தமிழ் மொழி மூல பிரிவில் தம்பிலுவில் மாணவி சுபதா அகில இலங்கை ரீதியில் முதலிடம்

புலமைப் பரிசில் பரீட்சையில் தமிழ் மொழி மூல பிரிவில் முதலிடம் பெற்ற தம்பிலுவில் கலைமகள் வித்தியாலய மாணவி மாலவன் சுபதா (193 புள்ளிகள்) நேற்று தினகரனுடன் தனது கருத்துக்களைப் பகிர்ந்து கொண்டார்.
தான் தினமும் அதிகாலையில் எழுந்து படித்து வருவதாகவும் தனக்கு பெற்றோரும் வகுப்பாசிரியரும் அதிகம் ஊக்கமளித்ததாகவும் சுபதா கூறினார்.
தனது வெற்றி குறித்து தினகரன் வாசகர்களுடன் தனது மகிழ்ச்சியைப் பகிர்ந்து கொண்ட சுபதா மேலும் கூறியதாவது :-
‘அகில இலங்கை மட்டத்தில் முதலிடம் பெற்றது குறித்து பெருமகிழ்ச்சி அடைகிறேன். எனது பெற்றோரும், ஆசிரியர்களும், அதிபரும் தந்த ஊக்குவிப்பு காரணமாகவே என்னால் இந்த வெற்றியை அடைய முடிந்தது.
பாடசாலை படிப்புக்கு மேலதிகமாக பகுதி நேர வகுப்புகளுக்கும் சென்றேன். பாடசாலை கல்வியைப் போன்றே பகுதி நேர வகுப்புக்கும் சமமான முக்கியத்துவம் கொடுத்தேன். தினமும் அதிகாலையில் எழுந்து படிப்பதை வழமையாகக் கொண்டிருந்தேன். ஒவ்வொரு வகுப்பிலும் முதல் மாணவியாகத் தெரிவானேன். மருத்துவராக வர வேண்டும் என்பதே எனது எதிர்கால ஆசையாகும்’ இவ்வாறு சுபதா கூறினார்.
சுபதாவின் தந்தை மகேந்திரன் மாலவன் கூறியதாவது :-
மகள் மிகவும் கஷ்டப்பட்டுப் படித்தே இந்தப் பெறுபேற்றைப் பெற்றார். அவர் அகில இலங்கை ரீதியில் முதலிடம் வருவார் என்று எதிர்பார்த்தோம். 195 புள்ளிகளை விட அதிக புள்ளிகளை பெறுவார் என்று நினைத்தோம் ஆனால் 193 புள்ளிகள் கிடைத்தது மகிழ்ச்சியே.
சிறுவயது முதல் மகள் படிப்பில் அதிக ஆர்வம் காட்டினார். ஏனைய பிள்ளைகளைப் போன்று மாலையில் விளையாடினார். இரவிலும் காலையிலும் படித்தார். சுபதாவின் தாயார் சிவசுப்பிர மணியம் உமையாளும் மகளின் சாதனை குறித்து மகிழ்ச்சி தெரிவித்தார்.
மாலவன், உமையாள் தம்பதியின் ஏகபுதல்வியே சுபதா என்பது குறிப்பிடத் தக்கது. (Thinakaran)

சிறுவர் போராளிகளின் புனர்வாழ்வில் அரசின் செயற்பாடுகள் முழுத்திருப்தி

நியூயோர்க்கில் ஜனாதிபதி மஹிந்தவிடம் ராதிகா குமாரசுவாமி பாராட்டு

ஆயுத மோதல்களில் ஈடுபட்டிருந்த சிறுவர்களுக்குப் புனர்வாழ்வளித்து அவர்களின் கல்விச் செயற்பாடுகளைப் பலப்படுத்தும் இலங்கை அரசாங்கத்தின் வேலைத் திட்டங்களை ஐ. நா. செயலாளரின் விசேட பிரதிநிதி கலாநிதி ராதிகா குமாரசுவாமி பாராட்டியுள்ளார்.
சிறுவர் போராளிகளற்ற சூழலொன்று இலங்கையில் உருவாகியுள்ளமை சிறந்த நிலையாகுமெனவும் அவர் குறிப்பிட்டுள் ளார். ஐக்கிய நாடுகள் சபை மாநாட்டில் கலந்து கொள்வதற்காக நியூயோர்க் சென்றுள்ள ஜனாதிபதிக்கும் சிறுவர் மற்றும் ஆயுத மோதல்கள் விவகாரம் தொடர்பான ஐ. நா. செயலாளர் நாயகத் தின் விசேட பிரதிநிதி ராதிகா குமாரசுவாமி க்குமிடையிலான முக்கிய பேச்சுவார்த்தை யொன்று நேற்று முன்தினம் நியூயோர்க்கில் நடைபெற்றுள்ளது.
இச்சந்திப்பின் போதே அவர் இவ்வாறு தெரிவித்துள்ளார். இதன்போது இலங்கையில் யுத்த மோதல்கள் முடிவுக்கு வந்துள்ளமை தொடர்பில் அவர் தமது மகிழ்ச்சியையும் தெரிவித்துக் கொண்டுள்ளார். அத்துடன் ஆயுத மோதல்களற்ற சிறுவர் அபிவிருத்திக் கான சூழல் இலங்கையில் கட்டியெழுப்ப ப்பட்டுள்ளமை தொடர்பிலும் அவர் தமது மகிழ்ச்சியை வெளியிட்டுள்ளார்.
பயங்கரவாதத்தினால் தமது சிறுவர் பராயத்தை இழந்துள்ள சிறுவர்களின் புனர்வாழ்வு மற்றும் கல்விச் செயற்பாடுகள் அவர்களை பெற்றோரிடம் ஒப்படைக்கும் செயற்பாடுகளுக்கு அரசு முன்னுரிமையளித்து வருவதாக இதன்போது தெளிவுபடுத்திய ஜனாதிபதி மஹிந்த ராஜபக்ஷ, இச்செயற்பாடுகளுக்கு ஐக்கிய நாடுகள் சபையின் ஒத்துழைப்பை எதிர்பார்ப்பதாகவும் தெரிவித்துள்ளார்.
இதன் போது கருத்துத் தெரிவித்த ஐ. நா. பிரதிநிதி ராதிகா குமாரசுவாமி, மேற்குலக ஊடகங்கள் எத்தகைய கருத்துக்களை வெளியிட்டபோதும் இலங்கையில் சிறுவர் போராளிகளுக்கான புனர்வாழ்வு நடவடிக்கைகள் உலகில் மோதல்களில் ஈடுபட்ட நாடுகளை விட திருப்திப்படக் கூடியதாக உள்ளதாகவும் எனினும் அதனை வெளியிடுவதில் சிக்கல்கள் நிலவுவதாகவும் குறிப்பிட்டுள்ளார்.
மேற்படி சந்திப்பில் அமைச்சர் ஜீ. எல். பீரிஸ், பாராளுமன்ற உறுப்பினர்களான நாமல் ராஜபக்ஷ, ஸ்ரீரங்கா எம்.பி. ஜனாதிபதியின் செயலாளர் லலித் வீரதுங்க, ஐ. நா. அமைப்பின் இலங்கைக் கான வதிவிடப் பிரதிநிதி கலாநிதி பாலித கொஹன்னே உட்பட முக்கியஸ்தர்கள் பலரும் கலந்து கொண்டுள்ளனர். (Thinakaran)

Treasure hunting ASP to be produced in court again on Oct. 4

ASP Indika Hapugoda and six police constables, including a police driver will be produced before Polonnaruwa Magistrate Sisira Kumara on October 4.

The Aralaganwila police arrested them along with two civilians after the villagers of Siribopura, Polonnaruwa on Tuesday night had thwarted an attempted by them to dig up a treasure trove believed to be in the Sooriyadeva Sri Rajamahaviharaya premises.

The Polonnaruwa Magistrate remanded the police personnel and civilians till October 4, when they were produced before him on Tuesday.

Police sources said that Hapugoda was among the few officers who had served overseas. IGP Mahinda Balasuriya is expected to brief the media on the ongoing investigation into the abortive treasure hunt by a police team.(The Island)

Norway seeks new role in SL Solheim expected here soon

Former Chief Norwegian peace facilitator Environment and International Development Minister Erik Solheim is expected to visit Colombo to explore ways and means of promoting cooperation between the two countries.

Government sources told The Island that President Mahinda Rajapaksa and Norwegian Premier Jens Stoltenburg had an opportunity to discuss bilateral relations on the sidelines of the 65th UNGA I New York on Tuesday (Sept 21). Sri Lanka’s Chief negotiator during the then Premier Ranil Wickremesinghe’s UNFgovernment, External Affairs Minister G. L. Peiris and Minister Solheim participated at the discussion.

Presidential Secretariat quoted the Norwegian Prime Minister as saying that it was very important for President Rajapaksa to engage in both  rebuilding the country and reconciliation among communities. The Norwegian leader said that Norway was eager to play a supportive role in Sri Lanka.

When asked what role Norway could play in strengthening the peace and also assist in reconciliation, President Rajapaksa said the best role for Norway today would be to assist in development.

The President, while recalling how Norway had taken the initiative through NORAD to help the people of Hambantota many decades ago, when there was no help for such rural areas, said there was ample scope for Norway to be associated in such development work in all parts of the country.

In discussing the situation regarding the Tamil people and the possibility of being engaged in the developing political process among them, President Rajapaksa was of the view that the problems of the Tamil people should be resolved through their leaders within the country.

President Rajapakasa explained that there was no purpose in those who claimed to support the Tamil people, campaigning for them from abroad; they had to return to Sri Lanka and work with the Tamil people at home, the President said..

Minister Solheim, Norway’s Minister for the Environment and International Development expressed an interest in visiting Sri Lanka to identify areas in which the two countries could cooperate in development activity. He suggested areas such as the protection of the environment, fisheries and the hospitality industry.

President Rajapaksa informed the Norwegian delegates that Tourism in Sri Lanka had risen by 196 per cent during the last year, and there was ample scope for development and investment in that sector.

Solheim said that the leaders of the expatriate Tamil community in the West should take a proper view of the changes now taking place in Sri Lanka and how best those developments could be used to benefit by the Tamil people and the country.

Prime Minster Stoltenburg looked forward to continued co-operation between Sri Lanka and Norway in areas of social and economic development, investment in the new economic environment following the end of the conflict, and the emergence of a fresh and mutually beneficial relationship between the two countries.

Associated with President Rajapaksa in the discussions were External Affairs Minister Prof. G. L. Peiris, Secretary to the President Lalith Weeratunga, Secretary, External Affairs Romesh Jayasinghe, Namal Rajapaksa MP, Sri Ranga MP and Dr. Palitha Kohona, Permanent Representative of Sri Lanka in the UN.(The Island)

China premier threatens Japan over boat dispute

BEIJING (AP) - China’s premier threatened action against Japan if Tokyo does not immediately release a ship captain detained in his first comments amid a growing fight over disputed islands.

Wen Jiabao’s remarks Tuesday night in New York were the first by a top Chinese leader on the issue that has led Beijing to suspend ministerial-level contacts with Tokyo. China also has said Wen would not meet with Japanese Prime Minister Naoto Kan during U.N. meetings in New York this week.

In comments carried on the website of China’s Foreign Ministry, Wen laid the blame for the dispute entirely at Japan’s door.

Tokyo "bears full responsibility for the situation, and it will bear all consequences," he said to a gathering of overseas Chinese.

China-Japan relations are at their worst in half a decade, after Japan arrested the Chinese captain of a fishing boat that collided two weeks ago with Japanese coast guard vessels near islands in the East China Sea claimed by both nations. Japan extended his detention Sunday, and China responded by suspending contacts.

The dispute over the islands, known as Senkaku by Japan and Diaoyu or Diaoyutai in Chinese, comes as an increasingly confident China - its economy booming and military expanding - asserts its presence in the region.

A Japanese government spokesman made a conciliatory gesture Wednesday morning, but it was not clear of he was aware of Wen’s comments at the time.

"If possible, it would be good to quickly hold high-level talks, including broad, strategic discussions," Japanese Chief Cabinet Secretary Yoshito Sengoku told reporters, saying that the countries should continue to strengthen their ties despite the dispute.

The telephone at China’s Foreign Ministry rang unanswered Wednesday, a national holiday in China.

On Tuesday, a Chinese Foreign Ministry spokeswoman Jiang Yu explained that Wen would not be meeting Japan’s Kan in New York because "The atmosphere is obviously not suitable for such a meeting."

Norway to probe failed peace effort, final phase of war

Norway is preparing to launch a full scale inquiry into the failed Norwegian peace efforts in Sri Lanka from 1997 to 2009 with special emphasis on the final stage of the war between January and May 2009, while Premier Jens Stoltenberg’s government is seeking a new role in the post-war Sri Lanka, The Island learns.

The Norwegian government is likely to hire a Norwegian private consultancy firm to carry out a comprehensive examination of the peace process, whose failure led to Eelam war IV resulting in the eradication of the top LTTE leadership in May last year.

President Mahinda Rajapaksa in January 2008 withdrew from the Norwegian-arranged CFA after the army launched large scale offensive action on the Vanni front.

The investigation would focus on several key areas, including Norway’s relationship with China and India, its relationship with the Tamil Diaspora, Sri Lanka’s domestic political situation (Dec 2001 to April 2004), Norway’s relationship with civil society, media and the Muslim community, shortcomings in the CFA, limitations of the Nordic truce monitoring mission and aid as a tool to facilitate the peace process.

Of the NOK 2.5 billion spent by successive Norwegian governments from 1997 to 2009, about NOK 100 million was spent on the peace process. Among the recipients of NOK 100 million were the Norway-led truce monitoring mission and the Peace Secretariats set up by Sri Lanka, the LTTE and Muslim politicians.

Norway launched the investigation in the wake of Sri Lanka’s own inquiry headed by former Attorney General C. R. de Silva making headway, though a section of the international community is sceptical about the process.

Former Peace Secretariat heavyweight Dr. John Gooneratne recently told the Lessons Learnt Commission (LLRP) that the then Sri Lankan government had wanted the CFA to pave the way for talks to find a negotiated solution, prohibit smuggling of arms, ammunition and equipment, ensure freedom of movement for other political parties in LTTE-controlled Kilinochchi and Mullaitivu and prevent forcible conscription. Dr. Gooneratne said that Norway hadn’t accepted any Sri Lankan proposals.


The Island learns that the focal point of the Norwegian investigation would be its efforts during the last five months of the war beginning with the liberation of the LTTE-held Kilinochchi.

The Sri Lanka army wrested control of the Kilinochchi township in the first week of 2009. Fighting raged on several fronts in the Vanni east before troops cornered LTTE leader Velupillai Prabhakaran in the Nanthikadal lagoon on May 19.

Among the issues expected to be investigated are international efforts to secure the release of civilians in LTTE-held areas, facilitate surrender of what was left of the LTTE, international efforts to force Sri Lanka and the LTTE to abide by international humanitarian laws and the response of the international community to Sri Lanka’s military action during the last five months of the war.

The investigating team is expected to contact key stakeholders in SL, the international community, Tamil Diaspora and key foreign officials, including UN top guns involved in the process.

UN Secretary General ban-ki moon, too, has appointed a special panel to advise him on alleged war crimes charges levelled against the Sri Lankan forces during the final phase of the war. He has made his move after former army commander General Sarath Fonseka’s unsubstantiated allegation that Defence Secretary Gotabhaya Rajapaksa ordered the army to kill surrendering LTTE cadres on the Vanni east front.

The Norwegian investigation is expected to be finalised in April next year. Sources said that the findings of the Norwegian as well as Sri Lankan and UN investigations would give a clear picture of what went wrong with the high profile Norwegian effort, which had the backing of the US, EU and Japan as well as international INGO network and lending agencies (The Island)

President Mahinda Rajapaksa greets Norwegian Premier Jens Stoltenburg in New York. External Affairs Minister Prof. G. L. Peiris and former peace facilitator Minister Erik Solheim look on.

Kilinochchi, once dominated by the LTTE, is seeing great progress after it was liberated by the Security Forces early last year during their massive humanitarian operation. Following the resettlement of Kilinochchi residents, the Government has turned its attention to fulfilling the educational needs of children there. Many schools are being renovated and re-opened so that children could pursue their studies uninterrupted in a peaceful climate. Here MP Namal Rajapaksa, the chief guest at the re-opening of the Dharmapuram Vidyalayam in Kilinochchi last week helps a young student to cut the ribbon at the ceremony.

The Government will not succumb to private bus operators’ demands.

The Acting Minister of Transport Mr. Rohana Dissanayake said that the demands being made by the private bus operators to permit them to increase the initial bus fare by Rs. 1/= and make the initial bus fare from Rs. 6/- to Rs. 7/- is totally unacceptable and baseless.  He said that the normal practice of allowing the bus operators is if the cost of operation has increased over 6%, which includes the cost of fuel, cost of tyres, spares and other accessories and other operational cost.

The Acting Minister said that the cost of expenses has increased only in the range of 1% per cent and hence the bus operators will not be permitted to add a burden to the commuters by increasing the fares.

Referring to the reconstruction work being carried out in Phase I the coastal railway track between Matara and Galle by the Indian Company, Icon, the Acting Minister said that the work is progressing as scheduled and the railway track between Galle and Matara will become operation by 1st of December.(News.lk)

Sri Lanka President holds bilateral talk with his Iranian counterpart

Sri Lankan President Mahinda Rajapaksa  this morning held fruitful talks with his Iranian counterpart President Mahmoud Ahmadinejad in New York at 4.00 am Sri Lanka time. Presidential sources said that President Mahinda Rajapaksa on the side line of the UN summit met Iranian President Mahmoud Ahmadinejad at his suite in New York and held bilateral talks this morning.

President had also held  bilateral talks with Emir of Qatar and called on Chancellor of Germany soon after he arrived in New York. President is scheduled to address the UNGA summit on its inaugural day on September 23.

Sri Lanka and Iran maintain cordial bilateral relations and Iran at present supplies crude oil to Sri Lanka to meet 80 % of its needs on an interest free credit basis for a period of four months. Presidential sources said that talks between the two leaders were held in a very cordial and friendly atmosphere and Sri Lankan President expressed his gratitude to Iranian President and the people of Islamic Republic of Iran for their continuous support to Sri Lanka and its people.

Iranian President during his recent visit to Sri Lanka entered into several Memoranda of Understandings to provide financial assistance to several development projects in Sri Lanka including the Uma Oya project. The facilities at Sapugaskanda Oil refinery is to be augmented with Iranian technical and financial assistance.(News.lk)

Sanuja Kalhan Edirisinghe of Dharmapala Vidayalaya-Pannipitiya has topped the Grade 5 Scholarship Examination with 196 marks.

Sanuja Kalhan Edirisinghe of Dharmapala Vidayalaya-Pannipitiya has topped the Grade 5 Scholarship Examination with 196 marks. The names of the students who gained highest four marks at the Examination, were released by the Department of Examinations today.

The other top three students are Navin Yasanka Premarathna of Horagahamulla Primary School-Minuwangoda, J.G. Kalani Pabasara of Meehagatanna Prathamika Vidyalaya-Kalutara and Rathnayake Liyanage Lakith Navodya of Mahinda Vidyalaya-Galle all got 194 out of 200. Picture shows Sanuja Edirisinghe of Dharmapala Vidayalaya being wished by his school teacher, while his mother looks on. (Daily Mirror)

Wickremesinghe Apologises At Cambridge Terrace

UNP Leader Ranil Wickremesinghe held a meeting at Cambridge Terrace today. Wickremesinghe met with representatives of the National Youth Front, which is an initiative by the UNP. During the meeting, Wickremesinghe apologised to the general public for those UNP MPs who had voted in favour of the controversial 18th amendment to the constitution.
Wickremesinghe earlier engaged in negotiations with President Rajapaksa on the 18th amendment. Photos show Wickremesinghe addressing the National Youth Front at the meeting.

A helping hand

LP Ariyawathie is back at her at her village and recovering thanks to the care of family and well wishers after a successful surgery which removed nails from various parts of her body.

G.L briefs monks

External Affairs Minister G. L Peiris briefed the chief incumbents of the Malwatta and Asgiriya chapters in Kandy today on the proposed 18th amendment to the constitution which will be debated in Parliament this week.


The Minister told the monks that the opposition was giving the wrong impression about the constitutional amendments especially on the extension of the President’s term.

Meanwhile the opposition UNP also briefed the chief incumbents of the Malwatta and Asgiriya chapters today on why they are opposing the 18th amendment to the constitution. (Daily Mirror online)

Schools reopen tomorrow

Schools will reopen for the third term tomorrow. Schools used as GCE A/L and Grade Five scholarship paper marking centres will not reopen tomorrow, Education Ministry, sources said.


The third term for Muslim schools will commence on September 13. The marking of A/L papers will begin under three stages in 46 schools islandwide. Stage one and Grade 5 scholarship examination evaluation centres will start on September 13.

Schools used for the second stage will start on September 20 and third stage will start on September 27.

No resolution against 18th amendment - OPA

The Organization of Professional Associations (OPA) Vice President Methsiri Cooray yesterday said, an article involving their Organization which appeared in a weekend newspaper, under the heading “OPA expresses deep concerns on 18th Amendment,” is highly misleading .


Cooray said, there had been no such resolution reached by the OPA Executive Committee and their members on the 18th Amendment to express its “deep” concerns about it.

The statements in the article do not represent the OPA , save a resolution by it . The statements in the article is said to have been issued by the OPA General Secretary.

But OPA press statements can be issued only by the OPA President and that is in accordance with decisions and directions of the OPA Executive Committee(Article 8.1.C of the OPA Constitution) The statement in the article is incorrect and misleading,” he said.

There was neither meetings nor discussions by the Executive Committee of the OPA on the subject concerned. Hence there was no ground for a resolution, he explained.

The General Secretary’s action in assigning and issuing a press statement is unconstitutional and irregular, he pointed out.

Ranjan quizzed over fraud

United National Party Parliamentarian Ranjan Ramanayake gave a statement to the Katugasthota Police yesterday over an incident involving financial fraud. Ramanayake had allegedly obtained Rs one million from a schoolteacher promising her that he would marry her.


The Minor Complaints Unit OIC Chief Inspector Jayantha Samarakoon recorded the statement from MP Ramanayake for about one hour.

Kandy Special Crime Investigation Unit has forwarded details regarding this incident to the Kandy Magistrate’s Court.

Accordingly, the police has produced several receipts and bills paid by the teacher on behalf of Ramanayake to Courts such as mobile and fixed line telephone bills, a receipt issued by the State Mortgage Bank for paying housing loan installments, and a receipt issued for repairing a vehicle.

The case will be taken up on February 2, 2011. Further inquiries are being carried out.

Constitutional reforms to enable rapid development - Minister Wimal Weerawansa

The Government will amend the Constitution to fulfil the aspirations of the people through social transformation and sustainable development, said Construction, Engineering Services, Housing and Common Amenities Minister Wimal Weerawansa inaugurating the second phase of the Nagamu Puravara program in and around Colombo. The inauguration coincided with the World Habitat Day held on August 28 at Navagampura housing scheme of Baseline Road, Colombo.


Theme for the World Habitat Day this year 2010 was “Better City - Better Life”. To coincide with World Habitat Day 170 renovation programs of 70 housing schemes in Colombo city have been implemented to uplift infrastructure facilities of housing schemes. The overall cost for these programs were estimated at Rs 35 million.

The amendment to the Sri Lanka Constitution will be made under three phases shortly to enable to expedite development process under peaceful atmosphere after the end of 30 years prolong conflict of this country, the Minister said.

“Today, unauthorized constructions are the main problem in urban development activities. Under the guidance of the President a systematic development program is being implemented in urban areas. In parallel to these development activities, settlement development programs will also be implemented systematically. The unauthorized constructions will be dismantled to streamline the systematic development of the settlements with the intention of providing better living conditions in a hygienic and eco-friendly environment,” he said.

JAFFNA round UP

Motorcyclist dies


A motorcyclist killed on the spot when van and a motorcycle collided at Neervely Raja Veethy. The motorcyclist was identified as Nimalan (25) of Analathivu. The pillion rider was seriously injured and admitted to Jaffna Teaching Hospital.

Dharmalingam death anniversary

The 25th death anniversary of former Federal Party Parliamentarian V Dharmalingam who represented the Uduvil constituency was observed at Thavady by his son Siddarthan (Former MP) and the Federal Party supporters in Thavady, Manipay and Uduvil.

Late Dharmalingam was shot dead at Thavady and a monument has been erected in his memory at Thavady. The 25th death anniversary was held at the Dharmalingam Memorial site.

ACGSS to adopt orphaned children

The All Ceylon Gandhi Seva Sangam (ACGSS) will to adopt who have lost their parents during the ethnic conflict, the Society’s President R Vadivelu said as a preliminary step they have decided to seek legal approval for the maintenance of the orphans. Secondly they will select benevolent persons who are really interested in helping to maintain these children. With the Court approval the children will be maintained in our homes with their finance. The Gandhi Seva Sangam has homes for the maintenance of orphans at Uruthirapuram and Kilinochchi.

Drama depicting Mother Theresa staged

Mother Theresa’s full life history has been written as a drama and staged at Karaveddi in Point Pedro to commemorate her centenary year under the patronage of Rev Fr Paul, Parish Priest, Karaveddi.

This is the first time that the autobiography of a Holy Mother has been staged as a drama in Vadamaradchy. Hundreds of people of all faiths converged at St. Anthony’s Church, Karaveddi to witness the Holy Mother’s sacrificial offers to the poor and destitutes wallowing in the slums of Calcutta.

State hospital price lists on display soon

The Health Ministry will display the price lists and expenses of treatments available at State hospitals. The main intention of this is to make the people aware of the money the Government spends on free health services, a Ministry spokesman said. State hospitals treat people free of charge and offer treatment from minor injury to open heart surgery. Some injections required by cancer patients cost the state over Rs 300,000. Drugs used for cancer patients generally cost over Rs 50,000.


The public is unaware how much the State spends for their treatment, he said.

MEP fully supports Constitutional reforms - Minister Gunawardena

The Mahajana Eksath Peramuna will give its full support to the approval of the 18th Constitutional Amendments. The 18th Constitutional Amendments will be approved with over 160 votes, said Mahajana Eksath Peramuna (MEP) Leader Dinesh Gunawardena. The Minister was addressing a press conference at the Mahaweli Centre, Colombo yesterday.


The MEP has three members in Parliament.

Minister Guanwardena the people have the opportunity to voice their opinion according to the 18th Amendment.

“This would strengthen democracy and accelerate development programs in the country,” he said.

He said, a new five members Constitutional Council will be approved under this amendment. The new Constitutional Council will be represented by the Prime Minister, The Speaker, Opposition Leader and two Members of Parliament.

President Mahinda Rajapaksa is the only President who has agreed to be present in Parliament once in three months. The new amendment will build a good connection between the President and Parliament, he said.

“We will never use power in a negative way,” he said.

Locally produced BTI will save millions

The locally produced BTI bacteria to eradicate dengue menace has proved successful. The Health Ministry will not need to import BTI bacteria in the future. This will enable the Government to save millions of rupees, Health Ministry sources said.


The Health Ministry’s National Anti- Malaria and Anti-Dengue Program Director Dr Sarath Deniyage said tests conducted by the Health Ministry on locally manufactured BTI bacteria on dengue mosquito larvae were successful. The tests were conducted in Peliyagoda and Mattakkuliya last week in a pilot project by the Health Ministry.

Health Minister Maithripala Sirisena participated by initiating the the use of locally produced larvicide BTI at a State Engineering Corporation workshop premises in Peliyagoda.

“The locally made BTI bacteria demonstrated that it can quickly and effectively kill larvae of dengue transmitting mosquitoes ,” he said. Bio Power Lanka has produced the bacteria.

The company was contracted by the Industrial Technology Institute to produce the bacteria. It is licenced to produce the bacteria for five years.

Asked if this would mean that the Government would not import BTI bacteria from Cuba as it was planning , Dr Deniyage said the Health Ministry has already placed an order with the Cuban government to import 10 000 litres of BTI bacteria .

The Cuban order was placed spending over Rs 30 million. This was before the advent of a local manufacturer to produce the bacteria, Dr Deniyage explained and added that the stocks of Cuban made BTI bacteria is expected to arrive in the country before the end of September. “Cuban made bacteria too will be used to combat the epidemic,” he said . ”However it will not be necessary to import Cuban made BTI in the future,” he said.

Asked if the local manufacturer could produce required amounts of bacteria to fight dengue menace at epidemic levels, Dr Deniyage said the company had said they have enough bacteria to meet the local demand.

They have already provided the Ministry with 5,000 litres of bacteria. The Bio Power Lanka said they have 10,000 litres of BTI in stocks.

Meanwhile, Colombo Municipal Council (CMC) Chief Medical Officer of Health Dr Pradeep Kariyawasam said they are happy to purchase the locally made BTI bacteria if the bacteria is proven successful.
Kariyawasam said, the CMC spends about Rs 3 million to import BTI bacteria. And they will also be able to save a million or two with the availability of locally produced BTI bacteria.

”We await a report from the Health Ministry about results of their tests conducted on locally produced BTI on dengue mosquito larvae,” he added. (Daily News)

Proposed Constitutional reforms: Asgiri Nayake Thera bestows blessings

*Constitution should not bar popular mandate


*Opposition should also support reforms

A leader loved by the people and sincerely committed to the welfare of the country should have the opportunity to rule the country without any legal constraints as long as the people desire so, said Asgiri Mahanayake Most Ven Udugama Sri Buddharakkhita Thera when he met External Affairs Minister Prof G L Pieris.

The Minister was on a mission to brief the Mahanayake Theras on the proposed Constitutional reforms.

“The country must have a stable ruler with necessary powers. There should be no term limits for a leader who loves the people and contributes to the country’s development. If the people demand his leadership without rejecting him, it is wrong to impose constraints on his rule,” the Mahanayake Thera said. He also said that the proposed reforms are being brought not for the President’s personal gain but for the benefit of the country. As such other groups also should support his endeavour, the Nayake Thera added.

“Through the amendment there won’t be any extension of the duration of the Presidency because the people would be free to elect anyone of their choice. If someone else gets elected he also could stay in office as long as the people wish.”

The Maha Nayake Thera also called on the Opposition to support the reforms as they are beneficial.

There is a huge development drive in the country and it should not be interrupted, he said.

“That is why our blessing are for the reforms,” the Nayake Thera said.

External Affairs Minister Prof Peiris also met Malwathu Mahanayake Most Ven Tibbotuwawe Sri Sidhartha Sumangala Thera. He handed over a document containing a summary of the proposed reforms to both Mahanayake Theras.

He explained how investments have started to flow in and a great development has taken place in the country since the end of terrorism.
For uninterrupted progress of economic development a stable leadership is required, he said. In his opinion the proposed reforms extend the scope of universal suffrage and reinforce democracy.

It is the people who will decide whether the incumbent President wins or loses, he said.

The Minister further said, “in the present circumstances the President as Commander in Chief has the power to give necessary directives with regard the Constitution with respect to the Armed Forces.

However with respect to police, this power has been devolved through the independent commissions.

The proposed reforms intend to confer undevolved power to the President with respect to the police too.”

Tamil migrants make risky deals to flee Sri Lanka

The hundreds of Tamil migrants who travelled across oceans on rickety boats to come to Canada faced danger at every turn. They left their homeland, cut deals with dangerous people and put their lives at risk.

David Poopalapillai, the national spokesperson for the Canadian Tamil Congress, said his organization routinely hears from Tamils who have been burned trying to get out of Sri Lanka.

Recently he spoke with a woman who was calling from Malaysia. She had survived an episode at sea where a boat capsized and eight migrants died.
"Many times they are being fooled, many times they die," Poopalapillai told CTV.ca in a telephone interview from Vancouver.

Even those who arrived by boat in British Columbia last month were not guaranteed of their safety: A 37-year-old man died en route to Canada and his body was buried at sea.

Yet a recent report in the Globe and Mail reveals that dozens more Tamil migrants are stationed in hotel rooms in Thailand, waiting for their own chance to head for Canada.

These migrants are gambling that it is better to try to land in Canada than it is to end up in India and Malaysia -- or other countries that have not signed the United Nations 1951 Refugee Convention -- where the process can drag on for years.

Migrants who land in one of these countries can stay in limbo "for the rest of their lifetime," said Poopalapillai, with faint chance of their refugee cases being resolved. Canada adheres to the refugee convention, which obliges Ottawa to take in the people who land on Canadian soil seeking asylum.

It also puts these refugees at the front of the line, which critics say leaves Canada's refugee system ripe for abuse -- including by human smugglers.

"Human smuggling is a despicable crime and any attempts to abuse Canada's generosity for financial gain are utterly unacceptable," Christopher McCluskey, a spokesperson for Public Safety Minister Vic Toews, told CTV.ca in a recent email.

"We will toughen our laws to ensure that we are able to maintain our borders and defeat human smuggling."
A different kind of travel agent Some people would call them smugglers, but the Tamil migrants call them agents.

These "agents" can help spring a person from Sri Lanka by helping them to reach foreign soil through deception, bribery and other tactics.

Sometimes their clients stay in hotel rooms in Thailand, in other cases the migrants could be sitting in a jungle for days, while the smugglers wait for the perfect moment to make them disappear.

Poopalapillai said the migrants don't like to talk much about the agents, nor the methods they use to take them where they want to go.

Such agents arranged for the MV Sun Sea to arrive in B.C. last month, as well as for the Ocean Lady to land there the previous fall.

But a chance at a new life doesn't come cheap. Sun Sea passengers are reported to have paid up to $50,000 each to come to Canada. An Ocean Lady passenger told CTV British Columbia last month that he paid $44,000 for his own voyage.
Sanjeev Kuhendrarajah, a 28-year-old Tamil and former Canadian resident who had an opportunity to ride on the Sun Sea, told CTV.ca in a telephone interview that the cost can vary depending on the deal worked out with an agent.

But $50,000 would be the maximum that a migrant would pay.

"This is Asia, where money talks," said Kuhendrarajah, who rode on a similar boat that was headed for Australia last year. But Kuhendrarajah, who is now hiding in a location he wants to keep private, insisted that the agents "won't just take anybody."

He said the people who made the trip to Canada paid a lump sum up front and will pay the rest later. The smugglers take the down-payment "so they can cover their costs," including a variety of bribes and operational expenses. It's a process that is powered by "a bit of human nature and a bit of greed," which can net the smugglers some major money, Kuhendrarajah said.

Friends and family who live outside of Sri Lanka -- including in Canada, the United Kingdom, the United States -- will have vouched that the migrants are good for the money they have promised.

And that's where the money comes from: friends and family abroad who can afford to send funds back to Sri Lanka.

Poopalapillai said the million-plus Sri Lankan Tamils who live outside their former homeland are often asked for help from relatives who remain in the country. They give back because they feel guilty about the good lives they are living away from the problems in Sri Lanka, he said. "The people chip in, it's like a collection," Poopalapillai said.

Sri Lanka's High Commissioner to Canada, Chitranganee Wagiswara, points to the fact that the UN recently declared that conditions have "greatly improved" for Tamils in Sri Lanka since the end of the war.

But 16 months after the conflict's end, Wagiswara confirms that nearly 30,000 Tamils are still stuck in camps, unable to return home for various reasons. Destination unknown When Tamil migrants pay the agents and a voyage is confirmed, there is still a lot of unpredictability ahead. Kuhendrarajah, who spent much of his youth in Canada but was later deported back to Sri Lanka following a criminal conviction, said migrants don't necessarily know when they will be leaving or where they will end up.

In the case of the Sun Sea, for example, he "never knew the boat would actually make it to Canada" when he was offered a spot. That contradicts the official story from Ottawa, which is that the Sun Sea set out on a very precise course for Canada from Day One. As Toews told reporters in Halifax this week, the Sun Sea "was not simply a tramp steamer wandering around Southeast Asia and picked up 492 people. This was a very well organized and co-ordinated effort. "Individuals were not picked up, for example, on the shores of Sri Lanka and then they wandered around Southeast Asia for a number of months," he added. "This was a boat…that was specifically outfitted for a long journey and the only destination of that particular ship was Canada. It was a very deliberate journey to Canada."

Then there is the business of how the Sun Sea became the Sun Sea. The ship was previously known as the Harin Panich 19, which was owned by a Thai shipping company until the end of March. That's when Harin Group -- the company that used to own the Harin Panich 19 -- used a third-party to sell the cargo ship to another company, which goes by the name of Sun & Rshiya. The Globe and Mail has reported Sun & Rshiya paid about $175,000 Canadian for the Sun Sea.

The ship's flag and nationality were changed the day after the sale. Four-and-a-half months later, the ship arrived in Canada packed with nearly 500 Tamil migrants. "We have not been in contact with the new owner or the vessel itself after it was sold and only found out through the news that she was (used) by illegal immigrants to enter Canada illegally and we are deeply saddened by these (sic) news," the Harin Group told CTV.ca in an email.

Both the Canadian government and the Sri Lankan High Commissioner to Canada have warned that the Sun Sea may have carried members of the Tamil Tigers -- the banned terrorist group that the Sri Lankan government alleges was involved with arranging the Sun Sea's voyage.

Wagiswara said the Tamil migrants who boarded the Sun Sea were likely granted tourist visas to Thailand where they would have stayed before departing for Canada. Asked if Thailand needs to do more to prevent the smuggling of Tamil migrants, Wagiswara said the key is having cooperation between governments.

"It's not an easy task and there needs to be a lot of international cooperation amongst many countries," said Wagiswara, noting that Sri Lanka maintains a dialogue with governments throughout Southeast Asia.

Watching the journeys of the Ocean Lady and the Sun Sea from afar, Kuhendrarajah said their passengers have landed in a good place. "Canada is a good place for refugees," he said.

But the individual migrants who arrived in B.C. on the Ocean Lady and Sun Sea are still not guaranteed to stay, as that will depend on whether their refugee claims are approved. The Canadian government says they are being processed according to the terms of Canadian law. (CTV )

UNP’s Madduma Bandara Undecided

UNP Moneragala District parliamentarian Ranjith Madduma Bandara says his decision on the constitutional amendments would depend on the wishes of those who voted for him at the last general election.


Madduma Bandara has told the media that his decision on whether or not to support the constitutional amendments in parliament this week depended on his supporters.

He has said that he would have to listen to his voters, as they had voted for him even after the UNP had requested the people in Moneragala not to vote for him. (The Sunday Leader)

Mervyn Back In Action

Former Deputy Minister Mervyn Silva has said today (5) that he was still the SLFP organizer for the Kelaniya area and that he never tied a Samurdhi official to a tree.


Silva has observed that he not worried about ministerial portfolios as he was still an organizer and a member of parliament, hence would continue to serve the people in the Gampaha District.

Silva has told the Kelaniya Balamandalaya and Gampaha District Sri Lanka Freedom Party (SLFP) organizers at the Kelaniya Pradeshiya Sabha office that no one can destroy his Sinhala Buddhist principles.

The local media has reported that UNP Mayor of the Peliyagoda Municipal Council Ananda Munasinghe had obtained his SLFP membership from Silva during the meeting this morning.

Responding to a question posed by an electronic media insitution at the event about the incident where he had allegedly tied a Samurdhi official to a tree, Silva had said he did not tie anyone to a tree.
Silva had said the Samurdhi official had volunteered to be tied as an example to truant officials and that Councilor Dias had carried out his wishes.

“I ordered him to be untied and took the rope. That is what happened,” Silva had reportedly said.

Responding to another question, Silva had said he was still the SLFP organizer for the area and if not, General Secretary Maithripala Sirisena would not have permitted him to convene a party meeting like the one he was attended at the time. (The Sunday Leader)

UNP MPs Threaten To Quit The Party

UNP members who have said they would vote in favor of the constitutional amendments in parliament this week have warned they would join the government if disciplinary action is taken against them.


The UNP yesterday (4) said the party would take disciplinary action against UNP MPs who vote with the government on the constitutional amendments following a deicison arrived at by the Working Committee last week.

The Working Committee has decided to remove any UNP MP who votes in favor of the constitutional amendments.

UNP parliamentarian Earl Gunasekera has been quoted in the media saying today that the decision by several UNP members to support the government by voting in favor of the constitutional amendments was part of the democracy within the party.

He has said that action should be taken against UNP deputy leader Karu Jayasuriya for joining the government during the war and later rejoining the UNP, if the party is to take disciplinary actions against the MPs who vote for the constitutional amendments.

Gunasekera has warned that the UNP members who have decided to vote with the government for the constitutional amendments will not hesitate to join the government if the UNP attempts to take against them.

Four UNP MPs Abdul Cader, Earl Gunasekara, Lakshman Seneviratne and Manusha Nanayakkara have said they would vote in favor of the constitutional amendments. (The Sunday Leader)

Police on alert for agitations against amendment

Police will take measures to stregthen the security to prevent any violent move that is likely to happen when there is a debate for 18th constitutional amendment in Parliament on 7th of September.


The discussion was held at Police Head Quarters between DIG Mr. Mahinda Balasooriya and top officers to design relevant measures if such incident takes place.

Army people will be deployed along the roads leading to Parliament to ensure MPs to reach Parliament without any hindrance.

The information has been received that there would be mass agitations and demonstrations which are about to be conducted by some sections of opposition to oppose 18th constitutional amendment.

Parliamentary sessions will commence at 9.30 a.m on next Tuesday to debate for 18th amendment. Subsequently voting will take place at5.30 p.m on the same day. (Lanka Truth)

Canada accepts the most Sri Lankan refugees

OTTAWA – Most of the 492 of the passengers and crew aboard the MV Sun Sea have a good shot at being granted refugee status in Canada, according to a review of Canadian acceptance rates for refugee applicants from Sri Lanka and other countries.


Canada is more likely than any other country to grant refugee status to Sri Lankan nationals, and it accepts more refugees from Sri Lanka than from anywhere else.

In the first six months of 2010, the acceptance rate for Sri Lankan
nationals, many of whom are ethnic Tamils, was 85%. In 2009, the acceptance rate was 90.7%. In 2008, it was 93%.

According to statistics from The IGC — an informal body based Geneva,

Switzerland that gathers data on immigration and refugee matters — Canada's acceptance of Sri Lankan refugees is almost 14% higher than the second most accepting country, Australia.

While Canada accepted 90.7% of all refugee applicants from Sri Lanka in 2009, Australia accepted 76.9%.

Other countries with a significant number of applications had much lower acceptance rates.
Britain received an almost identical number of Sri Lankan refugee applications as Canada — 1,099 compared to Canada's 1,082 — yet rejected 86.4% of them.

Out of the 2,636 refugee applications made by Sri Lanka nationals in France, 75.9% were rejected.

After accounting for applications withdrawn or granted a different status, Canada’s rejection rate for Sri Lankan nationals is just 5.5%. Information provided by the Immigration and Refugee Board (IRB) shows Sri Lankan nationals are accepted into Canada at a much higher rate than refugee applicants from other countries.

Mexico was Canada’s top source of refugee applications in 2009, with 9,314 claims made, and a mere 8% accepted.

The acceptance rate of applications from China was 58%, and the rate for Nigeria was 66%. Canada’s total acceptance rate for all countries in 2009 was 42%.
Questions put to Immigration Minister Jason Kenney’s office were referred to the IRB.

“They make refugee decisions independently, at arm's length from the minister and the government,” said Alykhan Velshi, a spokesman for Kenney.

IRB spokeswoman Melissa Anderson told QMI Agency it's hard to draw conclusions from international numbers or compare them to Canada's, because the criteria for accepting refugees may be different.

Immigration lawyer Richard Kurland told QMI Agency the overall acceptance rates of other countries may be higher than officially stated, because failed refugee claimants are not necessarily kicked-out and are often accepted as a different class of migrant.

Canada also has well-documented trouble removing failed applicants. Auditor General Sheila Fraser reported in 2008 that 42,000 people ordered out of Canada could not be found by federal officials.

The issue of Tamil refugees from Sri Lanka became an issue three weeks ago when the MV Sun Sea arrived on B.C.'s coast.
Reports continue to surface that between one and five other refugee ships are preparing to make their way to Canada.
Foreign Affairs Minister Lawrence Cannon said his department, “is leading an integrated Canadian effort abroad, working in close concert with Canadian departments and agencies and other states to combat migrant smuggling.”

“Our Government will not sit back while Canada becomes a target for criminal operations that are trying to take advantage of Canada's generosity,” said Cannon.

A report in the Globe and Mail last week revealed Tamils looking for passage to countries like Canada are being warehoused in apartments around Bangkok.

One man, who fled the civil war in Sri Lanka before it ended, complained that human smugglers were charging tens of thousands of dollars for trips to Canada, a price he said was unaffordable to an ordinary refugee.

People’s verdict will reign supreme

But it is entirely up to the people to decide whether they re-elect the incumbent President or not,” Chief Government Whip and Water Supply and Drainage Minister Dinesh Gunawardena told the Sunday Observer.

The Government is well poised to secure the two-third majority needed to pass the 18th Amendment in the House, with more UNP MPs expressing their support, in addition to the Sri Lanka Muslim Congress (SLMC) which earlier pledged support.

“The right of the executive incumbent to recontest is not restricted to person A or person B. This is for anyone who holds that office. Just because this clause is there, it is not mandatory for the incumbent to recontest,” Minister Gunawardena said.

According to new Constitutional Amendments, the Executive President has to visit Parliament at least once every three months.

“This is indirectly a form of being answerable to Parliament and participating in the affairs of the elected representatives.

The President as a people’s leader elected with an overwhelming majority would work more closely with the elected representatives in Parliament,” the Minister said.

Minister Gunawardena noted that the clause on two terms of the President was not decided by the country’s people.  It was a model copied by the late President J.R. Jayewardene (from Constitutions in certain countries) and “we have been asked to follow it”.

Responding to the decision taken by Opposition Leader Ranil Wickremesinghe to oppose the Constitutional amendments, the Minister said Wickremesinghe has been voting against every good move for the people and the Motherland.

“It is better for the UNP and its alliance to think of a fresh approach for working with the Government, contributing towards its efforts to achieve fast economic growth,” the Minister said. He said the decision to conduct a full-day debate in Parliament on Wednesday on the Constitutional Amendment Bill was a unanimous decision reached at the Party Leaders’ meeting chaired by Speaker Chamal Rajapaksa. The Bill will be debated in Parliament during the whole day on September 8 from 9.30 a.m. to 7.00 p.m. The vote on the Bill will take place at 7.00 p.m, the Minister said.

The Opposition wanted more time to debate this Bill in Parliament. Therefore, the Government agreed to start the debate at 9.30 a.m. and continue until 7.00 p.m. Normally, Parliament sits at 1.00 p.m.

“We have accommodated all requests of different parties in Parliament. Therefore, it was a unanimous decision reached at the Party Leaders’ meeting chaired by Speaker Chamal Rajapaksa to summon Parliament at 9.30 a.m. and continue until 7.00 p.m,” the Minister said. (Sunday Observer)

Pakistan betting scandal: Sri Lanka player under ICC spotlight

The International Cricket Council's anti-corruption unit has been monitoring the activities of a leading Sri Lanka player since the World Twenty20 in England last year after team-mates became increasingly unsettled by his late-night fraternising with a man they believed to be an illegal bookmaker. They passed on their concerns to the captain, Kumar Sangakkara, who followed ICC protocol by contacting the anti-corruption unit.


The player has since been investigated by Sri Lankan police, although no charges have been laid; officials from the ICC's anti-corruption unit are said to be dismayed at the lack of progress. Haroon Lorgat, the ICC's chief executive, has admitted to a general sense of frustration, saying: "The [anti-corruption unit's] working is not that of a policing agency or a newspaper. They have no power to arrest or seize, or carry out a sting operation."

Getting international players to question the honesty of one of their own team‑mates is a considerable challenge, but it is essential if the ICC is to root out corruption. England's one-day captain, Paul Collingwood, admitted ahead of today's Twenty20 international in Cardiff the difficulty faced by players in casting aside dressing‑room loyalties by reporting a team‑mate suspected of involvement with a betting scam.
As England and Pakistan prepared for the start of the one-day series, in a lingering atmosphere of despondency and mistrust, Collingwood said: "I love this game fondly. It's very hard to say whether you would blag on someone or whatever but I would like to think I would take every decision in the best interests of the game of cricket."

No England player, as far as Collingwood is aware, has ever felt the need to phone the ICC's anti-corruption hotline. "In my experience, I would probably say never, but I don't know for certain. You don't know whether players have done it individually and not told anybody else. This is probably stuff that will be done confidentially and kept kind of under the carpet."

England also seem to have stopped short of reporting suspicions about opponents. They are regularly implored, as are players from all countries, to pass on all suspicions and leave the anti-corruption unit to investigate, but pointing the finger of suspicion without evidence is not easily done. "From a players' point of view, we pretty much just want to focus on the game in hand and let the authorities deal with it and make strong decisions," Collingwood said. "It may be up to the players to tell the authorities if they think something is going on."

Pakistan's new captain, Shahid Afridi, who took over from the suspended Salman Butt, made a remarkable public apology before his side's net session in Cardiff yesterday on behalf of the three players – Butt, Mohammad Asif and Mohammad Amir – whose alleged involvement in betting scams is being investigated by the Metropolitan police and who have already been charged under the ICC's code of conduct. Afridi made no attempt to proclaim their innocence. "I think it is very bad news," he said. "On behalf of these players – I know they are not in this series – but on behalf of these boys, I want to say sorry to all cricket lovers and all the cricketing nations."

The News of the World, which published its exposé into cricket corruption a week ago after a sting operation against the Pakistan players' agent, Mazhar Majeed, provides further evidence over 19 pages today to support its allegations. The newspaper has been praised by the head of the anti-corruption unit, Ronnie Flanagan. The newspaper claims that the Pakistan players face 23 ICC charges between them and that the Metropolitan Police have recovered between £10-15,000 of bills marked by the News of the World from Butt's room.

It also states Butt was warned five times that he must report any irregular dealings. It also derides as "rantings" the suggestion by the Pakistan high commissioner in London, Wajid Shamsul Hasan, that the evidence had been faked.

Yasir Hameed, who was recalled for the final Test at The Oval – the Test that was the subject of the News of the World sting – is quoted as saying: "They were doing it [fixing] in almost every match. God knows what they were up to." Hameed last night denied he had made the allegations and said he was "deeply disturbed" by them.
(Gardian.co.uk)

Sri Lanka's left parties in ruling alliance still undecided on constitutional amendments

The left parties in the ruling coalition of Sri Lankan government are still undecided regarding the proposed 18th amendment to the constitution.


The Socialist People's Front, a common front in the ruling coalition formed by the Sri Lanka Communist Party, Lanka Samasamaja Party, and the Democratic Left Front, has held several rounds of talks but with no agreement. The dialogue held yesterday also has ended without a conclusion.

The left parties are to meet again on September 06 to reach a final decision, says the government MP representing the Democratic Left Front and President's Adviser Vasudeva Nanayakkara.

The debate on the Draft Bill will be held on September 08th, the same day it is tabled in the parliament. The vote on the bill will be held following the debate.

Left parties earlier vowed not to support moves that strengthen the executive Presidency. However, no Left Front Minister registered protest to the constitutional amendments at the cabinet meeting when the draft proposals were unanimously approved.

The amendments propose deletion of clause 2 of article 31 which specifies term limits on Executive Presidency, changes to the Constitutional Council, changes to appointment of Commissions, delegation of powers to Secretaries of Ministries to institute public service transfers, and making mandatory for the holder of the office of the President to attend Parliament every three months.

The ruling alliance is confident of passing the Bill with a two-third majority in the 225-member parliament with at least 160 votes in favor.

UNP moves no-faith motion against G.L. Peiris

The UNP today (Sept. 03) moved a no-confidence motion against external affairs minister Prof. G.L. Peiris over his "failure to handle international affairs."

The party handed over the proposal to speaker Chamal Rajapaksa, reports said.

It has been signed by UNP leader Ranil Wickremesinghe and MPs Karu Jayasuriya, Ravi Karunanayake, Lakshman Kiriella, John Amaratunga and Wijedasa Rajapaksa.

The motion alleges Prof. Peiris had made false statements to the country and to the world and failed to secure continuation of the GSP Plus export concession and did not act in the case of the Sri Lankan housemaid who had been tortured by her Saudi employers. (Colombo Today)

China and Japan Our True Friends

In the international arena of foreign relations, it was Sri Lanka that championed the cause of both our friends China and Japan. Immediately after the Second World War at the conference in San Francisco USA, the world was taking stock of how and what it should do, to deal with the both Japan and Germany who were defeated by the allied forces. Ceylon’s representative at this meeting, J. R. Jayewardene, appealed to the world community, that we do not believe in the doctrine of an eye for an eye but that we must pardon our enemies in order that all future enmity would gradually disappear and peace restored in the world. This wise counsel was accepted by the world. Hence when the JR government came to power in 1977, it was Japan and the ADB that came forward to help our development efforts.


Similarly, when the colonial powers were driven out of China by their great leader Mao Tse-tung; about 1949, the world community led by the US and its colonial cohorts ostracized China and made it taboo for any country to have anything to do with China. The old colonials denied China’s entry into the UN until 1971, when it was forced to admit that China was a force to reckon with. As China’s very old friend, Sri Lanka all the while supported China’s entry to the UN. In fact the very mention of China in the US, or UK was a dirty word, up to Henry Kissinger’s visit to China, in the latter part of Nixon’s presidency in 1973. Notwithstanding this embargo on China, Sri Lanka, (then Ceylon) boldly ventured to sign a Rubber for Rice Agreement with its true friend China, as early as 1953, under Sir John Kotelawela. This was subsequent to the US refusing to give Sri Lanka its due price for its rubber. Hence it was Sri Lanka, then Ceylon, which was in fact the first country to boldly engage and trade with China in defiance of a world community boycott. Quite rightly China is beholden to our uprightness in breaking the unofficial trade embargo placed on it. During this period, no country, even in Asia dared to have anything to do with China for fear of reprisals from the old Colonials. This trade pact between China and Ceylon (Sri Lanka) gave China the needed fillip to begin trading with other countries.

Subsequently it was after 1956 that our ties with China were further strengthened and its goodwill towards Sri Lanka is unmatched in aid without any strings. China’s gift of the Bandaranaike Memorial Internationally Conference Hall is well known. There are hundreds of Chinese aided projects in Sri Lanka. In recent times, China’s close co-operation during the final years of the terrorist war is incomparable. Apart from the Noracholai Power plant and Hambantota Harbour and Airport projects, Sri Lankans have no qualms about hooking up with their sincere Chinese friends. Quite unlike others, they have no ulterior motives.

It is a pity that some countries don’t understand our very special relationship with China, which is a good example of the type of relationship that countries must maintain in international affairs. (The Island)

Indian army chief in Colombo on Sunday

NEW DELHI, September 3: Indian Army Chief Gen Vijay Kumar Singh is arriving in Colombo on Sunday on a five-day official visit to Sri Lanka, The Island learns from informed sources here.


The visit is a part of defence cooperation enhancement between the two countries as envisaged during President Mahinda Rajapaksa’s visit to India in June this year. Defence Secretary Gotabhaya Rajapaksa was here last fortnight for discussions with Indian officials.

The focus of his deliberations will be on a post-LTTE security/defence paradigm, in which many aspects can be shared, exchanged and extended for mutual benefit.

"This is a very significant visit as far as defence cooperation between the two close neighbours," an analyst here said.
On Monday (September 6), Gen Singh is scheduled to call on President Mahinda Rajapaksa, Prime Minister DM Jayaratne, and Defence Secretary Gotabhaya Rajapaksa. He will meet Army Commander Lt-Gen Jagat Jayasuriya, Navy Chief Vice Admiral Thisara Samarasinghe, and Air Chief Marshal Roshan Goonetileke.

He will also lay a wreath at the IPKF Memorial, built next to Parliament Complex in Sri Jayewardenepura in memory of personnel of the Indian Keeping Force who died while fighting the Liberation Tigers of Tamil Eelam (LTTE) to protect the island-nation’s sovereignty.

During the IPKF’s 32-month-long (July 1987-March 1990) operations in the island’s Northern and Eastern provinces, a total of 1,165 Indian soldiers and officers of other ranks were killed and 3,011 others injured—-many of them maimed for life by mines planted by the LTTE.

Incidentally, Gen Singh had served in the IPKF for two years. He was a major when he arrived by ship in Trincomalee. He had worked in Vavuniya, Mannar and Mullaithivu. By the time he left the island, he was promoted as a lieutenant colonel. Even two decades later, he remembers many Sinhala words he had picked up at that time.

On Tuesday, Gen Singh and his entourage will visit Anuradhapura and Vavuniya to see de-mining operations, as well as Trincomalee.

On Wednesday, the chief of the world’s second largest army (that boasts of 1.13 million personnel) will visit the Sri Lanka Military Academy at Diyatalawa, and Kandy.

On Thursday, he will deliver an address at the Defence Services Command & Staff College in Colombo, and return to India the same evening.
He will be accompanied by his wife Bharati and a couple of senior members of his personal staff. (The Island)

135th Birth Anniversary Heroes of Lanka: Piyadasa Sirisena

August 31st 2010 marked the 135th birth anniversary of Mr. Piyadasa Sirisena, the pioneer novelist, patriot, Buddhist leader and newspaper publisher. The following article was published in a tabloid named, The Ahinsa, in August 1950 which effectively summarizes Mr. Sirisena’s contribution to this country:


A novelist, a newspaper editor, a fearless critic, a lover of Sinhalese Literature, a staunch Buddhist, a prominent temperance worker – all these rolled into one went to make the hero that Piyadasa Sirisena was. Though sprung from humble beginnings, this courageous fighter, latterly took his place among the greats who shaped modern Sri Lanka.

Piyadasa Sirisena believed in the power of the spoken and the written word. His voice was the delight of millions who heard him; his writings in the powerful Sinhalese newspaper, Sinhala Jatiya, and his numerous novels were eagerly devoured by patriotic readers. Verily in his case, a blow with a word struck deeper than a blow with a sword! From platform and press he cried against the loss of national consciousness and the fast westernisation of our culture through practices such as gambling, animal slaughter and drinking. As a lasting monument to his activism, we have his paper, the Sinhala Jatiya and his novels.

He was dubbed the father of the Sinhalese novel. Not only did he introduce the Sinhalese novel to the Ceylon public but he also "made it a potent medium to lash out at the foibles of our people. He did not tolerate the vices that were daily sapping the vitality of our youngsters. His novel was not a mere romance, not a mere thriller, but a purifier of the spirit. While other novelists lost their hold on the public, Piyadasa Sirisena’s novels seem to revive with each new reprint. He drew inspiration from the ancient classics the Panchatantra, Hithopadesa and the Buddhist books. The advice in his pages was directed at the younger generation. To those aspiring to marriage he gives sound advice.

Our hero was a doughty fighter in the cause of the things which this paper stands for. In the temperance movement he was in the forefront; he spoke against the consumption of animal flesh; he saw no pleasure in gambling; he foreswore spirituous liquors. Till the last breath of life left his body, he steadfastly adhered to his principles and the cause for which he earnestly fought. The setbacks of 1915 did not deter him. He remained aloof from the hustings, and never dabbled in politics. But he shaped our society so that we may rise as a people with a proud past, a living present, and a glorious future. (The Island)

ICC: fixing case is most serious since Cronje

LONDON (AP) - The head of the International Cricket Council has called the fixing allegations against three suspended Pakistan players the most serious case of corruption to hit the sport since South Africa captain Hansie Cronje was banned for life 10 years ago.


Speaking on Friday, ICC chief executive Haroon Lorgat said allegations that Mohammad Asif, Mohammad Amir and Salman Butt conspired with bookmakers to deliver deliberate no-balls in last week’s fourth Test against England were hugely detrimental to the image of cricket.
"In terms of corruption in the sport, this must rank as the next worst after the Hansie Cronje case," Lorgat said.

Cronje admitted to forecasting results in exchange for money from a London bookmaker, prompting the ICC to create its Anti-Corruption and Security Unit (ACSU).

There is no suggestion that the Pakistan players conspired to affect the result of the match at Lord’s - which Pakistan lost by an innings and 225 runs for its worst ever Test defeat - but the trio could still be banned for life if found guilty.

The ICC could widen the investigation into the allegations against Asif, Amir and Butt - whom it suspended late Thursday - to cover last year’s contentious Test match against Australia in Sydney.

ACSU chairman Ronnie Flanagan said the current charges pertain only to last week’s fourth Test against England but that the ICC could still look into what he called a "dysfunctional" tour of Australia by Pakistan.
"We will go where the evidential trail takes us," Flanagan said. "At this stage, we do not have such evidence to hand for that tour or that match."

Flanagan added that there were separate ongoing investigations into other international sides but that he did not think that the current case was "the tip of an iceberg."

However, Flanagan did acknowledge that cricket was especially suited to spot betting - when gamblers wager on individual events within a match rather than the result - and said that it may be time for a single body to regulate betting across all sports.

The body could monitor betting in the way WADA looks at doping. "There is perhaps a much wider problem in terms of betting and the regulation of betting worldwide," Lorgat said. "I have already been in touch with colleagues in a similar position in horse racing. Perhaps together, we can look at the whole problem with betting and the regulation thereof."

In the meantime, Flanagan said the ICC will examine its own code and strengthen it if necessary.
He said he would congratulate the News of the World if the allegations stemming from its sting operation, in which an undercover reporter met with an associate of the players, resulted in convictions.

"We are not a police force," Flanagan said. "We cannot arrest and we cannot engage in undercover operations. "They brought it to light in ways the ICC would not want us to engage in. You can never be 100 per cent foolproof. There will always be cases of wrongdoing."

Flanagan and Lorgat would not comment on reports in Friday’s edition of Britain’s Daily Mail newspaper that marked notes used in the sting operation that led to the allegations had been found in Butt’s locker. (The Island)

UNP not doing enough to defeat proposed Con reforms - JVP

The JVP yesterday challenged the main opposition UNP to, if possible, get all its members elected to Parliament under the elephant symbol to vote against the Constitutional reforms. They promised to do the rest to defeat it.


The JVP found fault with the UNP, which it said was not doing enough to defeat the proposed constitutional reforms. JVP General Secretary Tilvin Silva condemned the UNP for not doing anything sensible for that purpose. The UNP had confined its struggle to holding press conferences, Silva said.

"If the main opposition could ensure that all those elected under their symbol would vote against the reforms next week, the defeating of the bill is no big deal," he told a press conference at the party head office in Pelawatte, Battaramulla.

Under such a situation, the JVP had no intention to join a com mon front against the Constitutional reforms with the UNP, he said adding that such attachments would be detrimental to the JVP’s campaign against the reforms.

He said: "The UNP has not taken the issue seriously enough and is not doing its best to defeat it. We cannot form alliances with such a party. It would jeopardise our campaign too."

JVP leader Somawansa Amarasinghe said that the proposed reforms were to be introduced to Parliament as an urgent bill and only a single day had been allocated for the debate. He said: "This is the basic law of the nation. The time allocated is not enough. This should be debated, discussed and argued by the scholars, constitutional experts and lawmakers to avoid any future problem."

Amarasinghe said the government had done everything under its powers to spend the least possible time to get it through Parliament. "So, their intentions are clear. The government has no majority in the House but mustered some numbers through bribery. It plans to abolish the 17th amendment to the Constitution and to do away with the limit on the terms of the president. The question the public should ask themselves is whether the most urgent need of the nation at this hour is the perpetuation of President Rajapaksa’s power."
(The Island)

Eight UNP MPs likely to support proposed 18th amendment

*Defectors include Lakshman Seneviratne, Earl, Cader, Manusha Nanayakkara


*Sri Ranga wants to act independently
 
Informed sources told The Island last night that among those who had committed themselves to supporting President Mahinda Rajapaksa’s proposed constitutional amendments, which inter alia would give a sitting President the opportunity to contest any number of times, were UNP MPs Lakshman Seneviratne, Earl Gunasekera, Abdul Cader and Manusha Nanayakkara.


Kandy District UNP MP M. Haleem, a confidante of Abdul Cader was also being mentioned as a possible defector.Nuwara Eliya District UNP MP Sri Ranga, it is learnt, has said that he would take an independent decision on the proposed amendments.
Sources said that President Rajapaksa had also invited a UNP National List MP to join the government but he had refused.

Dayasiri Jayasekera,who has been in the forefront of reforms in the UNP, said that those who would for Rajapaksa’s proposed amendments were not only betraying the UNP but also the public who had elected them to office. "Meke Lajjanathi Wadak – this is what you call a shameless act."

The UNP Working Committee on Wednesday unanimously adopted a resolution mooted by Dayasiri Jayasekara that anyone violating the party decision to oppose the 18th amendment should be given the maximum punishment possible.

The government, which has 144 seats in parliament, had prior to yesterday obtained the support of the SLMC with eight MPs and two Opposition MPs, Prabha Ganeshan and P. Digambaram. (The Island)

People's Bank grants Rs 1.5 B to PMB

People's Bank has approved a loan of Rs 1.5 billion to the Paddy Marketing Board to purchase the Yala paddy harvest. This would help to provide the farmers with a more equitable and satisfactory and stable price for their produce, People's Bank CEO and General Manager G V Pathirana said.


Relief measures provided to the farmers by the Government include the provision of Rs 50,000 loan at eight percent interest to store paddy, provision of Rs 150,000 loan facilities to collectors of paddy and other additional crops under the vee bissa loan scheme and loan schemes to buy agro equipment and rehabilitation of paddy mills destroyed during the war. (Daily News)

Govt will continue free education

Though other countries have given up the free education system, Sri Lanka will continue with it with improvements in the future, said Higher Education Minister S.B. Dissanayake addressing the "POH" scholarship awards ceremony held at the University Grants Commission on September 2.


Countries in the Asian region has also quit giving free education. In India there are already moves to privatize education. Thailand also charge money from school students above year nine. Our Government gives education 100 percent free but our students don't understand the value of it.

In some universities student unions force other students to keep off libraries, skip lectures, and not to speak in English etc. I will change this situation soon," he said. This year Singaporean donors Mr and Mrs Poh have selected five top students of each stream of the Advance Level examination in 2009 for scholarships. The Deans of the relevant faculties and Principals of the relevant schools, POH scholars and their parents were present at the occasion. (Daily News)

Tamils will never suffer - Minister Devananda

EPDP Leader and Minister Douglas Devananda said yesterday that President Mahinda Rajapaksa and Defence Secretary Gotabhaya Rajapaksa deserve full credit for ending the suffering and hardships faced by Tamil people in the North and the East.


He said that the Tamil community experienced loss of lives and destruction of their properties throughout their history . "They will never face such a situation again due to the excessive efforts taken by the Government led by President Mahinda Rajapaksa," he added.

"I had been one of the leaders who at one stage carried a weapon for independence struggle. Due to unavoidable situation in the past, we were compelled to carry the weapons," the Minister said.

The Minister added that he did not want to offend the past to justify present. He was of the view that the armed struggle should have been stopped. Tamil political parties and the people criticized the LTTE when they expelled other communities from the Northern province in the late 1990s.

He was of the opinion that language policy has not been implemented in the country properly. The Minister stressed that a legislation should be brought to parliament to make Sinhala and Tamil compulsory subjects in schools.

There should be a mechanism by which the Sinhala youth can learn Tamil language and vice versa soon.

Answering a question raised by member of the Commission H M G S Palihakkara whether people are extorted by LTTE sympathizers in the Vavuniya district, the Minister said there were few extortion cases reported from the area initially. (Daily News)

Sri Sambuddha Jayanthi Mandira under construction

Fifty percent of the construction of the 2600 Sri Sambuddha Jayanthi Mandira has been completed. To complete the other part of the structure about Rs 200 million is needed, said Buddhist Cultural Centre Director Ven Kirama Wimalajothi Thera.


The Thera was addressing a press conference at the building premises in Tunmulla, Colombo Wednesday.

"We expect to complete the other half of the building by Vesak Full Moon Poya day 2011," the Thera said.

Numerous individuals and organizations have funded Rs 102 million for this memorial. The organizers expect that all people will help in the constructing of the 2600 Sambuddha Jayanthi Mandira.

The organizers had launched a flag week among 2,000 schools to collect donations for the construction of this building. Apart from Buddhist schools, Muslim and Catholic schools also have donated money.

Fund raising program for this purpose will be implemented among Government servants under the aegis of the Public Administration Ministry and the Buddhasasana and Religious Affairs Ministry, beginning next week. It is expected that Government servants will support this program.

"The Sambuddha Jayanthi Mandira will be a Buddhist information Center accessible to people the world over.

This program will help build harmony among all people of the country. This center will act as a major point for the delivering of the Dhamma worldwide," the Thera said.

Organizing Committee Member Yadamini Gunawardhana said President Mahinda Rajapaksa laid the foundation stone for this building. With the blessing of President Rajapaksa we hope to inaugurate the building next Vesak. (Daily News)

Pension scheme for fishermen

The Fisheries and Aquatic Resources Development Ministry will launch a new pension scheme of Rs 7,000 a month for fishermen, Fisheries and Aquatic Resources Development Minister Rajitha Senaratne said after an inspection tour in the Galle District recently.


There are 4,688 fishing families and 6,171 fishing technicians in the Galle district. Accordingly the fishing population in the Galle district is 21,193. There are nine fisheries harbours and anchoring stations in Galle. They are Benthara, Balapitiya, Ambalangoda, Hikkaduwa North, Hikkaduwa South, Dodanduwa, Galle, Unawatuna and Kathaluwa.

There are also six inland fishing reservoirs in Galle while 1,778 fishing boats and 58 fishing nets (Ma-del) are used by fishermen in Galle district. "With all these facilities, the Galle fishermen engage in the fisheries industry successfully. Fish harvest is increasing daily. (Daily News)

Christianity made major contribution to education - President

President Mahinda Rajapaksa said that Christianity has made a major contribution to education, and spiritual and moral enhancement of Sri Lankan society during the last 500 years, when the Prefect of the Congregation for Divine Worship and the Sacraments in the Vatican His Eminence Antonio Cardinal Canizares called on President Mahinda Rajapaksa at Temple Trees, Thursday.


President Mahinda Rajapaksa conveyed his gratitude to Vatican for the support extended and understanding expressed during the difficult times faced by Sri Lanka in the recent past.

“I had the fortune of meeting His Holiness the Pope twice and I wish to do so at the next available opportunity once again,” said President Rajapaksa and expressed hope that His Holiness would be able to visit Sri Lanka.

Cardinal Canizares said he was impressed by the developments seen in Sri Lanka after a troubled period, and observed the good relations that existed between the Christian people, Clergy and the Government.

“Sri Lanka is a very beautiful country and I wish to visit again,” Most Rev Canizares said and informed the President that he would convey the President’s sentiments to His Holiness.

Vatican’s Apostolio Nuncio in Sri Lanka, Most Rev Dr Joseph Spiteri, Archbishop of Colombo, Most Rev Dr Malcolm Ranjith, Ministers Milroy Fernando and Johnston Fernando, Deputy Ministers Dayashritha Tissera and Neomal Perera were also present on this occasion. (Daily News)

Constitutional reforms: Three UNP MPs support Govt

* Reforms people-friendly, development oriented


* Many wrong turns in recent UNP history
 
Senior UNP MPs Earl Gunasekera and Lakshman Seneviratne yesterday said that they were in support of the envisaged proposals to amend the existing constitution as they were beneficial to the country and its people.


The duo during a media briefing at Earl Gunasekera MP’s house said that they had come before the press to inform their stance to the public on the matter after controversy erupted at a recent UNP Working Committee meeting after both suggested that the UNP should vote for the amendments.

They said that they would have a constant dialogue with other UNP MPs on the matter until September 8 and would try to persuade the party to vote in favour as the amendments were people – centric and pro-development oriented.

When questioned whether they would join the Government the duo did not give a definite answer but said that a final decision would be arrived at after September 8.

Earl Gunasekera MP said that he, Lakshman Seneviratne MP and former MP Vajira Abeywardena had suggested to the party at the recent working committee that the UNP should support the amendments. Later UNP spokesman Gayantha Karunatilake MP said that the party would oppose the move.

He said that the proposed changes to the 17th Amendment was a progressive move as they were intended at removing certain obstacles which are in the way of accelerated development.

The MPs pointed out that when the UNP was in power the then Government had faced many snags in running the state administration due to powers vested with the CC.

As an example he pointed at the UNP’s inability to re-enlist 19 policemen who were interdicted by the previous regime for giving evidence in the Batalanda incident.

While launching a scathing attack on the UNP leadership Gunasekera charged that the UNP had taken many wrong turns in the course of its recent history.

As examples he pointed out the UNP’s opposition to abolish the Executive Presidency when former President Chandrika Kumaratunge sought their support during her tenure. He noted that the UNP’s inability to side with the Government during the humanitarian operation too was a grave mistake which cannot be rectified.

He said that the UNP could benefit by the 18th Amendment as according to political science the tendency was for the decline in popularity of the ruling party over a period of time. He added that the UNP had nothing to worry over the matter as the ultimate decision in this regard invested with the public.

He noted that the UNP should not resort to say No for the sake of opposing but should take decisions with the greater good of the country in mind.

He added that the party should not follow the JVP. Lakshman Seneviratne said that UNP leader Ranil Wickremesinghe had no moral right to object to the proposed amendments as he had no proper stance in the matter and added that his contradictory method in this regard was embedded in the history for everybody to see.(Daily News)

Sri Lanka's most war-affected community

S Thavaratnam, chairman of the Jaffna District Fishermen’s Cooperative Society Unions Federation, played a significant role in unionising fishermen in northern Sri Lanka, starting in the mid-1970s. At that time, small unions were established in every fishing village across the Northern Province. As the civil war took hold, however, communication across villages became difficult and the federation was disrupted, and the unions in the Jaffna District functioned as a smaller federation. Thavaratnam became the president of that federation in 1995. He recently spoke with Himal contributing editor Ahilan Kadirgamar, and explained the impact of the civil war on the fishing industry, the problem of South Indian trawlers encroaching on Sri Lankan waters, and the need for more advanced boats. Translated from the Tamil.


Tell us a bit about the tradition of fishing in northern Sri Lanka.


I grew up in a village called Mylitty, in northern Jaffna, which was famous for its fishing industry. Prior to the war, five to six large vehicles of fish were sent daily to the south from my village. A fishing harbour, the only one in northern Jaffna, was built in Mylitty in the late 1970s. Even now, if the High Security Zone [in the northern part of Jaffna] is lifted, I am confident that we can resume the great fishing tradition of my village.

How were your fishing unions established?

Our unionising efforts in 1970s were preceded by a fishermen’s cooperative started in the mid-1950s for northern fisherfolk to export sea products. The leaders of this cooperative gave us a good foundation for organisational work. By the 1980s, our organisation, the Jaffna Federation, had won two international awards for its work. We have 117 sangams [small unions] at the village level, which are divided into nine unions, one in each of the nine divisions of Jaffna District. One representative from each of the nine unions is part of the Jaffna Federation, and we take decisions collectively. Following the 2004 tsunami, through our village-level unions we provided data to NGOs about the losses incurred; we have since remained a source of information about these villages for both the government and donors. Although we were able to address losses relating to employment after the tsunami and other natural disasters, we have not been able to address issues of resettlement and shelter.

In 2003 and 2004, we engaged the government on the need to lift restrictions on fishing due to the curfew and High Security Zones. When there was no response, we mobilised our village unions to block the Jaffna district secretariat for 13 days. This was a non-violent protest and the people of Jaffna supported us – even government employees at the secretariat were sympathetic. To express solidarity with our struggle, fisherfolk in the south of the country, particularly in Negombo, staged a protest. Government officials finally called us for negotiations, and some of our demands were met. Due to our mobilisation efforts, I believe the government now takes our demands seriously.

What has been the impact of the war on fishing communities?

The worst affected by the war has been our fishing community. Our economic life has been undermined. This is not just for those directly involved in fishing – people whose trade is related to fishing, be it marketing fish or producing dry fish, also continue to face economic deprivation. For example, the area currently under the North Valikamam High Security Zone [HSZ] was a major fishery. After 1985, our situation deteriorated due to restrictions, which included bans on deep-sea fishing and limited availability of fuel for boats. The situation became so grave that instead of exporting sea products the government had to resort to imports from other countries.

We have been caught in the crossfire of naval battles as well as air and ground attacks. But in order to earn livelihood, our fishermen continued to go out to sea. Some lost limbs, some were injured, others were brought back dead, some disappeared at sea, and many of our people were displaced. Even today, thousands of people have not returned to their villages, which come under the HSZ in North Valikamam. Many people continue to live in transit camps, and even those who are resettled continue without much support. It is not just about bare shelter; people should be able to resume their economic lives, they should have the freedom to speak, but that has not happened. The war has been over for 15 months, but normalcy has not returned.

What is needed in the post-war period?

Some restrictions on fishing have been lifted after the war. Now we are able to go to sea at night, but some facilities are still unavailable, such as fishing harbours and adequate transportation and marketing of fish. Some of the confiscated boats have not been returned by the navy. Also, due to decades of war, when we were not able to go fishing others exploited our seas and our environment has been destroyed, particularly by South Indian fishermen who have used large trawlers that have made the sea barren. Even if we can immediately put a stop to such destructive fishing, it will take time for the sea to return to normal. Earlier, we could predict where the fish was likely to be in which season; but now, because of the environmental damage, we are unable to fish this way. We have to ensure that such destruction does not happen in the future, and that fishing becomes sustainable once again. For that, we need to educate the younger generation of fisherfolk on sustainable fishing and environmental issues.

Now that the war is over, have you engaged with the fishing communities in southern Sri Lanka or those in India?

Having returned to the sea in recent times, we have now seen with our own eyes the encroachment of our seas by both southern [Sri Lankan] and Indian fishermen. With respect to the southern fishermen, the fishing minister has said his ministry will address the issue by engaging and convincing the southern fishermen not to exploit the seas in the north. This is a very positive message. As for the Indian fishermen, they do not have rights to fish in our seas, but they fish here nevertheless. In order to address this issue, in 2003 we had some discussions with the Indian fishing community. After that, because of the war, we were unable to continue those discussions. Recently, the fishing federations of all the northern districts met and made a decision to jointly engage the Indian fishing community. We are hoping to visit Chennai soon to discuss these important issues. We hope to, in a comradely manner, explain our concerns and resolve these issues.

What are the main needs of the fishermen in Jaffna?

For now, more than 80 percent of the need for small fibreglass boats with outboard motors has been met. However, due to the destruction of the seas closer to the coast, we need large multi-day boats that can go into the ocean for eight to ten days. We need financial aid to purchase perhaps 25 such boats in Jaffna district. We also need four or five fishing harbours and anchoring points for larger boats in the north. Large boats require considerable fuel and lots of ice for storage, and of course food and water for the crew. Therefore, diesel-pumping stations, water-supply stations, ice factories and refrigeration chambers have to be constructed at such fishing harbours. With these multi-day boats we can fish for tuna, which has a very good export market.(Himal South Asian)