How One Woman Armed With A Camera, Brought Water To 2500 People

Mar 24, 2015

As a tribal woman, Nitu Chakhia has spent far too many years of her life struggling for survival in the urban jungle of Bhubaneswar. Several years of working with her people has convinced her that communities coming together ensures change. In this interview she describes how she changed the lives of hundreds of women in Padmakesarpur Village, by ensuring that 7 hand-pumps were fixed.

We never know the worth of water till the well is dry ~ Thomas Fuller

We never know the worth of water till the well is dry ~ Thomas Fuller

The government of Odisha guarantees to its citizens continued equal access to adequate potable water via the National Rural Drinking Water Programme (NRWDP) since April 2009. While it acknowledges that the water supply systems set in place need to be upgraded on a regular basis, the means of monitoring are often limited. Such was the case in Padmakesaripur village in Khordha, Odisha, till Nitu teamed up with IndiaUnheard to help bridge the gaps between the bourgeoisie and the bureaucrats.

Padmakesaripur village had seven hand pumps in the village and one on the outskirts. As time went by, each of the hand-pumps slowly stopped functioning, till finally in early 2013, the villagers found that the sole hand-pump that remained was the one outside the village. The community closest to the lone hand-pump was initially happy to share water with the rest of the village assuming that the broken hand-pumps would soon be fixed. However, five months went by, and a population of almost 2500 pumping away at a single source of water soon began to take its toll on tempers. Arguments began to flare up, and the ones who suffered the worst were the women, who trudged far from their homes to lug litres of water home to be able to cook, clean & keep house.

When Nitu first heard about this situation, she brought the community together for a Baithak (Community Meeting).“I’d made a few videos by then, and had realized that if decisions are made unanimously by communities, the way forward is relatively easy. At the Baithak, I simply facilitated this discussion. They told me they had complained to the Village Head, who did nothing. I then explained to them about IndiaUnheard, and showed them my camera, telling them that I would help them. They were pretty unconvinced. After all, their own Panch (Village Head) didn’t really seem to care if they had access to water. I then showed them footage from the Shikharchandi Road story. By then, the Impact process there had already begun, so I told them how I had gone up to officials & asked them to do their duty, and would do so now as well.”

Nitu’s prior participation in politics re-establishes her innate faith in the government. She first told the villagers about their government’s commitment to ensure water for all. Emboldened with awareness, some women went with Nitu to the Panch, who didn’t seem too interested that his people had no water. Nitu then went to the Block Development Office (BDO) office with two local women, and told him of the situation. They also submitted an application stating that the hand-pumps needed to be fixed. “I asked him for an interview, to get on camera that I had met him. He refused, stating official reasons. He was very helpful though because he explained to me the shortcomings in administration. Their work was limited immensely because they had only one vehicle to transport field officers for surveys. He also promised us that the hand-pumps would be fixed in a month.”

One month after the meeting with the BDO, some of the local women visited him again, to remind him of his promise. Seven hand-pumps were fixed a few days later. “I think the best part of working on this Impact was how inspired the women were. I remember they exclaimed how the mainstream media had come, but had not bothered to follow up, whereas I, a single woman with a tiny camera had managed to bring so much happiness and peace to a village of 2500 people. It makes me very proud when communities are inspired to stand by me. It’s a different kind of delirium!”

Interview compiled by: Radhika

Combating tuberculosis in detention

24 MARCH 2015
Tuberculosis, a curable but potentially fatal disease if not treated correctly, is rapidly spreading worldwide – reaching alarmingly high levels in a number of locations. In particular, the rate of incidence is higher than normal inside detention centres. This is due to a combination of factors, such as overcrowding, unsanitary conditions and restricted access to proper medical care. This World Tuberculosis Day, we take a glimpse into the work of the ICRC in Philippines and Kyrgyzstan prisons to combat this disease.

For many years, the ICRC has worked to control the spread tuberculosis and provide treatment to patients in prisons. Currently, the organization is operating a tuberculosis programme in the Philippines, as well in Kyrgyzstan where the focus is on treating multi-drug resistant tuberculosis patients.

Philippines

In the confines of Philippine prisons, tuberculosis poses a number of challenges. The ICRC has been working with detention authorities and other stakeholders in two pilot locations, enhancing Tuberculosis case detection and providing early treatment.

See the infographic: Managing tuberculosis in detention  (PDF)

Kyrgyzstan

Since 2007, the ICRC has been treating multi-drug resistant tuberculosis (MDR-TB) in two prisons in Kyrgyzstan. MDR-TB indicates that patients have developed highly resistant strains of tuberculosis and are longer responding to two or more of the drugs that are commonly used together to treat the disease. For these patients, treatment involves being monitored from diagnosis to cure – a process that can take up to two years.

Patient of Colony 27 Prison in Kyrgyzstan / CC BY-NC-ND / ICRC / W. Daniels

In Kyrgyzstan:

• The ICRC has been active in two detention centres: Colony 31 (300 detainees) and SIZO1 (1,200 detainees). However, all tuberculosis cases are referred to Colony 31. The ICRC's work at SIZO 1 is mainly focused on screening tuberculosis cases.
• The ICRC has operated a tuberculosis programme in Kyrgyzstan since 2006, but the organization has only been present in Colony 31 since 2013 and in SIZO1 since the beginning of 2015.
• The ICRC started working with multi-drug resistant tuberculosis in 2007, treating 647 patients with MDR-TB and extreme resistant tuberculosis.
• In 2014, 48.5% to 51% of the treatment for MDR-TB and extreme tuberculosis was successful.

Tamils in Sri Lanka hold demontrations demanding international probe into war crimes

FIRSTPOST.Mar 23, 2015

Colombo: A large number of Tamils in Sri Lanka on Monday held demonstrations in the North and Eastern provinces, demanding an international probe into the alleged human rights violations during the last phase of war with the LTTE.

Rejecting Maithripala Sirisena government's proposed domestic investigation rather than an international probe into the human rights violations, Tamils including activists of Tamil National People's Front, held protest in eight northern and eastern districts.

Representational image. AFP

The demonstrators raised slogans holding placards and banners that read 'No local inquiry' in Tamil and English.

Sri Lanka has been subject to three UNHRC resolutions in 2012, 2013 and 2014 over alleged rights abuses by government troops during the last phase of the three decade-long war with the LTTE in 2009.

In March last year, the 47-member UNHRC adopted a resolution which requested the Office of the High Commissioner to undertake a comprehensive investigation into alleged serious violations and abuses of human rights and related crimes by both parties in Sri Lanka during the period.

The new government persuaded the UN rights body to delay the presentation of Sri Lanka investigation report by six months.

The new government's call for a domestic mechanism rather than an international probe has not found favour with the Tamils.

They claim to have no faith in the domestic investigation based on past experiences going slow on them and producing nothing meaningful.

PTI

ஆயிரக்கணக்கானோர் மத்தியில் அம்பலத்திற்கு வந்தது ரணில்- விக்கி நிழல் யுத்தம்

[ திங்கட்கிழமை, 23 மார்ச் 2015, 03:15.50 PM GMT ]

வடமாகாண முதலமைச்சர் சீ.வி.விக்னேஸ்வரனுக்கும் இலங்கை பிரதமர் ரணில் விக்கிரமசிங்காவுக்குமிடையில் இதுவரையில் இடம்பெற்றுவந்த நிழல் யுத்தம் இன்றைய தினம் அம்பலத்திற்கு வந்தது.

இந்தநிலையில் இருவரும் பொது நிகழ்வில் ஒருவரையொருவர் பார்த்துக் கொள்ளாமலும், பேசிக் கொள்ளாமலும் இருந்ததை காண முடிந்தது.

இன்றைய தினம் யாழ்.வளலாய் பகுதியில் மக்களுடைய காணிகளை மீள கையளிக்கும் நிகழ்வில் பிரதமர் ரணில் விக்கிரமசிங்க மற்றும் முதலமைச்சர் ஆகியோர் சென்றிருந்தனர்.

இதன்போது பிரதமர் வரும்போது முதலமைச்சர் வரவேற்கும் இடத்தில் நின்றிருந்தார். எனினும் பிரதமர் அதனைக் கவனிக்காது விலகிச்சென்றார்.

அதனைப்போல, முதலமைச்சரும் அவரை வலிந்து வரவேற்காமல் விலகியே நின்றுகொண்டார். பின்னர் மேடையில் ஏறிக்கொண்ட போதும் நடுவில் ஜனாதிபதி உட்கார்ந்திருக்க முதலமைச்சரும் பிரதமரும் ஜனாதிபதிக்கு அருகருகாக உட்கார்ந்து கொண்டனர்.

எனினும் அப்போதும் ஒருவரையொருவர் பார்த்துக் கொள்ளாமலும் பேசிக் கொள்ளாமலும் இருந்தனர்.

இலங்கையில் ஜனாதிபதி தேர்தல் நடைபெற்று முடிந்ததன் பின்னர் 10ம் திகதி கொழும்பில் பிரதமர் ரணில் விக்கிரமசிங்கவை சந்தித்தபோது மஹாநாயக்க தேரர்களிடம் வடக்கிலிருந்து படையினரை விலக்கமாட்டேன் கூறப்போவதாக பிரதமர் ரணில் கூறிய விடயம் தொடர்பாக முதலமைச்சர் வெளியில் பேசியிருந்தார்.

அந்தப் பேச்சும் யாழ்.வந்த பாதுகாப்பு அமைச்சர் படையினருக்கு நிலத்தில் முகாமை அமைக்காமல் ஆகாயத்திலும், கடலிலுமா? அமைப்பார்கள் என எழுப்பிய கேள்வியை அடுத்தே படையினர் வெளியேற்றம் தொடர்பில் புதிய அரசின் நிலைப்பாடு மாறிவிட்டதா? என கேட்பதற்காகவே முதலமைச்சர் பிரதமருடன் பேசிய விடயத்தை வெளிப்படுத்தியிருந்தார்.

அன்று தொடங்கிய நிழல் யுத்தம் பின்னர் பிரதமர் தமிழ் தேசிய கூட்டமைப்பை பிரிக்கப்பார்கிறார் என முதலமைச்சர் வெளிப்படையாக குற்றம்சாட்டும் நிலை வரை சென்று பொது நிகழ்வில் கூட ஒருவரையொருவர் பார்த்துக் கொள்ளாமலும், பேசிக்கொள்ளாமலும் இருக்கும் நிலைக்குச் சென்றுவிட்டிருக்கின்றமை இங்கே குறிப்பிடத்தக்கது.

• தமிழ் மக்களின் பிரச்சினைகளுக்கு நிரந்தர தீர்வு: யாழ்ப்பாணத்தில் ஜனாதிபதி உறுதி
• ரணில், மைத்திரி, சந்திரிகா ஒரே மேடையில்! சாட்டையடி கொடுத்த விக்கி
• கொடுப்பதை ஏற்றுக்கொள்ளுங்கள்: காணி கையளிக்கும் நிகழ்வில் டி.எம்.சுவாமிநாதன்
• வடக்கில் படையினர் உல்லாச விடுகளை அமைக்கவில்லை! மீண்டும் பொய் சொன்ன இராணுவத் தளபதி                                                                     மேலும் படிக்க.. 

Playing The Devil’s Game To Exorcise The Devil

By Shyamon Jayasinghe -March 23, 2015

Shyamon Jayasinghe

This time it is a different strategic manipulation. The master stroke of picking Maitripala Sirisena as Common Candidate had an air of ethical quality: given that Maitri had to risk his neck and given that the then President must be stopped in his damaging track it had been a kind of relief operation. This time, the ethical air has to be evoked with some difficulty and amidst immense controversy.

Official sources urge that a National Government has be formed with the United National Party and the Sri Lanka Freedom Party within one fold, under the President. The idea of National governments is both salutary and sine qua non in times of crises. War is the typical occasion. Sri Lanka has, for now at least, finished the war. The most imperative national duty is to eradicate the Executive President system. Revd. Maduluwawe Sobitha,Jayamapathy Wickremaratne and a host of others must be credited with having created the required social consciousness for the change. Left to the political parties, the latter would have preferred to engage in musical chairs for the office of (executive) President. The more educated classes, professionals, and writers had been quick to sniff the need for radical change. Revd. Sobitha’s movement gave leadership, direction and strategy to achieve the need that was flourishing in demand.

The promise was made formal during election time that the new government under the common candidate will within 100 days exorcise the devil in the constitution. It may be Mahinda Rajapaksa then but could be another next. The point is that there had been growing realization that it is the constitution that is the root cause. The constitution gives space and opportunity for even good men or women to be monsters. Before he became President Mahinda had been a very sporty guy; but with enormous power in his hands he morphed into something foreboding and frightful in possibility. Mahinda did one signal service: to bring to the public notice the danger of our constitution. The danger was felt under its creator, JR, and under CBK and Premadasa; but that was not palpable danger. Under Rajapaksa the danger came out into the open. MR carried the role to its logical and disastrous end like in a fated Greek tragedy.Read More

HR Chief Determined

By Easwaran Rutnam-Monday, March 23, 2015

The UN High Commissioner for Human Rights Prince Zeid Ra’ad al-Hussein has noted that he will release the investigations report on Sri Lanka by September, even if there is a fresh push to postpone it again.

Responding to a question posed by an NGO at a closed door meeting on the sidelines of the UN Human Rights Council session in Geneva, Zeid Ra’ad al-Hussein said that the report is likely to be released two weeks ahead of the September session of the UN Human Rights Council.

S.V. Kirupaharan, General Secretary of the Tamil Centre for Human Rights asked the High Commissioner if the report will be postponed for a second time in the event a majority of the Council members back the move.

Prince Zeid Ra’ad al-Hussein however had said that he can release the report even today but will hold it till September.

Sri Lanka’s bid to postpone publication of the report into alleged war crimes had won the backing of al-Hussein last month.

The government had asked for a delay of several months to give it time to establish a new judicial mechanism to deal with the allegations of war crimes committed during the country’s civil war.

In a letter to the president of the U.N. Human Rights Council, which set up the investigation in March last year, Zeid recommended delaying publication from this month until the council’s 30th session, which is due to take place in September. Prince Zeid Ra’ad al-Hussein had said his request was based on the changing context in Sri Lanka, and the signals of broad cooperation he had received from the Government, as well as the possibility that new information will become available for the report.

Do We Really Need a ‘Truth Commission’?

by Ravi Jayawardena.-23/03/2015

A delegation from South Africa was in town recently for talks with certain parties, may be, to resume the stalled efforts for possible reconciliation in Sri Lanka. This team has been visiting for some time since the previous regime.
Do We Really Need a ‘Truth Commission’ by Thavam Ratna

FREEDOM TO SPEAK AND HOLD TO ACCOUNT IS BASIS OF GOOD GOVERNANCE--JEHAN PERERA

23 March 2015

Public criticism of the government has been growing. The opposition’s criticism is to be expected. With general elections around the corner it is in the opposition’s interests to look for opportunities to find fault with the government. However, it is not only the opposition that is criticizing the government. There is public criticism even by those who supported the government to win the election that brought it to power. One of the major issues at the presidential election was that of corruption and abuse of power. This was the issue on which the unity of the former government split when the presidential elections were called.

Most of the criticism has been on account of the government’s failure to take action against those from the former government who stand accused of corruption and abuse of power during their term in office. Those alleged to be amongst the worst offenders continue to be free, along with all others, even though some of them have been taken in for police questioning. But now a new factor has entered to make the criticism more serious. The issue of insider trading in the sale of government bonds by the Central Bank at huge profit to the beneficiaries and at an equivalent loss to the government has damaged the government’s credibility. Ironically, it has also led to opposition politicians who are accused of corruption and abuse of power leading public protests against those implicated in the deal.

Prime Minister Ranil Wickremesinghe made a long statement in Parliament defending his choice of Governor of the Central Bank, and pointing out the greater misdeeds of the previous government. However, he has also ensured that the Governor goes on leave of absence while an investigation into the bonds issue takes place. The contrast with the way in which issues of corruption and abuse of power were dealt with under the former government is instructive. During the ten year period of the former government, and especially in its latter phase, the corruption scandals that were hinted and whispered about were legion. But there was no public outcry.

The Central Bank under the former Governor was widely criticized for adjusting figures and for making unusual payments to foreign advertising companies. But nothing happened and the previous Governor continued as if the dogs were barking but the caravan moved on. The lack of public outcry was because critics of the government were fearful of their safety. The officials and ministers of the previous government could continue doing what they did because there was impunity. This situation has changed dramatically since the presidential election.


FEAR GONE
The public outcry over the government bond issue and its repercussion on the government are indications of how much has changed since the government changed. The thrall of fear that silenced the public outcry against corruption and abuse of power in the former government no longer exists. People are no longer in fear of the government and the white vans that could make opponents of the government go missing. Although the new government may be unable to implement all the promises in its 100 days plan it has succeeded in changing the threat perception in society. It was not so long ago that even in Rotary Club meetings attended by high level business persons, participants made critical comments about what was transpiring in the economy and also said that they were concerned about being quoted.

The lifting of the thrall of fear is most evident in the North and East of the country where the return to normalcy is most pronounced. Participants at a workshop in Batticaloa over the weekend that brought together religious clergy from all faiths along with lay persons who formed inter-religious committees in the Batticaloa and Ampara districts and local level media persons who came to publicise their work, said that they felt no fear of attending as they had in the past. The organizers noted that they had a record participation at the workshop. They had invited 25 persons and all 25 attended. This was unlike in the past when it was difficult to obtain such participation.

When I asked the participants at the workshop what had brought them there, the response was that they wished to know more of what was happening in the country. There is a feeling among civil society in Batticaloa, and quite possibly elsewhere in the country, that they do not get all the news and information about developments in the centres of power that determine their lives. This indicates that the government has to try harder to fill in the lacuna and make it a point to keep the people informed about what it is planning to do and what it has done. It is not enough for the government to pass new laws and to make macro level policy decisions, and to expect civil society or the media to do educational work.

The government has pledged to set up effective systems to deal with the rot of corruption. Key to this would be to set up an independent public service, police and judiciary. They would underpin the workings of other institutions such as the Bribery Commission to take those who are accused of corruption to task. This new system will become a reality along with the passage of the 19th Amendment. Until then it is going to be difficult for the new government to take action against those who are accused of wrongdoings. Government members themselves have to constantly educate and create awareness amongst the people, including the people of the North and East, about what their government is doing. The government must take the people along with it on the journey to development and national reconciliation.


FOUNDATIONAL RIGHTS
Prior to the change of government, an event such as the one in Batticaloa would have been subjected to multi-pronged security operations on the rationale that national security was more important than everything else. In the past there would have been plainclothes intelligence personnel sitting in uninvited, there would be others who would ask for the participants list and there might even be armed security personnel in full uniform coming in repeatedly to check on what was happening.

At the workshop in Batticaloa, the opinion expressed was that the government was no longer seen as an oppressive force, but rather in its traditional role as a problem solver that needed to do more to solve the people’s problems. It appears to be still the case that most people in Sri Lanka, whether in the North and East or rest of the country, still continue to see the government as the agency to develop the country and to ease the burdens of their lives. As the government cannot possibly do this by itself, there needs to be a greater devolution of power and strengthening of the provincial tier of government.

The freedom to live without fear, to meet without restrictions, and to speak without being subject to retaliation are the most basic of human rights and the foundations of good governance. If these foundational rights exist in society, good governance is bound to come sooner rather than later. The criticism of the government that came to power on a platform of good governance, but now is itself being found fault with for permitting corruption and abuse of power so early in its term is a sign that civil society is empowered. Corruption and abuse of power is deep rooted in society and in governmental structures. It will take time to root out. But the freedom for citizens to agitate without fear against those social and political ills now exists and the credit goes to the new government.

There’s Nothing “National” In This Coalition

By Siritunga Jayasuriya -March 23, 2015

Siritunga Jayasuriya

The whole country was taken by surprise, when President Sirisena inducted 11 Cabinet Ministers, 05 State and 10 Deputy Ministers from his own SLFP, into PM Ranil Wickremesinghe‘s government yesterday in the evening. This apparently is another political manoeuvre for survival with State power and has nothing to do with the mandate given at the January 08 presidential elections.

These 26 SLFP members of parliament represent the 5.8 million votes polled by Rajapaksa and was clearly against President Sirisena. Those 6.2 million who voted for Sirisena’s candidature never mandated for a hybrid government of this nature. This therefore is no “National” government, but a “Southern Sinhala Coalition” that now seem to hold the Wickremesinghe government safely in power, even if the promised parliamentary elections would not be held after their 100 Day programme. That programme itself is on crutches, limping with a heavy load of unfinished promises.

Wickremesinghe and Sirisena may feel comfortable now, their stay in power will not be rocked by the SLFP in parliamentary opposition. That seems so with the large SLFP majority caged together with the UNP minority in a growing cabinet, providing a formidable 2/3 majority in parliament. Yet the danger is not in parliamentary politics for now. The opposition is now created outside parliament. Politically we feel, this snuffs out an effective opposition representation to the traditional SLFP vote base outside parliament. That political absence would thus pave way for a Rajapaksa comeback on a very racist platform. The political dichotomy that keeps growing can thus be seen with a more Sinhala chauvinist slogans thrown out between the these two camps in establishing their hold in the Sinhala South in terms of votes.

We therefore call upon all who voted to defeat the overwhelmingly corrupt family regime of Rajapaksa and installed this Sirisena-Wickremesinghe government to once again rally as a people’s force against opportunistic manipulations by leaders who are not committed to deliver what they promise, but make feeble attempts to remain in power.

*Siritunga Jayasuriya – General Secretary of the United Socialist Party (Sri Lankan section of the Committee for a Workers’ International-[CWI])

There’s Nothing “National” In This Coalition

Sri Lanka's newly elected President Maithripala Sirisena (C) arrives for his swearing-in ceremony in Colombo January 9, 2015.

BY SHIHAR ANEEZ AND RANGA SIRILAL-Sun Mar 22, 2015

(Reuters) - Sri Lankan President Maithripala Sirisena formed a national government incorporating the main opposition party on Sunday in a bid to push through reforms and preserve political stability, a government spokesman said.

The move came amid talk of a possible split in the opposition Sri Lanka Freedom Party (SLFP), caused by Sirisena's predecessor Mahinda Rajapaksa gaining in popularity among opposition supporters.

After his election win in January, Sirisena formed a coalition with the United National party (UNP), but this lacked a parliamentary majority, obstructing his pledge for constitutional and electoral reforms in his first 100 days in office.

Sirisena gave posts to 26 members of the SLFP, his own former party, in his coalition government, government spokesman Rajitha Senaratne told Reuters. They were given state and junior minister portfolios, boosting to 77 the number of members in the government.

"This is a national government and this is a (SLFP) party decision. We want to do all the reforms and then go to the elections," Senaratne said.

Dayan Jayatilake, a political scientist, author and former Sri Lankan diplomat who strongly supports Rajapaksa, said the move would slow down the decision-making process.

"It will satisfy no one because UNP will feel it is being crowded out by the integration of the SLFP members into the cabinet," he said.

Sirisena has promised to eliminate corruption and to re-enact independent commissions abolished by Rajapaksa for the judiciary, elections, police, and public service.

However, delays in Sirisena's 100-day schedule has irked his voters while Rajapaksa, who has been out of active politics, has seen his popularity rise along with his visits to Buddhist temples and alleging that his successor's government was out to take revenge against him.

(Writing by Shihar Aneez; Editing by Raissa Kasolowsky)

Anti-corruption campaign and individuals' role

Friday, March 20, 2015
It was reported that the CID is conducting investigations into how former Defence Secretary Gotabhaya gave government owned weapons to a private company, a violation of laws. It was further reported that he issued all instructions to Avant Garde for handing over of weapons, and that private company was enjoying the sole monopoly of renting state owned weapons to private overseas parties. Millions of dollars have been earned by this company. There is a belief that they had provided money and a fleet of vehicles for former President Rajapaksa's presidential election campaign.

The owner of the Avant Garde Company Yapa Nissanka Senadhipathi who retired from the Army is known to be a close friend of Gotabhaya and has been spending billions of rupees for different tasks given by him. CID has questioned Major General (retd) Kapila Hendawitharana, former Chief of National Intelligence, over the scandal they are probing. It was earlier reported that the NEC had decided to arrest former Defence Secretary quoting Health Minister Rajitha Senaratne. While these reports were discussed in the NEC, there arose a serious debate on the issue of the powers and privileges of the NEC. One NEC member declared:

"After all, the NEC has no legal authority to take such a decision to arrest anyone," he said. It is true that NEC a political council representing the political leadership of the mass participation during the recent elections.

It is still a representative body of the masses who wish a radical change of power in the Lankan society. Throughout the history, world over, such transitional councils emerged to direct the task of the political change expected by the mass uprising. Obviously such political committees do not have recognition in the state that is under re-organization.

All agreements or decisions of the radical council will have to go through the state apparatus, for implementation. Generally this is done by the individuals who have a hold in the executive power. That is exactly how the NEC worked so far during the last few months. Agreements and suggestions that were made in the council were transferred to the relevant sectors of the state and what happened or not, were reported back.

Presidential elections

Clearly in this issue there was a suggestion to arrest those who were responsible for the Avant guard debacle, including the past Defence Secretary, and to do an intense investigation. Whatever the media publicity given to the event, the truth remains the same.

With media freedom available today, we can expect all kinds of interpretations and adverse reporting. One such reporting said 'The government has called for an investigation into an alleged attempt by former Defence Secretary Gotabhaya Rajapaksa to create instability in the country over the next three months. Cabinet Spokesperson and Health Minister Dr. Rajitha Senaratne said that documents related to the alleged attempt were handed over to the National Executive Council.' "Gotabhaya Rajapaksa still has hopes to topple this government. Therefore I informed the National Executive Council to look into this matter as soon as possible," the Minister said. Senaratne further alleged that more than 400 military officials were also being trained at an army base in the North under directions from an Army Brigadier, who is an ally of the former Defence Secretary, in an attempt to create a fresh crisis situation in the north, and take advantage of it. "We will not allow this to happen especially when this government is dedicated to take this nation forward and implement its 100 day policy," the Minister said.

I believe that Hon Minister has every right to make such a statement. One can debate about the political repercussions and the effect of such a statement on politically active masses. But we cannot overrule the right of expression of a political leader and certainly, he can be challenged by those who want to condemn what was said.

We know that soon after its victory at the January 8 Presidential Elections the government lodged a complaint at the Criminal Investigations Department, alleging that the previous government had attempted to stage a coup. Foreign Minister Mangala Samaraweera who lodged the complaint stated that former President Mahinda Rajapaksa, his brother and Defence Secretary Gotabhaya Rajapaksa, Chief Justice Mohan Peiris, former Foreign Minister G.L. Peiris and former government member Udaya Gammanpila had tried to attempt a coup and impose a state of emergency and continue in office by unlawful and illegal means with the help of the military.

JVP leaders

In addition, recently president Maithree revealed that he had to hide with his family on that day. He got information that his family would be killed if he got defeated in the presidential elections. Thirdly the Galle Magistrate has impounded the passport of former Defence Secretary, Gotabhaya Rajapaksa over CID investigations into the controversial floating armoury.

The action was taken after the Attorney General's Department consulted Prime Minister, Ranil Wickremesinghe with a recommendation that Gotabhaya be taken into custody together with three others for alleged violation of the Firearms Ordinance and other laws. It is over the floating armoury owned jointly by Rakna Arakshaka Lanka Limited, a fully government owned company and Avant Garde Maritime Services Limited, a privately owned company.

It was reported later, "Prime Minister Wickremesinghe has said that the former Defence Secretary should not be taken into custody. He has stated that an arrest would lead to problems for his government and directed that all other legal steps should be taken." So every thing is clear. PM has acted on the basis of discussions started in the NEC and gone through the process within the state structure and has come to a conclusion. Clearly the work is going on inspite of public debate on inaction of the government to proceed on the information received by the leadership.

The role of various individuals in obtaining the support of important persons in the government to accused elements has become a huge controversy. JVP leaders have started a campaign against this corruption.

They told in several public meetings that some UNPers were trying to black out investigations. Of course UNP has denied this and goes on to give interviews to media to prove their innocence. 

Dinesh the next Opposition Leader?

2015-03-23

With SLFP members deciding to join the government forming first ever national government in the country, other constituents in the United People’s Freedom Alliance today demanded that Leader of the Mahajana Eksath Peramuna (MEP) be made the Opposition Leader in Parliament.   

Addressing media party leaders of the alliance including Vasudeva Nanayakkara, Udaya Gammanpila and Wimal Weerawansa said since the SLFP is now part of the government incumbent Opposition Leader Nimal Siripala de Silva has no ground to continue holding the position.

Pivithuru Hela Urumaya (PHU) Leader Gammanpila said they will not allow a Tamil to become the Opposition Leader thus, would prevent TNA or JVP becoming the main opposition at any cost.

Siripala Says Him Continuing To Be The Opposition Leader Isn’t Unethical

March 23, 2015

SLFP MP Nimal Siripala de Silva says he doesn’t believe that his continuing to remain the Opposition leader is unethical and added he will be the Opposition Leader until the SLFP decides otherwise.

Siripala

Speaking at a media briefing today, Opposition Leader Nimal Siripala said he will remain in the position as the SLFP’s stature as the main opposition party has not been compromised despite a group of its MPs accepting ministerial posts and the party forming a national government with the UNP.

“The President has given us freedom to criticize any of the government policies and even our own SLFP MPs who have assumed duties as Ministers, if the necessity arises. Therefore, I don’t believe there is anything unethical about me being the Opposition leader,” he said.

He compared the present situation in parliament to when Minister Karu Jayasuriya who was then in the Opposition, along with a group of 17 UNP MPs extended their support to the UPFA government and assumed duties as Ministers.

“Did anyone question the position of the UNP as the main opposition party at that point? The present situation is very much the same,” he said.