Ebola: nurse Pauline Cafferkey in hospital again

FRIDAY 09 OCTOBER 2015

A British nurse who contracted the Ebola virus in Sierra Leone is re-admitted to hospital in London due to an "unusual late complication".

Pauline Cafferkey, from South Lanarkshire, is at a speciialist isolation unit at the Royal Free in north London, where she was treated earlier this year.

She was flown from Glasgow in a military aircraft and people who have been in close contact with her are being monitored by the Scottish health authorities as a precaution.

A statement from the Royal Free said: "The Ebola virus can only be transmitted by direct contact with the blood or bodily fluids of an infected person while they are symptomatic, so the risk to the general public remains low and the NHS has well-established and practised infection control procedures in place."

'Reactivated'

Dr Ben Neuman, lecturer in virology at the University of Reading, said he thought Ms Cafferkey's case was only the second where Ebola is reported to have "reactivated".

Ms Cafferkey was diagnosed with Ebola in December after returning to Glasgow from Sierra Leone and spent almost a month in an isolation unit at the Royal Free at the beginning of the year.

She has been re-admitted after attending Glasgow's Queen Elizabeth University Hospital because she felt unwell. NHS Greater Glasgow and Clyde said her condition was a "complication of previous infection with the Ebola virus" and the risk to the public was "very low".

Ms Cafferkey was a winner of a Daily Mirror Pride of Britain award, which recognise courage and achievement against the odds, with nominees voted by members of the public.

Following her diagnosis, she received an experimental anti-viral drug and blood from survivors of the Ebola disease. She was in a critical condition for two weeks and was discharged from the Royal Free in late January.

'Giving up'

She said afterwards that she had felt like "giving up" as her condition became critical. The disease has no known cure and is unpredictable.

A February report from Save the Children, the charity Ms Cafferkey worked for in Sierra Leone, said she was probably infected as a result of using a visor to protect her face rather than goggles.

The most recent outbreak of Ebola mainly affected three countries in West Africa: Guinea, Liberia and Sierra Leone. More than 28,000 cases and more than 11,000 deaths have been reported by the World Health Organisation.

8 COMMON REASONS YOU FEEL BLOATED ALL THE TIME (AND HOW TO FIX THE PROBLEM) 



August 21, 2015
Many people around me regularly complain about their bloated stomach and the positive news is that this condition can be usually treated from the moment we have discovered its cause. Feeling bloated all the time can be quite unpleasant especially in women as it affects their self -esteem and the way they feel about their appearance 

When a person is feeling bloated the doctor is usually looking for this usual conditions

8 Common Reasons You Feel Bloated All the Time (and How to Fix the Problem) by Thavam Ratna

MP Pararajasingham’s killing: Two ex-

LTTEers arrested 



2015-10-08
Two ex-LTTE cadres were arrested by the CID in connection with the killing of former TNA parliamentarian Joseph Pararajasingham, police said today.

Mr. Pararajasingham was shot dead on December 25, 2005 while inside St. Michaels Church in Batticaloa.

According to media reports two unidentified gunmen had slipped passed hundreds of worshippers to carry out the shooting in which eight others including several children were injured.

Police Spokesman ASP Ruwan Gunasekara said the suspects were arrested on Tuesday at Batticaloa.

He said the suspects were held under detention orders and being questioned by the CID.(Darshana Sanjeewa) 

Sri Lanka: When loved ones are stolen can poetry repair the wound?

Amnesty International recently launched “Silenced Shadows”, a poetry competition on disappearances in Sri Lanka. Poet R Cheran, one of our competition judges, explains how literature can be a force for change.

By R Cheran, 6 October 2015
More than 80,000 people disappeared in Sri Lanka. Many people there, including me, have relatives or friends who have disappeared in the past 30 years during the war. It is still an open wound. 

Sri Lanka When Loved Ones Are Stolen Can Poetry Repair the Wound by Thavam Ratna

To Stop Impunity and Recurrence, Major Perpetrators Must be Prosecuted on Both Sides

There were at least two major incidents that showed the danger of impunity and, more particularly, the failure to conduct proper and frank investigations on what happened during the ‘last stages of the war.’ This was the failure of accountability that the former president Mahinda Rajapaksa, in fact, promised before the UN Secretary General in May 2009.

---

 

by Laksiri Fernando

( October 8, 2015, Sydney, Sri Lanka Guardian) There is no conclusive evidence to say that punishments alone can deter recurrence of human rights violations or war crimes. However, without a comprehensive system of punishments there is no other way to move towards deterrence in preventing continued violations and crimes, whether ‘ordinary’ or war related. Rehabilitation and/or reform measures alone might not work without a measure of punishments. All adults in society should be able to, educated to and compelled to take full responsibility for their actions.

To Stop Impunity and Recurrence, Major Perpetrators Must Be Prosecuted on Both Sides by Thavam Ratna

Talks on with Tamil parties: Ranil

Sri Lankan PM Ranil Wickremesinghe has sought Japanese assistance in the reconstruction of conflict-affected areas.

• T. RAMAKRISHNAN-October 8, 2015
• 
  

The Sri Lankan government has begun “informal discussions” with the Tamil National Alliance and other parties on a political solution to the ethnic conflict, according to Prime Minister Ranil Wickremesinghe.

Though the government’s “political goals” included “a new Constitution, consolidation of human rights and the strengthening of democratic institutions”, the “most important” among them was to find “a political settlement to the outstanding issues relating to national unity, ethnicity and religion”, Mr. Wickremesinghe told Japanese Parliament members in Tokyo on Tuesday.

“The language and ethnicity issues, which dominated the country over five decades, and religious discord that were stirred up during the last decade, must be resolved if a strong Sri Lankan identity – based on equality – is to be established,” he said.

Mr. Wickremesinghe sought Japanese assistance to hold a meeting of donors to assist in the reconstruction and revitalisation of socio economy of the conflict-affected areas.

[In June 2003, Japan hosted one meeting in Tokyo on peace process].

The Prime Minister added the government was discussing with South Africa “the architecture of a new structure for truth machinery.”

This would include a Truth Commission to record the instances of violence and violations. An “innovative new mechanism,” Compassionate Council, would be set up with the leading clergy of all religions – Buddhism, Christianity, Hinduism and Islam.

It would provide advice on the measures to be taken on individual cases.

“Finally, we will be devising a new judicial structure to inquire into the violation of human rights,” he added.

A joint declaration issued at the end of Mr. Wickremesinghe’s four-day-long visit, which concluded on Wednesday, attributed to Japan’s Prime Minister Shinzo Abe as saying that his country would continue to support development of community infrastructure including water supply and conduct of a survey to enhance facilities of the Faculty of Agriculture at the University of Jaffna.

In addition to the provision of educational facilities in Mannar, Japan would provide 240 million yen through the World Food Programme for the Food Assistance Programme in order to improve a scheme of meals for school children.

A new judicial structure to address HR violations

* Japanese style oversight committees to be established  

October 7, 2015, 10:27 pm 

By Zacki Jabbar in Tokyo, Japan

Prime Minister Ranil Wickremesinghe met members of the Sri Lankan community in Japan at the Imperial Hotel in Tokyo on Monday. Foreign Minister Mangala Samaraweera, Finance Minister Ravi Karunanayke and Science and Technology Minister Susil Premajayanth also attended the meeting.
The government says that it is planning to create a new judicial structure to inquire into human rights violations.

 Prime Minister Ranil Wickremesinghe, addressing the Japanese Parliament on Tuesday, said that under the leadership of President Maithripala Sirisena the national government they had established after the January 9 presidential election and continued after the August 17 parliamentary polls had initiated a series of measures to revive democracy, good governance and the rule of law.

 "Among the steps taken was to enact the 19th Amendment to the Constitution which had resulted in the President’s powers being reduced and Independent Commissions being introduced.

We also intend to enact electoral reforms and establish a new judicial structure to investigate human rights violations," he noted.

 Foreign Minister Mangala Samaraweera, Finance Minister Ravi Karunanayake and Science and Technology Minister Susil Premajaynath were also present on the occasion.  

 Wickremesinghe said that among other reforms would be the creation of Oversight Committees similar to the one in Japan.

Calling on Japan to assist in strengthening human and maritime security and take the lead in addressing climate change, he observed that economic collaboration could be advanced through political synergies.

 Women’s representation at national, provincial and local bodies in Sri Lanka was a mere five per cent even though they outnumbered men, the Prime Minister said, adding that the proposed electoral reforms would increase their representation to 25 per cent.

He said plans were underway to also establish a National Centre for Women.

 After addressing the Japanese Parliament, Wickremesinghe was hosted to lunch by the Japan-Sri Lanka Parliamentary league.

On Tuesday Japan pledged 45 billion Yen to develop the Bandaranaike International Airport at Katunayake.

The agreement was signed following a meeting between Prime Minister Wickremesinghe and his Japanese counterpart Shinzo Abe in Tokyo.

 This was followed by a dinner hosted in Wickremesinghe’s honour by Abe at his official residence.

 Earlier in the day President of the Japan International Cooperation Agency Shinichi Kitaoka paid a courtesy call on the Prime Minister.

He also held bilateral meetings with the Chief Cabinet Secretary, Yoshihide Suga and Minister of Economy, Trade and Industry, Youichi Miyazawa. 

 On Monday Wickremesinghe met the Sri Lankan community at the Imperial Hotel. Also present on the occasion were the Chief Sanganayaka of Japan, Banagala Upatissa Thera, Finance Minister Ravi Karunanayake, Foreign Minister Mangala Samaraweera and Science and Technology Minister Susil Premajayanth.

 Among those the Prime Minister held bilateral meetings with during his five day visit were the Japanese Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Finance Taro Aso, Foreign Minister Fumio Kishida, Internal Affairs and Communications Minister Sanae Takaichi, Vice President of LDP and President of Japan-Sri Lanka Parliamentary League Masahiko Komura and Japan International Cooperation Agency President Shinichi Kitaoka.

 He also had an audience with Emperor Akihito and Empress Michiko at the Imperial Palace yesterday .

 The Sri Lankan delegation included  Maithree Wickremesinghe wife of the Prime Minister, Susil Premajayanth, Prof. Gaganath Dissanayake, R. Paskaralingam, Professor Monte Cassim, Saman Ekanayake, Saman Athaudahetti,  Dr Saj Mendis, Sandra Perera, O.L. Ameerajwad, Ransiri Perera. D.D. Premaratne, G.N. Hasintha, DIG Parakrama Wickramasinghe, Chief Inspector Samantha Abeywickramage, IP Ashoka Ariyawansha and Chief Inspector  P.N. Guruge

Tamils need leadership, not hypocrisy of powers: Prof Ramasamy

[TamilNet, Tuesday, 06 October 2015, 17:29 GMT]
“United Nations, super powers, regional powers or self-seeking Tamil politicians cannot address the real grievances of Tamils. It is only Tamils under a good and dedicated leadership can move forward,” said Deputy Chief Minister of Penang state in Malaysia, Professor P. Ramasamy, a long time advocate of the rights of Eezham Tamils in an article to TamilNet on Tuesday. While the actual war saw the murder of Eelam Tamils and the most despicable sexual violence of rape unleashed among Tamil women, it was after the war that the Eelam Tamil nation was plundered of its wealth, Professor Ramasamy said. “The LTTE might not be around; however, the hopes, aspirations and the future agenda of Tamils for ultimate solution were set up by none other than its leader Veluppillai Pirapaharan,” he said. 

Full text of the article by Prof R. Ramasamy follows:

Professor P Ramasamy

“Six years have gone by, peace, and justice remain elusive for Eelam Tamils in the island of Lanka. International organizations, big and regional powers are bent on sacrificing the interests of Tamils in the island for geopolitical interests. What a shame!

“The nation of Eelam Tamils located in the north and east of the island was wracked and plundered by the civil war that was thrust by the blood thirsty Sinhala regime with the support of some super- and regional powers. 

“No nation should suffer the fate of the Eelam Tamils. However, after the horrendous civil war ostensibly meant to crush the “terrorist” outfit ended up killing innocent Tamils, children and women. 

“Thousands of Tamil were killed within a span of a week or two in Mullivaykaal despite the lip service provided by the international community to the dastardly Sinhala war regime to stop the war. 

“India, the land of Mahatma Gandhi, the world’s renowned peace advocate, had a role in the murder and massacre of Eelam Tamils simply by assisting the Sri Lankan regime in providing intelligence and logistical support. During the war, Indian troops were already on the soil of the island, particularly in the district of Vavuniya.

“While the actual war saw the murder of Tamil civilians and the most despicable sexual violence of rape unleashed among Tamil women, both former combatants and non-combatants, it was after the war that the Eelam Tamil nation was plundered of its wealth. 

“The Sinhala racist and murderous army moved into Tamil areas and deliberately occupied fertile Tamil lands in the north and east.

“It was not mere occupation, but a systematic and deliberate attempt to deny the Tamils their linkage to their traditional homeland. 

“Hundreds and thousands of acres of lands were taken away and given to the army all in the name of security. It was just a matter of time that armed forces came to take over the traditional businesses of Tamils thereby reducing Tamils to a position of poverty and ultimately rendering them beggars on their own land!

“The UNHRC report on the atrocities committed by the Sinhala regime on Tamils is detailed and worthy of consideration. However, the US backed resolution supporting the present regime merely to undertake domestic inquiry has poured cold water on the report. Just as nations were debating in the UN as to the best course of action to be adopted to punish war criminals, the Sinhala regime emboldened by the wishy washy stand of the US, India and others, went on without any sense of impunity to grab more lands from Tamils in the east.

“The UNCHR report or not, the Sinhala regime under President Srisena is not the least bothered by it. In fact, the Prime Minister Ranil Wickremesinghe has gone on record in saying that they will protect and advance the interests of the armed forces at all costs. He even had the audacity to remark that the regime has saved the former President Mahinda Rajapakse from going to the gallows for war crimes!

“For more than 30 years until the end of the civil war in 2009, the LTTE was the hope and beacon of Tamils not only in the island of Lanka but the world over. The LTTE might not be around; however, the hopes, aspirations and the future agenda of Tamils for ultimate solution were set up by none other than its leader Veluppillai Pirapaharan. 

“Even after the civil war and even after systematic attempts to remove the remaining traces of the LTTE, Tamils in the north and east have utmost reverence and respect for Prabakaran. In fact, as a former commander of the LTTE had recently reminded, the recent elections in Tamil areas were only won after the contestants expressing their allegiance and respect to the LTTE leader. 

“Prabakaran might have lost the battle for Tamil homeland, but his vision and future goals for Tamils remain deeply entrenched in the minds of global Tamils. He sacrificed his family for the betterment of Tamils. However, some Tamil leaders, particularly in Tamil Nadu, have sacrificed the race for the betterment of their family and relatives. So who is the leader of Tamils? The answer is obvious. 

“Super powers, regional powers, the Sinhala regime and Tamil opportunists and traitors might spew venom against the LTTE and its leader Prabakaran, but the fact remains his memory and what he stood for and what he sacrificed will remain forever etched in the minds of Tamils and their future generations.

“United Nations, super powers, regional powers or self-seeking Tamil politicians cannot address the real grievances of Tamils. It is only Tamils under a good and dedicated leadership can move forward. Let us not forget the contribution, sacrifice and good deeds of the past!”

No Hamburgers Cuba

What is more important for us in Sri Lanka? We were told that there is no freedom of religion. We were told that there are no places of worship. Surprisingly, the Pope was welcomed at many shrines around the country and by many hundreds of thousand Cubans at Church services which were all broadcast worldwide. No begging is seen or allowed. Internet services are sparse. Mobile service is by purchase of Telephone Cards.

by Victor Cherubim

( October 8, 2015, London, Sri Lanka Guardian) Back from a month’s vacation in Canada’s French country in Montreal including a week all inclusive air holiday for less than £250.00 in the stunning white sands beach of “Cayo Santa Maria,” off the Atlantic coast of Cuba, I find myself in a different world, as I journey in time.

US withdrew from Cuba I can recall when I was in the U.S. in 1961. After the Missile crisis in October 1962, there has been a frozen period of antipathy and embargo over these many years as Cuba changed from being bossed about by the Yanks. I had heard so many stories since, of life on the cheap – cheap Havana Cigars, cheap women, Che’s Communism, Fidel Castro’s Non Aligned Movement (NAM), that Cubans would all be in Miami if Cuba was not an island? How can I ever miss going to such a beautiful, beguiling beach country before it ever became “American?” For nearly six decades Cuba had been cut off from the Hamburgers and Coco Cola. I jumped at the idea of a visit during Papa Francisco’s visit to Havana in late September 2015. I found the change enticing.

US reopening of Cuban Embassy

There are many sides to Cuba than the reopening by President Obama of the US Embassy in Havana on the 14 August 2015.

We all thought that it was the Cubans who voted with their feet by swimming the channel across the Atlantic to safe havens in Florida. No one ever mention that as Canada acted as a “go between” Cuba and America, all this time United States citizens flocked in large numbers to Cuban beach resorts by flying into Toronto and Montreal on the “cheap” and holidaying in Cuba.

What we Sri Lankans can learn from Cuba

There are no entry Visas for visit to Cuba on holiday. You are given one Card with two sides, onboard your flight – All in One Immigration and Embarkation Card with five questions: Name, First Name, Date of Birth, Passport No. and Citizenship, provided you have booked a package holiday. But who wants to stay on in Cuba? That is not at issue. You are allowed to return again and again to sample the beach resorts and the simple lifestyle provided you have a confirmed return flight to your destination. Passports are not stamped either on arrival or departure, and you cannot have the Card as a souvenir.

What is more important for us in Sri Lanka? We were told that there is no freedom of religion. We were told that there are no places of worship. Surprisingly, the Pope was welcomed at many shrines around the country and by many hundreds of thousand Cubans at Church services which were all broadcast worldwide. No begging is seen or allowed. Internet services are sparse. Mobile service is by purchase of Telephone Cards. There are two Cuban currencies, the Peso (moneta national) used exclusively by the locals. The other currency for tourists is the Cuban Convertible Peso, which is worth approx.25 times the National Peso. There is a move to rid itself of the dual currency soon.

Cuba is known for its white sand beaches, shallow coasts, rolling mountains, cigars and rum. It is a fascinating destination. The people who serviced the hotel complex were friendly and the music was great. It was quite a momentous time with Cubans very excited about the changes going on. The future enthusiasm seems infectious.

One thing is certain

Cuba has been saved by the agro-chemicals produced for the weapons used in the many wars around the world in the past fifty years. Imports of chemical fertilizers, pesticides and even fast food have yet to reach the shores of Cuba. This is a blessing in disguise as Cubans have been spared by Western disease or western values? They hope to continue to grow their own food and live their own life without the import of the hamburger or the need to replenish their lands and their farms with agro-chemicals. What a feat and what price for being isolated?

How long can it last is anybody’s guess?

‘AG, IGP should be sent home if the corrupt are to be punished honestly’

Oct 08, 2015

Activists who shouldered the task of bringing the ‘Yaha Paalana’ government to power say the immediate removal of the attorney general and the IGP is the first precondition the government should fulfill if it has an honest desire to punish the corrupt of the previous Rajapaks regime.

Explaining, a social activist told ‘Lanka News Web’ that the AG and the IGP were intentionally protecting the corrupt.

He pointed out that it was AG Yuvanjan Wijetilake who thwarted the FCID move to remand former president’s secretary Lalith Weeratunga and ex-DG of the Telecommunications Regulatory Commission Anusha Pelpita over the accusation of misuse of public property through a distribution of ‘Sil’ material during the presidential election campaign of Mahinda Rajapaksa.

The FCID was to produce the two before the magistrate’s court today and remanded, but the AG produced them yesterday before the magistrate’s court and released them on lenient bail conditions in a clear act of conspiracy, the civil society activists stress. The AG also abused his office and powers by producing the accused before courts and ensured bail for them, a day before the FCID was to file charges and obtain an arrest warrant, they point out.

Also, AG has intentionally abused his office by delaying legal action against persons like Tiran Alles and Sarath Abrew, they say.

N.K. Illangakoon, who remains as the IGP for more than four years now, has tarnished the dignity of his position on several occasions, according to them. He, together with the AG, had swept under the carpet the complaint by foreign affairs minister Mangala Samaraweera about a conspiracy attempt. Therefore, as long as these two remain in office, it will only be a daydream to punish the corrupt, civil society activists point out, demanding that both should be sent home immediately.

Nepotism isn't a label, period

Nepotism isn't a label, period

Fragments.

Posted by Uditha Devapriya-Thursday, October 8, 2015

There’s something in politics called “context”. Words are defined and redefined endlessly, and as such how one word holds true for one political “moment” may be quite different to how it’s defined in another. Relevance factors in too, which is probably why countries have multiple meanings for “ally” and “enemy”, those terms being defined according to geopolitics and not to how saintly or beastly countries are in their dealings.

 

Nepotism is different. It’s timeless. Space-less. True, context applies to it too. But for the most, it congeals into any form of favouritism granted to any relative or friend while in power. Daham Sirisena, who got lambasted for accompanying his father to the UN General Assembly last week, should know this. As of now though, his response hasn’t really been satisfactory. At all.

 

First of all, if the president’s family feels that they are being targeted in a witch-hunt they are wrong. True, relentless criticism can sometimes be equated with witch-hunts, but if Sirisena justified critique of the Rajapaksas with the “free media” label before he came to power, then getting that same weapon focussed on and against his family shouldn’t be cause for complaint. The president himself, let’s not forget, confirmed this in his July Declaration (in which he vowed never to let Mahinda Rajapaksa into power again), where he said that he welcomes criticism (“In a democratic country, criticism is essential”). No excuses here, then.

 

By allowing Daham Sirisena into the entourage that went to New York, the Sirisena administration risked two things. One was the inevitable comparison to the previous regime. True, commentators known for their anything-but-impartial love for the incumbent and hatred towards the predecessor tried to brush things off, saying (quite lamely) that his son did nothing more than “accompany the father.”

 

The past however, these people should realise, is not forgotten. Not that easily. Namal Rajapaksa and his brothers didn’t exactly get into parliament or into power in one go. There were steps taken. Decisions made. This isn’t to say they began their political journey by accompanying their father to official functions. But it is true that (never mind how they did it specifically) they did take baby steps (the pun’s intended) and hence calculated their moves to get into power. Anyone who brushes THIS off must be very, VERY stupid.

 

Daham (in his response on Facebook) seemed hurt. “I urge you all not to compare me and my family with the past regimes as we are far different from them,” he wrote, which obviously means that most of his critics DID compare them to the Rajapaksas. Such a comparison would be wild to make, but that’s only if you limit the comparison to the years 2010 to 2015. Take into account Namal Rajapaksa’s political circumstances in 2005 (when Mahinda was new to the presidency just as Sirisena is) and you’ll find that they were essentially no different to Daham’s.

 

Secondly, by responding as he did Daham not only put that proverbial foot in the mouth, but (worse) added fuel to fire by doing so AFTER President Sirisena’s media team cropped him and his son out of a photo of the Sri Lankan delegation at New York and hilariously photo-shopped it on Facebook. Not surprisingly, that gave the message that the “response” was little more than a face-saver (which also means, logically enough, that those who sanctioned the “crop-out” either were stupid or, like their predecessors, thought that people forget easily).

 

Moreover, what the response fails to take note of is the point that no leader of a country takes his or her family to a session of the General Assembly, not because of a law per se but because of an unwritten norm established there. Yes, it was Mahinda Rajapaksa who set a precedent by taking wife and child with him, but by following it Sirisena’s message to the people is that classic line, “Same old! Same old!”

 

Perhaps the people were used to this before. But the response was the last straw. Even those who sympathised with the president were incensed. Justifiably.

 

What’s done and dusted in done and dusted. There’s really no point comparing Sirisena with Rajapaksa, come to think of it. But in one thing Daham falls in line with his much vilified predecessor. He is faintly displaying the same kind of response which Namal gave when he and his father were being pilloried on the political stage, before and after they were toppled. That’s bad. Doesn’t augur well.

 

There’s another thing. Namal was an elected MP. Daham is not. True, taking Namal to the UN (or anywhere else, for that matter) was considered “nepotism” back in the day, and by the same people who’ve gone dumb over this present issue. But he at least had the “elected” excuse. What excuse has Sirisena’s son got? He’s no minister, nor is he a government official!

 

Here’s the bottom line, hence.

 

Daham Sirisena committed an error. He was invited to a delegation and had, like every citizen of this country, a right to attend. That’s not the issue here though. The issue is that he was made (or made himself?) a part of the official delegation that participated at the New York summit. THAT’S what at stake here. THAT’S what being contended here, and hotly so.

 

If the president’s son considers the “I was invited” excuse reasonable enough to trivialise where he was (notwithstanding that he was at a function where family members not being taken to is the norm, not the exception), he’s mistaken. Sadly.

 

He needn’t apologise. He needn’t say “Sorry”. But he should acknowledge error. As should the president himself.

Re-Imposing the Death Penalty

• by Leela Isaac 
• - on 10/08/2015 

Violent crimes, rape and murder seem to be on the increase. Public outrage is understandable. But the demand – “Impose the death penalty with immediate effect” is equally outrageous. 

It is ironic that in a country that boasts of 2000 years of Buddhism, Buddhist monks no less come forward to advise the President to re introduce capital punishment.  Minister John Seneviratne is reported to have said it is vital to re-impose the death penalty. He even boasts that as a former Minister of Justice (2004-2006) he had not only enthusiastically supported the proposal to re-impose the death penalty but gleefully imported two new ropes to have the sadistic pleasure of hanging the criminals. His disappointment must have been great indeed when the proposal was not approved.

He goes on to say, “Those found guilty of murder of specially children should be sent to the gallows.  Such criminals have no right to live after committing such crimes.  They are a social cancer and a stigma. If our society is to be cleansed, these criminals must be eliminated. Not maintained through public funds”.

But getting school children addicted to narcotic drugs is as bad as “murdering them”. How many of the Minister’s colleagues are involved in importing or selling drugs to children and are being maintained through public funds in our Parliament?  He should give this a thought before making such pronouncements. Such is the caliber of most of our Parliamentarians. And the President wants them to make a decision on this all important matter of life and death! It is the President who should think seriously and arrive at a rational solution to the problem of crime and violence in our society, and not his corrupt Ministers and MPs.

The compassionate Buddha wanted all living beings to be well and happy. He never ever promoted war or any kind of violence – never death as a penalty. When rulers complained to him about increasing crime and violence within their states, the solution he recommended was eradication of poverty and equal distribution of wealth. In today’s context he might have added a ban on narcotic drugs. Wouldn’t he be “horrified “at the way his teachings are being distorted and practiced today in the very country of his choice, expected to protect and promote his “Dhamma”.

The dangers of imposing the death penalty are many. Obviously the rich and the powerful, even if proved guilty beyond any doubt, will not be sent to the gallows. Powerful politicians will always protect them. The more serious one is that a “guilty” person could be first hanged and later found to be innocent. 

In the present situation in Sri Lanka that is very likely to happen. We saw how the crowds reacted to the rape and murder of a 5 year old girl.  They were naturally outraged at that brutal murder and in a raging fury demanded instant death for the culprit. The police had to somehow produce “a culprit” quickly to appease the crowd and save themselves from those crying for vengeance. In their desperation police could have even produced the victim’s parents as the killers, and this very nearly happened. If capital punishment is re-imposed many an innocent man could be hanged since our judicial mechanisms are not perfect by any means, and we even had a Chief Justice who admitted to giving wrong judgments.  The public demand for the death penalty is an emotional response; it is not a rational solution to the problem. A hasty decision should not be taken merely to please the crowds.  

Ex president's secretary Lalith Weeratunge and Pelpita given bail despite their Rs. 600 million fraud ! – AG’s foul play

(Lanka-e-News -07.Oct.2015, 11.00PM) Lalith Weeratunge the ex secretary to the former president and Anusha Pilapita , the former Director General of the SLT regulatory commission who were charged with misusing Rs. 600 millon of public funds were enlarged on strict and harsh bail conditions, by Colombo High court judge Kusala Sarojini Weerawardena because  the attorney general raised no objections.

The AG  filed action against the two accused based on charges following the investigations conducted by the FCID that the accused during the run up to the last Presidential elections , distributed Sil cloths  to temples Island wide misusing public funds to the tune of Rs. 600 million on behalf of the presidential candidate Mahinda Rajapkase at that time. There is surprisingly  no record of the  quantity  of Sil cloths that were distributed , when and  to whom.

After the charge sheets were served on the two accused pleaded   they are not guilty.

The high court judge said, as the case has been filed against the accused under the public property Act, the accused can be held in remand custody until the case is concluded.

Answering questions posed by the judge , the state counsel said, so far during investigations , the accused had not exerted undue pressures on the witnesses . The state counsel also said , the AG’s department does not harbor any fear regarding  the accused and they will not  evade courts.

The judge after weighing the pros and cons decided to release the two accused on bail, while postponing the case until 9 th of November. Meanwhile a human rights  lawyer Namal Rajapakse alleged that the AG had granted special concessins to the accused Lalith Weeratunge when filing the case.

‘The suspects  charged under the public property Act, must first be arrested by the police and produced before the magistrate court. That is the right and  routine procedure.In this instance however, the AG and the police instead of following the true procdeure , had averted the arrest of Lalith Weeratunge by filing action directly  in the high court. The AG has resorted to this method in order to provide relief to Lalith Weeratunge’, lawyer Namal Rajapakse disclosed.

The State counsel citing grounds in the high court said , in these cases under the public  property Act, the AG is empowered to file action in the high court at once.

The masses that were responsible for the rainbow revolution and brought about the change on 8 th January against criminals , the corrupt  and crooks are of the view that , by offering relief packages to the corrupt crooks such as these accused aforementioned who misused colossal amount of public funds, the government of good governance is creating a bad precedent and setting a bad example, for the corrupt are being inspired  to indulge in their criminal activities with greater zest and zeal.

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by     (2015-10-07 19:13:30)

We want Dhammika Ranathunga – Ports trade union protests

Oct 08, 2015

Sri Lanka Ports Joint trade Union forum urge the President and the Prime Minister to appoint the elder brother of Arjuna Ranathunga to the chairman post of the Sri Lanka Ports Authority. They have requested this to the President and the Prime Minister through a letter dated 6th October 2015. Sri Lanka Ports Authority’s National workers Union, progressive Sri Lanka freedom Workers Union, Gampaha District Ports Workers Union, Independent Ports Workers Union, Independent Tug Workers Union, Clearing and Forwarding Workers Association and Stores Management Union has signed the letter.

Arjuna Ranathunga’s elder brother Dhammika Ranathunga was living in the US last year. He came to Sri Lanka during the presidential election to support the Good Governance. Under this context, subject minister Arjuna Ranathunga has proposed his brother’s name for the chairman post of the Sri Lanka Ports Authority. The proposal has been forwarded to the Presidentl and Prime Minister Committee to appoint chairmen and director’s to government institutions. The Ports Joint Trade Union Forum requested the committee to consider the name of Dhammika Ranathunga who has worked in several international organizations. They also urge since he has a better understanding about the minister’s scope the latter is suitable to the position.