17 feared dead in claymore blast in Wanni
Reports claim that 17 people who were in a bus were killed, when a claymore mine exploded in an LTTE controlled area in Wanni.
Friday, May 23, 2008
International Federation of Journalists says about the abduction and violent attack on Keith Noyahr
Defence Reporter Abducted and Severely Beaten In Sri Lanka
The International Federation of Journalists (IFJ) is outraged at the abduction and violent attack on Keith Noyahr, deputy editor and defense writer for the English weekly The Nation on May 22.
According to the Free Media Movement (FMM), an IFJ affiliate, Noyahr, 44, was abducted on his way home from work after leaving his office at around 10.30pm on Thursday evening. His vehicle was found in front of his house, its headlights on and its engine still running. Local reports suggest he was abducted while he was opening the gate to his garage.
The editor of The Nation immediately reported Noyahr's disappearance to the Dehiwala police.
The FMM has reported that while Noyahr was returned home early this morning, he is badly hurt and is currently in intensive care.
The IFJ believes Keith Noyahr was abducted and physically assaulted as a direct result of his work as a journalist.
As a defense writer for The Nation, Noyahr has reported on the on-going conflict between the Sri Lankan Army and the Liberation Tigers of Tamil Eelam (LTTE). According to a family member, he had received a number of threats in recent weeks.
The abduction and assault of Keith Noyahr is yet another alarming act of violence during a period of increasing hostility towards members of the media in Sri Lanka.
J.S. Tissainayagam, columnist of the Sunday Times and Editor of the website www.outreach.com and V. Jesiharan, owner of the E-Kwality printing press and Manager of www.outreach.com and his wife Walarmathi, remain in detention after being arrested in early March by the Terrorist Investigation Division of the Sri Lankan Police. No one has been charged in any court of law.
In 2007, Iqbal Athas, a defense correspondent and associate editor for The Sunday Times in Colombo, was attacked by the Sri Lankan government due to his criticism of government corruption and military expenditure.
The IFJ strongly condemns these attacks on members of the media community. The protection of journalists and media workers is vital not simply for freedom of the press, but also for a functioning democracy. Defense correspondents such as Keith Noyahr and Iqbal Athas in particular have a significant role in reporting on corruption within all levels of society and government.
The IFJ joins the FMM in demanding an immediate inquiry into the abduction and assault of Keith Noyahr. The perpetrators of this crime must be brought to justice and a message sent to those who attack media workers.
The IFJ congratulates the FMM and all individuals and organizations who banded together to put pressure on the government to ensure Keith Noyahr’s return.
The International Federation of Journalists (IFJ) is outraged at the abduction and violent attack on Keith Noyahr, deputy editor and defense writer for the English weekly The Nation on May 22.
According to the Free Media Movement (FMM), an IFJ affiliate, Noyahr, 44, was abducted on his way home from work after leaving his office at around 10.30pm on Thursday evening. His vehicle was found in front of his house, its headlights on and its engine still running. Local reports suggest he was abducted while he was opening the gate to his garage.
The editor of The Nation immediately reported Noyahr's disappearance to the Dehiwala police.
The FMM has reported that while Noyahr was returned home early this morning, he is badly hurt and is currently in intensive care.
The IFJ believes Keith Noyahr was abducted and physically assaulted as a direct result of his work as a journalist.
As a defense writer for The Nation, Noyahr has reported on the on-going conflict between the Sri Lankan Army and the Liberation Tigers of Tamil Eelam (LTTE). According to a family member, he had received a number of threats in recent weeks.
The abduction and assault of Keith Noyahr is yet another alarming act of violence during a period of increasing hostility towards members of the media in Sri Lanka.
J.S. Tissainayagam, columnist of the Sunday Times and Editor of the website www.outreach.com and V. Jesiharan, owner of the E-Kwality printing press and Manager of www.outreach.com and his wife Walarmathi, remain in detention after being arrested in early March by the Terrorist Investigation Division of the Sri Lankan Police. No one has been charged in any court of law.
In 2007, Iqbal Athas, a defense correspondent and associate editor for The Sunday Times in Colombo, was attacked by the Sri Lankan government due to his criticism of government corruption and military expenditure.
The IFJ strongly condemns these attacks on members of the media community. The protection of journalists and media workers is vital not simply for freedom of the press, but also for a functioning democracy. Defense correspondents such as Keith Noyahr and Iqbal Athas in particular have a significant role in reporting on corruption within all levels of society and government.
The IFJ joins the FMM in demanding an immediate inquiry into the abduction and assault of Keith Noyahr. The perpetrators of this crime must be brought to justice and a message sent to those who attack media workers.
The IFJ congratulates the FMM and all individuals and organizations who banded together to put pressure on the government to ensure Keith Noyahr’s return.
Is this media freedom?
Is this media freedom?
Leading Five media organizations organized a protest (The Sri Lanka Working Journalists Association, Free Media Movement, Federation of Media Employees Trade Union, Sri Lanka Tamil Media Alliance and Sri Lanka Muslim Media Forum )today at Colpetty Junction against the attack on Nation Deputy Editor Keith Noyhar. (Pics by Dinuka Liyanawatte-daily mirror)
Associate Editor Keith Noyhar of The Nation newspaper published by Rivira Media House was abducted last night (22) near his house by an unknown group and he was released this morning after assaulting severely.
Mr. Noyhar who was returning home after duty was abducted near the gate of his house. He telephoned his wife around 10.10 PM just before he turned from the Gale Road to Waidya Road of Dehiwala wher his house is located.
Ralated links www.lankaenews.com
www.dailymirror.lk
Leading Five media organizations organized a protest (The Sri Lanka Working Journalists Association, Free Media Movement, Federation of Media Employees Trade Union, Sri Lanka Tamil Media Alliance and Sri Lanka Muslim Media Forum )today at Colpetty Junction against the attack on Nation Deputy Editor Keith Noyhar. (Pics by Dinuka Liyanawatte-daily mirror)
Associate Editor Keith Noyhar of The Nation newspaper published by Rivira Media House was abducted last night (22) near his house by an unknown group and he was released this morning after assaulting severely.
Mr. Noyhar who was returning home after duty was abducted near the gate of his house. He telephoned his wife around 10.10 PM just before he turned from the Gale Road to Waidya Road of Dehiwala wher his house is located.
Ralated links www.lankaenews.com
www.dailymirror.lk
Missing Journalist admitted hospitl after badly beaten up
The Nation deputy editor Keith Noyhar returned home a short while ago badly beaten up. He has been admitted to hospital
A badly beaten up journalsit Keith Noyhar is pictured here being admitted to the Colombo National hospital early this morning after being released by his abductors. Pic by Pradeep K. Pathirana(Daily Mirror)
A badly beaten up journalsit Keith Noyhar is pictured here being admitted to the Colombo National hospital early this morning after being released by his abductors. Pic by Pradeep K. Pathirana(Daily Mirror)
Journalist missing
Journalist missing
"The Nation" paper deputy editor and former Daily Mirror deputy editor Keith Noyhar has been reported missing and suspected to have been abducted after his car was found abandoned near his house last night. A police team has been deployed to locate him.
Three days ago on vesak full moon poya day attacked to Sirasa TV journalists at Kiribathgoda.
"The Nation" paper deputy editor and former Daily Mirror deputy editor Keith Noyhar has been reported missing and suspected to have been abducted after his car was found abandoned near his house last night. A police team has been deployed to locate him.
Three days ago on vesak full moon poya day attacked to Sirasa TV journalists at Kiribathgoda.
Saturday, May 17, 2008
India behind Pillayan’s appointment says JVP
India behind Pillayan’s appointment: JVP
JVP MP Vijitha Herath said today the appointment of Sivanesathurai Chandrakanthan alias Pillayan as the Chief Minister was a fulfillment of Indian interests, and the government had sown ethnic discord among the communities in the East through this exercise.
JVP MP Vijitha Herath said today the appointment of Sivanesathurai Chandrakanthan alias Pillayan as the Chief Minister was a fulfillment of Indian interests, and the government had sown ethnic discord among the communities in the East through this exercise.
Former LTTE combatant Pilleyan sworn in as Chief Minister
Former LTTE combatant Pilleyan sworn in as Chief Minister
Leader of the TMVP,(former LTTE combatant} Sivanesathurai Chandrakanthan alias Pilleyan was sworn in as the Chief Minister of the Eastern Provincial Council before President Mahinda Rajapaksa May 16th evening at the President Secretariat.Pilleyan ia 30 years old and very youngest Chief Minister in Sri Lanka.
Chandrakanthan obtained the highest number of preferential votes from the Batticaloa District in the recently concluded Provincial Council elections.He is the second Chief Minister in the Eastern Province. Mr. Vardharaja Perumal is the First Chief Minister for Eastern province. But he was not only for the Eastern province Chief Minister. He was the North and East Chief Minister. But Sivanesathurai Chandrakanthan alias Pilleyan is the only for Eastern Province Chief Minister.Hence Pilleyan is the first Chief minister for Only East(without Northern Province).
There are five ministerial posts in the Eastern Provincial Councils and they were accorded as follows:
Thureiappah Navaratnarajah (Minister of Agriculture, Livestock Development, Rural Industrial Development and Fisheries), Wimalaweera Dissanayake (Minister of Education, Cultural affairs, Lands and Land Development, and Transport), Meera Sahiby Uduma Lebbe (Minister of Road Development, Irrigation, Housing and Construction, Rural Electrification and Water Supply), and Chief Minister Sivanesathurai Chandrakanthan (Finance and Planning, Law and Order, Provincial Administration, Human Resource Rehabilitation and Resettlement, Rural Development, Tourism and Environment).
Another ministerial appointment has been reserved for a Muslim representative, while the Chairman, Deputy Chairman, Leader of the House and Chief Government Whip are yet to be named.
Hisbullla team boycott the swearing-in ceremony.
Meanwhile, the Hisbulla Group councilors sent a letter to the Governor of the Eastern Province, Rear Admiral Mohan Jayawickrama protesting the appointment of Pillaiyan as the Chief Minister.Hisbullla team boycott the swearing-in ceremony.
Mr. Hisbulla says that he, together with Mohammed Sali and Mohammed Subair signed the letter sent to the Governor. He has informed that the three councilors will act as an independent group in the Provincial Council.
Before sending the hasty letter, Mr. Hisbulla agreed appointing Pillaiyan as Chief Minister at a discussion held this morning with the President.
Hisbulla who resigned from Sri Lanka Muslim Congress joined with the United People's Freedom Alliance (UPFA) expecting the Chief Minister post and together with the other two members.
Leader of the TMVP,(former LTTE combatant} Sivanesathurai Chandrakanthan alias Pilleyan was sworn in as the Chief Minister of the Eastern Provincial Council before President Mahinda Rajapaksa May 16th evening at the President Secretariat.Pilleyan ia 30 years old and very youngest Chief Minister in Sri Lanka.
Chandrakanthan obtained the highest number of preferential votes from the Batticaloa District in the recently concluded Provincial Council elections.He is the second Chief Minister in the Eastern Province. Mr. Vardharaja Perumal is the First Chief Minister for Eastern province. But he was not only for the Eastern province Chief Minister. He was the North and East Chief Minister. But Sivanesathurai Chandrakanthan alias Pilleyan is the only for Eastern Province Chief Minister.Hence Pilleyan is the first Chief minister for Only East(without Northern Province).
There are five ministerial posts in the Eastern Provincial Councils and they were accorded as follows:
Thureiappah Navaratnarajah (Minister of Agriculture, Livestock Development, Rural Industrial Development and Fisheries), Wimalaweera Dissanayake (Minister of Education, Cultural affairs, Lands and Land Development, and Transport), Meera Sahiby Uduma Lebbe (Minister of Road Development, Irrigation, Housing and Construction, Rural Electrification and Water Supply), and Chief Minister Sivanesathurai Chandrakanthan (Finance and Planning, Law and Order, Provincial Administration, Human Resource Rehabilitation and Resettlement, Rural Development, Tourism and Environment).
Another ministerial appointment has been reserved for a Muslim representative, while the Chairman, Deputy Chairman, Leader of the House and Chief Government Whip are yet to be named.
Hisbullla team boycott the swearing-in ceremony.
Meanwhile, the Hisbulla Group councilors sent a letter to the Governor of the Eastern Province, Rear Admiral Mohan Jayawickrama protesting the appointment of Pillaiyan as the Chief Minister.Hisbullla team boycott the swearing-in ceremony.
Mr. Hisbulla says that he, together with Mohammed Sali and Mohammed Subair signed the letter sent to the Governor. He has informed that the three councilors will act as an independent group in the Provincial Council.
Before sending the hasty letter, Mr. Hisbulla agreed appointing Pillaiyan as Chief Minister at a discussion held this morning with the President.
Hisbulla who resigned from Sri Lanka Muslim Congress joined with the United People's Freedom Alliance (UPFA) expecting the Chief Minister post and together with the other two members.
Friday, May 16, 2008
9 died and over 90 injured by Colombo Suicide bomb blast
9 died and over 90 injured by Colombo Suicide bomb blast
Nine including seven Police personnel and two civiliance were killed and over 90 casualties reported, following the LTTE suicide bomb attack in Colombo Fort at 12.05 p.m., today (May 16).
According to the defence information, a motor bike riding LTTE suicide bomber had rammed into a bus carrying Police personnel at the Ceramic Junction, near Shri Sambuddhaloka Viharaya.
Director General National Hospital Dr. Hector Weerasinghe said that, over 90 people have been already admitted to the National hospital. Sixty two (62) civilians, 30 Police and 3 Army personnel were among the casualties received, he was quoted as saying.
Army spokesman Brigadier Udaya Nanayakkara told the BBC that the dead included three women police constables.
the blast took place near a police checkpoint outside the Colombo Hilton Hotel.
"It was a loud explosion. It felt like an earthquake" Eye witness said.
He said some window panes of the hotel had been damaged by the explosion. He said all the guests were safe and the hotel gates had been shut.
The blast comes in the eve of the Vesak week, which was declared by the government starting from today.
7kg of explosives
The bomb squad said that the motorcycle which was fitted with 7kg of explosives was driven into a parked police bus carrying policemen to provide security for the UNP protest to be held today at Maradana.
Nine including seven Police personnel and two civiliance were killed and over 90 casualties reported, following the LTTE suicide bomb attack in Colombo Fort at 12.05 p.m., today (May 16).
According to the defence information, a motor bike riding LTTE suicide bomber had rammed into a bus carrying Police personnel at the Ceramic Junction, near Shri Sambuddhaloka Viharaya.
Director General National Hospital Dr. Hector Weerasinghe said that, over 90 people have been already admitted to the National hospital. Sixty two (62) civilians, 30 Police and 3 Army personnel were among the casualties received, he was quoted as saying.
Army spokesman Brigadier Udaya Nanayakkara told the BBC that the dead included three women police constables.
the blast took place near a police checkpoint outside the Colombo Hilton Hotel.
"It was a loud explosion. It felt like an earthquake" Eye witness said.
He said some window panes of the hotel had been damaged by the explosion. He said all the guests were safe and the hotel gates had been shut.
The blast comes in the eve of the Vesak week, which was declared by the government starting from today.
7kg of explosives
The bomb squad said that the motorcycle which was fitted with 7kg of explosives was driven into a parked police bus carrying policemen to provide security for the UNP protest to be held today at Maradana.
Pillayan Chief Minister
Pillayan Chief Minister
Ending the week long dispute over the Chief Minister post for the Eastern Province, President Mahinda Rajapakse has decided to appoint Pillayan as the Chief Minister.
The swearing in ceremony will be held today at 4 p.m. at the Presidential Secretariat.
Ending the week long dispute over the Chief Minister post for the Eastern Province, President Mahinda Rajapakse has decided to appoint Pillayan as the Chief Minister.
The swearing in ceremony will be held today at 4 p.m. at the Presidential Secretariat.
Bomb Blast In Colombo
a Bomb blast in Colombo Fort near Sambuddaloka viharaya at 12.00 noon. A sucide motor cycle bomber attacked to a police bus. 7 died and more than 90 persons admitted to the hospital
Chief Minister swearing postponed.
Chief Minister swearing postponed.
President Mahinda Rajapaksha has summoned all 20 members elected to the eastern Provincial Council from the UPFA list for an urgent meeting today, to resolve the crises surrounding the appointment of Chief minister.
Although the swearing in ceremony of the new Chief minister was scheduled to take place at 1.30pm today at the Presidential Secretariat.
President Mahinda Rajapaksha has summoned all 20 members elected to the eastern Provincial Council from the UPFA list for an urgent meeting today, to resolve the crises surrounding the appointment of Chief minister.
Although the swearing in ceremony of the new Chief minister was scheduled to take place at 1.30pm today at the Presidential Secretariat.
Thursday, May 15, 2008
Pillayan to be sworn in tomorrow?
Pillayan to be sworn in tomorrow?
TMVP leader Sivanesathurai Chandrakanthan alias Pillayan will be sworn in as chief minister of the Eastern Province at the auspicious time of 2.07 pm tomorrow (May 16th), Senier government minister told to the media.
Mr. Chandrakanthan has been invited by an official of the Presidential Secretariat to be at the venue by 1.30 pm for his oath taking.
The president will announce his choice for the post of East CM at a meeting with Muslim government ministers at Temple Trees this evening.
TMVP leader Sivanesathurai Chandrakanthan alias Pillayan will be sworn in as chief minister of the Eastern Province at the auspicious time of 2.07 pm tomorrow (May 16th), Senier government minister told to the media.
Mr. Chandrakanthan has been invited by an official of the Presidential Secretariat to be at the venue by 1.30 pm for his oath taking.
The president will announce his choice for the post of East CM at a meeting with Muslim government ministers at Temple Trees this evening.
Wednesday, May 14, 2008
Minister Douglas Devananda’s consultant shot dead in Jaffna
Douglas’s consultant shot dead in Jaffna
EPDP leader Douglas Devananda’s consultant Maheshwari Velayuthan was shot dead by LTTE gunmen at Point-Pedro in Jaffna last evening.Ms. Maheshwari, 53, was visiting her mother when she was assassinated by gunmen who were clearly identified as LTTE attempting, sources close to Ms. Velayudan said.
Ms. Maheshwari had directly arrived from Colombo to see her mother who was said to be a cancer patient. Three gunmen had stormed into the house, directed several pistol gunshots at Ms. Maheswari claiming her life and fled immediately.
EPDP leader Douglas Devananda’s consultant Maheshwari Velayuthan was shot dead by LTTE gunmen at Point-Pedro in Jaffna last evening.Ms. Maheshwari, 53, was visiting her mother when she was assassinated by gunmen who were clearly identified as LTTE attempting, sources close to Ms. Velayudan said.
Ms. Maheshwari had directly arrived from Colombo to see her mother who was said to be a cancer patient. Three gunmen had stormed into the house, directed several pistol gunshots at Ms. Maheswari claiming her life and fled immediately.
Monday, May 12, 2008
New Party From Wimal And Nandana-National Freedom Party
Documents handed over for National Freedom Party
The Wimal Weerawansa faction today produced the documents at the Elections Commissioner's Secretariat to register a new party. The party is named the National Freedom Front(NFF), colour Gold and the emblem the crown.
The Wimal Weerawansa faction today produced the documents at the Elections Commissioner's Secretariat to register a new party. The party is named the National Freedom Front(NFF), colour Gold and the emblem the crown.
not ready to accept results says UNP and SLMC
not ready to accept results says UNP and SLMC
UNP leader Ranil Wickremesinghe and SLMC leader Rauff Hakeem addressing a joint press conference in
Pillaiyan to be appointed Chief Minister
| Pillayan tops preferential votes in Batti Pillaiyan to be appointed Chief Minister The election result of the Batticaloa district has prompted the government to appoint Pillaiyan as the Chief Minister of the Eastern Provincial Council. |
TMVP leader Pillayan has got the most number of preferential votes for the UPFA in Batticaloa with 41, 936 votes while J. S Mohomad came second with 36,419 votes and M.L.A.M Hisbullah came third with 35,949 votes. |
Government wins Eastern Provincial Council
Government wins the election for the Eastern Provincial Council
United People's Freedom Alliance (UPFA) won the Eastern Provincial Council election bagging 20 seats.
United National Party (UNP) allied with the Sri Lanka Muslim Congress (SLMC) won 15 seats. People's Liberation Front (JVP) and Tamil Democratic People's Front (TDPF) won one seat each.
United National Party (UNP) allied with the Sri Lanka Muslim Congress (SLMC) won 15 seats. People's Liberation Front (JVP) and Tamil Democratic People's Front (TDPF) won one seat each.
UPFA achieved 388,886 votes while UNP obtained 250,732 votes from the Eastern Province. JVP obtained 9390 votes while TDPF achieved 7714 votes. UPFA won with a majority of 138,154 votes. The total number of votes in the Eastern Province is 982,721.
1342 candidates of 18 political parties and 56 independent groups contested for the 37 seats of the Eastern Provincial Council. The government coalition UPFA that was accused of mass scale election malpractices, won only one seat above UNP. UPFA won 17 seats sans the bonus seats. UNP won 15 seats while JVP and TDPF won one seat each. Government won 20 seats with the bonus seats.
1342 candidates of 18 political parties and 56 independent groups contested for the 37 seats of the Eastern Provincial Council. The government coalition UPFA that was accused of mass scale election malpractices, won only one seat above UNP. UPFA won 17 seats sans the bonus seats. UNP won 15 seats while JVP and TDPF won one seat each. Government won 20 seats with the bonus seats.
This is how the seats distributed district wise.
Ampara district
---------------------
UPFA - 144,247 votes - 08 seats
UNP - 121,272 votes - 06 seats
JVP - 4745 votes - no seats
Total registered votes - 409,308
Voted 273,389
Number of votes not cast - 135,919
Trincomalee district
----------------------
UNP - 70,858 (51.37%) votes - 05 seats
UPFA - 59,298 (42.99%) votes - 04 seats
JVP - 4266 (03.09%) votes - 01 seat
Total registered votes - 242,468
Voted -150,624
Rejected - 12,699 (8.43%)
Number of valid votes - 137,929
Batticaloa district
----------------------
UPFA - 105,341 (58.09%) votes - 06 seats
UNP - 58,602 (32.31%) votes - 04 seats
TDPF - 7714 (04.25%) votes - 01 seat
EPDP - 5418 (02.99%) votes
(JVP achieved only 379 votes from this district.)
Total registered votes - 330,950
Voted -202,443
Rejected - 21,088 (10.42%, an extraordinary percentage)
Number of valid votes - 181,355
Sunday, May 11, 2008
Clash erupts at Trinco counting center
Clash erupts at Trinco counting center
A clash erupted inside the Trincomalee District Secretariat where votes are being counted.
Reporters at the site say the incident occurred between supporters of two political parties. Police were making attempts to defuse the situation.
Trincomalee,and Muttur polling divisions win UNP.And displaced voters also won UNP.
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