Peace for the World
First democratic leader of Justice the Godfather of the Sri Lankan Tamil Struggle: Honourable Samuel James Veluppillai Chelvanayakam
A Brief Colonial History Of Ceylon(SriLanka)
Wednesday, October 1, 2014
Sobhitha Thera! Common Candidate
By Udeni Saman Kumara-October 1, 2014
The Democratic United National Front (DUNF) has stated that Ven. Maduluwawe Sobhitha Thera should be the common opposition candidate at the coming presidential election as Sri Lankans have no faith in United National Party (UNP) Leader, Ranil Wickremesinghe.
Meanwhile, representatives of political parties had unanimously agreed that a private member's motion should be presented to Parliament seeking the abolition of the Executive Presidency. This meeting was held under the leadership of Ven. Maduluwawe Sobhitha Thera, Head of the National Movement for Social Justice (NMSJ) and the Naga Viharaya.
Party leaders who attended the meeting said although former President Chandrika Bandaranaike and incumbent President...
Mahinda Rajapaksa broke their promise of abolishing the executive presidency, they believe that Ven. Maduluwave Sobhitha Thera would keep his word.
If a private member's motion is presented to Parliament. seeking the abolition of the Executive Presidency, everyone who is against the post can vote against it. A number of representatives. including Shalila Munasinghe and Attorney-at-law Shamila Perera. for the New Democratic Front (NDF), Kamal Nissanka for the Liberal Party (LP) and Democratic People's Front Leader Dr. Nalliah Gurubaran attended the meeting.
By Udeni Saman Kumara-October 1, 2014 
The Democratic United National Front (DUNF) has stated that Ven. Maduluwawe Sobhitha Thera should be the common opposition candidate at the coming presidential election as Sri Lankans have no faith in United National Party (UNP) Leader, Ranil Wickremesinghe.
Meanwhile, representatives of political parties had unanimously agreed that a private member's motion should be presented to Parliament seeking the abolition of the Executive Presidency. This meeting was held under the leadership of Ven. Maduluwawe Sobhitha Thera, Head of the National Movement for Social Justice (NMSJ) and the Naga Viharaya.
Party leaders who attended the meeting said although former President Chandrika Bandaranaike and incumbent President...
Mahinda Rajapaksa broke their promise of abolishing the executive presidency, they believe that Ven. Maduluwave Sobhitha Thera would keep his word.
If a private member's motion is presented to Parliament. seeking the abolition of the Executive Presidency, everyone who is against the post can vote against it. A number of representatives. including Shalila Munasinghe and Attorney-at-law Shamila Perera. for the New Democratic Front (NDF), Kamal Nissanka for the Liberal Party (LP) and Democratic People's Front Leader Dr. Nalliah Gurubaran attended the meeting.
Is Israel Our Friend?
Hameed Abdul Karim
In the recent past there seems to be a rush by sections of the media and top government officials to embrace Israel as a bosom pal.
An article in the once prestigious Daily Mirror claimed the Sinhalese were related to the Jews through the ten headed King Ravana who lived 5000 years ago. It was not the absurdity of the logic of the writer that was in debate, but the fact that the said paper decided to publish the said article that raised eyebrows. Somewhere in the corridors of power in Tel Aviv there will be top officials laughing their heads off at the thought of being related to ‘monkeys’ as the Sinhalese were described by Mossad officials according to Victor Ostrovosky in his book ‘By Way of Deception’.
Dr. Dayan Jayatilleke, the controversial political analyst and Sri Lanka’s former permanent representative at the UN had said that in the good old days the ruling class Sinhala Buddhists went to Bodh Gaya for blessings. Today they go to Tel Aviv. He also disclosed that Israel had complained about him to the government in a five page document over Sri Lanka’s stand for Palestinian rights at the UN. At a lecture in Colombo he said he had given copies of this document to friends in case ‘something was to happen to him’.
There was talk that despite Sri Lanka serenading Israel, a top official in the defence ministry was shabbily treated by Israeli officials at the Ben Gurion airport when he claimed VIP status.
Apart from this Israel was one of the co-sponsors of the US instigated resolution against Sri Lanka at Geneva.
In a recent statement the Shoora Council of Sri Lanka said Israel had voted against Minister Nimal Siripala at the elections at World Health Organisation (WHO) on the grounds Sri Lanka had committed ‘war crimes’. Coming from Israel this must be considered quite rich! Read More
UK Ministers and MPs rally behind Tamil calls for justice
 01 October 2014The Chairman of the Conservative party, British government ministers, Members of Parliament and other lawmakers voiced their support for the Tamil community in the United Kingdom and backed calls for justice for the Tamil people at the Conservative Party Conference in Birmingham this week.
Over 150 guests attended the event, including Theresa Villiers Secretary of State for Northern Ireland, Chris Grayling Secretary of State for Justice, Foreign and Commonwealth Office Minister of State Hugo Swire and Conservative Party Chairman Grant Shapps. Speaking at the event, Villiers said the “Tamil community has many friends in parliament” and the “concerns of British Tamils are heard loud and clear.” The British government “will continue to press for justice for those thousands of Tamils who suffered, particularly in the final few months of the conflict,” said the minister.
Hugo Swire told the audience that “there needs to be answers given to very serious questions” regarding human rights in Sri Lanka, noting that press freedom in particular continues to deteriorate. The minister went on to add that in Geneva, where the UN Human Rights Council meets, he was “pushing for Navi Pillay's mandate” and despite the Sri Lankan government setting up their own commission to investigate reports of mass atrocities, “it in no way replaces the UN investigation.”
“I am looking forward to the day that you have your own nation and you are treated equally in the manner that you deserve,” continued the MP. The guests also thanked the British Tamil community, with Conservative party Chairman Grant Shapps saying. “We and I all hugely appreciate the support of the Tamil community.” “Conservative MPs have stood four-square behind you,” he added to a round of applause from the room. Mr Shapps went on to say that David Cameron “did us all proud” by visiting Jaffna, withSecretary of State for Justice Chris Grayling adding that the British Prime Minister “sent a powerful message in that trip.” “The message it sent to the Government of Sri Lanka - that a foreign leader was willing to go there (Jaffna), to listen and understand was important,” said Mr Grayling.
Lee Scott, chairman of the All Party Parliamentary Group for Tamils, pledged his support adding that he has been “campaigning for justice for innocent Tamil civilians who have been murdered during and after the conflict.” “If this continues there will only be one option,” said Mr Scott. “We have to talk about what we can do to make those those that committed crimes be brought to justice and I will be calling for sanctions amongst other measures.” “I will continue until that justice is found... So that their lives have not been lost in vain.” he added.
The British government-led End Sexual Violence in Conflict initiative was also referred to by another Member of Parliament Jackie Doyle Price. “Rape is a weapon of war and rape was very much used as a weapon against the Tamils,” she said, adding the issue would continue to be raised. Roger Evans a member of the Greater London Authority likened the massacres in Sri Lanka to the genocide in Bosnia, saying “What happened in Srebenica is very similar to what happened in Sri Lanka.” “I hope that one day the people responsible for the atrocities in Sri Lanka are brought to a criminal court,” he concluded. Members of Parliament who had not previously voiced the support for the Tamil community in the UK also came to the event to pledge their support, including Member of European Parliamen Charles Tannock. “I admit I didn't pay enough attention to horrendous atrocities perpetrated against the Tamils at the end of the war,” said the MEP, adding that he “went through learning curve and adjusted my position.” “There is a dark period that does need closure,” he concluded. His comments were echoed by fellow MEP Syed Kamall who added, “We want justice and when there is injustice it should be addressed.” “I can never ever compromise in my belief that justice must be met legitimately and fairly,” added Nick De Bois, another Member of Parliament who addressed the event. Andrew Rosindell MP also backed the call for justice, saying “We understand the trauma that has taken place in recent years.” “We have to send a signal to the Sri Lankan government” said Member of Parliament Bob Blackman, who added “If you have nothing to hide why not cooperate with the international inquiry?” The Conservative Party Conference is set to conclude later today, following a speech from the British Prime Minister David Cameron.
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Wirathu Thanks Rajapaksa For Intervening His Visa
September 29, 2014
Leader of the Burmese anti-Muslim movement 969, Ashin Wirathu while thanking President Rajapaksa for granting him visa to enter Sri Lanka, pledged to collaborate with the extremist group Bodu Bala Sena (BBS) to fight the growing threat of Islamic exremism.
Wirathu
The controversial Burmese monk made these remarks on Sunday during his speech at the BBS summit titled ‘The Convention to awaken the nation’. True to the controversies surrounding him, Wirathu made seveal inciteful remarks in reference to threats that are being levelled against Buddhism and its followers.
“Buddhists are increasingly becoming a minority all over the world. If prompt action is not taken to protect Buddhists and grapple the growing influence of other forces such as Islamic extremism working against Buddhism, it would soon be the end of Buddhists and Buddhism,”he stated.
He thanked President Rajapaksa for intervening to approve his visa without heeding the calls of certain Muslim organisations to cancel his entry to Sri Lanka.
While stating that Buddhists world-over are facing grave threats due to their innocence being mistaken for naivete, Wirathu had stated that an organised campaign is being carried out by international media, world leaders and Jihadists to forcefully convert Buddhists, destroy Buddhist temples and taint the good name of Buddhist monks.
“The Jihadists and other Islamic extremist movements are exploiting the global economy, technology and military power to attack Buddhism and its followers,” he had stated while adding that as a result, the extremist killers are being portrayed as rightful individuals while innocent Buddhists are being portrayed as murderers.
Meanwhile, BBS Leader Kimarama Wimalajothi who claimed to resign from his position as the organisation’s leader following the tragedy that occurred in Aluthgama few months ago participated in the summit and commended Wirathu for his presence while criticising those who have described the BBS and the 969 movement as ‘terrorist organisations’.
“According to foreign media BBS is a terrorist organisation. What is a terrorist? If the BBS is a terrorist organisation, then I am a terrorist leader. This monk from Burma has been described as the Burmese Buddhist terrorist leader despite his innocence. ..” he said.
Wimalajothi had gone on to warn the gathering against the growing influence of Islamic extremism in Sri Lanka, claiming he was informed of these movements by Muslims themselves who are concerned about their young children who are being influenced and recruited into these organisations.
“Despite the accusations levelled against us, if the BBS did not raise concerns, you nor I would be able to freely express our views in this manner. This is a Buddhist country. . . I hope the government and relevant authorities would take these matters we have raised very seriously,” he added.
Although BBS General Secretary Galagoda Atte Gnanasara during his announcement of the event on Sunday, stated that a leader to represent the interests of the BBS would be announced on the same day, no such segment took place.
Gnanasara however, assured 5 million votes to a candidate who would represent Sinhala Buddhists at the upcoming Presidential elections. He had said they are seeking a leader who is willing to fight the forces aiming to destroy Buddhism and someone who would think of Sri Lanka as a Sinhala-Buddhist nation.
Burma’s Wirathu and Sri Lankan Nationalist Monks Sign Agreement
By
COLOMBO, Sri Lanka — A Burmese Buddhist monk and a Sri Lankan ultranationalist both known for campaigning against Muslims formally signed on Tuesday an agreement to work together to protect Buddhism, which they say is challenged worldwide.
U Wirathu leads the fundamentalist 969 movement that has been accused of instigating deadly violence against minority Muslims in Burma. He was a special invitee Sunday at a rally of Bodu Bala Sena, or Buddhist Power Force, which also has been accused of instigating violence and claims minority Muslims are trying to take over Sri Lanka by having more children, marrying Buddhist women and taking over businesses.
The groups said their agreement involves networking and building the capacity to stabilize Buddhism. They promised to release the contents of the agreement soon.
“I expect a lot of problems because I have decided to work with Bodu Bala Sena for the upliftment of Buddhism. But we are ready to face anything,” he told reporters.
“The problems will not be from within but from outside,” U Wirathu said without elaborating.
He however insisted that the partnership was not to harm any religious group.
Joining 969 could boost an already soaring support base for Bodu Bala Sena, which, in turn, could exacerbate mistrust and tensions between Sri Lanka’s majority Sinhalese-Buddhists and its Muslims, who are 10 percent of the country’s 20 million people.
Politically, President Mahinda Rajapaksa’s credibility among Muslims stands to erode further after his government allowed U Wirathu to visit Sri Lanka despite opposition from Muslim groups, including his own allies.
U Wirathu’s 969 started on the fringes of society but now boasts supporters nationwide in Burma.
Hundreds of people died in 2012 sectarian violence in Burma, with about 140,000, mostly Muslims, forced from their homes. Buddhist monks were accused of instigating and sometimes actively participating in the violence.
Bodu Bala Sena is also accused of instigating violence against Muslims in June killing two and wounding dozens. Many shops and homes were also destroyed by fire.
TNL Pibidima 30-09-2014 3 featuring wirathu thero
Oh, Sugar Sugar
This column, as the readers must have observed, is often inspired by my encounters with food and my travels. I have been rather sedentary in the last few weeks, and hence, it was the food on its own that gave me food for thought for this column. Food, in a different way, though.
Last week I happened to be on the beach as early as five in the morning. It was still dark. Only a few dim lights were burning but from a distance. Amidst this dark backdrop I saw a hefty creature moving at a rather fast pace. Out of curiosity I jogged towards the hefty creature and found that it was a Buddhist monk. He was wearing a trendy pair of trainers with a matching pair of sports socks, I noted, below the hem of his saffron coloured robe, which was swaying rhythmically to his brisk walk. It was a bizarre sight to see a monk in trainers, socks and robe. But then, I told myself, – we live in modern times.
With the best of respectful language used to address a monk, I asked what brings him to the beach. “Seeni, mahaththayo, Seeni” (sugar, sir, sugar) said the monk, panting. The monk made a compelling case as to why he’s doing this brisk walk well before the dawn. As an acute diabetic patient he needs some regular physical exercise in addition to medication. It was apparently not possible to do exercises in the temple as the ‘dayakas‘ would not be too pleased to see their chief priest doing push-ups and stretches on the bo-maluwa. So my newly acquainted monk does it in the dark, on the beach, a couple of kilometers away from his temple. He comes with a few child-monks as this is also a time for them to freely play around, without been seen by the dayakas. What he said was true. We met the small monks when we walked back. They were chasing the small crabs that emerge on the shore when the waves wash back to the sea.Read More
We’d surround the Commission – VAC
WEDNESDAY, 01 OCTOBER 2014
“We have brought enough complaints to the Commission to Investigate Allegations of Bribery or Corruption. If these complaints are not investigated we would call masses in this country that are against bribe taking and corruption and would carry out a massive agitation,” says the convener of ‘Voice against Corruption’ Wasantha Samarasinghe.
He said this handing over two more complaints to the Commission to Investigate Allegations of Bribery or Corruption today (1st).
Speaking further Mr. Samarasinghe said, “Rs.770 million was given under Japanese government aid to buy dialysis machines to be used for people with renal failure in Polonnaruwa and Anuradhapura. However, Rs.300 million has been spent out of this money to buy 53 substandard and unusable dialysis machines and 6 scanning machines. There is a massive fraud of Rs.470 million behind this transaction. We have come to the Bribery Commission to complain regarding this fraud.
A Deputy Director General of Health in the Ministry of Health is behind this massive robbery. The transaction has been carried out under him. He is a member of the director board of the company which the machines have been bought from. The name of the company is Premier Healthcare Pvt Ltd. and its address is 20/24, Fairfield Gardens, Colombo 8. The building where the company is belongs to former Minister of Health. The racket has been carried out jointly by health ministers and officials.
We also forwarded a complaint with evidence regarding illicit transactions worth more than Rs.500 million committed by the Director of Health Services of Central Province. The complaint is handed over with names and addresses against this Director of Health Services, Minister’s staff, Minister’s relatives and officials. We demand that investigations regarding these complaints should be carried out immediately and legal action taken against the perpetrators.
India’s Jayalalitha is in prison today due to plunder of public money. We ask the authorities to take the action of Indian authorities as an example. We have brought enough complaints to the Commission to Investigate Allegations of Bribery or Corruption. However, there hasn’t been any inquiry regarding them. We would bring more complaints to the Bribery Commission. These institutions are maintained with public money. If these complaints are not investigated we would call masses in this country that are against bribe taking and corruption and would carry out a massive agitation. If we do not get a good response we would get the masses to surround the commission,” said Mr. Samarasinghe.
The JVP Member of the Western PC Attorney-at-Law Sunil Watagala was also present.
Attacks on opposition political parties increase in the run up to presidential nominations - CaFFE
By RathindraKuruwita-October 1, 2014
The government has already begun attacking popular opposition politicians as a strategy to cow the opposition into submission before the 2015 presidential election, Campaign for Free and Fair Elections (CaFFE) said.
CaFFE Executive Director Keerthi Tennakoon said that in the last four day two attacks have been carried out against two popular United National Party (UNP) politicians. "One is the attack on vehicles at an event at Giriulla, Pannala with the participation of United National Party's Uva provincial council candidate (and the present opposition leader) Harin Fernando in the weekend. This was followed by the attack on UNP MP Hon. Palitha Range Bandara's hotel in Karuwalagaswewa on Monday," he said.
Tennakoon added that Bandara's hotel is situated in close proximity to Karuwalagaswewapolice stations and CivilDefence Force HQ Karuwalagaswewa. However as in Uva the policemen were conspicuous in their absence, Tennakoon said.
Karuwalagaswewa and Anamaduwa are two electorates famous for election violence and the UNP MP has been complained of continuous harassment in recent years. The UNP MP even wrote to former UN High Commissioner for Human Rights Navaneetham Pillai on July 23, 2014 complaining that he has been 'seriously harassed by the government and its supporters over a long period of time," CaFFE Executive Director said.
"Before the attack on the hotel, the UNP MP was involved in a heated argument with KaruwalagaswewaPradeshiya Sabha Chairman Neil Weerasingha on Sunday after Weerasingha's supporters allegedly destroyed two cut-outs congratulating MP SajithPremadasa. When the attempts by two parties to discussed the incident turned into a heated argument, the police arrested Bandara and two of his supporters although it was Weerasingha who has commenced the conflict. CaFFE does not believe that neither incident were random. These attacks are targeted at opposition politicians who may pose a serious threat to the government in the national elections that will be held next year," he said.
By RathindraKuruwita-October 1, 2014
The government has already begun attacking popular opposition politicians as a strategy to cow the opposition into submission before the 2015 presidential election, Campaign for Free and Fair Elections (CaFFE) said.
CaFFE Executive Director Keerthi Tennakoon said that in the last four day two attacks have been carried out against two popular United National Party (UNP) politicians. "One is the attack on vehicles at an event at Giriulla, Pannala with the participation of United National Party's Uva provincial council candidate (and the present opposition leader) Harin Fernando in the weekend. This was followed by the attack on UNP MP Hon. Palitha Range Bandara's hotel in Karuwalagaswewa on Monday," he said.
Tennakoon added that Bandara's hotel is situated in close proximity to Karuwalagaswewapolice stations and CivilDefence Force HQ Karuwalagaswewa. However as in Uva the policemen were conspicuous in their absence, Tennakoon said.
Karuwalagaswewa and Anamaduwa are two electorates famous for election violence and the UNP MP has been complained of continuous harassment in recent years. The UNP MP even wrote to former UN High Commissioner for Human Rights Navaneetham Pillai on July 23, 2014 complaining that he has been 'seriously harassed by the government and its supporters over a long period of time," CaFFE Executive Director said.
"Before the attack on the hotel, the UNP MP was involved in a heated argument with KaruwalagaswewaPradeshiya Sabha Chairman Neil Weerasingha on Sunday after Weerasingha's supporters allegedly destroyed two cut-outs congratulating MP SajithPremadasa. When the attempts by two parties to discussed the incident turned into a heated argument, the police arrested Bandara and two of his supporters although it was Weerasingha who has commenced the conflict. CaFFE does not believe that neither incident were random. These attacks are targeted at opposition politicians who may pose a serious threat to the government in the national elections that will be held next year," he said.
UNP Unaware Of Reasons Behind Chandrani’s Son’s Diplomatic Posting: Kiriella
October 1, 2014
UNP MP Lakshman Kiriella today called upon the government to ensure appropriate legal measures are taken against Monitoring MP of External Affairs Sajin Vass, against assaulting Chris Nonis – the Sri Lankan High Commissioner for UK and thereby set a precedent to protect Lankan diplomats.
UNP MP Lakshman Kiriella
Speaking at a media briefing today, Kiriella told media the ‘Minister responsible for the assault’ should be duly apprehended using relevant criminal law provisions.
“There are plenty of eyewitnesses to this incident to which includes the Secretary to the Ministry of External Affairs and the President himself. If they abide by the rule of law, appropriate legal action should be taken against this Minister in question,” the MP said.
He referred to an incident that occurred several years ago in Sri Lanka involving a Burmese diplomat, his wife and a Lankan journalist that led to a murder as a result of an extra marital affair.
“Necessary legal measures were taken regarding the incident. Criminal law does not discern state level officials – it is equal to all,” he said.
He also blamed the highly politicized situation in the Foreign Service that has resulted in the present plight, pointing out that 75% of the diplomats are political appointees.
“This government appointed a tea powder merchant as the Ambassador to the US. He went there andswindled millions of public money. Although these deals were revealed by media no action has been taken so far against him,” he said.
Meanwhile, queries were also made concerning the diplomatic posting given to UNP MP Chandrani Bandara’s son recently – a disclosure made by Colombo Telegraph.
“I am not aware on what basis his appointment was given. Maybe he passed the relevant examination to enter the diplomatic service. What is important at this juncture anyway are the top positions and he was not appointed as an Ambassador,” Kiriella said.
The son of UNP Parliamentarian Chandrani Bandara, Rukshan Jayasinghe has been given a diplomatic posting by the Rajapaksa Government even though he has not passed the Sri Lanka Foreign Service Exam or gone through the appropriate channels.
Kshenuka caused Sajin-Chris incident!
- Wednesday, 01 October 2014
Who Is Kshenuka ? : Tigress Or Lioness
External affairs ministry secretary Kshenuka Seneviratne has caused the incident involving Sri Lankan high commissioner in UK Dr. Chris Nonis and the ministry’s supervising MP Sajin Vaas Gunawardena at a party at the home of Dilan Ariyawansa in New Jersy on September 23.
According to the ministry’s tradition, both the minister and the secretary cannot tour foreign countries at the same time, but in a total disregard for that tradition, the supervising MP has got his closest friend Kshenuka Seneviratne included in the president’s New York visit. Since the time the late A.C.S. Hameed was the foreign minister, Kshenuka has been known to carry tales and engage in activities outside her duties, and it is no secret that she is jealous of Dr. Nonis from the day he was appointed the HC.
Her opportunity to take revenge from him came at Dilan’s home. Kshenuka has got her friend Sajin Vaas to consume liberal doses of Johnny Walker Blue Label and told him ill about Dr. Nonis, several persons at the party overheard. All three met together for the first time since Kshenuka’s appointment as the ministry secretary.
In a loving, but weeping voice, Kshenuka has told Sajin Vaas that Dr. Nonis had referred to her a few years ago as ‘half baked bitch.’ This ape man from Ambalangoda thought of earning some marks from his queen of dreams, went to the HC and demanded to know as to why he had described his angel as a ‘half baked bitch’ a few years ago. Perplexed by this question, Dr. Nonis has asked with a smile, “Why should I call her a half baked bitch?” Angered by this reply, the ape man from Ambalangoda has demonstrated his tribal behaviour in front of the civilized society.
After being inhumanly assaulted by Sajin Vaas, the HC has left the place and arrived at Waldorf Astoria Hotel, where the president was staying, and related to him the insult he had been subjected to. The president’s response was “Do not take that seriously, Chris. He is a madman. He would not have behaved like that had that woman not provoked him. I will take care of them both.” After taking his leave from the president, Dr. Nonis has departed for London. By then, he has sent his resignation to the president, with copies to the ministry. Fulfilling her wish for a long time, Kshenuka has become overjoyed. Sajin Vaas returned to his normal self only after he got slapped by the president.
When British MPs have inquired from him about the incident, Dr. Nonis has told them that the president should choose between him and Sajin Vaas. The president’s most likely choice will be Sajin Vaas, who fulfills all his wishes.
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