NPC Councillor Ananthy Sasitharan said she feels "threatened", after she was followed by unidentified men on motorbikes, while she was travelling between meetings with foreign diplomatic officials in Colombo on Tuesday.
Sasitharan, who arrived back in Sri Lanka on Monday after attending a Tamil conference in Malaysia, said at least two men were following her vehicle, without making any attempt at hiding their presence.
The councillor tweeted pictures of the men, saying that the members of the Terrorism Investigation Department were "following and threatening" her.
“I felt threatened by the manner they menacingly followed me, being deliberately conspicuous, making no attempt to hide themselves,” she told the Tamil Guardian.
“I raised the issue with the foreign officials I met, but I am worried for my safety.”
The councillor said she was certain the men were linked to the Sri Lankan security forces.
“The brazen manner in which they acted means that they must be linked to the TID,” Sasitharan said.
Sri Lanka is rich in culture. We have a history over 5000 years. Majority of the people in the country practice the teachings of Buddha which itself is rich moral principles.
Fine! This is the typical introduction a “true” Sri Lankan would give about his/her country. Interesting irony is that We Sri Lankans talk quite a lot about our 5000 years long history and the heritage, but hardly discuss about the past fifty year history of the country. Perhaps there is nothing to be proud about the period.
It is said Sri Lanka gained sovereignty from the British without shedding a single drop of blood. But an objective version would be that British didn’t need any drop of Blood to give the sovereignty back to the Sri Lankans. But later, the same so called sovereignty needed a gruesome bloodbath of Sri Lankans.
This column is not about the Sri Lankan history. This is about two women whom the Sri Lankan state has barbarically massacred in the name of protecting its sovereignty. The women share more similarities than their differences, yet the present Sri Lankan society conceive the fate of these women in two completely different perspectives.
First one is Premawathi Manamperi, from the southern tip of the island. In 1971, she was arrested by the Sri Lanka armed forces for her alleged participation in the JVP insurgency (not terrorism??). Her torturers stripped her naked and paraded her along the streets of Kataragama. She was shot and buried alive that night. Later her tormentors returned to finish off their “duty” with a bullet through the skull. Mannamperi was just 22 years old when she met her gruesome death.
38 years later, another woman met the same gruesome death at the hands of the Sri Lanka armed forces. Her name was Shoba a.k.a Isaipriya. She was born in 1982 and attended Manippai Green Memorial School till her fifth grade and later attended Veampadi Girls High School. She joined “Nitharsanam”, the media division of LTTE in 1996 where she mainly worked as a news reader and took part in the movement’s propaganda activities.
International conspiracies and our own goals By Rajiva Wijesinha When I read of, and hear, the President expressing concerns about an international conspiracy to destabilize his government, and topple him, I feel immensely sad. One reason it that what he fears is not entirely without foundation. The idea was put to me, quite politely, by the head of the Sri Lanka desk at the UN, who said that, whereas Mahinda Rajapaksa had been a good leader during the War, perhaps someone else was better suited to lead during peacetime. The young man from our Embassy who had accompanied me to that meeting said the same proposition had been put to Nivard Cabraal. Both of us repudiated the idea, and indeed I recall citing Tolstoy in this connection, given the theory he had put forward in War and Peace, about the visionary Alexander having to take over after the practical soldier Kutuzov had won the war. I have no idea what arguments Nivard used, but I have no doubt that he would have shared my conclusions. International Conspiracies and Our Own Goals by Thavam Ratna
(Lanka-e-News- 11.Nov.2014, 2.30PM) The evils of the executive Presidency have been aggravated further by the present ruler’s reign . Therefore the political parties and groups that have united so far are having the strength to remedy this deplorably grave situation ,the former President and the likely common Presidential candidate, Chandrika Bandaranaike Kumaranatunge stated.
She made these queries via a special notification addressed to the representatives attending the maiden meeting convened by the political parties and groups yeaterday chaired by Ven. Sobitha Thera to decide on a common candidate .
The notification states thus :
Karu Jayasuriya whose name is being mentioned as a prospective common candidate also attended this meeting. However , without occupying a main seat , he sat with the other UNP leaders.
Ven. Sobitha Thera , opposition leader Ranil Wickremesinghe , Democratic party leader Sarath Fonseka , Democratic national front leader Mano Ganeshan , Sri Lanka (SL) Communist party politburo member Raja Uswetakeiyawa, Lanka Sama Samaja party central committee member lawyer Lal Wijenayake , National United Alliance leader Azad Salley , Arjuna Ranatunge M.P. , Mawbima Janatha party leader Hemakumara Nanayakkara , Nawa Sihala Peramuna leader Sarath Mahamendra , Ruhunu Janatha Peramuna leader Aruna De Soysa , Eksath Janatha Peramuna leader Sirimasiri Hapuarachchi, Sunil Jayasekera of the Free Media Movement , lawyer Upul Kumaraperuma of the lawyers organization for Democracy and member of former MP's circle Anura Bastian participated in the discussions.
Senior leaders of the Sama Samaja and Communist parties participating in this media conference is an index that they are for an opposition common candidate though their leaders are with the government .This was most strikingly conspicuous. The full text of the notification from former President Chandrika sent to the representatives of maiden meeting reads thus :
''I am in deep appreciation of the foundation that is being laid today by the political parties, groups and citizens organizations, and to make an announcement in unison of the common program aimed at introducing profound changes to the political culture and governance of our country.
The breakdown of the legal foundation ; violation of the fundamental rights of the citizens ; the erosion of media freedom ; the destruction of the independence of the courts , police service and public service which are the cornerstones of Democracy have inflicted heavy damage on human freedom and democratic governance .
The limitless power of the executive Presidency had been the cause of this destruction. This had been further exacerbated by the methods adopted by the incumbent executive chief . At today’s high powered meeting it had been expressed in one voice that this event marks the initial program aimed at abolition of the executive Presidency , reviving the 17th amendment , resurrection of democratic governance and revival of the fundamental rights of the citizens.
It is my conviction this united effort will have the strength and courage to rebuild this country based on its best traditions that will respect humaneness , democracy and human rights. I extend my fullest support to this along with my blessings and best wishes .''
-Chandrika Bandaranaike Kumaranatunge.-
The views expressed by speakers at this conference can be viewed via the voice cut appended herein.
and many photographs depicting the media discussion.
Meanwhile, at the rally ‘Pivithuru hetak’ at Hyde park on the 12 th headed by Ven. Athurelya Raththane Thera , the JVP and the UNP too are to participate , a spokesman revealed.
( November 11, 2014, Colombo, Sri Lanka Guardian) Minister Nimal Siripala De Silva has announced in the Parliament that President Mahinda Rajapaksa can contest for a third term in office.
Minister De Silva added that Supreme Court has unanimously decided that president could contest for the 3rd term and call for an early election after four years.
The Supreme Court yesterday communicated its opinion to President Mahinda Rajapaksa on the constitutionality of contesting for a third term under the 18th Amendment to the Constitution, saying Rajapaksa can contest for a third term in office, the Leader of the House and Minister Nimal Siripala De Silva informed the parliament today.
The Supreme Court Bench comprised De facto Chief Justice Mohan Pieris PC, Justice K. Sripavan, Justice Chandra Ekanayake, Justice Priyasath Dep PC, Justice Eva Wanasundara, Justice Rohini Marasinghe, Justice B.P. Aluvihara, Justice Sisira de Abrew, Justice Sarath de Abrew and Justice Priyantha Jayawardena PC.
Employees of ITN are going to be given a big cash bonus with the intention of using them for the propaganda campaign of Mahinda Rajapaksa at the presidential election, reports say.
Consequently, ministry secretary Charitha Herath has given approval to the ITN chairman to grant each employee a Rs. 100,000 cash bonus in the first week of December, according to reports.
However, no such dividend payment is still on offer for Rupavahini Corporation employees. Furthermore, their November salaries are likely to be delayed by one week owing to the financial crisis faced by the institution.
Anyhow, the minister has ordered that they too, be given a bonus by using money in the fixed deposits. Making Wimal Rubasinghe as the worst ever chairman and Chandrapala Liyanage the worst ever director general, SLRC incurred a loss of more than Rs. 30 m in the first nine months of 2014. However, employees are surprised that the director board has approved a luxury jeep, worth Rs. 16 m, for the DG.
On 09 November, the world will remember the fall of the Iron Curtain. Twenty five years from this date the Berlin Wall was dismantled; this iconic moment triggered the end of the Cold War. One may wonder what journey a contemporary super power such as the US has navigated for the last twenty five years and if this same process will occur in the case of China emerging as the next super power. The Economist indicators support that Asia’s export share has doubled from 18 per cent in 1980 to 36 per cent in 2013. The month of November will also commence with an important discussion on the re-emergence of the ancient Chinese Maritime Silk Road. This seminar on the “21st Century Maritime Silk Road (MSR)” with Sri Lankan and Chinese scholars will be held in Sri Lanka. The Chinese President’s proposal on the revival of the ancient Maritime Silk Road was fully supported by the Sri Lankan President several months ago. MSR is of importance to the island of Sri Lanka, due to its geo-strategic position at the centre of the Silk Road. It is important to ponder on the balancing role Sri Lanka plays between China and India, as within the scope of development in this country, China is heavily present in the South and India present in the North.
On the note of development within the country, the Yal Devi (Queen of Jaffna) Train resumed operations from Colombo to Jaffna after 24 years. Re-starting on 13 October, it marked a landmark in railway links between South and North of Sri Lanka. This rail link was constructed in 1905 under British colonial rule. On the present day the India Railway Construction International (IRCON), an Indian railway subsidiary, completed the restoration of the railway lines with a cost of Rupees 58 billion, on the basis of financial assistance from India. President Mahinda Rajapaksa inaugurated the new railway line. When speaking to the media at the event, the President said, “This effort will connect hearts of the people in south and north and this was the main aim of the new railway to the north after liberating north from the LTTE control.” The LTTE bombed the Yal Devi train at Kokavil on 19 January 1985 killing 34 people and destroying train tracks, which disrupted connectivity. Providing transport to the North is a good deed; however one may question how far physical infrastructure helps in connecting the hearts and minds of the people. Infrastructure development to create access to different parts of the island could provide economic benefits to those localities that were deprived of development due to the three-decade war. However, there are many other factors apart from physical infrastructure that could help to connect on a mental and humane level as citizens of a single nation. Strengthening the reconciliation process, implementing the LLRC(Lessons Learnt and Reconciliation Commission) recommendations and working towards fully implementing the13th amendment devolution of powers to other parts are important areas to focus on. While you may need one set of values to succeed in war, it takes another set of values for the post war scenario. The values the government possesses in the post war context from 2009 to the present day are debatable.
In matters of governance, incidents such as the Aluthgama riot with the Muslim community and the recent diplomatic chaos in New York will definitely create a negative impact, and does not create a positive image outside the country. Outside the boundaries of the nation yet directly affecting it, the ban against the LTTE was lifted in European Union. The late Lakshman Kadirgamar, was an astute foreign minister who worked tirelessly to ban the LTTE in many nations. One of the greatest achievements during President Chandrika Bandaranaike’s administration was this ban on the LTTE. In lifting the ban on this ruthless terrorist group that assassinated many innocent people indiscriminately, the future consequences of this act towards the country and the entire world should be evaluated.
Closer to the day-to-day lives of Sri Lankans; the government budget proposal was presented to parliament a week ago. The considerable increase in expenditure and inadequate evidence to increase revenue is evident. The projected fiscal deficit of 4.2 per cent of GDP is unlikely to be realised with the rise of expenditure. One of the key areas that budget does not focus on is research and development of the country, a primary area towards the five-hub strategy. The Rupees 500 million budget for research and development is insufficient in the serious development of an important sector. Staying focused on maintaining power seems in this case more important than policy matters, as judging by the latest budget proposals. The election budget and accelerated development in the North such as the new train line could be due to plans for early presidential elections in January 2015.
Connecting to win the hearts and minds of all communities of the Island will be challenging after three decades of war but this is achievable with the right strategies and processes by the government.
Many parents and students believe that tuition classes have become a necessity to do well in competitive examinations. However this increased workload often comes with added stress and stunting of creativity. Ceylon Today spoke to outspoken tuition master Upul Shantha Sannasgala, Deputy Minister of Education Mohan Lal Grero and Secretary to the Lanka Teacher Services Union, Mahinda Jayasinghe to learn how they viewed tuition classes and the reason for increasing popularity for tuition.
Mohan Lal Grero –Deputy Minister of Education
Q: Private tuition has become essential in today's education system to obtain a good grade. However, on the other hand this has become a burden for students as they have no time for leisure or reflection. What has made tuition essential? A: There are several issues with tuition classes. I don't think there is any harm if a GCE AL student takes individual or small group tuition for a subject he or she is weak. But the problem is that everyone, from grade 2 goes for tuition and goes for tuition for all subjects. This has become a trend. Even if children don't want to go for classes, parents push them. Mushrooming of Tuition Classes Indicates Decline in State Education by Thavam Ratna
The Inter University Students’ Federation (IUSF) alleged that yet another student participated for this year’s University Leadership Training Program (ULTP) has become handicapped as a result of an accident during a training session.
Issuing a statement, Convener of the IUSF Najith Indika said that V.K.D.R. Vijitha Latha has sustained a spinal code injury on 8 November as she fell out of a 7 ft wall at the Kalattawa Army Camp and is currently being treated at the Anuradhapura Teaching Hospital.
IUSF Convener Indika further stated that, in another incident, a prospective university student had been sexually molested by an army soldier at the Gannoruwa Army Camp, and the authorities had cover-up the incident.
The IUSF charged that the ULTP is a politically motivated propaganda, in which the authorities tend to proceed despite the objection of lecturers, parents and undergraduates.
As a mark of gratitude for a help obtained, Vidyalankara University in Kelaniya is going to award a doctorate to Charitha Herath, secretary to the ministry of information and media, say internal sources of the university.
Herath has given this help to Prof. Sunanda Maddumabandara, and the help is that using his political influence, the former has got the latter appointed vice chancellor of the university.
In return, Maddumabandara is going to award Herath with the doctorate. Herath, a philosophy graduate of Peradeniya University, is intending to secure this doctorate in time for the next general election, at which he hopes to get himself appointed to parliament through Basil Rajapaksa, say his friends.
November 11, 2014 12:58 pm
The Colombo Magistrate’s Court today once against rejected the bail plea by Minister Mervyn Silva’s son Malaka Silva, who was arrested on charges of assaulting a foreign couple. He was ordered further remanded until November 18 by the Colombo Additional Magistrate Mohammed Sahabdeen.
Malaka Silva was arrested by the Colombo Crimes Division (CCD) on November 1 following a complaint lodged by the foreign nationals and remanded till November 4 by the court.
The incident had taken place at around 3.00am the same day at a nightclub in Duplication Road, Colombo when Silva had reportedly harassed the foreign woman, thereby provoking her partner who had assaulted him.
However, in response Malaka Silva’s security personnel had assaulted the tourist while both parties subsequently filed complaints over the incident.
Silva, who had allegedly sustained minor injuries from the brawl, had been admitted to the Colombo National Hospital, where he was receiving treatment under police custody.
Malaka, the son of Public Relations and Public Affairs Minister Mervyn Silva, has been involved in several similar assault incidents in the past while in July last year he was hospitalised following an attack at the car park of a popular clothing store in Town Hall, Colombo.
Secretary to the law and order ministry, former police chief Mahinda Balasuriya has ordered CID director, senior DIG L.R. Ranaweera not to initiate any investigation against Ven. Athuraliye Rathana Thera until he instructs otherwise.
Balasuriya has also told the CID chief to initiate investigations on two files of SLMC leader Rauff Hakeem and Democratic Front leader Mano Ganeshan, which would be sent to him today (11).
Last updatedSecurity is being hiked to unprecedented levels for the Remembrance Day ceremony at the National War Memorial in Ottawa, with dignitaries and a large crowd expected to pay their respects three weeks after a soldier was killed at the site.
Prime Minister Stephen Harper – who is returning from China for the event, only to turn around and leave for New Zealand afterward – will attend Tuesday’s commemoration alongside Princess Anne, Governor-General David Johnston, Chief of the Defence Staff General Tom Lawson, Veterans Affairs Minister Julian Fantino and Liberal Leader Justin Trudeau.
The event comes less than one month after Corporal Nathan Cirillo was gunned down at the cenotaph and another soldier, Warrant Officer Patrice Vincent, was killed in a separate attack in Quebec. It also follows a year that saw Canada’s Afghanistan mission officially come to close and the marking of the centennial of the First World War.
Officials estimate the ceremony could draw upward of 80,000 people – shy of the record 100,000 who turned up to the monument’s unveiling in 1939, but nearly triple the average attendance in recent years.
The attacks on soldiers on Canadian soil have prompted ramped-up security at the cenotaph, though the Ottawa Police Service said Monday it hadn’t received any credible threats. The increased police presence means officers who in the past attended as spectators will on Tuesday focus their attention on watching for anything suspicious.
Constable Marc Soucy wouldn’t speak to the specifics, citing safety concerns, but said tactical teams will be in the area and bomb sweeps will be conducted. “There are steps we’re taking that we’ve never taken for a Remembrance Day event,” he said. “We have no information to say anything is going to happen, but we want to be ready.”
Off-duty officers in attendance have the option of wearing their full uniform and carrying a weapon, which Constable Soucy said has a dual effect. “People may feel more safe by seeing them, and the officers may feel more safe carrying their weapons,” he said. “And on the other hand, if something were to happen, we have them on the ready to use.”
The RCMP, which will be working alongside the Ottawa police, also wouldn’t discuss specific security measures, but spokeswoman Brigitte Mineault said the federal force is “continually assessing potential threats.”
Bruce Poulin, a Royal Canadian Legion spokesman and Tuesday’s master of ceremonies at the cenotaph, said tributes will be paid to sacrifices made by Canadian soldiers “at home and abroad” – an acknowledgment that includes Cpl. Cirillo, WO Vincent and Private Steven Allen, who was killed last week in a training exercise in Alberta.
Mr. Harper was due to arrive in Ottawa ahead of the ceremony on Monday night and plans to leave for New Zealand late Tuesday. While Mr. Trudeau will also attend the commemoration in the capital, Official Opposition Leader Thomas Mulcair of the NDP is scheduled to attend a ceremony in Halifax – a trip his staff said was scheduled before the pair of attacks. “It is important for him to attend ceremonies around the country as this is a national day of remembrance,” spokesman George Smith said.
Despite a recent directive that Canadian Armed Forces members limit wearing their uniform in public after the shootings, officers will don their military garb at ceremonies across Canada, as they do every year. All officers are considered to be on duty on Remembrance Day, whether marching in a parade or not, and are free to wear their uniform.
“We all will continue to wear our uniforms proudly,” said Lieutenant Kirk Sullivan, a Canadian Joint Operations Command spokesman. “We’re obviously proud to wear our uniform, and doing so signals our resolve in the face of any threat.”
11 November 2014
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( November 11, 2014, Colombo, Sri Lanka Guardian) Minister Nimal Siripala De Silva has announced in the Parliament that President Mahinda Rajapaksa can contest for a third term in office.
Employees of ITN are going to be given a big cash bonus with the intention of using them for the propaganda campaign of Mahinda Rajapaksa at the presidential election, reports say.
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