UN wants SB's civic rights restored |
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Friday, August 8, 2008
UN wants SB's civic rights restored
The International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights (CCPR) of the United Nations has called for the restoration of the civic rights of S.B. Dissanayaka as well as the payment of compensation.
Traditional August Madhu feast cancelled
| Traditional August Madhu feast cancelled |
 The traditional Madhu feast scheduled to be staged this month has been canceled, Mannar Bishop Rayappu Joseph said in a press statement.He said that the Sacred Statue of Our Lady of Madhu will be taken to its original place of Madhu Church and enthroned after due penitential and purification service. |
Tuesday, August 5, 2008
Breakfast meeting between the Prime minister and the president of Afganistan
JOINT STATEMENT
Breakfast meeting between the Prime
Minister of Pakistan and the President of Afghanistan
Picture--Pakistan Prime Minister Syed Yousaf Gillani
The Prime Minister of the Islamic Republic of Pakistan, His Excellency Syed Yousaf Raza Gillani and the President of the Islamic Republic of Afghanistan, His Excellency Mr. Hamid Karzai met over breakfast today on the sidelines of the SAARC Summit in Colombo. The meeting was held in a cordial atmosphere.
The President and the Prime Minister recalled the strong bonds of brotherhood between Pakistan and Afghanistan and exchanged views on the common challenges facing the two countries in terms of dealing with terrorism and militancy
.
Both sides agreed that there was a need for the two governments to engage on all issues across the board with a view to developing a common strategy to overcome the challenges posed to the security and stability of both countries by terrorism and extremism. The two sides agreed to coordinate their efforts to stop cross border terrorism.
Picture:President Karzai
The Prime Minister and the President decided that their respective Foreign Ministers will meet to prepare grounds for a framework for close and constructive engagement between the two countries to build confidence and develop a common strategy at the political, military and intelligence levels in collaboration with their coalition partners and NATO/ISAF.
The Prime Minister and the President also stressed the importance of closer bilateral engagement at the leadership level and, at Afghanistan’s suggestion, agreed that the engagement should also lead to expediting the process of convening the mini-Jirga, as soon as possible.
At the suggestion of Pakistan, the Afghan side agreed to re-engage on all bilateral and multilateral forums.
Nobel Prize-winning author Alexander Solzhenitsyn is no more
Alexander Solzhenitsyn is no more
Mr.Alexander Solzhenitsyn, the Nobel Prize-winning authorAlexander Solzhenitsyn, the Nobel Prize-winning author who shot to fame when he chronicled the horrors of the Soviet gulag system earning him 20 years of bitter exile, died late
Sunday night (August 3) at the age of 89.
Beginning with the 1962 short novel "One Day in the Life of Ivan Denisovich", Solzhenitsyn devoted himself to describing what he called the human "meat grinder" that had caught him along with millions of other Soviet citizens: arrests for the most trivial or reasons followed by sentences to labor camps where cold, starvation and punishing work crushed inmates physically and psychologically.
His "Gulag Archipelago" trilogy of the 1970s left readers shocked by the savagery of the Soviet state under Josef Stalin and cultivated disenchantment regarding the Soviet Union among many leftist intellectuals, especially in Europe.
Although the West offered him shelter and showered him with accolades, Solzhenitsyn remained critical of Western culture for what he considered its weakness and decadence.
He returned to his native land After to undertake a 56-day train trip across Russia to become reacquainted with his native land but late expressed disappointment that most Russians hadn't read his book.
During the 1990s, his nationalist views, his Orthodoxy, his disdain for capitalism and disgust with the tycoons who bought Russian industries and resources for a song following the Soviet collapse, made him rapidly lose popular appeal among the emerging elite and he faded from public view.
Solzhenitsyn's vision of Russia as a bastion of Orthodox Christianity, as a place with a unique culture and destiny, saw resurgence however during the tenure of Vladimir Putin from 2002-2008.
Born Dec. 11, 1918, in Kislovodsk, Solzhenitsyn served as a front-line artillery captain in World War II. As the way drew to a close, he was arrested for writing what he called "certain disrespectful remarks" about Stalin in a letter to a friend, referring to him as "the man with the mustache." He served seven years in a labor camp in the barren steppe of Kazakhstan and three more years in internal exile in Central Asia.
That's where he began to write about the suffering and injustice of life in Stalin's gulag — a Soviet abbreviation for the slave labor camp system, which Solzhenitsyn made part of the lexicon.
He continued writing while working as a mathematics teacher in the provincial Russian city of Ryazan.
His "One Day in the Life of Ivan Denisovich", the story of a carpenter struggling to survive in a Soviet labor camp, where he had been sent, like Solzhenitsyn, after service in the war was published by order of Soviet leader Nikita Khrushchev, who was eager to discredit the abuses of Stalin, his predecessor.
Outside the Soviet Union the book was acclaimed for its bravery and its unpretentious language.
After Khrushchev was ousted in 1964, Solzhenitsyn began facing KGB harassment, publication of his works was blocked and he was expelled from the Soviet Writers Union.
He was awarded the Nobel Prize for Literature in 1970. The academy cited "the ethical force with which he has pursued the indispensable traditions of Russian literature."
Soviet authorities barred the author from traveling to Stockholm to receive the award and official attacks were intensified in 1973 when the first book in the Gulag trilogy appeared in Paris.
Solzhenitsyn spent his last years in the USA in Cavendish, Vermont, with his wife and sons where he worked on what he considered to be his life's work, a multi-volume saga of Russian history titled "The Red Wheel".
Solzhenitsyn was never enchanted by Western democracy, with its emphasis on individual freedom and dismayed many when hi his Harvard speech he decried "Western pluralistic democracy" as the model for all other nations. It was a mistake, he warned, for Western societies to regard the failure of the rest of the world to adopt the democratic model as a product of "wicked governments or by heavy crises or by their own barbarity or incomprehension."
Mr.Alexander Solzhenitsyn, the Nobel Prize-winning authorAlexander Solzhenitsyn, the Nobel Prize-winning author who shot to fame when he chronicled the horrors of the Soviet gulag system earning him 20 years of bitter exile, died late
Sunday night (August 3) at the age of 89.Beginning with the 1962 short novel "One Day in the Life of Ivan Denisovich", Solzhenitsyn devoted himself to describing what he called the human "meat grinder" that had caught him along with millions of other Soviet citizens: arrests for the most trivial or reasons followed by sentences to labor camps where cold, starvation and punishing work crushed inmates physically and psychologically.
His "Gulag Archipelago" trilogy of the 1970s left readers shocked by the savagery of the Soviet state under Josef Stalin and cultivated disenchantment regarding the Soviet Union among many leftist intellectuals, especially in Europe.
Although the West offered him shelter and showered him with accolades, Solzhenitsyn remained critical of Western culture for what he considered its weakness and decadence.
He returned to his native land After to undertake a 56-day train trip across Russia to become reacquainted with his native land but late expressed disappointment that most Russians hadn't read his book.
During the 1990s, his nationalist views, his Orthodoxy, his disdain for capitalism and disgust with the tycoons who bought Russian industries and resources for a song following the Soviet collapse, made him rapidly lose popular appeal among the emerging elite and he faded from public view.
Solzhenitsyn's vision of Russia as a bastion of Orthodox Christianity, as a place with a unique culture and destiny, saw resurgence however during the tenure of Vladimir Putin from 2002-2008.
Born Dec. 11, 1918, in Kislovodsk, Solzhenitsyn served as a front-line artillery captain in World War II. As the way drew to a close, he was arrested for writing what he called "certain disrespectful remarks" about Stalin in a letter to a friend, referring to him as "the man with the mustache." He served seven years in a labor camp in the barren steppe of Kazakhstan and three more years in internal exile in Central Asia.
That's where he began to write about the suffering and injustice of life in Stalin's gulag — a Soviet abbreviation for the slave labor camp system, which Solzhenitsyn made part of the lexicon.
He continued writing while working as a mathematics teacher in the provincial Russian city of Ryazan.
His "One Day in the Life of Ivan Denisovich", the story of a carpenter struggling to survive in a Soviet labor camp, where he had been sent, like Solzhenitsyn, after service in the war was published by order of Soviet leader Nikita Khrushchev, who was eager to discredit the abuses of Stalin, his predecessor.
Outside the Soviet Union the book was acclaimed for its bravery and its unpretentious language.
After Khrushchev was ousted in 1964, Solzhenitsyn began facing KGB harassment, publication of his works was blocked and he was expelled from the Soviet Writers Union.
He was awarded the Nobel Prize for Literature in 1970. The academy cited "the ethical force with which he has pursued the indispensable traditions of Russian literature."
Soviet authorities barred the author from traveling to Stockholm to receive the award and official attacks were intensified in 1973 when the first book in the Gulag trilogy appeared in Paris.
Solzhenitsyn spent his last years in the USA in Cavendish, Vermont, with his wife and sons where he worked on what he considered to be his life's work, a multi-volume saga of Russian history titled "The Red Wheel".
Solzhenitsyn was never enchanted by Western democracy, with its emphasis on individual freedom and dismayed many when hi his Harvard speech he decried "Western pluralistic democracy" as the model for all other nations. It was a mistake, he warned, for Western societies to regard the failure of the rest of the world to adopt the democratic model as a product of "wicked governments or by heavy crises or by their own barbarity or incomprehension."
Life Expectancy of Sri Lankans improves -- WHO
Life Expectancy of Sri Lankans improves -- WHO
According to a recent study by the World Health Organization (WHO) the life expectancy of both Sri Lankan males and females has increased by 10%.
The life expectancy of a female has gone up to 79 years compared with 69 years in 2004 and that of a male has gone up to 69 years as compared to 60 years in 2004.
According to Health Ministry sources the percentage of people who smoke is down to 7.1% when compared with 16.5 % smokers both male and female in 2005.
The Alcohol and Tobacco Control Act of 2007 and the 'Mathata-Thitha 'programme is largely responsible for this significant drop, according to ministry sources while the improvement in life expectancy numbers is attributed to the Government's public health policy which has seen a general improvement in health standards.
According to a recent study by the World Health Organization (WHO) the life expectancy of both Sri Lankan males and females has increased by 10%.
The life expectancy of a female has gone up to 79 years compared with 69 years in 2004 and that of a male has gone up to 69 years as compared to 60 years in 2004.
According to Health Ministry sources the percentage of people who smoke is down to 7.1% when compared with 16.5 % smokers both male and female in 2005.
The Alcohol and Tobacco Control Act of 2007 and the 'Mathata-Thitha 'programme is largely responsible for this significant drop, according to ministry sources while the improvement in life expectancy numbers is attributed to the Government's public health policy which has seen a general improvement in health standards.
Sunday, August 3, 2008
15th SAARC DECLARATION
15th SAARC DECLARATION
SAARC calls for 'strongest cooperation' to wage war on terror
The 15th SAARC summit ended in Colombo on Sunday with calls by its eight member states to step up “strongest possible cooperation” against terrorism as well as to urgently develop regional hydro potential, grid connectivity and gas pipelines for energy security.
A declaration adopted by the South Asian Association for Regional Cooperation (SAARC) at the end of a two-day summit also warned that rising oil prices were threatening the hugely populous region's energy security as well as economic growth.
“They (SAARC leaders) stressed the urgent need to develop the regional hydro potential, grid connectivity and gas pipelines,” it said. “They noted that the possibility of evolving an appropriate regional inter-governmental framework may be explored to facilitate such endeavour.”
The declaration was unanimously approved by Prime Minister Manmohan Singh and other South Asian leaders at the closing event at the Bandaranaike Memorial International Convention Hall.
The two-day event, which virtually shut down Colombo for three days, brought together Presidents Hamid Karzai of Afghanistan, Mahinda Rajapaksa of Sri Lanka and Maumoon Abdul Gayoom of the Maldives, Prime Ministers GP Koirala of Nepal, Jigmey Thinley of Bhutan and Yousaf Raza Gilani of Pakistan as well as Fakruddin Ahmed, chief advisor of the caretaker Bangladesh government.
As reflected in the speeches by SAARC leaders Saturday, the declaration placed great emphasis on the need to fight terrorism. It condemned “all forms of terrorist violence” and expressed deep concern over the “serious threat posed by terrorism to the region”.
The SAARC leaders reiterated their commitment to strengthening the legal regime against terrorism, including by undertaking to implement all international conventions relating to combating terrorism.
“They emphasized the need for strongest possible cooperation in the fight against terrorism and transnational organized crime.”
The declaration observed that an effective and economic regional tele-communication regime “is an essential factor of connectivity, encouraging the growth of people-centric partnerships”.
It also called for a uniformly applicable low tariff for international direct dial calls within South Asia.
The next meeting of the SAARC summit is scheduled to be held in the Maldives. The Maldives was to have hosted the 15th summit but backed off at the eleventh hour, enabling Sri Lanka to play the host.
A declaration adopted by the South Asian Association for Regional Cooperation (SAARC) at the end of a two-day summit also warned that rising oil prices were threatening the hugely populous region's energy security as well as economic growth.
“They (SAARC leaders) stressed the urgent need to develop the regional hydro potential, grid connectivity and gas pipelines,” it said. “They noted that the possibility of evolving an appropriate regional inter-governmental framework may be explored to facilitate such endeavour.”
The declaration was unanimously approved by Prime Minister Manmohan Singh and other South Asian leaders at the closing event at the Bandaranaike Memorial International Convention Hall.
The two-day event, which virtually shut down Colombo for three days, brought together Presidents Hamid Karzai of Afghanistan, Mahinda Rajapaksa of Sri Lanka and Maumoon Abdul Gayoom of the Maldives, Prime Ministers GP Koirala of Nepal, Jigmey Thinley of Bhutan and Yousaf Raza Gilani of Pakistan as well as Fakruddin Ahmed, chief advisor of the caretaker Bangladesh government.
As reflected in the speeches by SAARC leaders Saturday, the declaration placed great emphasis on the need to fight terrorism. It condemned “all forms of terrorist violence” and expressed deep concern over the “serious threat posed by terrorism to the region”.
The SAARC leaders reiterated their commitment to strengthening the legal regime against terrorism, including by undertaking to implement all international conventions relating to combating terrorism.
“They emphasized the need for strongest possible cooperation in the fight against terrorism and transnational organized crime.”
The declaration observed that an effective and economic regional tele-communication regime “is an essential factor of connectivity, encouraging the growth of people-centric partnerships”.
It also called for a uniformly applicable low tariff for international direct dial calls within South Asia.
The next meeting of the SAARC summit is scheduled to be held in the Maldives. The Maldives was to have hosted the 15th summit but backed off at the eleventh hour, enabling Sri Lanka to play the host.
Read 15th SAARC DECLARATION http://www.news.lk/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=6621&Itemid=44
Terrorism biggest threat to South Asia's stability: Indian PM
Terrorism biggest threat to South Asia's stability
Terrorism is the biggest threat to South Asia's stability, Indian Prime Minister Manmohan Singh told the South Asian Association for R
egional Cooperation summit (SARRC) on Saturday(02) in Colombo Sri Lanka."Terrorists and extremists don't know borders. We must act with determination to fight terrorism. We cannot lose the battle against ideologies of hatred," said Dr Singh.Dr Singh urged the SAARC countries to jointly act and battle the scourge with determination. "Terrorism continues to rear its ugly head," Singh said.
egional Cooperation summit (SARRC) on Saturday(02) in Colombo Sri Lanka."Terrorists and extremists don't know borders. We must act with determination to fight terrorism. We cannot lose the battle against ideologies of hatred," said Dr Singh.Dr Singh urged the SAARC countries to jointly act and battle the scourge with determination. "Terrorism continues to rear its ugly head," Singh said.Terrorism was high on the agenda of the two-day summit being attended by Pakistan Prime Minister Yousuf Raza Gilani and leaders from Sri Lanka , Bangladesh, Nepal, Bhutan, Maldives and Afghanistan.
Dr Singh is scheduled to meet Gilani to convey India's concerns over the Inter Services Intelligence links in the suicide bomb attack on Indian embassy in Kabul as also the recent ceasefire violations by the Pakistani forces along the Line of Control in Jammu and Kashmir.
Dr Singh is scheduled to meet Gilani to convey India's concerns over the Inter Services Intelligence links in the suicide bomb attack on Indian embassy in Kabul as also the recent ceasefire violations by the Pakistani forces along the Line of Control in Jammu and Kashmir.
Indian prime Minister Dr. Manmohan Singh full speach readhttp://www.news.lk/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=6610&Itemid=44
Pakistan, India PMs discuss composite dialogue, bilateral relations
Pakistan, India PMs discuss composite dialogue, bilateral relationsA closed-door meeting between Pakisthan Prime Minister Syed Yousuf Raza Gilani and Indian premier Manmohan Sindh ended on Saturday with an agreement to continue the peace process, diplomats said.
India Foreign Secretary Shivshankar Menon said that during their meeting, “both prime ministers [Singh and Gilani] said we need to overcome (problems) and move forward”. He told reporters that Gilani had agreed to probe charges that Pakistani intelligence was behind the embassy suicide attack, AFP reported.Exchange: During their meeting, Gilani and Singh exchanged views on various issues, including the Indo-Pak composite dialogue, bilateral relations, trade and security.Following the meeting, which focused mostly on the Indian embassy bombing in Kabul, representatives of both countries provided their views.Gilani agreed to conduct an independent inquiry about Pakistani intelligence aiding the embassy attack, Indian Foreign Minister Pranab Mukherjee told media. This contradicted Gilani’s statement that the Indian premier had said that Pakistan had not been blamed for the attack.Meeting: Gilani also told reporters he would discuss the Indian embassy attack with Karzai on Sunday. “If they give me evidence, then we will look into the matter,” he added. The premier said he was meeting with both Singh and Karzai because Pakistan wants cordial relations with neighbors.
India Foreign Secretary Shivshankar Menon said that during their meeting, “both prime ministers [Singh and Gilani] said we need to overcome (problems) and move forward”. He told reporters that Gilani had agreed to probe charges that Pakistani intelligence was behind the embassy suicide attack, AFP reported.Exchange: During their meeting, Gilani and Singh exchanged views on various issues, including the Indo-Pak composite dialogue, bilateral relations, trade and security.Following the meeting, which focused mostly on the Indian embassy bombing in Kabul, representatives of both countries provided their views.Gilani agreed to conduct an independent inquiry about Pakistani intelligence aiding the embassy attack, Indian Foreign Minister Pranab Mukherjee told media. This contradicted Gilani’s statement that the Indian premier had said that Pakistan had not been blamed for the attack.Meeting: Gilani also told reporters he would discuss the Indian embassy attack with Karzai on Sunday. “If they give me evidence, then we will look into the matter,” he added. The premier said he was meeting with both Singh and Karzai because Pakistan wants cordial relations with neighbors.
Sharing the leadership
Sharing the ledership
President Mahinda Rajapaksa in animated conversation with Indian Prime Minister Dr. Manmohan Singh after taking over the mantle of Chairmanship from the Indian leader during yesterday’s 15th SAARC Summit in Colombo. (Pic by Srilal Gomes)
Redouble collective efforts to combat terrorism – President to SAARC
President Mahinda Percival Rajapakse delivers the opening speech at the 15th summit of the South Asian Association for Regional Cooperation (SAARC) at the BMICH in Colombo Saturday. Pic by Gemunu Wellage
President Mahinda Rajapaksa, addressing the opening session of the 15th SAARC Summit this morning (August 2) at the Bandaranaike Memorial International Conference Hall, called on the South Asian leaders attending the summit to commit themselves and their countries to a more determined and concerted effort to collectively combat the scourge of terrorism in all its forms and manifestation. He emphasized that it is the very interdependence which gave
birth to SAARC that has emerged as the crucial factor for durable peace and the protection of democratic values in the region.
In this regard, President Rajapaksa expressed the need to ensure strengthening regional legal mechanisms and intensifying intelligence sharing, in order to secure the region’s collective prosperity, peace and stability, in combating terrorism. He said it is also necessary that South Asia as a region, endeavour to set right the many wrong impressions that exist, or are promoted elsewhere, about the actions that are imperative to protect our people and societies from the brutalities of terrorism. Terrorism anywhere is terrorism and there are no good terrorists or bad terrorists, he emphasized.
15th SAARC Summit
Calls for vicious cycles of economic growth, food security and regional cooperation on combating terrorism, dominated the 15th SAARC Summit, held amidst pomp, pageantry and unprecedented local and international security at the BMICH yesterday.
Calls for vicious cycles of economic growth, food security and regional cooperation on combating terrorism, dominated the 15th SAARC Summit, held amidst pomp, pageantry and unprecedented local and international security at the BMICH yesterday.
The Summit got underway with President Mahinda Rajapaksa who assumed the chairmanship of the eight nation grouping, exhorting the need for greater economic cooperation, which would help empower the vast majority of the regions 1.5 billion people who live in poverty.
Describing terrorism as "terrorism", where ever it may be, Rajapaksa thanked SAARC member countries for helping Sri Lanka combat the scourge of terror.
Describing terrorism as "terrorism", where ever it may be, Rajapaksa thanked SAARC member countries for helping Sri Lanka combat the scourge of terror.
Friday, August 1, 2008
Nepal and Sri Lanka discuss development of Lumbini
Nepal and Sri Lanka discuss development of Lumbini
Sri Lanka and Nepal agreed today (August 1) to develop Lumbini as the most attractive and sacred tourist destination in the South Asia region during talks between the leaders of the two countries.
This was decided when Nepal's Prime Minister, Girija Prasad Koirala who arrived in the island to take part the in 15th SAARC Summit to be held on August 2 and 3, met President Mahinda Rajapaksa today
at the Preside
ntial Secretariat in Colombo.
at the Preside
ntial Secretariat in Colombo.This was the first bilateral between South Asian leaders on the sidelines of the Summit. President Mahinda Rajapaksa pointed out that he had made this proposal many years ago when he was only a Member of Parliament.
The Nepali leader briefed President Rajapaksa about the development of the Lumbini Airport and its importance in developing tourism in the area.
Lumbini, the birthplace of Prince Siddhartha Gauthama,is held sacred by Buddhists all over the world.
President meets India Prime Minister
president meets India Prime Minister
President Mahinda Rajapaksa Meeting with Dr.Manmohan Singh Prime Minister of India at Presidential Secretariat Colombo on 1st.
(Pix by: Sudath Silva)
President Mahinda Rajapaksa Meeting with Dr.Manmohan Singh Prime Minister of India at Presidential Secretariat Colombo on 1st.
(Pix by: Sudath Silva)
Dr.Manmohan Singh in Colombo
Manmohan Singh arrivesIndian Prime Minister Dr.Manmohan Singh arrived in Sri Lanka
in this afternoon to take part in the 15th SAARC summit. warmly welcomed by the Prime Minister of Sri Lanka, Ratnasiri Wickramanayake at the air port.
President meets Bhutan Prime Minister
President meets Bhutan Prime Minister President Mahinda Rajapaksa Bilateral Meeting with Prime Minister of Bhutan Lyonpo Jigmi Y.Thinley at Presidential Secretariat in Colombo
Rajapaksha meets Koirala
President meets PM of Nepal
President Mahinda Rajapaksa had a bilateral meeting with Girija Prasad Koirala Prime Minister of Nepal at the Presidential Secretariat in Colombo short while ago.
SAARC LEADERS ARRIVE
SAARC leaders arrive
SAARC Leaders have begun arriving in Colombo following preliminary meetings of the respective Foreign Secretaries and Foreign Minister.
The Prime Minister of Nepal, Girija Prasad Koirala and the Prime Minister of Bhutan, Lyonpo Jigmi Thinley arrived at Colombo International Airport last night (July 31), while Dr. Fakhruddin Ahmed, the Chief Advisor to the Government of Bangladesh arrived this morning.
The President of Maldives, Maumoon Abdul Gayoom is due to arrive around 11.00 am. Dr. Manmohan Singh, Prime Minister of India, Mr. Makhdoom Syed Raza Gilani, Prime Minister of Pakistan and Mr. Hamid Karzai of Afghanistan, are due to arrive in the afternoon.
SAARC Leaders have begun arriving in Colombo following preliminary meetings of the respective Foreign Secretaries and Foreign Minister.
The Prime Minister of Nepal, Girija Prasad Koirala and the Prime Minister of Bhutan, Lyonpo Jigmi Thinley arrived at Colombo International Airport last night (July 31), while Dr. Fakhruddin Ahmed, the Chief Advisor to the Government of Bangladesh arrived this morning.The President of Maldives, Maumoon Abdul Gayoom is due to arrive around 11.00 am. Dr. Manmohan Singh, Prime Minister of India, Mr. Makhdoom Syed Raza Gilani, Prime Minister of Pakistan and Mr. Hamid Karzai of Afghanistan, are due to arrive in the afternoon.
Jayalalithaa fires salvo on Katchchathivu
Jayalalithaa fires salvo on Katchchathivu
Warns of court action if indian Government does not take back island
Warns of court action if indian Government does not take back island
Tamil Nadu Opposition AIADMK leader Jayalalithaa Jeyaram yesterday threatened to challenge in the Indian Supreme Court the validity of the 1974 Indo-Sri Lanka pact handing over Katchchathivu Island to Sri Lanka if the UPA government failed to take action over the secession.
Quoting an Apex Court judgement in the Berubary union case on exchange of enclaves in Kutch with Pakistan, Ms. Jayalalithaa said according to the court ruling the ceding of Indian Territory to another country resulted in the “diminution of the territory of the union” and therefore should be endorsed by parliament through a constitutional amendment.
"Since no such step was taken by the Indira Gandhi government or any subsequent governments, the Dr Manmohan Singh government should seriously consider moving the Supreme Court to test the validity of conceding Katchchathiu to Sri Lanka. If the Prime Minister is not willing to do this, I will move the Supreme Court for a direction to the government of India to do
so or pray that the Apex Court set aside the ceding of Kachchathivu to Sri Lanka by the Indira Gandhi Government', she said.
Ms. Jayalalithaa said her party had always held that the ceding of Katchchathivu, an uninhabited island, was a monumental blunder and had insisted that the attacks on Indian fishermen would cease only if the country got the islet back.
"But the Central Government has repeatedly turned a deaf ear to our many protests. It appears to care less about the problems of Tamil Nadu and the Tamil people," she lamented.
Meanwhile about 80 fishermen from Tamil Nadu were allegedly assaulted by Sri Lankan Navy personnel in the Palk Strait, near Katchchathivu island, early last morning, the Indian media reported, quoting officials in Rameshwaram.
However Sri Lanka Navy spokesman, Commander D.K.P. Dassanayake, denied allegations of Navy involvement in the incident, adding that they had not received reports of any such incident up to last evening.
“We did not receive any reports of incidents involving Indian fishermen within Sri Lankan territorial waters today. We don’t know if such an incident occurred outside Sri Lankan waters. If so, it could have been the work of the LTTE to tarnish the image of Sri Lanka during the SAARC Summit. The LTTE has done things like this before as well,” Commander Dassanayake said.
According to the Indian media, the incident occurred in the midst of protests staged by political parties in the Indian state – which have been going on for the past few weeks -- demanding that the Centre take up the issue of recurring incidents with the island nation and provide adequate security to Indian fishermen.
Quoting the fishermen, the officials said about 80 of them, sailing in 20 boats, were assaulted with clubs while they were fishing around Katchchathivu island, which was ceded to Sri Lanka by India in 1974.
Many fishermen had to abandon their boats and jump into the sea to escape the assault. They remained in the water for more than one hour, then got back into their boats and returned to shore.
The ruling DMK and many other political parties, including AIADMK, CPI and MDMK have held protests over similar incidents in the past.
Quoting an Apex Court judgement in the Berubary union case on exchange of enclaves in Kutch with Pakistan, Ms. Jayalalithaa said according to the court ruling the ceding of Indian Territory to another country resulted in the “diminution of the territory of the union” and therefore should be endorsed by parliament through a constitutional amendment.
"Since no such step was taken by the Indira Gandhi government or any subsequent governments, the Dr Manmohan Singh government should seriously consider moving the Supreme Court to test the validity of conceding Katchchathiu to Sri Lanka. If the Prime Minister is not willing to do this, I will move the Supreme Court for a direction to the government of India to do
so or pray that the Apex Court set aside the ceding of Kachchathivu to Sri Lanka by the Indira Gandhi Government', she said.Ms. Jayalalithaa said her party had always held that the ceding of Katchchathivu, an uninhabited island, was a monumental blunder and had insisted that the attacks on Indian fishermen would cease only if the country got the islet back.
"But the Central Government has repeatedly turned a deaf ear to our many protests. It appears to care less about the problems of Tamil Nadu and the Tamil people," she lamented.
Meanwhile about 80 fishermen from Tamil Nadu were allegedly assaulted by Sri Lankan Navy personnel in the Palk Strait, near Katchchathivu island, early last morning, the Indian media reported, quoting officials in Rameshwaram.
However Sri Lanka Navy spokesman, Commander D.K.P. Dassanayake, denied allegations of Navy involvement in the incident, adding that they had not received reports of any such incident up to last evening.
“We did not receive any reports of incidents involving Indian fishermen within Sri Lankan territorial waters today. We don’t know if such an incident occurred outside Sri Lankan waters. If so, it could have been the work of the LTTE to tarnish the image of Sri Lanka during the SAARC Summit. The LTTE has done things like this before as well,” Commander Dassanayake said.
According to the Indian media, the incident occurred in the midst of protests staged by political parties in the Indian state – which have been going on for the past few weeks -- demanding that the Centre take up the issue of recurring incidents with the island nation and provide adequate security to Indian fishermen.
Quoting the fishermen, the officials said about 80 of them, sailing in 20 boats, were assaulted with clubs while they were fishing around Katchchathivu island, which was ceded to Sri Lanka by India in 1974.
Many fishermen had to abandon their boats and jump into the sea to escape the assault. They remained in the water for more than one hour, then got back into their boats and returned to shore.
The ruling DMK and many other political parties, including AIADMK, CPI and MDMK have held protests over similar incidents in the past.
Sri Lanka ranked in countries most hit by terror
SL ranked third in countries most hit by terror
Sri Lanka has been ranked third and Pakistan fourth in the list of countries most hit by terror in the second quarter of 2008, a report released by the Centre of Excellence - Defence Against Terrorism (COE-DAT), a Turkey based anti-terror organisation, has said.
According to the report based on a worldwide research, a total of 2396 terrorist incidents occurred across the world during the said period, thereby killing a total of 4204 people and injuring 7614.
According to it, the ten countries most hit by terrorism in the second quarter of the year include Iraq with 857 terror incidents, Afghanistan with 334, Sri Lanka with 327, Pakistan with 216, India with 195, Somalia with 112, Turkey with 71, Thailand with 55, Nepal with 44, and Israel with 31 terror incidents.
Sri Lanka has been ranked third and Pakistan fourth in the list of countries most hit by terror in the second quarter of 2008, a report released by the Centre of Excellence - Defence Against Terrorism (COE-DAT), a Turkey based anti-terror organisation, has said.
According to the report based on a worldwide research, a total of 2396 terrorist incidents occurred across the world during the said period, thereby killing a total of 4204 people and injuring 7614.
According to it, the ten countries most hit by terrorism in the second quarter of the year include Iraq with 857 terror incidents, Afghanistan with 334, Sri Lanka with 327, Pakistan with 216, India with 195, Somalia with 112, Turkey with 71, Thailand with 55, Nepal with 44, and Israel with 31 terror incidents.
South Asian nations vow to jointly fight terrorism
South Asian nations vow to jointly fight terrorism Eight South Asian countries, most of which are facing violent insurgencies, agreed Thursday to pool efforts to fight terrorism, a Sri Lankan government minister said.
The decision came ahead of a weekend summit in the Sri Lankan capital at which India and Afghanistan are expected to put pressure on Pakistan to do more to combat the militancy that has rattled all three nations.
Foreign ministers from the South Asian Association of Regional Cooperation also approved draft agreements on Thursday on launching a regional development fund of US$307 million and a food bank amid skyrocketing food prices, Sri Lankan Foreign Minister Rohitha Bogollagama told reporters.
Pakistan is grappling with restive tribal regions along its border with Afghanistan, where fighting between insurgents and government troops intensified this week. The government in Kabul is facing a resurgent Taliban-led militancy, and a spate of bombings has hit India in recent weeks.
But cooperation in combatting terrorism is likely to face roadblocks amid accusations from India and Afghanistan that Pakistan may be behind recent violence, including a huge bombing outside the Indian Embassy in Kabul on July 7.
Indian and Afghan officials say their information indicates Pakistani involvement in the attack, which killed some 60 people. Afghan officials have repeatedly said Pakistan is not doing enough to crack down on militants and even accused the country's intelligence agency of supporting the insurgency. Pakistan denies the charges.
Recent exchanges of fire between the Indian and Pakistani armies across the cease-fire line in the disputed Kashmir region have dampened relations between the two rivals.
The summit _ which represents one-fifth of the world's population and many of its most impoverished _ is comprised of Afghanistan, Bangladesh, Bhutan, India, the Maldives, Nepal, Pakistan and Sri Lanka.
Founded in 1985, it was set up to promote economic cooperation, but progress in most areas has been slow _ mainly because of the rivalry between India and Pakistan _ and it has often been derided as little more than a talking shop.
Nearly 19,000 police and soldiers have poured into the streets of Colombo and its suburbs to prevent attacks from Tamil rebels during the conference. The city's already tight web of checkpoints has increased and several major roads have been sealed off for the duration of the gathering.
The decision came ahead of a weekend summit in the Sri Lankan capital at which India and Afghanistan are expected to put pressure on Pakistan to do more to combat the militancy that has rattled all three nations.
Foreign ministers from the South Asian Association of Regional Cooperation also approved draft agreements on Thursday on launching a regional development fund of US$307 million and a food bank amid skyrocketing food prices, Sri Lankan Foreign Minister Rohitha Bogollagama told reporters.
Pakistan is grappling with restive tribal regions along its border with Afghanistan, where fighting between insurgents and government troops intensified this week. The government in Kabul is facing a resurgent Taliban-led militancy, and a spate of bombings has hit India in recent weeks.
But cooperation in combatting terrorism is likely to face roadblocks amid accusations from India and Afghanistan that Pakistan may be behind recent violence, including a huge bombing outside the Indian Embassy in Kabul on July 7.
Indian and Afghan officials say their information indicates Pakistani involvement in the attack, which killed some 60 people. Afghan officials have repeatedly said Pakistan is not doing enough to crack down on militants and even accused the country's intelligence agency of supporting the insurgency. Pakistan denies the charges.
Recent exchanges of fire between the Indian and Pakistani armies across the cease-fire line in the disputed Kashmir region have dampened relations between the two rivals.
The summit _ which represents one-fifth of the world's population and many of its most impoverished _ is comprised of Afghanistan, Bangladesh, Bhutan, India, the Maldives, Nepal, Pakistan and Sri Lanka.
Founded in 1985, it was set up to promote economic cooperation, but progress in most areas has been slow _ mainly because of the rivalry between India and Pakistan _ and it has often been derided as little more than a talking shop.
Nearly 19,000 police and soldiers have poured into the streets of Colombo and its suburbs to prevent attacks from Tamil rebels during the conference. The city's already tight web of checkpoints has increased and several major roads have been sealed off for the duration of the gathering.
Tuesday, July 29, 2008
LTTE violates unilateral ceasefire - Army
LTTE violates unilateral ceasefire - Army
The Army says the LTTE violated the unilateral ceasefire announced to coincide with the SAARC Summit by firing at least 10 artillery rounds from Poonaryn to Muhamalai this morning injuring two soldiers.
The Army says the LTTE violated the unilateral ceasefire announced to coincide with the SAARC Summit by firing at least 10 artillery rounds from Poonaryn to Muhamalai this morning injuring two soldiers.
SAARC foreign secretaries meet to prepare for Summit
SAARC foreign secretaries meet to prepare for Summit
The Standing Committee of the 15th SAARC summit constituting the Foreign Secretaries of the eight member states of SAARC will commence deliberations today on the key issues to be taken up at the main Summit to be held from August 2 to 3.
This is the 35th session of the SAARC Foreign Secretaries. The present chair of the Foreign Secretaries of SAARC nations, Indian Foreign Secretary Shivshankar Menon wills formally handover the chairmanship to Sri Lanka Foreign Secretary Dr. Palitha Kohona at the meeting. The Foreign Ministers' meeting is to be held on July 31st and August 1st. The SAARC leaders will meet on August 2nd and 3rd. Four agreements including the topic of eliminating terrorism from the region are expected to be signed at the leader's summi which will also see the launching of a SAARC Development Fund.Members from seven non-SAARC countries will also take part at the summit as observers. They are, the USA, Japan, China, South Korea, Iran, Mauritius and European Union. Meanwhile, various functions including cultural shows have been organized in line with the SAARC Summit. Accordingly, a SAARC dancing show organized by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and the Ministry of National Heritage will commence from today to the 1st of August at thr Kularatne Hall in Ananda College, Colombo.
Monday, July 28, 2008
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
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.
Sunday, July 27, 2008
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.
Saturday, July 19, 2008
DAYAN TO REPRESENT ASIA ON UNHRC CONSULTATIVE GROUP
DAYAN TO REPRESENT ASIA ON UNHRC CONSULTATIVE GROUPImageDr.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.
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
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 t
he houses using back haws. The residents attempted to stop the action amidst riot police attacks of tear gas.
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 t
he 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 protes
ts of the residents)
Pix:Before Demolition
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 protes
ts of the residents) Pix:Before Demolition
New restrictions at duty free shops
| New restrictions at duty free shops |
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 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 | | |
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Accordingly, she will be given the privilege of carrying the Sri Lankan flag at the opening ceremony of 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.
Friday, July 18, 2008
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.
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.
Tuesday, July 15, 2008
Another Strike will come soon
Three day strike in the offing - Lal Kantha |
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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.
Friday, July 11, 2008
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.
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.
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