Bank of Ceylon to Support the Construction Industry

The Bank of Ceylon has come forward to support the construction industry by being a main sponsor and Banker to Excon 2008, the annual trade fair of the Chamber of Construction Industry Sri Lanka.

This was announced by Ms. W.A. Nalini, Deputy General Manager of the Bank at a Press Conference held recently which was presided over by Hon. Dr. Rajitha Senarathne, Minister of Construction & Engineering Services. Ms. Nalini added that the Bank of Ceylon is happy to associate itself with the Chamber of Construction Industry in its endeavours to enhance the capacities and competitiveness of the domestic construction industry for which Excon 2008, a major initiative of the Chamber, is being held during the period 9th -11th May 2008 at the BMICH.

She also stated that Bank of Ceylon will assist Sri Lankan construction companies which have succeeded in acquiring overseas business linkages consequent to a campaign carried out by the Chamber of Construction Industry in the Gulf region in association with the Ministry of Construction and Engineering Services and the Ministry of Export Development and International Trade. Acceding to a request made by Chamber of Construction Industry CEO/Secretary General Mr. Dakshitha Thalgodapitiya, Ms. Nalini pledged the support of the Bank to promote the SME sector of the construction industry, which is the way forward to promote the domestic construction industry, by using the largest island wide Banking network. Bank of Ceylon popularly known as the “Bankers to the Nation” has been in the forefront of supporting the construction industry by being bankers to the majority of major and specialist contractors in Sri Lanka.

This strategic alliance between the Bank of Ceylon and the Chamber of Construction Industry which represents every industry stakeholder will signal the dawn of a new era for the domestic construction industry, particularly in view of the ambitious industry development plans unfolded by the construction minister Dr. Rajitha Senarathne at the media briefing.

STF foils LTTE infiltration attempt at Kebathigollawa; two terrorists killed

Sri Lanka police Special Task Force (STF) personnel foiled an LTTE attempt to infiltrate the Kabethigollawa area this morning (May 1). Two terrorists and two police commandos were killed in this incident.

According to the defence sources, the police commandos were targeted in a claymore attack around 6.45 am while engaged in a routine route clearing patrol, along the newly established forward defence in Dutuwawa. The two STF personnel were killed due to the explosion.

The STF personnel retaliated immediately, killing two LTTE cadres. One T-56 riffle has been found during the subsequent search, the sources said.

Following the successful accomplishment of its mission in the East, the STF was redeployed in the Wanni theatre, particularly to provide security for the civilian villages endangered by terrorist attacks. LTTE terrorists have killed thousands of innocent civilians living in Kebathigollawa, Dutuwawa, Yakawawa, and other villages in number of village massacres, bus bombs, claymore bombs and mass executions during its 3 decades of terrorist campaign against Sri Lankan citizens.

Air strikes on two LTTE Artillery gun positions

Air force fighter jets pounded two LTTE Artillery gun positions located in Athankulam and Komalamonai ahead of Forward Defence Line this morning between 11.15am and 11.30am today (30). Meanwhile, Air force fighter jets pounded a LTTE strong point located in Andankulam area.

Irratteperiyakulam Police arrest UNDP worker with micro- pistol & accessories

The IRRATTEPERIYAKULAM Police, VAVUNIYA manning the IRRATTEPERIYAKULAM road block checked a private bus proceeding from VAVUNIYA towards MEDAWACHCHIYA in the afternoon on Wednesday (30).

A UNDP worker under the World Food Program with the Identity card in English " UND55067" when checked had with him a micro- pistol, an empty magazine , a CD player(Walkman) with five CD's a mobile telephone and Rupees 36610/.

The suspect had stated that he was employed at the KILLINOCHCHI UN office at the time of arrest.

VAVUNIYA Police are conducting investigations.

Working class contributed to country’s victories

PresidentPresident Mahinda Rajapaksa, in his message to mark May Day said the working class had contributed to many victories the country had achieved and he considered it fortunate that he had been able to commemorate the May Day with the workers of this country.

He added "I would like to say on this day that the development programmes we implement were aimed at the aspirations of our working class. The efforts of the government are in trying to achieve prosperity for the nation under the Mahinda Chintana policy. I appreciate the cooperation of the working class in the implementation of that policy.

"It is also very heartening to note that the working class always acted together without considering ethnic, religious or class differences and we are aware that the working class suffered the most when peace was violated. In the effort to defeat terrorism the working class had been patiently cooperating with the government as they were concerned about the future of the country.


"The government, despit all the challenges it had to face, had implemented a development programme and to protect the rights and privileges of the working class and it was necessary to strengthen the national economy to enjoy true freedom. It is in considering the problems of the working class that the government decided to impose price control on essential food. The government will continue to protect the rights of the working class while making efforts with dedication to develop the national economy.

Algama removed from SLC

The services of Sri Lankan Cricket (SLC) media manager Samantha Algama was terminated last night by the Cricket board President Arjuna Ranatunga.
Speaking to media Algama alleged the move was related to a tender controversy and the publicity it got in the media. “If he thinks by terminating my services he can silence the media then he is sadly mistaken.”

Two STF officers killed in claymore

Two Special Task Force (STF) officers were killed in a claymore explosion while they were engaged in a route clearing patrol in Dutuwewa, Vavuniya this morning.

The Members of IIGEP Stand by theirConcluding Public Statement

The Government of Sri Lanka has proclaimed that Justice PN Bhagwati, Chairman of the IIGEP, hasclarified the IIGEP's assessment that the Government of Sri Lanka lacks the political will to ensurethe success of the Commission of Inquiry.
The Members of the IIGEP stand by the clear assertionsof their Concluding Public Statement, and disassociate themselves from any attempt by theGovernment of Sri Lanka to reformulate and re-interpret that unanimously agreed textIn fact, the letter to H.E. the President from Justice PN Bhagwati merely expresses the obvious,namely that the IIGEP cannot know for sure, but fears ('apprehends') that the political will is absent.
Itis lamentable that the Government of Sri Lanka continues to divert attention from the central truth inthis matter – that is, the problem of impunity for serious human rights violations and the need for theCommission to get to the bottom of that impunity.The IIGEP's positions, including its observations of the work of the Commission, are reflected in thesix public statements it has made, which are available at the IIGEP website (www.iigep.org).
Theycontain all the information necessary to refute all the smears and misrepresentations levelled by theGovernment of Sri Lanka against the IIGEP and its eminently professional Assistants.
END

Shell Gas reduces gas price by 20 Rupees

Shell Gas reduces 12.5 kg gas cylinder's price by 20 Rupees with effect from midnight today.
Accordingly the revised price will be Rs.1729.

Sri Lanka army assignes 9th group for peacekeeping missions in Haiti

The army headquarters say 9th group of the Sri Lanka army that has been assigned to peacekeeping missions in Haiti will leave the country in the next few days. The group comprises 200 security personnel.
In addition a battalion of 750 soldiers of the Gamunu regiment of the Sri Lanka army will also be sent to serve in Haiti as UN peacekeepers. A parade of these security personnel was held at the headquarters of the artillery regiment in Panagoda yesterday.

Meanwhile, a meeting between army commander Sarath Fonseka and Australian High Commissioner to Sri Lanka Kathie Klugman was held at the army headquarters yesterday.

Troops attack LTTE strongholds

The security forces have started launching heavy attacks on several LTTE strongholds in Mannar.
The troops say the attacks are being carried out since early this morning. The forces have gone forward from their original positions in Parayakulam, Karakkulam and Karttankulam to launch heavy attacks on the terrorists. The troops intercepting the enemy communication confirmed that 11 terrorists were killed and more than 20 were injured by this afternoon.
Meanwhile, the troops attacked a LTTE base named One White in Mannar killing over 40 terrorists. The LTTE shelled to the Siripura area in Welioya where the civilians are living. One person was injured in the attack.

Sri Lanka April Inflation Accelerates on Food Prices

By Anusha Ondaatjie

April 30 (Bloomberg) -- Sri Lanka's inflation accelerated at the fastest pace in at least four years in April on higher food and energy costs, threatening economic growth.

Consumer prices in the capital Colombo rose 25 percent from a year earlier, after increasing 23.8 percent in March, the statistics department said today. The median estimate of 10 analysts in a Bloomberg survey was for a gain of 25.1 percent.

Central Bank Governor Nivard Cabraal, who has said the nation needs to rein in inflation to achieve 7 percent growth this year, may need to do more to check prices. Inflation in 2008 may exceed the bank's target as commodity prices reach records, requiring ``tight monetary policy,'' he said April 12.

``I hope the central bank will give priority to controlling inflation,'' said Vajira Premawardhana, head of research at Lanka Orix Securities Pvt. in Colombo. ``The flip side is compromising on growth.''

The central bank, which this month kept its key interest rate at 10.5 percent for the 14th straight meeting, may need to consider increasing the proportion of deposits that commercial lenders must place with it or let the currency appreciate to cool runaway inflation, according to Fitch Ratings.

Central Bank of Sri Lanka has kept monetary policy tight with its daily open-market operations to adjust the amount of cash in the banking system and by controlling credit demand.

Growth, Inflation

Annual inflation, or the 12-month moving average increase in prices, jumped to 18.7 percent in April. The central bank is targeting annual inflation of about 10 percent for 2008.

The authority joins other Asian central banks in balancing the threat of slowing growth against quickening inflation. India's central bank yesterday unexpectedly ordered lenders to set aside more reserves for the second time in less than two weeks to tame soaring prices.

The South Asian island economy may expand 7 percent in 2008, at the lower end of the range estimated in November, the central bank said in its annual report on April 8.

Growth may slow to 5.8 percent this year from 6.8 percent in 2007 amid central bank measures to cool inflation, James McCormack, head of Asia-Pacific sovereign ratings at Fitch Ratings, said April 10.

Price gains this month were led by a 40.2 percent increase in the cost of food and beverages. Housing and utility prices gained 11.1 percent.

Sri Lanka, which gets two-thirds of its electricity from oil-fired plants, levied a 30 percent ``fuel-adjustment charge'' on some users from March 15. Crude oil futures touched a record $119.93 on April 28. Prices are up 76 percent from a year ago.

April's year-on-year inflation was the fastest since 2004, according to data compiled by the statistics department for a new index going back to that year.

To contact the reporter on this story: Anusha Ondaatjie in Colombo, Sri Lanka at anushao@bloomberg.net

Myanmar Monks in Sri Lanka call on United Nation

Myanmar Monks in Sri Lanka call on United Nation


Myanmar Monks in Sri Lanka peacefully demonstrate in front of United Nation Office 2 pm today .
Myanmar Monk called on United Nation and International community to play the important role of not supporting the referendum.
Myanmar monks said” We don’t need a constitution referendum, we need national reconciliation. So the time has come for the world community and the United Nation to intervene and pressure the military to bring about freedom and fair democracy in Myanmar”.
More than 60 Myanmar monks and some Sri Lanka monks attended in this peacefully demonstration.

LTTE artillery attack on Welioya

The LTTE had fired artillery and mortar into the Sinhapura village in Welioya this morning. The military however said that no casualties were reported.
According to the available information, terrorists have fired few artillery shells from 9.30 am. It is observed that terrorists have attacked with their heavy guns located at North West of Welioya, sources said.
A 66 year-old civilian who received injuries was admitted to the Sripura hospital immediately for medical attention, sources added.
Security forces have retaliated with heavy guns targeting LTTE gun positions, defence sources in Welioya added.

Postal voting in satisfactory level - says Election Commissioner

The Assistant Election Commissioners of relevant districts say postal voting in the Eastern Provincial Council Election was at an extremely satisfactory level. In the Batticaloa District it was around 80 per cent and 90 per cent in the Trincomalee District.
No violent act was reported during two days of postal voting. Executive Director of the PAFFERAL Organization Kingsley Rodrigo says observation report of the Organization conducted on Postal Voting will be released tomorrow.

Commissioner General of Elections Dayananda Dissanayake says it is compulsory to establish voter identity at the Eastern Provincial Council Election. The voters are required to present their official poll card along with the National Identity Card or any other form of valid identity such as Passport, Drivers’ Licence.

JVP will axe Weerawansa ?

JVP General Secretary Tyliwin Silva says the Central Committee of the JVP will take a decision regarding Wimal Weerawansa soon.
He said at the moment Weerawansa is the Propaganda Secretary of the party and the member of the politbureau.But during last few days weerawansa acted his own.
After the first week of the March Weerawansa has not attended party's main political meetings .Tylwin Silva said Weerawansa must appear before the party and sortout the problem instead of using media.
In yesterday Weerawansa gave a deadline the party to react his proposal to end the conflict before 1st of May. He said if the party does not react he will take a political decison and form a new patriotic front.

Addressing further he said ill effects of the open economic policies implemented in the country has been a major cause for the escalation of food prices.
He said the UNP and the present government are responsible to this situation. He added that the dismantling of the state apparatus for manufacture, distribution and sales of essential commodities during the UNP regime has restricted the peoples’ right to receive these items.

11 terrorists killed, 18 wounded in clashes erupted - Mannar front

LTTE terrorists suffered heavy losses in a fresh attack launched by the security forces in Mannar front early this morning, April 30.
According to an initial report reached from Mannar, clashes erupted when the troops deployed in general areas Parayakulam, Karukkakulam and Kattankulam were advancing towards LTTE defence line around 5.15 am, the report stated. Troops were also backed by artillery fire, the report further said.
By intercepting LTTE radio communication, it is learnt that 11 terrorists were killed while 18 suffered injuries due to this clashes. The initial report further stated that 4 army soldiers also received injuries. The clashes are still going on.

LTTE recruiting agent in custody

Police arrested an alleged LTTE agent in Kalmunai who was recruiting Tamil youth for the LTTE. The suspect had promised employment and taken them to the North LTTE centres and given them training. He was kept under detention orders, and further inquiries are being conducted.

Mervyn Silva transferred to Merchant Ward

Minister Mervin Silva who got away with a minor injury to one of his toes on the left foot in a fatal accident at Aralaganwila on Tuesday afternoon and later air lifted to Colombo on the orders of the Ministry of Defence has been transferred to the Merchant Ward of the National Hospital for further medical observations, Hospital Director said this morning.

Excon 2008- Construction Exhibition of the year -Says CCI

Sunil C. Perera in Colombo

Excon 2008 – annual trade fair of the Chamber of Construction Industry Sri Lanka, (CCI) will be held for the sixth successive year during the period 9th to 11th May 2008 at Sirimavo Bandaranaike Memorial Exhibition Hall.

"The trade fair will be inaugurated on 9th May 2008 at 9.30 a.m. by Dr. Rajitha Senaratne, in his capacity as the Minister of Construction and Engineering Services with the participation of a large number of cabinet ministers handling construction related subjects, said CEO of the CCI, Dakshitha Talgodapitiya.

He said the CCI is the apex body founded by all institutions and associations of construction professionals comprising of the Sri Lanka Institute of Architects, Institute of Quantity Surveyors, Institute of Town Planners of Sri Lanka, The Surveyors Institute of Sri Lanka, Insurance Association of Sri Lanka, The Institute of Valuers of Sri Lanka, The Association of Consulting Engineers, in addition to the National Construction Association of Sri Lanka thus representing every stakeholder of the domestic construction industry.

Excon 2008 is designed to facilitate enhancement of industry capacities and competitiveness by promoting linkages among different stakeholders drawn from large multinationals to the SME sector.

It is the gateway to establishment of strategic partnerships and expansion of markets as this is essentially an initiative for market entry and access.

This is an ideal opportunity to promote and discover new products, services and appropriate technology. It is the most cost effective media to promote products and services related to the construction industry.

Excon 2008 will have 150 trade stalls providing opportunities for vendors of plant and equipment and other construction inputs, financial services and other service providers to meet their target clientele.

GTB Colombo Corporation (Pvt) Ltd. a leader in the construction steel industry having a highly automated plant becoming the first in Sri Lanka to produce TMT (thermo mechanical treated bars) is the main sponsor with “Bankers to the Nation” Bank of Ceylon, providing sectoral sponsorship for Excon 2008.

The co-sponsors of the event include Sri Lanka Export Development Board, Sri Lanka Ports Authority, Roads Development Authority reflecting the importance of the event to national development endeavours. Ceylinco Insurance will mark it’s prominence as the insurance sector sponsor with Dax Engineering Ltd. being the product sponsor.

Holcim Lanka Ltd will also brand it s strategic alliance with the Chamber at Excon 2008.

The event will be attended by leading Construction Consultants, Developers, Construction Contractors, Vendors of Construction Equipment, Raw Materials and Technology, Professional Service Providers, Public Sector Institutions and Home Builders.

In addition to an anticipated 30,000 visitors from the general public, a large number of foreign guests from India, UK, State of Qatar and Malaysia are expected to visit the Exhibition.

Launches of new products such as TMT Bars in Sri Lanka, new courses by City & Guilds for the construction industry, and CCI’s own distance learning programme are among the many concurrent events that will take place at Excon 2008.

For the benefit of Small and Medium Enterprises which account for over 90% of the construction industry, CCI in collaboration with ICTAD will host an interactive session to discuss issues and impediments faced by the SME sector of the construction industry on Saturday 10th May 2008 from 9.a.m. at the ICTAD Auditorium under the distinguished patronage of Hon. Dr. Rajitha Senaratne, Minister of Construction and Engineering Services.

Government declares amnesty for Soldiers

A period of amnesty has been declared for soldiers of the Sri Lanka Army. The period will be in effect from Friday to the 16th of next month.
The media centre for national security states that this period will not be lengthened. Soldiers who return will not face any punishment and will be reinstated in the post they left.
The soldiers should report to regiment centre they served at the time of desertion.
Persons who left while in training should report to their training centre. The media centre said persons returning should carry documents of identification.

Singaporean company to construct a modern town with 15 thousand housing units

A Singaporean company has come forward to construct a modern town with 15 thousand housing units in the Kalutara district. The project also consists of a hospital, school, university, supermarket complex and other facilities. Minister Rajitha Senarathne says in a media briefing held in Colombo yesterday the government’s aim is to increase building constructions in the country by 15 percent.
He adds that several Chinese and Russian companies have also expressed willingness to construct 100 thousand houses in the country.

Flood conditions are receding

According to the sources flood conditions are receding in many parts of the country.
The Sabaragamuwa provincial council says water levels are dropping in the Ratnapura town. Assistance continue to be provided to the flood victims.
The Sabaragamuwa provincial council, Ministry of Disaster Management and several other government and voluntary organisations are engaged in this task. Floods caused great damage in are including Ratnapura, Elapatha and Kotamulla. The Navy and the Army are engaged in relief measures in these areas.
The Sabaragamuwa Provincial council has taken steps for all cooperative outlets to remain open in the Ratnapura district to ensure the uninterrupted supply of consumer items. The Fuel supply has been hampered as a result of several filling stations being inundated with water.

Around one thousand five hundred families have been displaced in areas of Dehiowita, Deraniyagala and Ruwanwella. Several bridges in these areas have been damaged by torrential rains while several roads are blocked by earth-slips.

Emergency relief unit is now operating 24 hours with the hotline 0112 43 15 79. Two million rupees have been allocated to grant immediate relief to the victims in Gampaha, Ratnapura and Kalutara districts.

Local political parties organise May Day Rallies

A number of political parties are to hold May Day rallies in a grand scale tomorrow.
The May Day rally of the United People’s Alliance will be held at the Mahaweli playground in Dehiattakandiya with the participation of allied parties and trade unions.
May Day Rally organizing committee Chairman of the People’s Alliance Minister Dalas Alahapperuma says the rally will be held in the eastern province as a respect to the heroic soldiers who liberated the area from the LTTE and to the working class in the province.

The United National Party is to conduct a religious event at the Kelaniya Raja Maha Viharaya on the May Day instead of a rally. The JVP will hold the May day rally at Municipal Council grounds in Town Hall. The theme is to stand united against the separatism and imperialism.

Five leftist parties including Communist Party and Samasamaja Party is to hold their May Day rally at Shalika Grounds in Narahenpitya. Ceylon Workers’ Congress will conduct a rally in Hatton while Kandurata Peoples’ Front organizes the May Day rally in Bandarawela.

Iran, Lanka for global action to combat terror

Iran and Sri Lanka have condemned terrorism in all its forms and manifestations and emphasized the need for enhanced international cooperation to eliminate this global menace following bilateral talks between the two sides, the Foreign Ministry said.

A joint statement issued at the end of President Mahmoud Ahmadinejad's visit to Sri Lanka said: "The Iranian side expressed its support for the sovereignty, unity and territorial integrity of Sri Lanka and welcomed the positive political steps taken to end the conflict through negotiations, leading to a durable settlement, acceptable to all the people of Sri Lanka.

Iranian President Dr. Ahmadinejad held wide-ranging discussions with President Mahinda Rajapaksa, attended by Ministers and senior officials of both sides. The discussions which took place in a cordial atmosphere, were detailed and substantive, covering issues of bilateral, regional and global interest.

Both Presidents, while noting with satisfaction the progress achieved in bilateral relations, stressed their firm commitment to further enhance mutual cooperation in the political, economic, trade, cultural, educational, scientific and technological fields. The discussions reaffirmed the close and friendly ties that exist between Sri Lanka and Iran.

The two Presidents briefed each other on issues of common interest and current developments in their respective countries.

The Sri Lankan side supported the peaceful use of nuclear energy by Iran, within the framework of the Treaty on the Non-Proliferation of Nuclear Weapons (NPT) and under the supervision of the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA).

The two sides confirmed the full and non-discriminatory implementation of Article IV of the NPT on peaceful nuclear co-operation. The two sides reiterated the importance of global nuclear disarmament, particularly the need for the nuclear powers to destroy their nuclear weapons, based on the decisions of the relevant international meetings.

The two sides expressed their deep concern over the violence against the Palestinian people in the Palestinian territories and recognized the inalienable rights and the legitimate aspirations of the Palestinian people at the highest level, and will continue to express their solidarity with the Palestinian people.

Both sides also expressed the hope that the differences among the different groups in Palestine will be resolved amicably.

The two sides, stressing the need for the consolidation of national unity and understanding, peaceful co-existence and the preservation of the stability, security and peace in Lebanon, supported initiatives among different Lebanese parties through consensus and the participation of all Lebanese political groups in the process of deciding all issues of concern, as the only way out of the current crisis in Lebanon.

Both sides emphasized the need for the preservation of the territorial integrity and unity of Iraq and the participation of all Iraqi groups in the political process and expressed their support for the efforts of the elected Iraqi government to restore security and stability in Iraq.

The two sides expressed concern over the escalation of insecurity and instability in Afghanistan, and supported, as a matter of priority, the endeavour by the Government of the Islamic Republic of Afghanistan for the restoration of peace and stability.

The two sides underscored the potential for expansion of bilateral economic co-operation, which would greatly strengthen the existing bonds of friendship and co-operation between the two countries and be conducive to the common progress and prosperity of the peoples of Iran and Sri Lanka, inter alia, by encouraging the private sectors of both countries to invest in each other.

Recalling the visit of President Rajapaksa, President of Sri Lanka to Iran in November 2007, and the Agreements and MOUs reached between the two countries in the areas of power supply and irrigation as well as the expansion of the oil refinery facility in Sri Lanka, both sides expressed their deep satisfaction at the ceremonial inauguration of the Uma Oya multi purpose development project and the Sapugaskanda oil refinery project respectively, with the assistance of the Government of the Islamic Republic of Iran, during the visit of the President of Iran to Sri Lanka.

Both sides also noted with satisfaction, the conclusion several MOUs and Agreements during the visit of the President of Iran to Sri Lanka.

JVP paying for its sins – Sajith

by Cyril Wimalasurendre

KANDY – The Janatha Vimukthi Peramuna (JVP), is at present paying for the evil committed in the past by overthrowing the United National Party (UNP) government led by Ranil Wickremasinghe in connivance with the People’s Alliance, Hambantota District MP Sajith Premadasa said at the launch of a programme to give financial assistance from the Janasuwaya Development Scheme to low income groups in the Senakadagala electorate.

Financial assistance is provided to invest on self-employment projects. One hundred persons are to receive assistance as the first group from the Sanakadagala electorate.

Speaking on the occasion at the E. L. Senanayake Children’s Library auditorium, MP Sajith Premadasa, Chairman of the Janasuwaya Development Programme, said that the JVP was shattered to pieces.

The JVP which was accepted to be a body of marvelous experts, has now declined to such a situation that nobody is ready to listen to the bearded revolutionaries at the Lipton Round-about.

There is no national politics in Sri Lanka. Policies and principles are not honoured in Sri Lanka politics. Politics here is based on jealousy, enemity, illwill, vengeance, hatred and vanity, Premadasa said.

He said history has shown that whenever the UNP is in power, the Maxist minority group together with the Opposition enter into a marriage and obstruct plans for development of the country. The minority groups did the same to throw out the UNP government led by Ranil Wickremasinghe by supporting the former President. If the UNP administration was allowed to continue, the country could have been rescued from the present state of chaos. The people could have lived a better life.

It is easy to criticize a government in power, but hard to rule a country. The JVP is reaping what they sowed.

Premadasa said that he had no ulterior motive of politicl advantage in assisting the people of Kandy district. He said he was fully aware that the people of the Kandy district could not vote for him because he constested in Hambantota.

He said he decided to help the people of Senkadagala with the genuine intention of uplifting the standard of living of the poor. He had yet another objectives of helping the people of the birth place of his wife. Mrs. Premadasa hails from a reputed family in the Kandyan region.

However, he said he launched the programme with the consent of MP Lakshman Kirielle and at the invitation of the Central Provincial Council Member and Chief UNP, organiser for Senkadagala, Chanaka Ilepperuma.

Mayor of Kandy, L. B. Aluwihare, former Mayor Kesara D. Senanayake, Central Provincial Council Member Ms Shanthini Kongahage and Chairman Gangawatte Korale Pradeshiya Sabha, Mahinda Yatawara also spoke.

EP polls: Govt. retracts its promise to give Helicopter to Ranil again

Govt. noted for its false promises has lived up to its reputation by retracting its promise earlier made to provide a helicopter to the Leader of Opposition , Ranil Wickremesinghe to attend the election campaign in the Eastern province.
The Ministry of Defence has cited the Iranian President’s visit as an excuse, and that the helicopter has been reserved for him.

It is a widely known fact that helicopters have been provided however to all Ministers organizing the May Day rally of the UPFA.

The Govt.’s refusal has not deterred or daunted Ranil Wickremesinghe from attending the rallies including that scheduled for Tuesday.

A vote for the UPFA is a vote inviting disaster -Swaminathan

Swaminathan, UNP Treasurer and eminent Lawyer addressing the Media at the UNP media meeting said, the Govt. is crowing about liberating the people in the East and of holding elections.
The people in the East only know of the so called ‘liberation’. People are unable to move freely, do their vocations freely, go to the Banks and carry their cash home fearlessly; they cannot sleep peacefully without fear of abductions and intimidations. Is this liberation? He asked.

Compare the two and half year rule under the UNP Govt. and that under President Rajapakse, he said.

The best economic boom , the best development programs were launched , the Bank interest rates were at the lowest reflecting the economic growth and low inflation were during the UNP tenure.. In short, there was peace, plenty and prosperity in the country. Just see what has happened to the country now. People are unable to move about fearlessly, a bomb explosion can occur any moment. People have to waste all their time on the road because of road blocks, security checks and security motorcades of politicos hindering them.

The economy is in a shambles. People have no money, no food, even their staple food is a luxury with price of rice and essential commodities at unreachable prices for the common man.

The Govt. is talking of allocating millions of rupees towards development of the East. The Govt. did not raise this money by country’s development or from income generation, but by loans taken on exorbitant interest mortgaging the future of the country. By this action aimed desperately only at winning the election, it is plunging the country into an economic holocaust, he exhorted. Finally, it is the people who will have to carry the burden of debt re -payment, he lamented.

Therefore, he urged all communities to vote united for the United National Party for a Democratic, fear free, strife free, peaceful and prosperous society and country, he concluded.

Civilian info averts sabotage attempt- Bandaragama

The Bandaragama Police recovered explosives, detonators, iron nails and 2kg of ammonium nitrate (NH4NO3), following precise information given by a civilian to the Police Emergency Information Unit (119) yesterday (April 29) morning at 7.10.

According to Police sources, the recovery was made when search operations were conducted in general area Veedagama in Bandaragama. A bag was found left in a by road near the 'Veda Temple' at Veedagama and the said items were recovered, Bandaragama Police said.


"Our applaud should go over to the vigilant civilians who made it possible to avert a possible sabotage attempt", Bandaragama Police OIC was quoted as saying.

NH4NO3 is an oxidizing agent used in explosives, including improvised explosive devices. It is also used with fuel oil mixtures and has reportedly been used for bombs in terrorist acts such as the Oklahoma City bombing (April 19, 1995).

Health Ministry to send 500 nurses to USA

The Health Ministry has called for 500 applications to be trained and sent as skilled professional nurses to the USA during the next 5 months.

JHU accuses SLMC of unleashing Muslim terrorism in east

The Jathika Hela Urumaya, an affiliate of the present government, is accusing Sri Lanka Muslim Congress leader Rauff Hakeem of unleashing Muslim extremism in several areas of the east to target the forthcoming Eastern Provincial Council polls there.

Mr. Hakeem has let loose an 'Otu' (Arabic) terrorism in areas such as Potuvil, Panama, Akkarapattu, Samanturai, Kinniya, Mutur and Kalmunai, JHU spokesman Nishantha Sri Warnasinghe charged.

Mr. Warnasinghe made the comment when 'Lanka Dissent' queried him regarding his party's opposition to the SLMC's contesting the May 10th election.


The party led by Mr. Hakeem is promoting sentiments against the state and the Sinhalese for a 'Muslim Deshai' (Muslim state) in these eastern areas, Mr. Warnasinghe alleged.

He compared this to the idea propped up among Tamil youths by the TULF in the 1960-70 period for a separate state for their community.

This will end up in another armed struggle, this time by Muslim youths, for a separate state, the JHU spokesman warned.

Mr. Hakeem has also spoken about the advantage of a 'Nasaristan' in a merged northeast.

The SLMC leader is spreading Muslim extremism by destroying Buddhist places of worship in the east and taking over the land belonging to them, Mr. Warnasinghe said further.

The east will come under the grip of al-Qaeda terrorism if this situation continues, he warned.

Mr. Hakeem has entered into a secret pact with Velupillai Prabhakaran to let loose an 'Otu' (camel) terrorism in the eastern area, the JHU spokesman charged, adding that the UNP has created a foundation for same.

He cited the appointment of two Muslims to fill the parliamentary seats that fell vacant following the death of two TNA MPs as an example to press his point.

UNP leader Ranil Wickremesinghe has betrayed his party through his aiding the SLMC to allow the Muslim extremism by allowing it to contest under the party's symbol.

Eastern Muslim youths had, at one-time, been very close to Tamil Tiger terrorism, Mr. Warnasinghe said, adding that during the Ranasinghe Premadasa regime, firearms were given to them for their protection.

A large haul of weapons that had been unaccounted for after Karuna broke away from the LTTE have come into the possession of Muslim youths, he charged.

Indian prisoners in Sri Lanka's jails appeal for relief

Forty-three Indians languishing in Sri Lankan jails have approached an Indian human rights body to help them return to the country, but the Government can do little in the absence of a prisoner exchange treaty with the neighbouring country.
They have been convicted under Sri Lankan laws for offences related to drug trafficking and some have spent more than 16 years in jails.

"A large number of them are from Kerala and some are from Tamil Nadu. Several went to Sri Lanka for better employment and were arrested on drug trafficking charges," Agni Subramaniam, executive director of the Manitham Human Rights Organisation, told IANS.

Indian life-term prisoners in the Welikada jail in Sri Lanka, held on drug trafficking charges, include the likes of Ali Muhammad Mustafa, 79, who can barely walk, and 75-year-old Kamatchi.

"There are 43 such prisoners in three Lankan jails," Subramaniam said. They sent him a written petition last week for help.

While Pakistan and the Maldives took back their prisoners from Sri Lanka in February under bilateral agreements for exchange of prisoners, India does not have any such agreement with Sri Lanka, though the two sides are negotiating one.

"We can only think of taking them back once we have such an agreement in place with Sri Lanka," a sources in the Indian external affairs ministry said.

The sources pointed out that there have been occasions when India has intervened to get its prisoners released from Sri Lankan jails but these were mainly fishermen or those held for "minor offences". Most of those who have approached the human rights group are people held for "very serious offences".

But a rights activist said: "Many of these people are not really drug traffickers. They were involved unknowingly, by being at the wrong place, due to circumstances."

The Indian prisoners had earlier made repeated appeals to the Indian government and the Indian high commission in April 2007.

Referring to the appeal of R Singarayar from Negombo jail, consulate official MV Namboodiri said in a note dated May 10 last year to the ministry, "Singarayar and others presently lodged in Welikada prison were arrested on charges of drug trafficking. Due to the nature of the offence, the mission is not in a position to intervene in these cases."

Drug trafficking in many countries draws the death penalty. In India it is punished with 20 years in jail. In Sri Lanka, it draws life imprisonment.

"They do not have lawyers to fight their cases or fight for rights due to prisoners. Fearing death they have just accepted their fate," Subramaniam said.

"They are also afraid that Tamil prisoners from India will be the first victims of any ethnic riots that break out in Sri Lankan prisons, as it had happened in the 1980s," he said.

In a telephonic conversation with Indian human rights activists, facilitated by a Tamil official in the Sri Lankan government, the prisoners have appealed for the release of Mustafa and Kamatchi on humanitarian grounds.

There are six women among the 43 prisoners. Jothi Laksmi from Varaganeri near Tiruchirapally,

Arockiya Mary from Tuticorin, M. Kanaga, Bibi Jan and Mahabooba from Tiruchirapally, apart from Kamatchi.

Thiyagarajan from Thanjavur has been in jail since 1999, like Ashraf, from Malappuram district of Kerala, who has also been in jail for 10 years.

There are at least seven prisoners from Ramanathapuram district in Tamil Nadu in Anuradhapuram jail.

Rights groups are urging the Indian government to act on behalf of these prisoners and get them back to India - even if they are sent to Indian jails.

"Since so many of them are from Kerala and Tamil Nadu, the state governments also need to urge the Indian and Sri Lankan authorities to at least move these Indian prisoners away from the conflict zone and rights violations at the earliest," Subramaniam said.

Three arrested over LTTE links in London

The Scotland Yard Police arrested three men in connection with a long-term police investigation into the LTTE, in London and Wales today.

Dr. Mervyn injured in accident

Minister Mervyn Silva suffered injuries following an accident in Aralaganwila, Dehiattakandiya a short while ago and is being airlifted to Colombo for treatment. Kelaniya Pradeesheeya Sabha Chairman Seevali Kelanitissa has died on the spot.

Renovation of the Sapugaskanda Refinery commences.

Renovation of the Sapugaskanda Refinery commences. The government of Iran will provide financial aid for this renovation.
President Mahinda Rajapakse and Iranian President Mahamoud Ahamedinejad attended a ceremony at the Sapugaskanda refinery premises this morning.
The Iranian President planted a sapling symbolizing the commencement of renovation. Speaking on the occasion, President Rajapakse said the Iranian President’s visit has further strengthened the bilateral relations of the two countries.
The Uma Oya multipurpose irrigation scheme funded by Iran will create a number of benefits to the country. The President said Muslims in the north and east faced a lot of hardships due to terrorism. After two years, the people in the east including Muslim are enjoying their democratic rights with the security forces liberating the area from the terrorists.
Speaking on the occasion, President Ahamadinejad commended the attempts made by the Sri Lankan President to build unity among different communities and steer the country towards development. He expressed the fullest cooperation of Iran to this endeavour.
Meanwhile the Uma Oya multipurpose irrigation scheme was launched this morning. The ceremony to lay the foundation stone was held under the patronage of Prime Minister Rathnasiri Wickremanayake and the Iranian Minister of Commerce. The government of Iran will provide financial assistance worth 250 million dollars to this project.

End

Wimal and Nandana join hands against Somawansa

JVP dissident group leader Wimal Weerawansa said he plans to form a new political movement if the party leadership fails to approach them for talks before 1st of May .
“We are waiting for a green light from the JVP to patch up the problem. But the behavior of the party never shows a green light. Even yesterday some of the JVP supporters have threaten the dissidents. If it will fail he will form a new political party with the support of the National patriotic Movement, he said.
Already the dissidents have started discussions with Ex-JVP front liner and former Presidential candidate Nandana Gunathilaka to get his support. Weerawansa further said a number Artists , academics and social workers have shown their pleasure to support Wimal Weerawansa’s faction .He said they will obtain their support to form the party.
Earlier Nandana Gunathilaka was removed from the JVP polit bureau and later he criticized the JVP leadership. Later he announced he act as an independent Parliamentarian at the parliament.

Floods Displaces 6739 families across the country

The Disaster Relief Services Center says prevailing adverse weather has displaced 6739 families across the country. Director of the center N.D. Hettiarachchi says the displaced have taken temporarily shelters at 29 welfare centers.
Relief services for the displaced are being carried out with the assistance of district and divisional secretaries of the relevant areas. Seven deaths have been reported so far due to floods.
Mr. Hettiarachchi said families of the victims were provided with financial assistance to conduct the final rites.

Meanwhile, monitoring officer of the Rathnapura office of the met department K.S. Chandrasekera said a 160 millimeter rainfall was experienced in the area during the last 24 hours that ended from 8.30 this morning.
Flood waters in the area are now receding. Damages caused to property in the Kegalle district due to the overflowing of the Kelani river are now been assessed.
Chief minister of the Sabaragamuwa province Maheepala Herath toured in flood affected areas in his province.

Geologist of the national building research organization Laksiri Indrajith warns of possible landslides in several areas in the country. It has been identified that Ehaliyagoda, Gantenna, Ethiligoda, Pelmadulla and Pathakada are vulnerable for landslides. The people living in these areas have already evacuated to safer places.

Wimal on EP polls

Parliamentarian Wimal Weerawansa says the public should focus their attention on two important facts in casting their votes in the eastern provincial council election.

The people have the responsibility of not giving the LTTE a slightest room to carryout their activities in the eastern province which was completely liberated from them by the security forces.
The public should block all opportunities that lead to the remerging of the northern and eastern provinces by using their right of franchise wisely.
In a media briefing held in Colombo this morning, Mr. Weerawansa said the Muslim Congress seems to attempting the remerge of the two provinces. He also stressed that no room should given to the pro-LTTE forces in the eastern province.
Earlier the Janatha Vimukthi Peramuna (JVP) dissident faction led by its parliamentary group chief, Wimal Weerawansa, has mooted the formation of a Deshapremi Peramuna (Patriotic Front) and pledged to work under that banner. They have vowed to take this action if their disputes with the party leadership are not amicably settled.

The decision by Mr. Weerawansa and ten dissident MPs to form such a front, with the backing of a number of civil society organizations and trade unions.

Political observers point out that the fact that like the PNM, the new political group also is being formed with a similar name suggests a link between the two. This development came as the crisis within the JVP worsened.

Wimal to form a new political party

JVP MP Wimal Weerawansa says he expects to form a new political movement if the party leadership fails to approach them for talks before 1st of May.


Addressing media in Colombo this morning he said the party should correct its bad behaviour.

Bid to smuggle chemicals to Lanka foiled

RAMANATHAPURAM: Five persons were arrested near Pirapanvalasai coast on Sunday with eight cans containing 280 litres of chemical substance meant for smuggling to Sri Lanka, on Sunday.

A police team which conducted a surprise raid along the seashore at Mandapam spotted five persons waiting at Pirapanvalasai coast in a suspicious manner.

The team caught the men, Velayutham, Selvakumar, Muthuselvam and Manoharan of Rameswaram and Meera-sha of Thoothukudi, and seized the chemicals.

They also seized a country boat and a mini-van. Police refused to reveal the nature of the chemicals.

IRI, Sri Lanka signed 5 MOUs

The Islamic Republic of Iran and Sri Lanka signed five Memorandums of Understanding Monday during President Ahmadinejad's official visit to Colombo.

The MoUs on establishment of Iranian Club in Sri Lanka, Creating a consultation body between the two countries, developing production capacity of an oil refinery, financing a dam project and a hydroelectric power plant and cooperation on executing aforementioned projects were signed by officials of the two countries in the presence of the two presidents.

President Mahmoud Ahmadinejad and his counterpart Mahinda Rajapaksa after the signing ceremony, attended a joint press conference.

Govt. seriously concerned about IIGEP statement

by Don Asoka Wijewardena
The Chairman of the International Independent Group of Eminent Persons, India’s ex-Chief Justice P. N. Bhagawatti, had written to President Mahinda Rajapaksa clarifying the position taken by the IIGEP in its sixth public statement, which stated that the Sri Lankan government did not have political and institutional will to investigate 17 incidents of human rights violation in which people were killed, Disaster Management and Human Rights Minister Mahinda Samarasinghe told a media conference at Ministry auditorium yesterday.

He said President Rajapaksa had expressed the government’s serious concern over the IIGEP statement. The government had consistently maintained an unequivocal stance on the alleged violations, which were included in the warrant of the Commission of Inquiry. Human rights violations should be thoroughly investigated and appropriate action to prosecute and punish any persons found to have violated human rights would follow. However, such punitive measures, should they be warranted by the evidence disclosed by the Commissio