Monday, February 11, 2019

Anger on Venezuela border as military accused of blocking aid

Kylie Morris-11 Feb 2019Washington Correspondent

For years the collapse of what was South America’s richest country has been keenly felt by its neighbours who have seen millions flee the country.

Now the border between Venezuela and Colombia is the centre of a political and humanitarian stand-off as US aid is blocked by the socialist government of Venezuela, claiming it is a Trojan horse masking regime change.

The Green New Deal offers radical environmental and economic change-Ann Pettifor

The proposal is incredibly ambitious, both on climate change and with its reimagining of society

‘We know that can be done, because it was done before.’ Photograph: Shawn Thew/EPA

Opinion-Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez-Mon 11 Feb 2019

The revival of the Green New Deal framework (first developed in a report published in 2008) and popularized by Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez and Justice Democrats in the US, is a huge advance for green campaigners and, hopefully, for our threatened species. That is because it has a single radical ask: an ecological and economic transformation of the current system to end our addiction to fossil fuels and endless consumption of the earth’s finite assets.

The Green New Deal demands major structural (governmental and inter-governmental) changes (not just behavioural change) in our approach to the ecosystem. In addition, and as in the 1930s, such change to be driven by radical structural transformation of the finance sector, and the economy. It was developed on the understanding that finance, the economy and the ecosystem are all tightly bound together. Protecting and restoring the ecosystem to balance cannot be tackled effectively without transformation of the other sectors. Financing the transformation of the economy away from its dependence on fossil fuels cannot be achieved without a transformation of the finance sector.

Way back in 2009, before the Copenhagen conference on climate change, I watched in dismay as a “green” demonstration assembled in London’s Trafalgar Square. A relatively small group of people (I had witnessed many much larger demonstrations descend on that famous square) were there to demand that world leaders do something to protect societies from climate breakdown. But it was not at all clear what exactly was wanted of those leaders. This was because they, and their leaders had not arrived at a consensus behind an “ask” of the rich and powerful gathered in Copenhagen.

There was no slogan akin to “give women the vote”, “cancel poor country debt by 2000” or “repeal apartheid laws”. The reason why was plain to see. Like a football ground covered in advertising by competing brands, Trafalgar Square was covered in the banners and posters of many different non-governmental organisations – some green, some not. Despite all the “messaging” these organisations were preoccupied with their own survival and had failed to cooperate to unite behind a single demand of world leaders. Instead, like brands displayed in any football ground, they were involved in a competitive game of raising profiles to secure additional funding.

The green movement, dubbed the “largest movement on earth”, is vast, disparate, atomised and marginalised. As the ever-vigilant Paul Hawken notes, it “cannot be seen … by anyone”. It has failed to connect with movements against the “globalist” establishment – and against austerity and insecurity. One reason is that its advocates tend to focus on individual (“change your lightbulbs”) or community (“recycle, reuse, reduce, localise”) action. They have been weak at understanding and promoting the need for radical structural change across sectors and at a global and national level – change that involves state action. And such structural change cannot just be undertaken at the level of international negotiations on the environment. It has to embrace, as the Green New Deal does – the need for structural change to the global financial and economic system.

Its ambition is on a much grander scale than Roosevelt’s 1930s New Deal. (Recall that his administration also faced an ecological catastrophe: the dust bowl). The climate threats we face are on a scale beyond the imagination of New Dealers. Still we must learn from Roosevelt’s administration. To tackle climate change we need simultaneously to tackle the root cause of growing toxic emissions: a self-regulating, globalised financial system that injects exponential supplies of unregulated credit into the hands of speculators and consumers. Credit that is used in turn to inflate the prices of existing assets, and to fuel consumption of the earth’s finite assets extracted via the energy of fossil fuels. Only once we switch off, regulate and moderate the “tap” of “easy money” will it be possible to regulate and “switch off” the toxic emissions of fossil fuels.

The realism of the Green New Deal demand is precisely because it harks back to an era in which the global economy was transformed (almost overnight) by the revolutionary Keynesian monetary policies of an American president. These enabled his administration to deploy fiscal policy to transform both the domestic economy, but also the dust bowl. This was done by creating millions of jobs via the Conservation Civilian Corps, whose workers planted more than 3bn trees and constructed trails and shelters in more than 800 parks nationwide during nine years of existence.

The experience and success of the New Deal – deeply flawed in many respects – nevertheless assures us that transformation is possible. After all, it has been done before, and within living memory.
And we know that can be done, because it was done before – by the popular will that backed Franklin D Roosevelt’s administration as it began (on the night of his inauguration in 1933) to dismantle the globalised gold standard system.

That is the broad, conceptual framework offered by the Green New Deal. An “umbrella” for mobilising and unifying the efforts of millions of people tackling climate breakdown, financial sector failure and globalised economic insecurity. An umbrella that will hopefully unite and inspire vast numbers of green activists across the world – and in turn trigger state action to subordinate finance to the interests of society and the ecosystem – and thereby ensure a livable planet for future generations.

Ann Pettifor is director of Prime: Policy Research in Macroeconomics and a fellow of the New Economics Foundation

Breast cancer: Scan younger women at risk, charity says

Generic picture of a woman receiving a mammogram

11 February 2019

Younger women with a family history of breast cancer should receive annual screenings to pick up the disease earlier, a charity says.

Breast Cancer Now funded a study which found cancers were detected sooner when 35 to 39-year-olds at risk had annual mammograms.

NHS screening often starts at the age of 40 for women with a family history.

Experts need to balance the benefits of doing more checks against causing any undue worry or over-treatment.

The study's authors said that more analysis was needed on the risks, costs and benefits of extending the screening programme.

But Baroness Delyth Morgan, the charity's chief executive, called for the government's forthcoming review of NHS screening programmes in England to consider the introduction of scans for women aged 35 to 39 with a family history of breast cancer.

The study, carried out by researchers at the University of Manchester, offered scans to 2,899 women in this age group who were deemed to have a moderate or high risk of the disease after being referred by a GP to a family history clinic.

The screening detected 35 invasive breast cancer tumours, most of which were small and identified before they had reached the lymph nodes - a sign that they had not spread around the body.

Effective detection

In a control group, which did not have the screening, far fewer of the cancers were discovered when they were still small and more had spread to the lymphatic system.

Prof Gareth Evans, the lead author of the study, said the trial demonstrates that annual scans are effective in detecting tumours earlier for this younger age group.

He said overdiagnosis - where people are treated for cancers that are unlikely to prove harmful - was "far less likely" to be an issue with this younger age group.

Baroness Morgan was made a life peer in 2004

"For women with a family history, removing a non-invasive tumour so early in their lives is likely to be a cancer preventive," Professor Evans said.

The study did not include women who had specific gene mutations which can increase the risk of the disease.

The charity says regular MRI scans - as is currently recommended - remains the best option for those with faulty BRCA or TP53 genes.

Lives cut 'heartbreakingly short'

If annual mammograms for at risk younger women were made widely available across all four of the UK's NHS services, it could affect up to 86,000 women, the researchers said.

Breast cancer is the most common cancer in the UK, with about 55,000 women being diagnosed each year and 11,500 dying from the disease.

Between 5% and 15% of breast cancers are linked to a family history of the illness.

"We've long known that a family history can define a woman's risk, and that breast cancer can be more aggressive in younger women," said Baroness Morgan.

"So if we can intervene earlier for those at higher risk through annual screening, we believe we may be able to stop the disease cutting so many women's lives so heartbreakingly short."

Chart showing the net-survivor rate for women in England diagnosed with breast cancer

An NHS England spokeswoman said possible changes to the screening programme will be considered in the review.

She said: "Breast cancer survival is at its highest ever and with improved screening a key focus of the NHS long-term plan, even more cancers will be diagnosed earlier."

The Scottish Government said it continues to monitor and consider all available evidence and recommendations.

Who gets breast screening?

Women are routinely offered screening when they reach the age of 50 - they will get an invite every three years until their 71st birthday
The NHS is doing a trial of extending routine screening to some women aged 47-73
If you have an increased risk of breast cancer because you carry certain genes or have close relatives who have had breast cancer, you may be offered yearly checks. Speak with your doctor about the best options for you

Sunday, February 10, 2019

Army threatens journalist in Mullaitivu

190210 Army threatens journalist Mullaitivu NG 1.jpg

Sri Lankan army soldiers threatened a Tamil journalist in Mullaitivu, who was researching a story on the military's excessive use of water in the area.

10 February 2019

Freelance journalist Selvaraja Sumanthan was photographed and videoed by soldiers, before being warned by a senior army official to halt his work and leave the area.

Related news:

TID resumes targeting of Tamil Guardian correspondent, issuing 12th summons to friend

Foreign journalist intimidated in Sri Lanka

Harassment of TG correspondent recalls Sri Lanka’s worst period of persecution of Tamil journalists - RSF

Colleagues who arrived at the scene were also photographed at close range by intelligence officers.

Civilians had expressed anger at the military's use of water whilst many remained displaced, without basic facilities.

Mistaken As Wimpy (Emerging Popular Leader)

By Vishnu Gupta –FEBRUARY 11, 2019

W. Vishnu Gupta

Last year, assessing the possible outcomes of 2020 presidential election I was mistaken by identifying President Maithripala Sirisena as a wimpy politician. Since coming to power until October 2018, he was making feeble attempts to survive from political maneuvering of oligarchy leaders responsible for ruling and ruining the nation. According to Daily Mirrorreport of 8th September 2018, MS expressed his views about the oligarchs vying for power in 2020.

“President further said that if SLPP and UNP overestimate their political power that is mistake and said that whatever value given by themselves to their parties no one could form a government without the support of the SLFP”.

This statement is still valid if SLFP has remained in the National government or in the marriage of convenience between one of the oligarchs and SLFP. Apparently, the president has gauged dismal situation of Sri Lanka accurately and come to the conclusion that power lies with the people but not with the scheming corrupt politicians of various colors and slogans driven on Machiavelli principles. The recent resolute actions taken by MS prove that I was wrong in my assessment.

Prior to November 14th 2018 MS has been an irresolute Executive of the government of Sri Lanka. Fortunately, he has woken up from deep slumber of three and half years and decided to get rid of the sheepish image and acted as a dependable astute person with executive power at a crucial juncture of nation’s history. Executive Power itself is not evil as some have argued; like money, it is indifferent and unbiased in its usefulness to the person who possesses it. President Maithripala Sirisena has shown this noble quality to the citizens and the world community without any doubt by respecting the law of the land and showing he is capable of using authority wisely. Firstly, President’s ongoing successful campaign against the drug barons and heroin dealers in the country. Secondly, single handedly he executed a noble initiative to declare “Thripitakaya” which is the foremost compilation containing the basics in Theravada Buddhist philosophy, as a national heritage. Thirdly, the historic and uncompromising speech made on the 71st independence day in Colombo conforms he is the boss and unquestionably he has shown the characteristics of an emerging wise leader. The critics may argue differently yet it does not make the possessor of executive power evil; it is the possessor who uses it in evil ways.

Probable compromise or inevitable annihilation

So far, the government has managed to function and survive by compromising our future and without turning the country into another “Zimbabwe” due to the executive presidency and well defined civil administration service. Given the political turmoil of final quarter of 2018, the oligarchy power hunters may argue that the image of the nation is somewhat sullied and perhaps some undue interventions are needed. Similar arguments were presented by the oligarchy governments when youth uprisings lead by JVP and LTTE erupted in the country in the past. Actually what is sullied under current political environment is the reputation of the oligarchy leadership. What is sullied is the existence of semi-literate politicians in the country. What is sullied is the distorted democracy introduced by oligarchs in the country.

Every citizen, be it is Sinhala or Tamil speaking wants to be free of fear. It is prosperity that makes people feel secure; it has nothing to do with fear of the political leadership aspirants. Simply having the opportunity to achieve success in economic, social and religious fronts makes people less fearful. Political and social and economic freedom offer citizens a safe place to create their own future. Even if they are unsuccessful, most will appreciate the unfettered opportunity, and take responsibility for the effort they made. Having seen the “writing on the wall” in February last year, some oligarchy leaders and leaders of chauvinist political parties may feel unsafe to face the voters in any type of election; provincial, national or presidential right now.

POST-WAR DEVELOPMENT: NEW DIRECTION NEEDED FOR NORTH, SAYS NEW STUDY

Image: Post-war development centered on building infrastructure etc has failed.

09/02/2019

A study commissioned by the Central Bank of Sri Lanka urges a fresh approach to address post-war socio-economic challenges in the north by building on its existing regional capacity and resources.

Authored by an independent committee and launched yesterday at the Jaffna Public Library Auditorium, ‘Economic Development Framework for a Northern Province Master Plan’ offers a forward-looking blueprint to realise the potential of the north and contribute to the national economy.
The report argues that a post-war reconstruction strategy centred on building infrastructure, expansion of credit to promote self-employment and a narrow focus on private-sector investment has failed to meet the expectations of sustained economic growth with increased jobs and higher incomes. Poverty continues to be widespread and is further exacerbated by the indebtedness crisis.

As close observers of reconstruction efforts over the last decade, the authors – academics and professionals from the north – draw attention to the legacies of war on society and economy that underscore the imperative for a unique policy approach. Reasons identified for these poor development outcomes include: a reconstruction strategy that itself lacked a clear direction and ignored the prevailing low level of skills and capacity within the region; insufficient investment to transform the productivity of ‘small-sized’ producers and organisations dominating the economic base; and the continuing fragility of a population coming out of a protracted war which remains a barrier to their participation in development.

The Framework considers such challenges and calls fora comprehensive approach that is structured around three inter-dependent pillars: the factors of production, the enabling environment, and the social foundations of development.

This analysis suggests that an economic growth path that is slower but more stable, and which invests in people and communities to strengthen their social resilience could be an appropriate strategy for the north.

http://www.ft.lk/front-page/Post-war-development—New-direction-needed-for-north–says-new-study/44-672560

The report argues that a two-pronged strategy that focuses on strengthening the north’s economic base while supporting initiatives for export development will create a stronger, more resilient foundation from which growth can be accelerated in the long-term. Potential areas for development in agriculture, industries and the services sectors are also suggested.

The committee which did the report comprised B. Sivatheepan (Chair/Regional Manager, Regional Office – Kilinochchi of the Central Bank of Sri Lanka), Dr. A. Kadirgamar, Dr. A. Kandiah, S. Krishnananthan, S. Navaratnam, M. Sooriasegaram and Dr. R. Surenthirakumaran.

Economic Development Framew... by on Scribd

Protests continue in Vavuniya as families of disappeared demand action

190209 Vavuniya fod protest NJ 3.jpg

09 February 2019

Protests continued today in Vavuniya as families of the disappeared demanded action from Tamil politicians on the issue.

The families, who have expressed increasing frustration towards the leadership of the Tamil National Alliance's (TNA), who they argue are in the hands of the United National Party, protested today outside the Road Development Authority's office.

The protest was held to mark two years since the families met with the UNP leader and Sri Lankan prime minister, Ranil Wickremesinghe and he pledged to find a solution.

"It's been two years and nothing has happened," one mother said.

"We want to know where our children are. We want the government to tell us where."

Families also marked the 719th day of protest, reiterating their call for international intervention from the United States and the European Union.

The Role Of The ‘War Hero’ In Post-Conflict Sri Lanka

By Jayasiri Samaratunga –FEBRUARY 11, 2019

Jayasiri Samaratunga

As a law abiding, peace loving citizen of this country, I have been helplessly watching the ever increasing crime rate in the country and its drastic impact on society. In view of the widespread penetration of social media, people of this country had the horrible privilege of witnessing some of the most gruesome crimes being committed in broad daylight, most often by organized gangs who are fighting for supremacy in the underworld and in the ugly world of the narcotics trade. One freighting feature common to most of the murders and armed robberies committed in the recent past have been the professional skills displayed by the perpetrators in handling firearms and escaping from the crime scene. This clearly indicates that these perpetrators are well trained/skilled in the use of firearms and other offensive weapons. In most instances, where some breakthrough has been made in relation to the investigation of organized crimes, it has come to light that ex-armed forces personnel or deserters have been involved in the commission of those crimes. They appear to be utilizing the training and skills acquired whilst serving in the forces to commit heinous crimes and terrorise the society. It is an irony that the very peace and tranquillity that the armed forces helped bring about in this country, with immense suffering and sacrifice, is being shattered by a few of their own members who have now gone astray for obvious reasons.

This serious situation has given rise to an intense debate among the peace loving citizens of this country about gainfully engaging members and ex-members of the armed forces in the post conflict era and cracking down on the rampant use of illegal firearms and other offensive weapons. In this regard it was encouraging to learn of the steps being taken by the Ministry of Defence, under the personal direction of the incumbent Defence Secretary, to crack down on the illegal firearms circulating in this country. It was revealed in the media that even licensed firearms issued for personal protection of certain individuals have been used for the commission of offences. In this backdrop, it is important to investigate in order to ascertain whether firearms have been issued to people with genuine needs for such firearms for their personal protection or otherwise. Hence, carrying out a stringent screening process prior to issuing new licenses or renewing existing licenses is most appropriate as proposed by the Secretary to the Ministry of Defence. Such licenses should be issued or renewed only in exceptional cases, subject to extremely stringent conditions.

It is also commendable that the Secretary to the Ministry of Defence took the initiative to deliver a strong message to ex-members and deserters of the armed forces that they would not be treated leniently, if they are found to violate the law of the land by committing crimes. It was observed in the recent past, particularly after the end of the civil war, a reluctance to initiate action against ex-armed forces personal who were found to engage in the commission of crimes, some of which have shocked the nation. The law should be implemented equally. Even the President, Prime Minister and Members of the Cabinet and their actions are subject to the law of the land. Any violators of the law should be dealt with severely disregarding the violators’ position, social status, race, religion, caste etc.

Media and politics

Sanjana Hattotuwa-February 9, 2019, 8:00 pm

A presentation of my doctoral research to colleagues at CPA afforded the chance to talk and think about what social media means for those not on and the least aware of it. Conversations and commentary over 2018 posit to social media powers, responsibilities and roles that grossly simplify more complex, dynamic relationships. For the readers of this newspaper, from a demographic who hears more about social media than actually uses it, it is important to understand how the millions using these platforms daily, creating in the aggregate a mind-boggling wealth of content, shape society, polity, governance, institutions and electoral processes.

At scale and at present, occasionally violent but always vigorous social media dynamics anchored to just Facebook, Twitter, Instagram and YouTube, constitute the warp and woof of how a demographic between 20 to 40 perceives and engages with politics. This is important, because what’s called platform affordances - what a user can and cannot do depending on what social media platform they choose to use - in turn defines how they interact with political frames. Negotiating difference, countering ideas, civil engagement, social currency, proposing alternatives, encouraging others, showing partiality, engineering dissent, showing solidarity, masking or making identity, envisioning a better future, analyzing the present, holding others accountable, championing a cause or person, soliciting votes, expressing the love of or opposition to individual or idea, debating difference or celebrating diversity - the many affordances of social media provide frames through which a larger world is perceived, captured or rejected.

Social media platforms are both inter-dependent and often self-referential. This is hard to understand, but a gardening metaphor can help. One’s own garden, weeded and well-tended, is a space that others can be invited into and cannot otherwise gain access. A walled-garden is not unlike Facebook, where communities of users congregate around or are invited into specific groups, where the conversations of like-minded individuals reinforce norms, attitudes and practices. One looks around and anchors conversations to what’s around or proximate. You can catch glimpses of other groups, but they often only serve to reinforce the belief, trust in and love for groups one is already part of or party to. And yet, Twitter for example points to content on Facebook, which in turn can also host content off YouTube. Responses to a single piece of content often span multiple platforms. A phenomenon called going viral - when content is spread, promoted and featured widely over a very short-span of time - is now a feature of any political moment or process.

All this aside, anecdotal evidence coupled with episodic data collection indicates instant messaging - like WhatsApp or Facebook Messenger - are pillars of a myriad of conversations numbering in the millions, entirely hidden from academic study and public scrutiny. How these frames, created, cemented and contested daily, impact or influence young voters is a field of growing, global study. The reason for this is because politics as we love or hate it is changing.

Take the constitutional coup of last year. I have heard very senior journalists claim in public fora that a central reason for the coup’s failure is social media. And they leave it at that, giving the public the impression that social media is somehow inherently democratic and decent. Earlier in 2018, journalists including from the New York Times looked at the violence in Digana and flagged how much social media had contributed to it. The submission here was that if it wasn’t for Facebook and other apps including WhatsApp and Viber, the violence would not have been so bad or even broken out. Elements of truth in each thesis mask an overall ignorance or disinterest around what’s far more complex.

Algorithmically or computationally, social media at scale captures our attention by providing fields of view that feed our bias. So over time, the risk is that communal or prejudiced opinions either tend to get strengthened or go unquestioned by others. Serendipitous encounters with difference or diversity are rare. Conversely, at certain times, this tango of technology works in ways that promote a specific set of ideas, individuals or institutions that in the fullness of time, can be said to have contributed to a net positive, or social gain. Both dynamics co-exist, over each platform and between them. The technology reflects us, and how we respond critically or react emotionally, in turn shapes our use of social media.

Given the overarching dynamics of political communications on social media I study at scale and some depth, much is changing - rapidly and inexorably. The emergence of partisan fluidity means that social media users rally around a specific political party or politician in opportunistic ways, with affiliation pegged to process, event or idea, often time-bound. In other words, the demographic of voters who vote for a specific party no matter what, and also a caste vote, are contested in ecosystems where partisan loyalty changes dynamically. How politicians need to and will engineer electoral gain will shift to hybrid models where the face to face and mass rallies will be supported and occasionally supplanted by sophisticated social media based political communications campaigns, not above the strategic spread of misinformation.

Complex media ecologies have emerged, blurring or even erasing neat boundaries and definitions. Data collected just during the constitutional coup indicates clearly the high degree mainstream media was featured, shared and engaged with on social media, in addition to citizen-generated civic media content. Powerful media owners with their political paymasters are learning to shift content strategies to fit this digital first demographic. Politics is seen as digital engagement, which doesn’t necessarily translate into footfall at rallies or the exercise of franchise. Even though in 2015, the very high turnout at the Presidential and Parliamentary Elections can be somewhat attributed to social media campaigns around voter mobilization, the anxiety, anger and apathy around the political culture since, accentuated by social media, may have resulted a considerable number of those in first or second time vote base to be disenchanted with electoral processes. This is dangerous, because engineering this apathy so as to result in a drop in voter turnout helps authoritarianism’s steady creep.

The great lesson of Namal Rajapaksa’s unprecedented digital mobilization around Jana Balaya was that tens of thousands talking about an event, doesn’t result even a fraction attending it. An equally important lesson from the constitutional coup is that specific individuals command and control more attention than democratic institutions, with social media favouring the episodic over the systemic, and the emotive over the substantive. In other words, the characters and conditions for another debilitating crisis respectively thrive and persist, though social media conversations have moved on. Populism, or the digital evolution of the cult of the individual (which is a defining characteristic of our local political landscape), strongly favours those who exploit their charisma over social media. The meek will risk everything and not inherit anything.

Simplistic captures of social media don’t help society robustly debate or discuss any of these evolutionary trends. Worse, how inextricably entwined social media is with social and polity writ large isn’t communicated. A like is not a vote. But at scale, and in the tens of millions, popular and public sentiment can be nudged and ascertained as a consequence of what is digitally produced and shared. This nexus, no longer new, is fertile ground to harvest the worst of who we are, and the best of what we can be. The choice of which to strengthen isn’t social media’s to make. It is ours to take.

Parliament

Camelia Nathaniel and Disna Mudalige-Saturday, February 9, 2019

‘Suspended duty free permits scheme will continue’

Duty free permits of state sector employees has not been abolished, but temporarily suspended, Finance State Minister Eran Wickramaratne said

He said the issue would be resolved within three months. He was responding to a question raised by JVP MP Anura Kumara Dissanayake on January 25 regarding the plight of state officers who were issued duty free permits but were unable to utilise this facility as it was suspended abruptly. “Some officers had even opened Letters of Credit and were halfway through the process, while some had sold their previous vehicles and are now in a dilemma, without a vehicle.Hence, has the issue of such duty free permits been stopped or is there any measure the government intends to take regarding the plight of these state officers?” Dissanayake said.

Minister Wickramaratne said it was a practical measure that was taken to preserve foreign reserves during that period. “We have to pay back a huge amount in loans during the first quarter of this year and this measure was taken for us to better manage these commitments. However, we intend to grant permission to those who have already opened letters of credit to import these vehicles very soon. I must reaffirm that these permits have not been stopped, but only temporarily suspended.

We will allow everyone with duty free permits to import vehicles, including those who already have permits, those who have opened LCs and those scheduled to receive permits in the future. Some who had opened LCs and paid the money were perhaps unaware that the vehicle importing companies generally collect all the LCs and open one LC. Hence, I too feel that it would have been better if we could have resolved this issue differently. However, this had to be done for the sake of the country.”
Wickramaratne assured that within the next three months this issue would be resolved and everyone who has been issued a duty free permit would be able to import their vehicles.

No diplomatic passport holder among Dubai arrests - Minister

Media reports that a Sri Lankan diplomatic passport holder was arrested in Dubai along with underworld drug kingpin Makandure Madush were not true, Internal and Home Affairs and Provincial Councils and Local Government State Minister J.C Alwathuwala said.

Alawathuwala responding to a question by UPFA MP Udaya Gammanpila said such reports most probably could be a part of a mud-slinging campaign.

Gammanpila referring to a news report published in the Dubai based ‘Khaleej Times’ requested the Government to reveal the identity of the alleged Sri Lankan diplomatic passport holder.

Leader of the House, Minister Lakshman Kiriella said investigations were still being carried out regarding the incident. “How can I say anything without confirmation? We have yet to confirm the fact that you mentioned,” he replied.

At this point State Minister Alawathuwala said that the reports were not true. “There is nothing like that.The Immigration and Emigration Department comes under our Ministry.

I asked the Controller General of the Department about this and he informed me that they have not received information about a diplomatic passport holder involved in the said incident.
This can be a mudslinging campaign. We do not have any information to confirm such reports so far,” he added.

Diplomatic passports are issued to VVIPs, MPs and Persons posted to prescribed positions at Sri Lankan Missions.

‘Media can be allowed to report COPE sittings’

If the media is allowed to observe the COPE committee sittings when they summon various department officials for investigation, then the public will know what is happening and even those who attend and do not attend these meetings would be revealed, JVP MP Sunil Handunnetti said in Parliament yesterday.

In response, Leader of the House Lakshman Kiriella said there is provision to admit outsiders with the Speaker’s approval. “The Speaker can invite the media to these committee sittings.I inquired about this from several former General Secretaries and it was confirmed that these committees can invite outsiders to its sittings with the approval of the Speaker.”

MP Handunnetti said it was good if measures could be taken to invite the media to these meetings from next week if possible.“If we expect to have state institutions function without corruption and fraud, that endeavour would be 80% complete if we allow the media to observe these sittings and report on it.

Therefore I make an earnest request to the Leader of the House to look into it.” Handunetti said.

‘No harm to Sinharaja in path renovation’

The road work leading to the Sinharaja forest will be carried out as scheduled, and there is no harm caused to the forest, Mahaweli Development and Environment State Minister Ajith Mannapperuma said.

Responding to JVP MP Anura Kumara Dissanayake, he said the road leading to the Sinharaja forest from the Ratnapura, Kudawa, Doranegala entry is being repaired due to it being in a terrible state, but it is only for those entering the forest by foot and not for vehicular traffic. “There are two entrances to the Sinharaja forest, one from Ratnapura, Kudawa, Doranegala and the other from Matara, Pitadeniya. For those entering from the Ratnapura, Kudawa, Doranegala entrance, they should use a 1600 meter path to enter the forest.The issue raised is this 1600 meter path. This path was used by timber thieves to transport tree trunks and is located outside the forest. In 2004, this path of around four feet width was renovated constructing bridges and culverts and in difficult spots, concrete stones were laid and constructed. From then to date, this road had been dilapidated due to the heavy rains in the area and was in an unusable state. Many locals and tourists including schoolchildren use this path when they visit the Sinharaja forest. In fact, there have been instances where tourists have broken their limbs by falling into deep ruts on the road. Therefore, action was taken to renovate this road, but it would not be widened as alleged. The road is being renovated by adding concrete in areas that are most vulnerable to erosion and stone barriers are being constructed to prevent the road from getting washed away.”

He explained that these stone barriers were not constructed using cement, but these were barriers made with stones compressed into metal cages.The minister noted that this ten foot wide road was not expanded, but it was only repaired using the minimum amount of machinery and trees were not cut at any point during this repair. He denied allegations that new constructions were being done within the forest on the Kudawa path.

He also noted that as alleged, no new constructions were carried out on this road but there was no legal restriction according to the Forest Conservation Ordinance or the National Environment Act that bans any construction of this road.

“Moreover, no section of this forest has been declared a highly protected area.The Wildlife Protection Authority has not stated that by the construction of this road that it would cause any harm to the people of the area or schoolchildren. They have only stated that this road is not a public road and it would be a great convenience to the locals and foreigners visiting the Sinharaja forest.There is nothing illegal being done by the renovation of this road way. No vehicular traffic is allowed on this road and is used exclusively for those visiting the Sinharaja forest. Hence, media reports claiming that this road way damages the forest is baseless and untrue.”

Minister Mannaperuma noted that so far 1,200 hectares in the vicinity of the Sinharaja forest has been acquired in accordance with Cabinet paper PS/CP/26/2004.

He said the cabinet paper had specified 2,488 hectares to be acquired but when it was surveyed the amount was determined to be 5,383 hectares. Currently while 1,200 hectares have been acquired, they hope to acquire at least 80% of the remaining land extent within the next six months with the mediation of the President as the Environment Minister and the committee appointed by him.

He said the cost of construction of the road is Rs. 45.8 million and as it is not within the demarcations of the world heritage area declared by UNESCO, there is no need to obtain approval for the renovation of the road. “They need to be notified only if a construction is carried out within the world heritage area which is 1.5 km inside the main gate. However, we do have plans to construct a library and observation centre under World Bank funding.

This too is not within the forest, but at the entrance to the forest near the ticket counter.”
He was responding to a question posed by JVP MP Anura Kumara Dissanayake under Standing Order 27/2 in parliament yesterday.

Dissanayake said while many other countries are preserving their forests with the aim of controlling global warming, Sri Lanka is trying to destroy the forests it already has.

He noted that during the Rajapaksa regime they had made plans in 2013 to construct a road through the Sinharaja forest from Kalawana, Kudawa entrance to the Deniyaya, Pitadeniya entrance, alleging that this was the first step in that direction.