Olympic Torch Scales Mount Everest
Thursday, 08 May 2008
The Olympic flame reached the top of Mount Everest on Thursday (08), an emotional moment for China and the crowning of the Beijing Olympics torch relay that dogged by anti-Chinese protests, reports from Beijing said.
Thursday, May 8, 2008
Wednesday, May 7, 2008
Human Rights Hot line
The Public could access the hot line on 011-2676513 and 060-2119246
A 24 hour rapid response hotline to clarify queries regarding arrests, detention, suspected abduction and disappearances will be launched today by the Ministry of Disaster Management and Human Rights.
Ministry sources said persons who seek information would be able to clarify matters in all three languages - Sinhala, Tamil and English.
The objective of creating this hotline is to enable the public to obtain information whether a person is or is not in official custody.
Operators can also direct callers to access law-enforcement Authorities to initiate investigations into such cases, sources said.
The hot line is to be in operation for eight months initially until December, with the initiative to be assessed after that on the basis of the need. The Ministry said this step was taken to ensure that laws on arrest and detention are fully implemented - particularly where emergency regulations are invoked- especially the implementation of the Presidential direction on arrest and detention.
It also said that the Ministry had received information that in the context of ongoing security operations aimed at preventing and investigating acts of terrorism people have been taken into custody with subsequent investigations as to their bona fides.
Others have been allegedly abducted for collateral purposes such as demanding of a ransom and family members were anxious to clarify their whereabouts and safety, it said. According to Ministry sources, the Minister for Disaster Management and Human Rights, Mahinda Samarasinghe had consulted senior officers of the AG department, the Police, Armed services, HR commission and Ministry officials before finalising matters pertaining to the proposed hot line.
The proposed hotline accessible to people through out the country is to be housed in the Disaster Management Centre under the purview of the Ministry.
The Public could access the hot line on 011-2676513 and 060-2119246
A 24 hour rapid response hotline to clarify queries regarding arrests, detention, suspected abduction and disappearances will be launched today by the Ministry of Disaster Management and Human Rights.
Ministry sources said persons who seek information would be able to clarify matters in all three languages - Sinhala, Tamil and English.
The objective of creating this hotline is to enable the public to obtain information whether a person is or is not in official custody.
Operators can also direct callers to access law-enforcement Authorities to initiate investigations into such cases, sources said.
The hot line is to be in operation for eight months initially until December, with the initiative to be assessed after that on the basis of the need. The Ministry said this step was taken to ensure that laws on arrest and detention are fully implemented - particularly where emergency regulations are invoked- especially the implementation of the Presidential direction on arrest and detention.
It also said that the Ministry had received information that in the context of ongoing security operations aimed at preventing and investigating acts of terrorism people have been taken into custody with subsequent investigations as to their bona fides.
Others have been allegedly abducted for collateral purposes such as demanding of a ransom and family members were anxious to clarify their whereabouts and safety, it said. According to Ministry sources, the Minister for Disaster Management and Human Rights, Mahinda Samarasinghe had consulted senior officers of the AG department, the Police, Armed services, HR commission and Ministry officials before finalising matters pertaining to the proposed hot line.
The proposed hotline accessible to people through out the country is to be housed in the Disaster Management Centre under the purview of the Ministry.
Palampiddi bridge captured - Military
Palampiddi bridge captured - Military
The Military claimed today that they have captured the strategically important Palampiddi Bridge North of Mannar.
The Military claimed today that they have captured the strategically important Palampiddi Bridge North of Mannar.
Suspect identified as “de-facto leader” of the LTTE in UK
Suspect identified as “de-facto leader” of the LTTE in UK
Authorities have identified the LTTE suspect arrested in UK yesterday as being Arunachalam Chrishanthakumar, alias A.C.Shanthan (51) the “de-facto leader” of the LTTE in Britain.
Authorities have identified the LTTE suspect arrested in UK yesterday as being Arunachalam Chrishanthakumar, alias A.C.Shanthan (51) the “de-facto leader” of the LTTE in Britain.
East Elections won't be free and fair - PAFFREL
Elections won't be free and fair - PAFFREL
PAFFREL said that the forthcoming elections won't be free and fair as TNA is not contesting. They also claimed that there is no conducive environment for free campaigning and 61 complaints were lodged so far.
PAFFREL said that the forthcoming elections won't be free and fair as TNA is not contesting. They also claimed that there is no conducive environment for free campaigning and 61 complaints were lodged so far.
Parliament prorogued
Parliament prorogued
The President Mahinda Rajapaksha has decided to prorogue the parliament since midnight yesterday (06th May).
The proroguing is to be announced by a special gazette by the President under his powers tonight. The sittings will resume since June 05.
Media Minister Lakshman Yapa Abeywardena told The Government wanted to prorogue parliament months earlier but delayed it because it had to table a few finance bills and this prorogation has nothing to do with Eastern PC polls.
He said that there was no special reason behind the prorogation.
Prorogation; beginning of the end - Ranil
Prorogation of Parliament is the first step towards ending whatever is left of democracy in Sri Lanka, UNP leader Ranil Wickremesinghe told media today.
The President Mahinda Rajapaksha has decided to prorogue the parliament since midnight yesterday (06th May).
The proroguing is to be announced by a special gazette by the President under his powers tonight. The sittings will resume since June 05.
Media Minister Lakshman Yapa Abeywardena told The Government wanted to prorogue parliament months earlier but delayed it because it had to table a few finance bills and this prorogation has nothing to do with Eastern PC polls.
He said that there was no special reason behind the prorogation.
Prorogation; beginning of the end - Ranil
Prorogation of Parliament is the first step towards ending whatever is left of democracy in Sri Lanka, UNP leader Ranil Wickremesinghe told media today.
Saturday, May 3, 2008
World Press Freedom Day 2008
World Press Freedom Day 2008
Freedom of Expression, Access to Information and Empowerment of People
Freedom of Expression is a fundamental human right as stated in Article 19 of the UN Declaration of Human Rights. This is especially worth recalling as we mark the 60th anniversary of that declaration.
At this year’s World Press Freedom Day celebration, UNESCO would like to explore how media freedom and access to information feed into the wider development objective of empowering people.
Empowerment is a multi-dimensional social and political process that helps people gain control over their own lives. This can only be achieved through access to accurate, fair and unbiased information, representing a plurality of opinions, and the means to actively communicate vertically and horizontally, thereby participating in the active life of the community.
Freedom of Expression, Access to Information and Empowerment of People
Freedom of Expression is a fundamental human right as stated in Article 19 of the UN Declaration of Human Rights. This is especially worth recalling as we mark the 60th anniversary of that declaration.
At this year’s World Press Freedom Day celebration, UNESCO would like to explore how media freedom and access to information feed into the wider development objective of empowering people.
Empowerment is a multi-dimensional social and political process that helps people gain control over their own lives. This can only be achieved through access to accurate, fair and unbiased information, representing a plurality of opinions, and the means to actively communicate vertically and horizontally, thereby participating in the active life of the community.
Friday, May 2, 2008
Govt. victory will fulfill Easterners' aspirations, assures President Mahinda Rajapaksha
Mammoth crowd at first-ever May Day rally in East:
The Eastern populace is poised to hand over a resounding victory to the Government at the May 10 Provincial Council Election to continue the momentum of the Eastern Resurgence programme, President Mahinda Rajapaksa declared yesterday in May day rally.
President Rajapaksa was addressing the historic May Day rally held here, symbolising the new dawn in the East after more than two decades of LTTE tyranny. The first ever May Day celebration in the East by a major political party since independence was attended by a massive crowd.
"We know the Easterners are a grateful people. They will show that on May 10. They will never let Prabhakaran take back the East. A vote for the Government is a vote for peace and development. A vote for the Opposition will be an endorsement of Prabhakaran. We need your support to take the development process forward," he told the massive gathering.
This year's May Day celebrations in the East should be dedicated to the heroic Forces who spearheaded the humanitarian mission to liberate the people who were living under LTTE clutches for more than two decades, the President said.
He said a Government victory in the East would further encourage soldiers to liberate the Northern masses as well.
Mammoth crowd at first-ever May Day rally in East:
The Eastern populace is poised to hand over a resounding victory to the Government at the May 10 Provincial Council Election to continue the momentum of the Eastern Resurgence programme, President Mahinda Rajapaksa declared yesterday in May day rally.
President Rajapaksa was addressing the historic May Day rally held here, symbolising the new dawn in the East after more than two decades of LTTE tyranny. The first ever May Day celebration in the East by a major political party since independence was attended by a massive crowd.
"We know the Easterners are a grateful people. They will show that on May 10. They will never let Prabhakaran take back the East. A vote for the Government is a vote for peace and development. A vote for the Opposition will be an endorsement of Prabhakaran. We need your support to take the development process forward," he told the massive gathering.
This year's May Day celebrations in the East should be dedicated to the heroic Forces who spearheaded the humanitarian mission to liberate the people who were living under LTTE clutches for more than two decades, the President said.
He said a Government victory in the East would further encourage soldiers to liberate the Northern masses as well.
Wednesday, April 30, 2008
UNDP worker arrested with micro pistol
UNDP worker arrested with micro pistol
A United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) staff member was arrested with a Micro pistol by the security forces at Irattaperiyakulam road block in Vavuniya this afternoon, the defence ministry said.
he suspect, Thiagaraja Prabhakaran, was a resident of Batticaloa and he is currently working at the UNDP Kilinochchi office, sources said. The suspect was travelling from Kilinochchi to Batticaloa when he was arrested around 12.45 p.m.
While cross-questioning, the suspect confessed that a terror agent have given this micro pistol and asked him to handover it to a person in Batticaloa. "The terrorists have promised to give him sum of 50,000.00 rupees once complete the task", he added. An initial payment, sum of 30,000.00 rupees, which had been given by the terrorist, was also apprehended.
The suspect was handed over to the Vavuniya Police for further investigations.
A United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) staff member was arrested with a Micro pistol by the security forces at Irattaperiyakulam road block in Vavuniya this afternoon, the defence ministry said.
he suspect, Thiagaraja Prabhakaran, was a resident of Batticaloa and he is currently working at the UNDP Kilinochchi office, sources said. The suspect was travelling from Kilinochchi to Batticaloa when he was arrested around 12.45 p.m.
While cross-questioning, the suspect confessed that a terror agent have given this micro pistol and asked him to handover it to a person in Batticaloa. "The terrorists have promised to give him sum of 50,000.00 rupees once complete the task", he added. An initial payment, sum of 30,000.00 rupees, which had been given by the terrorist, was also apprehended.
The suspect was handed over to the Vavuniya Police for further investigations.
LTTE artillery attack on Welioya
LTTE artillery attack on Welioya
The LTTE had fired artillery and mortar into the Sinhapura village in Welioya this morning. The military however said that no casualties were reported.
The LTTE had fired artillery and mortar into the Sinhapura village in Welioya this morning. The military however said that no casualties were reported.
60 Sri Lankan fishermen netted in India
60 Sri Lankan fishermen netted in India
Sixty Sri Lankan fishermen, mostly of Sinhalese origin, were taken into custody by the Indian Coast Guard along with 12 boats for reportedly entering the Indian waters off Andaman coast.
Sixty Sri Lankan fishermen, mostly of Sinhalese origin, were taken into custody by the Indian Coast Guard along with 12 boats for reportedly entering the Indian waters off Andaman coast.
Tuesday, April 29, 2008
Minister Mervin Silva injured in accident
Minister Mervin Silva injured in accident
Deputy minister of Labour Mr.Mervin Silva injured an accident at Aralaganwilla(out of Colombo) in this evening.He and three have been airlifted to the colombo national hospital.
One pradeshiyasaba member(Kelaniya local government) died in this accident.
Deputy minister of Labour Mr.Mervin Silva injured an accident at Aralaganwilla(out of Colombo) in this evening.He and three have been airlifted to the colombo national hospital.
One pradeshiyasaba member(Kelaniya local government) died in this accident.
30000 people displaced and 7died due to floods
30000 people displaced and 7 died due to floods
The flood situation in three districts of the country has displaced 30000 people with 6700 families so far, Disaster relief center said today. Dispales people from ratnapura kalutara and Gampaha Districts.Most people displaced from Ratnapura districtinclude 2177 families.
Rathnapura town was flooded this afternoon since the water levels went up in a number of rivers including Kalu Ganga, We Ganga, Kuru Ganga, Denawak Ganga and Hangamu Ganga.
Disaster Situation in Ratnapura
A disaster situation has been declared in Ratnapura following the extensive flooding. Seven deaths have already been reported from the region. Number of areas in Rathnapura, Kuruwita, Kiriella, Pelmadulla, Kahawaththa, Niwithigala, Kalawana, Ayagama and Elapatha divisional secretary areas are under water now.
Rathnapura District Secretary Ms. Malani Premarathna said that several areas of the district would be at risk of landslides if rain continued for six more hours.
All schools in areas affected by floods in the Ratnapura District have been closed with immediate effect.
The governmebt action for relef activities for the displase persons. and will be grant Rs.15,000/- per died person.
The flood situation in three districts of the country has displaced 30000 people with 6700 families so far, Disaster relief center said today. Dispales people from ratnapura kalutara and Gampaha Districts.Most people displaced from Ratnapura districtinclude 2177 families.
Rathnapura town was flooded this afternoon since the water levels went up in a number of rivers including Kalu Ganga, We Ganga, Kuru Ganga, Denawak Ganga and Hangamu Ganga.
Disaster Situation in Ratnapura
A disaster situation has been declared in Ratnapura following the extensive flooding. Seven deaths have already been reported from the region. Number of areas in Rathnapura, Kuruwita, Kiriella, Pelmadulla, Kahawaththa, Niwithigala, Kalawana, Ayagama and Elapatha divisional secretary areas are under water now.
Rathnapura District Secretary Ms. Malani Premarathna said that several areas of the district would be at risk of landslides if rain continued for six more hours.
All schools in areas affected by floods in the Ratnapura District have been closed with immediate effect.
The governmebt action for relef activities for the displase persons. and will be grant Rs.15,000/- per died person.
Claymore kills a farmer in Kebithigollewa
Claymore kills a farmer in Kebithigollewa
A farmer was killed when a claymore mine exploded in Kebithigollewa yesterday(28th) evening, the Police said.
A farmer was killed when a claymore mine exploded in Kebithigollewa yesterday(28th) evening, the Police said.
Monday, April 28, 2008
A powerful time bomb found at Galgamuwa bus stand
A powerful time bomb found at Galgamuwa bus stand
A powerful time bomb (7kg)was found and defused at a crowded bus station in Galgamuwa in Kurunegala District today (28) morning, minutes before the device had been set to go off, police said.
The parcel bomb equipped with a timing device was discovered in Galgamuwa, police said.
"Passengers alerted the police and the bomb was defused just in time," a police official said. "There were ball bearings packed into the bomb and they could have caused a lot of casualties."
@6th evening a bomb blasted in a bus at piliyandala. 26people died include Buddhist reverend and child and pregnant mother. And 70people injerd.
A powerful time bomb (7kg)was found and defused at a crowded bus station in Galgamuwa in Kurunegala District today (28) morning, minutes before the device had been set to go off, police said.
The parcel bomb equipped with a timing device was discovered in Galgamuwa, police said.
"Passengers alerted the police and the bomb was defused just in time," a police official said. "There were ball bearings packed into the bomb and they could have caused a lot of casualties."
@6th evening a bomb blasted in a bus at piliyandala. 26people died include Buddhist reverend and child and pregnant mother. And 70people injerd.
Sunday, April 27, 2008
Madhu church open to public soon
Madhu church open to public soon
Security forces hand over shrine to Mannar Bishop:
Making another military pledge a reality, the centuries-old sacred Madhu Church, where all communities worshipped will be opened to the public soon for the annual feast. The shrine was liberated by the Security Forces from LTTE terrorists.
The sacred Madhu Shrine which was liberated from LTTE terrorists was handed over to Rev. Fr. Victor Susai, Vicar General of Mannar, who accepted it on behalf of the Bishop of Mannar yesterday.
Army Commander Lt. General Sarath Fonseka called upon those who removed the statue of Our Lady of Madhu to bring it back to the church.
"Those who were in charge of the statue have the responsibility of bringing it back", he said adding that the Madhu area would be declared as a security zone and pilgrims would be provided all facilities to worship at the shrine.
The Madhu shrine, where thousands of pilgrims gather during the August church feast was under the clutches of the LTTE from 1999. The shrine area later became a military base for the LTTE positioning its heavy guns around the church premises.
The LTTE used the shrine as a shield to avoid military offensives within the 'No War Zone' and the Army was compelled to refrain from attacking the terrorists because of the sacred shrine complex.
Lt. Gen. Fonseka said that the 57 division supported by the Light Infantry unit tactically forced the terrorists who occupied the shrine to withdraw but the fleeing terrorists damaged the roof of the main church and the adjoining hall.
According to Lt. Gen. Fonseka, the area has been heavily mined with anti personnel mines and booby traps and bunkers have been erected around the shrine. "The military will soon complete clearing the mines", he said.
LTTE aircraft drop bombs in Welioya
LTTE aircrafts dropped three bombs at the Welioya Forward Defence Line in the North early this morning but the military says it did not cause any major damages.
espite heightened ground confrontations between troops and LTTE at the Wanni battle theatre, it was reported that 3 bombs were dropped by LTTE today (April 27) at the military forward defence lines in Welioya at around 1.45 a.m.
According to military Spokesperson Brigadier Udaya Nanayakkara, no damages were caused to own troops in the aerial bombing.
"During the wee hours the SLAF air defence network radars detected 2 light aircraft of LTTE which were airborne and heading towards Welioya. In accordance with standard operating procedures, SLAF interceptor aircraft were made airborne in the direction of the intruding enemy craft. However, enroute to the area it was observed that the LTTE air craft were fleeing and heading back", air force sources were quoted as saying in a press release issued.
Earlier, on Saturday LTTE suffered heavy beating by SLA infantrymen when troops successfully thwarted two pronged LTTE offensive attempts to breach the military defences at Welioya. Meanwhile, troops also dismantled an LTTE artillery attack launched towards Galkulama and Sinhapura villages at Weiloya on Saturday morning. No damages were caused to both civilian and security personnel, sources further said.
According to military sources, these failed attempts by LTTE are sheer signs of desperation by the outfit to unwind its present sorry situation. The LTTE is suffering with increasing defeats at the hands of military, and troops deployed at Weiloya are constantly pushing LTTE to relocate its defences closer to it last bastions in Kilinochchi and Mullaittiuvu districts, defence sources said.
Army liberates sacred Madhu shrine from terror clutches
Army liberates sacred Madhu shrine from terror clutches
Sri Lanka army has liberated the sacred Madhu shrine by beating off the occupying LTTE terrorists today morning (April 25). The soldiers of 8 Sri Lanka Light Infantry reached the shrine as the terrorists beat a retreat unable to withstand the army advance.
The centuries old Catholic shrine is held sacred and respected by all Sri Lankans irrespective of religion and ethnicity. Thousands of pilgrims used to visit the shrine, especially during the church feast in August, before the terrorists took control of the area in 1999.
As LTTE terrorists unleashed their "Final War" in 2006, the church became a sanctuary for thousands of civilians who wanted to avoid their children being conscripted by the terror outfit. Later, LTTE agents acting under religious facades, evicted these civilians and unashamedly made many of them to fall prey to the terrorists.
Gradually, the terrorists almost turned the shrine into a terror base by positioning its heavy guns around the church and using it as a barrack for its cadres. Though this desecration has [Click to magnify/shrink] been carried out for last few months the fact was kept secret from the general public until the sacred statue of Our Lady of Madhu was shifted two weeks ago.
Meanwhile, Army 57 division battling against the terrorists on the Vavuniya battle front, tactically removed most of the terrorists' lines of communication to what had then become the terror stronghold inside the Madhu complex, making the occupying terrorists isolated from the rest. Army specifically resorted to this slow and painstaking tactical measure in order to avoid any military operations within the Madhu "No War Zone". Many soldiers had to sacrifice their lives and limbs in this endeavour as they refrained from any retaliation to shells launched from the vicinity of the church complex.
The mode of operandi became a success as the terrorists started to withdraw amid the increasing military pressures outside the no war zone. The LTTE bands, "Malathi", "Radha" and "Charles Anthony" withdrew from the area after shifting their heavy guns. A small LTTE element lead by a terrorist leader "Gopith" was the last known terror group to remain at the church.
At present, army troops are clearing the surroundings of the church, as there is a strong possibility that the terrorists have booby-trapped the church building before they left.
Sri Lanka army has liberated the sacred Madhu shrine by beating off the occupying LTTE terrorists today morning (April 25). The soldiers of 8 Sri Lanka Light Infantry reached the shrine as the terrorists beat a retreat unable to withstand the army advance.
The centuries old Catholic shrine is held sacred and respected by all Sri Lankans irrespective of religion and ethnicity. Thousands of pilgrims used to visit the shrine, especially during the church feast in August, before the terrorists took control of the area in 1999.
As LTTE terrorists unleashed their "Final War" in 2006, the church became a sanctuary for thousands of civilians who wanted to avoid their children being conscripted by the terror outfit. Later, LTTE agents acting under religious facades, evicted these civilians and unashamedly made many of them to fall prey to the terrorists.
Gradually, the terrorists almost turned the shrine into a terror base by positioning its heavy guns around the church and using it as a barrack for its cadres. Though this desecration has [Click to magnify/shrink] been carried out for last few months the fact was kept secret from the general public until the sacred statue of Our Lady of Madhu was shifted two weeks ago.
Meanwhile, Army 57 division battling against the terrorists on the Vavuniya battle front, tactically removed most of the terrorists' lines of communication to what had then become the terror stronghold inside the Madhu complex, making the occupying terrorists isolated from the rest. Army specifically resorted to this slow and painstaking tactical measure in order to avoid any military operations within the Madhu "No War Zone". Many soldiers had to sacrifice their lives and limbs in this endeavour as they refrained from any retaliation to shells launched from the vicinity of the church complex.
The mode of operandi became a success as the terrorists started to withdraw amid the increasing military pressures outside the no war zone. The LTTE bands, "Malathi", "Radha" and "Charles Anthony" withdrew from the area after shifting their heavy guns. A small LTTE element lead by a terrorist leader "Gopith" was the last known terror group to remain at the church.
At present, army troops are clearing the surroundings of the church, as there is a strong possibility that the terrorists have booby-trapped the church building before they left.
TMVP political cadre shot dead
TMVP political cadre shot dead
A TMVP political cadre was shot dead in Batticaloa a short while ago. TMVP spokesman Azad Maulana said the 19 year old victim was killed while he was taking part in election propaganda.
A TMVP political cadre was shot dead in Batticaloa a short while ago. TMVP spokesman Azad Maulana said the 19 year old victim was killed while he was taking part in election propaganda.
TWENTY SIX DIED AND 70 INJURED BY BUS BOMB
A bomb exploded in a parked passenger bus at Piliyandala junction bus stand around 6.45 PM 25TH aPRIL killing 26 civilians including a Buddhist monk and injuring 70 people. The ill fated Central Transport Board bus was a route number 157 Kahapola-Piliyandala bus.
PIX BY :lANKA ENEWS.COM
PIX BY :lANKA ENEWS.COM
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