The Feast of St.Anthony’s Kochchikade church

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

Chandrika,Ranil and Mangala call for new alliance

Aubowan, we are good friends

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


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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Sri Lanka Broadcasting Corporation chairman's speeches condemned

Sri Lanka Broadcasting Corporation chairman's speeches condemned

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

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

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

European Commission warns of aid package

European Commission warns of aid package

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

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

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

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

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

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

Protest as president in London

Protest as president in London

The Amnesty International AI says the world is 'watching' Sri Lanka's rights violationsThe Amnesty International (AI) has expressed hope that Sri Lanka president would take measures to protect human rights as international concern increases on rights violations

South Asia director of the Amnesty International , Sam Zarifi, said the government should understand that Sri Lanka is ‘not forgotten’ by the international community.

The Amnesty International organised a demonstration in front of Commonwealth Secretariat in London protesting human rights violations in Sri Lanka.

President Mahinda Rajapaksa is attending a Commonwealth leaders meeting in London.

The protest highlighted the growing number of media workers being killed, assaulted and detained in Sri Lanka.The protest highlighted attacks on media in Sri Lanka


A journalist in Jaffna, P Devakumarana, was killed and a senior journalist, Keith Noyahr, was brutally assaulted during the past few weeks.

Sunday Times columnist JS Tissanayagam remains in custody since 07 March.

“Certainly the situation in Sri Lanka has been the source of the increasing concern around the world because the deterioration has been rapid,” Sam Zarifi told BBC Sandeshaya.

The government is not seen to be willing, he said, to respond to the concerns by human rights watchdogs and the international community.

The AI insists that the Tamil Tigers are also accused of gross human rights violations including launching attacks on civilians.

“We hope President Rapaksaksa understands that this is not a forgotten conflict,” Mr. Zafiri added.

No support to the government hereafter, says JVP

No support to the government hereafter, says JVP

JVP Propaganda Secretary Vijitha Herath said that the JVP would not support the government in future and it supported the government in the past to defeat the Vanni Tigers and not to suppress media and democracy.

Addressing a press conference held in Colombo Library and Documentation Service Center yesterday morning to comment on the dissolving of North Central and Sabaragamuwa Provincial Councils and about the aftermath of the Eastern Provincial Council election, MP Herath challenged the government to show cause, if there is any, for dissolving the Provincial Councils. He asked how security would be provided during an election in a time civilian defense is questionable and people are terrified in repeated bomb explosions in buses and trains.

MP Vijitha Herath said that military actions would be impeded due to deployment of police and Army for election duty.

All Govt. schools closed for two days

All Govt. schools closed for two days

All government schools will be closed tomorrow and day after owing to the threatened teacher trade union action, the Education Minister Susil Premajayantha said moments ago.

JVP to go to Supreme courts against dissolve two provincial councils

JVP to go to courts against dissolve two provincial councils

The JVP is to go to the Supreme Court against the government’s decision to dissolve the North Central and Sabaragamuwa Provincial councils and against the negligence of police regarding the Arrachchikattuwa attack on participants of two protests organized by the party.

JVP MP Vijitha Herath today charged the government for directly and knowingly supporting the LTTE by arousing continuous racism and racial riots and also holding unwanted elections.

President met UK opposition leader

President met UK opposition leader


Britiain's Opposition Leader, David Cameron, said that his country appreciates the challenges Sri Lanka is facing and the efforts being made as a democracy confronted with terrorism and is keen to understand the related problems and look at how to best assist. Mr. Cameron expressed these views when he met President Mahinda Rajapaksa in London, where the latter is attending a mini summit of Commonwealth Heads of State to discuss among other matters the reform of multilateral institutions such as the World Bank and International Monetary Fund.

President Rajapaksa explained to Mr. Cameron the efforts his government had made to restore democracy in the Eastern province and to launch an ambitious development programme that would help empower the people of all communities who had been affected by the conflict.

The President highlighted that the new Chief Minister of the Eastern province, Mr. Sivanesathurai Chandrakanthan, was previously a frontline member of the LTTE who had renounced terrorism and entered the democratic process along with his cadres. He stated that the victory of Mr. Chandrakanthan's party was a clear indication that the people of the Eastern province had endorsed the transition to democratic governance as a result of the development work the government had undertaken during the past year which had been appreciated by the Tamil community.

North Central, Sabaragamuwa PCs dissolved

North Central, Sabaragamuwa PCs dissolved


The Government dissolved the North Central and Sabaragamuwa Provincial Councils with effect from midnight yesterday through two special gazette notifications issued by the Governors of the two provinces.

The dates for the elections in the two provinces will be announced shortly by the Elections Commissioner who will also announce the dates for calling nominations for these two Provincial Councils.

According to the former North Central Province Chief Minister Berty Premalal Dissanayake difficulties had been encountered in performing administrative functions of the two Provincial Councils due to obstructions by the UNP and JVP.

"We had to face various difficulties to implement development projects in these two provinces as the UNP and JVP when combined had majority power in the two councils. When we try to pass some resolutions, various allegations and interruptions are made by these two parties. Therefore we agreed to the dissolution of the two Provincial Councils," he said.

President meets Deputy Malaysian PM

President meets Deputy Malaysian PM

President Mahinda Rajapaksa met Deputy Malaysian Prime Minister and Defence Minister Dato Najib Tun Razak on the sidelines of the Commonwealth Summit for the Re-structure and Reformation of International and UN institutions, in London yesterday.

The talks between President Rajapaksa and the Deputy Premier had been cordial and centred on bilateral relations between the two countries.

President Rajapaksa was also expected to meet British Opposition Leader David Camron later yesterday.

British PM warmly welcomes President Rajapaksa

British PM warmly welcomes President Rajapaksa

Visiting Sri Lanka President Mahinda Rajapaksa was cordially welcomed by the Prime Minister of Britain Gordon Brown when the two leaders met at the British Prime Minister’s official residence at No.10 Downing Street,London yesterday (09).

President Rajapaksa arrived at the official residence of the British Prime Minister accompanied by Foreign Minister Rohitha Bogollagama.

The meeting of the Commonwealth heads of States on “Reform on International Institutions” was held at the Cabinet room at 10 Downing Street.

Sri Lanka beat Bangladesh

Sri Lanka beat Bangladesh

Sri Lanka beat Bangladesh (1-0) in a South Asian Football Federation Championship first round match at Sugathadasa Stadium .

Troops surround LTTE's strategic 'One Four Base'

Troops surround LTTE's strategic 'One Four Base'

The security forces have gained control of five LTTE strong points surrounding the LTTE's strategic 'One Four Base', defence sources from the Wanni front confirmed. It is reported that at least 17 terrorists were killed and more than 35 wounded during clashes that erupted on Sunday (08) as Army infantry and armour battalions forced into LTTE bunker positions located north of Janakapura and Kiriibbanwewa at Welioya during a multi-pronged offensive launched in the morning. Meanwhile 7 soldiers are reported to have laid their lives during the confrontation while 19 others were reported wounded, Military Spokesperson Brigadier Udaya Nanayakkara said. One soldier is also reported missing, the Media Centre for National Security (MCNS) said.

The War Heroes Day -June 7

The War Heroes Day -June 7



The War Heroes Day to pay tribute to brave soldiers of the Security Forces who continue to defend the motherland at the expense of their lives, was celebrated in Colombo under the patronage of President Mahinda Rajapaksa at the Sri Jayawardenapura Parliament grounds yesterday. The Army band provided the melody to the theme song on war heroes after the President unveiled the plaque that speaks of the bravery of the Security Forces and the Police. The climax of the occasion followed with the opening of the Ranaviru Monument where names of all war heroes, who fought for the country remain inscribed.

Sri Lanka beat Bhutan in football

Sri Lanka beat Bhutan in football

Sri Lanka beat Bhutan 2-0 in a South Asian Football Federation championship first round match at Sugathadasa stadium today evening. The scorers were Chathura Gunaratne and skipper Chathura Maduranga.

UK and France condemn bus blast

UK and France condemn bus blast

While condemning the bus blast in Colombo, British Foreign Office Minister Lord Malloch-Brown said a sustainable solution to Sri Lanka's conflict can only emerge through a just political process involving all communities and stressed that this cannot come from violence. In a statement Lord Brown expressed the necessity to “end the senseless loss of lives caused by such acts of violence and for all parties to the conflict in Sri Lanka to take responsibility for the protection and safety of the civilian population.”“My thoughts and condolences are with the victims and their families. There is no justification for practices which target civilians or puts them in danger,” he added.Meanwhile, France in a statement also said that it was appalled to learn of the attack on a bus in Colombo. A Foreign ministry Spokesperson for France said, “We offer our condolences to the victims’ families. France strongly condemns this heinous attack and assures the Sri Lankan authorities of its solidarity.”

Air Force attacks LTTE leaders' meeting place - Puthukkudiyiruppu

Air Force attacks LTTE leaders' meeting place - Puthukkudiyiruppu

Sri Lanka Air Force fighter jets bombed an LTTE leaders' gathering place located in the Puthukkudiyiruppu area around 1.20 this afternoon (June 7). Air Force spokesman Wing Commander Janaka Nanayakkara speaking to defence.lk said that the targeted location was an identified command centre of the LTTE located 3km North East of the Puthukkudiyiruppu .

He further said that the Air Force had received reliable information that a meeting of LTTE leaders was taking place at the command centre at the time of the attack. The exact damage caused to the enemy is yet to be ascertained, he added.

The President condemns LTTE bomb attack

The President condemns LTTE bomb attack

Statement by President Mahinda Rajapaksa on the bomb explosion carried out by the LTTE at Katubedda in Moratuwa, today (June 06, 08).

Today's explosion at Katubedda once again shows the LTTE's brutality and lack of respect for human life.

I extend my sympathies to the families of those killed, and offer the blessings of the Noble Triple Gem and all deities for the speedy recovery of all injured.

While unreservedly condemning this repeated act of outrageous brutality by the LTTE, in its cowardly strategy of targeting innocent civilians, I note that this is further proof of the LTTE's frenzy at its major military setbacks in the North, and the loss its hold in the Eastern Province.

In the past weeks alert members of the public have shown commendable courage and responsibility in spotting bombs in vehicles and public places, helping to seize hidden explosives, and arrest persons believed to be associated with the LTTE's programme of terror.

The continued targeting of innocent civilians by the LTTE must earn the outrage and opprobrium of all civilized societies, who can now see the reality of the LTTE's unvarying commitment to violence and terror to achieve its narrow objectives.

This once again brings into focus the continuing battle Sri Lanka faces with the forces of terror in our efforts to safeguard democracy and civilized life.

This brutality also shows the efforts of the LTTE to provoke a backlash against the Tamil people, from which it hopes to gain, although the Tamil people themselves are held in thrall by the terror of its so-called liberator.

I call on the people to remain calm and not give in to deliberate provocations aimed at fanning communal hatred and violence, remain vigilant against the forces of terror, and continue to assist the Police and Security Forces in the task of eradicating terrorism from our country.

Policy Research & Information Presidential Secretariat Colombo

Nation Salutes Our Liberators on War Heroes Day

Nation Salutes Our Liberators on War Heroes Day

PAST MEMORIES of the ancient grandeur were recalled with respect, as beats of Ranabera (drums) rent the air when the Nation stood in silence at the dawn of Saturday (7th June), the much-revered "War Heroes Day". The national event was exclusively meant to pay tribute to brave soldiers of the tri-services (Army, Navy & Air Force) and the Police who continue to defend their motherland at the expense of their own lives.

The D-Day is also dedicated to the memory of thousands of War Heroes who have laid their lives while in action or gone missing. This year's main ceremony was to get underway at the Sri Jayawardenapura Parliament Ground this evening (7) where a special permanent War Hero monument, erected on behalf of them, was to be unveiled by President Mahinda Rajapaksa as Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces. for more details http//:www.defence.lk