Dismissal Of Colombo Uni Deputy VC Arbitrary And Undemocratic: AFTA

August 9, 2014 

The Arts Faculty Teachers Association (AFTA) of the Colombo University has written to the University’s Vice-Chancellor expressing their concern over the arbitrary manner in which the Deputy Vice-Chancellor was appointed and thereafter dismissed.

SB – Minister Higher Education

The AFTA Secretary, Krishantha Fedricks in a letter to Colombo University VC Dr. Kumara Hirimburegama has pointed out the grave violations of protocol that have occurred in appointing and dismissing the DVC as well as in suspending several selected temporary student counselors without any explanation, prior to the completion of their tenure.

In his letter Fedricks has pointed out that the appointment of the DVC lacked transparency due to the politicization of the position quite similar to the appointments made to several other positions in the university.

“This should have been in accordance with the procedures – similarly it should have been followed when dismissing him,” he has asserted in the letter, pointing out the dismissal has been carried out to achieve narrow ends without an impartial investigation.

The academics in their letter have also expressed their discontent over the disregard of the many requests made by the AFTA to the VC in order to discuss issues pertaining to university in general and to the academic staff and the students of the Arts faculty.

They have accused the VC of failing to seek a consultative approach to find solutions to problems in the university and of his ‘undemocratic and arbitrary manner’ in which the decisions are made.

Furthermore, they have called upon the VC to provide an appointment for a group of representatives from AFTA for a discussion while urging him to ensure the academics are not compelled to resort to a public demonstration in order to obtain an appointment for a discussion.

The impact of war on demography and the

 implications for women- Politics getting 

nuttier - 2:   

by Rajan Philips-August 9, 2014, 12:00 pm 

The two drivers of a country’s population are natural increase (the difference between births and deaths) and migration increase (the difference between immigration and emigration). While it should be obvious that Sri Lanka’s population has been affected by both natural and migration changes throughout its history, it is also useful to keep in mind that enumerating the island’s population began only under British rule in the 19th century. The first recorded estimates show that in 1827 there were 895,000 people living in the island. While again mentioning the obvious that the population has since burgeoned by nearly 25 times, I would also point out that our historical memories could benefit from more than a modicum of modesty if we realize how much fewer people would have been living in the island at the time of the arrival of European imperialists.

The Impact of War on Demography and The by Thavam Ratna

To Whom External Affairs Are Foreign When Serving The Powers That Be

An adjournment debate on the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) was held in Parliament on Wednesday. The motion was introduced by JVP MP Anura Dissanayaka and seconded by UNP Kandy District MP Lakshman Kiriella. Following are excerpts of speeches made during the debate.

| Courtesy: The Sunday Times, Colombo

JVP MP Anura Kumara Dissanayake:

( August 10, 2014, Colombo, Sri Lanka Guardian) It’s no secret that the External Affairs Minister is someone who bends polices to suit the position of the side he is in. When he was in the UNP, he said we must go beyond 13 to 13 Plus, and now he says 13 is too much and we must go to 13 minus. This is a clever tactic. As the saying goes, “if you go to the bats wedding, you have to adapt accordingly”. He has shown clever ability for that. But today, the EAM has slipped away from your hands. We have no problem with him spending time abroad as he is the EAM, but when he is in Colombo, is he managing the EAM? These days, he has become the main speaker at “Tharunayata Hetak” and SLFP meetings, but we did not see former Foreign Minister, the late Lakshman Kadirgamar engaging in such meetings.

To Whom External Affairs Are Foreign When Serving the Powers That Be by Thavam Ratna

US Urges Its Citizens In Sri Lanka To Exercise Caution Against Rising Anti-Western Sentiments

The US has issued a security message for its citizens living in Sri Lanka to be wary of their security against the backdrop of rising anti-western sentiments in the country.

Obama

Issuing a security message to US expats in Sri Lanka yesterday, the notice has urged all US citizens to practice caution due to the increased protests in the country. The message is circulated just days after a mob of extremist monks and Rajapaksa regime supporters disrupted a meeting held for families of the disappeared in which US and UK diplomats also attended.

The security message has noted the increase in protests in Sri Lanka since early this year including the:

-anti-western demonstrations against the US, UN and recent escalation in Gaza

-increased pressure on NGOS, journalists and others affiliated with US projects

-disruption of civil society meetings

Furthermore in the notice, the US Embassy has recommended its citizens in Sri Lanka to avoid areas of demonstrations and exercise caution if they happen to be in the vicinity of any large gatherings, protests or demonstrations.

Listing out additional measures that can be implemented to ensure safety, they have requested the US expats to check for possible updates, enrolled with the US embassy through the State Department’s Smart Traveler Enrollment Program (STEP) that offers latest security updates and makes it easier for the US embassy to contact them in an emergency as well as to monitor media coverage of local events and remain aware of their surroundings at all times.

It has also warned travelers to review their personal security plans and follow the instructions of local authorities when traveling in Sri Lanka.

Harsha exposes booms and busts!

Sunday, 10 August 2014 

Sheraton, Shangri-La, ITC and KRRISH all stalled development projects; raises issues over other projects; hails Cairn oil exploration project as Basil, Lakshman Yapa asked in Parliament: “What happens now?”

Shangri-La tax breaks set to expire mid-2014 as hotel project has to commence operations within 42 months to be eligible for tax concessions

Warns that Govt.’s Expropriation Act may have jittered big investors most successful By Ashwin Hemmathagama Our Lobby orrespondent

Massive tax concessions for the project approved under the Strategic Development Act are set to legally expire by mid 2014, the main opposition United National Party warned yesterday, after the Hong Kong-based Shangri-La resorts deferred its Colombo opening till 2017.

Speaking during the debate on the Economic Development Ministry in Parliament yesterday, UNP Economic Affairs Spokesman and Parliamentarian Harsha De Silva said the 25-year tax break for the resort project lapses if it is not operational 42 months after they were awarded.

“Shangri-La, the first project approved under the SDA, was granted the tax concessions in the latter part of 2010,” Dr De Silva said.

He said that Shangri-La had first announced in 2010 that the hotel would be operational by 2014. “What’s the plan now, with the tax breaks expiring?” the UNP MP asked Economic Development Minister Basil Rajapaksa and Investment Promotion Minister Lakshman Yapa Abeywardane.

De Silva warned that the lack of progress on this and several other property development projects in Colombo might be an indictment of a creeping lack of confidence on the part of big investors.

“As Sheraton was coming to Sri Lanka, what did the Government do? It expropriated the Hilton. Couldn’t there be a link between the expropriation of Hilton and other private businesses and the lack of confidence on the part of big developers?” he asked the Ministers.

The Government had passed the Expropriation Act against all saner counsel and furthermore had failed to pay compensation to business owners whose companies were acquired within the legally stipulated 12 month period.

“Some company owners filed their compensation request in mid 2012 after expropriation. The appointment to meet the Compensation Committee has been given for mid-2014,” he charged.

The precedents set do not inspire faith in the Government’s policies for foreign investors, the UNP MP warned.
It was mysterious why most development projects had stalled after commencing with much fanfare, he said.
MP Dr. de Silva emphasised the Expropriation Bill was the key reason preventing fresh investments coming into Sri Lanka as most of the approved projects have either violated or not met terms and conditions.

“Foreign investor confidence has declined with the Expropriation Bill. We have explained this before and the Government disregarded the advice,” UNP MP said.

“The Strategic Development Act of the Ministry of Economic Development brought wins as well as losses. The Government points the finger at the Opposition for criticising the selected projects. But let me elaborate on all that was being brought under the Strategic Development Act,” Dr. Harsha said.

He said Cairn Lanka Ltd. was the first project signed under the Strategic Development Act. “This project expects to bring in US$ 113 million but has received investments over US$ 226 million. This is good sign. Cairn India has signed for oil explorations in Sri Lanka and was expecting to upstream crude oil in Mannar Basin in 2010. According to this agreement, the Government was to receive a 10% royalty. So, Cairn invested more. Last month tenders were called for 13 blocks, but received interest for two blocks by ONGC and another firm from Canada. Although the initial interest was there, apparently the global companies have reduced.

“When a company is taken over, the Government has to compensate within 12 months. Let us take Colombo Hilton as an example. Main shareholder Cornel Perera wanted a compensation of Rs. 3.5 billion in March 2012. But his letter was not responded to until July 2013, so this delay has broken the law of compensation. How can you bring more investments to Sri Lanka when existing businesses are treated badly?”

“Ceylon Steel Corporation was privatised in 1996 to a Korean company. By 2011 it was given to Sri Lanka Onyx Group for US$ 38 million. But the investment expected was US$ 80 million on par with the Strategic Development Act. Nandana Jayadewa Lokuwithana, a Sri Lankan living in Dubai, has done this US$ 77 million investment. But he has renamed this as Ceylon Steel Corporation even though it is private company.
“Colombo International Container Terminal is the third in the list, which was expecting an investment of US$ 500 million but got only US$ 351 million. China Merchant Holdings, Aitken Spence and the Port Authority jointly ventured in this investment, so China Merchant Holdings had 55% and Aitken Spence held a 30% stake. They had a fight and it was in the newspapers. What I found was that China Merchant Holdings took a loan from China Development Bank for this turnkey project. China Development Bank had an issue with the money due for China Merchant Holdings. Now China Merchant Holdings has also obtained the stake of Aitken Spence, which exited from this project with concern. The total stake held by China Merchant Holdings comes to 85%. The income of this project will be entirely collected by China Merchant Holdings for the next 35 years. After that it is a question who will get the ownership. We believe the local investors will have an advantage using this port.

“Trincomalee Power Company Sampur Coal Power Plant is the next. Investments are not received for this although we are expecting US$ 500 million. I know there are a lot of political interventions here. Shangri-La is the next and they expected to invest US$ 283 million here. But as at today the investment stands at US$ 143 million. This is not an investment but a privatisation that sold six acres on one occasion, followed by another four acres. Our expectation from them was that this project should be at commercial stage in 42 months, mid-2014. They haven’t put built the foundation. How can they meet this deadline? What prevents them from continuing with the project?”

“Cino Lanka Hotel and Spa is the next. Rs. 9.2 billion was stated in the media but the bidding was made for Rs. 4.2 billion for a company that has three shares totalling Rs. 30. They were expecting FDI of US$ 159 million but nothing was received. Sri Lanka Gateway Industries is the next which expects US$ 4,000 but received only US$ 1,000. Who owns this company?” asked Dr. de Silva in Parliament.

Pakistan Denies Claims On Sri Lanka 

Sunday, August 10, 2014

Pakistan has firmly denied claims that one of its diplomats in Sri Lanka was involved in spying on India and planning terror attacks in Chennai. About the Indian media allegations of a Pakistani diplomat in Colombo involved in spying India and planning attacks in Chennai, Pakistan Foreign Office spokesperson Tasneem Aslam said that it was an effort to create a wedge between Pakistan and Sri Lanka because the two countries have excellent relations with fruitful discussions on strengthening bilateral relations and increasing economic ties.

The Indian media had reported last week that India will be informing Sri Lanka about an official working with the Pakistan High Commission in Colombo who was allegedly playing a key role in planning terror strikes at the behest of ISI on the US and Israeli consulates in the southern part of India.

The Press Trust of India had reported that the information will be shared with Sri Lankan authorities by the National Investigation Agency (NIA) under the Mutual Legal Assistance Treaty (MLAT) signed between the two countries in 2010. NIA had in June taken over the case which was earlier registered by Tamil Nadu Police in which a Sri Lanka national, Sakir Hussain, was arrested following a tip-off from the Intelligence Bureau (IB). Hussain was accused of having entered India with a mission to carry out reconnaissance of the US Consulate in Chennai and the Israeli Consulate in Bangalore.

Piliyandala: The Political World And Underworld

By Rajan Hoole -August 9, 2014 

Rajan Hoole

Political Murders, the Commissions and the Unfinished Task – 10

On 18th May 1983, Jayewardene in a bid to show that the UNP was popular despite parliamentary elections not being held and to improve the ‘quality’ of his MPs, held bye- elections in 18 constituencies where the UNP had lost during the December 1982 Referendum. The Kesbewa electorate to the south-east of Colombo containing Piliyandala was one of these. The new contestant first proposed by the UNP was Srinal de Mel, the JSS secretary. This was turned down by the UNP working committee on the grounds that he was too unpopular. It was then Srinal de Mel who proposed Lokuge, his friend and businessman. Thus Lokuge came in as a protégé of the JSS bosses Cyril Mathew and de Mel. Lokuge was one of those who invested in Trincomalee in the wake of Mathew’s patriotic crusade, which held out good pickings for followers. Lokuge took over Welcombe Hotel and waxed eloquent in Parliament about the “Sinhalese banding themselves together” for defence during the June ’83 violence in Trincomalee (Sect.5.6).

Indeed, he had proved his mettle at the bye- election the previous month which was literally fought tooth and nail with the resources of the State, CTB buses, JSS goons and local thugs. His victory was phenomenal, polling 27,721 votes against 23,962 by his SLFP opponent Dickson Perera. The corresponding UNP and anti-UNP votes were 25,576 and 29,831 respectively at the presidential election and 21,487 and 25,061 respectively at the Referendum. This meant a turn-around by about 4000 voters in favour of the UNP. By comparison K. Jayakody of the UNP managed to achieve a turn-around of only about 1000 votes against Vijaya Kumaratunge at Mahara, in the heartland of the forces of Mathew and Wickremasinghe and after the abduction of 25 SLFP polling agents and the shooting of one supporter..Read More

A/L student stabbed in Ambalangoda 
August 9, 2014 
A 19 year old student who was returning home after sitting for an A/L paper has been stabbed by an unknown person in the Ambalangoda area, the Police Media Unit told Ceylon Today Online. The incident has happened around 4.30 p.m. today (09) at the Ambalangoda bus stop.
 
The victim has been admitted to the Balapitiya Hospital and is now being treated at the Intensive Care Unit after surgery.
 

The police are conducting further investigations to arrest the suspect.
Sri Lankan maid raped by 'trusted' cab driver 
August 10, 2014 
A Sri Lankan housemaid was abducted and raped by a taxi driver who was described by her friend as a "trusted" man, a newspaper said on Sunday.
 
 
The maid had phoned her friend and asked her if she knows a driver who will take her to the Sri Lankan embassy and bring her back to her employer's house.
 
 
"Her friend gave the phone number of an Indian taxi driver who she said can be trusted.
Instead of taking her to the embassy, the driver took her to an apartment and raped her. He then locked her up until the next day before throwing her out," the Kuwaiti Arabic language daily Al Watan said.
 
 
It quoted police sources as saying the man was arrested a few days later and was identified by the maid in a line at the police station.(www.emirates247.com)

US Bombing In Iraq And Crisis In The Middle East

| by Laksiri Fernando

( August 10, 2014, Sydney, Sri Lanka Guardian) The US supposed to have left Iraq three years ago. Now they are again bombing Iraq, supposedly the ISIS targets. It would be very hard for the discerning American citizens to digest the logic. Their emotions, with bitter memories, might be very high both for and against Obama’s actions. The logic in fact started in 2003 when the US invaded Iraq and then eventually lost over 4,500 soldiers.

US Bombing in Iraq and Crisis in the Middle East by Thavam Ratna

Generations Of Men Lady – Ain’t Just One Man

By Darshanie Ratnawalli -August 10, 2014 |

Darshanie Ratnawalli

I heard Holmes chuckling to himself. In reply to my inquiring glance he said “Here is a lady Watson who should distribute her frenzy among hundreds of men instead of saving it for a single man”. I was astonished, for vulgar insinuation was the last thing I’d have expected from him especially in connection with a woman. With one notable exception Holmes was lukewarm in his appreciation of womankind, but he was invariably the gentleman. My disgust must have shown, for he said by way of explanation; “Her emotional excesses, her wrath should be directed against hundreds of men, chains of men linked to each other through pupillary succession instead of a single man”.

Perhaps I should save the reader from the intense irritation I felt at this elliptical way of talking (which actually made me throw the saltcellar against the wall inches above Holmes’ head), by stating outright that his remarks were directed at an article in the popular press (Colombo Telegraph) titled “Which Buddha? Whose Buddhism?” penned by Tisaranee Gunasekara. As far as I could see the lady was fixated on one man, a monk called Mahanama, the fount, the father of all evil. I said so to Holmes. Then occurred one of those rare instances that I am likely to cherish in memory to the end of my days. Holmes paid me a compliment. He said that I had true insight, which outshines the best deductive powers. “Why, what have I said?” I asked trying not at all successfully to hide a pleased smile. “You just uttered the key word Watson, “father”: the Origin, Sire, and Fount of that primeval female longing for a single male figure to center her most intense feelings of love or hate on”.

Read More

Dominance Of Corporates Unacceptable Under The Constitution

| by Rajindar Sachar

( August 10, 2014, New Delhi, Sri Lanka Guardian) Now that the high sounding praise by Corporate Sector of Modi Governments maiden budget is less noisy, it is time to look at it impartially. The insidious pro rich Bullet Train, Project is an open declaration of anti labour, anti rural bias in the context of about 60% of rural areas being only able to use bullock cart type of transport. 

The author is former Chief Justice of the Delhi High Court.

Dominance of Corporates Unacceptable Under the Constitution by Thavam Ratna

Iranian passenger plane crashes in residential area of Tehran shortly after take-off killing 48

The aircraft was an Iran-140, normally used for short domestic flights
• It crashed near Mehrabad, west of Tehran in Iran
• The plane went down in a residential area after its engine failed
• Iran has suffered a series of plane crashes blamed on its ageing aircraft 
• Iran Air fleet bought before the country's 1979 Islamic Revolution
• Nine people survived today's crash

PUBLISHED: 10:51 GMT, 10 August 2014 | UPDATED: 14:59 GMT, 10 August 2014

At least 39 people were killed on Sunday when an Iran-140 Sepahan Air passenger plane crashed after take-off from Tehran's Mehrabad airport on a flight to Tabas in northeast Iran, state media reported.

Initial reports said that all of the 48 passengers and crew had been killed, but state media later reported that some passengers had been injured and transferred to hospital.

Islamic Republic News Agency (IRNA) said that eight or nine had survived and quoted a doctor as saying that one of the injured had regained consciousness.

Full Story>>>

Deputy Speaker of Israeli Knesset Calls for Expulsion and Jewish Reoccupation of Gaza

Max Blumenthal tells Paul Jay that Moshe Feiglin's program is part of a growing incitement to genocide against Palestinians -   August 7, 2014

PAUL JAY, SENIOR EDITOR, TRNN: Welcome to The Real News Network. I'm Paul Jay.

In Israel's attacks on Gaza, it's now more than 1,900 people that are dead, more than 460 of which our children. And the debate within Israel perhaps gets even more chilling on just what the plans might be.

Deputy Speaker of Israeli Knesset Calls for Expulsion and Jewish Reoccupation of Gaza by Thavam Ratna

Israel won't continue peace talks while 'under fire'

Israel says it would not return to Egyptian-mediated ceasefire talks as long as Palestinian militants in Gaza keep up cross-border rocket and mortar fire.

SUNDAY 10 AUGUST 2014

The head of the Palestinian delegation in Cairo said earlier that it would pull out unless Israeli negotiators, who flew home from the Egyptian capital on Friday hours before a three-day ceasefire expired, came back to the talks.

Israeli air strikes and shelling killed three Palestinians in Gaza on Sunday, including a boy of 14 and a woman, medics said, in a third day of renewed fighting that has jeopardised international efforts to end a more than month-old conflict.

Since the last truce expired, Palestinian rocket and mortar salvoes have focused on Israeli kibbutzim, or collective farms, just across the fortified border in what appeared to be a strategy of sapping Israel's morale without triggering another ground invasion of the tiny Gaza Strip.

The violence has become less intense than at the war's outset, down from more than 100 rocket bursts a day including at major cities like Tel Aviv, which have not come under attack since Israel withdrew ground forces from Gaza on Tuesday.

'Israel will not negotiate under fire'

Hamas, Gaza's dominant Islamist movement, and Israel were remained far apart on terms for any enduring halt to hostilities, with their rejection of each other's political legitimacy compounding the obstacles.

"Israel will not negotiate under fire," Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said in public remarks at the weekly meeting of his cabinet in Tel Aviv.

"At no stage did we declare (Israel's military offensive) was over," he said.

"The operation will continue until its objective - the restoration of quiet over a protracted period - is achieved. I said at the beginning and throughout the operation - it will take time, and stamina is required."

On Saturday, the head of the Palestinian delegation, Azzam Ahmed said: "We will leave Cairo tomorrow if it is confirmed to us they (Israelis) will not return" unconditionally.

The Palestinian team represents Hamas as well as the party of US-backed President Mahmoud Abbas.

'Very slim' chance of ceasefire

Before Netanyahu's remarks, Hamas spokesman Sami Abu Zuhri said he saw "very slim" chances of success in renewing last week's ceasefire.

Egypt is meeting separately with each party, given that Hamas rejects Israel's right to exist and Israel regards the group as a terrorist organisation.

Before the truce ran out on Friday, Israel said it was ready to agree to an extension.

Hamas did not agree, and it demands an end to a blockade of Gaza that both Israel and Egypt, which regards the Islamist group as a security threat, have imposed.

Israel has resisted easing access to Gaza, suspecting Hamas could restock with weapons from abroad.

A sticking point has been Israel's demand for guarantees that Hamas would not use any reconstruction supplies sent to Gaza to construct more tunnels of the sort that Palestinian fighters have used to infiltrate the Jewish state.

Palestinian hospital officials said 1,893 people, most of them civilians, have been killed since the July 8 launch of Israel's offensive to quell rocket fire out of the densely populated coastal territory.

Israel has lost 64 soldiers and three civilians to the war, whose toll on non-combatants in impoverished Gaza has drawn international alarm and condemnation.

Renewed fighting

Israeli tanks and infantry left the enclave on Tuesday after the army said it had completed its main mission of destroying more than 30 tunnels dug by guerrillas for cross-border attacks.

In renewed fighting since the end of a three-day truce on Friday, Israel has killed 14 Palestinians in air strikes.

Militants have fired more than 100 projectiles, mostly short-range rockets and mortar bombs, at Israel.

Though Israel's Iron Dome rocket interceptor does not work at such short ranges, there have been few casualties, largely because as many as 80 per cent of the border farming communities' 5,000 residents fled before last week's ceasefire.