Homagama DJ – a bribe taker ; most vulgar and did not oppose the impeachment motion – a Lawyer reveals

By Sri Lal Soorasena -Attorney at law

(Lanka-e-News -02.June.2013, 9.30PM) I have to write this article after reading the Lanka e news report regarding the arrest of Homagama district court judge when he went to a place to collect a bribe. That article is sans truth, perhaps because somebody had misled the website .

We know very well that DJ Sunil Abeysinghe is a judge who gives judgments tainted by partiality . Moreover , any woman who files a divorce suit , she must of necessity sleep with him to get her divorce.

When he was the judge at Walasmulla , this was clearly proved . We have evidence to substantiate this allegation. He starts hearing divorce cases at about 6.00 p.m to serve his vulgar and lusty intentions. He had also made it a habit to demand monies from businessmen of the area who seek his services. A new year celebration was held recently on his initiative at Homagama in order for him to make money.

Though he is in the age of retirement , he was given a retirement extension because he is indebted all around. We are fully aware of this.

He is one who licks money , and has no sense of shame so much so that he himself lures and accepts bribes with his own hands.

Lanka e news had questioned in its report , who is the fool who would go out to collect a bribe when he can collect it within his chamber? As lawyers who are in the legal sphere, we know Sunil Abeysinghe is indeed such a fool.

Most Lawyers are partial towards this Judge and will not say anything against him. It is not because of his virtues but because of his vices and vile ways :he is an unscrupulous judge who can be bribed readily and verdicts changed to suit the Lawyers’ ends. 

There was another misdirection in the Lanka e news report : that Sunil Abeysinghe went to the hotel to inspect the place. No judge can go to do an inspection like that. Such a power is available only to a magistrate , and that too , only if there is an absolute necessity. Hence his visiting that place is a serious offence.

On the day of his arrest and when he was produced before the court , the goons who came in luxury vehicles and obstructed the taking of photographs were his gang in his Mafia operations. Surely no mafia gang will associate or act on behalf of virtuous people .

Another Lanka e news misreport was that this judge campaigned against the government during the impeachment motion . This is absolutely wrong. When the campaign was being staged boycotting courts and against the impeachment motion , Sunil Abeysinghe was among the five judges of Colombo who opposed the campaign, and reported to work on that day.

Of course it is an unequivocal truth that the MaRa regime had converted the bribery and corruption commission into one of its Kanagaroo courts , but in this instance , taking a truly corrupt judge like Sunil Abeysinghe into custody and teaching judges like him a lesson will be for the greater good of the country.

Therefore , I earnestly request Lanka e news , a website which is always truthful and fearless in its reports to publish this article , as I am of the opinion somebody had provided Lanka e news which maintains an unassailable reputation locally and internationally ,with false information in this instance to soil the website image

Trincomalee Urban Council in Sri Lanka suspends MoU with US Embassy - report

Jun 02, Colombo: The Trincomalee Urban Council in Sri Lanka's Eastern Province has decided to suspend the Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) it signed recently with the US Embassy in Colombo to establish a public information and activity center known as a American Corner in Trincomalee, a local newspaper reported.
The Sri Lankan Government expressed concern over the signing of the MoU between the US Embassy and the Trincomalee Urban Council on May 22 to jointly establish the American Corner without the knowledge of the External Affairs Ministry.
A local government entering into an agreement with a foreign mission without the approval of the External Affairs Ministry is a clear breach of protocol, according to the Ministry.
According to a report in the local English weekly Sunday Leader, the Secretary of the Urban Council Abdul Latif Mohammad Nafeel has said that the External Affairs Ministry had informed the Council that the deal was unacceptable and the Council needs to obtain clearance to continue with the MOU.
The US Embassy has said that it had signed similar agreements when it opened American corners in Kandy and Jaffna.
However, the Secretary of the External Affairs Ministry Karunatilaka Amunugama said that a special investigation has been launched into the MOU and the investigation will also cover the American corners opened in Kandy and Jaffna.
"The Ministry will seek information from the local Council about the deals they had signed with the US Embassy. We have not sought information from the US Embassy as yet," Amunugama was quoted as saying.
The Secretary has said that an official from the Ministry has been appointed to investigate the MOU signed with the local councils and a report will be submitted on the findings.

US embassy spokesman and Director of Press Cultural and Educational Affairs Christopher Teal has said that the purpose of setting up of the information center is to provide vital information to the people particularly, the student population in the East.

Development Alone Is Not Enough, I Hope Govt Will Understand

By Rajiva Wijesinha -June 3, 2013 |

Prof Rajiva Wijesinha MP

I must thank Marga and the Open University, not only for inviting me to speak here today, but also for establishing this course, which I believe is exactly what the Open University should be about. For a long time now I have been complaining that the Open University is in fact a closed one, with as many restrictions on learning as the traditional universities. Whilst I can understand its need to set up Centres all over the country, its concern with developing these has led to restrictions on other Centres. Where, in my view, the Open University should basically develop degree courses and other qualifications, and encourage any others to deliver such courses, the Open University still seems stuck with the idea that it must in fact deliver all the learning it certifies.

Development Alone is Not Enough, I Hope Govt Will Understand by nelvely

Four Hindu temples ransacked in one night by unruly persons in Batticaloa.

Four Hindu temples in one night was ransacked and damaged by unidentified persons in the Batticaloa district. The source sculpture and other idols were damaged and the jewelry and money had been looted was said.

 

Tension prevailed in the Batticaloa town two days back due to this incident. Speculations emerged in the midst of people that the court refused to grant permission to erect a Buddhist statue at the Batticaloa  Pillaiyaaradi corner and these attacks against temple may be the consequences of it.

 

The Kurukkal center of Sri Sellakathirgamar temple, Batticaloa, Maangadu Pillaiyar Temple, Kirankulam Iyanaar temple, Pandiruppu Thirowpathiyamman temple authorities claimed that unidentified persons had executed this barbaric action.

 

 The objective of this attacks in damaging the Hindu temples and stealing the most valuable items is in the backdrop of this incidents was said by Temple administration and the people from the region.

 

19 deities from the Batticaloa Kurugal Madam Sri Seelakathirgarmar temple had been damaged. 20 gold sovereign jewels and a gold plate kept underneath the statue were stolen.

 

The significant sculpture and other idols existed at the Pillaiyar temple located at Batticaloa Maangadu village had been damaged.

 

Meanwhile cash till was looted and the gold jewelry has been stolen at the Iyanaar temple situated between Kirankulam village and Ambilanthurai, was said.

 

The relevant temple administration has made complaints regarding these three incidents, to the Kaluwanchikudy police.

 

Meanwhile the Kumbabishega Kalasam which was in the Pandiriuppu Thirowpathiyamman temple located  at Batticaloa Amparai periphery was damaged, and the money from the cash till and jewels were stolen is according to information. The temple administration made a complaint regarding this incident to the Kalmunai Police.

 

Tamil National Alliance Batticaloa district parliament members Pon Selvarasa, P.Ariyanenthiran and  C.Yogeswaran came aware of the incidents personally visited the said temples and observed the situation. 

Monday , 03 June 2013

BASL to represent case

By Chrishanthi Christopher

2013-06-03 02:

In  an important twist to the investigations into the Matale mass grave, the Bar Association of Sri Lanka (BASL) has come forward as a stakeholder in the case.

It is learnt that when the case of the Matale skeletal remains was taken up by Matale Magistrate, Chaturika de Silva, a representative of the BASL, Anura Medegoda, had requested for leave to represent the case.
Commenting on the recent development, the Janatha Vimukthi Peramuna (JVP), said the move by the BASL is important as it has no precedent.

“Nowhere in the history of Sri Lanka has a legal body voluntarily come forward to represent a case, and this is a great victory for us,” former JVP Provincial Councillor, Gamagedera Dissanayake, said.
Also, it is learnt that a further 14 affidavits were submitted to the Court and the Magistrate had announced that a decision on the affidavits would be taken at the next sitting, scheduled for 28 June.

Eleven affidavits from families who had lost their members during the period 1988-90, to which it was confirmed the skeletons belong, had been accepted by the Court.In the meantime, Magistrate de Silva has ordered advertisements be published in all three languages, inviting the nearest kith or kin of those who had died during the stated period, to come forward and make their statements to the police.

It is learnt the CID had sought assistance of the Interpol, and is awaiting their report. The Magistrate ordered the DNA testing on the skeletal remains be conducted as soon as the Interpol report is received.

Monks & Buddhists have never been extremists-MR MONDAY, 03 JUNE 2013  President Mahinda Rajapaksas aid the country’s Buddhists had never indulged in extremism. Speaking at an event in Nagollagama on Sunday evening, the President said, “Maha sangha and Buddhists have never been extremists.” Recalling the massacre of Buddhist monks by the LTTE 26 years ago in Aranthalawa, the President said, “Such incidents must be commemorated to remind us of the brutality of terrorism. But not to spread anger and take revenge. These were the types of terrorist acts we suffered for over 30 years.” The president further said that maha Sangha and Buddhists are always explorers of the truth. He also said that Maha Sangha have always been committed to safeguard the motherland and the principals of Buddhism throughout the history. Sri Lanka Monk Self-Immolation Highlights Anti-Muslim Sentiment By J. S. Tissainayagam -May 28, 2013  J.S. Tissainayagam The suicide by a Buddhist monk who set himself on fire in Sri Lanka to protest the slaughter of cattle has been hailed as an act of great self-sacrifice and compared to acts of self-immolation by Tibetan Buddhist monks protesting China’s repression in Tibet. Nothing could be more ill-informed. In fact, it is one more step by Sri Lanka’s chauvinist Sinhala-Buddhists to undermine the Muslim political base. The monk, Bowatte Indraratne, who had been campaigning against the Muslim halal method of slaughtering animals, was also a politician. He was a former elected member of a local government body representing the extreme Buddhist political party Jathika Hela Urumaya (JHU). JHU’s leader Champika Ranawaka lost no time in exploiting the incident to advance the party’s agenda. He said the government should bring in legislation to ban the slaughter of cattle, and religious conversion. Christians have come under pressure from Buddhists for proselytising, a charge they deny.                    Read More Dalai Lama pleads with Buddhist monks to end deadly attacks on Muslims in Burma and Sri Lanka Religious leader asks monks to intervene in anti-Islam violence Dalai Lama condemned attacks on Muslims in Myanmar and Burma Hundreds dead and more than 135,000 displaced in Myanmar this year Buddhist groups have attacked businesses owned by Muslims Tibetan Buddhist addressed issue in speech at University of Maryland By SARA MALM The Dalai Lama has reached out to monks in Myanmar and Sri Lanka, imploring them to end recent violence towards Muslims in their countries The Buddhist spiritual leader blamed those of his own religion for recent violent attacks in south Asia, while giving a speech at the University of Maryland. Hundreds have died and more than 135,000 people have fled their homes in Myanmar, also known as Burma, in the past year's brutal assaults.Full Story>>> Protestors threaten 'rotten eggs for IPL cricketers' WEDNESDAY, 03 APRIL 2013 ‘Ravana Balaya’ members including Buddhist monks held a protest rally outside Sri Lanka Cricket office today vowing to “take action against the cricketers who are prostituting themselves for money”. Some 200 members gathered there chanted slogans against the Sri Lankan cricketers who are participating in the Indian Premier League (IPL). “These cricketers have prostituted themselves for Jayalalithaa’s money. We respect those who refused to bow down to money power,” the organisation’s secretary Iththakande Saddathissa Thera said. Five monks were allowed to enter the SLC office and hold discussions with SLC Secretary Nishantha Ranatunga. “Nishantha was aggressive, but we can be more aggressive. We have good medicine for aggression. The day will soon arrive when the very same hands that applauded the cricketers are used to throw rotten eggs at them,” the monk said.( Lahiru Pothmulla) BBS condemns the attack FRIDAY, 29 MARCH 2013 The Bodu Bala Sena organization (BBS) today while condemning the attack on the Pepiliyana Fashion Bug warehouse on Thursday evening, called for the arrest of all persons involved with the incident irrelevant of their status. BBS Secretary, Ven. Galaboda Aththey Gnanasara thera speaking at a media briefing organized yesterday described the events that transpired on Thursday evening as ‘barbaric’ and ‘unpleasant’ and as actions organized by extremists to disrupt the Sinhala Buddhist revival movement initiated by them. He said if such incidents are allowed to continue scot-free, it would pave way to a recurrence of the 1983 black July riots.  “We learnt through various media reports that several monks had also accompanied the attackers. We urge the IGP to take action against all individuals involved with the incident, even if they are men of cloth. However, we also know that quite a number of non-Buddhists have guised themselves BBS insists Lanka not multiracial March 24, 2013 The Bodu Bala Sena (BBS) says Sri Lanka is not a multiracial or multi-religious country but a Sinhala Buddhist country. Speaking at the Bodu Bala Sena convention in Panadura this evening, the venerable Medagoda Abayathissa thero urged the Sinhalese to protect the nation and not let other races or religions to take over. The monk also urged Sinhalese families to have at least 5-6 children so that the Sinhalese  Buddhist population grows in order to protect the Sinhala race and Buddhism in Sri Lanka. Meanwhile Secretary of the Bodu Bala Sena, the venerable Galaboda Aththe Gnanasara thera said that the country should be ready to rally against Christian and Muslim extremist groups operating in the country. He insisted that the Bodu Bala Sena does not have issues with Muslims and Tamils as a whole. However he said that Muslim women should not be allowed to wear the Niqab in Sri Lanka. The venerable Galaboda Aththe Gnanasara thera also said that all stores should close on Poya Days, including Muslim stores, so that all Buddhist employees working in those organisations can go to the Temple instead of work. “We have now become the police of this nation. We must help the police arrest people bringing down heroin in Sri Lanka,” he added. He also said that the Ministry of Defence had given an assurance that the halal issue will be resolved. However he warned that if the All Ceylon Jamiyyathul Ulama (ACJU) goes against its commitments to the Ministry of Defence and the Buddhist clergy then the Bodu Bala Sena will take appropriate action. The venerable Galaboda Aththe Gnanasara thera also insisted that the Bodu Bala Sena has not done anything wrong to call for their arrest. He also slammed Sri Lanka’s foreign service, particularly the appointment of a former Muslim Minister as the High Commissioner to Singapore. The venerable Medagoda Abayathissa thero, meanwhile, discouraged Sinhalese families from watching the movie ‘Sri Sidhartha’ which is currently screening in Colombo and cinemas around the country. The monk said that the movie gives the wrong impression about Buddhism and so the Bodu Bala Sena will take measures to ban the film. The venerable Medagoda Abayathissa thero said that Non Governmental Organizations (NGO) were behind the funding of the movie. Another monk speaking at the convention in Panadura said that a Bodu Bala Sena ringing tone on Mobitel phones, if downloaded, will be used to fund the Bodu Bala Sena organisation. (Colombo Gazette) Report by Easwaran Rutnam

Muslims Ready To Follow Many Concepts Of Buddhism, Are Buddhists Ready..?

Drunken Chief Buddhist Monk: Bitter Truth Revealed With Wild Boar

By Mza.zakky- June 3, 2013 

Mza.zakky

Buddhism is divided into two main divisions and several sub divisions based on country and culture. 

Fundamental beliefs include the three jewels, the four noble truths, the eightfold path and the five precepts.  The three jewels are the Buddha, the Dharma (the teachings), and the Sangha (the community) and taking refuge in them is the basis of Buddhist practice.  The four noble truths are the universality of suffering, the origin of suffering, the overcoming of suffering and the way leading to the suppression of suffering.

The way or path is known as the eightfold path  and consists of dṛṣṭi (ditthi): viewing reality as it is, not just as it appears to be, saṃkalpa (sankappa): intention of renunciation, freedom and harmlessness, vāc (vāca): speaking in a truthful and non-hurtful way, karman (kammanta): acting in a non-harmful way, ājīvana (ājīva): a non-harmful livelihood, vyāyāma (vāyāma): making an effort to improve, smṛti (sati): awareness to see things for what they are with clear consciousness, being aware of the present reality within oneself, without any craving or aversion, samādhi (samādhi): correct meditation or concentration.

The five precepts outline Buddhist ethics.  Do not kill, be kind to all creatures.  Do not steal, give rather than take.  Do not lie, be honest and open.  Do not misuse sex and do not consume alcohol or use recreational drugs.  

Alcohol consumption is inconsistent with a Buddhist’s quest to understand and develop the mind. Buddhists believe that by practicing meditation, wisdom and morality, every individual has the innate ability to experience true happiness.

The Buddha encouraged his followers to refrain from consuming any kind of intoxicant. This included alcohol, cigarettes and drugs. These substances are said to be inconsistent with Buddhist beliefs as they distort the mind. Buddhists regard the mind as precious; they work diligently, through meditation, to master it.
Buddhists follow five precepts, serving as guidelines for correct and moral behavior. One of the precepts clearly states that Buddhists should ‘refrain from taking intoxicants’. Buddhists adhere to these guidelines with differing degrees of success.

Only a small number of followers practice Buddhism seriously, even though an overwhelming number of people in Buddhist countries, such as Sri lanka, identify as Buddhists. Despite the Buddha’s teachings, a number of Srilankan Buddhists adolescents consume alcohol.

A survey conducted in a semi-urban community in southern Sri Lanka (total sample size n = 783) revealed that

5% of females and 52.5% of males aged above 10 years old were current alcohol users. Age-specific prevalence

of alcohol use was highest among those aged between 40 to 50 years for both sexes. By ethnicity, the highest prevalence was found among Tamils (43%), followed by Sinhalese (32%) and Muslims (9%).

WHO Global Status Report on Alcohol 2004

Despite the popularity of Buddhism as a philosophy in the west, few people are willing to follow the Buddha’s advice regarding alcohol. People with a shallow understanding of Buddhism may believe that alcohol is acceptable if used in moderation, justifying this in terms of the Buddha’s preaching of the ‘Middle Way’ philosophy.
The Buddha was against any form of alcohol consumption, even in moderation, because of the effect it has on the mind.

Mindfulness is central to Buddhist philosophy. This concept requires a constant awareness of changes occurring in the mind and body. Mindfulness enables the individual to react wisely to emotions and sensations when they arise. Alcohol distorts the mind and makes it impossible to practice this tenet.
Karma is another Buddhist teaching inconsistent with the use of alcohol. The Buddha taught that each individual must be responsible for one’s own Karma. This involves being responsible for the consequences of one’s actions, speech and thoughts. Alcohol tends to encourage irresponsibility. It is possible to generate much negative karma while under the influence of alcohol.

The Buddha taught that true happiness was to be found in letting go of attachments. Many people are deeply attached to the feelings they experience when drinking alcohol. Through meditation it is possible to let go of this attachment. Buddhist meditation has been successful in treating alcoholism.

Many people use alcohol as a means of avoiding problems that arise in life. Buddhism encourages people to deal with life’s difficulties and challenges. It encourages individuals to view problems as opportunities to learn and grow. By practicing meditation, an individual can develop the courage and determination to deal with life, rather than rely on alcohol to create an artificial sense of contentment. Alcohol consumption is inconsistent with Buddhist beliefs for a number of reasons. Buddhists exert an enormous amount of effort through meditation in order to change the mind. By consuming alcohol the individual is unable to have any control over the mind.

Islam also has same philosophy about alcohol consumption. Islam’s holistic approach to health and well-being means that anything that is harmful or mostly harmful, is forbidden.  Therefore, Islam takes an uncompromising stand towards alcohol and forbids its consumption in either small or large quantities.  Alcohol is undoubtedly harmful and adversely affects the mind and the body.  It clouds the mind, causes disease, wastes money, and destroys individuals, families, and communities.  Researchers have proven that there is a strong link between alcohol and gambling.  Drinking impairs judgment, lowers inhibition, and encourages the type of risk taking involved in gambling and dangerous activities.  God tells us in the Quran that intoxicants and gambling are abominations from Satan and orders us to avoid them.  (Quran 5: 90) 

Alcohol is considered highly carcinogenic, increasing the risk of mouth, pharynx, larynx, esophagus, liver, and breast cancers.  Drinking alcohol during pregnancy can lead to Fetal Alcohol Syndrome, causing the child to be small at birth, have some facial malformations, small eye openings, webbed or even missing fingers or toes, organ deformities, learning disabilities, mental retardation and much more.

Even though it is clear that alcohol is responsible for a great many evils it is legal and even encouraged in most societies.  In Muslim countries where alcohol is forbidden many people still find it difficult to resist temptation and fall prey to the disease that is alcoholism.  Amazingly even in the light of such startling evidence against alcohol, people around the globe continue to consume alcohol in ever-increasing amounts.

At the time of accident, 89% of drivers and 28.1% of pedestrians were under the influence of alcohol. Alcohol was related to 67.4% of accidents taking place during the night.

According to the Department of Traffic Police, the detections of driving under the influence of alcohol were 8.86% in 1990 but had increased to 20.75% in 1993.

According to the Ministry of Health, the number of cases of those hospitalized due to alcohol psychosis, alcohol dependence and alcohol withdrawal had increased by 4436 cases from 1998 to 1999.

- WHO Global Status Report on Alcohol 2004

Alcohol affects the mind and makes sinful behavior and evil actions fair seeming.  It creates enmity and hatred between people, prevents them from remembering God and distracts them from praying, and calls them to participate in unlawful sexual relationships.  Alcohol generates shame, regret, and disgrace, and renders the drinker witless.  It leads to the disclosure of secrets and exposure of faults.

“Satan wants only to excite enmity and hatred between you with intoxicants (alcoholic drinks) and gambling, and hinder you from the remembrance of God and from the prayer.  So, will you not then abstain?” (Quran 5:91)

“O you who believe!  Intoxicants (all kinds of alcoholic drinks), gambling, idolatry, and diving arrows are an abomination of Satan’s handiwork.  So avoid that so that you may be successful.” (Quran 5: 90)

The Quran is a book of guidance sent to all of humankind.  It is a set of instructions from the Creator for His creation. God links alcohol and gambling to idolatry and declares it filthy and evil; however, He is merciful and generous towards the believers and acknowledges the power of addiction.  Islam is a community-oriented faith.  There is no place for an individual to do what he wants to do, if it hurts others.  Alcohol abuse affects not just the alcoholic but also his or her family, and community.  There is great wisdom in the prohibition of alcohol.

A survey conducted in a semi-urban community in southern Sri Lanka (total sample size n = 783) revealed that 5% of females and 52.5% of males aged above 10 years old were current alcohol users. Age-specific prevalence of alcohol use was highest among those aged between 40 to 50 years for both sexes. By ethnicity, the highest prevalence was found among Tamils (43%), followed by Sinhalese (32%) and Muslims (9%). WHO Global Status Report on Alcohol 2004

According to this report Tamils and Sinhalese are first opponents of a main concept (precepts) of Buddhism. We can’t kill human by approving alcohol. So as Muslims, we follow Islam as well as many concepts of Buddhism. We never give halal certificate to alcohol. In these things Muslims are real Buddhists. Why don’t refrain alcohol from srilanka? We are ready to make history. We Muslims invite Sinhalese to make our nation as wonder of Asia by giving haram (not acceptable) certificate to alcohol

*Mza.zakky – student of Faculty of medicine,  Eastern university

Full Court Report: BBS Leader Gnanasara Pleaded Guilty To Hit-And-Run And Drunk Driving

Court impounds Minister’s passport

The Atthanagalla Magistrate today ordered Minister Sarana Gunwardena to hand over his passport to Court when he failed to attend Court when the case was taken up on a previous occassion.

The Minister was summoned to courts in a case relating to the abduction of a child and two others in Weeragala.

The Minister was present in court today and informed court that he had to leave the country on official duty. (Ananda E. Jayakody)

Tense situation opposite D’goda Police MONDAY, 03 JUNE 2013  A tense situation prevails in the vicinity of the Dematagoda Police station after residents gathered to protest following the death of a suspect in Police custody Sources at the Dematagoda Police station said around 60 residents are engaged in the protest. Repeated attempts to contact the Police Spokesman for clarification failed as it had been on several occasions in the past.

Canadian Tamil film to debut at Shanghai festival

[TamilNet, Monday, 03 June 2013, 00:40 GMT]
Canadian Tamil film 'A Gun & A Ring' made by Lenin M. Sivam, an Eezham Tamil of Canada and a software architect by profession, has been nominated for the prestigious Golden Goblet Award, the highest prize awarded at the 16th Shanghai International Film Festival (SIFF) in June, according to media reports. This is the second full-feature production of the largely self-made filmmaker whose first Tamil film '1999' was featured in the 2009 Vancouver International film Festival’s Canadian Images session. '1999' also won the “Midnight Sun” award at the Tamil Film Festival-2010 held at the Filmenshus Kino in Oslo, Norway in 2010. 

Lenin M Sivam [Photo courtesy: canadianimmigrant.ca]

Sivam, 39, was born in Jaffna and migrated to Canada in 1991.

The film "uses brilliantly interwoven montage of characters to explore the harsh realities faced by different generations of Canadian Eezham Tamils who try to re-build their lives in an adopted land, but are unable to let go of their past framed by violence, death and conflict in the island of Sri Lanka," said press reports on the origins of the story.

"To be picked up by a major film festival such as SIFF is recognition of our work and vision," Sivam said quoting in a statement. "Almost everyone who worked on it volunteered their time and resources to share an important story worth telling," he added.

SIFF is considered to be one of the top 10 film festivals in the world and it is recognized by International Federation of Film Producers Associations (FIAPF). Sivam's film is one of 12 selected out of 1655 films from 112 countries to compete for the Golden Goblet award. Oscar award winner Tom Hooper has been named to lead the jury of 6 others to choose the winner, according to conference organizers. 

Lenin Sivam’s earlier short films Iniyavarka’l (A Few Good People), U’ruthi (Strength) and Pakkaththiveedu (The Next Door) also touches the topic of challenges faced by the Tamil community in Toronto.

Somawansa in International Communist Seminar

MONDAY, 03 JUNE 2013 

The Leader of the JVP Somawansa Amarasinghe is participating in International Communist Seminar being held in Belgium at present states the media unit of the JVP. This is the biggest collection of communist parties in the world and more than 60 parties including parties that hold state power such as Vietnam participate in the Seminar states the media unit of the JVP.

Mr. Somawansa presented a document and a statement regarding imperialist effects and the danger for democracy and he has held bilateral talks with leaders of many workers’ parties that are participating in the seminar.

After the seminar Mr. Somawansa is scheduled to meet several political parties and civil organizations in Belgium and Belgium – Netherlands Committee of the JVP has arranged Mr. Somawansa to meet Sri Lankans living in the two countries states the media unit of the JVP.

British couple rescued, two Lankans arrested in Chennai

MONDAY, 03 JUNE 2013 

An abducted British couple was rescued and nine persons, including two Sri Lankans, were arrested for allegedly committing the crime and demanding Rs 2.58 crore as ransom, the Press Trust of India reported.

The PTI report further said that a coordinated effort from diverse agencies resulted in the arrest of the suspects

Chennai Police coordinated with Metropolitan Police (Scotland Yard), London, and Serious Organised Crime Agency, United Kingdom, state and central intelligence agencies and rescued the couple from an SUV bound for a house at Mandarakuppam in Cuddalore district of Tamil Nadu last night, the news report said.

Based on a complaint on May 29 that British nationals Thavaraja (59) and his wife Salaja (55), who landed at the airport in Chennai from Colombo, were missing, a case was registered. They were originally from Sri Lanka and had settled down in the UK and obtained citizenship.

The couple had arrived here to proceed to Tiruchirapalli, where they planned to join a tour operator and visit temples in the state for nine days.

Investigations revealed that the couple's daughter Dharshini, residing in London, received calls from unidentified men who claimed to have abducted her parents and demanded a ransom of Rs 2.58 crore (300,000 pounds).

Chennai Police coordinated with Dharshini, as she sent them clippings of her conversation with the abductors and sought more time to raise the ransom money, as was advised by police.

British couple rescued, two Lankans arrested in Chennai

Tiger#39;s 120 billion assets becomes government possession. Auction held shortly to transfer funds to treasury 120 billion rupees assets were last week confiscated belonging to tigers by the measures taken by the Criminal Investigation Unit. This would be shortly auctioned, and the finance acquired from this, would be transferred   to treasury.   This information was catered by a senior official from the Criminal Investigation Unit. Meanwhile one billion rupees worth of bank accounts and properties belonging to tigers are now identified and shortly would be confiscated was said. The properties confiscated by the government last week consist, apartments, printing press, houses, machinery, garment factories, and drift fishing boats including many million worth of bank accounts.   Official said, the impounded assets were confirmed by the  government that these belongs to tigers. Communication equipment purchased by a non-governmental organization, a three stored housing complex purchased by a non-governmental organization, a printing press located at Kotahena, a land in Katunayake includes from the items impounded.   To utilize attack against the Katunayake airbase, tigers would have purchased this land said criminal investigation official.   Meanwhile many unclaimed or not able to identify the holders of bank accounts lying in banks are assumed belongs to tigers, are continuously monitored was further mentioned by the official. CPSTL loss; Chairman enjoys six luxury vehicles: UNP MONDAY, 03 JUNE 2013  Despite the financial losses the Ceylon Petroleum Storage Terminals Limited (CPSTL) suffers, its Chairman had been provided with six luxury vehicles including a BMW, the main opposition UNP charged today. “Since 2007 the Chairman had three Mitsubishi Monteros,’ UNP Spokesman Gayantha Karunathilake charged at a news conference early today. “Recently a Land Rover Defender and a double Cab was provided to him. While the CPSTL is showing heavy loses the authorities had given him a BMW vehicle that is worth Rs. 12 million,” he said. He said cheap fuel deals and corrupt employees were contributing to the losses at CPSTL and added these loses would create a further price hike in fuel. (YP & LSP) Video: