A Honeymoon in a Refugee Camp – Remembering Black July, 34 Years Later

The family thali – Sornalingam’s daughter-in-law too wore the thali for her wedding

Sornalingam and Suhenthra, 34 years later-I don’t normally wear tilaka unless I go to temple. Today is a ceremony day. In general we don’t like to wear clothes that identify us [as Tamil] anymore.”

RAISA WICKREMATUNGE on 07/25/2017

S Sornalingam had always thought he would have happy memories of July 1983. On July 15 that year, he and Suhenthra Muthuraja got married in a civil ceremony in Jaffna. At the time, he had no idea that he would be spending his honeymoon in a refugee camp.

There was no hint of the trouble to come when the newlyweds and Sornalingam’s mother returned to their newly rented home, located at Huludalgoda road on July 22. On Monday, July 26, Sornalingam traveled by bus to Hill Street, Dehiwala in order to drop his wife off at Suzuki Garments, where she worked as an accounts clerk. He then went to visit a friend at the Bambalapitiya flats. “My friend told me that there were problems in Borella. He said I must go back as soon as possible.”

Sornalingam rushed back to Hill Street and broke the news to Mr Wijewardene, the owner of Suzuki Garments. Wijewardene promptly provided a car and driver in order to drop a number of the female staff (most of whom were Tamil) to their homes.

“When we got onto the Galle Road, we saw smoke coming from Concord Theatre. There was a huge crowd, and we were traveling with great difficulty,” Sornalingam said.

After a trip that took hours, the couple returned home, much to the relief of Sornalingam’s mother, who was in tears and worried for their safety. Their landlord, Mr Upasena, assured them that they would help them, and they had nothing to fear. Although Sornalingam wanted to go to his brother’s home, Upasena’s brother, who arrived by motorbike, warned against it. He told them the situation had ‘gone out of hand.’

“My wife and I could pass for Sinhalese, but my mother cannot speak Sinhalese, and dresses like a Tamil. Our landlord said he would protect us.”

There were several other houses in the compound. For their safety, Upasena moved the family into another house, as he was worried they might have been seen. “He locked the door and told us not to even peek through the window, because outsiders might see,” Sornalingam said. That same night, around 10 other boys ended up in the same house – their landlady had asked them to leave as she was worried her house might be targeted by the mobs. The Upasenas accommodated them as well.

“We were all together in a large room. I had my small radio set. I was listening to the news. It said curfew was being imposed. Apart from that we didn’t know much about what was happening outside.”

Two days passed without incident. Then, on Wednesday, around 2 pm, there was a loud noise. The mobs had arrived at Upasena’s home. “They said they had seen a lady getting down from a three-wheeler wearing anklets. They said ‘We know she is there.’”“

Upasena had confirmed the family had arrived, but said they had left again to a relatives place. But the mob was not to be deterred. They demanded proof. In the end, Upasena opened up the annex where Sornalingam and his wife were planning to live, and repeated that they had left. There was a small grocery shop on the premises, also owned by Upasena. The mob had demanded kerosene from him, in order to burn the annex. The landlord had then pleaded with them, reasoning that his own home would catch fire as well. Eventually the mob left.

The next day, the news came through on Sornalingam’s radio, that curfew had been lifted. There were certain camps that had been set up for people. Residents in Bambalapitiya, for instance, were directed to the kovil. Sornalingam, his wife and mother were to go to the airport camp, as they resided in Mount Lavinia.

Before they embarked on their journey, Upasena warned the Sornalingams not to carry any jewellery or valuables. He asked them to keep them with him for safekeeping. Yet Suhenthra did not want to part with her thali (according to tradition, the thali can only be removed once a spouse passes away). Among the few possessions the family took were the thali and a bag full of rich cake – the couple’s wedding cake.

Upasena’s brother followed on a pushbike as the family as they made their way to the airport came on foot. They set off early, in order to avoid any trouble that might occur once the curfew was lifted. Arriving at the Mount Lavinia police station, the family were then given transport to the airport camp.

“There were around 8,000 to 9,000 people in that camp. We were provided some meals and water. A lot of professionals, and members from the elite class were also begging for meals there. People were seated on the ground. It was a sad situation,” Sornalingam recalled.

Many Ministers visited the camp, including the Minister for Shipping at the time, Lalith Athulathumudali, and Dr. A T Ariyaratne from Sarvodaya, who raised concerns about the bad sanitation at the camp. “There were no toilets. You had to go outside… he was worried about the hygienic conditions.”

Five days passed, but the family still did not receive news about being dispatched to Jaffna, as they hoped. Eventually Dr Ariyaratne told the people at the camps to ask the Minister about a ship, adding if they did not receive an answer, he would arrange one himself.

The next day, a ship carrying the sick and elderly set off. Sornalingam entered his family’s details for passage on the second ship, a cargo vessel dubbed the Lanka Kalyani. In a trip that took approximately one and a half days, the Lanka Kalyani sailed for Kankesanthurai. One of Sornalingam’s most vivid memories was his mother’s struggle to climb the perpendicular ladder to go above deck to use the toilet – a rope had to be used and many of the elderly had trouble getting on the ship.

That evening however, the newlyweds went up on deck and enjoyed the breeze, feeling a sense of freedom for the first time in a week. The returnees were given lunch at Nadeswara College, Kankesanthurai and then given transport to Chavakachcheri.

They returned to an atmosphere wracked with uncertainty. Many had lost relatives, property and employment in the riots, and were unsure about their next steps. A doctor called Mr Black was facilitating passage to Australia. Sornalingam too applied. However, he felt compelled to tell the truth – that he still had employment as an accountant at the State Plantations Corporation (he was stationed in Nuwara Eliya at the time). The Sornalingam’s application was rejected. Although there was still hope – many countries did not require visa at the time, but only passports – the family decided that they did not really want to move.

However, they did decide that they wanted to move out of the Huludalgoda house, and stay in Jaffna for the time being. As such, a matter of weeks after the riots, Sornalingam traveled back to Colombo. Around two weeks after, a letter from Upasena arrived, informing him that the curfew had been lifted. He returned to the house in Huludalgoda road at around 7 pm. He had to arrange a van to transport their belongings with difficulty. “Even at that time, people were not prepared to help us load and unload as things were still tense.” Sornalingam packed at night. Upasena recalled that there was a portion of the advance I had paid that he would have to return as the family was vacating. “I told him not to worry, to send me a cheque when he can.”

The next morning at breakfast, Upasena returned with a cheque containing the balance due to him.

Sornalingam himself returned to work in late August. “One of the superintendents I worked with said I was a bold fellow to return to work so soon. I told him, we have to do what we can to survive.”

Sornalingam’s story is just one of many narratives recalling the events of Black July. For a series of video interviews, click here. Visit 30 years ago for more narratives on the 1983 pogrom and its impact, including documentation of rare photos, revisiting locations linked to the violence and discussion of the impact of the riots on women, and the narrative of a former combatant.  

TNA WANTS TO INSPECT ‘SECRET’ DETENTION CAMPS AND INFO ON TAMILS IN DETENTION

Image: A mother of a disappeared on rotating fast in Kilinochchi, for 149th day waiting for justice. (c)s.deshapriya.

25/07/2017

Leader of the Tamil National Alliance (TNA) R. Sampanthan has requested the government to disclose the names of all persons who were in Custody at that time the present Government assumed office and the places in which they were held in custody and the names of persons now held in custody and the places in which they are now held in custody.

Further it requests that representatives of families of missing persons would be enabled to visit ‘secret’ detention Camps, in which some persons have allegedly been held in custody, and which these families have become aware of.

This requests are included in a adjournment motion moved by the Sampanthan in the parliament today.

The full text of the adjournment motion follows:

24^th July 2017

Adjournment Motion –I.T.A.K/T.N.A

Hon Speaker

Parliament of Sri Lanka

I give notice that I shall on the adjournment of Parliament on 25^th July ,2017 move the following motion relating to a matter of urgent public importance

Whereas the issue of “missing persons” particularly in the Northern and Eastern parts of Sri Lanka has been a serious issue for some time.

And whereas families of missing persons have in the past several months been carrying on peaceful demonstrations in all Districts in the Northern and Eastern Provinces to highlight this issue, and to impress upon the Government the urgent need to bring this issue of ”Missing persons” to a satisfactory closure.

And whereas these families of missing persons have been interacting with Government and have been assured that the following steps would be taken:-

n:-

1. the names of all persons who were in Custody at that time the present Government assumed office and the places in which they were held in custody, would be made public and
2. the names of persons now held in custody and the places in which they are now held in custody would be made public.
3. that representatives of families of missing persons would be enabled to visit ‘secret’ detention Camps, in which some persons have allegedly been held in custody, and which these families have become aware of ;
4. that the Office of Missing persons would be operationalized in terms of the law enacted in August last year, and that through this process, the families of these missing persons, would have the opportunity through various steps, that could be taken when the law becomes functional to bring this painful issue faced by the families, to some acceptable closure. This would bring to an end the trauma of uncertainty, and lack of any reliable information whatever, which the families currently face.

And whereas (iv) above has been initially fulfilled, and by the required notification ,the Law relating to the office on missing persons enacted on 23^rd August 2016,has been made operational .And whereas the Commitments made at (i) (ii) and (iii) above have not yet been fulfilled. And whereas the fulfilment of the Commitments at (i) (ii) and (iii) above are fundamental to the families of the missing persons, acquiring confidence in the whole process ,which is critical to the success of the whole process ,and genuine reconciliation.

It is reiterated that the building of confidence in the families of the “Missing persons” is fundamental to the success of this whole process, and genuine reconciliation.

Release of relevant information which only the Government possesses and has the Capacity to officially release, should be a first step. in the commencement of the process relating to the implementation of the law on the office of Mission persons.

This Motion urges the Government as a matter of urgency to fulfill the Government’s commitments stipulated at (i), (ii) and (iii) above, and without delay commence the process at (iv) above.

R Sampanthan

Member of Parliament

Leader of the Opposition

Money laundering: Should the Inland Revenue Department play a greater role?

 Wednesday, 26 July 2017

Money laundering is presently a very timely topic, locally and internationally. A perpetrator of the offence of money laundering could be defined as:

(1) Any person, who— (a) engages directly or indirectly in any transaction in relation to any property which is derived or realised  directly or indirectly, from any unlawful activity or from the proceeds of any unlawful activity; (b) receives, possesses, conceals, disposes of, or brings into Sri Lanka, transfers out of Sri Lanka, or invests in Sri Lanka, any property which is derived or realised, directly or indirectly, from any unlawful activity or from the proceeds of any unlawful activity, knowing or having reason to believe that such property is derived or realised, directly or indirectly from any unlawful activity or from the proceeds of any unlawful activity, shall be guilty of the offence of money laundering.’1

In short, it is the money engineered from any illegal activity. This income is generally linked with mass criminal activities. Earlier drug trafficking was the primary source, yet now it is estimated that terrorism is the foremost criminal offence. However, the money is ‘laundered’ to appear to be legitimate and not originate from criminal activity. To quantify the income from money laundering is relatively speculative, though it has been roughly estimated that $1.5 trillion is the amount generated annually.

Tax evasion, however, is an issue at hand and must be addressed aggressively. Tax paid by citizens to their country is paramount as it contributes to the development and growth of the nation. Sectors like education, health and transport are largely funded by the government and need constant generation of funds. Also when the superfluous outsource their ‘ill-gotten’ income, the bulk of the tax income falls on the middle and lower income groups which is a huge  burden for them and it becomes a vicious cycle consequently, where in the long run the rich are getting richer and the other income groups are barely making ends meet. The frustration of a government is also visible when each year they are compelled to keep increasing the taxes.

The golden question though is that, irrespective of whatever measures are taken, criminal activities like money laundering will keep perpetuating and if the primary goal of the government to stop this activity is impossible, what would be the most efficient manner of dealing with it?

When discussing ways of punishing criminals involved in money laundering, evidently, the first stage would be to confirm evidence that it is ‘laundered’ income. If this is done, then the due process of criminal investigation and prosecution would take place and the money would be confiscated. However, since most of this income is concealed in legitimate businesses and is accounted as profits from these businesses, and if the ‘illegal’ source is unknown, then, inadvertently this income does get taxed as a part of the company taxes being paid.

However, another interesting point of debate is, when a money laundering activity has been exposed and the ‘laundered’ money has been confiscated, should it be taxed, as civil forfeiture?

Peter Allridge in his book, ‘Money Laundering Law’, explores this theme comprehensively. He states that, ‘Traditionally, agencies for taxation and criminal justice have kept their respective information separate. When tax inspectors have come into possession of information that a taxpayer profits from crime, they have not been allowed to inform the police, and they have not been allowed to raise assessments to income tax without specifying a source from which the income comes….the use of the power to raise an assessment to taxation against a person with visible wealth, but no visible lawful source of income, is a new departure. Its advocates regard it as an exercise in integrating the official response to tax evasion and money laundering – in ‘joined-up government’. Its detractors see a sinister attempt to aggregrate the already intrusive powers of different branches of Government and place citizens continually under an obligation to justify themselves and their possessions to the State.2

But in most instances, the income generated is concealed of its criminal origin. The question remains, then, that if there is suspicion, whether there should be a duty of care on the Assessor, as much as on the banker and the auditor.

A very relevant article to this issue was published by Dr. Shivaji Felix, titled “Rights Consciousness in Taxation”3, where he explored the duties of an Assessor. Section 134 (3) of the Inland Revenue Act No. 38 of 2000, explicitly provides for a statutory duty to give reasons when a return of income is rejected by an Assessor. The section goes as follows:

“Where a person has furnished a return of income, the Assessor may in making an assessment on such person under subsection (1) or under subsection (2), either –

a.    accept the return made by such person; or

b.    if he does not accept the return made by that person estimate the amount of the assessable income, of such person and assess him accordingly:

Provided that where an Assessor does not accept the return made by any person for any year of assessment and makes an assessment, or additional assessment on such person for that year of assessment, he shall communicate to such person in writing, his reasons for not accepting the return.”

In Fernando v. Ismail4 the State contended that the taxpayer had furnished a false return. However, Samarakoon C.J., expressed the view that falsity was a conclusion arrived at by the Assessor. It was a conclusion arrived at by a process of reasoning based on data available to the Assessor. He went on to say in his judgement,

“….the section requires reasons for non-acceptance of a return which is an act of the Assessor. It is his thinking that has to be disclosed to the Assessee. No doubt there may be cases where the reasons for non-acceptance may be obvious but one must bear in mind the fact that the legislature has made no exception to the general rule and the duty cast on the Assessor must be carried out even though the Assessee himself accepts the obvious.”

This judgement has been consolidated in our laws. In New Portland Ltd v. Jayawardena5 the Court of Appeal did not hesitate to follow the majority decision of the Supreme Court in Fenando. In the New Portman case, the Assessor rejected the return on the basis that the statement of accounts, which accompanied the return, was false. However, it was considered paramount the he provide reasons for the rejection.

The concept of using taxation as a weapon against crime is not new. The Hodgson Committee wrote, ‘This way of treating people who have offended against the criminal law has attracted judicial praise for its efficiency and cost effectiveness.’6

Alldridge continues to explain this7, “There are good reasons why taxation should be used as the principal means by which to recover income derived from crime. First of all, it may be more effective in generating revenue than confiscation. This is the Irish experience. Second, the powers that the Revenue has in some respects exceed those of the police….If the objectives of the Inland Revenue are simply expressed in terms of efficient collection of taxes, however, the tax authorities, have every reason to avoid pursuit of alleged criminals, because in terms of revenue per unit spent on enforcement, the criminal is not a rewarding target. The development of the ‘joined-up’ project may involve the deployment of powers that have the less damaging initial objective of taxation (and which need not be subject to such rigorous procedural constraints) to the more damaging end of generating evidence for criminal prosecutions. In this sense each join requires a separate and sufficient justification.”

So, in relevance to money laundering, in conjunction with the Inland Revenue Act and these judgments, I strongly believe that along with bankers and auditors, who are anyway trained and given authority to raise caution if there is a sum of money which is questionable, assessors too should be given that impetus to investigate, report and query, if need be.

Also it should be borne in mind that as  globalisation is increasing and the world is getting more interconnected, it is important to realise that not only do domestic policies affect the country concerned, but the enforcement or the lack of enforcement of domestic policies affect globally. As much as money laundering is a criminal offence, it also involves huge amounts of money and thus can also be categorised as a financial regulatory concern. It is imperative for the police to investigate and prosecute. However I strongly believe that bankers, auditors and assessors need to increase their role in combatting this crime.

[The writer, LL.B (Hons.) (Warwick), Barrister (from Lincoln’s Inn), is an Attorney-at-Law.]

Footnotes

1Prevention of Money Laundering Act 2006 s.3 (a) and (b)

2    Alldridge, P; ‘Money Laundering Law’; Hart Publishing 2003

3    The Junior Bar Law Journal, 2005 Volume I

4    [1982] 1 Sri L R 222 (SC)

5    [1989] 1 Sri L R 307

6    Op cit, Alldridge, Pg 247, citing Hodgson Report pp72-73

7    Ibid

Bond Scam: Foreign Affairs And Lotteries Minister Ravi K Must Resign Immediately: AKD

JULY 25, 2017

Leader of the Janatha Vimukthi Peramuna (JVP) and Chief opposition whip, Anura Kumara Dissanayake call upon Minster of Foreign Affairs and Lotteries, Ravi Karunanayake to resign from his post immediately.

Anura

Speaking to Colombo Telegraph he said according to information unearthed by the Commission to inquire into the Bond Scandal, the minister had obtained a super luxury apartment at the Monarch Residencies leased by Arjun Aloysius while they, Ravi and Arjun, both were accused of robbing billions of public funds though two bond scams.

“Most importantly Karunanayake was the Minister of Finance at that time. This is conflict of interest, he must resign,” Dissanayake said.

The entire lease, amounting close to 9 million rupees, was paid for by a company named Walter and Rowe in which Arjun and his father Geoff are both Directors. It is a fully owned subsidiary of the holding company of Perpetual Treasuries.

“This commission has no power to punish the culprits, it’s a long process. Ravi, being a minster, will certainly affect that process. Since he can influence the justice process, he must resign,” the JVP leader further said.

Meanwhile despite being summoned by the Presidential Commission of Inquiry into the Central Bank bond issue, Ex-Finance Minister Ravi Karunanayake was too busy to attend the commission today to give evidence.

Karunanayake’s lawyer Sandun Gamage informed the Commission that his client will not be attending the Commission hearing due to ‘prior commitments’.

The Commission has meanwhile re-issued the summons on Karunanayake, ordering him to attend the hearing tomorrow and give evidence in a case where one of the main suspects in the bond scam, Arjun Aloysius had allegedly paid the lease for the penthouse at the super luxurious Monarch Residences in Colombo 3 on behalf of Karunanayake and his family.

The commission summoned the ex-Finance minister after a witness on Monday made this revelation during the hearing. Yesterday, the commission also ordered Aloysius to hand over all his electronic devices including mobile phone and laptop to the CID which he used during 2016/2016 to carry out further investigations against him.

Related Posts:Read More

The bond drama

July 25, 2017, 8:32 pm 

President Maithripala Sirisena has extended the term of the presidential commission of inquiry probing bond scams. Investigations have taken a dramatic turn and several key witnesses have not testified yet. The commission, therefore, needs some more time to complete its work, but care has to be taken to prevent the probe from dragging on indefinitely.

A campaign against corruption, in this country, is as arduous as a war on terror. Perhaps, it is more difficult than a military campaign. But, for the ongoing presidential probe the public would have been kept in the dark as regards the nexus between the bond racketeers and politicians; they would have had to settle for what the second COPE (Committee on Public Enterprises) report says of the bond scams. President Sirisena can rest assured that all right-thinking Sri Lankans will rally behind him if he succeeds in ensuring that the bond racketeers are brought to justice and the massive losses they have caused to the state coffers and the Employees’ Provident Fund (EPF) are fully recovered. Now that he has talked the talk—very eloquently at that—he has to walk the walk.

The strength of the bond racketeers, protected by powerful, corrupt politicians pretending to be paragons of virtue, shouldn’t be underestimated. They wield tremendous political power and have huge slush funds at their disposal. Therefore, the need for keeping a close eye on their political manoeuvring cannot be overemphasised. They may be licking their wounds and looking beleaguered, but the possibility of a devastating Parthian shot cannot be ruled out; they won’t go down without a fight. It may be recalled that a dispute over the appointment of the Central Bank (CB) Governor last year almost brought down the so-called unity government with the UNP going flat out to have the then Governor Arjuna Mahendran, under a cloud, reappointed. President Sirisena stood his ground and the UNP fell in line, but succeeded in having another person of its choice appointed CB Governor.

It has been reported that a high-ranking CB officer, backing the bond racketeers, has removed a whole slew of files from the CB in spite of objections from the bank security personnel. He may be desperately trying to cover his tracks by obliterating vital evidence. Who authorised the removal of those files? A thorough investigation is called for. There may be an all-out attempt to derail the bond investigations because their findings are sure to destroy some government top guns’ political future.

Strangely, trade unions, whose leaders claim to be ready even to lay down their lives for the sake of the working class, have chosen to ignore the colossal loss the Employees’ Provident Fund (EPF) has suffered due to the bond scams. The lid has been blown off mega pump-and-dump operations which caused the workers’ superannuation fund to haemorrhage a huge amount of funds. But, the silence of the trade unions is deafening. Have their leaders been bought off?

All those desirous of having the bond racketeers hauled up before courts must not be complacent; it is a mistake for them to leave that uphill task entirely to the intrepid Central Bank officials and the equally courageous and brilliant Attorney General’s Department counsel who are unmasking the bond racketeers and springing surprises for the corrupt undesirables in the garb of politicians. The public must pledge solidarity with the indomitable state officials on a noble mission.

The Joint Opposition (JO) leaders must be ashamed of themselves for soft-pedaling bond scams and trying to cover their nudity with the SAITM issue. They stand accused of political horse-trading with the UNP, which controls the state outfits probing corruption charges against them and their kith and kin. If they think they can regain lost ground by bellowing rhetoric and holding rallies they are mistaken. Their single-issue agenda aimed at ousting President Sirisena won’t be appealing to the people faced with a plethora of burning issues which have gone unaddressed.

Of what use is an oppositional force which ignores the biggest ever financial racket in the country?

It cannot be said judge was not the target in fatal shooting ! Investigations entrusted to CID : Judge weeps at funeral (Video)

(Lanka-e-News- 25.July.2017, 11.00PM) The shooting incident on the 22 nd in Jaffna was not targeting the judge (a member of the three judges panel) Manikkavasagar Ilancheliyan who is hearing the case of murder of school girl Vidya , and this was a result of a dispute escalating among drunken three wheeler drivers at a three wheeler park, said police media spokesman on the 23 rd.  The latter also went on to say , during that time the vehicle of the judge  was trapped in a traffic congestion , and when a security personnel of the judge intervened , one of those in that drunken  group wrested the pistol  of the security personnel and shot down the latter.  Three suspects in this connection have also been taken into custody, the police spokesman added.

Lanka e news earlier revealed  that a Tamil media published a report to that effect on the 22nd. However based on reports reaching Lanka e news inside information division on the 23 rd (noon) , it cannot be stated , that the firing was not targeting  the judge , because the police officer who was  admitted to hospital had not made such a statement.

The police officer who eventually died had been on a motor bike providing security to the judge’s vehicle. When this officer was grappling with the gunman risking even his life , the other officer had fired  at  the gunman wielding  the pistol , and taken the judge to a safer place. The assassin after the attack has dropped his pistol , and after  forcibly taking a motor bike of another had fled the scene on that motor cycle. 

Our informants point out , though those who fought against the LTTE during the war  died ,various Tamil youths who were acting as informants for the forces  and collaborated with them are still wielding weapons , and they cannot be controlled by the police. It is learnt that  when they are apprehended by the police they show their identity card (of the forces), and escape.

 The judge too  in his statement had revealed , going by the way the assassin used the pistol , he discerned he is well trained in weaponry.  

In any event the investigations had been transferred from the Jaffna police to the CID .

The police officer who received gun shot injuries to his stomach and was hospitalized succumbed to the injuries on 23 rd (morning) . He is 57 years old Ganewattage Sarath Hemachandra ,a police sergeant ( No. 24330) of Kumarakattuwa, Chilaw. 

The judge whose life was saved by this sergeant who sacrificed his life was so grief stricken that when he arrived at the funeral house he bowed and worshipped the  widow of the deceased . He could not control his emotions so much so he began to cry. 

Jaffna was a place where during the 30 years of ethnic conflict killing was a matter of routine. In  this instance a Tamil judge weeping  and grieving so much for his murdered  Sinhala security personnel  openly may not be consonant with traditions , but from the standpoint of humaneness it is of immense value. 

Truly , co existence and reconciliation cannot be built via laws alone. Those  can be achieved only via the hearts and truthfulness- it is through the genuine spontaneous humane feeling for another , and sacrifice !

Therefore the  emotions judge Ilanchelyan could not control   and the tears he could not hide , as well as the sacrifice sergeant Sarath Hemachandra made laying down  his life will go  down in history as indelible memories.

Video hereunder of Judge Ilancheliyan weeping while mourning the death of Sarath Hemachandra 

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by     (2017-07-26 00:58:05)

A special meeting on exchanging expertise and experiences of security forces

Jul 24, 2017

A special discussion was held among Defense Secretary, tri forces commanders, IGP, officers of Sri Lanka Human Rights Commission and Minister of Foreign Affairs Ravi Karunanayake today (July 24) at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs.

The discussion was centered on exchanging expertise and experiences of security forces of Sri Lanka with other countries and systematically maintaining overseas training for members of the tri forces.

Another matter that was drawn attention during the discussion is how security forces can contribute in the effort to strengthen the living conditions of the people in the North and the East.

At the same time, attention was drawn how to correct misimpression about the security forces of Sri Lanka, if any, among the global community. Among the other matters that were discussed during the meeting were dignity of Sri Lankan security forces, safety of them, sovereignty of the country, steps that should be taken to protect the territorial integrity of the country and, how to deal with the international community in this regard.

The meeting also discussed how to protect human rights to strengthen the operation to win over the international community under the guidance of His Excellency the President Maithripala Sirisena and the Honorable Prime Minister Ranil Wickremesinghe to march forward the country as a whole. Further, it was discussed during the meeting about the responsibility and the contribution by the tri forces in order to protect human rights of all communities under the Constitution, how to strengthen them and, how to identify if there are any hurdles towards such efforts.

Defense Secretary Kapila Vydyarathna, Foreign Ministry Secretary Esala Weerakoon, Secretary of Law and Order and Southern Development Ministry Jagath Wijeweera, Army Commander Lieutenant Commander Mahesh Senanayake, Navy Commander Vice Admiral Ravindra Wijeguneratne, Air Force Commander Air Marshal Kapila Jayampathy, IGP Pujitha Jayasundera, Chairman of the Sri Lanka Human Rights Commission Deepika Udugama and several top officials of the Defense Ministry and the Ministry of Foreign Affairs participated.

SRI LANKA BANS POSTERS AND BANNERS WITHOUT PERMISSION

26/07/2017

Sri Lanka government has banned putting up posters and banners without prior permission in its capital city, Colombo. The ban is expected to extend to other cities as well.

State controlled Daily News reports that Megapoilis and Western Province Development Minister Champika Ranawaka  has ordered municipal commissioners, public health heads and the police to file charges against individuals and companies that put up posters and banners in the city. The aim of the ban is said to be ‘to transform Colombo and suburbs into clean environs’.

Minister Ranawaka said legal action will be taken against those putting up posters illegally in public places or public property in keeping with the ongoing waste management drive.

“We will also institute legal action against the owners of those posters and banners for the obvious reasons of ensuring safety and cleanliness of the city,” he said.

Political posters has been part of the city life and all most all political groups put up posters on city walls.

Police Environmental Units, Head of environmental institutions, Municipal Commissioners and Secretaries have been called by the minister not to tolerate defiance and carelessness on the part of individuals who have chosen to ignore poster, flyer and banner rules during a waste management review meeting held at the Colombo Municipal Council reports Daily News.

Government has given two-week period  make awareness on the new regulations.

“Next, we will prosecute them for illegally pasting posters and banners within and near the city,” Minister has  said.

CPC trade unions agree to carry out essential services until talks

By Yusuf Ariff-July 26, 2017

Ceylon Petroleum Corporation (CPC) trade unions engaged in the strike action have agreed to carry out essential services until 6.30pm today, when discussions are expected to be held with relevant authorities. 

The strike action was launched from midnight on Monday (July 24) based on three demands including the acquisition of Trincomalee Petroleum tanks complex to the CPC, acquisition of Hambantota Port Tanks Complex to CPC and modernization of the Sapugaskanda Oil Refinery.

However, considering the inconvenience faced by the people, the government declared storage, transport and distribution of petroleum as an essential service through a gazette under the Essential Public Services Act last night.

Tri-force and police personnel had succeeded in releasing a fleet of fuel-filled bowsers of the Petroleum Corporation to the outside market, affected by the ongoing trade union action, by noon today (26). 

The fleet, comprised of re-fuelled 15 bowsers left the Kolonnawa Petroleum Complex around 1.00 p.m., together with non-striking Petroleum Corporation drivers and security personnel for distribution across the island. 

During early hours on Wednesday (26), Security Force personnel at the request of the Police entered the premises after the government declared supply of fuel as an essential service in a special gazette, issued late last night. 

Army troops while providing security to the storage premises would assist non-striking Petroleum employees with all possible technical assistance for supply of fuel, the Sri Lanka Army media unit said.

 Why do agricultural value chains fail? Part (VII): Unforeseen institutional decisions

Introduction

 Wednesday, 26 July 2017

Institutions are an integral part of value chains. Government institutes drive agricultural advisory services in most value chains. Advisory services can come from the Department of Agriculture, which is attached to the Central Government or they can come from provincial agriculture ministries.

Why do agricultural value chains fail Part (VII) Unforeseen institutional decisions.docx by Thavam Ratna on Scribd

The story of Mahaweli…

      an unending cascade from one generation to another       
“The old river in its broad reach rested unruffled at the decline of day, after ages of good service done to the race that peopled its banks, spread out in the tranquil dignity of a waterway leading to the utmost ends of the earth.”
- Joseph Conrad  

2017-07-26
At the very outset, allow me to draw your attention to an oversight in my previous column on ‘Who represents the real SLFP’. In the 8th paragraph I write thus: “The passage of the 19th Amendment...” It should read as the “18th Amendment”. Please forgive me for this error. Now to my current column:
The mighty Mahaweli River begins its history-laden journey from the zenith of Sri Paada, the pinnacle of Buddhist belief that Siddhartha Gautama, the Buddha laid his footprint, long before Devanampiyatissa ruled Lanka. With this belief held in earnest, many Buddhists - men and women of all walks of life - of all ages, some with hardly any breath left in their lungs but a monumental expanse of faith in their hearts, year in and year out go on pilgrimage to pay homage to the Great Teacher. All main rivers in Sri Lanka; Mahaweli, Kelani, Kalu and Walawé which originate their respective passages from Sri Paada, command the gratitude of an immensely grateful people. Among these rivers Mahaweli is foremost. Its storied expedition through the picturesque hill country into the vast plains of Mahiyangana and Bintenna, carving the ground of an arid and thirsty zone all the way up to the North Central valley and eventually exhausting itself into a resplendent Indian Ocean at Trincomalee, has enriched not only the daily lives of a population but also has ornamented the culture and tradition of an ancient people in Ceylon. With its melodious cascading of water, is brought forth a whisper of arrival of good times.
In ancient times, this great river was first diverted, to send its waters to the North Central province. According to the official records of the Irrigation Department: ‘Minipe Yoda Ela: the Trans basin canal from Minipe diversion carried water from Mahaweli Ganga to Amban Ganga. King Dasankeliya (459 AD) constructed this and it had irrigated in the left bank of Mahaweli. This gigantic work, which excites the wonder of the modern engineers, consists of a scheme, which turns the river at a bend where a large body of water enters the narrow canal formed by an island contiguous to the bank, partially closed by two rocks, which intercept the water on its return to the main stream. These rocks, when united by the masonry, became a dam raising the waters in the natural channel to great height. Sir Henry Ward in his observations on legend, describes this canal could have been used for irrigation as well as navigation. The length of this canal is 50 miles and it merged with Amban Ganga below Angemedilla anicut. It is important to note that this canal had followed a trace, which has minimized deep cutting’.

The mighty Mahaweli River begins its history-laden journey from the zenith of Sri Paada, the pinnacle of Buddhist belief that Siddhartha Gautama, the Buddha laid his footprint, long before Devanampiyatissa ruled Lanka

History’s homage apart, the Mahaweli River, despite the various decrees issued by the governors during the British colonial rule to destroy the irrigation structures that had sustained a Sinhala-Buddhist culture for two and half millennia, continued to flow in her usual haste, stirring many a thick foliage and many a hump of sand. Her montage of varied profiles, in times of crisis, has enabled the people of the land to turn to her as a last refuge; whether to water the thirsty land they possessed to cultivate the ever-in-demand rice or for a refreshing bath at the end of the day. They turned to her treasure ever so gratefully.

Ever since the ancient Kings of Lanka, the Mahaweli’s tireless stretch to enrich the land took a brand new turn in the seventh decade of the 20th century. In 1977, the JR Jayewardene govt took a momentous decision.

Without a cent in their coffers to finance the undertaking of diverting the Mahaweli River at more than five locations, constructing six large reservoirs with the capacity to produce hydropower of more than 700 MW and irrigate the water-starved land and settle more than 150,000 families in the downstream zones. Such a transmigration of humanity from one area to another region that was from thick jungle to mild-forests was, under any circumstances, no stress-free task. Galvanizing a bureaucracy from a passive govt service to a vibrant, proactive and forward-thinking force needs foresight, determination, meticulous planning and above all unbending leadership at all levels, from a junior engineer to senior management to Minister and President of the country. During those days, that much of dedication and commitment was forthcoming. A Golden Era of the 20th century had dawned. And it spread its lustre to all corners of the developing regions.

No labour was imported from the countries that donated money for the projects. Meals, basic rice and curry, that were prepared and sold to those local labour forces were the responsibility of the locals.
All subcontractors were locals; those who were engaged in planning, designing, constructing and monitoring, barring some handful of senior staff that belonged to the companies that won the main contracts from the donating countries, were all local. The story of Mahaweli was one hundred percent local. Amazing!

In 1977, the JR govt took a momentous decision. Without a cent in their coffers to finance the undertaking of diverting the Mahaweli River at more than five locations, constructing six large reservoirs with the capacity to produce hydropower of more than 700 MW

From the time JR decided to launch an accelerated programme to develop and complete a 30-year programme in merely six years, the tensions were many and even disagreements much more among a dedicated and determined work force from Chairman to junior engineers, yet the grit and single-mindedness of Gamini Dissanayake, the young (35-year young?) Minister of Mahaweli Development and Lands and Land Development, pursued the programme to successful completion.

A disturbing pattern of incoherent thinking that was the order of the day during the previous regime of ’70 to’77 was transformed into a logical and balanced pursuit of realistic engineering targets and community-progressive goals. The resurgence of a rustic culture and reawakening of rural inhabitants in the remote corners in the land was visible to any visitor, more to the locals in Colombo and urban habitats than to those who came from beyond our shores. The pulse of a 1000 plus-year of history was being accentuated to a different harmony and it was felt all over the program whose vast implications were at times unfathomable even to a discriminating intellect.

Without the hydropower of the Mahaweli Programme, our country would have crossed the threshold of the twenty first century in darkness. Countermanding a treacherous weather and gracing the soil that cultivates the staple grain that feeds millions of the population with her magnificent presence, the Mahaweli is cascading through an unkind terrain and unforgiving landscape. Order was brought to her unruly surge. Man-made dams and anicuts were constructed in order to store up the abundance of her gush in mighty tanks and reservoirs and served to release the waters. Along her joyous journey emerged new townships and settlement villages with the attendant social infrastructure such as schools, banks, hospitals, post offices and community centres. A novelty of these habitats may have been outlived by the neglect of the present-day bureaucracy. Townships such as Galnewa, Bulnewa, Thambuttegama, Nochchiyagama. Dehiattakandiya, Welikanda and Girandurukotte were not heard of before the Mahaweli Programme was inaugurated. Now they are bustling commercial centres, serving a community whose day-to-day living is made easier by the flow of the Mahaweli. Bursting asunder of traditional irregularities, burying of conventional hostilities and embracing new realities of abundance and plenty, the Mahaweli will glide along, revealing concealed treasures and bringing forth joy and smile to many a profile. Many a damsel silhouetted on the banks of the Mahaweli, with the setting of the sun and with the initiation of twilight will ponder her future; she will be sinking into the joyous dream of her amour. Before her eyes is the eternal flow of the river that has been rendering service to a nation that is more often ungrateful than otherwise. But it shall glide along for the waters not only are the saga of how a nation could be fed and nourished. It is a beautiful story of a civilization.

Townships such as Galnewa, Bulnewa, Thambuttegama, Nochchiyagama. Dehiattakandiya, Welikanda and Girandurukotte were not heard of before the Mahaweli Programme was inaugurated

The river has served the soil of the land. She lies at the roots of a proud nation whose granaries fed not only the locals but, according to the Great Chronicle, the Mahawansa, enabled rice to be exported to neighbouring countries in the glory days. A flow of nourishing water, in addition to helping an already-progressing population towards greater heights, also sprinkled a land with a misty environ in the parched zones, making a sleeping vegetation wake up and blossoming and nourishing a civilization. A stupendous gallery of architectural wonders emerged whose profound magnificence is still bewildering modern scholars. Along its course were erected historic structures, depicting a graceful life of a civilization. Mahaweli represents not only a giant irrigation scheme; it’s not a mere human settlement endeavour; it is not a long and winding stream. It is indeed a civilization.
Sorrow and joy, shall this river endure, and glide its way to eternity!   

The writer can be contacted at vishwamithra1984@gmail.com