Saturday, July 11, 2015

Doctor who gave hundreds of healthy patients chemotherapy jailed for 45 years after making millions from insurance companies

Around 553 patients received unnecessary infusions or injections from Dr Farid Fata. In September, the 50 year old haematologist-oncologist pleaded guilty to giving cancer treatments to misdiagnosed patients, telling some that they had a terminal blood cancer called multiple myeloma.

Feta also pleaded guilty to 13 counts of Medicare fraud, one count of conspiracy to receive payments and two counts of money laundering.

He was forced to forfeit $17.6 million that he had amassed from Medicare and private insurance companies.

Fata delivered an emotional apology in court as he was sentenced to over four decades in prison.

According to CNN Fata turned to face those who were at his sentencing and apologised saying: “I have violated the Hippocratic oath and violated the trust of my patients. I do not know how I can heal the wound. I do not know how to express the sorrow and the shame.”

Cheryl Blades, left, hugs a lady who was treated by Fata while she was pregnant twice and is still treated for an unknown condition.

Federal prosecutors called the doctor the “most egregious fraudster in the history of this country” saying that for Fata “patients were not people. They were profit centres.”

Fata, who lived in a large mansion in the upmarket area of Oakland Township ran seven clinics across Eastern Michigan.

The court herd that Fata administered “stunning” doses of the strong and expensive drug Rituximab to his patients exposing them to life threatening conditions.

According to Dr Dan Longo, a Harvard medical professor, the drug can weaken the immune system if overused.

The drug, which is usually given up to eight times for aggressive lymphoma was given to one patient 94 times and another 76. Overall there Fata gave out over 9,000 unnecessary injections.

Naturally Restore Knee Cartilages

Top Healthy Life

A proper diet is essential for the prevention of nearly all problems with the joints, but is also very important for restoration of knee cartilages, hips and the spine.

Maintaining optimal weight with balanced groceries, paired with avoiding physical strain during the day, reduces the risk of wearing of andpotentialdamage to thecartilage.

Symptoms of damaged knee cartilage

Cartilage is a type of connective tissue. This elastic tissue is part of many structures of the human body. You can find it in the humans’ chest, nose, bronchi, ears and lines and creases of the spine, elbows, knees, hips. It is less elastic than the muscle, but is not as hard as the bone.

Its basic function is to enable the mobility of joints preventing the bones grind against each other, which is when the damage actually occurs.

It is especially important to keep them from injuries, especially when it comes to the knee cartilage. Given that it is the largest joint in the human body, it is necessary to pay attention to the meniscus or cartilage with its internal and external parts to be healthy and smooth so that it is easy movable and functional.

However, various factors can cause distortions such as the aging process and diseases such as osteoarthritis, which commonly affects the joints on your shoulders, neck (impedes the movement of the head and causes dizziness), hip, knee, hand and foot joints.

Symptoms that indicate reduced quality of the structure of cartilage or even its complete disappearance of pain and when they are moving, as well as swelling and muscle tension. In addition to degenerative changes, there can be many other factors that can damage your cartilage such as mechanical injuries of some kind of impact, excessive physical activity, carrying heavy loads, as well as obesity. Here in this text we will present you the best natural remedies for cartilage regeneration on your hips and knees.

How to rebuild the cartilage of your knee and hip

Recent research has shown that eating foods rich in the amino acid lysine can be of great help, because this amino acid participates in the renewal of the collagen, which is the main part of your cartilage. Given that it is not synthesized in the body, it must enter through the food. The optimum amount is 12 milligrams for every kilogram of your body weight.

Food rich in this amino acid are beans, cod, red meat, eggs, soy, yogurt, cheese, dried fruit, beans and many others.

Apart from lysine, a very important substance for your body is alsothe chondroitin that participates in the preservation of our cartilage and it is also important for the natural regeneration of the cartilage of knee, hip and other joints.

Chondroitin absorbs water in connective tissue, thereby it is preserving the elasticity and flexibility of the cartilage. In addition, it can block many enzymes that degrade the connective tissue, but also it can contribute in the construction of new one.

The optimum amount of this compound is from 1000 to 1200 milligrams daily, and is obtained from shark cartilage, and from pigs and cows. In addition, chondroitin is often combined with glucosamine, which encourages greater flexibility and mobility of joints, and it is also important for the natural regeneration of cartilage. It is derived from chitin, which can be found in the shell of sea crabs, crab and lobster.

Which food is recommended for cartilage?

A diet based on foods rich in vitamins is essential for the proper formation and renewal of knee cartilage. The largest part of it eventually becomes rigid, so it’s necessary to ingest as many vitamins to prolong its life and resilience.

Foods rich in vitamin C for regeneration of cartilage of the hip and knee

Vitamin Cis essential for the body because it stimulates the production of collagen, which essential in building healthy ligaments and tendons. The optimum daily amount is 75 milligrams, and there’s a great choice between citrus fruits, oranges, tangerines, grapes, blackberries, and their juices.

Vitamin C is also found in onions, peppers, potatoes, lettuce. A diet based on fruits and vegetables can also reduce the risk of gout, accumulation of uric acid in the joints.

Vitamin D for bones, joints and cartilage

A study published under the title “Arthritis and Rheumatism” confirms that exposure to sunlight and vitamin D directly contributed to better joint mobility.

Results of the study showed that it’s necessary to bring a sufficient amount of vitamin D in the body in order to prevent the occurrence of osteoarthritis. Vitamin D can be found in milk, bread, cereals, as well as fatty fish such as salmon, herring, and in oysters.

Foods rich in vitamin A stimulate cartilage regeneration on the hip and knee.

Natural remedy for renewing cartilage – gelatin

Apart from being a salad dressing, a desert and very easy to make, gelatin has another advantage, it’s a great natural remedy for the knee cartilage, hip and other joints. It was found that gelatin can help in regeneration of cartilage because it has a similar structure.

Dosage

The optimal quantity is 10 grams a day. Regular consumption can stop osteoarthritis symptoms. Gelatin is extremely rich in proteins and it contains 10 essential amino acids. Gelatin contains no fats, nor cholesterol. It’s also rich in collagen, a substance that participates in tissue, bone, tendon, and cartilage construction.

Friday, July 10, 2015

Tea export earnings down to lowest over

the last five years

By Steve A. Morrell-July 10, 2015

Asia Siyaka Tea Brokers reported last week that their Customs analysis findings were that the Sri Lankan tea industry was in crisis. Comparing year – on - year performances, deputy chairman Asia Siyaka Tea Brokers Anil Cooke said that the market drop was substantial.

US dollar earnings dropped to 562 million from January to May 2015. Last year’s comparative earnings over the same period were $ 650 million. Decline quantum for US dollar earnings was 13 . 5 percent.

Rupee value on exports, according to Customs data released was that at the end of May 2015 the value was Rs. 74 billion. The recorded deficit was quite substantial. Further Customs data revealed that last year, over the same period, earnings recorded were Rs. 84 billion, recording a deficit of Rs. 10 billion.

Would this trend continue? The answer is‘yes’. An attributed reason is the declining oil prices, drastically influencing the tea market. Oil being the major commodity prevalent across the board in the Middle East, current developments resulted in reduced markets for tea, because Middle East countries do not have sufficient money to pay for tea already bought.

Additionally, approximately 15 to 20 percent of teas at the auctions remained unsold. The ‘un-sold’ quantities stemmed from auction prices quoted by brokers not matching the declining market. Such teas were withdrawn, because as brokers said, they could not dispose of these great quantities at such low prices. The ‘low price’ phenomenon was prevalent over the past few weeks.

Review of different segments of exports ( tea ), show further weaknesses. Total exports declined 2 percent year – on – year. However, bulk shipments increased 8 percent to 52 . 1 million kilos.

But Packeted Tea exports declined to 59.7 million kilos, the Asia Siyaka report said.

The Tea Market Report of John Keels PLC, on sales on 29th / 30Th June had much the same bad news. Nuwara Eliya BOP remained mostly unsold. Low growns met with less demand. In the leafy category too most grades declined following less inquiry from the Middle East. Russian buyers were fairly active but Middle East markets were subdued, the report said.

The Asia Siyaka report commenting on market conditions, January to end May this year, further said 9.2 million kilos of tea bag exports were sharply down. Last year exported quantity was 11 . 5 million kilos, reflecting a drop of 20 percent.

End may quantities to Russia and CIS countries crashed to a 55 percent low; 0.84 million kilos. It was down from a peak of 2.2 million Kilos in 2001.

We did not have comments from the Colombo Tea Traders Association ( CTTA), but consensus among buyers was that the tea market would continue to encounter these problems, resulting from the vicissitudes of the prices of oil in world markets.

Significantly, other tea auction centers, presumably, did not depend on oil. Our enquiries revealed that such sales origins were not dependent on oil prices. However, Bengal and Assam were hit by bad weather. Kenya too have had their problems. Kenya complained of a production drop.

The Sri Lanka tea arena would also face industrial turmoil, stemming from the wage issue, now under discussion.

US Finding New Way To Escape From Sri Lankan UN Imbroglio – OpEd

Sri Lanka seen from space

By Dr. Paul Newman-July 9, 2015

Last month the US, came out with a report that claimed that the Liberation Tigers of Tamil Eelam’s (LTTE) International financial network was active. This news came as a fodder for many anti-LTTE armed chair critics, academics and governments too.

US Finding New Way to Escape From Sri Lankan UN Imbroglio – OpEd by Thavam Ratna

Eezham Tamils Learning lessons from Srebrenica

[TamilNet, Friday, 10 July 2015, 06:28 GMT]
Eezham Tamils, especially their politicians and activists, should learn the lesson from Srebrenica that an international investigation on ‘Sri Lanka’ doesn’t merely mean investigating the island at an international level, but investigating the international elements that led to the plight of the island. New researches clearly reveal that the USA and UK knew about the genocide at Srebrenica well ahead of it, but decided to allow it because of a premeditated policy decision. Unchecked, they did it again to Eezham Tamils 14 years later, and the difference is that they still do nothing about the occupying genocidal military, continued genocide, structural genocide and annihilation of the nation of Eezham Tamils, may be because of another premeditated, original policy, commented Tamil activists for alternative politics in the island.

Eezham Tamils Learning Lessons From Srebrenica by Thavam Ratna

Chandrika scolds the record breaking betrayer to the face “ your betrayal is going to create a blood bath”

(Lanka-e-News- 10.July.2015, 10.00PM) ‘Maithri , because of your betrayal the country is headed for a bloodbath. Had I ever known that you would become such a traitor, I would not have made you common candidate,’ said an ex president of the country Chandrika Bandaranaike Kumaratunge who was justifiably enraged at the record breaking betrayal committed by Pallewatte Gamaralalalge Maithripala Sirisena . The indignant ex president berated the most uncouth unconscionable betrayer of all times in this manner before leaving for London yesterday night in utter disgust.

Pallewatte Gamarala who reached new milestones in his hypocritical and traitorous ambitions , while profusely lying to all the leaders ,and most unconscionably cheating on the people of the country, and those who made supreme sacrifices to elevate him to the exalted position of president, in the end committed a betrayal which put even Biblical Judas in the shade going by the ruthlessness , inequity , shamelessness and absolute hypocrisy packed in this most egregious historic betrayal committed by this local ‘ Judas’ . Biblical Judas receieved what he desired from his betrayal – filthy lucre but went literally mad. Our local Judas also got what he wanted – filthy lucre , but in the case of this Judas the ‘bogus’ opportunist out and out , it is the nation that reposed faith in him had been driven mad by him.

This local Judas after committing this historic betrayal behaved like a trapped mouse unable to utter a word in his defense while listening to Chandrika’s angry tirade lasting about an hour .

Chandrika who left for London unable to bear any more the doom and gloom looming over the country folowing this unimaginably monumental betrayal committed by no less a person (local Judas though) than the highest in the hierarchy of the country sent a communique from London.

On the 5 th , Maithripala gave an undertaking at Chandrika’s residence that the corrupt will not be granted nominations.Based on that she handed over a list of names of candidates who are not tainted by corruption to Miathripala by the 7 th. Yet , on that night of betrayal our local Judas like Biblical Judas who also chose a night to commit the historic betrayal, even after agreeing and deciding not to grant nominations to 33 corrupt candidates ,cast that list into the garbage bin ,giving preference to the list of corrupt candidates including Rajapakses , discarding Chandrika’s request.

Thereafter , a list of 12 corrupt individuals was presented . But even after requesting to discard this list , and do a cleansing of the party , this Pallewatte Gamarala , now better known as the local Judas only held back four names from the nomination list.

They are Sajin Vaas Gunawardena ,Duminda Siva, Mervyn Silva and Sarana Gunawardena . The last attempt to purge the SLFP that was built by the Bandaranaikes ,of the corrupt and undesirable was throttled by Maithri .

It is well to recall , some time ago , Maithri’s wife said ‘ if we give nominations to Rajapakses , I will have to leave home.’ Now , the turn has come to the people to watch whether she will leave home .

In another great betrayal fictional scenario ,when Julius Caesar was stabbed by his closest friend Brutus along with his enemies , collapsing Caesar in shock exclaimed ‘et tu Brutus’(you too Brutus). In Sri Lanka in this greatest , another factual betrayal scenario, when the people were betrayed by their very leader who made grandiose pledges to them to win their votes, only to stab them in the back within just 180 days of capturing power , the people wilting in disappointment exclaiming , ‘you too bloody brute’ is justifiable

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by (2015-07-10 16:43:18)

Rajapaksa: The Greatest Machiavellian Ever

By Nagananda Kodituwakku –July 10, 2015

Nagananda Kodituwakku

In 1999, Chandrika promised vibrant democracy

On the eve of the Presidential Election in 1999, the PA manifesto promised the people that its future political programme would be based on their inalienable sovereign rights; a vibrant democracy based on law; and a society where human values would be upheld.

The promises further included the introduction of a ‘new Constitution’ ensuring social justice, abolishing the Executive Presidency, and the establishment of a Constitutional Council. The fulfilment of these promises would have removed the President’s powers to interfere with important public offices, which include appointment of judges to Apex Supreme Court, the Court of Appeal, the members of the Judicial Services Commission, the Attorney General, the Auditor General, the IGP, the Ombudsman and the Secretary General of Parliament.

On 21st December, 1999 President Chandrika Kumaratunga was re-elected with a clear mandate (51.12%) to realise what she pledged to the people.

However, her regime completely failed to realise the expectations of the people who had overwhelmingly believed in what the Presidential candidate and People’s Alliance uttered.

When the CBK Government felt the growing displeasure of the people over these broken promises, the 17th Amendment was brought in on 03rd October 2001, which introduced the following changes:

Establishment of a 10-member Constitutional Counsel with five members appointed on the nominations of both the Prime Minister and Leader of Opposition (Section 41A).
Removal of the President’s powers to intervene in the appointments to the high public officers (mentioned above) arbitrarily. Recommendations of the Constitutional Council were made mandatory for such appointments (Article 41C).
Removal of the President’s powers to intervene with the following Commissions established by law (the Election Commission, Public Service Commission, the National Police Commission, the Human Rights Commission, Permanent Commission to investigate allegations of Bribery or Corruption, the Finance Commission and the Delimitation Commission) was also removed (Article 41B)
Read More

The draconian Devil is at our doorstep

Why a Press Council in a Yahapalanaya?-2015-07-10

Why a Press Council in a Yahapalanaya? No wonder the media fraternity was taken by surprise when they heard of the return of the state-run Press Council last week. This total ‘U’ turn of the policies of the Yahapalana regime, could be one of many such surprises that we are witnessing today. The promise of President Maithripala Sirisena was to uphold media freedom through strengthening its related institutions; but what we are witnessing today is entirely opposite to what he preached from political platform. But these surprises are mainly on politics. The revival of the Press Council is not about politics, is mainly about governance and democracy- or rather freedom of expression.

The Devil, the Press Council has been raising its ugly head since 2004. It was in mid-2005 during the first term of President Rajapaksa it initially raised his head amidst objections by media organisations and other stakeholders. Then onwards, the Press Council has been an issue of discussion among media circles, but hardly in civil society and pro-democratic movements.
Why do we call it the Devil? Because its functionality and impact is draconian. The 1973 Press Council Act allows the president to appoint the council members except two, supposed to be nominated by the media associations. Thus, the independence of the council members is in question and its punitive actions could be rigorous. We have seen on many occasions how it was used as a tool for political purposes against the media and its practitioners.

Many democracies have now shifted to the concept of self-regulation where journalists govern or regulate themselves through an established mechanism. Sri Lanka, too, entered into this democratic and more humane system in 2002 through the establishment of the Press Complaints Commission of Sri Lanka (PCCSL) – an initiative of the media industry itself. The then regime of Prime Minister Ranil Wickremesinghe took measures to silence the draconian Press Council system to pave the way for the new mechanism.

But the Rajapaksa government took a different approach and made all attempts to bring back the old Press Council system. When it spearheaded first in 2005, Charitha Herath then advisor to the Media Minister Anura Yapa had a series of formal and informal meetings with the Sri Lanka Press Institute (SLPI), the managing arm of the PCCSL and provided an assurance that the idea will be “shelved.”

Nevertheless, it came up again after two years. This time it was not a rumour but an announcement by the government. the SLPI again had to lobby the government against its decision. Minister Anura Yapa met representatives of Newspaper Society, Editors Guild and Free Media Movement at and gave another assurance but continuously raised the issue of PCCSL’s inability to regulate certain sections of the media. He had a point. The then regime was looking for ways and means to respond to the continuous attacks by Sunday Leader which was not privy to PCCSL system. But minister Yapa again agreed to “shelve” the move.

However, it was after one year of the completion of war in 2009, the Press Council was reinstated during the second term of President Rajapaksa. Ironically some appointed members of the council were members of organisations that were vehemently opposed to the Press Council and supported PCCSL– such as the Free Media Movement. Nevertheless, organisations like the Sri Lanka Working Journalists’ Association refrained from nominating its members to the council but it did not stop them entertaining complaints and ‘mitigating’ them.

Without its full membership in place, the council had no legal basis to function but it did function and issued rulings against newspapers. As far as I am aware, only one editor stood against it questioning the legal basis of the council.

History is now repeating itself again in front of our eyes. There were repeated claims during the presidential electioneering process that the Press Council system would be abolished paving the way for a better self-regulatory system based on the PCCSL. The present secretary to the Media Ministry Karu Paranawithana firmly stood for this cause and made these claims in several public events. Premier Wickremesinghe made a similar commitment when he met the international media mission two months ago. I have no doubt that both these persons were taken by surprise when they heard of the move by President Maithripala to re-instate the council.

What is required today is to review the existing PCCSL system, identify its loopholes and further strengthen it by providing some legal teeth through a proper legislative process. But what has happened is totally opposite - taking the media back to the stone-age by re-instating the state Press Council. This is a major mistake in the Yahapalana policies.

Of course, mistakes are natural among human beings– but not at the level of the Executive Presidency, since it could impact on millions of people. During these crucial times, Maithri cannot afford to add more to the list of his mistakes during a short span of time – less than 200 days in office. He cannot claim that a group of his own officials have misguided him. But the irony is, such damage controlling acts are not happening at the same speed of the mistakes.

On the other hand what do the media stakeholders do? It was only the SLPI that had been vociferous about the move. How many civil society organisations have raised concerns about it? Some of the prime victims of re-instating the Press Council are editors; but how many editorials have we seen voicing their opposition to this move during the past week? But, how can we expect such a stand when some editors themselves accept posts in the Press Council?

People who steal State assets reborn as dogs or crows, President quotes from ancient edict

President Maithripala Sirisena

Saturday, 11 July 2015

President Maithripala Sirisena said a rock inscription found in Sripada from the time of King Nissanka Malla stated that those who stole State assets would be reborn as dogs and crows. He said those in positions of power should be always reminded that they should not steal State assets, and there would be consequences if they do.
“I am asking how much this Nissanka Malla inscription is relevant to yesteryear and to today,” President Sirisena said at a ceremony marking 125 years of the Department of Archaeology in Colombo.
“I, as the first servant of the public, suggest that this edict be inscribed in a plaque and placed in all offices from that of the President, ministers and Government officials,” the President said.
Addressing the event held at the Department premises, the President pointed out that the artefacts in the Department were evidences of the nation’s history.
“To build the nation and the country we should not be confined only to speak of our proud history. All of us should totally commit ourselves to enrich future generations with the benefit of our proud history.”
He said that he has received information about 42 high ranking positions at the Department of Archaeology remaining vacant during the past few years. “The previous Government should be held responsible for the accusations against the Department of Archaeology during the last few years,” the President said.
President Sirisena said as a new Government his administration would provide sufficient physical and human resources needed for the department and would give the opportunity to move forward with new technology.
President Sirisena offered floral tributes to the statue of the eminent archaeologist Senarath Paranavitana at the premises. He also declared open the newly-constructed Dhatu Mandiraya at the Department of Archaeology.
The President also inaugurated the exhibition organised by the Department of Archaeology for exposition of King Dutugemunu relics and archaeological artefacts.
During the ceremony, the ‘Eda Saha Ada’ archaeological souvenir was presented to the President. A stamp and a first day cover were also presented to President Sirisena marking the 125th anniversary of the Department of Archaeology. A special memento was also presented to the President during the ceremony.
Prime Minister Ranil Wickremesinghe, several ministers and officials were present on this occasion.

President have you forgotten the mandate you promised?

Friday, 10 July 2015

Malwathu Maha Nayaka Thero most venerable Thibbotuwawe Sri Sumangala himi said that the people who voted in favour of Maithripala Sirisena are anxiously waiting to see how president Maithripala is compiling the nominations for the coming General Election.

He said the president should not hinder the mandate he got on January 8th.
He said this yesterday 9th when the western provincial council minister Harshana Karunarathna visited the most venerable.

The statement of Malwathu Mahanayake himi is the demand of the majority of Sri Lankans. The president is well aware of the reason why the people gave him such a mandate. If he takes a wrong decision pretending to be unaware it is the people and the country that have to undergo the repercussions. The Sri Lankan people taught an unimaginable lesson to the leaders who tried to come to power by fowl
means. Following that Maithripala Sirisena became the president of the country. Later he curtailed his power and characterized an exemplary leader. If such a leader takes a wrong decision the people will have to prune their trust in politics.

As Malwathu himi said the president should never step out the people’s mandate at any cost. The president is the sole savior of the people. If the people lose faith on him the people will not be happy during his tenure. There is no value of a person who remains without trust. This is applicable to the people and to any declaimer. Therefore at a moment when the people of the country are waiting it is most significant to preserve the trust of the people. If the Rajapaksa family rule once again lifts its head in another form and continue lawlessness, murder, corruption and fraud the country would fall into another unimaginable abysmal.

Allowing Mahinda: Blowing People

By Razi Mohmamadh –July 10, 2015

Razi Mohmamadh

On 8th of January 2015, Presidential election night, like many others I was awake waiting for the results. “it is going to be a long night” I thought. I don’t usually take risk by being awake all the night sacrificing my whole night sleep for polls results. But this time it was different. I as a Muslim, like many others, I wanted to make sure Maithripala Sirisena wins the elections. Minorities do not show much enthusiasm and interest in presidential elections in comparison to parliamentary elections. This time all most all of them were curious to know the outcome of the election. It is not my wish that Maithripala Sirisenana wins. It was most of the Sri Lankans’, specially minority’s-, very specially Muslims’ wish,- that Mahinda Rajapaksa kisses the dust. To be honest it was not the love for Maithri, it was a deep rooted hatred for Mahinda Rajapaksa. His tenure in office of the presidency changed the way Sri Lankan Muslims think and live.

Political realism is a theory of political philosophy that attempts to explain, model, and prescribe political relations. It takes as its assumption that power is (or ought to be) the primary end of political action, whether in the domestic or international arena. In the domestic arena, the theory asserts that politicians do, or should, strive to maximize their power*. Power has a tast.it is like a ‘RING’ in the Lord of the Rings. Once if you taste it, you will do anything to keep on tasting it again. It is a feeling of wanting more. To gain this so called power, Politicians do play dirty tricks. Sometimes it is called political warfare in international politics. Basically politicians who are embedded with political realism will always seek whatever means available to retain in Power. Because for politicians everything is about power. If not they are nothing.

There are ways to gain power in politics. There are few ways a ruler should not use to gain power.one of them is racism. If used, this will destroy the very fabric of the society.In the history of Sri Lankan political campaigns, ethnocentrism could have been present in a very minimal level, but never played the main role. If the early politicians wanted they could have used that . But they never used racism as a main strategy in the political campaigns. The earlier presidential campaigns of these earliest presidents never sidelined minorities in their politics. Unfortunately Mahinda Rajapaksa is the one and only president who used racism in a strategic level campaign plan to win the elections and to remain in power. existence of LLTE terrorism and promise to eradicate them had been the main strategy until Mr.Rajapaksa defeated the LTTE.As soon as Terrorism was wiped off, it created a vacuum. It was unfortunate he filled that with racism.Read More

Rosy challenges MR to reveal real culprits

State Minister of Child Affairs Rosy Senanayake and Minister of Justice Wijeyasada Rajapakshe addressing the media briefing at Sirikotha
– Pic by Ishanka Sunimal

By Chamodi Gunawardana-Saturday, 11 July 2015
The United National Party (UNP) yesterday challenged former President Mahinda Rajapaksa to expose the names of the wrongdoers he had previously admitted were engaged in fraud and other crimes during his tenure in office.
“Former President Rajapaksa had said several times in election meetings that he had uncovered some offenders who engaged in fraud and crime under his regime. We challenge Rajapaksa to reveal those namesbefore the UPFA hands over its nominations,” Senanayake asserted.
However, she added that the UNP had already accumulated sufficient evidence to prove their charges of corruption against the previous regime despite alleged attempts by Rajapaksa loyalists to bury such evidence.

“The Rajapaksas tried to hide evidence of their fraud and corruption, however we have already foundthem all. We believe that Rajapaksa cannot be the next prime minister. The UNP will not let him,” Senanayake asserted.
Meanwhile, commenting on the state of “so-called Rajapaksa development projects” launched under the previous regime, Senanayake claimed that such projects had failed to bring any meaningful benefit to the country, with many being a burden to public coffers.
“Former President Rajapaksa is always highlighting his development projects.Actually it is not true development. All those projects are running up losses and the general public has to pay those losses with their taxes,” she argued.
Senanayake cited losses of Rajapaksa’s namesake airport and port in the Hambantota region, which she claimed had generated losses of Rs. 7 trillion and Rs. 19 trillion respectively before deriding Rajapaksa for the performance of Mihin Lanka, the Uma Oya Development Project and the Norochcholai Power Plant.
Meanwhile, shifting gears to focus on political issues,Senanayake charged that concepts of justice and fairness had taken a backseat during the Rajapaksa years.
“A large number of rape cases and murders occurred under the previous regime.However, the wrongdoers were never properly punished. Because those were the days when there was no space for justice and the fairness,” she stated.
Meanwhile, Minister of Justice WijeyadasaRajapakshealleged that Mahinda Rajapaksa’s attempts at a re-entry into the Sri Lankan political sphere were merely an attempt to regain sufficient power to cover up the misdeeds of this regime.
“Rajapaksa does not want to save the country or develop it. He just wants come back in order to hide his fraud and corruption and continue it. Since he has done this he will not hereafter be able to obtain the respect which a retired presidentusually receives from the people,”Rajapaksheclaimed.
He went on to criticise the UPFA for providing nominations to candidates whom he alleged had engaged in fraud during their time in office and vowed that the UNP would not allow such politicians to secure victory at upcoming 17 August polls.
“The UNP has already proved that we could do anything that a majority government could. We expect to create a majority government after the upcoming election and we believe that President Maithripala Sirisena will guide the next election in a fair and unbiased manner,” Rajapakshestressed.

UNP accuses DEW of violating Parliamentaryprocedure

The United National Party (UNP) yesterday alleged that Committee on Public Enterprises (COPE) Chairman and MP D.E.W. Gunesekerahad violated Parliamentary tradition by issuing anincomplete interim report regarding the Central Bank Treasury Bond issue.
Minister of Justice WijeyadasaRajapaksheaccused Gunesekera of failing to follow proper procedure in attempting to pass the interim report.
“According to the Parliamentary procedure, the COPE subcommittee cannot hand over an interim report to the Parliament. However Gunesekera suddenly called a meeting and tried to pass new interim report regarding Central Bank Treasury bond issue. He wanted to hand it over to the Parliament before dissolution. It was contrary to the established procedures,”he stated.