Moscow threatens response if Russians attacked in Ukraine

WEDNESDAY 23 APRIL 2014

As Kiev announces the end of an Easter truce and re-launches its "anti-terrorist operation" in eastern Ukraine, Russia warns it will retaliate if its citizens are threatened.

Moscow Threatens Response if Russians Attacked in Ukraine by nelvely

Today’s Science Has Found That Mixing Honey and Cinnamon Cures Most Diseases

Interesting stuff!!
Cinnamon and Honey-April 20, 2014, 

Drug companies won’t like this one getting around. Facts on Honey and Cinnamon:
It is found that a mix of honey and Cinnamon cures most diseases. Honey is produced in most of the countries of the world. Scientists of today also note honey as very effective medicine for all kinds of diseases. Honey can be used without side effects which is also a plus.Today’s science says that even though honey is sweet, when it is taken in the right dosage as a medicine, it does not harm even diabetic patients. Researched by western scientists:

HEART DISEASES: Make a paste of honey and cinnamon powder, put it on toast instead of jelly and jam and eat it regularly for breakfast. It reduces the cholesterol and could potentially save one from heart attack. Also, even if you have already had an attack studies show you could be kept miles away from the next attack. Regular use of cinnamon honey strengthens the heart beat. In America and Canada, various nursing homes have treated patients successfully and have found that as one ages the arteries and veins lose their flexibility and get clogged; honey and cinnamon revitalize the arteries and the veins.

ARTHRITIS: Arthritis patients can benefit by taking one cup of hot water with two tablespoons of honey and one small teaspoon of cinnamon powder. When taken daily even chronic arthritis can be cured. In a recent research conducted at the Copenhagen University, it was found that when the doctors treated their patients with a mixture of one tablespoon Honey and half teaspoon Cinnamon powder before breakfast, they found that within a week (out of the 200 people so treated) practically 73 patients were totally relieved of pain — and within a month, most all the patients who could not walk or move around because of arthritis now started walking without pain.

BLADDER INFECTIONS: Take two tablespoons of cinnamon powder and one teaspoon of honey in a glass of lukewarm water and drink it. It destroys the germs in the bladder….who knew?

CHOLESTEROL: Two tablespoons of honey and three teaspoons of Cinnamon Powder mixed in 16 ounces of tea water given to a cholesterol patient was found to reduce the level of cholesterol in the blood by 10 percent within two hours. As mentioned for arthritic patients, when taken three times a day, any chronic cholesterol-could be cured. According to information received in the said Journal, pure honey taken with food daily relieves complaints of cholesterol.

COLDS: Those suffering from common or severe colds should take one tablespoon lukewarm honey with 1/4 spoon cinnamon powder daily for three days. This process will cure most chronic cough, cold, and, clear the sinuses, and it’s delicious too!

UPSET STOMACH: Honey taken with cinnamon powder cures stomach ache and also is said to clear stomach ulcers from its root.

GAS: According to the studies done in India and Japan, it is revealed that when Honey is taken with cinnamon powder the stomach is relieved of gas.

IMMUNE SYSTEM: Daily use of honey and cinnamon powder strengthens the immune system and protects the body from bacterial and viral attacks. Scientists have found that honey has various vitamins and iron in large amounts. Constant use of Honey strengthens the white blood corpuscles (where DNA is contained) to fight bacterial and viral diseases.

INDIGESTION: Cinnamon powder sprinkled on two tablespoons of honey taken before food is eaten relieves acidity and digests the heaviest of meals

INFLUENZA: A scientist in Spain has proved that honey contains a natural ‘Ingredient’ which kills the influenza germs and saves the patient from flu.

LONGEVITY: Tea made with honey and cinnamon powder, when taken regularly, arrests the ravages of old age. Use four teaspoons of honey, one teaspoon of cinnamon powder, and three cups of boiling water to make a tea. Drink 1/4 cup, three to four times a day. It keeps the skin fresh and soft and arrests old age. Life spans increase and even a 100 year old will start performing the chores of a 20-year-old.

RASPY OR SORE THROAT: When throat has a tickle or is raspy, take one tablespoon of honey and sip until gone. Repeat every three hours until throat is without symptoms.

PIMPLES: Three tablespoons of honey and one teaspoon of cinnamon powder paste. Apply this paste on the pimples before sleeping and wash it off the next morning with warm water. When done daily for two weeks, it removes all pimples from the root.

SKIN INFECTIONS:Applying honey and cinnamon powder in equal parts on the affected parts cures eczema, ringworm and all types of skin Infections.

WEIGHT LOSS:Daily in the morning one half hour beforebreakfast and on an empty stomach, and at night before sleeping, drink honey and cinnamon powder boiled in one cup of water. When taken regularly, it reduces the weight of even the most obese person. Also, drinking this mixture regularly does not allow the fat to accumulate in the body even though the person may eat a high calorie diet.

CANCER: Recent research in Japan and Australia has revealed that advanced cancer of the stomach and bones have been cured successfully. Patients suffering from these kinds of cancer should daily take one tablespoon of honey with one teaspoon of cinnamon powder three times a day for one month.

FATIGUE: Recent studies have shown that the sugar content of honey is more helpful rather than being detrimental to the strength of the body. Senior citizens who take honey and cinnamon powder in equal parts are more alert and flexible. Dr. Milton, who has done research, says that a half tablespoon of honey taken in a glass of water and sprinkled with cinnamon powder, even when the vitality of the body starts to decrease, when taken daily after brushing and in the afternoon at about 3:00 P.M., the vitality of the body increases within a week.

BAD BREATH: People of South America, gargle with one teaspoon of honey and cinnamon powder mixed in hot water first thing in the morning so their breath stays fresh throughout the day.

HEARING LOSS: Daily morning and night honey and cinnamon powder, taken in equal parts restores hearing.

Remember when we were kids? We had toast with real butter and cinnamon sprinkled on it!

An Open Letter To President Rajapaksa

Dear President,

( April 23, 2014, Geneva, Sri Lanka Guardian) I am writing this letter to you, form the same flat, same room, with a computer placed on the same table you were sitting at, discussing a pending visit of a group of parliamentarians to study the federal experience in Europe. It was some ten years ago when you were the leader of the parliamentary opposition. 

An Open Letter to President Rajapaksa by nelvely

இராணுவத்தினரால் பொது சந்தைக் 

காணி அபகரிப்பு: சிவமோகன்

-எஸ்.றொசேரியன் லெம்பேட்-திங்கட்கிழமை, 21 ஏப்ரல் 2014 

புதுக்குடியிருப்பு பொதுச்சந்தைக்குரிய காணியை இராணுவத்தினர் கையகப்படுத்தியுள்ளதாகவும் அக்காணியில் இராணுவத்தினருக்கான நலன்புரி வாணிபத்தை அமைத்து இராணுவ பராமரிப்புக்கும் பாதுகாப்பு பணிகளுக்கும் செலவிடுவதற்காக பெருந்தொகை பணம் சம்பாதித்து வருவதாகவும் வடமாகாணசபை உறுப்பினர் வைத்திய கலாநிதி சி.சிவமோகன் குற்றஞ்சாட்டியுள்ளார். 

இது தொடர்பில் அவர் விடுத்துள்ள அறிக்கையில் மேலும் தெரிவிக்கப்பட்டுள்ளதாவது, 

பொதுமக்களின் வியாபார நடவடிக்கைளுக்குரிய பொதுச்சந்தை காணியை இராணுவத்தினர் கையகப்படுத்தி அதில் தமது கடைகளை அமைத்து இலாபமீட்டி வருகின்றனர். இதனால் எமது மக்களின் வாழ்வாதாரம் மிகவும் மோசமாக பாதிக்கப்பட்டுள்ளது. 

யுத்தத்தின் கோரத்தால் நொந்துபோயுள்ள எமது மக்கள் தமது சொந்த நிலங்களில் குடியேறி இப்போது தான் மெல்ல மெல்ல விவசாய நடவடிக்கைகளில் ஈடுபட்டு பொருளாதார ரீதியாக மேலெழுந்து வருவதற்கு முயற்சித்துக்கொண்டிருக்கின்றனர். 

மரத்திலிருந்து விழுந்தவனை மாடு ஏறி மிதித்த கதையாக எமது மக்களை நோகடிக்கும், வஞ்சிக்கும் எண்ணத்தில் நல்லிணக்கத்துக்கு ஏற்புடையற்ற செயல்களில் இராணுவத்தினர் தொடர்ந்தும் ஈடுபட்டுக்கொண்டிருக்கின்றனர். 

எமது மக்கள் தமது விவசாய உற்பத்தி பொருட்களை சந்தைப்படுத்துவதற்கு சந்தை வாய்ப்புகள் இல்லாமல் அல்லோலகல்லோலப்பட்டுக்கொண்டிருக்கும் அனர்த்த சூழலில், பொதுமக்களின் செயல்பாடுகளுக்கு மேலும் மேலும் ஊறு செய்விக்கும் இராணுவத்தினரின் இத்தகைய செயலை நான் வன்மையாக கண்டிக்கின்றேன்.

குறித்த பொதுச்சந்தை காணியை மீட்டு பொதுமக்களின் சந்தைப் பயன்பாட்டுக்கு கையளிப்பது தொடர்பில் புதுக்குடியிருப்பு பிரதேச செயலரும், முல்லைத்தீவு மாவட்ட அரச அதிபரும் உரிய நடவடிக்கைகளை எடுக்க வேண்டியவர்களாக இருக்கின்ற போதிலும் இருவரும் கையை விரித்து விட்டதாக மக்கள் குறைபட்டுக்கொள்கின்றனர். 

இராணுவத்தினரால் தமது வருமானம் பெரிதும் பாதிக்கப்பட்டுள்ளதாக பொதுமக்களால் முறைப்பாடுகள் பலமுறை இவர்களிடம் தெரிவிக்கப்பட்டுள்ள போதிலும் குறித்த காணியிலிருந்து இராணுவத்தை வெளியேற்றி பொதுமக்களின் பாவனைக்கு, சந்தை வியாபார நடவடிக்கைகளுக்கு காணியை வழங்குவது தொடர்பில் மாவட்ட அரச அதிபரும், உதவி அரசாங்க அதிபரும் ஈடுபாடும் ஆர்வமும் காட்ட வேண்டுமெனவும் புதுக்குடியிருப்பு பிரதேச சபை செயலாளரும், பிரதேச வாழ் மக்களும் கோருகின்றனர். 

எனவே குறித்த காணியிலிருந்து இராணுவத்தை வெளியேற்றி பொதுமக்களின் பாவனைக்கு கையளித்து, எமது மக்களின் சுயபொருளாதார மேம்பாட்டுக்கு உதவ, முல்லைத்தீவு மாவட்ட காணி உரிமை மீட்புக்குழுவின் ஊடாக எம்மால் முடிந்தவரையான முன்னாயத்த நடவடிக்கைகளை எடுத்து வருகின்றோம் என அவர் விடுத்துள்ள அறிக்கையில் குறிப்பிடப்பட்டுள்ளது.

A computer teacher who prepared posters reviving LTTE arrested in Jaffna.

TUESDAY, 22 APRIL 2014 - 8:34 | DOWNLOAD HIRUNEWS APP ON ANDROID & APPLE

An IT teacher who was engaged in preparing posters, leaflets and documents for reviving the LTTE was arrested in Jaffna by the Colombo Terrorist Investigation Division on the 19th of this month.

It is said that he was a former LTTE cadre.

The Terrorist Investigation Division officials who arrested the suspect sealed the building in Maanipaai in Jaffna where his computer classes had been held.

Police Media Spokesman SSP Ajith Rohana said that while the TID had apprehended the computers, Laptops and many accessories that were found there further investigation are underway.

WikiLeaks: South Africa’s Sri Lanka Reconciliation Broker Meets US Secretly

April 22, 2014 |

“This is the second in a series of cables on the strengths and weaknesses of the emerging candidates for the ANC and national presidencies in South Africa (Ref A). This messages presents the view of Ebrahim Ebrahim, ANC National Executive Council member and former Political Advisor to Jacob Zuma. Ebrahim, who was imprisoned on Robben Island with Zuma, said the current speculation about the ANC presidential succession is ‘mere guesswork.’ The real canvassing for the ANC presidency will kick off in May or June 2007. Ebrahim claimed that Zuma is a ‘genuine’ person who is not corrupt, but was ‘misled’ and demonstrated poor judgment. Zuma is popular with poor South Africans around the country, not just in KwaZulu-Natal, a fact that President Mbeki does not fully appreciate. Ebrahim said he does not think the ANC membership wants a ‘BEE tycoon’ such as Ramaphosa or Sexwale, as the next president; Ebrahim would support ANC Secretary-General Motlanthe whom he believes could unite the party factions.” the US Embassy Pretoria (South Africa) informed Washington.

Ebrahim Ebrahim

The Colombo Telegraph found the related leaked cable from the WikiLeaks database. The cable was written on November 06, 2006 by the US Embassy Pretoria – South Africa.

The Embassy wrote; “PolOff met with Ebrahim Ebrahim (strictly protect) October 25 to discuss Jacob Zuma’s political future and Ebrahim’s conflict resolution work in Sri Lanka and Bolivia (septels). Ebrahim, an African National Congress (ANC) National Executive Council (NEC) Member and former Political Advisor to Jacob Zuma when Zuma was SAG Deputy President (see bio-note at paras 10-11), told PolOff that the “real canvassing” for the ANC presidential election will only begin in May or June 2007, in advance of the ANC National Congress in December. The current speculation in the press is ‘mere guesswork.’ No one — not even President Mbeki — knows how the race will develop at this stage.”

Under the subtitle “Bio-Note” the Embassy wrote; “Born in 1937, Ebrahim Ebrahim joined the ANC in 1952 and the armed wing of the party, Umkhonto we Sizwe, in 1960. He was arrested in 1961 and sentenced to 15 years imprisonment on Robben Island. After his release from Robben Island in 1979, Ebrahim fled into exile. In 1986, the South African security forces kidnapped Ebrahim in Swaziland and charged him with high treason. He was released five years later when an appeal court ruled that his abduction from a foreign country was illegal.  Ebrahim was elected to the ANC National Executive Committee in 1991, and served as Member of Parliament from 1994 to 2002, including as Chairperson of the Parliamentary Foreign Affairs Committee. Ebrahim was SAG Deputy President Jacob Zuma’s Political Advisor from 2002 to 2005, and was deeply involved in Zuma’s work as mediator in Burundi (Ref C). Together with former National Party minister and negotiator Roelf Meyer, Ebrahim is involved in conflict resolution work in Nepal, Sri Lanka, and Bolivia. Ebrahim has a child, Cassia, from a previous engagement to a U.S. citizen, Julie Wells. Per para 8, Cassia is a student at Stanford University. Ebrahim is currently married to Shannon Field, a South African who grew up in Canada. Field works in the SAG Presidency as a conflict resolution advisor, and she and Ebrahim are expecting a child in November.”

Read the cable here for further details.

TNA insists Tamils want autonomy

By admin on April 20, 2014

The Tamil National Alliance (TNA) says the Tamils in Sri Lanka want autonomy and welcomed a call to this effect made by the National Peace Council (NPC).

TNA leader R. Sampanthan says the best way the Government can avoid international pressure following the adoption of the recent resolution at the UN Human Rights Council is to agree to give Tamils autonomy.

The National Peace Council had last week urged the government and other political parties in the country to urgently set up institutions to enable the Tamil people to be given a measure of autonomy.

“The government held elections and established the Northern Provincial Council. But it is useless unless the Northern Provincial Council is allowed to function without undue interference from central authorities. It must also discuss with the TNA a more inclusive political solution. We also call on the government to come up with a national investigative mechanism that could cooperate with the UNHRC-appointed investigative body on the issues of truth-seeking and accountability. We refer to the East Timor example where the members of the national Commission were appointed by the UN and which was allowed to function without hindrance from the military,” NPC said.

The NPC said that all parties in Sri Lanka should be honestly committed to develop and foster new, mutually beneficial relationships. It noted that the absence of dialogue between the different stakeholders weakens and leads to the destruction of relationships.

“We advocate a mechanism that will create opportunities for all stakeholders, including the Tamil Diaspora, to engage in a process of dialogue that will lead to reconciliation,” the NPC had added. (Colombo Gazette)

PSC becomes redundant 

By Niranjala Ariyawansha

April 21, 2014


Senior Minister Professor Tissa Vitarana who was not included in the Parliamentary Select Committee (PSC) expressed his disenchantment with the government's handling of the political solution, and said there is no point summoning the Tamil National Alliance (TNA) to the PSC if the government does not have a genuine commitment to address matters pertaining to the country's national issue.
 
 
The minister said the TNA had decided to boycott the PSC because the government failed to gain its trust.
Vitarana also expressed dismay at his removal, by the government, from the PSC in what appeared to be a capitulation to the pressure of ultra nationalist parties within the ruling coalition.
 
 
Vitarana was the Chairman of the All Party Conference, appointed to solve the national issue. "At a juncture when the country has been scrutinized globally, if it thinks that summoning the TNA to the PSC would serve as a goodwill gesture, it is mistaken," Vitarana said, TNA has lost confidence in the PSC pointing out that both he and the Sri Lanka Muslim Congress (SLMC) were not represented in it.
 

"When I requested the TNA to participate in the PSC they asked me why they should come when I'm not there? On the other hand, the UNP is saying the PSC is of no use, devoid of TNA's participation. Moreover, parties such as the JVP are also not included in the PSC. The government has to give this matter thought," he said.
 
 
Vitarana was of the opinion that without addressing the national issue, Sri Lanka would not be able to extricate itself from being scrutinized internationally.
Meanwhile, JVP General Secretary Tilvin Silva said his Party decided to boycott the PSC due to a policy decision and not due to the absence of Vitarana.
 
 
"The government did not appoint the PSC out of national concern. They did it to postpone solving the national issue. That is why we decided to vacate the PSC. Irrespective of whether Vitarana and the TNA would participate in it or not, we shall not take part in it. That is because the government has betrayed us. If the government has a genuine concern to solve the national issue there is no need for a PSC. At present the government has taken steps to bring the Tamil people of the North under an iron fist," Silva alleged.
 

The UNP noted that the government had decided to appoint the PSC with the intention of delaying solving the island's national issue.
 
 
UNP MP, lawyer Ajith P. Perera said, "If the grievances of Sri Lanka's Tamil population are to be addressed there should be a Tamil Party representation. Moreover, the government should provide a time frame by which it hopes to conclude these discussions. It is imperative that intellectuals, such as Vitarana participates in the PSC's sittings. It is only then that we as the UNP will participate in the PSC. However, the government has no intention of doing so".

PSC becomes redundant 

Central Govt. holding on to powers that should be vested in NPC: Wigneswaran

 Tuesday, 22 April 2014

At the District Development Committee Meeting held in Jaffna, on Monday the Chief Minister of the Northern Province, C.V. Wigneswaran charged that the Central Government was holding on to powers that should be vested in the Northern Provincial Council.

C.V. Wigneswaran expressed the  following views at the meeting.

“Some matters are clear for us to see at present. The government has not enacted national policies to fulfill the needs of the people of the Northern Province who were affected by the war. The government’s policies are being implemented in a fashion that meets the needs of the ruling party, its hierarchy and officials. “

He noted: “The government is acting under the impression today that people in areas under the purview of the provincial council, must only obtain services from the Central Government. From October 2013 to january 2014, we proposed to the government that we could work together on this. On the second of January this year, I met with the President for this purpose. ”

“I explained to him the shortcomings in the implementation of the 13th Amendment to the constitution. I explained to the President that even if we do not receive the powers vested in us through the 13th Amendment, we would support the people who have been affected by the war. I made a request that the affairs of the Presidential Task Force in the Northern Province, be entrusted to elected representatives in the Northern Provincial Council.”

He also added: “Unfortunately, the President is yet to make a decision in our favour. What has transpired instead? Instead of respecting the democratic right of the people, the Central Government is holding on to powers that should be granted to the Northern Provincial Council. I must mention that as per the constitution of this country. administration is divided between the Central Government and the Provincial Councils. Development ,eetings like this are organised to discuss these matters. We cannot allow for the Central Government to act to keep powers that are by law vested in the Provincial Council, through these meetings.”

JVP’s Vision And Policy Frame Work: Is It Dogmatic Or Scientific?

By Hema Senanayake -  April 22, 2014 |

Hema Senanayake

“There is no place for dogmas in science. The scientist is free to ask any question, to doubt any assertion, to seek for evidence, to correct any error. Where science has been used in the past to erect a new dogmatism, that dogmatism has found itself incompatible with the progress of science; and in the end, the dogma has yielded or science and freedom have perished together.” – J. Robert Oppenheimer

It is clear that dogmatism and scientific thinking cannot coexist. In this context, it might be necessary and important to investigate whether theJVP’s Policy Frame Work is truly scientific. If it is not scientific, then you know where it belongs.

JVP accurately identify one thing. On page 27 of the policy document it says: “Economic prosperity and social justice are two essential components to usher in a righteous society.” Let us agree on this statement. However, I intend to focus only on the component of “economic prosperity.” How do they propose to achieve economic prosperity? The answer to this question has been explained under the chapter titled “A Modernized and Industrialized Country” (pp. 12 to 25, English version of the policy doc.)

The first paragraph of this chapter begins as follows:

“Human lives must be simple and easy in a new Socialist State. Hence, consuming goods and services and issues related to the law should all be simple and carried out in a manner that would prevent the unwanted wastage of time and energy. This could be done by getting together as required the simple and advanced management methods, administrative methods adopted by various developed nations around the world.”

Look at the last sentence of the above quote carefully. What does it say? It implies that there are developed nations around the world and those nations have adopted advanced management and administrative methods which methods would be used by the JVP to achieve in a new Socialist State. But the problem is that all the developed nations are capitalist countries and none of them are socialist states. Even though the so called developed nations, having all “advanced management methods”, collapsed economically in 2008 triggering what is now known as “The Great Recession of 2008.” Hence, the JVP’s above assertion is silly and novice in regard to economic governance. Plainly, it is dogmatism. My objective here is not to ridicule the JVP, instead I intend to show them that they need to master on this subject of economics further because as they clearly identify that “economic prosperity” is one of the two components needed in order to “usher a righteous society.”                 Read More

The horror of the ‘Hambantota doctrine’ - Editorial

MONDAY, 21 APRIL 2014
If further evidence was required of the breakdown of the rule of law and the politicisation of the Police Department, it came live with television footage when five UNP parliamentarians—elected representatives of the sovereign people visited the Rajapaksa homebase of Hambantota for a first-hand official infection of the controversial Mattala Rajapaksa International Airport (MRIA) and the Magampura Mahinda Rajapaksa Port.

 Opposition leaders and most independent analysts are describing it as the 'Hambantota doctrine' more than 40 years after the then Prime Minister Sirimavo Bandaranaike imposed the notorious Attanagalla doctrine when she defended an attack by political thugs on UNP members who visited her homebase. According to independent media reports, the five MPs were first harassed and intimidated when they were coming out of the MRIA. President Mahinda Rajapaksa says the UNP and other opposition parties are unfairly attacking major development projects such as the MRIA and the international port in Hambantota but the UNP MPs who visited the area and Leadership Council Chairman Karu Jayasuriya told a news conference yesterday they had not, as the President charged, said the MRIA should be turned into a museum because few flights were coming there and that the international port should be turned into a swimming pool. The UNP members said they had raised questions about the corruption, lack of transparency and accountability in the multi-billion-rupee projects and went there to get facts and figures to be presented to Parliament.

Media reports and live television pictures showed Hambantota Mayor Eraj Fernando carrying a pistol while a large crowd manhandled and geared the MPs, throwing rotten eggs and tomatoes at them till they were forced to flee. The Mayor claims he was carrying only a toy pistol and his aim was to prevent the crowd from attacking the MPs. But the UNP says the mayor’s claim is a point-blank lie and the people are not donkeys to believe such crude propaganda. His Worship the Mayor claimed he was acting on the direction of the President’s powerful son and Hambantota district parliamentarian Namal Rajapaksa. But the young Mr. Rajapaksa has added confusion and contradiction to the mysterious and disgraceful incident by saying he gave no such direction to the 'Lord Mayor'.  Our sister newspaper the Sunday Times reported yesterday that the President had telephoned the Mayor and reprimanded him for what had happened because, as most independent analysts say, the 'Hambantota doctrine' episode has tarnished Sri Lanka’s image internationally at a time when the United Nations Human Rights Council and most western countries in the international community are gunning for Sri Lanka though not with the 'Lord Mayor’s' toy pistol.

 If MPs who have a wide range of powers and privileges are treated like common criminals and are chased out while they were on a fact-finding mission, what then is the plight of ordinary people. If they are attacked or some injustice is done to them, there is little purpose in going to a Police station as the Police Department has been politicised after the abolition of the 17th Amendment and the Independent police Commission. With serious damage being caused to another bastion of democracy—the independent judiciary-- most people see little purpose in going to courts.

 If we wish to see a contrast, we only need to turn to our giant neighbour India where more than 820 million people are eligible to vote in the ongoing general elections to the world’s biggest democracy. Whatever its geopolitical stratergies or double standards towards Sri Lanka, India’s democratic institutions are functioning effectively. For Instance during the current elections the independent Elections Commissioner has sweeping powers even over the security forces and can cancel the polling in any electorate where he finds evidence of the abuse of state privileges by the ruling party-- as we see so often in Sri Lanka. India’s Supreme Court and other courts are also vibrantly independent while the people have access to any big deals or contracts by way of the Freedom of Information Act. While insisting that India should be fair towards its small neighbours, Sri Lanka needs to take some lessons from India’s vibrant democracy.

Toy Pistol Local Governance in Hambanthota

Hambantota Mayor (UPFA) Eraj Ravindra Fernando with a pistol in his hand rushing to the scene.

By Harim Peiris-April 21, 2014

The country woke up a few days ago to news that a group of opposition UNP MPs on a fact finding visit to the new airport and port in Hambanthota had come under attack from goon squads. Subsequently, photographs showed His Worship (the UPFA) Lord Mayor of Hambanthota, Eraj Ravindra Fernando, chasing the UNP MPs with a pistol in his hand, closely followed by members of the goon squad. Subsequently the mayor was to claim that he was only acting to protect the MPs and that too with a toy pistol. The UNP has lodged a protest with the international Inter Parliamentary Union (IPU), a complaint with the Police, naming the Mayor as an alleged perpetrator, plan to raise a privilege issue in Parliament, under the Parliament Privileges Act and have requested the Speaker of the House and presidential elder sibling Chamal Rajapaksa, to oversee the investigation into the attack on the MPs.

Toy Pistol Local Governance in Hambanthota by nelvely

Right royal battle: The BBS vs. Bathiudeen

Photo courtesy Colombo Gazette

by Harim Peiris 

- on 04/22/2014 

The Bodu Bala Sena (BBS), a recent and chilling phenomena of Sri Lanka’s post war political landscape is locked in a battle with Minister Rishard Bathiudeen, leader of the All Ceylon Muslim Congress (ACMC), a constituent party of the ruling UPFA. The Minister accuses the BBS of desecrating the Holy Koran, attacking Mosques and Muslims, while the BBS accuses the Minister of supporting or providing political patronage to displaced Muslims encroaching in the Wilpattu forest reserve.

Right Royal Battle the BBS vs. Bathiudeen by nelvely

“Muslims Are Hurt” Says All Ceylon Jamiyathul Ulama

April 22, 2014 

All Ceylon Jamiyathul Ulama conveys its sincere thanks to the Sri Lankan Muslim community for abiding by the guidance provided by our organizing in the past period when various adversities were lobbed at them.

Issuing a statement today its General Secretary, Ash Sheikh M. M. A. Mubarak said; “We also congratulate the Lankan Muslims for acting in the most pleasant and judicious manner with forbearance thus contributing to preserve peace and harmony in our Motherland.”

Ash Sheikh M. M. A. Mubarak
General Secretary, All Ceylon Jamiyyathul Ulama

ACJU said; “once again reminds our people that we should always turn towards the teachings of the Holy Qur’an and exemplary ways of our beloved Prophet (Sal) and his Companions for solutions for any and every crisis that come our way.

“Sri Lanka Muslims have a historic reputation as an uncomplicated ethnic group that exists congenially with all the communities that live in this country and as an affable religious minority that always gives prominence for national welfare, unity and harmony. ACJU asserts the importance of steadfastly maintaining that good repute, especially in these turbulence times when we have become a chosen target for provocation.

“Muslims are pointedly proscribed from insulting other faiths and the Holy Qur’an enjoins as follows in this regard:

‘And insult not those whom they (disbelievers) worship besides Allah, lest they insult Allah wrongfully without knowledge’  -Sura Al An Aam 108

“However, Muslims have become more hurt by the latest stunt of the Bodu Bala Sena organization, in which it has started to make horrendous remarks against the Holy Qur’an by misinterpreting its commands and spitefully commenting on its verses out of context.

“Along with other false allegations that could be disproved in no time, the BBS propagates that there is a concept in Islam called ‘Thaqiya’ as facilitated by the Holy Qur’an which allows Muslims to defraud people of other faiths and that makes lawful for Muslims to acquire properties and wealth of non Muslims by cheating them. This incredulous allegation have deeply disturbed the local Muslims and it might agitate global Muslims as well which is not going to profit our country in anyway. Especially in these times when the entire world is scrutinizing us.

“We are hoping to soon secure an audience with His Excellency Mahinda Rajapaksa as well as one with Ven. Chief Prelate of the Asgiri Chapter to make an appeal in this regard with the ultimate hope that necessary steps would be taken to put an end to these atrocities that clearly have surpassed all the limits.

“In the meantime, we call our community to continue to be patient and prudent in these chaotic times as certain evil elements eagerly watch for a single slip from our side to ignite nationwide mayhem. We also request Muslims to make additional supplication to Almighty Allah, soon after the forthcoming Jumu’a Prayer to bring about lasting peace and unity to our country.”

Sri Lanka: Tweaking The Muslims

|  by Col R. Hariharan

(April 22, 2014, Chennai, Sri Lanka Guardian)  Sri Lanka President Rajapaksa Why is tweaking the Muslim Community, which by and large had been his loyal political Partner?

Since 2012 the Buddhist fringe organization Bodu Bala Sena (BBS) has continued its attacks with impunity on individuals, institutions and businesses connected with Muslim cultural and religious practices and identity like places of worship, religious education, wearing of burkha, and Halal meat. Churches have also had their share of such hate campaigns.

Sri Lanka Tweaking the Muslims by nelvely