Sri Lanka: More Poverty in Four Districts Including 3 Tamil Districts

04/05/2015 

The Districts of Mullaitivu, Moneragala, Mannar and Batticaloa had a higher rate of poverty in comparison with others, Senior Visiting Fellow at the Institute of Policy Studies (IPS) Wimal Nanayakkara noted.

The 2014 Millennium Development Goals Country Report prepared by the IPS highlighted the incidence of income poverty based on socio-economic groups revealed that the poorest in the country were labourers engaged in agriculture and non-agriculture related work.

Of children below the ages of five years, 21.6% were underweight, with the estate sector recording a high 29.7%, the rural sector 21.7% and the urban sector 16.6% as far as under-nutrition was concerned.

The employment to population ratio for females was low requiring therefore the need to create employment opportunities that are closer to home, provide for flexible working hours and opportunities to work from home especially in technology related fields. The number of dropouts was seen to be increasing with increasing age beyond 14 years (before General Certificate of Education Ordinary Level).

Around 10% of boys do not attend school or any other educational institute after 14 years of age, and while the percentage is much higher for children in the estate sector, the pattern is the same for girls.

This pattern indicates the importance of increasing the compulsory age for schooling to at least 16 years which has not been implemented yet. It is critical to improve the quality of education and facilities for science education in all regions as well as the education outcomes at secondary and tertiary levels.

Skills mismatch in the labour market needs to be addressed as Sri Lanka needs more people with vocational, technical and professional skills in order to meet the ever increasing demand for skills. The Parliamentary representation of women must be increased from the present 6.8%. Can Sri Lanka afford to lose around 123 mothers per year?

Reported cases of human immunodeficiency virus and acquired immune deficiency syndrome are gradually increasing. Around 8,000 new cases of tuberculosis are reported every year.

As the country develops and urban areas grow, the area of land covered by forest has declined. By 2012 and 2013, 72.5% in the estate sector had access to basic sanitation including toilet facilities and as far as access to safe drinking water was concerned the estate sector was found lagging behind at 46.3% as many of them used spring water for drinking, which according to the global definition was considered unsafe.

After 2010, there has been a sharp drop in the proportion of Sri Lankan imports to developed countries admitted duty free, primarily due to the loss of GSP+ concessions granted by the European Union.

BY RUWAN LAKNATH JAYAKODY/ CT

TNA demands ‘special arrangement’ for Northern Province...won’t compromise the number of elected members to facilitate electoral reforms

By Shamindra Ferdinando-May 3, 2015,  

The four-party Tamil National Alliance (TNA) on Saturday insisted that it wouldn’t cooperate under any circumstance with the  electoral reforms meant to reduce the number of elected representatives from the Northern and Eastern electoral districts.

Nine members are elected from the Jaffna electoral district, whereas six enter parliament from the Vanni electoral district comprising Mannar, Vavuniya and Kilinochchi districts. Sixteen are elected from the Eastern Province comprising the electoral districts of Trincomalee (4), Digamadulla (7) and Batticaloa (5).

The TNA comprised the Illankai Thamil Arasu Kadchi (ITAK), TELO, PLOTE and EPRLF.

TNA heavyweight and National List Parliamentarian M.A. Sumanthiran said that their support for the proposed 20 Amendment to the Constitution would entirely depend on guarantee that the existing 160 electorates would remain intact.

The top lawyer was responding to a query at a live Sirasa political programme Satana also involving North Western Province Chief Minister Dayasiri Jayasekera, Deputy Justice Minister Sujeweewa Senasinghe and JVP MP Vijitha Herath.

Sumanthiran called for a special arrangement to ensure that Tamil speaking people would retain the same number of seats regardless of drastic drop in the number of electors over the years due to them fleeing the country or moving to districts outside the Northern Province. The TNA MP also referred to well over 100,000 Sri Lankans still remaining in Tamil Nadu.

The MP insisted that the electoral reforms couldn’t be finalized at the expense of Tamil speaking people. The MP insisted that the SLFP’s push for an agreement on electoral reforms wasn’t realistic therefore those spearheading talks on the 20 Amendment should be mindful of their concerns.

Responding to another query, Sumanthiran emphasized that post-war solution to the national issue should be discussed leaving out the 13 Amendment to the Constitution. The MP asserted that branding the proposed solution as a federal set-up would be inimical to on-going efforts, adding that the country should examine the ground realities.

The TNA MP said that some time back the Indian Supreme Court thwarted a move to reduce the number of elected members from Tamil Nadu on the basis of drop in population due to a successful birth control project carried out in the Southern Indian State. Sumanthiran said that the Supreme Court held that Tamil Nadu would continue to elect 40 members as the success of the birth control project shouldn’t affect the state’s representation in parliament.

While asserting that the current parliament wouldn’t be able to tackle the national issue and expressing confidence that the next parliament would be able to resolve the national question, the MP said that the TNA was ready to work with President Maithripala Sirisena and Prime Minister Ranil Wickremesinghe.

Wayamba CM Jayasekera said that political parties couldn’t ignore the urgent need to decide on the number of elected representatives on the basis of the strength of each electoral district. Former MP Jayasekera strongly pushed for an agreement on electoral reforms leading to the finalization of the 20 Amendment to the Constitution.

In the run-up to the passage of the 19 Amendment to the Constitution, the SLFP insisted that the 20 Amendment should be approved before the next parliamentary election.

JVP MP Vijitha Herath quoted Elections Commissioner Mahinda Deshapriya as having said that at least one year was required to educate the electorate of the change of electoral reforms. MP Herath said that electoral reforms couldn’t be brought in accordance with the SLFP’s agenda.

During the programme, the TNA MP also asserted that the Chief Minister of the Northern Province could exercise the powers of the Governor in accordance with provision in the 19 Amendment as regards the status between the President and Prime Minister. In line with the 19 Amendment, the members of the cabinet could be appointed only on the advice of the Prime Minister.

Kerry urges Sri Lanka cooperation in war-crimes probe

03 May 2015

Colombo asked to free all remaining political prisoners and help search for missing persons by visiting US top diplomat.

The US secretary of state has said he wants to renew ties with Sri Lanka and urged its new government to work with the UN to ensure an investigation into war crimes met international standards.

John Kerry arrived in Sri Lanka on Saturday, the first time in a decade that a US secretary of state has visited Sri Lanka.

He announced the start of an annual bilateral dialogue and said the US would immediately send experts to advise the new government on economic growth, trade and investment.

"Kerry spoke frequently about the need for the citizens of this  island country to not forget their past, and to find a way to reconcile their past grievances," Al Jazeera's Rosiland Jordan, reporting from Colombo, said.

 "In Sri Lanka, that means squaring political, ethnic and religious differences. It also means trusting each other, something that can't be legislated."

Kerry's visit comes after years of tensions between the US administration and Mahinda Rajapaksa, the former president, over allegations of human rights abuses and war crimes at the end of a long conflict with Tamil separatists, which ended in 2009.

Rajapaksa was unseated by Mathripala Sirisena in a surprise election win in January.

Rajapaksa's government had also clashed with the UN over its investigation into war atrocities.

At Sirisena's request, the UN has agreed to delay its report until September.

'Pivotal point'

In a speech to business leaders and activists in Colombo, Kerry said it was important that the new government cooperate with the UN and mount an investigation seen as legitimate within Sri Lanka.

He said a process of reconciliation was needed to heal the wounds of more than two decades of war.

Kerry also urged the government to release all remaining political prisoners and work with international organisations to investigate missing persons cases.

"Sri Lanka is at a pivotal point. Peace has come but true reconciliation will take time," Kerry said.

Kerry briefly met Sirisena and later Ranil Wickremesinghe, the prime minister.

He was expected to meet R Sampanthan, who heads the main ethnic Tamil political party, on Sunday before going on to Kenya for his next stop.

Kerry said the US was not seeking to meddle in Sri Lanka's internal affairs.

"Everything we are talking about, we are offering, not demanding, everything we have suggested is exactly that, a suggestion," he said.

Rajapaksa had also established strong ties with China during his term.

Hopeful prospects of new relationship with the US

by Jehan Perera-May 4, 2015, 7:52 pm 

US Secretary of State John Kerry's visit to Sri Lanka coincided with the conclusion of the government's 100 Day programme which had just ended on a high note. The virtually unanimous passage the 19th Amendment to the constitution was a triumph to the government. The vote in favour was 212 to 1. The reform of the executive presidency, which formed the core of the 19th Amendment, was a promise that had eluded successive governments for over two decades. During the latter half of the 100 day period it seemed that the government was not going to be successful in implementing the most important of its election time pledges. There was increased public skepticism about its willingness and ability to tackle issues of past corruption and abuse of power. The opposition led by supporters of former President Mahinda Rajapaksa appeared to be gathering in strength.

However, President Maithripala Sirisena and Prime Minister Ranil Wickremesinghe were able to lead their respective political parties to an unprecedented bipartisan consensus that saw all other political parties fall in line. The emergence of a reformed presidency shorn of its extreme powers was an outcome of their leadership. In a statement to the media, the visiting US Secretary of State acknowledged the government's commitment to reform. He said, "One thing about this Sri Lankan government seems clear. The President, the Prime Minister and the Foreign Minister are not afraid of tackling tough issues. They are willing to make difficult decisions and they are committed to keeping their promises. We have seen that in the 100 day plan."

Under different circumstances the timing of Secretary Kerry's visit might have been controversial. He arrived the day before Vesak, the most sacred Buddhist religious festival. He departed on Vesak day. However, the dramatic changes that have been taking place in Sri Lanka over the past four months since the government changed made t his visit a part of the Vesak spirit of rejoicing, sharing and contemplation. The tenor of Secretary Kerry's remarks during his stay was overwhelmingly positive and supportive towards Sri Lanka with the promise of concrete support to come. He also took the opportunity to visit an important Buddhist temple to perform an act of reverence which also acknowledged the Buddhist heritage of the country.

IMPROVED RELATIONS

In the aftermath of the election President Maithripala Sirisena and the formation of the new government driven by Prime Minister Ranil Wickremesinghe there has been a spate of visits to Sri Lanka by high level representatives of foreign governments and the UN. Secretary Kerry's visit was especially significant, not only because the United States is the most powerful country in the world, but also it was the country behind the UN human rights resolutions on Sri Lanka from 2009 onwards. These resolutions which called for an investigation into the last phase of Sri Lanka's internal war were resisted tooth and nail by the government of former President Mahinda Rajapaksa.

The former president turned the UN call into a personal battle in which he pledged his willingness to the "electric chair" for the sake of the country and its armed forces. The Rajapaksa government also roused Sinhalese ethnic nationalism to the maximum to resist foreign intervention and to consolidate political power within the country. Sri Lanka's attitude towards the international community, in particular the Western countries, turned adversarial. The government's defiance of the international community took on the character of defying international institutions, including the UN human rights system, and calling it into question. This was a challenge that the international system led by the United States could not afford to tolerate as it could lead to an undermining of the system that had been established to ensure post-second world war order.

During the period of the Rajapaksa government, Sri Lanka also had the tacit sympathy of many third world countries which felt that they too were at the receiving end of double standards in their own wars against insurgencies and terrorism. This became evident at the annual vote taken at the UN Human Rights Council on the issue of compelling the Sri Lankan government to accept an independent investigation into allegations of war crimes and serious human rights violations. The United States and its Western allies had to exert considerable pressure on other member countries of the UN to get them to vote against Sri Lanka. Sri Lanka's foreign policy makers became overconfident that they could avoid being taken to task under the existing international human rights framework with the backing of China and Russia.

COURSE CHANGE

Under the government of former President Rajapaksa, Sri Lanka also became over-dependent on this emerging superpower for both economic assistance and political protection in international forums. The large loans at relatively high rates of interest that Sri Lanka took from China for low yield and massive infrastructure investments led to the prospect of Chinese expansion into the economy in the case of inability to repay the loans on time. The Colombo Port City project which gives China outright ownership of land next to Colombo harbor is being challenged at the present time, on the several grounds of economic viability, environmental degradation and geopolitical considerations. Over fifty years ago Sri Lanka was first subjected to US economic sanctions for its close ties to China when it entered into the rubber-rice pact with a country that was referred to as an enemy nation.

In the course of the main speech he delivered while in Sri Lanka, Senator Kerry made an offer of US assistance to Sri Lanka in four key areas. These are reconciliation and post-war healing, justice and accountability, human rights and strengthening of democratic institutions. He said that the United States having experienced a terrible civil war in which a movement of separation had to be defeated on the military battlefield had much to contribute from its own experience, both positive and negative. He added that "Until just recently our diplomats routinely clashed with yours on these issues at the Human Rights Council in Geneva and the UN in New York. Now, with the new government, with the turning of this critical page, we have the opportunity to work together."

Accompanying this was an offer of a "partnership dialogue" and expanded bilateral assistance with regard to trade and investment that could help to consolidate the country's post-war gains. The large scale and generous US assistance that helped to transform South East Asia could now come to Sri Lanka, albeit a half century later. Highlighting the new and improved relationship he referred to Sri Lanka's Foreign Minister Mangala Samaraweera by his first name as "Mangala" and also as "friend." This is an opportunity to be supported by the most powerful and wealthy country in the world that Sri Lanka cannot afford to miss. However, Sri Lanka's long colonial experience beginning with the Portuguese in the 16th century has made a deep imprint on the psyche of its people. It is important that the government shows the people that in relation to the international community the country's sovereignty will continue to lie within and not outside its territorial borders.

Sri Lanka Deterioration Of The legal intellect (6): Pattini Razeek's Body Buried Within A Half Built Private House

By Basil Fernando-04 May, 2015

Part I

Part II

Part III

Part IV

Part V

The discovery of the body of Pattini Razeek buried under a half-built private house, in a remote village on Uddamaveli, in Valaichchenai, would have flared up the imagination of any detective. However, despite of the discovery on 28th July 2010, the case itself, remained buried till to date.

Sri Lanka Deterioration of the Legal Intellect (6) Pattini Razeek's Body Buried Within a Half Built Private... by Thavam Ratna

Violence Against Dissents Should be Punished – FMM

04/05/2015

Issuing a statement on the eve of the World Press freedom Day the FMM emphasises that  the government shuld take speedy action against those responsible for the assault against Dr.Nirmaal Ranjith Devasiri and Dr.Kumudu Kusum Kumara. Ealier FUTA, the Federation of University Teachers Associations issued  statement condemning the assault calling on the government to bring the culprits to book.

Here is the full statement of the FMM:

The Free Media Movement strongly condemns the physical attack unleashed on Dr.Nirmal Ranjith Devasiri and Dr.Kumudu Kusum Kumara at the May Day rally organised by the pro- Rajapaksa political parties and groups at the Kirullapona Lalith Athulathmudali ground, Colombo. The National Freedom Front (NDF) led by Wimal Weerawansa, a member of the Parliament played a leading role in this pro-Rajapaksa rally. Dr.Devasiri is former FUTA President and current media spokes person of the Federation of University Teachers Association (FUTA) and Dr Kumudu Kusum Kumara, also a prominent public intellectual. FMM would like to reiterate that those violent politicians and their henchmen who cannot stop the habit of hunting the dissenters should be brought to book. Dr.Devasiri has been actively engaged in not only on the issues of the University Community but also in re-establishing the democracy and good governance in the country. He is a person who expresses his views on social good without fear.

Dr. Deavasiri. prominent activist

It is not unusual that politically sensitive persons walk around the city of Colombo on May Day to various avenues to listen to different political opinions. Dr.Devasiri and Dr. Kumara have been attacked while listening to the speeches of pro-Rajapaksa May Day rally upon recognising them. The attack unleashed at the rally led by politicians like Wimal Weerawansa, who is known to make hate speech against dissenters and incite his followers against them shows that they are unable to reform themselves even after losing the state power in recently held presidential election.

Dr. Kumara

The FMM wants the government to take speedy action against those responsible for the assault against Dr.Nirmaal Ranjith Devasiri and Dr.Kumudu Kusum Kumara.

At the same time the FMM would like to highlight that although some positive initiatives has been taken by the government in relation to media freedom, still old habits of media suppression had been reported form different parts of the country in recent times. One such incident was reported form Poddala in Galle district. An ITN TV reporter who has been covering short comings of a maternity clink held at the Poddala, Bope local council was assaulted and prevented from doing his profession by the Council’s vice president. Again it was reported a journalists of the

Swarnawahini TV was assaulted by a policeman while on his way home after work saying that the journalist ignore the sign to stop motorcycle he was riding.

In Jaffna, journalists were prevented from covering a meeting held to discuss the serious issue of water pollution in Chunnakam. This was a clear case of preventing right to information of the people which the government has promised to adhere to.

The FMM would like to urge the government to look in to these issues as well and take appropriate action in order to prevent repetition.

Conspiracy to murder Maithri : Commander Corporal with firearm sent by Rajapakses remanded -PSD lapse details…

(Lanka-e-news- 03.May.2015, 11.00PM) In the abortive assassination bid made on president Maithripala Sirisena  at Angunakola Pelessa following  a Rajapakse conspiracy ,Corporal Senaka Kumara of the army 4 th regiment , a commando soldier who was involved was remanded until the 12 th by The Angunakola magistrate . 

The suspect apprehended following the investigation conducted by the CID was produced before the Angunakola pelessa magistrate yesterday (02) night when he was ordered to be remanded  by the magistrate .

Lanka e news first revealed this bid when the president attended the conference at Akunagola pelessa on 25th last month ,giving details of how a suspect armed with a weapon ominously hovered around the president at close quarters . Lanka e news again published a special report on the 29 th referring to the statement made by the defeated deflated Rajapakse three days prior to a French newspaper which clearly indicated the Rajapakses’ connection in this attempt. At that time the soldier who was used in  the conspiracy was not arrested.

According to reports reaching Lanka e news inside information division , the factual situation is as follows :

On the day of the incident , Namal Rajapakse has come with this suspect commando corporal , along  with  his vehicle driver and had asked from ASP Malawalage  of the PSD in the second ring ,’ ‘from where do I enter ?’. ‘Sir, I can send you through the VIP side’ Malawalage has replied, when Namal has said , ‘No, I shall go through the ordinary people’s side, ‘ and entered along with the suspect through the side where ordinary people are allowed . Malawalage has then asked from Namal’s corporal (the suspect) ‘have you any weapons on you?’ The suspect had answered ‘no, I left  the weapon in the cubby , and I have only the water bottle and tissue’ which is a deliberate and blatant lie. Malawalage having taken suspect’s word as right without searching for the pistol that was hidden under his dress had allowed them while indicating  he knows them even  before. 

Thereafter  ,Namal and his corporal ,the suspect had gained entry  , and sergeant Nissanka who was in charge of the security at that point had allowed them to enter without any security check. Then Namal and his corporal had got past the second security ring .

It is a most intriguing and shocking, how a former intelligence division officer Malawalage failed so seriously in the discharge of his most onerous  duties ,while  providing security to the highest in the hierarchy of the country ? 

A vigilant  STF soldier who was in the ring closest to the president however had noticed the security personnel accompanying  Namal having a weapon which was projecting  from under his attire .When he was frisked , a Czechoslovakian  automatic  9 m.m. weapon was found in his possession , and the suspect had  said , he is of the security detail of Namal Rajapakse. The weapon was fully loaded too. The suspect who  was apprehended by the STF was handed over to the sergeant  Nissanka (aforementioned)  of the PSD. 

Nissanka was then seen speaking to someone via the  phone. It was discovered later that Nissanka had spoken to senior DIG S.M. Wickremesinghe  in charge of the PSD .Subsequently , when the STF inquired from the PSD ‘ where is the suspect we handed over to you ?’, it was learnt that the suspect was  freed. 

It is noteworthy that no commando soldier is in fact attached to Namal’s security detail. The suspect is a soldier of the Mahinda Rajapakse security team .Interestingly and intriguingly Mahinda did not attend the Angunakola function .

Namal Rajapakse had sought the assistance of SSP Jagoda Arachi of the PSD to rescue the suspect. The SSP  had advised that before the CID officers could  summon , to go to the CID and make a statement. Accordingly, the suspect and the driver have visited the CID before being summoned and after recording a statement sought the illicit  avenue to escape liability  .

Hence , the whole episode is a clear testimony that the PSD is guilty of a serious dereliction of duty , and  there had been a grave lapse when  providing security to the president . It is well to remind that the president was to table the 19 th amendment two days later. DIG S.M. Wickremesinghe who provided the fuel for this assassination conspiracy  of the Rajapakses in order to stall the 19th amendment in its tracks , has still not been interrogated because of the partiality shown towards the DIG by the IGP, let alone a departmental disciplinary inquiry conducted for his egregious neglect of responsibilities.

Truly speaking , under normal circumstances , senior DIG Wickremesinghe should tender his resignation for this gross AND shameful neglect of duty . Instead , he had earnestly requested the media chiefs not to write about this episode.

When this DIG sought to halt this news publication by the Lanka e news through a close friend of ours  , the LeN friend  had asked him , ‘recently president contracted a severe cold , and even before he could consult a doctor , how come Mahinda Rajapakse became aware ?’ ‘Wasn’t it you who passed that information ?’. The DIG was dumbfounded and had no answer to give.

What is more important and valuable to the masses is the life of president Maithripala Sirisena . Whether this double faced double dealer of a DIG exists or holds the post of senior DIG means nothing to them  for he is after all a khaki clad vulture no matter his position . Let him therefore be advised to honorably resign rather than wait until he is booted out .

By Special correspondent of LeN

Realated News:

Assassination bid on president in Rajapakse fortress : Namal’s security personnel with firearm threateningly moves towards Maithri

Mahinda lets it slip regarding assassination bid on Maithri :Corporal and firearm not taken into custody -An analysis

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by     (2015-05-03 18:04:25)

US aid to probe into Rajapaksas’ overseas assets

Monday, 04 May 2015

Visiting US Secretary of State - John Kerry has stated that the US would provide technical assistance needed for anti-corruption measures in Sri Lanka.

Kerry has stated thus while meeting Sri Lankan President Maithripala Sirisena and Prime minister Ranil Wickremesinghe.

During the meeting, the President has requested a special training for officers in the Bribery commission, police and CID in order to further strengthen anti-corruption measures. In response, the US Secretary of State has pledged complete support.

Meanwhile, Kerry also said that US would pledge assistance to probe into monies hidden in foreign banks by certain Sri Lankans.

Kerry had also said States appreciates the steps taken by President Maithripala Sirisena to strengthen democracy and ensure transparency and accountability.

Kerry said he decided to visit Sri Lanka as a mark of endorsement of the policies undertaken by the new government and he would use the same reasons to try to convince President Obama to visit Sri Lanka, if possible next year before he completes his term.

Sirisena Should Not Miss This Historical Opportunity 

By Veluppillai Thangavelu –

Veluppillai Thangavelu

The passage of 19th Amendment marks a course correction in the political direction of the country’s history. The executive presidential system of government in place since 1978 has been changed though not fully. According to many analysts the powers of the executive president has been reduced by half, if not more.

The Supreme Court rightly determined certain provisions of the draft 19th Amendment required a referendum among the people to make them legally valid. The Supreme Court  determined that the Bill complies with the provisions of article 82 (1) of the Constitution and requires to be passed by special majority specified in Article 82(5) of the Constitution and that the paragraphs 42 (3), 43 (1), 43 (3), 44 (2), 44 (3) and 44 (5) in Clause 11 and some sections in Clause 26 require the approval of the people at a referendum in terms of the provisions of Article 83 of the Constitution. Among those provisions that were struck down by the Supreme Court the one making the Prime Minister the head of the Cabinet of Ministers, that he shall determine the number of ministers. In a parliamentary democracy the prime minister is only the first among the equals. He is not the boss.

Notably, a referendum will be required for the sections that provide for making the Prime Minister the head of the Cabinet of ministers and enabling him to determine the number of ministers and subjects and functions to be assigned to the ministers, change those assignments and the one which says ‘at the request of the Prime Minister, any Minister of the Cabinet of Ministers may, by notification published in the gazette, delegate to any minister who is not a member of the cabinet of ministers, any power or duty pertaining to any subject or function assigned to such Cabinet minister, or any power or duty conferred or imposed on him or her by any written law, and shall be lawful for such other minister to exercise and perform any power or duty delegated notwithstanding anything to the contrary in the written law by which that power or duty is conferred or imposed on such minister of the cabinet of ministers.

The section in Clause 26 of the Bill seeking to amend the sections pertaining to appointment of a competent authority to look over the state and private electronic media institutions during the times of elections, too, needs to be approved by people at a referendum.                                Read More

19th Amendment: How Did It All Begin? The Monk And The Man Who Changed History

[Ven. Maduluwawe Sobitha Thera]

04/05/2015

With repeated election victories since 2005, the Rajapakse regime had shown signs of being an unstoppable force by early 2012.

Finding a leader to arrest the rapid authoritarian trend was the biggest challenge for those who fought for democracy in Sri Lanka. The regime too, by hook or by crook, successfully sidelined almost all such potential contenders and many frustrated and hopeless democracy activists either left the country or functioned in a low key manner due to safety concerns. Since the pro-peace and pro-democracy voice was suppressed, the looters and the thugs enjoyed a monopoly of governance of this country.

19th Amendment How Did It All Begin the Monk and the Man Who Changed History by Thavam Ratna

Sri Lanka’s 19th Amendment: Process, Content And Consequences – Analysis

Dr. S. I. Keethaponcalan-May 3, 2015

After a prolonged struggle and negotiations among several political parties, the 19th Amendment to the constitution of Sri Lanka was enacted with an overwhelming majority on April 28, 2015. The way the process was carried out indicates that Sri Lankan political leaders still retain the capacity to negotiate and get things done. Kudos to the parties that were involved in the process because the Amendment faced the prospect of complete derailment while it was being negotiated.

Sri Lanka’s 19th Amendment Process, Content and Consequences – Analysis by Thavam Ratna

“Under the Blind Eyes of Good Governance” Mobitel ceo is driving “We Care, Always” to a Big Disaster!!!

Monday, 04 May 2015

It is given to understand that the CEO of “We Care, Always” has issued an Internal Memo dated 10th of April 2015 to assign the Procurement Section under the Administration Division making all the staff in the Procurement Section administratively reporting to GM (Administration), Col. Athula Lankadewa (who has won the Golden Crown of the most corrupt previous CEO, Lalith De Silva and who managed to evacuate an Army Camp on his own leaving all bravery soldiers innocent without proper orders from the relevant Army High Rankers during the Madam Chandrika’s tenure of Office as the H.E. the President of Sri Lanka) claiming that Ranjith had been instructed by the Board of Directors and as decided at the Board Meeting which was held on 01st of April 2015 (2nd Board Meeting under the “Yahapalanaya”.

We have verified this through many ways (indirectly through the SGM/Legal Affairs and 2 Yahapalana Board Directors) and all the sources confirmed that no such decision was taken at this Board Meeting. This is definitely a complete violation of Code of Ethics and a vehement effort to remove the Procurement
Section from the Chief Financial Officer who has become real headache to Ranjith for his ruthless and most corrupt activities within “We Care, Always”.

This new GM is very well suited and matched to the Tastes of Ranjith, The CEO of “We Care, Always”. We decided to publish a copy of this so called Internal Memo for your convenience.

Kili Maharajah tries to poke his garrulous slaves in to the parliament - Let the people teach a lesson they taught to the film stars

(Lanka-e-News- 04.May.2015, 2.30PM) News reaching Lanka e News learns Chairman and the Managing Director of the Sirasa media R. Raja Mahendran has started to exert pressure to the political party leaders of the UPFA alliance to give nominations to the people he propose to the coming parliamentary election.

The plan of Rajamahendran is to synthetically promote his media slaves working in the Sirasa and artificially influence the public opinion of the people in an exorbitant manner and to push his slave workers to the parliament and to fulfill his deceitful objectives. Political analysts who forecast future say by doing this the latter is trying to impute a power to submit the government according to his whims thereby exploiting the people.

Political analysts further assert the Sirasa chief and Managing Director R. Rajamahendran is trying to misuse his media culture by following the NDTV India which directed few of its workers to the Indian Lok Sabah parliament.

By directing his slaves such as Sri Ranga and Buddhika Pathirana to the parliament R. Rajamahendran have able to successfully produce results for his trial tests. Despite he managed to enter his candidates to the last provincial council election through his exorbitant media campaign confidential sources say now he is planning to get nominations to his remaining slaves aiming the coming election. 

However when Mahrajah’s Sirasa able to nominate Susara Dinal from the Gampaha district in the UPFA, S.M. Marikkar from UNP and Susil Kindelpitiya from the Democratic Alliance for the Western Provincial Council and get membership in the provincial governments, the Sirasa chairman is once again wandering in his own dream world. 

According to reports reaching us Sirasa chairman R. Rajamahendran is directly and indirectly pushing president Maithripala from various sources to give nominations to his representatives. 

Taking a step forward during the annual convention of the Maharajah Organization few days back Chandana Suriyabandara has been selected as the best executive officer and this Maharaja has requested president Maithripala who went as the chief guest for the convention to give nominations to the latter. 

Internal sources from Kili Maharajah reports the top management has already given instructions to the Sirasa media to direct their TV programs in a way giving a wide publicity to Chandana Suriyabandara, Suranga Senanayake, Roshan Priya Watawala, Yasarath Kamalsiri, Priyantha Wijesinghe, Shevan Daniel, Siripala Wanniarachchi, Susil Kindelpitiya, S.M. Marikkar, Susara Dinal De Silva, Sri Ranga, Nidra Weerasinghe, Thanuja Jawardena, Ayona Wickremesinghe and Omaya Kowilagodage.

Meantime reports reaching us reveal these Maharajah slaves will mostly contest the coming election from the mainstream political parties.

However people of this country have to teach the same lesson to these media slaves led by Maharajah the way they taught lessons to the film stars during the last western PC elections because these stooges do not know the what statesmen politics is. They have not committed any service to the people. The only qualification what they know is to blabber as a parrot and to refresh their lives from the finances of Maharajah and to have a garrulous pitch in front of the people. These maniacs are not media journalists but opportunists. They never come forward for the problems of the journalists face. They never got any death threats from the previous regime because they were dining together with the Rajapaksa murderous in the same dish dropping reporting the burning issue of the people. The Sirasa wesak zone too was opened by the former defense secretary Gotabaya Rajapaksa who abducted people and killed using the infamous white van. The anticipated candidates too would come to the parliament as Sri Ranga and Buddhika Pathirana by people’s votes and kick the policies of their own party and dance to the tune of Kili Maharajah. 

People of this country do not need a parliament of garrulous slaves who consolidate Maharaja Companies.

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by     (2015-05-04 09:59:41)

Alleged coup attempt on the night of election proving to be a mirage

Gammanpila says project meant to ‘fix’ former CJ

By Shamindra Ferdinando

May 3, 2015, 10:21 pm 

The police hadn’t been able to establish a prima facie case to proceed with the investigation  into an allegation that a section of the army sought to help former President Mahinda Rajapaksa remain in power in spite of his defeat at the Jan.8 presidential poll, authoritative sources told The Island  However, Police Headquarters spokesman ASP Ruwan Gunasekera told The Island that the investigation had been concluded and the findings submitted to Attorney General Yuwanjana Wanasundera Wijayathilake for further action.

 The Criminal Investigation Department (CID) recorded several statements, including that of former Army Commander the then Lt. Gen. Daya Ratnayake in connection with the investigation. The CID also questioned the then External Affairs Minister Prof. G.L. Peiris because of him being present at Temple Trees on the presidential election night.

The CID also recorded a statement from AG Wijayathilake in addition to IGP N.K. Illangakoon and the then Chief Justice Mohan Peiris, PC, for being present there on the invitation of President Rajapaksa.

Gen. Ratnayake, on Saturday night, confirmed that the police had recorded his statement pertaining to the investigation. Consequent to the presidential poll, the new government appointed Crishanthe de Silva as Ratnayake’s successor. Former Chief of Staff De Silva was promoted to the rank of Lt. General. 

The Island reliably learns that former Army Commander Gen. Daya Ratnayake is now tipped to be Sri Lanka’s next High Commissioner to Pakistan.

 UPFA MP Prof. Peiris told The Island yesterday: "Although the CID recorded my statement at the onset of the inquiry, the police never contacted me again." Prof. Peiris quoted the officers sent to record his statement as having admitted that they hadn’t got a statement from anyone to suggest discussion in Temple Trees regarding a possible army take-over. 

Government spokesman and Health Minister Dr  Rajitha Senaratne wasn’t available for comment.

Office of the Chief of Defence Staff (CDS) as well as army headquarters yesterday told The Island that contrary to reports, the army had not resorted to an internal investigation. They said the army cooperated with the investigation and remained committed to assist the police, though army headquarters never felt the necessity for an inquiry of its own.

 A senior military official said that those dabbling in politics for personal gain had brought the army into disrepute. Although there had been no basis for accusations that the army planned to intervene on behalf of the former President, the conduct of some senior personnel caused unnecessary controversy, the official said.

 Western Provincial Council member and attorney-at-law Udaya Gammanpila, who had been also questioned by the CID regarding the alleged coup attempt, yesterday told The Island that the investigation was meant to prove the presence of the then Chief Justice Mohan Peiris, PC, at Temple Trees on the night of the election day. The new government wanted to get rid of PC Peiris, therefore the CID undertook a high profile investigation at the behest of the government. The project was aimed at discrediting and preparing the ground for the then CJ’s unceremonious removal, Gammanpila said, adding that if the then Defence Secretary Gotabhaya Rajapaksa sought a military take-over, he would have summoned senior armed forces personnel loyal to him. Could anything be as absurd as involving CJ, External Affairs Minister and an attorney-at-law in a military take-over, Gammanpila said.

Gammanpila declined to comment on Somawansa Amarasinghe’s unexpected demand to expedite the coup investigation.