Government collects information on UNP/JVP supporting state sector employees in run up to polls 

Tuesday, 16 September 2014 

The Ministry of Irrigation and Water Resource Management in a letter has requested information of United National Party and Janatha Vimukthi Peramuna supporters, who are employees of state sector organisations.

The letter dated Septermber 11, signed by Minister Nimal Siripala de Silva’s Coordinating Secretary G. Illeperuma, also states that the information provision should be treated as “an urgent matter.”

Now Free Petrol; UPFA Candidates Continue To Bribe Uva Voters

September 17, 2014

With the deadline on election campaigning for the Uva provincial polls coming up tomorrow, the UPFA candidates have escalated their voter bribery schemes.

Mahinda and Sashindra

The most recent attempt has been the distribution of coupons to three-wheeler drivers in the Uva province to obtain petrol and engine oil free of charge as part of a scheme to transport crowds to a nearby UPFA rally.  Election Monitoring body- Campaign for Free and Fair Elections (CaFFE) Executive Director Ranjith Keerthi Tennakoon has told media the coupons have been distributed to obtain one liter of petrol and 500 ml of engine oil free of charge at a filling station in Puwakgodamulla along the Mahiyangana road as a UPFA rally is to be held near the station.

Other ridiculous attempts at voter bribery include distribution of saucepans and chairs as well as white cloth used to sew attire worn during the observation of sil.

Meanwhile, as of Monday CaFFE has stated they have received a total of 378 complaints to which includes 267 from Moneragala and 93 from Badulla. However the figures released by the Police Spokesman’s office were comparatively lower as they claim that only a mere 56 complaints concerning election law violations and election-related violence has been reported to the Police.  The Police Spokesman has stated that they have made 40 arrests so far with concerning to the complaints received on election law violations.

CaFFE noted that the JVP is the the most affected by the violence in the Uva province.

Open Letter To The Uva Voter; Uva Elections To Prove If ‘UNP’ Brand Is Damaged Beyond Repairs Or Not

By Vishwamithra1984 -

“Only those who will risk going too far can possibly find out how far one can go.” ~T. S. Eliot

In a column, dated July 26, 2011, published in a worldwide website this writer wrote thus:

“A people battered for more than a quarter century by unspeakable sufferings, left in the lurch by their own Colombo elites and derided by the Southern brethren of Mahawansa mindset, held fast; this time they decided to be the deceivers and dealt the King and the Prince a devastating blow. The sale that the Rajapaksas tried to consummate did not materialize, not because of buyer’s remorse, but because the buyer in fact turned out to be the seller, a seller of a different kind of merchandise to the international community.

They showed the value of the age old cliché-“buyer beware”, and the Northern voter was different. The feelings and utter scorn pent up for three decades were given vent to and out of 23 local bodies 20 in the North turned towards the leading Tamil party as their overwhelming choice. Only 3 were secured by the UPFA, ironically all three local bodies are not part of mainland Jaffna-islands of Kaytes, Delft and Velanai (in Kaytes)- adding fuel to the rumor that the votes were manipulated while in transit via helicopters. So much for free and fair elections!

In Vavuniya UPFA lost 35% -55%, in Mannar 39% – 59%, in Kilinochchi where Prince Namal was resident for weeks, UPFA lost 30% – 68% while in Jaffna the government lost 26% – 71% and in Mulativu they were clobbered 17% – 82% (statistics taken from Ada Derana).

Read More

Fuel prices cannot be reduced haphazardly

WEDNESDAY, 17 SEPTEMBER 2014

The Minister of Petroleum Industries Anura Priyadharshana Yapa at a government media briefing on the 15th said the fuel prices could not be reduced in Sri Lanka despite the prices in the world market went down. However, even before 24 hours passed since the Minister of Petroleum Industries made this statement the President suddenly reduced the prices of fuel and electricity.

According to President’s statement electricity bill would be reduced by 25%, the price of diesel by Rs. 3 a liter, kerosene oil by Rs.20 a liter and the price of petrol would be reduced by Rs.5.

The President made this sudden announcement when the result for the government at Uva PC election is expected to be a precarious one.

However, speaking regarding the existing reality at the government media briefing the Minister of Petroleum Industries had said, “Fuel market is an unstable market. Despite the prices in the world market going down, the prices in the local market cannot be reduced. If we are to introduce a formula for fuel prices we would have to withdraw from the fuel subsidy system. If a formula for fuel prices is introduced while the subsidy scheme is present the prices of fuel would go up by 100%.”

This indicates that even cabinet ministers are not aware of the trump cards the President attempts to play to wriggle out of the perilous situation the government is stuck in the Uva PC election.

If the prices could be reduced why did the government wait until the final stages of the election campaign asked an economist adding how many millions people would have spent for the overpricing of fuel and electricity. He said the funds thus collected by the government should be calculated and people should question the government regarding what happened to the amassed funds.

NO VOTE FOR 50,000 TAMILS 

BY NIRANJALA ARIYAWANSHA
September 17, 2014

Over 50,000 Tamil youth from the Uva Province, employed in other parts of the country, have not been granted leave, to return to their hometowns or villages, to cast their vote at the 20 September provincial elections, 'Saumaya Sarana Sansadaya' (SSS) a Human Rights Organization alleged.
 
The SSS said most of these youth were employed in the Kandy, Jaffna, Colombo and Nuwara Eliya Districts. H.P. Anthonymuttu, President of the SSS, speaking to Ceylon Today, said nearly 50,000 registered voters work in shops and hotels in districts outside the province.
 
Anthonymuttu added, he would talk to the Commissioner of Elections Mahinda Deshapriya today (17) over this issue.
"Workers in the public service are entitled to cast their vote by post. But, private sector workers are not given that right. I expect to request the Commissioner of Elections to provide that facility to private sector workers too," Anthonymuttu said.
He pointed out that according to law, voters who have to travel long distances should be given half day or full day leave. But voters who work in Colombo or Jaffna will have to travel more than 10 hours to reach Badulla or Moneragala. Therefore, such voters deserve more than one day," he said.
 
Anthonymuttu said, he would also bring the matter to the notice of Sri Lanka Human Rights Commission too, today (17).
When inquired, Deputy Commissioner of Elections, M.M. Mohamed said,who refuse to grant leave for their workers to cast their votes could be fined Rs 500, sentenced to a one month in jail or both.
 
"According to Sections, 1, 2 and 3 of Provincial Council Election Act of 1988, No. 2, all employers should grant leave, if the employees make written requests to go to relevant areas to cast their votes. But the employer has the right to decide the duration of leave, whether four hours or more than that," he said.
Deputy Election Commissioner, Mohamed, requested the workers to complain to the police, if any employer refuses to grant leave for the purpose of casting votes.
 
Rohana Hettiarachchi, Executive Director of Peoples Action For Free and Fair Elections (PAFFREL) told Ceylon Today that he too received complaints that some employees had not been given leave to cast their votes at Uva PC polls.

Follow UK’s Example – Hold That Referendum On Independence In The NorthEast

By Usha S Sri-Skanda-Rajah -September 17, 2014 

Usha S Sri-Skanda-Rajah

Follow UK’s example – Hold That Referendum on Independence in the NorthEast – Like the Scots, Let the People Decide Either Way

Part  1

The world’s oldest democracy has proven it’s also the world’s  foremost  and robust democracy – that Scotland will decide its fate, whether it becomes an “independent country” in a referendum on 18th, September 2014 is in itself a triumph for democracy, whatever the outcome – that the United Kingdom (UK) government (and the Westminster Parliament),  despite campaigning hard for a “NO” vote, did not place obstacles but bowed to the Scottish people’s aspirations articulated in the 2011 General Election win for theScottish National Party (SNP), and cooperated to holding a referendum, to leave it to the people’s will, speaks volumes for the triumph of democracy; indeed speaks volumes for a triumph for self-determination;  for decency, for peace. Why can’t Sri Lanka follow UK’s example and hold that referendum on independence in the NorthEast and Let the People Decide.. either way.

Triumph of Democracy – Despite Scots being Numerically Far Smaller

The sequence of events, leading to what could be a momentous occasion for Scotland and the advent of an independent Scotland or that might otherwise result in a victory for preserving the United Kingdom, illustrate that democracy is not merely a word but is practiced faithfully in some civilised nations, like this country [1],  notwithstanding the fact the Scots are numerically far smaller within a unitary state, holding only 59 seats[2] of the 650 seats in the Westminster parliament.

To the Acts of Union of 1707[3] which cemented the union of the Kingdom of Scotland and the Kingdom of England creating the United Kingdom of Great Britain, to the Scotland Act of 1998 when the Scottish people’s clear preference for devolution and the establishment of a Scottish Parliament, “with powers to legislate on unreserved matters” [4] expressed through a referendum was granted under Tony Blaire’s Labour government, to SNP’s landslide victory in the 2011 General Election[5] that gave it the mandate to legislate to conduct a referendum on Scottish independence , to the “historic” Edinburgh Agreement[6] signed by Alex Salmond, Scotland’s First Minister and Prime Minister David Cameron in Nov 2012, “confirming the Scottish Parliament’s power to hold a vote that will be respected by both governments,” to the passage of the Scottish Independence Referendum Bill[7] setting out the arrangements for the referendum that received royal accent in Dec, 2013, all of which together, collectively represent, among other, a firm adherence to democratic values and parliamentary processes, signifying the triumph of democracy.

Triumph for Self-determination – either way                         Read More 

Privatizing Public Goods: From ‘Polisi-Cepeks’ To ‘Wellawa-Boys’

 
By Udan Fernando -September 17, 2014 

A few weeks back, I was in Bogor, a city in Indoensia, which is called ‘The Rainy City’ due to its high rainfall throughout the year. Each time I travel to Indonesia, I see something new, which is actually a few countries clubbed together, given the vastness of the geography and the rich and unique diversity of each region. 

Indonesian cities are densely populated. City streets are overflowing with never-ending processions of cars, busses, motor cycles and scooters. Main cities have toll-based express ways. But still, traffic is a major problem. The traffic gets spread from city centers to the networks of by-roads as well. What attracts me always is the common sight of informally-clad people, often young men, standing in the middle of a cross-section of roads and controlling traffic. One can see a great deal of enthusiasm and energy among these young men who control traffic. The rhythmic movements of their hands remind me of Kandyan dancing. The whistle is blown quite often, at times for no reason. The commuters on vehicles obey these ‘informal traffic sergeants’. The interesting feature is that these men keep a hat with them and quickly direct it to the drivers of the vehicles to get some money, if not a Gudambarang cigarette!

Read More 

UN brokers agreement to rebuild in Gaza Strip

Palestinian leaders have estimated the cost of reconstruction in Gaza at $7bn (£4.3bn)

17 September 2014

A deal has been agreed by Israeli and Palestinian officials to allow building materials into the Gaza Strip for reconstruction, a top UN official says.

Robert Serry, special co-ordinator for the Middle East peace process, said the Palestinian Authority would play a lead role in the reconstruction effort.

UN Brokers Agreement to Rebuild in Gaza Strip by Thavam

Gaza Children Mourn Classmates After War

Days of Palestine-Sep-17-2014

More than half a million Gaza students began a new school year.

Photos: DaysofPalestine.com

(GAZA STRIP) - When they returned to their classes after the savage Israeli war, Gaza children mourned the loss of classmates. These pictures were taken on the first school day.

“I am happy to go to school and meet friends,” 9-year old Salmah Ali said.

“But when I attended my class and felt very sad and my tears fell from my eyes when I recognised that my best friend Salwa and her family were killed during the war.”

In a tweet, UNRWA Spokesman Chris Gunness described the situation in Gaza:

“Everyone in Gaza has a story of death and dispossession, yet the Palestinian spirit seems to rise ever higher – humbling lesson in humanity.”
Israel declares some 380 hectares in West Bank as state land. Published: 10 Sep 2014

Source: DaysofPalestine.com

US air strike targets Islamic State in Iraq

TUESDAY 16 SEPTEMBER 2014

The US carries out its first air strike against Islamic State (IS) militants under a new strategy to defeat the group in Iraq.

US Air Strike Targets Islamic State in Iraq by Thavam

Ukraine ratifies association with E.U., grants concessions to rebels

Ukrainian President Petro Poroshenko shows the Ukraine-E.U. association agreement to lawmakers after its signing in Kiev on Tuesday. (Mykola Lazarenko/AP)

By Michael Birnbaum September 16 at 6:18 PM

KIEV, Ukraine — Ukraine on Tuesday ratified a landmark deal to move closer to the European Union, while also making painful concessions to Russia in a sign that the nation is far from escaping its neighbor’s powerful orbit.
Ukraine Ratifies Association With E.U., Grants Concessions to Rebels by Thavam

Border rows, railways likely topics of China-India talks

Police personnel stand guard in front of a boarding with images of (L-R) Prime Minister Narendra Modi, China's President Xi Jinping and Anandiben Patel, Chief Minister of Gujarat, ahead of Xi's arrival in Ahmedabad September 16, 2014.

NEW DELHI Wed Sep 17, 2014

(Reuters) - Chinese President Xi Jinping arrived in India on Wednesday as the two Asian giants take steps to boost commercial ties. China has pledged to invest billions of dollars in Indian railways, industrial parks and roads, but ties between the nuclear-armed nations have long been held back by distrust, mostly over their contested border.

Here are some facts about India-China relations and issues likely to come up for discussion:

BORDER DISPUTE

China beat India in a brief border war in 1962 and relations have remained sour over their still-disputed 3,500-km (2,200-mile) frontier.

India has reported a rise in incursions by Chinese troops in recent years, charges China denies. Modi is expected to take a tougher stance with neighbouring countries, including China.

In the first such signal, Modi's government eased restrictions on building roads and military facilities along the border to boost defence preparedness and close the gap on China's superior transport network.

VISAS

China often refuses to stamp visas on Indian passports from disputed territories and instead staples them to the page, a practice that infuriates India.

China has refused to issue visas to Indians from Arunachal Pradesh state, where the two countries fought the 1962 war, saying they do not need permission to travel to China. China claims the whole of Arunachal Pradesh, which it calls "South Tibet".

In 2012, India started stamping its own map on visas it issues to holders of new Chinese passports that contain a map depicting disputed territory within China's borders.

The visa issue is likely to be on the agenda during Xi's visit.

TRADE TIES

China is India's largest trading partner, with two-way trade at about $66 billion last year. However, $51 billion of that came from Chinese exports.

India hopes new investments from China will partly help offset its trade deficit. China plans to invest about $7 billion in two industrial parks in western India, media reported this month.

India will also ask its neighbour to set up manufacturing units for exports as it seeks to revive its economy,

RAILWAYS

India has the world's fourth-longest rail network but has added only 11,000 km of track since independence in 1947. China, in comparison, added 14,000 km of track in the five years to 2011.

China is expected to pledge billions of dollars of investment in India's rail network that can help reform the now-decrepit British-built system.

NUCLEAR TIES

In 2013, Chinese Premier Li Keqiang said the two countries would cooperate in civil nuclear energy. Leaders of the two energy-starved countries may discuss the possibility of a civil nuclear cooperation agreement, Indian officials said.

China has committed $6.5 billion to finance the construction of a major nuclear power project in Karachi, the financial hub of neighbouring Pakistan, India's traditional foe. But Beijing might make a push to supply India with its new-generation reactors, The Hindu newspaper said.

(Compiled by Aditya Kalra; Editing by Nick Macfie)

One day to go until #indyref: latest polls too close to call

WEDNESDAY 17 SEPTEMBER 2014

New polls suggest that the Scottish referendum battle remains too close to call as both sides gear up for a frantic last day of campaigning.

The latest research by Opinium, ICM and Survation all gave no the same slender lead of 52 per cent to 48 per cent. But the four-point advantage is close to the margin of error for such surveys - raising the prospect of a nail-biting final push in which every ballot could make the difference.

Yes Scotland chief executive Blair Jenkins said the results showed the gap had been narrowing, by six points over the past month in the case of the ICM poll conducted for The Scotsman.

"These polls - like all the recent polls - show that we are in touching distance of success on Thursday. The referendum is on a knife edge, and this will spur on everybody who wants and is working hard for a yes to redouble their efforts," he said.

'Down to the wire'

Better Together campaign director Blair McDougall said: "This vote will go right down to the wire. There is no room for a protest vote. If we vote to leave the UK there would be no going back, no matter what it costs us in terms of bigger cuts, higher prices and fewer jobs."

The online survey by Survation for the Scottish Daily Mail showed a one point drop for the No campaign since last Thursday - with yes up one point.

The online research carried out by Opinium for the Daily Telegraph found 38 per cent thought resentment of Westminster would be the cause if yes did win.

The headline figures in the polls exclude undecideds. The fieldwork was carried over the past few days, and the sample sizes were all around 1,000.

With just hours of referendum campaigning left, First Minister Alex Salmond made a direct appeal to voters to use that power to back independence, urging them "let's do this".

He asked Scots to step back from the political arguments and statistics that have defined the two-year campaign and trust in themselves as they step into the polling booth.

Mr Salmond said: "The talking is nearly done. The campaigns will have had their say. What's left is just us - the people who live and work here. The only people with a vote. The people who matter.

"The people who for a few precious hours during polling day hold sovereignty, power, authority in their hands. It's the greatest most empowering moment any of us will ever have. Scotland's future - our country in our hands."

Alistair Darling, who as leader of Better Together has been spearheading the campaign to keep the UK together, said it would be a "tragedy" if Scotland votes for independence.

Speaking on BBC Radio 4's Today programme, he said no vote would offer "faster, more secure, better change within the United Kingdom than the years of wrangling that would follow if we were to vote to leave the UK tomorrow", he added.

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