JVP asks for an open debate with President and SLFP on Executive Presidency

JVP asks for an open debate with President and SLFP on Executive Presidency

The JVP has asked for an open debate with President Mahinda Rajapakse on the Executive Presidency system. The President who signed the agreement in 2005 must face the debate with JVP Gen. Secretary Tilvin Silva , the JVP insists. If the President has no time to face a debate of this importance , and has no time , one of the main members of the SLFP associated in the signing of the agreement can face the debate , the JVP asserted.JVP Parlaimentary group leader Anura Dissanayake addressed this challenge to the President at a media briefing today (28) at the JVP Headquarters.

UK introduces war crime clause in visa applications of Sri Lankans

UK introduces war crime clause in visa applications of Sri Lankans

In future , all SL visa applicants to UK have to fill a column on war crime involvements.This means that the applicant has to declare his involvements , if any , in war crimes.

This is a sequel to allegations of human rights violations leveled against the SL Forces, it is reported.It is significant to note that in the recent past ,visa applications of many Govt. politicos including visa applications of the family of Western province Governor , Alavi Moulana were rejected by the UK High Commission , while the visa application of Minister Keheliya Rambukwella was rejected by the Canadian High Commission

Sri Lankan youth become filmmakers at US Embassy Film Festival Camp

Sri Lankan youth become filmmakers at US Embassy Film Festival Camp

www.Asiantribune.com

The ten-day Children’s Film Camp organized by the U.S. Embassy and the Galle Film Festival draws to a successful close this weekend with a screening at the Punchi theatre in Borella of the eight short films made by the participants. There will also be a public screening of their films at the Galle Film Festival this October. The films will also be posted on the U.S. Embassy’s website and its Facebook page (US Embassy Colombo).
Forty young people from Moneragala, Hatton, Batticaloa, Puttalam, Trincomalee, Hambantota, Jaffna, Galle, Anuradhapura, Matara and Bandarawela lived together and learned the art and techniques of film making. This ten-day workshop was held at the Sarvodaya Training Centre in Bandaragama.
The American acting coach Constance Tillotson collaborated with well known Sri Lankan filmmakers Anoma Rajakaruna and Kasinathar Gnanadas. A committed team of trilingual volunteers also facilitated the smooth flow of the camp.
Eight groups of five young people each made short films that they wrote and developed. The films ranged from thought-provoking stories about sibling relationships, dangers of prejudice, effects of discrimination, eradication of dengue using the format of a ’thovil’ (with a ’yaka’ as the mosquito) and a rather tragic story about tsunami relief. One team had made their film a “silent film“.

Read More: www.asiantribune.com

Sri Lanka deports 75 illegal foreigners

Sri Lanka Government has deported 75 foreigners, who have engaged in business activities while holding tourist visas.
Assistant Controller of the Investigations Unit of the Department of Immigration and Emigration, W. Devendra Raja told the media that they have arrested 120 foreigners who ran businesses without proper visas. Out of that total, 75 foreigners have been deported, he added.
Another 29 had been detained at the Mirihana Detention Centre for violating immigration and emigration laws.
The arrested foreigners were from India, Pakistan, China and Thailand, the Department of Immigration and Emigration said.

Ramazan fast begins today the Colombo Grand Mosque announces

Ramazan fast begins the Colombo Grand Mosque announces

Ramadan, the holiest month of the Muslim calendar, starts today.
For the next 30 days, a billion observant Muslims will abstain from food and sexual relations from sunrise to sunset, and engage at night in extra prayer. They are also expected to refrain from anger, retaliation, gossiping and impatience during Ramadan as fasting is intended to teach self-restraint.
The ninth month in the Muslim calendar, the date of Ramadan varies slightly each year, as its start depends on the first sighting of the new moon.
The Coordination Committee of Major Islamic Centres and Mosques Fasting yesterday confirmed that Ramadan will begin at dawn tomorrow, 4.06am in the UK.

Colombo Grand Mosque General Secretary Nazushan Hassen stated in a press release that reliable evidence of sighting the New Moon was received yesterday evening and therefore, it was decided to complete the month of Sha'ban as 29 days.

Sri lanka seeks LTTE assets worth Millions of dolars

Sri lanka seeks LTTE assets worth Millions of dolars

The Defence secretary has called on foreign countries to hand over Tamil Tiger rebels and their assets, worth of millions of dollars.

The demand by Gotabaya Rajapaksa came weeks after the arrest of the new Tamil Tiger leader, Selvarasa Pathmanathan.

The LTTE had a well-organised overseas network to fund their arms purchases.

Its investments abroad are said to range from grocery shops to real estate, from petrol stations to temples, from commercial shipping to financing movies.

But most of these activities were carried out under different names as the rebels were banned in many countries.
The estimates about the LTTE's assets and investments range from $300m (£182m) to $1bn. Mr Pathmanathan is believed to have substantial knowledge about these assets.
"Once it is proved that these assets belong to the LTTE, then concerned countries should hand over the assets as well as the remaining LTTE members to Sri Lanka," Mr Rajapasa said.
He said that "if the western world is serious about fighting terrorism" it would not provide safe sanctuary "to a terrorist organisation like the LTTE".
The arrest of Mr Pathmanathan is regarded as a significant blow to the LTTE's overseas operations, especially when it was desperately looking for a figurehead to revive the organisation and boost its sagging morale following its defeat on the battleground.

REMARKS BY INDIAN PRIME MINISTER ON APPREHENSIONS ABOUT TERRORIST ATTACKS AND REITERATION Of PAKISTAN REQUEST TO INDIA TO SHARE INFORMATION WITH PAKIS

REMARKS BY INDIAN PRIME MINISTER ON APPREHENSIONS ABOUT TERRORIST ATTACKS AND REITERATION Of PAKISTAN REQUEST TO INDIA TO SHARE INFORMATION WITH PAKISTAN

The Foreign Office of Pakistan commenting on the remarks of Indian Prime Minister on apprehension about terrorist attacks has reiterated the request to India to share information with Pakistan .

In a press release issued by Foreign Office of Pakistan it has said that we have noted the reported comments made by the Prime Minister of India today in which he expressed apprehensions about terrorist attacks being planned in Pakistan against India The Deputy High Commissioner of India was called to the Foreign Office by Director General (South Asia) today. He was conveyed that Indian Prime Minister's remarks warrant serious and prompt attention. The Government of Pakistan would like to extend its fullest cooperation to pre-empt any act of terror. Terrorism is a common enemy. Pakistan has itself been a victim of terrorism.


At Sharm El Sheikh, both sides had agreed that the “two countries will share real time, credible and actionable information on any future terrorist threats.” In all sincerity, we would request India to share information that they have and for our part we stand ready to cooperate fully in pre-empting any act of terror. Terrorism can only be combated by serious, sustained and pragmatic cooperation. We wish to renew our offer of cooperation to India in this regard.

High Commission of Pakistan in Colombo celebrated 63rd Independence Day of Pakistan

The 63rd Independence Day was celebrated at the High Commission Office of Pakistan at Colombo in a simple and dignified ceremony.





The High Commission of Pakistan and Pakistani community celebrated 63rd Independence Day of Pakistan with traditional fervor and resolve to make Pakistan a strong, dynamic progressive tolerant and democratic Islamic welfare state.


Picture-:High Commissioner of Pakistan Shaheen A. Gilani hoisting the Pakistan flag. Pix by Kithsiri De Mel (DAILY MIRROR)

In his message on the auspicious occasion of Independence Day, The High Commissioner of Pakistan Shaheen A Gilani said that the Quaid envisioned Pakistan as a modern and progressive state. The government and people of Pakistan are committed to achieving the goal of making Pakistan a moderate, progressive, democratic, self-reliant and Islamic welfare state.

It is a matter of great satisfaction that Pakistan and Sri Lanka continue to maintain their traditionally close and mutually beneficial relations in all fields. The process of bilateral cooperation has been greatly assisted by increased interaction both at the level of the people and the highest government functionaries of the two countries. The volume of trade between Pakistan and Sri Lanka has registered impressive gains since the signing of the Free Trade Agreement in 2005.

The President of Pakistan Mr. Asif Ali Zardari in his message said that sixty two years ago, on this day, a separate homeland was created wherein we could live in freedom and shape our lives according to our values. Today therefore is a watershed mark in the history of the country and an occasion for joy and celebrations. On this occasion I also wish to reiterate that the PPP which has given a manifesto of peace and prosperity will pursue the goal of peace with honor and good neighborly relations with countries in the region. We will endeavor to give hope to the people through roti, kapra and makan and by providing them employment, education, energy and safe environment.



PICTURE-2:High Commissioner of Pakistan Shaheen A. Gilani speak to the ceromany. Defence Adviser Colonel Syed Khurram Hasnain also here .In his message, the Prime Minister of Pakistan Syed Yousuf Raza Gilani said that the country and the people are confronting a serious challenge posed by the terrorists and militants. However, it is heartening to note that the entire nation has stood up against these elements and we would Insha Allah defeat their evil designs to make this country secure and peaceful. The objective of the people’s government is to strengthen the country and to make it prosperous. This is the basis of our different programmes designed for the welfare of common folk of Pakistan. To achieve this objective, we are focusing on addressing and solving every problem.

A large number of Pakistan community, officials, dignitaries, journalists and others attended the ceremony.

Large crowds at Madhu Church

Large crowds at Madhu Church

For the first time, after the military defeat of LTTE, over two hundred thousand devotees from various parts of the country participated at the Vespers Service at the Church of Our Lady of Madhu on Friday.
The mass was conducted by the former Archbishop, Fr. Oswald Gomis.
Farther Damien Fernando speaking from Madhu Church said the atmosphere there was peaceful and serene.
“People were keen, very confident and supportive”, he said.
He said that there was tremendous support from the security forces for the devotees who are arriving in Madhu to take part in the final ceremonies on Saturday and Sunday.
Farther Damien Fernando said facilities except for a shortage of drinking water are available to devotees.
“Rain on Friday made the environment little difficult but the situation has now improved”, Farther Damien Fernando added.

http://www.bbc.co.uk/sinhala/news/story/2009/08/090814_madhu.shtml

Warm welcome for pakistan

Sri lanka Today warm welcome the proude heritage of pakistan Independece day

Speciall ceromany for PAKISTAN INDEPEDENCE DAY at Colombo High Commission office

PAKISTAN INDEPEDENCE DAY ceromany at Pakistan High Commission office at Colombo

Today (14th August)is the Pakistan independece day.

Pakistan High Commission Office will be held on special ceromany for the Independence day of pakistan .

Pakistan celebrations 63rd Independence Day

Pakistan celebrat 63rd Independence Day (14th August)

Pakistan celebrations 63rd Independence Day
The Pakistani nation is celebrating country’s 63rd Independence Day on Friday(14th August 2009) with traditional zeal and enthusiasm across the country.
Each year August 14 is celebrated as Pakistan’s Independence Day. Flag-hoisting ceremonies are held in most major cities.
The Independence Day celebrations will start with offering of special prayers in the mosques for the progress and prosperity of motherland and the well being of the nation. The day will dawn with 31-gun salutes in federal capital and 21-gun salutes at each of the four provincial capitals.
After sounding of sirens at 8:58 am, the traffic will come to a halt for one-minute and citizens will observe silence, as the national anthem will be played. The main event of the day would be the flag-hoisting ceremony in Islamabad where Prime Minister, Syed Yousuf Raza Gilani will unfurl the national flag. Similar ceremonies will be also held at all provincial and district headquarters. There will be a change of guards at the mausoleum of Quaid-e-Azam.
The cadets of the Pakistan Naval Academy will mount the guard duty at the mausoleum of the Father of the Nation Quaid-i-Azam Muhammad Ali Jinnah. A flag-hoisting ceremony will be held at the mazar of Quaid-i-Azam. The Federal Government has already asked all the provincial as well as district governments to organise maximum programmes for creating awareness among the masses regarding the objectives of Pakistan Movement and the national achievements.
For this purpose, debate competitions in schools and seminars on national issues are being organised by different organisations to sensitise young generation to the objectives of Pakistan Movement and to create unity, brotherhood and patriotism among them. Educational institutes will also arrange events such as debate contests and national song competitions to celebrate the day.
Seminars, conferences, lectures, debates, book exhibitions, quiz competitions, Qir’at, Naat Khawani competitions, musical shows and mushairas will be held in a bid to promote national unity, integrity and solidarity. Various TV and radio channels would present special programmes while newspapers would bring out special supplements throwing light on various aspects of the freedom movement that culminated in the establishment of Pakistan.

petitioned the Supreme Court against the Parliamentary Elections (Amendment) Bill

Opposition parties worried over poll Bill
petitioned the Supreme Court against the Parliamentary Elections (Amendment) Bill

United national party and the Sri Lanka Muslim Congress (SLMC) and the pro-LTTE Tamil National Alliance (TNA) on Wednesday petitioned the Supreme Court against the Parliamentary Elections (Amendment) Bill, The Island reported.
The newspaper said the petitioners challenged, in particular, Section 6 (6) of the Bill which says a political party shall not be entitled to be treated as a recognised political party if, in the opinion of the Election Commissioner, it’s name signifies any religion or community.

“This limitation is arbitrary, discriminatory and breaches the freedom of speech and expression. This provision is inconsistent with Articles 12 (1), 12(2), 14(1) (a) and 14(1) (C) of the Constitution of Sri Lanka” the report quoted the petition.

The petitioners requested the court to declare that the Bill could be passed only with a special majority in Parliament or with a referendum.

The Sri lanka Freedom party Mahajana Wing leader mangala Samaraweera MP also against to the this bill

Three decade old problem cannot be solved overnight – Minister Tissa Vitharana

Three decade old problem cannot be solved overnight – Minister Tissa Vitharana

Minister of Science & Technology Prof.Tissa Vitharana emphasized that a problem which is existing for more than 3 decades cannot be solved overnight or within a short time.
Minister made this comment at a Live Discussion, known as “Thesa sanjaram” at the Srilanka Broadcasting Corporation.
He further said that 13 political parties have so far participated in APRC ( All Party Representtaive Committee ) sittings.
Out of this, 11 parties are backing the government while 2 parties are from outside. There were about 20 issues discussed during these sittings.
Out of which most of the issues have been sorted out and come to an mutual agreement. Already there were 127 sittings so far.
Answering to a question from a listener from Jaffna, Minister further said that there are many countries in the world facing similar problems. But they have not progressed like Sri Lanka.
For an example, North Ireland took about 6 years to arrive at an agreement. Whereas, Palestine and Kashmir are concerned, the relevant parties to the conflict have not still come to a negotiating table.
He reiterated that Sri Lanka President Mahinda Rajapaksa wanted to have a home grown solution to the ethnic issue and not an imported one.
Commenting on the KP’s arrest, Minister Tissa Vitharana appealed to the Tamil diaspora to understand the ground situation and put a full stop for financing for terror activities. Minister also mentioned that with the KP’s arrest, the backbone of L T T E’s international network has been broken.

More:http://asiantribune.com/08/14/three-decade-old-problem-cannot-be-solved-overnight-minister-tissa-vitharana/

Dengue fever cases rise to 22,757 takes 232 lives

Dengue fever cases rise to 22,757

Dengu takes 232 lives

The number of Dengue cases has risen to 22,757 while 232 people have died of the disease in Sri Lanka so far, the Epidemiological Unit of the Health Ministry said .
The Epidemiological Unit said in its latest statistics that of the 22,757 cases, the highest number of patients were reported from June totaling 7,050. It is followed by July with 6,714 cases being reported.

This represents a sharp increase as only 4,156 Dengue cases and85 deaths were reported for the whole year of 2008.
Health officials said the majority of these cases have been reported from the areas of Gampaha, Kegalle, Kandy and Colombo.
The rapid rise in the level of the epidemic has forced the health authorities to carry out extensive public awareness campaign to eradicate the mosquito based epidemic.
Households have been warned to keep the environment free of mosquitoes. Those who allow the mosquitoes to breed by allowing stagnating water face prosecution with a special hotline being made available for public information.

Worldwide situation

The World Health Organization says some 2.5 billion people, two fifths of the world's population, are now at risk from Dengue and estimates that there may be 50 million cases of dengue infection worldwide every year.

Presidnt explaining the paintings at presinent's house

Presidnt explaining the paintings at presidennt's house

Shanthi Wimalaratne,a designer of gems,pearl and gold in Australia paid a courtesy callon Presidnet mahinda rajapaksa at kandy President's House recently.

Here presidnt Mahinda Rajapaksa explaining the paintings at presidnet's House kandy to Wimalaratne.

Shanthi Wimalarana's mother Mrs. Edvin wimalaratne was also present.

Pakistan ends the series with a win at the 5th ODI

Pakistan ends the series with a win at the 5th ODI

Pakistan ends the series with a win at the 5th ODI :: Pakistan beat Sri Lanka by 132 runs today to end the 5-match ODI series at the R. Premadasa Stadium in Colombo. Pakistan scored 279 for 8 in 50 Overs and in reply Sri Lanka managed only 147 runs in 34.2 Overs. Sri Lanka won the ODI series 3-2.

Government's win in polls is a victory of people, says President Rajapaksa

Government's win in polls is a victory of people, says Sri Lanka President

President Mahinda Rajapaksa today said that the ruling party's massive win in yesterday's election was a clear victory of the people who love the motherland.

Issuing a special statement President Rajapaksa thanked the voters in Badulla, Monaragala, Jaffna, and Vavuniya districts for their support given at the yesterday's election. He said that the democracy in Northern region remained inactive for the last three decades, but this win in the North shows that the democracy is fast establishing

Pakistan beats Sri Lanka by 146 runs in 4th one-day international

Pakistan beats Sri Lanka by 146 runs in 4th one-day international

Umar Akmal hit a maiden century and Rao Iftikhar Anjum took his first five-wicket haul Friday to lead Pakistan to a 146-run win over Sri Lanka in the fourth one-day international.

It was Pakistan's first win on tour after losing 2-0 in the three-Test series and now trailing 3-1 in the five-match ODI series.
Akmal smashed five boundaries and four sixes to score 102 not out from 72 balls. He put on a record 176-run partnership for the fifth wicket with Pakistan captain Younis Khan (89) as the visitors made 321-5 at R. Prememadasa Stadium.

In reply, Sri Lanka was bundled out for 175 in 36 overs with Iftikhar Anjum taking 5-30 from 8.1 overs.
Younis won the toss and elected to bat first. He combined well with Akmal when Pakistan looked shaky on 130-4, eclipsing the previous best partnership for the fifth wicket between the two sides - 155 between Mohammad Yousuf and Younis in 2002.

Younis played a more calm innings than Akmal, hitting only four boundaries in 111 balls.
Sri Lanka started the chase positively. Mahela Jayawardene, in his new role as opener, hit two fours and a six for a run-a-ball 19 before being caught by Mohammad Aamer off seamer Naved-ul-Hasan to leave the hosts on 36-1 in the sixth over.
Kumar Sangakkara fell for 39 off 33 balls, caught by Imran Nazir off Iftikhar Anjum, to make it 101-2 in the 17th over.
Sri Lanka then lost 8-45 with Upul Tharanga anchoring the innings with 80 off 89 balls, hitting eight fours and a six.
Legspinner Malinga Bandara was the pick of Sri Lanka's bowlers, taking 2-44. While paceman Lasith Malinga conceded an extraordinary 26 wides.

LTTE self appointed leader KP arrested

LTTE self appointed leader KP arrested

LTTE's self appointed leader Kumaran Pathmanadan (54)alias KP had been arrested in an Eastern Asia country following a joint intelligence and military operation by a Sri lanka team and brought to Colombo yesterday(6thAug), defense sources confirmed last night.

KP who had been the LTTE's international relations chief till he claimed the LTTE leadership after the Army killed Prabakaran in may, previously functioned as the group's main arms procurer.

He was in Interpol’s most wanted list for various charges including arms smuggling and criminal activities.
He is also wanted by India in connection with the assassination of former India Prime Minister Rajiv Ghandi in 1991.

Kandy Randoli Perahera on final night today

Kandy Randoli Perahera on final night today

The grand cultural pageant of the historic Dalada Maligawa will come to an end tonight when the colorful Randoli Perahera will parade the street for the final tonight.

This pageant is described as the most colorful,glamorous and grandeur event in Asia that has a long standing history of Buddhist value.The final event will be followed by the water cutting ceremony and the day perahera tomorrow.

The final journey of the Randoli Perahera will commence at 7.42 om to be joined by other peraheras' of the four Devales to parade the streets in Kandy and return to the historic Sri Dalada Maligawa.

Southern Provincial Council dissolved

Southern Provincial Council dissolved

The Southern Provincial Council (SPC) was dissolved effective mid night 03rd August 2009.


Governor, MRS Kumari Balasuriya said that the Southern Council was due to expire on the 14th of August.

The gazette that notified the dissolution will be released next week she and the Southern PC elections will likely be held in October