SAARC friendship Village Inauguration in nawalapitiya

SAARC Friendship Village Inauguration in - Nawalapitiya

Foreign Minister Rohitha Bogollagama ceremonially inaugurated the SAARC Friendship Village in Nawalapitiya yesterday at the invitation of the Minister of Power and Energy, Mahindananda Aluthgamage, to mark the holding of the 15th SAARC Summit by Sri Lanka. The picture shows from left to right : High Commissioner of Pakistan, Shahzad A Chaudhry , Ambassador of Nepal, Durga Prasad Bhattarai, Minister of Housing, Githanjana Gunawardena, Mrs. Deepthi Bogollagama, Foreign Minister Rohitha Bogollagama, Power and Energy, Mahindananda Aluthgamage and Foreign Secretary Dr. Palitha Kohona.

Foreign Minister Rohitha Bogollagama ceremonially inaugurated the SAARC Friendship Village in Nawalapitiya yesterday at the invitation of the Minister of Power and Energy, Mahindananda Aluthgamage, to mark the holding of the 15th SAARC Summit by Sri Lanka.

The picture shows Foreign Minister Bogollagama unveiling the plaque to mark the event, flanked by the Bangladesh High Commissioner Shahdat Hossain and the Ambassador of Nepal Durga Prasad Bhattarai

SAARC top agenda for regional terrorism,food,securty energy

SAARC Top Agenda for Regional Terrorism, food ,security, energy

The 15th SAARC Summit which got off the ground in Colombo yesterday is set to adopt a series of measures with the main focus on a joint approach to combating terrorism, maximising energy and water resources, food security, poverty alleviation in addition to several other key issues concerning the region.

Addl.Secretary to the Foreign Ministry cum Media spokesman for SAARC Prasad Kariyawasam addressing the media after the first day’s deliberations said that the intention of the programming committee meeting which is set to continue today as well was to prepare the groundwork for the upcoming Foreign Ministers and Heads of State meetings.

Kariyawasam added that the programming committee would mainly focus on the twin issues of evaluating progress made since the last summit and introducing new vistas accordingly and preparation of the SAARC Declaration.

The SAARC Declaration which would focus on the above mentioned issues in addition to several other key issues concerning the region is to be agreed and adopted by the leaders at the end of the Summit after careful deliberation.

15th SAARC summit begings in Colombo

15th SAARC summit

India approves document to ensure mutual cooperation in tackling crime
The stage is set for the eight nations SAARC Summit which begins in Colombo today with a two-day Programming Committee meeting and ending with a meeting of heads of State or governments on August 2 and 3.
The eight leaders will participate in the 15th Summit, the theme of which is "SAARC for Partnership for our People."
Besides, the member countries seven observer states- Japan, the United States, the European Union, China, South Korea, Iran and Mauritius will also attend the regional summit.
Meanwhile the Indian Cabinet on Thursday approved a document to ensure mutual cooperation among SAARC countries to deal with criminal matters. The approval for "brief for negotiation" to finalise the text of the SAARC convention was given at a Union Cabinet meet, Minister P R Dasmunsi said.
"The convention would provide a broad framework for SAARC member states to mutually cooperate and assist in the investigation and prosecution of crime and restraint and forfeiture of the proceeds and instruments of crime," he said.
The Cabinet also approved authorizing External Affairs Ministry to negotiate and finalize the text and for signing it during the SAARC summit in Colombo, he said.
Police on Thursday said 12,000 more police would be deployed to guard South Asian leaders, who will also have their own heavy securit during the summit.
Police deputy Inspector-General Nimal Mediwaka said the 12,000 men will reinforce soldiers, who will also deploy in strength ahead of the two-day SAARC leaders meeting starting on Aug 2.
“The heads of state will have their own security personnel to provide close protection,” said Mediwaka, who is responsible for security in the already tightly-guarded capital of 650,000 people. He said key roads in the city will be closed for normal traffic during the summit that will be attended by leaders of Afghanistan, Bangladesh, Bhutan, India, Maldives, Nepal, Pakistan and Sri Lanka.
India is reported to be bringing in thousands of troops as part of security for its Prime Minister Manmohan Singh, who will also travel within Sri Lanka in Indian military helicopters and bullet-proof cars.
New Delhi is sending war ships to anchor off Sri Lanka’s coast to evacuate its delegates in case of any closure of the island’s only international airport. The LTTE had announced a unilateral truce for the duration of the summit.

DAYAN TO REPRESENT ASIA ON UNHRC CONSULTATIVE GROUP

DAYAN TO REPRESENT ASIA ON UNHRC CONSULTATIVE GROUP

ImageDr.Dayan Jayatilleka, Sri Lanka's Ambassador and Permanent Representative to the UN in Geneva, has been nominated as a member of the Consultative Group of the United Nations Human Rights Council, representing Asia.

Vidattaltivu Liberated; terrorists suffer fatal blow

Vidattaltivu Liberated; terrorists suffer fatal blow

Gallant soldiers of Army Task Force 1 and Commando Brigade operating on the Mannar warfront liberated the strategically important Vidattaltivu town this morning (July 16). Vidattaltivu is the largest town situated on the North- Western coast of the Island, 20 km North of Mannar and used by the terrorists as their main Sea-Tiger base cum logistic hub in the West.

Soldiers of Task Force 1 on Tuesday evening (July15) commenced their forward march from their initial locations at the Southern limits of Vidattaltivu town, i.e. few hundreds meters short of Vidattaltivu terror defence, located 2 Km South of the town. These troops were able to capture a 2.5km stretch of the LTTE Forward Defence by late in the evening.

Unable to withstand the military onslaught, terrorists started to flee further northwards towards and later suffered heavy damages during their withdrawal as the elite commandos flanking in the Northeastern boundaries of Vidattaltivu laid an ambush on them. The commandos confronted with a group of approximately 60 LTTE cadres around 1.45 p.m. As the terrorist started to withdraw towards Iluppaikkadaval, North of Vidattaltivu; commandos called in indirect fire. As a result, heavy artillery and multi barrel rocket fire were directed at the terrorists. Also, Air Force launched close air support missions to ground troops using MI 24 helicopter gunships. Ground troops claimed over 30 terrorists were killed due to artillery and air assault while the rest turned tail.
Read More.http://www.defence.lk/new.asp?fname=20080715_11

Karunanidhi demands Katchatheevu back from Sri Lanka

Karunanidhi demands Katchatheevu back from SL

At a fast in Tamil Nadu today against attacks on Indian fisherman allegedly by the Sri Lankan Navy, Chief Minister M Karunanidhi said the Indian Central government should help get back Katchatheevu from Sri Lanka.

Tears of SARRC ....Colombo houses demolished ignoring Supreme Court order

Tears of SARRC

Sleepers on the rail track removed in protest

The officials of Urban Development Authority (UDA) assisted by a riot police squad demolished the houses of Glenny Passage in Slave Island(Colombo 2) ignoring the interim injunction of the Supreme Court issued yesterday morning (18).

The Supreme Court order was informed to UDA after eight houses were demolished but the temporarily stopped demolition was restarted with riot police guard using back haws later. UDA officials said they were not aware of a Supreme Court ruling.

UDA did not allow the the residents to remove their belongings and demolished the houses using back haws. The residents attempted to stop the action amidst riot police attacks of tear gas.

The angered residents removed the sleepers of the railway track in Slave Island in protest of demolishing their homes of almost five decades temporarily bringing the railway traffic to a halt temporarily. People were blaming the government and police and police were seen armed with batons and shields.

WHO 'S PROTECT US?

Daily Mirror reporter Yohann Perera who was there to report the incident was attacked by a UDA official and he has lodged a complaint in Slave Island police in this regard.

The displaced residents were cursing the authorities as their houses were demolished.
Photos: Houses are demolished by UDA back haws and the protests of the residents)






Pix:Before Demolition

New restrictions at duty free shops

New restrictions at duty free shops

Items like large TVs, fridges, air-conditioners, washing machines, etc will not be sold at Airport Duty Free shops from August under a new circular-Customs Chief

Sprinter Susanthika to lead Sri Lankan team for the Olympics

Sri Lanka's sprint queen Susanthika Jayasinghe, who was recently felicitated by President Mahinda Rajapaksa as the Most Outstanding Sportswoman of the Year, has been named as the leader of the Sri Lankan team travelling for the the Beijing Olympics on August 5th. Accordingly, she will be given the privilege of carrying the Sri Lankan flag at the opening ceremony of the Olympics. Susanthika shot to fame after winning a bronze at the 2000 Sydney Olympics and is the only Olympic medal winning female athlete in Sri Lanka. Her success was also the first Olympic medal for Sri Lanka in 52 years. Sri Lanka will field a team of eight for this year's Olympics.

Karuna to the Parliament?

Karuna to the Parliament?
Karuna Amman had told the media that he was not after the post of chief minister but would enter the Parliament soon. Hence, Pilleyan will continue to hold the post of chief minister in the Eastern PC. Meanwhile, Karuna Amman has asked the government to recruit 2000 trained and armed cadres of his party to Police Department and fill vacancies in the police service in the East.

After a special discussion held between Karuna Amman, and Pilleyan yesterday Karuna Amman has been re-appointed the leader of TMVP.

Another Strike will come soon

Three day strike in the offing - Lal Kantha

Lal Kantha warned a three day strike in the near future and said that they would begin to strengthen their support in work places from next Monday.

Passenger bus attacked; 3 civilians killed, 26 wounded

Passenger bus attacked; 3 civilians killed, 26 wounded


At least 3 civilians were killed and 26 others reported wounded when unknown group opened fire at a passenger bus plying from Monaragala towards Katharagama, at the 149th mile post along the Buttala-Katharagama main road, today (11), at around 10:30 a.m.

The injured civilians were initially rushed to the hospital at Katharagama and after words 19 persons injured seriously were transferred to the General hospital in Hambantota.

Hakeem sworn in

Hakeem sworn in

SLMC leader Rauff Hakeem was sworn in as a parliamentarian in front of the speaker a short while ago.

Hakeem resigns Eastern Province Provincial Council seat

Hakeem resigns Eastern Province Provincial Council seat

SLMC Leader Rauff Hakeem resigned from his post as opposition leader and member of the Eastern Provincial Council (EPC) yesterday to return to Parliament. Accordingly, he will be sworn in as an MP before Speaker W.J.M. Lokubandara.

The SLMC leader resigned from Parliament in April to contest the EP-PC elections on the UNP ticket. He was elected to the council, securing the highest number of preferential votes in the Trincomalee district. Along with him, MPs Hassan Ali and Basheer Segudawood also resigned from their parliamentary seats to the contest the polls. Mr. Ali is also expected to resign from the council and re-enter Parliament. It is believed that Mr. Segudawood will then be appointed as the EPC’s opposition leader.

Mr. Razik Fareed of Mutur, who is next in line by way of preferential votes, in the UNP-SLMC Trincomalee district list, is expected to fill the vacancy created by the resignation of Mr. Hakeem.

Moscow to screen movie on LTTE suicide cadres

The Moscow Film Festival has turned down a request to cancel the screening of a documentary

on female suicide bombers of Sri Lanka.

The movie ‘My Daughter the Terrorist’ by Norwegian director Beate Arnestad’s was to be screened last evening. Sri Lankan embassy representatives have alleged that the movie glorified suicide attacks.

UN urged to protect Lanka press

UN urged to protect Lanka press

Stop the War on Journalists in Sri Lanka

IFJ Letter to UN Secretary-General - Danger for Sri Lankan Journalists

21 watchdogs representing Europe, Asia, Africa and many other countries including Venezuela, Paraguay, Somalia, Ukraine and Moldova have signed the letter UNSG, Ban Ki Moon



Media watchdogs all over the world have urged United Nations Secretary General, Ban Ki-Moon, to persuade Sri Lanka government to withdraw statements threatening media freedom.

Thirty one media press freedom organisations representing Twenty one countries have informed Mr. Moon of the 'alarming situation' is Sri Lanka with regard to the freedom of expression.

Defence Ministry statement

The recent statements by the Defence Ministry and Sri Lanka army commander, Lt. Gen. Sarath Fonseka, the letter says, have put journalists in 'grave danger'.

We seek your support in urging all United Nations member states to respect Resolution 1738 in letter and in spirit, and specifically request your help in persuading the government of Sri Lanka to withdraw these statements and immediately stop all actions which undermine the independence and safety of the news community

For Full Story see this webs http://www.ifj.org/en/tags/256/contents
http://www.bbc.co.uk/sinhala/news/story/2008/06/080622_moon_press.shtml

http://www.freemediasrilanka.org/English/news.php?id=979&section=news

The Feast of St.Anthony’s Kochchikade church

The Feast of St.Anthony’s Kochchikade, Colombo will be celebrated today. The statue of St. Anthony is scheduled to be taken in procession at 6.00 p.m. after the celebration of Holy Masses in all three languages. The first Mass, in Tamil is scheduled for 8.00 a.m. the second in Sinhala at 10.00 a.m. and the third in English at 12 noon. This picture of the illuminated Church was taken Wednesday night (.pix by Joseph Ranmuthgugala from island)

Chandrika,Ranil and Mangala call for new alliance

Aubowan, we are good friends

UNP leader Ranil Wickremesinghe greets former president Chandrika Kumaratunga while Mangala Samaraweera looks, on at the inaugural convention of the SLFP (M) Group at the New Town Hall yesterday. (Pic By Pradeep Pathirana-Daily mirror)


Former president, Chandrika Kumaratunga, addressing the SLFP (M) Group’s inaugural convention said that the nation should be spared from being rapidly drawn into extremism and authoritarianism, and that that could be done by all sections getting together.

She said that it would take a massive alliance, comprising all political parties that respect democracy, freedom of expression and human rights, to overcome the present political, social, economic and military crisis within the country.
“I am saying this without enmity towards or envy of anyone. I have attained all the high offices that a person in this country could attain. Although I am no longer the president, I still experience the love and kindness of our people,” she said.

She added that she received lot of harassment and death threats after she left office and that lies were spread about her.

“It is unbearable and very sorrowful for me to see the country that we restored with much effort falling apart. I ask everyone to discard personal animosities and greed for power and money and come forward to rebuild the country,” she said.

She added that the freedom of the people was curtailed, affecting creativity and the ability of the people to work with responsibility. She said that the economy would face a crisis if the government did not come up with a correct, efficient and suitable economic programme.

When there is corruption within the ruling system of a country it creates income disparities which result in the deterioration of human rights and discipline in the country, she said.

Opposition Leader Ranil Wichremesinghe speaking at the occasion asserted that the government should not suppress persons who hold different opinions from the government.

He said that the people should unite to protect Media Freedom before anything else and that the media had the right to question battle strategies which helped to assess the success and the failure of plans made by the head of state which could result in death of soldiers and civilians.

“The soldiers will also question the suitability of battle plans on which their lives depend.” he said.

Meanwhile SLFP (M) Group leader Mangala Samaraweera said that the ‘Rajapaksa Clan’ was responsible for the economic, social and political crisis within the country.

He reiterated the need for a massive alliance with the participation of other political parties to topple the government.

Sri Lanka Broadcasting Corporation chairman's speeches condemned

Sri Lanka Broadcasting Corporation chairman's speeches condemned

Five media organizations have condemned an alleged threatening speeches by the Chairman of the Sri Lanka Broadcasting Corporation (SLBC),Mr. Hudson Samarsinghe.

The speeches leveled against Secretary General of the Sri Lanka Working Journalists Association (SWJA), Poddala Jayantha and BBC Sandesaya Correspondent, Elmo Fernando were broadcast over the private radio channel, ‘Isira’ of the TNL media group.

For more... ..http://www.bbc.co.uk/sinhala/news/story/2008/06/080612_hudson.shtml

European Commission warns of aid package

European Commission warns of aid package

The European Commission has expressed serious concerns over Sri Lanka's human rights record.A senior official - Joao Aguiar Machado - said the EU might withhold an aid package worth a hundred million dollars if the situation did not improve

.Human rights groups have accused the government of failing to control killings and disappearances since hostilities with the Tamil Tiger rebels intensified in 2005.

The government said the human rights situation had improved, but admitted there had been concerns about rights violations in the past. EU logo

The commission said the package was dependent on Sri Lanka removing barriers to humanitarian assistance, including resolving visa issues for Red Cross and U.N. workers in the country.

"We expressed our serious concerns with the human rights situation in Sri Lanka, as indicated by a range of sources including reports from United Nations rapporteurs," Deputy Director General for External Relations of the European Commission Joao Machado said in a statement.

"If you look at 2007, the situation of disappearances and other incidences are better than 2006," said Rajiva Wijesinghe, an official at the Ministry of Human Rights.