Saturday, May 23, 2015

Salmonella outbreak possibly linked to sushi spreads to nine states

Public health officials say raw fish could be responsible for a salmonella outbreak in California and other states.

(Anne Cusack / Los Angeles Times)

Asalmonella outbreak possibly linked to raw tuna in sushi has sickened 31 people from Southern California and has spread to eight other states.

The outbreak was traced to a specific strain of salmonella, paratyphi B, likely linked to sushi made from raw tuna. So far, 53 people in nine states have become ill, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.

The bulk of the cases have been reported in California, with 10 others found in Arizona, one in Illinois, one in Mississippi, six in New Mexico, one in South Dakota, one in Virginia, one in Washington and one in Wisconsin.

In California, nine patients who fell ill with salmonella live in Los Angeles County. Six live in Orange County, four in Riverside County, seven in San Diego County, one in Santa Barbara County and four in Ventura County.

The multistate outbreak, which occurred between March 5 and May 1, has resulted in 10 patients needing hospitalization. No deaths have been reported.

It appears most of the affected patients ate sushi containing raw tuna a week before they fell ill, according to the CDC. It is unclear whether the sushi was prepackaged.

Of 37 patients interviewed by public health investigators, 21 reported eating spicy tuna sushi.

Salmonella was found in patients ranging younger than 1 year old to 83 years old. Patients who fell ill after April 21 may not have reported the illness yet because it usually take two to four weeks to recover and then notify authorities.

Scientists are still investigating the source of the outbreak.

Health officials have identified five clusters in which affected people ate sushi at the same establishments. The U.S. Food and Drug Administration and state and local officials are working to identify sushi restaurants, establishments and food distributors linked to the tuna.

“As the investigation continues, this is a good reminder to Californians that there are sometimes risks when eating raw or undercooked meats, fish or poultry,” said Karen Smith, director of the California Department of Public Health.

“This is particularly true for young children, the elderly or people with compromised immune systems who may be at an increased risk of severe illness.”

Salmonella symptoms include fever, abdominal pain, nausea and diarrhea. Symptoms typically appear 12 to 72 hours after exposure.

For breaking news in California, follow @VeronicaRochaLA.

Friday, May 22, 2015

Raviraj Assasination: Five navy personnel remanded

May 22, 2015

Five navy personnel arrested over the 2006 assassination of TNA MP Nadarajah Raviraj have been remanded until June 5 by the Colombo Magistrate Courts.

Raviraj, who represented the Tamil National Alliance (TNA) from Jaffna district, died in hospital after being shot by unidentified gunmen in Colombo on November 10, 2006.

He was shot as he left his house in Colombo for work. One of his guards, Sgt. Lakshman Lokuwella, was also killed in the attack.

Mr Raviraj, a former mayor of Jaffna and a lawyer by profession, had his own law firm: “Raviraj and Associates”. He was a native of Chavakachcheri in the Thenmaratchy sector of Jaffna.

His motivation and interest in politics led him to victory as a Councilor to the Jaffna Municipal Council in 1997.

He was elected to the Parliament in the 2001 General Election for the first time representing Jaffna district and was re-elected in 2004.

Raviraj’s murder took place within one year of the killing of veteran Eastern Province Parliamentarian Joseph Pararajasingham.

Sri Lanka must not be rewarded for reforms it hasn't made say NGOs

Tamil Guardian 22 May 2015

Sri Lanka’s government should not be rewarded for progress it hasn’t made said the International Crisis Group (ICG) and Human Rights Watch (HRW), noting that Tamil demands for progress on accountability for mass atrocities had not been met by Sri Lanka’s new governance.

The International Crisis Group (ICG), Human Rights Watch (HRW), Committee to Protect Jorunalsits (CPJ) and Freedom From Torture (FFT) briefed a US Congressional Caucus on Ethnic and Religious Freedom in Sri Lanka on human rights progress under Sri Lanka’s new regime, in Washington on Wednesday.

Speaking at the status update on human rights in Sri Lanka under the new regime, Mark Schneider, noting that legitimate demands of Tamils in North-East had not been met, said that the new government was yet to produce a list of detainees held, establish a clear consultative process for release of military held land and take serious steps towards accountability for atrocities.

Mr Schneider added that the recent appointment of Jegath Dias raised serious concerns about Sri Lanka’s commitment to accountability. Noting that the US should support international prosecutions, he added that domestic prosecutions using US law on potential war criminals that held dual citizenship in the US or green cards should also be pursued.

The Asia director of Human Rights Watch, expressing concerns on issues of accountability, stressed that genuine accountability could not be traded for a truth seeking process and highlighted the need to ensure that there was strong international involvement in any domestic prosecution mechanism that Sri Lanka may implement.

John Sifton added that human rights abuses continued in the North-East under the new regime wit arrests harassment intimidation and violence, noting that though there was a new regime the structure of the state police and security forces responsible for abuses had not changed.

“The new government must not be rewarded for reforms it hasn’t made,” he warned the caucus.

Dr Alison Callaway, who works with the UK based Freedom From Torture on asylum seeker cases from Sri Lanka, said that there was systematic, institutionalised widespread torture by Sri Lanka’s authorities in detention. Dr Callaway also noted that under the new regime intimidation and harassment of families by the military and security personnel carried on as usual.

The Asia program director of the Committee to Protect Journalists (CPJ) there was complete impunity for the killings of journalists in Sir Lanka highlighted the need for the international community to stay involved to see this change.

Distorted perspectives of governance

By Neville Ladduwahetty-May 21, 2015, 8:18 pm

The reason for the disenchantment with the Presidential system was because of the misguided belief that the system provides opportunities for the Executive branch to engage in unilateral activities independent of other branches of Government. This is incorrect. For instance, the non-Executive branch of Government is expected to monitor and oversee Executive action. If they DO NOT exercise their due responsibilities, the non-Executive branch should be held as responsible and accountable for the excesses of Executive action as the Executive branch itself. Therefore, effective governance works only when ALL branches of Government fulfill their respective responsibilities.

Distorted Perspectives of Governance by Thavam Ratna

Sri Lanka: Vasu Calls Ranil a “Pakaya” in Parliament

22/05/2015

Parliamentarian and former Minister Vasudeva Nanayakkara called Prime Minister Ranil Wickremesinghe a “pakaya” in Parliament today.

This was after the Prime Minister attempted to prevent Nanayakkara from raising a point of order during Parliament proceedings today.

“Do you think you can make me sit down? Pakaya,” Nanayakkara said.

Nanayakkara accused the Prime Minister of not knowing what a point of order is or what standing orders in Parliament are.

A heated exchange of words then took place between Nanayakkara and the Prime Minister even as the Speaker kept insisting that Nanayakkara should be allowed to speak.

Nanayakkara told the Prime Minister to respect Parliament and he also questioned the Speaker if the Prime Minister can be allowed to behave in such manner.

The Speaker then warned the members of parliament saying students who were watching the proceedings in Parliament will take the behavior of the MPs as an example. (Colombo Gazette)

MR regime placed Rs. 2.7 trillion of Bonds

privately for cronies benefit: PM

By Jayashika Padmasiri and Chamodi Gunawardana-Saturday, 23 May 2015

Prime Minister Ranil Wickremesinghe yesterday revealed that former President Mahinda Rajapaksa and his Central Bank Governor Ajith Nivard Cabraal had hidden Rs. 2.7 trillion worth of Treasury Bonds for the benefit of their cronies.
This shockingly high figure was built up from 2012 to 2014.
“These Rs. 2,700 billion worth of Treasury Bonds were issued without any transparency. Therefore it is clear that investigating the recent transaction of Rs. 10 billion, corrupt practices which are 270 times more have been discovered. The previous regime has placed these Treasury Bonds with their friends to make major profits,” Wickremesinghe said.
“These transactions have taken place without going through a tender board or public auction system. They are not transparent at all, as they have been done according to the personal preferences of the authorities of the former Government. None of the members who should have been on the tender board had actually been there during those transactions. Treasury Bonds are normal issued by way of a public auction. Instead these bonds have been issued through private placement,” the Premier said.
Wickremesinghe made this disclosure during a meeting with UNP activists at Sirikotha.
He asked the previous Government what had happened to the ill-gotten funds and said that this profiteering by its cronies had resulted in lower salaries for public servants and less relief to the public.
Wickremesinghe also pointed out that it was the Opposition which requested for this investigation but now since so many corrupt dealings of the previous Government had come to light it was requesting them to keep look away from the corrupt dealings that occurred from 2012-2014 and only focus on Central Bank Governor Arjuna Mahendran’s issue.
“The Opposition MPs are today engaged in a battle where thieves are fighting to protect thieves. MPs such as Vasudeva Nanayakkara, G. L. Peiris and Dinesh Gunawardena are involved in this and are responsible for trying to conceal these crimes. Through the CB issue what the Opposition tried to do was prevent us from conducting these internal investigations at the Central Bank. However, along with President Sirisena, all political parties within the country should unite and help purge the nation of corruption,” Wickremesinghe added.
The Prime Minister added that if Mahendran was proven guilty through investigations conducted by the Committee on Public Enterprises (COPE) then the Government would dismiss him from the Central Bank.

Vasu a ‘dried pumpkin’: Ranil

Reacting to the torrent of abuse directed at him on Thursday in Parliament by United People’s Freedom Alliance (UPFA) MP Vasudeva Nanayakkara, Prime Minister Ranil Wickremesinghe compared Nanayakkara to a ‘dried pumpkin’ and said that he was no longer in the prime of his life.
“He is a dried pumpkin who has lost the prime of his life. This is how defeated people behave,” the Prime Minister asserted.

Dulles calls on other SLFP Ministers to resign

By Chamodi Gunawardana
A section of Sri Lanka Freedom Party (SLFP) members headed by Dulles Alahapperuma yesterday requested SLFP Ministers who were still holding portfolios to follow in the steps of the four SLFP ministers who resigned from the Government.
Addressing a press briefing yesterday, Parliamentarian Alahapperuma praised the four SLFP Ministers who resigned from the Government, stating they had proved the love and loyalty they had for the SLFP by taking that vital decision.
“We would like to bestow our regard and esteem on them for the decision they took. Now they can work in the Opposition for the public welfare,” Alahapperuma expressed.
Alahapperuma also said that they would urge the Government to hold local government elections as soon as possible.
“The Government dissolved some local government bodies last week. Now they are trying to delay elections. If the Government is unable to hold local government elections soon, then they should have postponed the dissolution dates of the other local government bodies,” Alahapperuma emphasised.
Alahapperuma added that the SLFP could not consent to the working procedures of the Government with regard to dissolving local Government bodies. “All SLFP MPs are of the same opinion,” Alahapperuma said.

SLFP to bring no-confidence motion against Ranil soon

Parliamentarian Dulles Alahapperuma yesterday said that the SLFP would submit a no-confidence motion against Prime Minister Ranil Wickremesinghe soon.
“We have already obtained 60 signatures for this no-confidence motion. Apart from Parliamentarians, a number of ministers, deputy ministers and state ministers have signed it. We are planning to collect the rest of the signatures next week and we believe that we will be able to pass this no-confidence motion in Parliament,” Alahapperuma said.

- See more at: http://www.ft.lk/article/424283/MR-regime-placed-Rs--2-7-trillion-of-Bonds-privately-for-cronies-benefit:-PM#sthash.WOqIwr6t.dpuf

Banning Active Politics For Buddhist Monks

By Gamini Jayaweera –May 22, 2015

Gamini Jayaweera

It was with real happiness and great relief that we read in the Sri Lankan newspapers some time ago that most Venerable Ahungalle Sri Vissuddhi Maha Thero had banned the Buddhist monks of Amarapura Sri Saddharma Vansika Nikaya from engaging in active politics such as contesting elections, speaking in political meetings, and participating in political demonstrations etc. Sadu! Sadu ! Sadu ! Buddhists in Sri Lanka were expecting other prominent Buddhist Monks in Sri Lanka would follow suit and make some public announcements to that effect. Though there was lukewarm response from the clergy and the general public to this very important issue, silent majority of the clergy and the general public desperately want some action to be taken by the responsible people to ban Buddhist monks’ engagement in active politics.

The announcement by the most Venerable Ahungalle Sri Vissudhi Maha Thero was the most significant and long overdue action which had been taken by a section of the Noble Sangha to ensure that Sri Lankan Buddhists will not become the laughing stock of the world due to the pathetic behaviour of some (minority) of the so called “Buddhist Monks”. The Time is right for all practising Buddhist Monks, Nuns, Upasakha, Upasikha, and the government of Sri Lanka to take a collective decision to support the Noble Bhikkus and Bhikkunis to implement this very important action to impose and maintain the long established Discipline (Vinaya) and to protect the pure Doctrine (Dhamma) from the so called “Sangha” minority who are behaving disgracefully, inappropriately and in an offensive manner.

Buddhism Vs Politics

Buddhism is well known all over the world as a “Way of Life”. The Bhikku Sangha was set up by Lord Buddha for Bhikkhus to become inspirational leaders by learning, practising, and developing certain perfections such as Generosity, Morality, Renunciation, Wisdom, Patience, Truthfulness, Determination, and Loving kindness to total completeness and teach the Doctrine (Dhamma) to all human beings, regardless of their status in society. These teachings will guide lay people to develop their mental qualities such as unbounded loving kindness, compassion, sympathetic joy, mindfulness, virtue, and wisdom to follow the path in achieving the complete freedom of the mind. Buddhism defines the way to develop moral, spiritual and intellectual training that are required for a Buddhist Monk or a lay person to achieve his ultimate goal of Supreme Enlightenment (Nibbana).

Politics has been defined as the profession which devotes its energy and time for governing and dealing with political affairs. In Webster’s Dictionary politics has been divided into two areas, namely the science of government and the management of a political party. As Webster describes politics include inter-alia protection of the country’s existence against foreign interference, maintenance of security, safety, peace and harmony, preservation of democracy, development of economic prosperity, management of a political party, and acting deceptive ways as and when required to defend a favourable outcome of the party’s candidates.

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Amendment of the Provincial Councils Elections Act no 02 of 1988.

22/05/2015

The present government has proposed to increase the women’s contribution in political decision making in the “MaithriPalanayak” policy statement. The proposal made by Hon. JanakaBandaraTennakoon, the Minister of Provincial Councils and Regional Development, to draft amendments to the Provincial Councils Elections Act no 02 of 1988 by adding provisions to ensure that more than 30% of the total candidates included in nomination papers submitted by political parties or groups should consist of women candidates, was approved by the Cabinet of Ministers.

– News.lk

Contours of a new Sri Lanka

Friday, 22 May 2015

Minister Mangala Samaraweera's Lecture at the German Council on Foreign Relations

Ladies and Gentlemen,

I thank all of you for so graciously hosting me here today at the prestigious German Council on Foreign Relations.

I have heard so much about your work as the premier network for foreign policy in Germany for well over 60 years.

Contours of a New Sri Lanka by Thavam Ratna

AIADMK paves way for Jayalalithaa to return as Tamil Nadu CM

May 22, 2015 08:36 IST

May 22, 2015

All India Anna Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam supremo J Jayalalithaa was on Friday unanimously elected its legislature party leader, paving the way for her return as a chief minister of Tamil Nadu for the fourth time.

An early morning meeting of party MLAs in Chennai elected her unanimously, party sources said.

Party Treasurer and Chief Minister O Panneeerselvam forwarded the motion to elect her as legislature party leader which was seconded by Electricity Minister Natham R Vishwanathan, the sources said, adding, it was adopted unanimously.

A beaming Cooperative Minister, Sellur K Raju, when asked if Jayalalithaa had been elected as LPP leader, said: "this is the happiest day of our life."

The 67-year-old leader was disqualified following her conviction in the Rs 66.66 crore disproportionate assets case by a trial court in Bengaluru on September 27.

The Karnataka high court had subsequently acquitted her of the charges on May 11.

Jayalalithaa is later expected to stake claim for forming the government, with the resignation of incumbent Panneerselvam being a mere formality.

In the resolution moved by him, Panneerselvam praised the leader, describing her as the "permanent general secretary" of the AIADMK.

He asked the MLAs present there to show their sign of approval by giving a "loud applause".

The meeting was also attended by some rebel MLAs of the Opposition DMDK.

Later, Panneerselvam, accompanied by some of his senior cabinet colleagues, visited the Poes Garden residence of Jayalalithaa.

The AIADMK supremo is later scheduled to garland the statues of Tamil Nadu leaders -- party founder and her mentor MG Ramachandran and Dravidian veterans E V Ramasamy popularly known as Periyar and C N Annadurai, thus making her first public appearance since her acquittal on May 11.

Jaya Needed For Tamils, TNA, & Modi

By Eelaventhan Manickavasakar –May 22, 2015

Eelaventhan Manickavasakar

Jayalalithaa’s long drawn out corruption case ended with a seemingly unexpected but heartening verdict for her. As the expected did not happen, her political enemies have ganged up in a rare unity demanding appeal to dethrone her. The anti-Jaya parties are pretty well aware of her massive popularity in Tamil Nadu. Jayalalithaa’s bold and charismatic leadership, which are all, lacking among the leaders of opposition parties. DMK ChiefKarunanidhi who is a tainted corrupt leader is sitting with a wealth of hundreds of crores. Besides his newphes Marans are also facing charges of corruption along with DMK chief’s wife and his daughter Kanimoli. There is no doubt that Tamil Nadu needs Jayalalithaa for the sake of its people. Above all Modi needs Jayalalithaa’s support in parliament to ensure his survival. In Raja Saba, Modi desperately needs Jayalalithaa’s member’s votes to pass any legislation introduced by him in the house. Already the president Muharjee has warned Modi not to resort to the emergency provision to pass a legislation, but advised him to get it passed by both the houses. Modi’s quick congratulatory messages on her birthday and acquittal demonstrate the depth of his need for Jayalalithaa to ensure his government’s survival.

As far as Tamil Nadu is concerned, she has passed many popular bills focusing on the poor and low-income population. She appears to have learnt the pitfalls of political power resulting from the abuse of position. Besides, she is a bold leader who does not fear the centre or anyone else in taking whatever steps necessary at the opportune time. For instance, she boycotted Modi’s swearing in ceremony due to the presence of genocidal Mahinda, which step only Jayalalithaa can take in Tamil Nadu as chief Minister.

As for the Eelam Tamils are concerned, she has neither wavered nor gone into a shell to express her solidarity with the Tamils after the genocidal war in 2009. DMK Chief Karunanidhi deliberately blacked out the media during the war and never expressed his condemnation while the massacres were in full swing. Karunaidhi’s priority during those horrible days was his daughter, Kanimoli and how to secure a cabinet post for her from Sonia Ghandi. Karunaidhi’s three-hour Satyagraha drama, after a hearty idli breakfast, can only be excelled by an Oscar winning actor. Though better late than never, Jayalalithaa passed legislations in the Tamil Nadu state legislature demanding an independent international investigation and a referendum involving all the Tamils living in Sri Lanka and outside Sri Lanka to express their opinion as to self-rule or separation.Read More

Mahindafalsify history for spreading racisms

FRIDAY, 22 MAY 2015

Former President Mahind Rajapakshe speaking to media at Mahiyanganaya said that now stones are pelted at police stations and the courts in Jaffna, same incidents were happened at the begging of LTTE in those days and initial stages of terrorisms also began in a similar fashion, this is a dangerous situation. Therefore, police should pay urgent attention to rectify this situation”. This is very dangerous situation. Therefore the police should act immediately. The country’s law should be equally apply to all parts of the country whether it is the North or the South”, the prevailing situation must change soon”.

These statements are made regarding the tense situation prevailed at the Jaffna Court premises when suspects are produced to court some protestors stoned the Court building and the police over an incident where an 18-year-old girl was raped and killed at Punguditivu in Jaffna.

This is entirely a violent clashes erupted due to the murder of the teenage girl and same incidents were happened in other parts of the country not only in North and East.

Video Of Sinhala Police Officer Using Racially Motivated Language At An Elderly Jaffna Woman Goes Viral

May 22, 2015

A video showing a senior Sinhala police officer using racially motivated and disrespectful language at an elderly Jaffna Tamil woman is going viral on Facebook.

The incident took place in Jaffna during the protest against the rape and murder of a schoolgirl.

The recording captures phrases like ‘You should make sure that your men behave’ (thamuselage pirimi hadāganna ōne thamusela). The police officer then threatened to the person who was recording to stop recording.

The protest and hartal took a violent turn in Jaffna on 20th May, with crowds stoning the Jaffna courthouse and burning tyres. 130 suspects arrested on charges of unlawful assembly and the stoning the Jaffna Courts Complex were yesterday remanded by the Jaffna Magistrate.Read More

வித்தியாவுக்கு நீதிகேட்டு நடத்தப்பட்ட ஆர்ப்பாட்டத்தில் "உங்கட ஆம்புளைகளை நீங்கதான் பார்த்துக்கொள்ளணும் - அதட்டலாக கூறிய பொலிஸ் அதிகாரி

[ வெள்ளிக்கிழமை, 22 மே 2015, 01:11.06 PM GMT ]

மாணவி வித்தியாவின் படுகொலைக்கு நீதி கேட்டு வடக்கு, கிழக்குப் பகுதியில் தொடர் ஆர்ப்பாட்டங்களும் பேரணிகளும் நடைபெற்று வருகிறது.

இந்நிலையில் யாழில் வித்தியாவுக்கு நீதிகேட்டு வயோதிப தாயொருவர் ஆர்ப்பாட்டத்தில் ஈடுபட்டிருந்தார்.

அந்த வயோதிப தாயிடம் மூத்த பொலிஸ் அதிகாரியொருவர் முறைகேடான வார்த்தைப் பிரயோகங்களை மேற்கொண்ட சம்பவம் ஒன்று இடம்பெற்றுள்ளது.

இது தொடர்பான காணொளி இணையங்களில் பரவி வருகிறது.

சிரேஷ்ட் பொலிஸ் அதிகாரி ஒருவர் வயோதிப தாயை நோக்கி, � உங்கட ஆம்புளைகளை நீங்கதான் பார்த்துக்கொள்ளணும்� என அதட்டலாக கூறியுள்ளமை காணொளியில் பதிவாகியுள்ளது.

Sri Lankan police pursue and assault protesters in Jaffna

Tamil Guardian 21 May 2015

Protesters in Jaffna were pursued and assaulted by Sri Lankan police on Wednesday after dispersing from a demonstration outside the Jaffna court complex.
A video obtained by IBC Tamil shows Sri Lankan police calling out an individual from a property and beating him on the street.

Protests calling for justice for the rape and murder of student S Vithiya turned violent yesterday, resulting in police and special task forces being deployed.

Senior Police officers of Jaffna District transferred

May 22, 2015

The Inspector General of Police(IGP) has ordered the transfer of the OIC of the Jaffna Division SSP SSP Lakshman Weerasekara and the HQI of Kayts CI Q.R. Perera and HQI of Jaffna CI B.M.R.K.B. Balasooriya with immediate effect, Police spokesman told Ada Derana.

Accordingly the SSP of Jaffna Division has been transferred as the OIC of Seethawakapura Division.

The OIC of the Seethawakapura Division SSP W.K. Jayalath has been transferred as the OIC of Jaffna Division.

HQI of Jaffna CI B.M.R.K.B. Balasooriya has been transferred to the Vavuniya Division

Meanwhile the OIC of Wellawatta CI F.U.K Wootler has been transferred as the HQI Jaffna. ( Senior DIG Western Province to make a suitable acting arrangement until a permanent OIC Wellawatta is posted)

HQI of Kayts CI Q.R. Perera has been transferred to the Mannar Division.( Senior DIG Northern Province to make a suitable acting arrangement until a permanent HQI Kayts is posted)

The below transfers will also come into effect immediately;

SP G.L.A Wijesekara of Jaffna Division to Killinochchi Division.

ASP D.S.D, Weerasinghe of Kilinochchi Division to Jaffna Division

ASP U.A.P. Fernando of Mannar Division to Jaffna Division.

ASP P.A.K.A. Senarathne of Jaffna Division to Mullaitivu Divisoin

ASP R.A.D.E.L. Randeniya of Mullaitivu Division to Jaffna Division.

A large group on May 20 staged a protest outside the Jaffna court demanding that the 9 suspects, arrested over the gang rape and murder of an 18-year-old student in Punkudithivu, be sentenced to death.

Police resorted to suing tear gas to disperse the protest, which turned violent with many of them behaving disruptively, pelting stones at the court premises and assaulting police officers on duty.

Five police officers were injured and hospitalized following the incident, and 130 individuals remanded.