Sri Lanka Air Force raids terror training camp - Mankulam

Sri Lanka Air Force fighter jets pounded an LTTE training base located at Ampakaman area, 8 Km Northeast Mankulama junction around 6.15 this morning (July 1) .

According to Air Force spokesperson, Wing Commander Janaka Nanayakkara, the targeted location was a training base for the LTTE members of specialized bands such as "air tigers" and others. He said the target was engaged with 8 fighter jets and the raid was successful.

Sri Lanka's GDP Growth Slows as Prices Curb Spending

By Anusha Ondaatjie

(Bloomberg) --Sri Lanka's economic growth slowed for the first time in a year in the first quarter as inflation running above 25 percent and escalating violence in the South Asian island's civil war damped spending.

Gross domestic product expanded 6.2 percent in the three months ended March 31 from a year earlier, compared with 7.6 percent in the fourth quarter, the Department of Census & Statistics said today. That was less than the median forecast of 6.4 percent in a Bloomberg News survey of 10 economists.

Spending by consumers and companies is weakening as the central bank holds interest rates at a six-year high to cool the fastest inflation in at least four years. Sri Lanka's economic outlook ``depends critically'' on an end to the island's 25-year civil war, according to the International Monetary Fund.

``Growth is slowing due to the impacts of the worsening security situation on business confidence and high inflation increasing costs for companies,'' said Vajira Premawardhana, head of research at Lanka Orix Securities Pvt. in Colombo.

The yield on the 7.5 percent bond due in March 2009 fell about 5 basis points to 18.4 percent at 11:50 a.m. Colombo time, according to Ceylinco Shriram Securities Ltd. The rupee was little changed at 107.7 to the dollar, according to Hatton National Bank Ltd.

`Significantly Higher'

Consumer prices in the capital Colombo rose 26.2 percent in May from a year earlier, after increasing 25 percent in April, on higher food and energy costs. Annual inflation, or the 12- month moving average increase in prices, jumped to 19.8 percent in May.

Sri Lanka's 2008 inflation rate is likely to be ``significantly higher'' than previous estimates as oil reaches records, the central bank said on May 26.

Inflation may slow to 14 percent by the end of this year, central bank Deputy Governor W.A. Wijewardena said on May 15. The central bank said in January it was targeting annual inflation of about 10 percent for 2008.

Policy makers in Sri Lanka, who have kept the benchmark repurchase rate unchanged at 10.5 percent for 16 straight meetings, 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, James McCormack, head of Asia-Pacific sovereign ratings at Fitch Ratings, said April 10.

Commodity Exports

Growth may slow to 5.8 percent this year amid central bank measures to cool inflation, according to Fitch.

Sri Lanka's economic growth is expected to accelerate this year as rising government spending and commodities exports counter weakening consumer demand, the central bank said on April 8. Gross domestic product may expand 7 percent, at the lower end of the range estimated in November, and up from 6.8 percent last year, the bank said in its annual report.

The government on Jan. 16 formally ended its 2002 cease-fire with the Liberation Tigers of Tamil Eelam, saying the rebels had used the accord to rearm and prepare for further attacks. Sri Lanka is seeking $1.8 billion in aid and investment to help rebuild the eastern province captured from the rebels in July.

Services, which represent about 60 percent of the economy, expanded 6.4 percent, down from 7.4 percent in the previous period, the statistics bureau said.

Industry, which accounts for 30 percent of the economy, expanded 6 percent from 8.5 percent in the fourth quarter. Farm output, about 10 percent of GDP, grew 5.9 percent from 6.7 percent previously.

Victoria's Secret

Sri Lanka, the world's fourth-biggest tea producer, has benefited from rising demand for commodities and food from emerging economies as sales to the U.S. weaken.

The South Asian economy exported a record $1 billion worth of the commodity in 2007 on higher prices, and may earn more this year as violence disrupted supplies from Kenya, according to the Sri Lanka Tea Board.

Sri Lanka's overseas sales, mainly garments for brands such as Victoria's Secret and Gap, have become less vulnerable to a U.S. slowdown as the island has secured more European markets, Central Bank Governor Nivard Cabraal said in January.

Exports climbed 11.3 percent to $2.49 billion in the first four months of 2008, according to the central bank. The bank expects overseas shipments to increase 10 percent this year.

LOLC receives approval to mobilize foreign currency deposits

Lanka ORIX Finance Company Limited, a member of the LOLC Group received approval from the Central Bank of Sri Lanka to mobilize foreign currency deposits, thereby becoming the first Finance Company in the history of financial services in Sri Lanka to be granted such an approval.

The LOLC group recorded an unprecedented growth in its performance during the immediately past financial year with a top-line growth of 50% and a bottom line growth of 21%, which is noteworthy, given the negative environmental pressures that prevailed during the financial year with high interest rates and inflation causing an increase in borrowing costs. The company also made a strategic investment in Commercial Leasing Company Limited with a view to increasing its scale of operations. Furthermore, the group is continuously increasing its reach to remote areas around the country through the Service Centers, which are being opened at the Lanka IOC Filling stations, consequent to the agreement signed with Lanka IOC.

The Group Managing Director/CEO of LOLC Kapila Jayawardena mentioned that LOLC is well placed to enter the foreign currency deposit mobilization market in terms of the strategically located global ORIX network, the widespread local branch network, and a significant percentage of ex-banking professionals, in employment at various senior and middle levels within the LOLC group. Furthermore, LOLC has a very advanced IT system which links all branches on-line real-time and a treasury management system which provides superior management information. Jayawardena further stated that they entered into an agreement with Western Union Money Transfer earlier on this year becoming an authorized agent, in order to be able to use this as a channel to remit foreign currency from the various overseas locations to savings accounts, which will be maintained with Lanka ORIX Finance Company Limited. The stability of the LOLC Group, the high standard of corporate governance and sophisticated risk management techniques adhered to by the group may have added some weight to our proposal to mobilize foreign currency deposits. Kapila Jayawardena said, "We will be able to offer extremely competitive interest rates, an exceptional service and more importantly a high level of stability to NRFC and RFC account holders. We are also looking at giving very attractive promotional offers to our clientele and are confident that we will be the preferred NRFC /RFC partner to many an investor." The LOLC Group is a financial services conglomerate in the country and offers a range of financial solutions such as Insurance, Fixed Deposits & Savings, Factoring & Working Capital, Leasing, Fleet Management, Agro & Micro Finance, Pawning, Stock Brokering, Islamic Finance, and also non-financial solutions such as IT, Project Development, Real Estate and Forestry.

India to train Lankan troops

India is throwing open the doors of its different military institutions to train Sri Lankan soldiers. The Times of India says over 500 officers and other ranks will receive training in institutions ranging from Counter-Insurgency and Jungle Warfare to specialised naval courses in gunnery, navigation, communication and anti-submarine warfare.

Unions reject Govt. offer, general strike looms...

The extra allowance of Rs. 1,000 offered by President Mahinda Rajapaksa to public servants on Sunday was rejected by a majority of trade unions representing almost the entire public sector as the amount was insufficient and nowhere near what they expected, union leaders said.

The National Trade Union Centre – an alliance of 366 private and public sector trade unions said the offer of Rs. 1,000 was a poor consolation when the demand was for a monthly increase of Rs. 5,000.

“The NTUC’s demand for a minimum pay increase of Rs. 5,000 is based on the cost of living index, which had increased by 2,430 points since the last pay rise in 2006. As such the offer of Rs. 1,000 hardly meets the expectations of public servants who are struggling to make ends meet under difficult conditions,” its president and JVP front-liner K.D. Lalkantha said.

In a letter to President Rajapaksa rejecting the offer of Rs. 1,000, Mr. Lalkantha said the one-day strike on July 10 would be held as planned if the government failed to increase the public servant’s monthly salary by Rs. 5,000.

Health Service Trade Union Alliance (HSTUA) – an alliance of 55 trade unions said the membership rejected the Rs. 1000 increase offered by President Rajapaksa as it was insufficient.

“Our main concern is to have our salary anomalies arising from the 6/2006 circular rectified. The anomaly has been further aggravated after the recent 100 per cent salary increase granted to doctors. The Treasury has not allocated necessary funds to service this salary increase and as such the increment is being funded by monies allocated for recurrent expenditure leading to a cut in amounts allocated for health employees’ overtime,” HSTUA Secretary Ravi Kumudesh said.

He said the HSTUA too would go ahead with the planned July 10 token strike.

All Ceylon Railway Employees General Trade Union Secretary Sumathipala Manawadu said the government could not please railway employees in the manner kids were kept quiet by giving them candy.

“Since 2006, the cost of living has increased by 300 per cent and to off set this the government is offering an extra allowance Rs. 1000.

Ceylon Teachers Service Union Secretary Mahinda Jayasinghe said the membership flatly rejected the offer of Rs. 1000.

“We have a salary anomaly which is going on unresolved for 11 years. This has resulted in the Teachers’ salaries being cut by between Rs. 2,000 and 3,000 a month. Hence, no teacher can accept this increase of Rs. 1,000. We wholeheartedly support the proposed July 10 token strike and further trade union action after that if necessary to win our demands,” Mr. Jayasinghe said.

Postal and Telecommunication Officers Union Secretary K.S. Weerasekara said the membership was not satisfied with the President’s offer.

“We are demanding a salary increase of Rs. 8,000 a month, a cost of living allowance at the rate of Rs. 2.50 for each point increase and a reduction in the railway season ticket fare which is increased by 400%,” he said.

SC bars police from seeking bank account details

Except of suspected subversives by Chitra WeerarathneThe Supreme Court yesterday directed the Police Department to refrain from seeking details of a person’s bank account, unless that particular person or a family member was subjected to a specific investigation in respect of cordon and search operations in Colombo and the suburbs.
Any breach of this direction by any Police officer should be brought to the notice of the Supreme Court by the harassed party. The Court made the order after the Ceylon Workers’ Congress complained that the Police had been calling for a declaration of bank accounts held by certain persons whose premises had been searched by Police personnel.

The Court also directed the Police that in keeping persons under detention the time limits specified in Emergency Regulations should not be exceeded

M. A. Sumanthiran appeared for the complainants.

The Additional Solicitor General Palitha Fernando PC appeared for the Attorney General.

The Bench comprised the Chief Justice Sarath N. Silva, Justice N. G. Amaratunga and Justice K. Siripavan.

India, Lanka to conclude CEPA talks

India and Sri Lanka are all set to conclude their discussions on the proposed Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement (CEPA) by July 12. However, owing to the sensitivities of industries in both the countries, so far there has been no agreement on proposals regarding reduction of their respective negative list (items not subjected to tariff reduction commitments). In the final round talks, to be held in Colombo from July 9 to July 12, both sides would also finalise provisions regarding services and investment that form part of CEPA other than the trade in goods section.
Both sides have held more than 12 rounds of talks so far since February 2005. The two countries, had in March this year, finished the implementation of the Free Trade Agreement on trade in goods inked in March 2000. Though New Delhi and Colombo had recently asked industry bodies to respond to suggestions on a possible reduction of negative list to enhance bilateral trade and expand the scope of FTA, the response has been discouraging, a senior government official said, adding that they have decided to go ahead with the current negative list. Both sides are targeting to achieve a bilateral trade of $5 billion by 2010.

India-Sri Lanka trade in 2006-07 was $2.72 billion, marginally up from the previous fiscal’s $2.6 billion. Bulk of Indian export to Sri Lanka includes petroleum products and transport equipments (almost 50% of the total), while primary and semi-finished iron and steel is also a fast growing export item. Among the significant import items are coffee, tea, edible oil, non-ferrous metal imports, spices and electrical machinery.

At present, in its effective negative list India has 429 items comprising products from sectors like chemicals, plastics, small-scale industry products, textiles and edible oils. Apart from these items, India has placed 598 other items (all from the textile sector) where a 25% duty concession has been given, making them comparatively easier to trade in. On the other hand, Sri Lanka has kept 1,180 items in its negative list comprising mostly products from the agriculture, automobiles and capital goods sectors.

In the services side, both countries have exchanged a schedule of commitment to give greater market access to each other’s services industry and have agreed to make the pact WTO-plus. On its part, Sri Lanka had earlier agreed to give a revised commitment. Sri Lanka’s commitment is an offer to open services sectors like financial services, IT, maritime, audio-visual and some segments of health services to Indian industry. India has also offered for greater access to services of interest to Sri Lanka, comprising 110 sub-sectors including IT, convention, audio-visual, tourism (including hotels, travel and tour agents), maritime (including cargo-handling and customs clearance) and air transport.

However, as per the schedule of commitments on investments, companies can carry out services operations in the other country following the respective FDI guidelines. "The investment agreement is only to give protection post-investment," an official said.

Direct flights between Sri Lanka-Nepal essential

Enterprise Development and Investment Promotion Minister Dr. Sarath Amunugama said on Thursday that the absence of direct flights between Sri Lanka and Nepal was the biggest impediment to bilateral tourism.

He was speaking at a seminar, Windows on Nepal, in Colombo.

"The two governments should seriously consider the resumption of flights between the two countries if we are to promote their tourism interests," he said.

Today tourists visiting the two countries have to fly in circuitous routes such as Bangkok, Delhi, Kolkata or Doha wasting valuable time and money, he said.

The Minister said that both countries were blessed with tourist attractions. Nepal had the breathtaking mountains and Sri Lanka the sun kissed beaches, he said.

Dr. Amunugama reminiscing the days he had worked as a UNadvisor said there were Westerners who used to spend a couple of months in Nepal visiting places of tourist interests such as Kathmandu and Pokhara and to take the direct flight to Colombo from Kathmandu and to visit the beaches in Hikkaduwa and Bentota.

"The flights were full of such tourists who were mainly hippies and the plane smelt of grass," he said in lighter vein.

Today some of them are holding top positions in their respective countries and would have fond memories of the good old days, he said.

As much as the two countries were blessed with many gifts of nature , they also had their share of problems, he said.

"Sri Lanka is saddled with the civil war and Nepal also has experienced a similar problem. But I am rely happy to note that Nepal has entered the democratic process," after going through a bad period," he added. There were opportunities to promote bilateral trade, he said.

Politically ruined parties need press for survival - JVP

Parties that are politically ruined would always seek the support of newspapers for their survival, JVP spokesman Parliamentarian Vijitha Herath said yesterday (30).
Commenting on the alleged attack on JVP rebel group parliamentarian Piyasiri Wijenaike, he said that there was a compliant made and an investigation was in progress.

The newly formed National Freedom Front member and Kalutara District JVP parliamentarian Piyasiri Wijenayake, who was allegedly attacked on Sunday had accused the JVP Central Committee of planning attacks and issuing death threats to NFF members.

He said that on Sunday evening around 6.00 p.m. when he was shopping at the Horana town when the JVP District Secretary and Divisional Secretary started using abusive language and assaulting him.

He said due to the intervention of the MSD bodyguards the attack was less severe. Prior to the attack he saw a JVP Central Committee member in the vicinity, he said.

The attackers grabbed his bag containing Rs. 200,000 from his vehicle. It was money given to him for the party’s work. "I have lodged a complaint with the Horana Police on the attack and the lost bag," he said.

On Sunday morning too some JVP members had come close to his residence and threatened him demanding that he give up engaging in the activities of FNN, he said.

Wijenayake said that constant death threats issued to the FNN membership were a clear indication that the JVP had a weak leadership.

A spokeswoman of the Horana Police Crime Division said that they had recorded a statement about two political groups clashing over a poster campaign which resulted in Wijenayake being attacked and investigations were continuing.

Community helps homeless Lankans

DOHA • Sri Lankans who became homeless due to the fire that burnt down their dwellings and killed six of their colleagues have found a permanent accommodation in the Muntazah area, The Peninsula learned yesterday.

The Sri Lankan Community Benevolent Fund (SLCBF), the charity arm of the Sri Lankan Coordinating Committee (SLCC) Qatar, has shouldered the first month's rent of QR11, 500 enabling the fire victims to move into the flat yesterday night. The SLCC and SLCBF officials together with the fire victims worked tirelessly for 11 days looking for a suitable flat or villa to permanently accommodate them.

Meanwhile, assistance from the community towards the affected persons is still coming in the form of cooked meals, dry rations and other basic needs, said SLCC President Lenny Cramer. Cramer lauded the community for its support to the SLCC toward assisting the affected persons and thanked a community member who provided temporary accommodation to the affected persons in his villa in Abu Hamour. SLCBF Vice-President Tennison Silva, SLCBF Treasurer Dammika Jayasena, SLCC General Secretary Ruwan Lankeshwara, SLCC Chief Coordinator Nimal Tudewatte, Sri Lanka Business Council (SLBC) General Secretary Jayantha Nanayakkara and Past President of SLCC Lokitha Karavita played major role in helping the affected persons, Cramer said.

IAF choppers to guard PM in Colombo

Armed helicopters of the Indian Air Force, bullet-proof vehicles and members of the highly-trained special protection group (SPG) would accompany Prime Minister Manmohan Singh when he reaches Colombo for the 15th SAARC summit in August.

Confirming this, chief of the Sri Lankan armed forces Lieutenant General Sarath Fonseka said on Monday that Indian helicopters would be deployed during the meeting of the heads of states on August 2 and 3, the last two days of the summit. “Few of the Indian helicopters will come (to Colombo) to assist the air force (Sri Lankan) to provide protection during the summit. No chances can be taken,” Fonseka said.

The weeklong event begins on July 27. It was further learnt that bullet-proof vehicles would be flown in from India for the Prime Minister during his stay in Colombo. Fonseka, who was interacting with Colombo-based foreign correspondents on Monday, added that the Indian PM will bring his own security as per protocol.

Unconfirmed media reports added that the Indian Navy would have presence in Sri Lankan waters to avert any LTTE attack from the sea. And that India would position radars in Colombo to thwart any air attack.

“We know what the threat is. We are ready to face the threat,” Fonseka said referring to the possible attempts by the LTTE to jeopardise the summit. He added that there would be no shortage of troops during the summit and a large number of personnel from the army, air force and navy would be deployed to throw several layers of protection around the heads of states and delegates.

Answering a question about Sri Lanka purchasing weapons from India, Fonseka said India should be ready to sell in the first place. “If anybody is ready to sell, we will buy,” he said. Sri Lanka is currently purchasing a large chunk of its arms and ammunition from China and Pakistan. “India is our nearest neighbour. If we could buy from India, we don't need to buy from anywhere else,” Fonseka said. He added that India has its own political sensitivities. “The LTTE after all comprises Tamil terrorists. India has to take a realistic view,” he said.

At the same time, Fonseka added that India was helping Sri Lanka in many ways.

FMM condemns assault on Namal Perera

The Free Media Movement (FMM) is shocked and outraged at the brutal assault of former TNL News Director and currently Sri Lanka Press Institute (SLPI) employee Namal Perera and a friend this evening (Monday, 30th June 2008). Mr. Perera and his friend, Mr. Mahendra Ratnaweera, a Sri Lankan national working at the British High Commission in Colombo, were driving between Narahenpita and Kirulapone at around 06:00 p.m. when they were waylaid. The assault took place on the busy highway, in the vicinity of an army installation, the government information department and the security checkpoint at the Narahenpita bridge. The assaulters attempted to abduct Mr. Perera, but were resisted, and both Mr. Perera and his friend were badly beaten in the ensuing fracas. They are currently receiving treatment at the Apollo hospital. The potential abductors had clearly shouted that it was Mr. Namal Perera they were seeking.

FMM notes that at the time of the assault, the SLPI was contemplating legal action against the state-controlled Dinamina newspaper for reporting that the SLPI had sent members of the LTTE on a foreign tour to Denmark on the pretext that they were journalists (see FMM Statement of 27th June 2008).

This latest incident is sadly typical of the rampant assault on democracy and the freedom of expression that is taking place in Sri Lanka today. State-controlled media and government ministry websites are in the habit of baselessly demonising journalists and media professionals as supporters of the LTTE, and acts of physical harm are being committed with total impunity. The complete contempt for democratic freedom, fundamental human rights, and the rule of law that is demonstrated in incidents such as these, openly condoned by the highest government officials at various times, engenders no confidence that the dark climate of fear and intimidation shrouding media freedom in Sri Lanka today is being addressed by the government effectively or sincerely.

We will be closely monitoring the actions taken by the government to bring the perpetrators to justice in this latest criminal act, in particular the Cabinet Sub-Committee under the Chairmanship of Minister Sarath Amunugama, and will be treating this case as the litmus test of its effectiveness.

FMM calls upon all citizens of Sri Lanka to regard these revolting acts of cowardly violence against journalists as an assault on democracy and the human rights of all Sri Lankans. FMM takes this distressing opportunity of the assault on Namal Perera and Mahendra Ratnaweera to unreservedly condemn, once again, the continuing attacks in various forms against independent media and to call for their immediate end.

Sri Lanka & India’s Insecurity?

by Shenali Waduge
Is India insecure by nature or should India have reasons to be insecure even after expansions in its military, diplomatic & economic energies far beyond Nehru’s Non-Aligned times? It is this aspect of insecurity that necessitates a closer review of India’s role in Sri Lanka. Does India need to be insecure of Sri Lanka? Or is it that India wishes to see Sri Lanka wriggling with “uncertainties” that will eternally leave a “vulnerable” country to which India can always remain bound to as “big brother” so that no other nation can or should touch (an indirect silent colony of India)? Is suspicion aroused purely because India sees itself engulfed in the bosom of western diplomacy over the more lack-luster Eastern ensemble? Possibly India may not be aware of exactly what is making India insecure…but insecure it certainly is.



The risk to India’s security vis a vis the LTTE factor must be answered not by Sri Lanka but by India alone for it cannot shirk its responsibility for arming, training, equipping & supporting the LTTE. Turning a rebel group with a xenophobic leader marshalling brainwashed cadres into an international terrorist network with side revenues coming from drugs, narcotics, human smuggling, scams & distortion, India cannot whine over LTTE threats on Indian territory….least of all when the leaders of Tamil Nadu are tolerant of LTTE presence in their state & use the “Tamil” factor as a manipulative tool against India’s Central Government no sooner elections come into focus. India should first fix the problem back home before interfering into the affairs of another country.



Understandably the geo-political importance of Sri Lanka has been oft quoted as being the primary source for any country to be involved in Sri Lanka. Notwithstanding this important geographical factor, there are obviously more players to contend with, more problems bigger than regional supremacy & India’s role in Sri Lanka cannot be assessed without considering other players & the other reasons for the interests of those players in Sri Lanka. It is indeed a very complicated scenario.



Political ambitions or Economic ambitions

It is apparent that India’s “ambitiousness” is at the center of countries alluring India’s allegiance. The path India is taking is a far cry from the status quo of post-independence, policy of non-alignment & a force that stood out from other countries who also experienced decolonization.



It was Sri Lanka’s closeness with the US that spearheaded India’s insecurity at a time when India took a pro-East policy. Now with the dependence on military power India needs to seek US assistance. Alongside this remains a need to be recognized as a global super power – for a large country with a booming economy India still has not been accepted into the UN Security Council. The US-Sino ties is unlikely to be jeopardized by any allegiance with India it is most likely that the nuclear deal is to purely balance the scales of power in the Asian region. But India’s hob nobbing with the Western world has increased its insecurity & the US is seeking mileage of this. We can be certain that if India has been inspired to entertain any ambition & ambitious intentions….the region is doomed to see plenty of turmoil internally & externally within the region.

As a threesome we can but hesitate to wonder what is likely to take place in a region domineering with weapons. The competition between China & India is undeniable interchanging their supremacy economically. If China is leading…we can be certain that India wants to take over or at least catch up. We must also note the presence of Russia & Japan.

Do we see a US-inspired ambitious India roving to take supremacy?



For the US, it would be in its best interest to have India & China at loggerheads. The important question that China & India need to answer is whether the two wish to follow a route of India plus China or India against China. This is not to imply that India & China together should work against the US because let us not forget the pros & cons of globalization & that China does eventually have to depend on US economically…. the recent claims on Chinese toys falling below standards & being removed from shelves also signals that US is always ready to change & challenge any status quo. The US too depends on China. Presently the US is in a sensitive situation with their home economy being affected drastically the US supremacy is being challenged without a doubt.



Whether the decision to align with US & sign a nuclear deal (one recalls the embargo on India following nuclear tests in 1998) was taken pragmatically or ideologically is unknown but it has brought trade improvements, foreign direct investments etc. Walmart, Tesco, Carrefour are all planning to enter India & India is likely to see many more drastic changes. India is now the largest trading partner in the EU accounting for 25% of both India’s imports & exports. Microsoft’s only overseas facility is in Hyderabad India. Domestic India however feels otherwise & we may possibly see a change in government. Could this be an alignment trap? As Brajesh Mishra put it: "One either changes the policy to suit the environment or changes the environment to suit the policy. The nuclear tests helped us change the environment."



India’s modernization plans have had disastrous affects on rural India – more than 10,000 farmers have committed suicide in 2005 unable to meet debts, more than 50% children are malnourished, 40% can neither read or write. India ranks 126th on the UN Human Development index, well below China in 81st place. There is greater divide between the upper classes – 5-6% of the population (60-70 million people) is almost in par with the living standards of Europe. An estimated 350-400 million out of its 1 billion inhabitants are still below the poverty line.



But, India cannot & should not forget it is an Asian country – it is the second largest demographically & geographically.



The other players

India does have conflicts with its neighbors – China continues to claim part of Arunachal Pradesh (North East India) while India claims Aksai Chin (North West). India recognizes China’s sovereignty over Tibet since 2003 though the US & China are at loggerheads regarding Tibet. The Kashmir issue between Pakistan & India has been dragging far too long marked by China’s unconditional support for Pakistan on the Kashmir issue. Then there is the Maoist (Naxalite) problem in Nepal, uncertainties in Bangladesh & the problems in Sri Lanka



China is also establishing its presence with the construction of a deep sea port in Gwadar, Pakistan near the Persian Gulf, funding Mynamar navy (Southeast of India) funding the development of the Hambantota harbor in Sri Lanka…the Iran-India pipeline & Pakistan’s role all these raise the question of encirclement & obviously draws India’s suspicion.



India has always viewed Pakistan as being the epicenter of terrorism. India is of the opinion that Al-Qaeda could not have become such a potent force if not for the assistance of Pakistan. India wishes the international community to correctly analyze the situation in Pakistan …it sounds very much like what the Sri Lankan people are asking of the international community especially India in relation to the LTTE. If the Al-Qaeda & Taliban are knowingly using Pakistan then this is exactly what the LTTE is doing in Tamil Nadu. Yet, the US is hardly likely to allow India to dictate its policy of Pakistan.



India is also concerned about stability in Central Asia – a region that has begun to figure significantly in view of its geo-political & geo-economic interest following the collapse of the Soviet Union. The countries of Central Asia face the menace of Islamic fundamentalism & terrorism which is the focus of the Shanghai Cooperation Organization (a force to match NATO) which occasions both Pakistan & Afghanistan to function as “moderate” instead of “fundamental”.



The role of Russia should also not be forgotten. India does have technical & military cooperations with Russia – India buying most of Russia’s weapons. One can see how the energy factor becomes another source of importance where Russian- Indo relations are concerned.



If one gives the CIA credit for a possible alliance between India, China & the US then the Shanghai Cooperation Organization which forges alliances between China, Russia, & India alongside Pakistan & Iran is showing its face & influence in the region.



This leads us back home in Sri Lanka to wonder what significance we have for India.



Sri Lanka

For Sri Lanka it is best to be alert at all times & remember at all times that there are no permanent friends but permanent interests. Gone are the days that anyone or any country for that matter does anything “free” without expecting or asking for something in return!



The visit of a top Indian delegation comprising M K Narayan (National Security Advisor), Shri Vijay Singh (Defense Secretary) & Shivsankar Menon (Foreign Secretary) has given rise to many speculations as to the reasons for their visit – it was certainly not to discuss SAARC security arrangements. For in arming, training, supporting & financing the LTTE India is in a better position to ensure its Premier is unharmed ….but then India should also remember that the LTTE eliminated another prime minister on Indian soil in 1991. India should not have to worry about the LTTE at all since India has oft times then not made sure that the Sri Lanka security forces does not capture or eliminate LTTE leadership…the Vaddamarachchi operation & possibly the winding up operation in Mullaitivu is a case in point. In any case, the Sri Lankan people are highly unlikely to buy the security risk factor for the Indian premier as any reason for the 3 star visit ahead of the SAARC summit. If security is the risk shouldn’t India be concerned that the LTTE & Tamil Nadu leaders may join together & demand separation from India to make it a greater Eelam?



Doubting India

India has given no reason for Sri Lanka not to doubt its intentions & even a cordial visit is likely to be construed as a move to undermine the territorial integrity of the country. Presently we hear of the officials “instructing” Sri Lanka not to purchase military weapons without explicit approvals from India, not to allow any Pakistani intelligence personnel into Sri Lanka without clearance from India….is Sri Lanka a sovereign nation or not? Is this the sort of relationship that India wishes to nurture…especially when there are many who recall the times of sound cultural ties between India & Sri Lanka?



If the people of Sri Lanka do in any way doubt & question India’s role in Sri Lanka, India really has only itself to blame. Indira Gandhi saw to it that a rebel entity in Sri Lanka was created to force Sri Lanka to be “dependent” on India….”eternally” …even now India demands that Sri Lanka buys arms from only India. If creating a rebel group was not enough India forced consent to have its peace keepers in Sri Lanka – men who were clueless about what they came to do & ended up with the deaths of over 2000 IPKF soldiers, Sri Lankan women raped, shooting & killing the innocent ….finally to be asked by the Sri Lankan Government & surprisingly even the rebels to leave. Yet to be fair by the IPKF they did surround Prabakaran but instructions from Delhi were to release him. It was never investigated who gave the instructions & why? Would India wish to make this same mistake despite the hyped up calls for a new terminology in UN circles called “military intervention”? The IPKF troops in Sri Lanka & their failure in just under 2 years of presence does provide Sri Lanka to boldly denounce any calls for military intervention on the grounds that it proved a futile exercise leaving not only deaths of innocent Sri Lankan civilians but a large number of deaths to the peace troopers….the rebels remained unarmed & eventually ended up running off with the weapons of the peace keepers! Military intervention for Sri Lanka would be like jumping from the stove to the fire!

The Indians were also responsible for the Provincial Council system a devolution package hurriedly passed through with the 13th amendment & Sri Lanka’s Supreme Court declaring a referendum was not necessary. Can we still challenge this decision in the light of its importance being denied to the people of the country???

The next “intervention” by India incidentally or rather evidently came through an India-approved Norway role as peace facilitators invited by the then President Kumaratunga….making many to wonder who else was on RAW payrolls! Dr. Subramaniam Swamy registered a case against Sonia Gandhi claiming she is on KGB payroll & smuggling ancient antiques out of India. Even Japan which volunteered to facilitate in the peace process was specifically told by India to direct their support only by way of aid. Thus, we can see that the Norway-US connection & the India connection does raise a multitude of interest as to what they all “proposed” to do with regard to Sri Lanka & whether the Government of Sri Lanka had any “say” in this scenario at all – were our soldiers to be treated as mere pawns to a larger & greater plan? It does make us wonder how that penniless-rebel movement that doctrinated itself on the “Sinhala discrimination” tag soon copied Norway’s’ tag of “self-determination” & the right to a separate state & rose to greater fete than even the Al Qaeda.



India is concerned about the movements & actions of the present Government - the purported closeness which Sri Lanka is portrayed as having with China. India not only has to worry about China, Pakistan & the US, in all probability India must be concerned about the Rajapakse tactics on courting Iran which is likely to embark into retail oil sector that the Indian Oil Corporation presently occupies, Saudi Arabia to balance the relationship with Iran & Malaysia which has become the largest foreign investor in Sri Lanka. All these “developments” are likely to shrink India’s influence over Sri Lanka. However, let us hope that Sri Lanka does not end up another Myanmar.



At a time when international terrorism is being presented as the most important problem facing the international community & one to be tackled on a priority basis & dealt with even if these terrors are pro-western or anti-western, pro-eastern or anti-eastern. Yet there certainly are double standards. Should terrorism not exist in only western climes? Is it OK for terrorism to prevail in nations such as ours?

Despite it all why does Sri Lanka continue to receive mixed signals from India?



If the Indian Central Government continues to dance to the tune of the Tamil Nadu Government it purely showcases the ease with which votes can be manipulated. This aspect must have been taken into consideration by the Bush administration to push through the nuclear deal while Congress was in power. Who would have thought the Congress Government whose Chairperson was made widow as a result of the LTTE would opt for power over the annihilation of a group that was fostered by her mother-in-law?

Some problems offer mandate for India’s interference & the Tamil’s fleeing to Tamil Nadu gives room for the Indian Government to use as an excuse to pressure Sri Lanka & force its will upon our nation.

The slip of the tongue by McCain’s advisor’s that another 9/11 type attack would help McCain become the next President served only to confirm theories that emerged that the Bush administration was well aware of the attacks but decided to use it as a tool to bolster the declining internal support of Bush. Thus there will come a day when India’s own follies & misadventures will also emerge.

So what does India really want?

Clearly India does not want to see a “divided” Sri Lanka. The arrival of the three high-profile Indian officials with elections in the air was not to appease the Sri Lankan Tamils but to appease the Tamil Nadu leaders who have been of late breathing down the Central Government to take action against the GOSL. The significance of R. Sampathan’s comment that the Sri Lankan Tamils did not get anything despite the Indian’s getting Trincomalee is important in this context. Sampanthan seems to be confused by the “lease” element associated with the Trincomalee harbor.

Why should India be cautious of the LTTE? When India has & still provides safe haven for LTTErs fleeing from the North of Sri Lanka & supplies still very much coming in from Tamil Nadu. A few arrests to appease diplomatic ties is hardly likely to change the status quo. There is a saying that what goes round comes round & India’s manipulations are not likely to run its course. There is bound to come a time when India will soon face the very problems they helped create.

Currently, “those supporting” the LTTE are facing a crisis…with the ongoing military successes the bargaining power of the LTTE certainly diminishes & the non-LTTE Tamils are likely to raise the need for a negotiated political settlement before the GOSL takes the upper hand – this is where people like Mr. Anandasangaree will come into action. Are we to presume that the man who took on a nation & saddled many other nations to support his endeavor is likely to see a humiliating defeat? Most unlikely, are we then to presume that these “support bases” may “interfere” again & ensure that he is turned into a “Idi Amin” ….most likely! With a death penalty over the LTTE leader’s head, India may provide safe passage only but we can wonder which nation is likely to provide “safe haven” for this formidable leader?

If the much hyped security factor is of significance for India’s territorial integrity they should have dealt with the LTTE & the Tamil Nadu leaders. Prabakaran guilty of the death of Rajiv Gandhi is a proclaimed offender – Tamil Nadu leaders can be questioned by the state for acquiescence & support of the LTTE. With the SAARC summit to be hosted by Sri Lanka later on in the month, is it more embarrassing to have Sri Lanka’s integrity humiliated by the presence of 3000 Indian military personnel, armed trucks, Sri Lanka under radar surveillance, the Indian air force guarding the skies of Colombo just for a person’s whose very portfolio is likely to be in jeopardy following the looming elections to be held in India or to politely ask the Indian Premier to remain at home where he is bound to be “safe” – for a terrorist unit to have gone to India & masterminded the attack on Rajiv Gandhi it is likely to be peanuts to undertake another assassination if they so desired. India may well be reminded of the fact that the powerful & highly controversial Iranian President was also in Sri Lanka recently & there was no fuss by the Iranians over security matters. The presence of such a large contingent of Indians is hardly likely to change anything other than showing Sri Lanka & its Government that India is able to call the shots at any time….SAARC hasn’t been a fruitful endeavor so why should Sri Lanka have to be humiliated with foreign presence?

But India can look at options – it is now nuclear enabled, it has a standing army & it is cultivating bilateral & multilateral relations with neighbors & allies.



To Madeleine Albright, the US was the world’s “indispensable nation”. To Sri Lanka, India becomes an “unavoidable nation”.



Tamil Nadu has been used as a base to not only supply but also provide shelter to the LTTE for its attacks on Sri Lanka. Has India every thought that there may come a time if the LTTE is allowed to legitimize their struggle that the North of Sri Lanka may be used as a safe haven for terror tactics to take place in India & for Tamil Nadu to relaunch the “We Tamil” slogan which was squashed by the RAW before it took root. Tamil Nadu is the real homeland of the 400 million Tamils of the world & there real desire for a separate homeland is likely to start in Tamil Nadu. Prabakaran is likely to be just a tool in that exercise much like the case of Ben Bella of Algeria… the greater Eelaam may just take place with or without Prabakaran.

It is really poignant for India to first examine its geographical positioning…its strength & most of all the need to nurture good ties instead of making the nations that it surrounds hostile to it. This is where real supremacy comes about. The “insecurity” factor is a factor that is created in the ‘mind” of the Indian Governments because of their “selfish” & “self-centered” actions…no wonder it has not been accepted as a global power…India certainly has a lot to mature.

While it may be easy to blame foreign nations it is also prudent for the past & present Governments to take accountability for their actions that have made Sri Lanka a stooge on International platforms & be humiliated into accepting actions as a result of the wrong policy decisions they have taken.

You can fool some of the people all of the time, and all of the people some of the time,but you can not fool all of the people all of the time.

North governor Victor Perera

Outgoing IGP Victor Perera will be appointed as the governor of the Northern Province from Wednesday. The IGP retired from service today.

New IGP assumes duties tomorrow

Senior Deputy Inspector General of Police Jayantha Wickremaratne will assume duties as the new Inspector General of Police on July 1, taking over the reins from IGP Victor Perera who retires tomorrow.

DIG Wickremaratne completed his education at Thurstan College and later obtained an Honours Degree in Public Administration from Sri Jayawardenepura University in 1973. He received his Post Graduate Diploma Certificate in Criminology from Sri Jayewardenepura University recently.

Mr. Wickremaratne joined the police Force in 1974 as an Assistant Superintendent of Police (ASP) and was promoted to the rank of Superintendent of Police in 1983. He was promoted as a Senior SP in 1989 and Deputy Inspector General of Police in 1993.

Wickremaratne is a member of the National Dangerous Drug Control Board, Director National Child Protection Authority, Council Member of the International Police Organisation, Secretary and the President of the Police Savings Association.

He was also the President of the Sri Lanka Amateur Kabadi Federation in 2001 and Chairman of the Police Kabadi Tournament Committee since year 2000.

Troops consolidating their hold in Wanni; 22 terrorists killed in yesterday's clashes

Finalized military reports received yesterday (June 30) from the battlefronts indicate that 22 terrorists were killed and over 23 injured as troops further consolidated their new positions in the Wanni theater. Also, 2 soldiers were killed, one reported missing and 13 suffered injuries during these clashes.

On the Vavuniya front, troops further pushed forward their defence in the Periyamadhu area and confirmed 3 terrorists killed and 3 others injured in the effort. Also, troops removed 2 improvised bombs from the same area.

Elsewhere, troops had several clashes in the Naddankandal , Palamodai , Vilathikulama and Navvi areas during the course of the day.

At Naddankandal troops confronted with a group of terrorist last evening . Two soldiers suffered injuries in this incident. Terror casualties were not known. In a similar incident, reported from the Palamodai area in the afternoon troops claimed 2 terrorists were either killed or wounded.

In the general area West of Navvi , troops successfully repulsed an attack launched by the terrorists during the evening hours and confirmed 6 terrorists were killed and 8 others were either killed or wounded. Also, one soldier was killed, another reported missing and 3 suffered injuries in this incident.

In the general area Vilathikulama , a soldier suffered injuries in an anti personal (AP) mine explosion last morning.

On the Welioya front , troops engaged terror defences in the Mulaithiuvu jungle , North of Janakapura and Kiribbanwawa areas throughout the day and claimed 12 terrorists were killed, 21 others injured and 11more were either killed or wounded. One soldier was killed and 7 others were injured during these operations. Also, troops removed 115 AP mines and 5 improvised bombs during the clearing operations.

Meanwhile on the Jaffna theatre, one terrorist was reportedly killed in a confrontation occurred in the Muhamalai area last morning.

Shell gas increases by Rs. 8

Shell Gas will increase the price of a domestic 12.5kg cylinder by Rs. 8 with effect from midnight today, bringing the revised price to Rs. 1737.

Another journalist assaulted

Journalist and Course Coordinator of the Sri Lanka Press Institute, Namal Perera and one of his journalist friends attached to a Foreign Mission in Colombo had been assaulted by unidentified men, who came in a white van at Narahenpita this evening. They were admitted to a private hospital in Colombo.

A gang in a white van and a motorcycle ambushed his car, between Narahenpita and Kirulapone Junctions, around 6.15 pm today (June 30th).

The assailants had tried to drag him out of the vehicle, but failed.

Then, they had assaulted him with clubs.


He was rushed to the nearby Apollo Hospital at Narahenpita, SLPI sources said.

The assault came barely days after the appointment of a five-member ministerial committee to investigate harassment of the media.

Air Force fighter jets raid LTTE's special weapon maintenance facility- Kilinochchi

Sri Lanka Air Force fighter jets raided an LTTE special weapon maintenance and training facility located in the Cheddikulam jungle area this afternoon.
According to the Air Force sources, the air raid was carried out around 2.45 pm at the weapon maintenance workshop and the training facility situated in the Kariyalivayal area, 3km Southwest of Chundikulam. The target was taken effectively though the exact damage caused is yet to be known, the sources added.

Army sponsored free medical clinic conducted for Jaffna civilians

The Sri Lankan Army Security Forces Headquarters Jaffna organized a free medical clinic for the civilians in Jaffna peninsula on Friday (June 28). According to the military sources in Jaffna, over 400 civilians residing in Kuddaththanai, Nadakuddathanai, Pothapadi and Manalkadu villages were given treatments by military medics and nursing staff at the clinic held at Kuddathanai Government School.
Elderly people, women and children were the majority among the patients, the sources said. Army provided dry rations and snacks for all who attended the clinic, the sources added.
According to the military medics the large number residents of remote Jaffna villages are suffering from dental, skin, respiratory, and worm diseases and from malnutrition. Also, they noted that nearly three decades of terror war has deprived the residents of remote villages of quality health service and extreme poverty has held them from going to towns where large health facilities are available. However, army conducts regular health clinics for the civilians with its resources, they added.
The clinic was organized under the guidance of Major General GA Chandasiri , the Security Forces Commander Jaffna and with the full cooperation of government administrative officials in the area.

CTB to join July 10 strike

CTB unions will join the Trade Union strike on July 10 and vows to keep busses off the roads.

CTB to join July 10 strike

CTB unions will join the Trade Union strike on July 10 and vows to keep busses off the roads.

US embassy to resume its normal operation

The suspicious powder found at the US embassy in Colombo last week did not pose any threat, investigation revealed and the Embassy has now decided to resume normal operation from tomorrow.

Laugfs reduces gas by 53 rupees

Laugfs gas is to reduce the price of a 12.5 kg Cylinder by 53 rupees from midnight today bringing the revised price to Rs. 1668.

Civil society meeting with SCOPP General Secretary in District Secretaries of Ampara and Batticoloa

Civil society organisations met with Professor Rajiva Wijesinghe, the Secretary General of SCOPP in the District Secretariats of Batticoloa and Ampara on the 24th June and 25th June respectively. Similar meetings with SCOPP were held from 2004.

The purpose of the meetings had was to exchange views and  understand the ground reality as well as working conditions for civil society in Ampara and Batticoloa District and to see how the SCOPP can assist with overcoming any difficulties they face in implementing their work.
 
The organizations appealed to SCOPP to intervene and ensure that abductions by unidentified persons are stopped, assault on youths do not take place, delays at check points are minimized, free legal aid services be accessible to grieving persons, information in those who get arrested be made known to their families, conflict affected victims be provided with priority service in obtaining social welfare, roads and transport systems improved. A  mechanism is being contemplated at district level to receive complaints from grieving parties if they feel injustice has been done to them and a focal point be appointed at the District Secretariat to facilitate communication with security establishments and civil society when mutual concerns arise.

The Secretary General, after paying heed to the ground issues faced by the Civil Society Organizations while carrying out their work, expressed his contentment over the work carried out by the NGOs which has undoubtedly lessened the burden of the Government.

He suggested that all NGOs, whist maintaining good coordination and networking among themselves, must focus on Language development opportunities in all projects and also look into the possibilities of providing more vocational training for school drop outs so that they can engage themselves in the job opportunities in Sri Lanka as well as the Middle East. He also emphasized the importance of linking all communities when designing projects.

[CHA as a national service provider in the non-profit sector and
representative of the resources and work of the humanitarian sector in Sri
Lanka]

Sri Lankan and Indian Chambers signed a MOU

Federation of Andhra Pradesh Chambers of Commerce and Industry (FAPCCI) of India and Federation of Chambers of Commerce and Industry of Sri Lanka (FCCISL) signed a Memorandum of Understaing (MoU) to jointly ptomote trade and investment between the two countries.
“Still there is immense potential left to further expand bilateral trade between India and Sri Lanka and since the signing of the Indo-Sri Lanka Free Trade Agreement in March 2000 trade has grown rapidly between the two countries,” said FCCISL Secretary General/CEO, Samantha B Abeywickrama at the occasion of signing the MoU with FAPCCI.
FAPCCI and FCCISL signed the MoU to foster friendship and to promote trade, investment, social, economic, human resource development, technical and scientific cooperation, friendship and other spheres of economic activity.
Abeywickrama said that negotiations on India and Sri Lanka Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement (CEPA) is now ready to be signed and thus it would facilitate the inclusion of investment and services in addition to deepening commitments embodied in the Indo-Sri Lanka Free Trade Agreement signed in 2000.
He said that FCCISL is a one-stop shop for investments in Sri Lanka and invited Indian entrepreneurs to visit Sri Lanka to explore the opportunities.
Shri Suraj Prasad Agrawal, President, FAPCCI said that the early conclusion of CEPA will have an added impetus to the ongoing Indo-Sri Lankan economic partnership. The FTA has accelerated the development of economic cooperation and with growing mutual trade, a bilateral trade of US $ 5 billion is envisaged to be achieved by 2010.

Matara bound train had derailed

A Matara bound train had derailed on the Hikkaduwa bridge at approximately 12.40p.m. Initial reports claimed that some of the passengers have fallen into the river. Two deaths were also reported while the remaining injurered were rushed to the Galle Hospital. The train was travelling from Kandy to Matara.
All coastal trains to be terminated from Ambalangoda.

JVP MP Wasantha resigns to contest PC elections

JVP National List MP Wasantha Samarasinghe will tender his resignation from Parliament today to contest the North Central Provincial Council election as the party’s chief ministerial candidate.

The JVP nominated Mr. Samarasinghe who is also a trade union leader as the chief ministerial candidate for the upcoming election several days ago. He was also a member of the Parliamentary Committee on Public Accounts which probed malpractices into corruption and frauds at government institutions.

Party’s parliamentary group leader and MP Anura Kumara Dissanayake said that the resignation letter would be handed over to the Secretary General of Parliament.

Mr. Dissanayake said that the party had not taken a final decision on the nominee to be picked to fill the vacancy created by Mr. Samarasinghe’s resignation.

“We will start our election campaign on July 4. We have already formulated the campaign’s strategy,” he said.

Muslim Congress to go it alone?

The SLMC leadership was increasingly under pressure from the party’s grassroot level members to contest the upcoming provincial council election under its ‘tree’ symbol in Anuradhapura and Kegalle without aligning with a major political party, General Secretary, M.T. Hassan Ali said.

The party has earlier decided to field their candidates on the UNP ticket for the election.

“Their belief is that the party can secure some slots in the two councils if they go it alone. We are unable to do it by aligning with a major party unless it supports our candidates during the campaign. Most likely, we will go solo in these districts,” he said.

He said the party would contest the election in Polonnaruwa and Ratnapura along with the UNP as usual. The SLMC contested the recently concluded Eastern Provincial Council, election under the UNP’s elephant symbol.

Asked for comments, UNP General Secretary, Tissa Attanayake said he had not been informed of such a decision, and therefore declined to say anything.l

Mr. Attanayake said the UNP was yet to finalise its nomination lists for the two councils, but has already identified the candidates.

“We will hand over our nomination papers on July 3 or 4. But, we will not announce the name of Sabaragamuwa chief ministerial candidate until then. We are compelled to take such a decision because of possible threat and intimidation on the selected candidate by the government,” he said.

President offers extra Rs. 1,000 to public servants

President Mahinda Rajapaksa yesterday agreed to pay all public sector employees an allowance of Rs. 1,000 and it was accepted by some trade unions though reluctantly.

The President made this offer after a lengthy discussion with several trade union leaders whom he met at Temple Trees and said the payment of this allowance would cost the government Rs 7 billion annually.

Sri Lanka Nidahas Sevaka Sangamaya President Leslie Devendra said the President had first offered an allowance of Rs 500 saying the war situation in the country had raised government expenditure, but subsequent to the Trade union representatives rejecting the initial offer the allowance was increased to Rs. 1000.

Mr. Devendra said his union was not satisfied with this allowance but were constrained to accept it considering the situation in the country.

Some trade union leaders said they had to first discuss the offer with their rank and file before accepting the President’s offer.

The Health Service Trade Union Alliance President Samantha Ratnapriya had told President Rajapaksa that his union would nevertheless go ahead with its planned agitation campaign to obtain the other demands including a resolution to the overtime issue.

Meanwhile The Trade Union Center convener K. D. Lalkantha said the offer of an allowance of Rs 1000 was a farce as the wages were to be increased by Rs. 375 from July and the Rs 1000 had been worked out by adding another Rs 625.

“Therefore this is nothing but eyewash,” he said adding that the trade unions centre will go ahead with the planned general strike on July 10.

Porn suspect remanded

Anuradhapura Additional Mgistrate remanded a manager of a popular IT institute in Anurdhapura till July 7 for allegedly uploading pornographic and paedophile material to the internet.

The Magistrate, Shivantha Manchanayaka ordered the Police to send the database of the computer used by the suspect to the Computer Technology Unit of the Colombo University for a report.

The Police had raided Simplex International Pte. Ltd., of Devanampiyatissapura on a search warrant issued by the Magistrate and arrested the suspect Theja Sri Atukorale along with the computer used by him for the alleged activity.

The Police producing the suspect informed e court that the CID had acted on a written complaint made by a customs officer in the US.

The suspect had uploaded the pornographic material using an address of one of his friends domiciled in the US called Sujeewa Ratnayaka. The Sri Lanka police working in close association with the US Police had tracked down the email address to locate and apprehend the suspect.

The additional Magistrate refused a request by the defence counsel to release the suspect on bail.

Inspector B.M.A. Sampath Kumara of the CID prosecuted while counsel Sajeewa Gunaratne appeared on behalf of the suspect.

Gas price going up again

The domestic cooking gas price is to be revised from midnight today according to the Consumer Affairs Authority (CAA).
The price revision had been requested by Shell and Laugfs gas companies and would be based on the pricing formula.

Sources said the pricing committee of the CAA had finalized the new prices last week and these were submitted it to Chairman Rumi Marzook for a final decision today.

Meanwhile Shell Gas company had earlier requested for a price increase of Rs. 324 for a 12.5 kg cylinder of gas.