fonseka said on Saturday.
“The battle in Kilinochchi would be the final battle as all other LTTE strongholds are within the reach of the artillery guns of the Sri Lanka Army,” the Army Commander said. Troops are now within two kilometres of Kilinochchi.
He said the Army has already started firing artillery into the southern part of Kilinochchi with the civilians vacating the areas south of Kilinochchi town.
“We are awaiting the civilians in the northern part of Kilinochchi too to vacate the area towards Vishvamadu and Puthukuduiruppu. They have vacated Kilinochchi hospital by this time and shifted it towards Puthukuduiruppu in Mullaitivu,” the Army Commander said.
He said according to reports a handful of civilians remain in the northern part of the Kilinochchi town. They were busy removing their belongings whilst the LTTE is strengthening their positions to face the advancing troops.
The Army Commander said that the LTTE has no capability to even disturb Jaffna peninsula as Pooneryn is also within the artillery range of the Army and there is no escape for them if they try this as a desperate measure.
“The LTTE is left with no other place to take refuge once Kilinochchi falls to the hands of the Security Forces,” he added.
He said the Government has declared two ‘no fire zones’ in Vishvamadu and Oddusudan to ensure the safety of the civilians now entrapped in Wanni once fierce battles erupt in Kilinochchi. He said the LTTE is at present is losing their well trained elite forces in the Wanni battlefront as troops are recovering the bodies of these cadres in different uniforms.(Daily News)
“The battle in Kilinochchi would be the final battle as all other LTTE strongholds are within the reach of the artillery guns of the Sri Lanka Army,” the Army Commander said. Troops are now within two kilometres of Kilinochchi.
He said the Army has already started firing artillery into the southern part of Kilinochchi with the civilians vacating the areas south of Kilinochchi town.
“We are awaiting the civilians in the northern part of Kilinochchi too to vacate the area towards Vishvamadu and Puthukuduiruppu. They have vacated Kilinochchi hospital by this time and shifted it towards Puthukuduiruppu in Mullaitivu,” the Army Commander said.
He said according to reports a handful of civilians remain in the northern part of the Kilinochchi town. They were busy removing their belongings whilst the LTTE is strengthening their positions to face the advancing troops.
The Army Commander said that the LTTE has no capability to even disturb Jaffna peninsula as Pooneryn is also within the artillery range of the Army and there is no escape for them if they try this as a desperate measure.
“The LTTE is left with no other place to take refuge once Kilinochchi falls to the hands of the Security Forces,” he added.
He said the Government has declared two ‘no fire zones’ in Vishvamadu and Oddusudan to ensure the safety of the civilians now entrapped in Wanni once fierce battles erupt in Kilinochchi. He said the LTTE is at present is losing their well trained elite forces in the Wanni battlefront as troops are recovering the bodies of these cadres in different uniforms.(Daily News)
Vanni Postal services cut off since the past 3 weeks
Postal services for Kilinochchi and Mullaithivu districts are not functioning since the past three weeks, according to officials at the Sri Lanka Ministry of Post and Telecommunications.
Colombo Tamil daily Virakesari reports, in the past mail was being sent to Kilinochchi on Postal Department vehicles and forwarded to Mullaithivu as well from there.
But the increased attacks along A9 posing severe danger, postal services have come to a standstill according to officials.
Due to the postal service interruption Grade 5 students are yet to receive results of the Scholarship Examination, while students in other parts of the country have already received them.
Amidst humanitarian despair and scores of civilians looking to contact their loved ones outside of Vanni, postal service curtailment is adding to their woes, social workers said. Several official correspondences between the districts too have been halted resulting in delay of essential services to Vanni civilians, according to Imelda Sugumar, Government Agent of Mullithivu.
Colombo Tamil daily Virakesari reports, in the past mail was being sent to Kilinochchi on Postal Department vehicles and forwarded to Mullaithivu as well from there.
But the increased attacks along A9 posing severe danger, postal services have come to a standstill according to officials.
Due to the postal service interruption Grade 5 students are yet to receive results of the Scholarship Examination, while students in other parts of the country have already received them.
Amidst humanitarian despair and scores of civilians looking to contact their loved ones outside of Vanni, postal service curtailment is adding to their woes, social workers said. Several official correspondences between the districts too have been halted resulting in delay of essential services to Vanni civilians, according to Imelda Sugumar, Government Agent of Mullithivu.
'Lankan Navy surrounds Indian fishing boats'
Rameswaram (PTI): Sri Lankan navy personnel on Sunday allegedly surrounded 10 Indian fishing boats in Katchatheevu, an island in the Palk Bay, but later released them.
Yagava fishermen's association President Jesudurai alleged that Sri Lankan navy surrounded the boats and seized the fishermen's nets.
They also made the fishermen swim in the sea continuously for more than half an hour before allowing them to leave, he said here.
The fishermen have returned to the shore, he added.
Meanwhile, Fisheries department officials levied fine on 40 country and 10 mechanised boat owners for using "banned nets" for fishing.
The officials warned that their licence would be cancelled if they were caught a second tim
Yagava fishermen's association President Jesudurai alleged that Sri Lankan navy surrounded the boats and seized the fishermen's nets.
They also made the fishermen swim in the sea continuously for more than half an hour before allowing them to leave, he said here.
The fishermen have returned to the shore, he added.
Meanwhile, Fisheries department officials levied fine on 40 country and 10 mechanised boat owners for using "banned nets" for fishing.
The officials warned that their licence would be cancelled if they were caught a second tim
Vanni food convoys 'to continue'
Convoys of food and essential supplies for the displaced in the Vanni to continue in the coming weeks, Sri Lanka authorities said.
Fifty one lorry loads of food supplies were sent to the internally displaced in Kilinochchi and Mulativu districts, with the help of the United Nations, last week.
Kilinochchi Government Agent (GA), Nagalingam Vedanayagan, told the BBC on Friday that food supplies are already being distributed but the supplies are only available for one week.
Officials at the ministry of disaster management and human rights say that 750-1000 MT of dry rations will be supplied every week to rebel-held Vanni.
"These are in addition to 15-20 lorries sent per day carrying consumer goods and supplies for the general population in the Vanni which includes food items, clothing, animal feed, fertiliser and kerosene," a press release issued by the ministry said.
Permanent secretary of the disaster management services ministry ACM Razik told journalists in Colombo that a family of five members will receive supplies worth SLRs 1250 every month.
World Food Programme (WFP) confirmed that food sent to the rebel held Vanni would only serve the internally displaced for one week.
Explosives in Lorries
WFP Acting Country Director Azeb Asrat told the BBC Sinhala service that the WFP will send "the same amount of food or more," every week.
Minister Mahinda Samrasinghe also told the journalists that the lorries in which explosives were found belong to the government convoy, not the United Nations.
Sri Lanka media reported on Friday that explosives were found in UN lorries bound for Vanni.
However, explosives and a large quantity of batteries were found in two lorries hired by the GA from a private lorry owner, the ministry said.
Kilinochchi hospital
Meanwhile, Kilinochchi hospital authorities are preparing to transfer the hospital to Dharmapuram and Viswamadu.
The hospital is still functioning and patients keep coming to the hospital, medical staff in Vanni say.
Schools in Kilinochchi are also preparing to move to other places and shifting their furniture.
Residents in Kilinochchi say that the fighting has died down in the town and the remaining residents are preparing to move out.
Fifty one lorry loads of food supplies were sent to the internally displaced in Kilinochchi and Mulativu districts, with the help of the United Nations, last week.
Kilinochchi Government Agent (GA), Nagalingam Vedanayagan, told the BBC on Friday that food supplies are already being distributed but the supplies are only available for one week.
Officials at the ministry of disaster management and human rights say that 750-1000 MT of dry rations will be supplied every week to rebel-held Vanni.
"These are in addition to 15-20 lorries sent per day carrying consumer goods and supplies for the general population in the Vanni which includes food items, clothing, animal feed, fertiliser and kerosene," a press release issued by the ministry said.
Permanent secretary of the disaster management services ministry ACM Razik told journalists in Colombo that a family of five members will receive supplies worth SLRs 1250 every month.
World Food Programme (WFP) confirmed that food sent to the rebel held Vanni would only serve the internally displaced for one week.
Explosives in Lorries
WFP Acting Country Director Azeb Asrat told the BBC Sinhala service that the WFP will send "the same amount of food or more," every week.
Minister Mahinda Samrasinghe also told the journalists that the lorries in which explosives were found belong to the government convoy, not the United Nations.
Sri Lanka media reported on Friday that explosives were found in UN lorries bound for Vanni.
However, explosives and a large quantity of batteries were found in two lorries hired by the GA from a private lorry owner, the ministry said.
Kilinochchi hospital
Meanwhile, Kilinochchi hospital authorities are preparing to transfer the hospital to Dharmapuram and Viswamadu.
The hospital is still functioning and patients keep coming to the hospital, medical staff in Vanni say.
Schools in Kilinochchi are also preparing to move to other places and shifting their furniture.
Residents in Kilinochchi say that the fighting has died down in the town and the remaining residents are preparing to move out.
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