Bangladesh used a peaceful way to end terrorism and boost economic actives in the country.

Visiting Bangladesh Foreign Minister Dr.Iftekhar Ahamed Chowdhury who condemns the terrorism concept and said the Bangladeshis successfully eliminate the terrorism concept from the country.
“We ended poverty level of the masses and we also obtained support of the all level of the masses to increase gross domestic production, increase food products and develop the country using their man power. We used micro credit plans and some other financial assistance to encourage masses to obtain their participation for the development activities of the country.
“We used these concepts to improve the quality of the life of the masses ,he said.
Speaking at an exclusive interview with the ASIAN TRIBUNE he said the terrorism is one of dangerous arm for the entire Asian region but in Bangladesh there is no bombs .
“ We condemned the terrorism, he said .

“We done our development plans successfully and addressed it through the concepts of micro credit applications, through non-formal education and government efforts to improve the economy and the social life. This strategy assisted us to improve quality of life of the masses and end food crisis, he said.
“We are self sufficient in the food producing sector .We also propose to set up a Food Bank for the Asian Region, he said.
“We have done all possible things to increase the food production in Bangladesh and now maintain good growth at this sector, he explained.

Explaining his views on the ongoing ethnic conflict in Sri Lanka he proposed peace is an important role to end the ethnic problem.
Replying questions he said Bangladesh has taken steps to strengthen trade ties with SAARC countries and the rest of the world.
“We expanded our national Air services to Sri Lanka.We invite investors to invest in Bangladesh and the government of Bangladesh would provide better concessions for them, he said.
“Four decades ago the Bangladeshis obtained Sri Lanka as their development model, he said.

Malaysia abolishes visa on arrival for Sri Lankans

Malaysia has abolished the visa on arrival (VOA) scheme for 27 countries, effective from today. According to a statement issued among the countries are India, Afghanistan, Sri Lanka and the latest entry, Pakistan.

Fierce gun battle in Mannar front; 7 LTTE bodies recovered

Seven LTTE bodies were recovered following a fierce gun battle erupted between the security forces and LTTE terrorists in general area north of Mundampiddi in Mannar front this afternoon, July 31.
The latest report received from the battlefront said that troops in Task Force-1 attacked at terror stronghold located in north of Mundampiddi around 2.15 p.m. inflicting maximum damages to the enemy. 3 T-56 weapons, 2 hand grenades were also uncovered along with the 7 bodies of the slain LTTE cadres during the search operation conducted, the report added.
Troops have gained total control over 5 square kilometer area as the terrorists fled with their casualties in a face of effective fire power launched by the advancing troops. The further consolidating operations are now underway.

Malaysian Timber Industry visits Construction Chamber

Chamber of Construction Industry Sri Lanka (CCI) will once again collaborate with the Malaysian Timber Council (MTC) to host an interactive session for construction industry stakeholders including Construction Contractors, Architects, Designers, Property Developers and Furniture Manufacturers, which will be held on 12th August 2008 at Trans Asia Hotel, said Dakshitha Talgodapitiya, CEO of the CCI.
Malaysian Timber Council has also facilitated the visit of a ten member trade delegation comprising Manufacturers of Furniture, Mouldings & Flooring, Suppliers of Plywood, Particle Boards and Sawn Timber, with whom one to one business meetings will be arranged by the Chamber on 11th and 12th August 2008.

Dr. T. M. Wong, Director, Malaysian Timber Council will deliver a lecture on “Biodeterioration of Wood”. The lecture will be followed by a reception and dinner which will take place under the distinguished patronage of Dr. Rajitha Senaratne, Minister of Construction & Engineering Services and His Excellency Rosli Ismail, High Commissioner of Malaysia, who will grace the occasion as Chief Guest and Guest of Honour respectively.

This initiative of the Chamber is designed to augment the supply of raw materials for the Construction Industry and Timber Processing Industries, while providing a valuable information service to the timber trade. Malaysian Timber Council is a state owned organization established in the year 1992 to promote the Development of the timber based industry in Malaysia and marketing of timber products. With Malaysia being endowed with a profuse variety of timber species, it has emerged to be a global leader in the supply chain of timber and timber based products. MTC and CCI have developed a strategic alliance and similar events have been hosted since the year 2006. This is another endeavour of the Construction Chamber to facilitate enhancement of Construction Industry Capacities and Competitiveness.

All those who are interested in Participating at this event are requested to contact the Chamber Secretariat on 2577812 and 2577815 since participation is by invitation only.

Lanka-Pakistan defence agreement mooted

Pakistan has submitted the draft of a defence cooperation agreement with Sri Lanka, Foreign Minister Makhdoom Shah Mahmood Qureshi said today.

Addressing a selected group of journalists, Mr. Qureshi said the draft was handed over to Sri Lankan authorities for their consideration.

He said his country had stood by Sri Lanka in difficult and challenging times and he was glad Sri Lanka acknowledged it.

Mr. Qureshi also assured that Pakistan’s defence assistance, which included weapons and training, to Sri Lanka would continue.

Private bus operators to join three day strike

The Lanka Private Bus operators Association has decided to join a proposed three day strike to be organized by the National Trade Union Centre. The date for the strike is yet to be confirmed.

Customs defers duty-free ban till Sep 1

Customs has deferred a proposed ban on sale of high capacity electric and electronic home appliances by duty-free shops at Katunayake Airport till September 1.

Aralaganwila eye witnesses identify Mervyn

The eye witnesses of the attack on a shop belonging to a JVP supporter in Arnaganwila had identified that Minister Mervyn Silva was among the attackers, Aralaganwila Police said. However the Minister denied any involvement in the incident.

SLAF MI-24 helicopters raid LTTE defences - Mannar

Sri Lanka Air Force MI-24 helicopter gun ships launched a close air support mission targeting LTTE defences in 1Km west of Wellankulam junction, Mannar front, today, July 31.

The Air Force spokesperson, Wing Commander Janaka Nanayakkara, speaking to the defence.lk said that the air raid was launched around 11.30 a.m to assist the ground troops of Task Force1 engaged in offensive march in Mannar front.

The target was accurately hit, spokesperson added.

2 Indian journalists briefly detained in Galle

Two Indian journalists who are in the country to cover the India-Sri Lanka Test series were briefly detained yesterday (July 30th) in Galle on security grounds, the Free Media Movement says.

The FMM said in a statement that it was relieved that both of them were released without much delay.

Indian Techvision cameraman Ali Ekram of RP TV was detained by police while doing a story on the Galle cricket stadium's backdrop, the Old Dutch Fort.

He was released after other journalists covering the test match intervened.

Another TV journalist Mustaque Ali working for Zee news was detained by a group of fishermen while he was filming the beach close to the Galle Fort.

He was able to contact fellow journalists to explain that he was there to cover the cricket match but until the Navy arrived he was not allowed to go back to his hotel.

He was asked by the Navy to delete the footage of beach close to the harbour, the FMM press release said.

Both these incidents show the difficulties and hostile environments faced by journalists working in Sri Lanka especially photo and television journalists.

In the past too, a number of foreign photojournalists were detained on security reasons only because they were covering normal day to day arrangements, the FMM said.

The FMM said it hopes that Galle cricket authorities will take necessary steps to ensure safety of the journalists in light of the two incidents.

OIC accused in rape further remanded

Kalutara Chief Magistrate, H. Anura Seneviratne yesterday (July 30th) directed to further remand an OIC of a police station until August 06th for allegedly sexual harassing a 14-year old girl.

HQI of the National Child Protection Authority, W.D.V. Wijesena presented a lengthy description of intimidatory phone calls by the main suspect, Harold Rex Janson, to witnesses in the case.

He said that a videoed statement from the girl has also been recorded.

He further said that the witnesses of the case could be threatened if the main suspect was released on bail, which was requested by lawyers of the main accused.

The second suspect, who is the victim’s boyfriend, was released on two sureties of Rs. 250,000 each, as he is to sit for the GC.E A/L examination this year.

He was, however, ordered to give a statement to the HQI of the National Child Protection Authority.

The Kalutara Chief Magistrate criticized the police media spokesman for making public statement regarding the case.

Hisbullah's party gets appointment with Indian PM, but eastern Chief Minister fails

An All Ceylon Muslim Congress which includes four ministers and eastern provincial council minister M.L.A.M. Hizbullah are meeting with the Indian Prime Minister Dr. Manmohan Singh.

Issues concerning Muslims and development of the eastern province are due to be taken up, Mr. Hisbullah said.

Meanwhile Eastern Provincial Council Chief minister Sivanesathurai Chandrakanthan who has made a request to meet the Indian Prime Minister has so far failed to gain a positive response.

The TNA is to meet with the Indian PM on Saturday.

New AMW owner offers to buy balance shares

Dubai-based Al Futtaim Engineering LLC, the new owner of Sri Lanka’s Associated Motorways Ltd (AMW), on Thursday announced the customary offer to purchases the remaining (29.8 percent) shares in the company.

On Monday, the De Zoysa family sold their majority 51 percent stake in AMW and at the same time John Keells Holdings sold its 20 percent stake in the company, both to the same Dubai firm which now has a 71 percent stake in the firm. The De Zoysa brothers – Ajita and Tilak – however remain in management control at the request of the new owner.

A statement issued by Al Futtaim to the Colombo Stock Exchange today said that the company was offering to buy at Rs 174.50 per share the remaining 16 million or 29.84 percent of the balance shares at AMW. The mandatory offer is required by law once a company owns a certain amount of shares.

Sri Lankan Foreign Minister Rohitha Bogollagama meets Indian FM

A number of bilateral issues related to the 15th SAARC Summit were discussed by the Foreign Ministers of Sri Lanka and India on Thursday evening.
According to the local foreign ministry officials the both Foreign Ministers discussed elimination of terrorisam from the both countries .
Meanwhile Buithan and Nepal prime ministers will meet on mid night of Thursday in Colombo.
According to the ministry sources Indian Foreign Minister Pranab Mukarji was arrived on Wednesday with tighest security.Meanwhile heads of the SAARC states will arrive on Friday and the local police said it would restrict a number of roads due to these VIP arrivals.
According to the sources Australia and Myanmmar will receive observer status of the SAARC summit and the further discussions would be held on Friday to approve their observation status.
The Ministry of Foreign Affairs said the two Day Summit of SAARC Foreign Ministers commenced on Thursday and their topics were defeating terrorism regional wise, food security and using resources of the region as a solution for the global energy crisis ..The draft statement on food security compiled at the yesterday’s SAARC Foreign Secretary standard committee forum be presented to the summit. Setting up a SAARC Food Bank and 300 million dollar Regional Development Fund will also be discussed in the two day Summit. India has already pledged 100 million dollars in this regard. During the press briefing at the Summit held in Colombo Pakistan Foreign Minister Mathdum Sha Mohamed Kurshi agreed to assist Sri Lanka to eliominate terrorisam. He said that his country also provides military training for the Sri Lankan forces. He said that terrorism is a challenge not only to Sri Lanka and Pakistan but also to the entire world
Meanwhile, the SAARC Heads of State Summit will begin on Saturday. The government said it has made arrangements to welcome the heads of state who will arrive at the international airport at Katunayake to attend the SAARC state leaders’ summit The Ministry of Foreign Affairs said four agreements would be signed during the Summit. Reaching a common consensus on defeating terrorism setting up a SAARC Development Fund and including Afghanistan to the SAFTA will be the main focus under the agreements.

UNP attacks SAARC summit

The UNP yesterday challenged the Government to enumerate, if possible, the benefits that the country would derive from this SAARC summit without making statements to hoodwink the masses.

UNP MP Lakshman Kiriella told reporters yesterday that his party did not oppose any international conference being held here, yet this was not the appropriate time for it.

Mr. Kiriella said that the SAARC Summit was scheduled to be conducted in the Maldives, but it declined to do so citing political and economic reasons.

“Sri Lanka grabbed the chance despite the country undergoing numerous problems. This may be the first international conference to be held causing inconvenience to the public. Many houses have been demolished in the name of SAARC,” he said.

He said that the country would not benefit in a substantial measure from this summit though the Government was spending public money in billions of rupees.

He said that the Foreign Ministry had planned to host an expensive dinner for 400 guests.

“Besides, millions of rupees have been spent on floral and electrical decorations,” he said.

Commenting on the upcoming provincial council elections, he said that garment factory workers in particular living in these two provinces should exercise their franchise wisely at the election.

“If this government continues to be in power for another several months, Sri Lanka will lose the GSP+ facility extended to our garment exports to Europe. If it is removed, our textile industry will be in jeopardy with thousands of workers losing employment. Therefore, they should use this election to send a clear message to the Government,” he said.

Criticizing the Government for its failure to keep its election pledges, he said that the Hambantota district had been recorded as one of the worst malnutrition-hit area in the country.

“This is despite the Mahinda Chintana pledges to give nutritious packages for pregnant mothers and free mid-day meals to school children. None of these pledges have been kept today,” he said.

Security forces pound LTTE bunker positions: 8 terrorists killed, 19 wounded- Palamoddai

Advancing troops of the Task Force-2 operating in Palamoddai general area at the Wanni battle theater mounted heavy mortar and artillery attacks Wednesday (July 30) killing at least 8 terrorists, injuring 19 others, military sources said.

According to finalized reports received from the battlefront troops have advanced into LTTE bunker positions overwhelming terrorists and seizing control over 8 bunkers killing at least 7 terrorists alone, while LTTE transmission were cited as another 15 seriously injured. Troops pounced at the LTTE defences in a surprise assault launched in general area Palamoddai, at around 6p.m. 3 soldiers were also reported wounded in the skirmishes, military said.

Earlier, at 10.45a.m, troops clashed with a group of terrorists and have reportedly killed a terrorist and injured 4 others in the same area.

Police nabs terror suspect- Kandy

The Kandy Police Wednesday (July 30) took custody of a terror suspect alleged to be an employee of a LTTE bank run in Puthukkudiyiruppu, Mullaittiuvu.

The suspect a 26 year old youth was arrested by a special team of officers, Kandy Police said adding that the suspect had conferred that he was visiting his sister now resided in Kandy.

The Kandy police are conducting investigations to establish whether the suspect was involved in any terrorist activities, the sources further said.

Aircraft picked with security in mind- EU

The European Union (EU) says the aircraft for the visiting EU delegation to visit Trincomalee was picked after considering security issues and refuted the allegations raised by EU Member of Parliament Niranjan Deva Aditya over the issue.
The Sri Lankan born EU MP had told the media on Tuesday the leader of the delegation turned down an offer of a Government aircraft to visit Trincomalee on the grounds that the EU could be seen to be partial.

“This decision did not really belong to the Chair of the Delegation, and had nothing to do with being partial as a Parliamentary delegation. To undertake missions abroad we have to be authorised by the EP's conference of presidents, i.e. by the political leaders of the House, including the EPP-ED, i.e. the political group M. Deva belongs to. This authorisation was granted under the explicit condition that in planning our mission paramount consideration would be given to the safety of our Members,” Philippe Kamaris, Director General, External Policies of the European Parliament said.

Mr. Kamaris recalled that last February when the Government organised a flight for the EU Ambassadors to Batticaloa the helicopter came under heavy attack from the LTTE, upon landing, resulting in one of the participants being injured.

“Of course, since last February the situation on the ground has changed; nonetheless, it was deemed safer for our mission to use the good offices of the UN and to fly with a plane bearing the UN colours.

All participants were informed of this when we were planning our mission and there were no objections,” he added.

Niranjan Deva Aditya had said the EU delegation did not go to Trincomalee, as had been planned with the full support of the Foreign Ministry and the Government of Sri Lanka, for many reasons.

One reason was that instead of the Government aircraft an aeroplane from South Africa was chartered for the delegation through a private company by the EU Delegation Office in Colombo through the United Nations.

The plane yet to be certificated as airworthy according to Sri Lanka Civil Aviation Rules did not arrive in Colombo from South Africa until Sunday (July 20) for a flight for Wednesday (July 23), though plans of the EU delegation were known at least two months in advance by the EU office in Colombo.

Boycott of CBK rallies

UPFA members of the Attanagalla Pradeshiya Sabha have taken a decision not to attend any meetings and rallies which former President Chandrika Kumaratunga would attend in the future.

UPFA member Priyantha Pushpakumara, who is also a coordinating officer of the President, said that the former President had requested President Mahinda Rajapaksa to appoint Pradeshiya Sabha member Ranjith Rupasinghe as the SLFP’s Attanagalla district organizer.

However, President Rajapaksa had appointed Parliamentarian Sarana Gunawardane as the SLFP’s Attanagalla district organizer.

SAFMA begins ….

Local Media minister Anura Priyadarshana Yapa inaugurated the IV SAARC Journalist Summit of the South Asian Free Media Association –SAFMA in Colombo on Wednesday.
Around 130 local and foreign Journalists attended the media summit and highlighted grievances on media men in the Asian region and said most of Journalists were killed and harassed by the Para military forces and separatists.
Speaking at this occasion Sri Lankan media minister Anura Priyadarshana Yapa said the government has taken positive steps to look after local media men and already appointed a special committee made up of ministers to look into the complaints of journalists. This is an additional bodies set up as institutional safeguards against rights violations.
“Our system in short though imperfect is certainly less compromised in its imperfection than most other nations facing similar threats and endowed with problems associated with development lag, he said.
He said local media industry was liberalized by the government .The government has taken the form of encouraging private media organizations and creating conditions for their development. With 14 television stations , 32 radio stations and 23 news papers with nation-wide circulations, with the private media out numbering state media with ever-expanding internet access, with the proliferation of news related websites. State media cannot lie and get away it, he said.
He further said media has played a crucial role. On the one hand, it has empowered the people by providing necessary information and cogent analysis of economic , political and social processes ; and on the other , responsible sections of the media.
He said the SAFMA has reiterated its commitment to playing a progressive role in the region’s development.
Addressing the occasion president of the SAFMA Laxman Gunasekara said Journalists of the Asian Region face similar things, but work together to achieve a common goal.
“War, violence, harassment, assault or killing of journalists are common things, but we have to avoid this situation, he said.
Secretary General of the SAFMA Imitiaz Alam said journalists also face travel restrictions among the SAARC countries.
“We must ease these restrictions with the help of SAARC heads, he said,.
Mrs.Sadaf Arshad said most of journalists in this region face various threats .She also presented a detailed country reports on media harassments, rights violations and killing of media men in the region. The SAFMA plans to declare its declaration at end of the four-day summit.

Air Force Fighter Jets destroy training camp of LTTE suicide bombers

Sri Lanka Air Force fighter jets bombed a training facility of LTTE suicide bombers also known as Black Tigers located in the Iranamadu area, 3km southeast of Kilinochchi this morning (July 30). MAP

Air Force spokesperson Wing Commander Janaka Nanayakkara speaking to defence.lk confirmed that the terror camp was destroyed in the air raid carried out at 6.35 AM. He said, citing fighter pilots that the camp was in flames after the bombing mission.

Meanwhile, defence intelligence sources said the targeted "Black Tiger" camp was operated directly under guidance of LTTE's notorious intelligence wing leader Pottu Amman. The target was obtained after receiving real time ground information that an activity of suicide bombers was going on at the camp, said the sources. The exact location of the target was in the Thirivaiaru area , just 3 Km off from the LTTE's main stronghold at Kilinochchi, the sources added.

LTTE is a ruthless terror outfit fighting for a mono ethnic separate homeland for the Tamils in Sri Lanka since 1983. The organizations operates under extreme tribal ideologies created by its megalomaniac leader V. Prabhakaran and has unleashed one of the most barbaric terrorist wars in the world against the citizens of Sri Lanka.

Offensives continue in Wanni as LTTE flee further North: 16 terrorists killed, 3 wounded in yesterday's fighting

Security Forces operating at the combined Mannar- Vavuniya front led continuous attacks at identified terror positions Monday (July 29), inflicting heavy damages to LTTE as finalized military reports state 16 terrorists killed, 3 wounded in addition to 16 others believed either killed or wounded in the battles.

According to the reports, troops of the 57 Division operating at the eastern flank of the battlefront have killed 4 terrorists in general area Northwest of Kalvilan, Southeast of the Vellankulam-Thunukkai main road, and 2 others killed by troops of the Task Force 2 now operating in Navvi and Palamoddai general areas, West of the A-9 trunk road.

2 soldiers sustained injuries in separate confrontations ensued with LTTE in general area Kalvilan, while another soldier laid his life and 2 reported wounded in separate fighting erupted in general area Vavunikulam, Southeast of Mallavi, military further stated.

Meanwhile, troops of the Task Force-1 flanking the western edge of the combined Mannar- Vavuniya front had reportedly killed 9 terrorists in yesterday's clashes. According to reports, 10 terrorists were either killed or wounded during a fierce exchange of gunfire between troops and LTTE in general area Admpamkulam, at 2.25p.m., in addition to 4 others reported killed in a SLA laid ambush in the same area at around 2.45p.m.

Also, troops confirmed killing 5 terrorists during a confrontation with LTTE in general area Kalmadu, at 2.30p.m.

During a subsequent search operation conducted troops recovered an LTTE body, 05 hand grenades, a T-56 assault riffle and a dog-tag, sources stated. Military citing ground troops said that, 3 terrorists were either killed or wounded in general area Kalmadu at 2.35p.m.

On the Welioya battlefront, security forces have killed a terrorist and injured 3 others on Tuesday's fighting in addition to 2 Army soldiers who were reported wounded in the incidents, according to military. Troops have also uncovered 103 anti-personnel (AP) mines and 11 IEDs during separate search operations conducted North of Janakapura, Kiriibbanwewa and Nittukkaikulama. Meanwhile, troops also have attacked and overran 8 LTTE bunker defences either killing or injuring 3 terrorists during the offensive North of Kiriibbanwewa at 5.30a.m., reports further stated citing ground troops.

Navy responds to 'SOS' call: Rescue fishermen stranded in deep sea

Sri Lanka Navy Off-Shore Patrol (OPV) vessel 'SLNS Sayura' responding to a distress message received, have rescued a multi-day fishing trawler and its crew Tuesday(July 29) in the high seas, 85 nautical miles off Foul Point, Trincomalee.

The trawler, 'Hiruni II' and its crew of 5 were drifting for 13 consecutive days after the trawler experienced an engine failure approximately 52 nautical miles off Pulmoddai and drifted further into the deep seas, Navy said citing the rescued. The vessel was also constrained in her manoeuvrability after she began to take in water due to a fracture in her hull worsening the situation in the choppy waters, the sources said.

On receiving the distress signal, navy launched a rescue operation and reportedly has detected the drifting trawler on Monday, as Navy further said that the boat and its crews were towed to the Trincomalee Harbour yesterday.

The trawler belonging to one N.H Sugath, had cast-off from Trincomalee on 4th July, Navy sources further added.

Army requests Bishop of Mannar to take over Madhu Shrine

Major General Jagath Jayasuriya, Commander, Security Forces Headquarters-Wanni (SFHQ-W) on Tuesday (July 29), following directives given by Commander of the Army, Lieutenant General Sarath Fonseka, formally requested Mannar Bishop Rt Rev. Dr Rayappu Joseph to resume the custody of the most sacred Madu Shrine on total completion of Army repairs and renovation.

Rt Rev Dr Rayappu Joseph who used the Madu Road for the first time to reach the holy Madu Shrine today (July 29) after it was cleared of terrorists and their explosive devises was conducted to the Shrine premises by Major General Jayasuriya where His Lordship had a tour of close inspection of the inner chambers and surrounding premises. The holy Shrine area fell to the Army hands in April, this year.

The Army Engineer troops, consequent upon instructions from Commander of the Army Lieutenant General Sarath Fonseka, undertook the challenge of repairs to the holy church at a cost of Rs1.5 million, allocated from the Army budget. Last Tuesday (July 22) the holy 'Our Lady of Madu' was brought back to the Mannar Bishop House after an informal discussion Major General Jagath Jayasuriya has had with Rt Rev. Dr Rayappu Joseph on 21 July.

Wanni Commander also pointed out that Army Engineer troops have by now de-mined and cleared one square km of land surrounding the Shrine of landmines, booby traps and other explosives, left buried by LTTE terrorists when they retreated after inflicting damages on the church building some months back. Major General Jayasuriya also gave an assurance to the Bishop that his troops would not serve in the reserve area to the premises in uniforms or with arms once the holy statue is returned and feast organized.


Rt Rev. Dr Rayappu Joseph, pleased with the speedy renovation of the premises, in turn has expressed the hope that the holy statue could be consecrated again in the near future after sending a team of Catholic priests in advance to the venue for prior administrative work. Mannar Bishop after extending his greetings to the Security Forces has told that the precincts appear to be conducive to conduct of routine religious services in accordance with the traditions.

PC injured in firing outside TNA MPs house in Batti

An unknown gunman riding a motorcycle opened fire at a group of five police guards deployed at the residence of TNA. M.P. T.Kanagasabai at Kalawanchchkudi, injuring one of them on Wednesday evening.

Police said the injury was not serious.

The MP was in the house at the time of the attack.

JKH says will fully comply with SC verdict on LMSL

John Keells Holdings (JKH) said on Wednesday night that its directors at a special board meeting were fully briefed of the judgement in the Lanka Marine Services Ltd (LMSL) and the board had decided to ‘fully implement’ the Supreme Court decision.

“The board resolved to meet full compliance with the judgement,” JKH Deputy Chairman Ajit Gunawardene said .

The board meeting which all 10 directors attended was called by JKH Chairman Susantha Ratnayake to discuss the judgement over the 2002 privatization of LMSL, in which JKH has a 90 percent stake, and discuss the financial implications and other issues arising out of the verdict.

Mr Gunawardene said it was a ‘normal’ board meeting. “The board was briefed by the executive directors of all the facts of the judgement. The board also resolved that John Keells will continue to serve its customers and stakeholders to the highest standards as maintained by the company,” he said. The JKH Deputy Chairman said they were discussing with the authorities on fulfilling the tax obligations as listed out in the judgement.

The 10-member board comprises executive directors -- Susantha Ratnayake - Chairman, Ajit Gunewardene - Deputy Chairman, Sumithra Gunesekera and Ronnie Peiris - Group Finance Director, and non executive, independent directors -- Franklyn Amerasinghe, Tarun Das, Steven Enderby, Mohamed Muhsin, Deva Rodrigo and Ms Sithie Tiruchelvam.

Last week the Court declared that the 2002 privatisation of LMSL was illegal, unlawful and arbitrary. It ordered Treasury Secretary Dr P.B. Jayasundera (who was chairman of the Public Enterprise Reforms Commission at the time) to pay compensation of Rs 500,000. Directors of JKH were asked to pay Rs 250,000 as costs. Court also ordered that the land on which the bunkering facilities lies should be returned to the state and that all taxes – since LMSL got tax-free status – should be paid from the date of privatization onwards.

SAARC wants UN to expedite terrorism charter

South Asian leaders are to urge the UN to expedite the finalizing of a UN charter against terrorism, Foreign Secretary Dr.Palitha Kohona said today.

Foreign Secretaries of the eight countries of SAARC ended their two day discussions this evening and said terrorism is an issue that affects all the countries in the region and needs to be addressed at a regional level as well as an international level.

“The UN charter has been seven years in the making and needs to be expedited,” he said.

Dr.Kohona who now heads the standing committee of foreign secretaries also said that Sri Lanka has proposed the creation of a food bank which would enable food be to stock piled in SAARC member nations so as to be used when they were food scarcities in the region.

He added that the Secretaries had also almost finalized the guidelines on the role of the countries that participate in SAARC as observers.

World crude falls, LIOC shares draw interest

World fuel prices, which are on an easing trend, on Wednesday fell to $122.37 per barrel for the Brent variety while the OPEC basket was trading at $121.73, the Central Bank said.

The trend in world prices was also reflected in the Colombo stock markets today where a large parcel of LIOC shares were traded at a higher price with investors believing that lower crude prices would help to generate more volume sales for LIOC and in turn raise profits. In the refined products market in Singapore, petrol traded at $124, diesel at $154.50 and kerosene at $156.90.

Report to AG soon on Minister Mervin Silva firing case against JVP supporter

Police will shortly submit a report to the Attorney General on the incident where Minister Mervin Silva had forcibly entered a shop belonging to JVP supporters in the Polonnaruwa district and opened fire damaging his shop and a motorbike.

Police spokesman SSP Ranjith Gunasekera said that Aranaganwila the Police are wrapping up the investigations and a report will be sent to the AG soon for legal proceedings to commence.

However a JVP spokesman said so far no action ahs been taken against the Minister despite a complaint being lodged with the Police.

Skeletal remains found in Kadawatta

The skeletal remains of two people stacked in a gunny bag were found by a group of fishermen in a canal in Kadawatta today. Police are investigating the discovery.

Top LTTE operative arrested in India

A top LTTE operative, in-charge of procurement module in Sri Lanka, was arrested in Chennai today, Indian police said. The Q-branch, intelligence wing of the Tamil Nadu police, today arrested Thambianna (46), "in-charge of the LTTE's procurement module" in Sri Lanka.

Lanka to send fewer maids to Arab countries

Sri Lanka will cut the number of maids it sends to the Middle East, a labour official said, citing increased complaints of abuse by women migrant workers.

NAM will get stronger under Iran - Bogollagama

Foreign Minister Rohitha Bogollagama says the Non-Aligned Movement (NAM) would get stronger under an Iranian leadership. The Minister made these remarks in his address to the 15th Non-Aligned Movement foreign ministers meeting which opened in Iran yesterday with a speech by President Mahmoud Ahmadinejad.

AG suggests High Court for bribery cases

The Attorney General C.R. De Silva suggested establishing a special High Court to hear bribery cases to expedite the legal process and to eradicate bribery and corruption in the country.

Parliament to hold reception for SAARC leaders

SAARC Leaders visit Parliament next Sunday (August 3) morning and a reception will be accorded to them in the House, Sergeant at Arms Anil Samarasekara said.
SAARC leaders last visited Sri Lanka for the summit held in 1998. The present summit will host leaders from Afghanistan, the new member of SAARC, along with Bangladesh, Bhutan, India Maldives, Nepal, Pakistan and Sri Lanka at the BMICH for two days August 2 and 3.

Hamid Karzai, President of Afghanistan who is attending his first international leaders’ meeting, Dr. Farukhddin Ahmed, Chief Advisor to the Government of Bangladesh, Prime Minister of Bhutan Jigmey Thinley, Prime Minister of India Dr.Manmohan Singh, Prime Minister of Nepal Girija Prasad Koirala, President of Maldives Moumoon Abdul Gayoom, Prime Minister of Pakistan Yousuf Riza Gilani will be the guest leaders who will attend the reception in their honour at the Parliament.


SAARC summit this year will adopt a special declaration on mutual action against terrorism in the region that had witnessed the assassination of several of its leaders during the last two decades, including the Premier of neighbouring India Rajiv Gandhi and Sri Lankan President Ranasinghe Premadasa.

Mervyn denies attacking JVPer

Minister of Labour Dr. Mervin Silva yesterday vehemently denied accusations that he was involved in attacking a JVP supporter’s shop at Aralagangwila.

He said the JVP was divided and were trying to blame him for their troubles.

After the alleged incident on Sunday night, Aralagangwila Police visited the Minister at the Mahaweli holiday bungalow and recorded his statement. "I came here only last Sunday. This place is unknown to me and how could anybody expect me to get involved in a shooting incident. While trying to canvas for votes why should we antagonize the JVP?" he asked.

When media contacted JVP spokesman Vijitha Herath he said it was not anyone else but Mervin Silva himself who was responsible for the fracas at Aralagangwila on Sunday night.

Meanwhile, a special police team has been dispatched to Aralagangwila from Anuradhapura to conduct further inquiries. DIG North Central Province K. P. P. Pathirana said the Police report would be forwarded to the IGP as soon as he receives it. Meanwhile, General Secretary of the SLFP Minister Maithripala Sirisena when asked to comment said that he only heard of such an incident but was unaware of anything else.

Stop tele-medicine MoU with India, warns GMOA

The Government Medical Officers Association warned they would resort to trade union action if the government does not abandon the idea of signing an MOU with India on Tele-medicine. Spokesman for the GMOA Dr. Upul Gunasekara said yesterday such an agreement would only place a big burden on the shoulders of the government.

The Sri Lankan doctors already practice tele-medicine "as we don’t hesitate to confer with our counterparts in other countries, mostly when seeking a second opinion on a difficult case. Our consultants are trained in the UK, USA and Australia and they are able to get in touch with the senior consultants in those countries to seek secondary opinions," he said. However, the present situation is different as the government of Sri Lanka (GOSL) is attempting to sign an agreement with a company which is affiliated to the Government of India – namely Telecommunication Consultants India Ltd," a GMOA source said.

If entered into, the whole executive authority of the one-year project in tele-medicine would be with the Indian company while Sri Lanka will provide the financial resource and should on any account a medical mishap occur while the patient is being treated by an Indian doctor, then compensation would also have to be borne by Sri Lanka.

He claimed that this was highly unethical and foolhardy on the part of the GOSL to enter into such pact where it was at the losing end. "The Indians would definitely not seek our assistance when treating their nationals."

He said that the agreement should work both ways. "They should at least seek our assistance in the field of primary health care because our health care system is on par with that of the developed countries. "Our infant and maternal mortality rates rank amongst the lowest," Gunasekara said.

The spokesman urged the government to go through the right channels by discussing the matter with the Sri Lanka Medical Council (SLMC), The Sri Lanka Medical Association (SLMA) and the thirty eight medical colleges for expert advice and suggestions.

The SLMC in Sri Lanka ensures that the nation is provided with a proper health care system. "I wonder who is going to stand by the people of Sri Lanka should the Indian doctors err in their medication. I doubt the Indian Medical Council will take responsibility for the people of our country," the spokesman said.

Meanwhile the JVP accused India of trying to worm its way into our medical field. They have already taken over petroleum, electricity and mineral sand while one finds many Indian drugs also in the market. "Now it seems that India is trying to take over our human resource as well by imposing this scheme of tele-medicine on us."

Govt. decides against signing CEPA

The government has finally decided against signing the Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement with India.

After years of talks, the pact was decided to be inked on the sidelines of the 15th SAARC summit in Colombo.

President Mahinda Rajapaksa informed the Economic Advisory Committee meeting at Temple Trees yesterday (July 29th) of the decision, saying that CEPA would not be economically beneficial for Sri Lanka.

FMM disturbed over remarks by Army chief

The Free Media Movement says it is deeply disturbed over the remarks attributed to the Commander of the Sri Lanka Army, Lieutenant General Sarath Fonseka in recent interviews he has granted.

One such interview appeared in the state run Sunday Observer newspaper of 20th July 2008, the FMM said in a statement.

The contents were later posted on the website of the Ministry of Defence ( www.defence.lk) thus giving it official credence.

Another interview was published in the Sunday Sinhala weekly Lakbima and was posted thereafter on their website (http://www.lakbima.lk/archive/last 20.07.08/index.htm).

We reproduce below relevant excerpts of the interviews where Lt. Gen. Fonseka is quoted as justifying the recent attacks, intimidation and harassment of journalists.

"If Keith Noyair has not done anything wrong, he does not have to live in fear. If he has done some damage to our organisation or to a person, especially when he has done something which he is not suppose to do, then it is natural he must be living in fear. If they think that they have done something of that nature the best thing for them is to correct themselves and rectify the mistake".

"We know that journalists are being bribed, given 'drinks', treated in restaurants and they have their own vested interests.. . We know very well about those media people who take bribes, write and voice their opinion for some personal gains.

These so called media guys are not responsible to the people and they are not entitled to such media freedom.

That Keith Noyair who was assaulted was returning from a restaurant with his friends and they were drunk. We do not know that somebody in the restaurant had got annoyed with them, followed him and assaulted.

So, especially the media people should behave well and set an example to others. To me, those who stage protests with unshaven beards, long hairs and wearing costumes like in fancy dress competitions are not scribes who are clamoring for media freedom but a gang of thugs". (Interview with the Observer, reproduced in www.defense.lk )

In another interview with Sinhala language weekly Lakbima the commander had said the attacks on Keith Noyahr, Iqbal Atthas and Namal Perera could be the consequences of their “misdeeds”

If indeed Lt. Gen. Fonseka has made the remarks attributed to him, the FMM is of the view, that it is unbecoming conduct of a highest military officer.

At a time when he is spearheading a war against Tiger rebels, it is unfortunate that he has chosen it fit to justify indirectly the recent attacks on journalists.

(The FMM waited for a week before making this statement to see if there would be any corrections to the interviews form the commander.)

In reporting any public interest issue, no doubt, independent journalists may express dissenting views. Such views may sometimes be uncomfortable to various persons in the echelons of power.

The time honoured tradition under successive Governments have been for those concerned to counter those views, correct the facts if they are known or state their own.

If they violated the laws of the land, they would also have recourse to Courts.

However, if the remarks of Lt. Gen. Fonseka are in fact correct it clearly leaves an indelible impression that the might of the military is being brought to bear on unarmed and unprotected journalists.

This in the form of a hate campaign to threaten harasses, intimidate and force them into silence. This is an extremely disturbing trend and is unprecedented in Sri Lanka.

Making this even more disconcerting, the FMM strongly believes, is the deafening silence of the Government.

Not so long ago, they announced the appointment of a Ministerial Committee to alleviate the problems faced by journalists. Several Ministers made pledges to protect them and ensure media freedom.

The FMM says it believes that it would be the responsibility of the Government to make its position clear.

Otherwise, FMM fears, their silence or indifference would only pave the way for more journalists to be killed, brutally assaulted, intimidated and harassed.

Private bus owners will attend a strike ?

Private bus owners are being reached for support for a three-day work stoppage planned by the National Trade Unions Centre.

Head of the Lanka Private Bus Owners Association Gamunu Wijeratne and four other bus union leaders will meet the NTUC tomorrow (July 31st) to discuss matters.

Convener of the NTUC Samantha Koralearachchi said they expected trade unions in other sectors too, to join hands in the union action.

No need to remove PB - President

Dr. P.B. Jayasundara need not be removed from his positions as Secretary of the Finance Ministry and the Treasury, President Mahinda Rajapaksa has stressed.

Innocent public officials should not be blamed for the wrongs of political leaders and politicians, the president said, referring to the Supreme Court ruling against the top official.

Mr. Rajapaksa was speaking at the economic advisory committee meeting at Temple Trees yesterday (July 29th).

Dr. Jayasundara and Ministers Karu Jayasuriya, Milinda Moragoda and Bandula Gunawardena attended the discussion.

Sri Lanka Telecom Q2 net jumps 168 pct – website

Top Sri Lankan fixed line phone operator Sri Lanka Telecom's SLTL.CM group June quarter net profit jumped 168 percent to 1.5 billion rupees ($13.95 million), a local business website reported on Wednesday.
The website www.lbo.lk cited a Sri Lanka Telecom statement in its report published ahead of the results release on Thursday by the bourse.
An official from Sri Lanka Telecom said it had given the quarterly results to the bourse although he was unable to confirm the numbers. A stock market official confirmed it had received the results and hoped to publish them on Thursday morning.
"Sri Lanka Telecom, the island's top fixed line operator, said June quarter net profit shot up 168 percent to 1.5 billion rupees from 560 million rupees in the same quarter a year before," the website said.
It said group revenue went up by 21 percent to 11.8 billion rupees in the same quarter.
Company net profit went up 129 percent to almost 1.3 billion rupees, it said.
Sri Lanka Telecom shares closed 0.56 percent up at 45 rupees a share on Wednesday, calculated on a weighted average.
Sri Lanka Telecom, which is 49.5 percent state owned, is among the most heavily-weighted firms on the Colombo bourse, accounting for 10.2 percent of the market's capitalisation. ($1=107.54 rupees)

South Asian Leaders Set Ambitious Goals for SAARC Summit

Officials from eight South Asian nations have outlined an ambitious set of goals for the 15th SAARC summit, underway in the Sri Lankan capital. From Colombo, VOA correspondent Steve Herman reports the group is hoping to transform itself from a reputation for a lot of talking, but little action.
Poverty alleviation, ensuring food security, tackling energy shortfalls and fighting terrorism are all on the agenda of the 15th Summit of the South Asian Association of Regional Cooperation. There is skepticism the organization, known as SAARC, can tackle such a to-do list.

The group has a reputation for issuing declarations with little follow-up, and that is when the summit has actually been held. Some years the leaders have failed to gather, due to the hostilities or disagreements between member nations.

Sri Lanka's foreign secretary, Palitha Kohona, says that is now in the past.

"Over t