Foreign woman nabbed with gems

A foreign woman who tried to smuggle out a consignment of gems belonging to 39 varieties valued at nearly Rs. 4 million was arrested by Airport Customs at the Bandaranaike International Airport, customs media spokesman Leslie Gamini said.
He said the contraband weighed 1,627 grammes.
- See more at: http://www.dailynews.lk/?q=local/foreign-woman-nabbed-gems#sthash.IfNpnJHa.dpuf

FILE BURNING SETS CMC ON FIRE

Suspicious seting fire to thousands of files containing important documents of the Colombo Municipal Council (CMC), the work of the Council’s Secretary’s Department has set the Council aflame with recriminations. Colombo Mayor A. J. M Muzammil yesterday ordered a report on the incident from CMC’s Internal Audit.
Meanwhile, several Colombo Municipal Councilors have requested a full scale investigation into the incident from the Western Province Governor, Chief Minister Prasanna Ranatunga and the Criminal Investigation Department. The CMC’s Secretary’s Department had set fire to over 6000 CMC files on Saturday.
“They have taken the files and burnt them at the General Cemetery, Borella in two cars and a van, all belonging to the Secretary’s Department,” said Colombo Municipal Councilor Mahendra Silva of the United National Party..
“The Secretary’s Department had taken this action at a time we have raised concerns about certain corruption and malpractices that had taken place in the CMC, especially regarding several appointments and recruitments that the CMC has made without adhering to CMC stipulations,” said Councilor Silva.
Municipal Councilors Roy Bogahawatta (Independent Group), Eric Chandrasena (United People’s Freedom Front) and Mahendra Silva said the files were set on fire by the Secretary’s Department soon after our sister newspaper “ Dinamina” exposed those activities based on their information.
Besides , we have apprised the Council at the General Committee about the corruption pertaining to recruitment procedures and appointments,” the Councilors said.
Councilor Silva said , by the time they learned that the Secretary’s Department was burning some files belonging to the CMC at Borella cemetery on Saturday, it was around 4. 40pm and they went to the cemetery.
“Most of the files had been consumed by the fire by the time we reached there. However, we managed to salvage some partly burnt files from the fire with the use of sticks and tree branches. Among these files were documents relating to recruitment and appointments dated between 2010 and 2012,” he said.
“There were documents relating to internal transfers, promotions and CMC assets among them,” he said.
“We phoned Mayor Muzammail straight away and informed him about the files that were in flames,”
The councilors pointed out that the files had been set on fire without following legal procedures and obtaining any approval from the relevant authorities. These are state documents, the Secretary’s Department cannot burn them without the approval of the Council and several other authorities, including the Chief Medical Department and the Mayor. The Municipal Commissioner could not be contacted for her comments.
- See more at: http://www.dailynews.lk/?q=local/file-burning-sets-cmc-fire#sthash.xF7wjXtn.dpuf

Suspicious seting fire to thousands of files containing important documents of the Colombo Municipal Council (CMC), the work of the Council’s Secretary’s Department has set the Council aflame with recriminations. Colombo Mayor A. J. M Muzammil yesterday ordered a report on the incident from CMC’s Internal Audit.
Meanwhile, several Colombo Municipal Councilors have requested a full scale investigation into the incident from the Western Province Governor, Chief Minister Prasanna Ranatunga and the Criminal Investigation Department. The CMC’s Secretary’s Department had set fire to over 6000 CMC files on Saturday.
“They have taken the files and burnt them at the General Cemetery, Borella in two cars and a van, all belonging to the Secretary’s Department,” said Colombo Municipal Councilor Mahendra Silva of the United National Party..
“The Secretary’s Department had taken this action at a time we have raised concerns about certain corruption and malpractices that had taken place in the CMC, especially regarding several appointments and recruitments that the CMC has made without adhering to CMC stipulations,” said Councilor Silva.
Municipal Councilors Roy Bogahawatta (Independent Group), Eric Chandrasena (United People’s Freedom Front) and Mahendra Silva said the files were set on fire by the Secretary’s Department soon after our sister newspaper “ Dinamina” exposed those activities based on their information.
Besides , we have apprised the Council at the General Committee about the corruption pertaining to recruitment procedures and appointments,” the Councilors said.
Councilor Silva said , by the time they learned that the Secretary’s Department was burning some files belonging to the CMC at Borella cemetery on Saturday, it was around 4. 40pm and they went to the cemetery.
“Most of the files had been consumed by the fire by the time we reached there. However, we managed to salvage some partly burnt files from the fire with the use of sticks and tree branches. Among these files were documents relating to recruitment and appointments dated between 2010 and 2012,” he said.
“There were documents relating to internal transfers, promotions and CMC assets among them,” he said.
“We phoned Mayor Muzammail straight away and informed him about the files that were in flames,”
The councilors pointed out that the files had been set on fire without following legal procedures and obtaining any approval from the relevant authorities. These are state documents, the Secretary’s Department cannot burn them without the approval of the Council and several other authorities, including the Chief Medical Department and the Mayor. The Municipal Commissioner could not be contacted for her comments.
- See more at: http://www.dailynews.lk/?q=local/file-burning-sets-cmc-fire#sthash.xF7wjXtn.dpuf

A/L exam from August 5 to 31

The Education Ministry yesterday announced the Advanced Level Examination 2013 will be held from August 5-31.
Addressing a press conference at the ministry premises yesterday, Education Minister Bandula Gunawardena said 293,117 students have applied to sit for the A-L examination this year. He also said the Grade 5 scholarship examination has been scheduled for August 25. He said 328,714 students have applied for the grade 5 scholarship examination this year.
He said all preconditions have been set to hold these two examinations in a fair and transparent manner. He said the Examination Department has taken necessary measures to conduct the examinations in a proper and systematic method.
The Minister also said the newly imposed regulation to prohibit exam oriented classes, seminars, public lectures, workshops, discussions etc five days prior to the examination should be strictly adhered to this year. Accordingly, all such exam oriented private or public classes, lectures etc should be concluded by the end of July.
He said conducting such classes or even distributing exam oriented handouts or notes after that period is considered an offense under the Examination Act. He requested the public to inform the Examinations Commissioner General of such offenses if reported. He said the Police would be asked to immediately act against such attempts on the direction of the Examinations Commissioner General.
Gunawardena further said no lecturer or specialist involved in the making of examination papers has permission to participate in seminars or lectures anywhere in the country. He said it would also be considered as an offense, adding that if found guilty, action would be taken against them.
He said they have received information that some private parties to attract large crowds mislead the children saying lecturers involved in the compilation of exam papers would be attending seminars, workshops etc.
He also said the special Parliamentary Consultative Committee appointed to assist the formulation of a National Education Policy has come up with a report that includes the observations and suggestions of about 1000 experts and specialists in the field. The minister said the report would be presented to the Cabinet and Parliament shortly, and thereafter a wide public discussion will be facilitated on them.
He said no past regime in Sri Lanka had invested so much money at once for development of the education field, adding that about Rs 40 billion has presently been invested in various large scale projects in the education sector.
Meanwhile, paying attention to a question raised by a journalist, the minister also ordered an inquiry into alleged irregularities in the admission of students to the Sirimavo Balika Vidyalaya in Colombo. He asked the officials to inform him the outcome of the investigation by completing it within two weeks.

History of International Law

How many would agree that imperialism hasn’t ended and it is found in what we know today as “international law”? The stark reality is that decolonization took place ONLY AFTER the former empires established another means of retaining control – that mode was international law. International law propagated by the West is today applicable internationally and even locally and relevant to economic, political, social, private and public affairs.
Imperialism takes place even without our awareness. For sovereign nations to be realistically free the strangle-hold that the West dictates through international law must be changed.

Modern international law traces its roots to the 1648 Peace of Westphalia Treaty that was supposed to grant sovereign equality by dividing Europe into sovereign and independent states. The 1648 Treaty of Westphalia was applicable to the civilized European sovereign nations not the non-European uncivilized world.
International law consists of doctrines and principles developed in Europe, influenced by European history and experience. We would be naïve if we were to think that these international laws would be applied to the non-European world without bias because they were designed with bias. They were also designed subtly to promote their Christian faith. If colonies were invaded to spread Christianity and plunder nations – sovereignty was given to ensure this status quo remained unchanged. Let us not fool ourselves - ‘Christian law’ has transformed itself as international law.

Hard keeping up with Kilinochchi

Sri Lanka is in the fourth year since the defeat of terrorism. Now the whole country is on the fast track to development and the priority in the development drive is centred on the war affected areas in the Northern and Eastern Provinces. The Daily News interviewed Security Forces Commander Kilinochchi Major General Udaya Perera to delve into the progress achieved in the development programmes carried out in the Kilinochchi district with the assistance of the Security Forces

Security Forces Commander, Kilinochchi Major General Udaya Perera. Picture by Thushara Fernando

Q: Kilinochchi was the headquarters of the LTTE and the people living here would have been the worst affected by the LTTE atrocities. What steps have you taken to alleviate their condition?
A: An extent of 1,800 square kilometres is covered by the Security Forces headquarters. Kilinochchi is today safe and secure. We have already resettled all displaced persons in Kilinochchi who lost their homes during the war period. I can clearly say that we have resettled all war affected persons in Kilinochchi in their own homes and new homes built in the same areas. We have already cleared all welfare centres established in Kilinochchi to provide shelter for civilians affected by terrorism. Now there are no such centres in Kilinochchi and we have fully completed the resettlement programme there.
Q: Though you said you have completed the resettlement programme in Kilinochchi we meet many persons who are saying “There is no shelter for us”. What are the reasons for that?
A: Yes. It is correct. Around one percent out of all those displaced by terrorism are still living with their relatives because they have not yet solved the disputes related to their lands. Not only in war affected areas, this problem can be seen in normal villages as well. Despite this we have already completed the resettlement programme in Kilinochchi.
Q: How far have the demining activities progressed in Kilinochchi?
A: We have already cleared the land mines in public areas, including paddy fields and cultivable areas in Kilinochchi. We have already released those lands to the civilians to engage in their traditional livelihoods and other day-to-day activities as usual.
Q: Does this mean that the demining activities are still going on? You have not yet finished the demining activities in the area covering the Security Forces Headquarters in Kilinochchi?
A: No. In the demining project we have given priority to the areas which civilians need more for their day-to-day activities. We have already completed 95 per cent out of the whole demining project which was commenced in Kilinochchi in 2009. The remaining areas are forest areas and demining activities in those areas are still going on. We have marked those areas as the areas still with landmines for the security of the civilians.
Q: How far has infrastructure development progressed in Kilinochchi?
A: We have already developed the A9 road similar to the most developed road systems in the world. In addition to that, other roads are also being developed. The reconstruction of the railway lines in those areas is also to be completed by the end of September. The government is spending Rs.1.3 million per family in war affected areas to develop their infrastructure facilities.
Q: How many families live in the area that belong to the Security Forces Headquarters, Kilinochchi?
A: Over 45,000 families are living in this area.
Q: These families are experiencing the development in infrastructure facilities. What are the plans for upgrading their living standards?
A: Their main livelihood is farming and fishing. At present, all cultivable land in Kilinochchi have tilled and all irrigation facilities have also been restored. The fisheries industry here is also developing with the help of the government and the forces, the fisheries industry in this area has taken a huge leap from what it was before terrorism was ended. Fish harvests too are bountiful.
Q:There are a large number of war widows who are left to fend for themselves. It is a huge tragedy. What steps have you taken to uplift their living standards and livelihoods?
A: A large numbers of such women are living in the Kilinochchi district. We have taken several steps to introduce self-employment avenues for them. We hope to deploy them in the ornamental fish industry, beauty culture, horticulture, landscaping etc. We have already sent women soldiers to villages to train the women who have lost their livelihoods. Both parties are working cordially.
Q: Are these women soldiers all Sinhala?
A: Yes. All of them are Sinhala soldiers.
Q: The language of Sinhala soldiers and Tamil women is not same. This can cause miscommunication?

Security Forces personnel engaged in agriculture activities

A: Yes? This was a huge problem we had to face in our attempt to get these Tamil women in Kilinochchi into employment. But we trained them while talking in broken Tamil. Most of them are interested in beauty culture. Their economic standards have improved now. After I informed the Defence Secretary and Army Commander about these projects, they gave their approval and support. After that we decided to recruit Tamils to the Sri Lanka Army and called for applications from Tamil girls. We received around 500 applications.
Q: Did you recruit all of them?
A: No. We have recruited only 109 Tamil girls with the best qualifications. We granted the basic army training and vocational training to all of them. At present, they are deployed in villages belonging to the Kilinochchi Security Forces Headquarters, to train Tamil women who have lost their husbands and livelihoods during terrorism. Now there is no problem in communication.
Q: Several Tamil political leaders have spread various rumours about the Army. They have harmed the good and proud image of the Lankan Security Forces. What is the reason for that?
A: Yes. Several Tamil political leaders have destroyed Tamil civilians’ minds while putting wrong ideas about the Sri Lanka Army and the rest of the forces into them. But the friendly manner in which our women soldiers interact with the Tamils have totally changed their mindset. Now they have a positive attitude about Sri Lankan Security Forces.
Q: What additional steps have you taken to uplift the living standards and rebuilding the economy of families in Kilinochchi?
A: Home gardening is another concept which we hope to launch in Kilinochchi with the aim of uplift the lives and economy of the families in these areas. We have already commenced this programme in some gardens and we hope to commence this programme in each and every home garden in Kilinochchi. We granted ten coconut saplings, an ornamental fish tank, ten chicks with a cage, two heads of cattle and a couple of goats to some homes. In addition to that we have trained them in passion fruit cultivation and bee keeping as well.
Q: How do you select the families for this project?
A: We are giving priority to the families who do not have a regular income and low income families. We hope to gradually develop this programme step by step and absorb all the families in Kilinochchi into this programme while granting all equipment and wherewithal to them.
Q: These persons will need to engage in various projects after they become economically sound. Have you made financial provisions for this?
A: All state banks and private banks have already established their branches in Klinochchi. Because of that, civilians living in this area have enough facilities to engage in commercial projects. Most of these civilians are already engaged in such projects and it is a good evidence to show that their economic levels have improved.
Q: Several pro-LTTE parties are saying that Sinhalese are being settled in the Northern Province by force. Is it correct?
A: The word “settling” is a misnomer. It should be “re-settling”. Around 90 per cent of the land in Kilinochchi are without deeds. They have only licenses. Because of that they are coming to settle in the North with that license. The other thing is that, most of those families’ husbands and wive are not of the same race. Because of that several elements are trying to highlight these families as Sinhala families to mislead the international community. This is not the case.
Q: Are you saying that this allegation is totally baseless?
A: This is the summary of that issue. Sinhalese and Muslims who lived in Kilinochchi was scattered during the war period. Only the Tamils were living in those areas during that period and they used the lands of the Sinhalese and Muslims as well. Sinhalese and Muslims who have temporally settled in the Southern and other provinces are now willing to re-settle in their original lands with the peaceful environment in the country.
Because of that they come to the Northern Province and several elements are trying to portray them as new settlers. But this is further from the truth. It is only a re-settlement.
Q: But, in this matter the international community is pointing the finger at the government?
A: They are talking only about the Tamils who have been displaced by terrorism. They do not know about the Sinhalese and Muslims who were displaced by terrorism. The other thing is Sinhalese and Muslims did not live in welfare camps. Because of that priority was given for the Tamils in the welfare camps and immediate measures taken to resettle them. The international community should understand this situation before criticizing us. The resettlement of persons who have been scattered by terrorism is one of our main responsibilities.
Q: What is the demography in areas covering the Security Forces Headquarters, Kilinochchi?
A: Ninety five per cent out of the whole population is Tamil and others are Sinhalese and Muslim.
Q: At present, reconciliation has become a common topic in Sri Lanka. Is the Sinhala and Muslim percentage in Kilinochchi enough to mediate this reconciliation among Sinhalese, Tamils and Muslims?
A: No. But we have already launched some programmes at school level to foster reconciliation among people living in the Northern Province. We have arranged a scholarship programme for all school students in the Northern Province with the contribution of the Army soldiers. It grants a monthly allowance for all school students in the province. It is proceeding in a successful manner and any volunteer who is willing to pay their contribution for the education of students in the Northern Province can do it via this scholarship programme. We hope to arrange trips for students in the South to visit their counterparts in the North and South and organize traditional and religious events with the assistance of these students with the aim of making the above effort a success. For example last year we made Asia’s largest Christmas tree in Kilinochchi and we made a huge pandal which depicted the life story of King Dharmashoka, illuminated with 30,000 bulbs, this Vesak.

New luxury buses to augment fleet

Transport Minister Kumara Welgama said that 100 new luxury buses will be deployed to commence an intercity bus service shortly.
“We have already commenced an intercity bus services with 15 luxury buses and they have earned a record income. People prefer to travel comfortably in luxury buses though the fares are higher when compared to normal buses.
There is a big demand for luxury bus services from commuters. That is why we have decided to deploy 100 luxury buses,” he added.
A new super luxury train was deployed between Kandy and Colombo Fort recently and it has become very popular among commuters. “Today, commuters enjoy the super luxury train journey and we expect to expand the service further. We are moving ahead to create a revolution in the transport sector,” he said.
“Not only constructing highways and carpeted road, but also new power sets, super luxury trains and super luxury buses will be imported and deployed to the fleet, “he added. The Sri Lanka Transport Board (SLTB) which was made bankrupt during the UNP regime is now recovering fast. Former SLTB Chairman Anil Moonesinghe took measures to revive the SLTB which was sold by the former UNP regime. “Now we are moving ahead to strengthen the SLTB,” he said.

Five dead in van, train collision

At least five people were killed and several others injured when a van collided with a train at a railway crossing near the Aluthgama Railway Station yesterday evening.
Police said the van had collided with the train travelling from Maradana to Hikkaduwa at the Ganegama railway crossing which according to area sources is unprotected. ‘At the time of the incident, the van was carrying 10 passengers, who were going to see a Poson pandal in the area, “sources said.
Five injured people have been admitted to the Nagoda and Dharga town hospitals. Police investigations are continuing.

IT competency in SL may reach 70% in five years – CB Governor

Plans are afoot by the Government to increase the Information Technology competency to 65 to 70 percent within next five years, said Central Bank Governor Ajith Nivard Cabraal said.
He was speaking as Guest of Honour at the Inaugural Session of the National Preparedness Against Cyber Attacks Cyber Security Summit 2013 at the Cinnamon Lakeside Hotel yesterday.
The Central Bank Governor said computer literacy has increased to 35 percent due to the government’s commitment from 5 percent in 2009.
He added that Sri Lanka is widely using the IT field to provide public services that it has become the life blood of Sri Lanka. He added the Defence and Urban Development Ministry Secretary was able to steer the IT programme from a defence point of view yielding commendable benefits.
He also said with the widespread use of Information Technology, 91 percent of the privacy of the people is lost which is becoming a threat to the entire wold. He added that the Central Bank and the other banks in the country are using precautionary measures to minimize threats of Cyber attacks and has faced at certain incidents successfully. He added tha the Cybey crimes could be more worse than White Collar Crimes.
The Central Bank Governor said the use of IT has rapidly improved in Sri Lanka over the last decade and today, people cannot do without IT technology. IT is used in the media, by the health sector, in businesses, transport, crime detection, to combat terrorism etc. He added that it has opened new business areas of creating the software for example in Cricket telecasts and analysis. He also added that IT could be used in positive and negative ways and working against cyber attacks is a corporate responsibility.
The Cyber Security Summit 2013 was organized by CICRA consultancies and Daily FT.

Non state universities will absorb those left out - SB

Non-state and foreign university participation in fulfilling the higher education needs of students who are unable to enter state universities should be highly appreciated”, said Higher Education Minister S. B. Dissanayake.
The Minister was addressing the international partnership conference of University of Wolverhampton, held at the Cinnamon Grand yesterday.
Commenting further, Minister Dissanayake stated “in Sri Lanka even though 125,000-130,000 students get qualified to enter State Universities, only 25,000-35,000 actually enter universities.
The higher education of those left out should be fulfilled by some sector. Therefore, the participation of foreign and non-state universities is important to fill the breach.”
The Minister stated that in Sri Lanka free education is being taken for granted. “But due to lack of resources, the higher education needs of each and every student can not be fulfilled. This traditional view needs to be changed and foreign or non state sector should be invited to create more opportunities for students in Sri Lanka”.
Moreover, the Minister said the Higher Education Ministry presented the Human Capital Finance Development Bill in Parliament to enable students aspiring for higher education to obtain loans from banks for higher education and this will soon become law.
The Minister said that with the Bill becoming law, students will have an opportunity to obtain bank loans without any hassle for their higher education.
Furthermore, the Minister stated that Sri Lanka will promote the foreign and non-state universities in the future as well in its quest to become the Technology Hub of Asia and to provide education to enhance social mobility and improving the lives of individuals.
The introduction of British methods of teaching and learning is also a good opportunity for Lankan students added the Minister.
“I am very pleased to see over the years that the University of Wolverhampton has opened new and innovative programmes of study in Sri Lanka through its partnership”, the Minister observed.
Wolverhampton University Vice Chancellor Geoff Layer said “I am very proud of our work and relationships in Sri Lanka hence we had a presence in Sri Lanka for more than seven years.”
Delegates from countries, including China, Nigeria, Cyprus, Malaysia, Mauritius, Nepal and India were present along with senior staff of the University of Wolverhampton, United Kingdom.

Prosecution witnesses receive threatening calls

Colombo Additional Magistrate A.M Shaheed yesterday further remanded interdicted former DIG Vaas Gunawardena untill July 9, 2013. Six other suspects who had been taken into custody in connection with the killing of businessman Mohamed Siyam were detained until the completion of the ongoing investigations. On an application by the Criminal Investigation Department which is conducting investigations into the killing of businessman Mohamed Siyam the Magistrsate issued notice on Chamila Priyadhrashana Perera of Dehiwela, wife of DIG Vaas Gunawardena, to appear in court on the next date, (July 9).
The CID at the outset informed court that the wife of Vaas Gunawardena had given a number of telephone calls to several prosecution witnesses in an attempt to interfere with their giving evidence in the case against her husband. The Magistrate allowed an application by the CID to record a statement from Vaas Gunawardena at the Remand Prison.
The Magistrate directed the Prison authorities to provide maximum security for Vaas Gunawardena while recording the statement. The Court also allowed an application by the CID to forward several items to the Government Analyst for a comprehensive report. The items are two vehicles, Vaas Gunawardena’s Mobile telephone and two revolvers which are alleged to have been used in the killing, Senior Attorney Ajith Pathirana, Senior Counsel for Vaas Gunawardena, submitted that his client is still innocent ,but several witnesses had given false statements to the CID. These witnesses are not independent witnesses. Vaas Gunawardena was responsible for assisting the Police Department in several instances that brought honour to the Department, Senior Counsel said. The Magistrate also directed the Prison authorities to produce Vaas Gunawardena for medical treatment.
Senior Attorney Ajith Pathira with Anuja Premaratne T Gunasekera appeared for Vaas Gunawardena. Attorneys at Law Nalinda Indatissa along with Chintaka Amerasinghe appeared for the affrieved party.

5 humans, 30 jumbos killed in 5 months

The Deputy Director's Office of the Mahaweli Wildlife Region reports that during the last five months, five people and 30 elephants have met tragic ends due to the on-going human-elephant conflict in the Mahaweli area.


Reports reveal that the most number of elephant deaths occurred in the months of April and May with 10 elephants recorded as being killed. The elephant attacks also resulted in three human deaths in May, preceded by a further two in April.


The report indicates an increase in both human and elephant deaths in recent times. According to a senior wildlife officer, the prime reason for the attacks on humans is the insecurity experienced by the larger mammals due to the loss of their normal habitats, consequent to increased human activities in the zone. It seems logical that as their own territory is encroached upon, they traverse towards nearby human occupation. Further injuries to the elephant population are caused by hakka patas, collisions with oncoming trains, and the use of firearms by humans seeking protection from marauding elephants.

Residents protest delay in completing drainage work

Residents of Thelawela Road, Angulana took to the streets yesterday ( 24) to protest against the inconveniences they have been subjected to, in view of the undue delay in completing the work in connection with the drainage system in the area. The protest took place at the Angulana Junction, at the point where the road connects to Thelawela Road.


Residents claimed work had commenced as far back as four years ago, but had been dragged by the authorities concerned, for no apparent reason.


Thousands of people including school children, factory workers, staff of the National Water Supply and Drainage Board, Rubber Research Institute and the students, teachers and employees of the Moratuwa University, are said be undergoing innumerable difficulties due to the work in this regard not being completed, even though four years had passed since workers had started to dig the roads to lay the pipes.


Residents further said due to the on-going repairs, the drains on either side of the Thelawela Road is being filled with earth and rubble. Even after a small shower, the road is left with large pools of water and several inches of mud. Juxtaposed to this problem, during the dry spell, every person who walks by, as well as every house, building and vehicle, is caked with dust. Meanwhile, sources said due to the road being in a dilapidated state, the bus service that was plying prior to the drainage work commencing, has now been discontinued, adding that most residents have to pay for three-wheeler rides now, which is an extra burden on their day to day expenses.


Reportedly, a Chinese company had been tasked with the re-laying of pipes for the drainage system. The demonstrators alleged that inefficient management of the project had resulted in the work not being completed. They also call it 'an embarrassment' for the government, and demand the authorities concerned pay attention to the plight they have been in, for four years, due largely to no one taking the responsibility to ensure that the drainage system is to be completed, and the roads repaired, so that the residents in the areas as well as others who use the road are able to lead their lives without disruption or inconvenience.
They also called upon the President to address the problems they have been undergoing due to the lethargy and inefficiency of those responsible.

Dilemma over painting restored Abhayagiri Temple

Restoration work at the ancient Abhayagiri Temple, declared as a heritage site by UNESCO, that commenced in 1997, under the direction of the Central Cultural Fund, has now been completed. The temple was originally built by King Walagambahu, Circa BC.


However, consequent to the restoration, a new issue has surfaced, leaving archaeologists in a quandary. Reportedly, some politicians had said the structure of the temple should be painted white, which archaeologists say is against conditions laid down by UNESCO with regard to ancient sites. Similar to Sanchi – the oldest stone structure in India and Boro Budhur – the famous Buddhist temple in Java, the Abhayagiri Temple too should be maintained in its natural, pristine form as painting it in any colour, even white, would 'rob' it of its original appearance.
Sources said if any person or body decides to paint the ancient temple, irrespective of the colour, it would stand to lose its status as a heritage site.


The Chief Prelate of the Asgiriya Chapter had given instructions on the material to be used in the restoration of the temple, based on its original form and structure. Sources said therefore, the appearance of the temple cannot be changed to suit the whims and fancies of politicians. They cited the case of the Mirisawatiya which site had been painted, going against its original appearance, and expressed concern that the same 'fate' should not befall the Abhayagiri Temple.


Reportedly, work in connection with the restoration of the historic temple had been delayed due to lack of funds. But now with the restoration completed, work on the access road which also needed repairs is being done, and is expected to be completed soon, sources added.

Bribery and corruption rampant at WPC RMV

Incidents of bribery and corruption seem to be rampant at the Registration of Motor Vehicles (RMV)Department that comes under the Western Provincial Council.


Sources who wished to remain anonymous told Ceylon Today, it is mandatory that an applicant for a vehicle licence should submit a non-belching certificate with regard to the vehicle. However, the source also mentioned that if Rs 1,000 was conferred on the correct person, one could walk away with the vehicle licence in his or her pocket.


There are five officers in the Shroff Unit who appear to know the terrain having worked over nine years at the same desk. The aforementioned source alleged that one officer has bought a new car while others have built palatial houses.


A certain officer is alleged to have accumulated about Rupees 2.1 million from the time period spanning 13 May 2013 until today, the source said, without revealing the basis for the time period.The bigger sharks are on the top rungs of the administration the source further stressed, naming two individuals who are notorious bribe-takers.

EPC Cabinet to be reshuffled

The Cabinet of the Eastern Provincial Council is likely to be reshuffled shortly, to settle the dispute between the Provincial Governor on the one side, and the Provincial Ministers and ruling Party Councillors on the other.


According to highly placed sources in Colombo, the reshuffle would target the Provincial Minister of Education and Cultural Affairs, Transport and Land Development, Wimalaweera Dissanayake.


Sources said he is likely to be relieved from the post of Minister of Education and Cultural Affairs, which would most likely be handed over to the Chief Minister Najeeb Abdul Majeed, who currently holds the portfolios of Rural Development and Local Government. Another Sinhalese Councillor elected on the UPFA ticket from the Ampara District, is tipped to replace Wimalaweera Dissanayake as the Minister for Transport and Land Development.


President Mahinda Rajapaksa had summoned the Governor and the Chief Minister for talks with regard to the ongoing crisis in the EPC. The majority of ruling party Provincial Councillors had wanted the Governor and the Chief Minister to be removed from their respective positions.


Except for the Chief Minister, all Provincial Ministers and ruling Party Councillors had boycotted the last session of the EPC held on 19 June, owing to disputes they have had with the Governor, who they allege was interfering in their areas of responsibility.

Murder of Khuram Shaikh resurfaces

UK MP Simon Danczuk, who had visited Sri Lanka some time back to find out the progress made with regard to the trial in connection with the murder of British citizen, Khuram Shaikh, in Tangalle in December 2011, is expected in Sri Lanka next month as a member of the Commonwealth Parliamentary Association (CPA) delegation.


Speculation is rife that he will raise concerns over the delay in the trial of the murder.
The MP represents the constituency of Rochdale from where Shaikh had hailed.


The MP told Ceylon Today, "I will be visiting Sri Lanka next month as part of a Commonwealth Parliamentary Association delegation, and I will certainly raise my concerns at the fact that justice is not being served. It is appalling that 18 months after this horrific crime, nobody has been charged. When I last visited Sri Lanka in March, I was told by the police, senior civil servants and a Government minister that progress was being made and we could expect to see justice soon. This hasn't happened and the family and many people in Britain feel let down."


He also went on to say that the other victim in the incident, Victoria, who had been allegedly raped at the time the incident had taken place, is very distressed by what had happened, and is still recovering. "Every day is a struggle for her," he said. Meanwhile, the British High Commission (BHC), Colombo, also expressed its displeasure and disappointment over the delay in the trial proceedings of Khuram Shaikh's murder, and assault on his partner, Victoria, while they were holidaying in Tangalle, in December 2011.


In an official communiqué yesterday, the BHC stated that it is now 18 months since the murder of British citizen, Khuram Shaikh, and the assault perpetrated on his partner, and that it is deeply disappointed the trial had not commenced as yet, and reiterates the call for the perpetrators of the terrible crime to be brought to justice, it said it was important for Shaikh's family, justice being done will bring some assurance and peace of mind to other British tourists who visit Sri Lanka each year.


Police Spokesperson, SP Buddhika Siriwardene, when contacted by Ceylon Today said the CID would respond to the British High Commission with regard to the trial proceedings, adding that he cannot make any further comments.


In May this year, MP Danczuk welcomed comments made by MP Namal Rajapaksa, who had said, "there has to be a trial" to make sure the people who committed a murder in his constituency are brought to justice.
MP Rajapaksa had told the BBC that he did not know why the accused were out on bail and that, "there had to be a trial." He had added, "these kinds of incidents should not take place."

Retired officials loyal to Govt. recruited to Edu Service

Teachers' Union (CTU), yesterday accused the government of trying to recruit retired officials who are loyal to the government, to the Education Administrative Service. CTU General Secretary, Joseph Stalin, pointed out that the Secretary to the Western Province Ministry of Land and Public Administration, S.T. Kodikara, had called for applications from retired employees who are above 60 years, to fill vacancies in the Education Administrative Service. Stalin said, applications were called from retired staff, overlooking active State employees. He claimed that according to the public administration circular, retired employees cannot be recruited to the government service, and alleged the stipulation in this regard had been violated. "More than 37,000 applicants sat for the examination to recruit staff to the Education Administrative Service. After the examination, 410 candidates were given employment. However, on 28 May, more applications were called. Giving appointments to retired employees on contract basis is totally against the procedure," he charged. He said, recruiting retired employees based on political affiliations, would discourage other administrative officials, and added, the CTU has requested President's Secretary, Lalith Weeratunga, and the Secretary to the Ministry of Education, Gotabhaya Jayaratne, to order the officials who are violating regulations in this regard to follow the proper procedure when recruiting people to the Education Administrative Service.

Winter Games in Sochi, Russia

An unlit Olympic torch will be sent into space ahead of the 2014 Winter Games in Sochi, Russia. The Russian Federal Space Agency will take the torch to the International Space Station in early November as part of the four-month torch relay, which starts in October. Once in space, two Russian cosmonauts will take the Olympic torch on a spacewalk. "The spacewalk by two Russian cosmonauts with the Sochi 2014 Olympic torch will be an historic moment,"Dmitry Chernyshenko, head of the Sochi organising committee, said. - See more at: http://www.newsfirst.lk/english/node/25440#sthash.lUqL3EZ4.dpuf

India's Union Minister

India's Union Minister of State for Commerce and Industry E.M. Sudarsana Natchiappan on Sunday said any decision against Sri Lanka should be made after considering the far-reaching consequences on the strategic relationship between the two countries and the interests of the Sri Lankan Tamils. “I appreciate the feelings of those who have organised demonstrations against providing training to Sri Lankan Army officials [in Indian military facilities]. But you should not forget that they have the option of approaching China if India turned its back on them. It will not augur well for India, a close neighbour of Sri Lanka,” Natchiappan told The-Hindu. Natchiappan said India already had problems along the borders it shared with Pakistan and it could not afford to create a situation that would disturb peace along the Palk Straits. The Minister said any decision against Sri Lankan government would have a direct bearing on the Tamils in Sri Lanka and Tamil refugees living in India. He argued that war conditions in Sri Lanka had an adverse impact in the past on the growth of industry in the Southern districts of Tamil Nadu despite existence of adequate infrastructure. He said a peaceful neighbourhood was necessary for industrial development. - See more at: http://www.newsfirst.lk/english/node/25430/trending_page#sthash.yVyV6L9d.dpuf

One person was killed

One person was killed and 13 others were injured in an accident which took place in the Morapitiya area in Baduraliya on Sunday night. The police said that the accident occurred as the brakes of the bus plying from Mathugama malfunctioned, causing the bus to veer off the road and crash into a dansala. Nine of the injured have been admitted to the Baduraliya hospital. However, f of the victims were later transferred to the Naagoda General Hospital as their condition had worsened. The driver of the bus has been been taken into custody.

Approval granted for a US$ 350 Million mixed development project

Minister of Investment Promotion Lakshman Yapa Abeywardena said that the Australian-based Crown group will invest US$ 350 million on a mixed development project along with a Sri Lankan investor.

The Minister said that certain anti-national elements who hate this country being developed, level baseless allegations to obstruct the inflow of foreign investments. He said that the Government grants permission to mixed development projects under the Strategic Development Act and the amount of investment should exceed US$ 250 million to get these concessions. He said that the Government has granted permission to mixed development projects on these grounds, and the proposed project is purely a tourism promotion project.

The Minister also emphasized that since President Mahinda Rajapaksa came to power the government has not granted approval for any new casinos and the casinos existing in the country are those licensed by the previous UNP government.  He said that many of these casino clubs are located close to schools and religious places.

FutureGov SAARC Summit opens in Colombo tomorrow.

The FutureGov SAARC Summit, an important ICT conference for Government policy makers, will be held in Colombo on 25th & 26th June.  The summit is being hosted by the Sri Lanka Telecom, the country's largest telecom operator, with the ICT Agency of Sri Lanka ICTA.

The FutureGov SAARC Summit will focus on creating an environment that better enables the implementation of e-Government services thus paving the way for more effective and efficient e-Govenance in the region.

The Summit will bring together people from the SAARC region to share knowledge, experience and expertise in the IT field.

Secretary to the President Lalith Weeratunga, Minister of Public Management Reforms, Naveen Dissanayake, Deputy Secretary to Treasury Dr. S. Batagoda, Head of Digital Austria, Peter Reichstädter, CEO of Citizen Services, Denmark, Thomas Jakobsen, Under Secretary of Malaysian Ministry of Natural Resources, Marsineh Jermin are among

Emirates increase its flights to Colombo

Following a steep rise in demands for seats to Colombo, Emirates Airlines is increasing seat capacity to Colombo from June 30th with the addition of three more flights per week.

 The Airlines announced that the  addition of three more services, which will operate between Dubai and Colombo on Mondays, Thursdays and Sundays, will increase the number of flights between the two cities to four each day on those days, and take the total number of weekly Emirates flights serving Colombo to 31.

Emirate is one of the airlines serving Colombo from the Middle East.  In addition to Emirates, the Saudi Arabian Airlines, Qatar Airways, Oman Airlines and Kuwait Airways are also operating flights to Colombo.  From the United Arab Emirates in addition to Emirates, the airlines Itihad, Arabian Air and Fly Dubai are operating flights to Colombo.

The Emirates Airlines’ Area Manager for Sri Lanka and Maldives said the additional capacity added to its services will support the Sri Lankan government’s efforts to increase tourist arrivals towards the declared target of 2.5 million by 2016.

Families relocated due to heavy rains in Bogahawatta

Around 20 families have relocated to safety zones owing to heavy rain in the Dimbulapathana Bogahawatte region.
The Police Media Unit said that they are temporarily sheltered in the Bogahawatte Tamil School. Meanwhile the Met department said that there will be showers and thunder showers in the Central, Western and Uva provinces.

Government to impose tariff on gold imports

The government has decided to impose a tariff on gold imports.
The Ministry of Finance and Planning said that a tariff of five percent would be imposed on the value of the gold, and an equivalent surcharge would be imposed.
The tariff which came into effect at midnight on Thursday, will add a further ten percent to the price of imported gold.
The Ministry of Finance and Planning said that so far a customs duty was not imposed on gold imports.
The Ministry said that this measure was taken as a solution to the issues that may arise in the local gold market, despite the prices of gold reducing in the international market.
The Spokesperson for the Ceylon Jewellery Traders Association K. Shankar, elaborated on the sudden imposition of the tariff.

Upcountry train services to be delayed after cement truck topples

Train services travelling upcountry have been disrupted after a truck carrying cement toppled over at a railway crossing in the Kolathanna area in Bandarawela.
The railway control room said that the Podi Menike express scheduled to travel from Badulla to Colombo has temporarily stopped at the Bandarawela Railway Station.
The Railway Control Room added that the train which was scheduled to reach Colombo at 7 p.m will be delayed.

President Mahinda Rajapaksa congratulates newly elected Iranian president

President Mahinda Rajapaksa has congratulated the newly elected President of Iran Hassan Rouhani.
In the congratulatory note, President Rajapksa noted that he hoped to strengthen bilateral relations between the two countries.
President Rajapaksa further pointed out that though diplomatic relations between the two countries were established nearly six decades ago, ties between the countries existed long before that.

Dambulla Base Hospital nursing staff go on strike

The nursing staff of the Dambulla Base Hospital commenced a strike action beginning 10 a.m Saturday.
W. Upali Ranjith, chairman of the Dambulla branch of the Government Nursing Officers Association of Sri Lanka says that only the compulsory staff have refrained from the strike.
He said that this action had been commenced in protest of the superintendent of the hospital.