Two thousands Civil Vigilant Committee members will assist the Police during the Perahara period.

Two thousand Members of the Civil Vigilant Committee of the Kandy area will be deployed to protect the masses during the Perahara period.Additional Police personnel also deployed for the security of this Esala Pageant. Speaking to media in Friday evening , D.IG. of the Central Province Kingsly Ekanayake said all security arrangements are finalized and he seeks public vigilance and support to protect the masses

Establishment of SAARC Industrial Zone proposed

The Sri Lankan Government has proposed establishment of SAARC Industrial Zone to promote trade and industrial activities in the South Asian region.

According to a press release by Saarc Chamber of Commerce and Industry (SCCI) here on Friday, President SCCI, Tariq Sayeed informed that proposal, conveyed through Nawaz Rajabddin, Vice President SAAC CCI (Sri Lanka ), was given by Professor G L Pieris, Minister of Export Development and International Trade, Sri Lanka.

It may be recalled that SCCI President is visiting Sri Lanka to explore ways and opportunities for enhancing bilateral trade volume between the two SAARC countries.

The idea of setting up of Industrial Zone is aimed at providing facilitation to the business community of the region to stimulate regional economic cooperation, the press release said adding that the industrial units to be installed in the proposed zone would be given facilities similar to those provided in Export processing Zones.

Responding to the proposal, President SCCI appreciated the idea, saying that such initiatives would help promote intra-regional trade and industrial activities.

He said that the other countries of the region should also establish similar Industrial Zones, which would prompt commercial activities in the region and eventually help achieving objectives of SAFTA.

“Since the issue is of great significance, it would be discussed in the forthcoming meeting of SCCI Executive Committee Meeting” said President SCCI.

He said that efforts would be made persistently to convince the respective Governments of SAARC to establish such industrial zones so that the perceived objectives of economic integration of SAARC are achieved.

Employees protest to remove Sri Lanka Tourism Chairman

Employees of the Sri Lanka Tourism today took to the road for the first time in history, with placards and banners in hand asking for the removal of Chairman, Renton de Alwis.

Trade Union sources confirming the protest said that employees have lost faith in Chairman, Director General S. Kalaiselvam, and Director Operations Prasanthika Dissanayake.

“Since the day Sri Lanka Tourism was converted into an Authority, they have been reducing the employee privileges while resorting to methods which waste government money in the form of tourism promotion,” sources said.

However, it is also reported that these long standing charges came into limelight after a an employee W. Chandrasiri was asked to settle his dues of 164,000 rupees to the Tourist Sri Lanka Tourism before resigning to contest in the forthcoming Provincial Elections.

19 illegal armed camps in Polonnaruwa - UNP

Nineteen illegal armed camps have been set up in Polonnaruwa with the intention of rigging votes at the upcoming North Central PC polls, said UNP General Secretary, Tissa Attanayake.

Speaking at a media briefing in Colombo the UNP General Secretary said that violence has been unleashed even before nominations are handed in.

Noting that the government hopes to gain victory through state terror and violence as in the East, Mr. Attanayake said that a complaint would be lodged with the Elections Commissioner on the matter.

The Elections Commissioner would also be notified of attempts to use state property by the government in its campaigning for the election, he added.

Political ethics force Deputy Speaker to resign

Gitanjana Gunawardena has resigned as Deputy Speaker of Sri Lanka Parliament.

He has notified Speaker W.J.M. Lokubandara of his decision according to government sources.

Mr. Gunawardena, whose brother Dinesh Gunawardena is Chief Government Whip, has cited political ethics as the reason for the resignation.

Conditions laid down to cancel July 10th strike

Chairman of the National Trade Union Centre (NTUC), K.D. Lal Kantha says that their demands should be fulfilled in order to cancel the island-wide strike campaign scheduled for July 10th.

Addressing the third National Convention of the NTUC at the Sugathadasa Stadium in Colombo, he said that the conditions include the postponement of the North Central and Sabaragamuwa PC polls till their due date of termination.

In addition he has requested that the 109-member cabinet to be reduced to 30.

Further, the huge number of presidential advisors, who draw salaries up to Rs. 60,000, should be brought down to 30 as well as their attachment to government ministries, he added.

Also, the 17th Amendment must be implemented immediately, he said.

"Unlike the protest during the J.R. Jayewardene era, electricity supply and bus services will come to a complete halt on July 10th. If attempts are made to obstruct this action, we will decide to continue this strike," the JVP parliamentarian said.

"This is only a token strike. If the demands are not met, we will move on to the next step," he added.

"To stop the strike campaign, the government only has to increase public servant's salaries by Rs. 5,000 and to agree to the reductions. There is no other way, he said.

Issuing a warning to Defence Secretary, Gotabhaya Rajapaksa, the trade union leader said, "You are from America. The country was brought to this state by citizens of this country. We formed the UPFA with people like Mangala and Sripathi. Even Mahinda Rajapaksa backed off. Be warned of what we will do if our strike is suppressed."

In addition to the strike campaign held with the collaboration of trade unions in the public and private sectors, the Joint Trade Union Federation is to hold a protest march in Colombo.

General Secretary of the Trade Union Consolidation, Saman Rathnapriya told a media briefing that the protest demonstration would start from in front of the Health Ministry at noon on July 10th

UNHAS flights for the first time in Sri Lanka

Government approval has been obtained to operate WFP managed, United Nations Humanitarian Air Service (UNHAS) flights for the first time in Sri Lanka, WFP said.
The flights are likely to operate between Colombo and Jaffna to dispatch urgent food supplies to the peninsula which has been cut off following the closure of the A9 highway.

Meanwhile WFP also said that food deliveries to beneficiaries in the northern LTTE-controlled areas have reduced due to protracted delays for WFP convoy movements. WFP has taken up the issue with the Government.

The security situation in the north remains volatile due to intense military operations, impacting on the movement of people, food and relief items. Sri Lanka is classified as a low-income, food-deficit country.

In recent years, the prevailing conflict and the frequency of droughts, floods and landslides have further reduced people’s access to food.

The Demographic Health Survey of 2000/2001 showed that 29 percent of Sri Lankan children aged between three months and five years were underweight. The same survey found that 14 percent of children had stunted growth, and one out of six children had low birth weight.

WFP’s subsequent surveys in the North and East in September 2003 indicated that the malnutrition rates amongst 5 to 7 year olds surveyed was much higher than expected and at times double the national average: In these conflict affected areas, 51 percent of this age group was found to be underweight while the levels of wasting and stunting were 30 percent and 27 percent respectively.

A comprehensive rapid nutritional assessment in Mullaitivu District in September 2004 found that 38 percent of children under five were underweight – 7 percent higher than the national average.

The level of wasting was 21 percent and stunting 18 percent. Both indicators are 5-7 percent higher than the national average.

Nominations over- No major incidents

Local Political parties already submitted their nomination papers for the North Central Provincial Council and the Sabaragamuwa Provinicial Council.

A number of Independent groups also submitted their nomination papers and there is no major incidents reported from these provinces.

A special Police teams are now roaming in these provinces but opposition claims a number of armed groups , specially crades of the Pillayan group are also roaming in some parts of the Polonnaruwa district.

At present around 15 TMVP camps are located in the Polonnaruwa district, said our sources.

Meanwhile the government has decided to put one of disabled solider and the only survivor of LTTE bomb that killed Lt. General Denzil Kobekaduwa and Major General Wijaya Wimalarathna in Kaits Island in 1992, Upali Wijekoon to contest the NCP election .

Mr. Wijekoon who lost legs in the attack, met the President at Temple Trees on Wednesday and stated that he would contest the election to give value to all those who made such sacrifices for the security of the country.

However UNPs Chief Ministerial candidate for the NCP Major General Janaka Perera said that despite pressure being brought on him from various sectors to refrain from contesting in the NCP and to accept a high post abroad instead, he would under no circumstances change his decision.


He said an UNP victory at the NCP elections was a foregone conclusion and after that victory the word Rajarata would once again echo internationally.

"I have fought for this country and achieved several victories. We must fight this election like gentlemen, said the retired Major General at a press conference.

"When I was fighting the terrorists there were no threats to my wife or children. But now those who dislike my contesting the elections are threatening my wife and children not to allow me to contest, he said.

Meanwhile General Perera's posters are still displaying along the Colombo Roads.

The UPFA has handed over nominations for the Anuradhapura district in the north central provincial council election at the Anuradhapura district secretariat on Friday . After handing over the nominations former chief minister Berty Premalal Dissanayake said large numbers of leading members of the UNP and JVP in the north central province are joining the alliance.

The handing over of nominations for the Sabaragamuwa provincial council has ended on Friday. The United People’s Freedom Alliance, the United National Party and the Janatha Vimukthi Peramuna contest all four districts where the elections are being held. Returning officers said 12 recognized political parties and seven independent groups compete for the Anuradhapura district in the north central provincial councils. Ten political parties and 8 independent groups contest the Polonanruwa district.

SEVERE OVERCROWDING IN PRISONS

Imprisonment has become the most prevalent form of punishment for crime in almost all modern day societies. Hence, this question has attracted the attention of the United Nations from the early years of its establishment. The principles set out in the Universal Declaration of Human Rights (UDHR) adopted in 1948 and the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights (ICCPR) adopted in 1966, has had a significant impact on the rights of prisoners.

These UN instruments were adopted to promote the dignity of all human beings, including those accused of and convicted of crime. Specific provisions for the protection of prisoners have been embodied in these instruments. They include the right to a fair trial, presumption of innocence, protection from torture and other cruel, inhuman or degrading treatment. These broad protections provided for in UDHR and ICCPR are spelt out in more than 30 UN instruments, some of which are multi lateral treaties relating to the control of crime and treatment of offenders, while others are resolutions and declarations. The Standard Minimum Rules for the Treatment of Prisoners adopted by Economic and Social Council of the UN in 1957, Body of Principles for the Protection of All Persons Under Any Form of Detention or Imprisonment, adopted by the UN General Assembly in 1988, Convention against Torture and Other Cruel, Inhuman or Degrading Treatment or Punishment of 1994, Declaration on Safeguards Guaranteeing Protection of the Rights of those Facing the Death Penalty are some of the important UN instruments that directly safeguards the rights of Prisoners.

In this context, the Consortium of Humanitarian Agencies observes that though Sri Lanka does not have a history of ill-treating its prisoners other than a few isolated incidents, the severe overcrowding in the prisons is pushing the country unwittingly to the brink of inhuman or degrading treatment of its prisoners.

The prison population in the country has increased so drastically in the recent past that the living conditions in our prisons have become intolerable and beyond any acceptable standards. According to the last publication of ‘Prisons Statistics of Sri Lanka’ the percentage of overcrowding for all categories of prisoners was 113.9. The percentage of overcrowding for convicted prisoners was 81.9 and for remand prisoners it was 157.7. While the total authorized accommodation available in our prisons was 10.692, the prisons were holding an average of 22,867 prisoners.

Indeed, the above figures do not illustrate the true story of overcrowding as the percentage of overcrowding differs from institution to institution. A good example is the Welikada Prison, the premier prison institution in the country. The prison that has an authorized accommodation for 1500 prisoners is presently holding over 4000 prisoners. This is an overcrowding of about 270 per cent. Though the prison is designated as the prison for first offender convicts, it also houses a large number of remand prisoners due to severe overcrowding of remand prisons in Colombo. Remand prisoners at the Welikada Prison are housed in a three-storied building known as the L-Hall. The authorized number that can be accommodated in this section is 307, but holds on an average some 1400 prisoners. This is an overcrowding of over 450 percent. The condition prevailing here are so atrocious that prisoners who understand English call it the Hell-Hole. This building, built during the colonial period is in a very bad state of disrepair. Roof leaks during rains flooding the floors. The lack of ventilation creates a suffocating atmosphere. The foul smell emanating from the cells and surroundings is unbearable. Most prisoners have to sleep on the bare floor as no mats or pillows are provided and large numbers have to sleep in the corridors due to lack of room in the cells. They do not have sufficient water to wash or bathe as running water is available only for a short period during the day. Some prisoners complain that they have to bribe senior prisoners and officials to get a bath. There are less than ten toilets for the entire population of 1400 and prisoners complain some of them are often clogged. These prisoners get little sunlight as they are confined indoors most of the time during the day.

The situation is almost similar in most remand prisons in the country. Sometime back the members of the International Committee of Red Cross visited the Kuruvita Remand Prison in the Ratnapura district and in their report to the Commissioner General of Prisons stated that certain sections of the prisons are so overcrowded that prisoners had to sleep in the toilet areas and empty water tanks due to lack of space. They also said that in most dormitories prisoners could hardly turn themselves over during sleep at night. During the inquiry into the attempted escape and the shooting incident in which six prisoners died, the superintendent of the Kuruvita prison had said that due to severe overcrowding, hard-core prisoners are also kept with the ordinary remand prisoners posing a threat to security.

During a visit to the Jaffna Prison in December 2007 by a team of officers from the CHA, they observed the appalling situation prevailing there. This makeshift prison consisting two converted old residential buildings is so overcrowded that prisoners have to sleep in shifts in the night. At the time of the visit there were 480 inmates while the space available was only for about 200 prisoners. It was observed that the prisoners are locked up in the cells throughout the day except for half an hour allowed for exercise, sunlight and the time allocated for the meals. Unending hours are spent idling and in utter boredom. Prisoners lacked many basic things necessary for human living. Water was in short supply and the toilet facilities were grossly inadequate. There were no mats and pillows or any other kind of bedding given to the prisoners. Due to the severe overcrowding and the unsanitary conditions infectious deceases were spreading fast. There were 35 prisoners afflicted with chicken pox on the day the CHA team visited the prison. The time allowed for visits by friends and relations too is limited, as large numbers have to be accommodated. The CHA has provided some essential equipment and also built two toilets in order to alleviate the difficulties faced by the prisoners at least to some degree, since its last visit.

The CHA observes that the situation of the convicted prisoners is no better. Where water, sanitation and accommodation are concerned they are in a similar situation as the remand prisoners at the Welikada Prison. In a prison cell with a floor space of 54 sq. feet that is meant to keep a maximum of three often seven or eight prisoner are locked up. During the night lock-up time between 6.00pm to 6.00am they do not have any toilet facilities other than a small bucket. To ease oneself in the presence of several other is very humiliating act.

Moreover, the number of persons languishing in the death cells has dramatically increased to nearly 200 due non commutation to life sentences. Though the prison rules require that prisoners sentenced to death be kept separately in single cells, presently three or more occupy a death row cell. There is also an unprecedented number of over 250 prisoners serving life sentences. This situation has arisen due to ill conceived policy decision not to commute life sentences until 20 years of the life sentence have been served.

In addition to the severe overcrowding, prisons are also presently facing a acute shortage of staff. In such situations, the Prison officers have to work under severe stress and his work environment becomes insecure. This makes the situation of the prisoner worse, as even a minor deviations from the rules are sternly dealt with by the officers, often with physical force. The seemingly excessive reaction of prison officers at the Kuruwita prison that led to the killing of six prisoners is an example.

It is clearly evident from the above that severe overcrowding in our prisons result in the violation of United Nations Standard Minimum Rules for the treatment of prisoners.

It must be stressed that prisoners are not people without rights. In 1944 a federal court in the United State of America stated that. “a prisoner retains all the rights of an ordinary citizen except those expressly or by necessary implication taken from by law.”(Coffin v Richard 143 F.2d 443) In another landmark judgment of the American Supreme Court in 1974, justice White had said. “But though his rights may be diminished by the needs and exigencies of the institutional environment, a prisoner is not wholly stripped of constitutional protections when he is imprisoned for crime. There is no iron curtain drawn between the constitution and the prisons of his country.”(Wolf v McDonald (1974) 41.L Ed.2d.965) More closer to home, in 1980 the Supreme Court of India had stated that, the judges are the guardians of prisoner’s rights because they have a duty to secure the execution of the sentences without excesses and to sustain personal liberties of prisoners without violence or violation of the inmate’s personality ( Sunil Batra (II) V. Delhi Administration (1980 3 S.C.C.488). In our own country the Supreme Court in Amal Sudath Silva V. Kodituwakku (1987 2 SLR 119) stated: “The petitioner may be a hard-core criminal whose tribe deserves no sympathy. But if constitutional guarantees are to have any meaning or value in our democratic set up, it is essential that he be not denied the protection guaranteed by our constitution.”

The problem of prison overcrowding is not only a question of human suffering and violation of prisoner’s rights. It is also a colossal unnecessary expenditure of public money. According to prison sources approximate average cost of maintaining a prisoner for a year is Rs. 90,000. Therefore the solutions to the problem have to be found through a thorough examination of our penal laws, criminal procedures, bail laws, alternative sentencing etc. It is the responsibility of concerned members of the public, organizations of the civil society and state organs responsible for the administration of our criminal justice system to take appropriate action before the current crisis ends in a catastrophe.

Anarkali - Duminda drama continues

Popular actress Anarkali Akarsha has complained to the Kollupitiya Police that Western Provincial Councilor Duminda Silva’s men had forcibly taken her to his office on Thursday evening and threatened her to get married to him soon. She had also said that she and her mother were taken by armed men carrying semi automatic weapons and they were later dropped near a five-star hotel in Colombo.

PC polls on August 23

Elections for North Central and Sabaragamuwa Provincial Councils would be held on August 23, the Election Secretariat announced.

Gitanjana resigns from deputy speaker post

Deputy Speaker and brother of Minister Dinesh Gunawardena, Gitanjana Gunawardena has resigned from the post of deputy speaker. He handed in his resignation papers today.

NTUC says will call off July 10 strike if four demands met

The National Trade Union Centre yesterday said it would call off the July 10 general strike only if President Mahinda Rajapaksa gives into four demands.

NTUC President and JVP parliamentarian K. D. Lalkantha outlined the four conditions: to reduce the present Cabinet from 109 to 30, reduce the number of presidential advisors from 168 to 30. Postpone the Sabaragamuwa and North Central Provincial Council elections and implement the 17th Amendment to the Constitution, immediately.

Lalkantha warned that essential services like electricity, garbage disposal and transport will be crippled, but health services will function smoothly. He advised all strikers to remain at home on July 10 and said that notices would be issued to all members the previous day at the entrances to their places of work.

The NTUC yesterday called a meeting at the Sugathadasa Indoor Stadium with the participation of representatives of 366 unions that have agreed to join the strike.

Lalkantha recalled that when the present Government was formed, four ministerial portfolios were given to the JVP. But although the JVP did not approve, it gave the four JVP members the choice of accepting or rejecting the portfolios.

Lalkantha said that the newly launched Mihin Air had incurred a loss of Rs 3,200 million within the first year.


He said that the NTUC had learnt from reliable sources that waste, corruption, nepotism and family bandyism were rampant in the present Government.

The Government was still unable to solve the teachers and principals salary anomalies since 1997 and the entire educational system was twisted according to the whims and fancies of so called educationists.

An ousted senior JVP member said that the strike at this moment was not reasonable since the Government was at war with the LTTE.

Asked what would be the course of action if the Government failed to heed to the NTUC’s four demands, Lalkatha said the NTUC would convene a meeting on July 11, the day after the intended strike and would decide whether to launch similar strikes continuously for two days, three days or more forcing the Government to implement its four proposals.

I have no circumstances change my decision says Maj; Gen: Janaka Perera

The UNP’s chief ministerial candidate for the North Central Provincial Council, Major General (Rtd) Janaka Perera, said that despite pressure being brought on him from various sectors to refrain from contesting in the NCP and to accept a high post abroad instead, he would under no circumstances change his decision.

He was speaking at a reception organised by the UNP organizations in Anuradhapura to felicitate him on his decision to contest the chief ministerial post.

He said an UNP victory at the NCP elections was a foregone conclusion and after that victory the word Rajarata would once again echo internationally.

He said: "I attended today’s reception in the guise of a General who would ensure a UNP victory in the NCP. Some ask who this Perera is. Perera is a Sri Lankan and a General. I have fought for this country and achieved several victories. We must fight this election like gentlemen.

"At a press conference, a journalist said that the Government would win the provincial council elections. I asked him how the Government could win without the support of the masses.

Another journalist told me that the Government would use force to win elections. How is it possible to use force, I asked him.

"Rajarata is the cradle of Sinhala Buddhism. I appeal to all concerned not to get down heroin addicts and thugs to harass the people of this province. I have faced real terrorism and it is very simple for me to face heroin dealers and thugs.

"I told those who were forcing me to accept a high post and go abroad, that in that case I won’t be in position to serve the people which is my only intention."

"When I was fighting the terrorists there were no threats to my wife or children. But now those who dislike my contesting the elections are threatening my wife and children not to allow me to contest. This morning my wife spoke to me over the telephone from abroad and asked me whether my decision to contest was right. I told my wife that when 40,000 soldiers were trapped in Jaffna, I proceeded to the North and saved them. My decision at that time could have only destroyed my family but had I refrained from going to Jaffna 40,000 families could have been destroyed.

"Unlike several others I did not enter politics to make money or enjoy perks but only to serve the people" Perera said.

UNP parliamentarians, Gamini Jayawickrema Perera, G. Harrison, Chandrani Bandara Jayasinghe and UNP candidates for the NCP elections were also present.

JVP condemns police spokesman

The JVP yesterday condemned the Police spokesman saying that he speaks only on behalf of the Government and the SLFP instead of performing his duty by speaking on behalf of the Police.

JVP Propaganda Secretary MP Vijitha Herath said the Police spokesman should have been more duty conscious rather than ‘whitewashing’ for the Government when media personnel came under attack.

"People have a right to information and when the media is suppressed a fundamental right is violated. Police have a responsibility to ensure that people enjoy their fundamental rights. When media personnel were attacked by unidentified persons, the police spokesman went on record stating that media persons fabricate and stage manage these incidents with the intention of seeking asylum in foreign countries," Herath told a press conference at the Sri Lanka Foundation Institute in Colombo yesterday.

"Could you believe that media men would face attacks just to qualify to seek political asylum? We do not believe this. This statement made by the police spokesman is aimed at whitewashing the government’s inability to arrest the attackers. The police spokesman had done the job of the government spokesman or SLFP spokesman because he wanted to safeguard their interests," Herath said.

Police have a duty to arrest those who attack media personnel.
Every time journalists came under attack, the police came up with clumsy statements instead of investigating them. There had been several attacks on media men during the recent past but no one has been arrested so far, Herath said.

Dr. Kotelawala contradicts CB Governor

Chairman Ceylinco Consolidated Lalith Kotelawala has strongly disputed a statement attributed to Ajith Nivrad Cabraal, Governor of the Central Bank, reported in a daily newspaper yesterday . Referring to the news item headlined Sri Lanka Economy on a Shaky Platform,’ Kotelawala said, "What a shocking statement by the Governor of the Central Bank of Sri Lanka Mr Ajith Nivrad Cabraal! First, he says that Sri Lanka’s economy is on a shaky platform. Secondly, he says that the action taken by the country against terrorism is destabilizing the economy. Thirdly, he says, if the situation is not resolved, Sri Lanka’s economy will be burdened with a war for another 30 years, which is directly contradictory to the views of the President and the Secretary of Defence."

He added, "I certainly do not agree with Mr. Cabraal. As expressed by me on several occasions, the President’s vision of ‘Mahinda Chintanaya’ will bring in new prosperity and economic freedom, if properly implemented."

Anura Kumara sues Dinamina Editor for defamation

JVP parliamentarian Anura Kumara Dissanayake has filed action for defamation in the District Court, Colombo against the editor of the state-run Sinhala daily newspaper ‘Dinamina’ claiming Rs. 10 million as damages.

In his plaint, Anura Kumara Dissanayake cited Dinamina Editor, Mahinda Abeysundara and the Associated Newspapers of Ceylon Limited (ANCL) as defendants. According to the plaint an article published on April 2, 2008 on the front page of the newspaper has caused damage to his goodwill and reputation.

Mr. Dissanayake, a member of the Central Committee and the Politburo of JVP, complained the article written under the authority of Dinamina Editor, Mahinda Abeysundara, was published maliciously, with the intention of causing disrepute to him and to his political career.

The JVP MP stated the article had caused him great pain of mind and estimated the damage caused to him at Rs. 10 million.

SAARC can’t resolve Kashmir issue, says Sri Lankan FM

Sri Lankan Foreign Minister Rohita Bogollama said on Thursday that the South Asian Association for Regional Cooperation (Saarc) could do nothing to get the Kashmir issue resolved.

Speaking at a press conference after holding meetings with President Pervez Musharraf, Prime Minister Yousuf Raza Gilani and Foreign Minister Shah Mahmood Qureshi, he said Saarc was not a forum for resolving bilateral matters.

“It was never formed for the purpose and the Saarc charter has no provision for it,” he said.

Asked as to what was the position of his country on the Kashmir dispute, he said Sri Lanka wanted settlement in a peaceful manner through talks between Pakistan and India.

He said that he had extended invitation from the Sri Lankan president to Prime Minister Syed Yousuf Raza Gilani to attend the 15th Saarc summit being hosted by Sri Lanka.

Mr Gilani will represent Pakistan at the summit while the foreign minister will lead the country’s delegation to the council of ministers’ meeting on July 31 and Aug 1.

Mr Bogollama said the summit would focus on food security and energy crisis with a view to promoting cooperation in the region.

He said there had been significant progress in a number of areas like poverty alleviation and there still was need for strengthening the regional forum, especially in the fields of regional cooperation, environment, agriculture and food, water and energy security.

The theme for the summit is “partnership for the betterment of the people” and all the member states are interested to make progress in this regard, he said.

About Pakistan and Sri Lanka’s bilateral relations, he said the two countries had historic ties and there was a lot of scope for religious tourists to Pakistan from Sri Lanka.

FTA: The foreign minister said after the signing of Free Trade Agreement between Pakistan and Sri Lanka, there had been tremendous increase in the bilateral trade.He said FTA had given a boost to economic ties and bilateral trade was growing.

He said that Saarc had another development to set up Poverty Alleviation Fund that has over $300 million so far.

Earlier, in his meeting with President Musharraf, he conveyed the good wishes of the president of Sri Lanka and apprised him of preparations for the summit.

Issues such as Saarc Development Fund, regional connectivity, commercial and economic cooperation will be the special focus of the discussions at the summit.

Recalling the 12th Saarc summit hosted by Pakistan, the foreign minister said that it was a ‘turning point’ in promoting regional cooperation in South Asia, which had since gained considerable momentum.

The foreign minister lauded President Musharraf’s contribution for the success of Saarc and towards promotion of regional understanding and cooperation.

Rights body flays UK for releasing LTTE rebel leader

A prominent human rights watchdog has criticised the British government for allowing Vinayagamoorthi Muralitharan alias Colonel Karuna Amman, a former Tamil Tigers leader, to return to Sri Lanka [Images] as a free man.

45-year-old Karuna was released from a jail in London [Images] last month after serving three months for entering Britain on a forged visa and diplomatic passport.

In a statement, Human Rights Watch (HRW) described him as "abusive former Tamil Tiger leader".

It also urged the Sri Lankan government to investigate and prosecute him for alleged war crimes committed by him as commander of the Liberation Tigers of Tamil Eelam (LTTE).

Karuna was the top commander of the LTTE in eastern Sri Lanka, and the reputed number two in the organisation until he left to form his own armed group in March 2004.

Because his group fought against LTTE in recent years, HRW said, the Sri Lankan government did not prosecute him.

The rights watchdog said Tamil Tiger forces under Karuna's command were directly involved in some of the worst crimes of Sri Lanka's ongoing civil war, including torture, summary execution, and use of children as soldiers.

"The British government had an alleged war criminal in custody for six months and couldn't manage to file charges," said Brad Adams, Asia director at Human Rights Watch.

"This was a rare opportunity to hold a leader of the Tamil Tigers accountable for horrific human rights abuses, and the British government blew it.

Immigration authorities in the UK arrested Karuna on November 2, 2007. After a criminal conviction, he served half of a nine-month term for possessing illegal documents. Despite assistance from NGOs and others, the government on May 9 announced that the Crown Prosecution Service found there was insufficient evidence to convict Karuna for any criminal offences in the UK, HRW said.

The British government, HRW noted, had frequently raised concerns about Sri Lanka's deteriorating human rights situation with Colombo and has long criticised the LTTE for serious human rights abuses.

British law permits the prosecution of individuals for serious violations of international law, including torture and war crimes, committed abroad. In 2005, UK courts convicted a former Afghan warlord, Faryadi Sarwar Zardad, for acts of torture and hostage-taking in Afghanistan.

The HRW said in June 1990, some 400 to 600 police officers who surrendered to the LTTE were bound, gagged, and beaten. The Tamil Tigers, including forces under Karuna's control, then executed the Sinhalese and Muslims among them.

"Karuna's escape from justice in the UK is a failure for international justice," Adams said. "Now that Karuna is back in Colombo, the spotlight is on the Sri Lanka government to do the right thing or be deemed complicit in his crimes."

NFF expand its membership drive

Over one million members will be recruited by the National Freedom Front led by Wimal Weerwansa .MP speaking at a press briefing held this morning in Colombo he said his party was recognized by the Election Commissioner this morning but there is no plan to contest the forthcoming Provincial Council Election .
He said membership drive will launch soon and the NFF will request the Speaker of the parliament to give equal state for the NFF as other political parties, which operate in parliament.
If the speaker recognized the NFF Mr.Wimal Weerawansa will be recognized as a party leader.
At present Mr.Weerawansa is in back benches and he may become front row member if the speaker accepts the NFF as a political party in parliament.

Former police chief swears in as Governor of Northern Province

Recently retired Inspector general of Police Victor Perera was sworn in as the Governor of Northern Province today before President Mahinda Rajapaksa at Temple Trees.

CEPA between India, Sri Lankan no threat to island nation

A leading Sri Lankan trade body has allayed fears that Indians would take over the jobs on offer in the island nation following the signing of the Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement between India and Sri Lanka.

Federation of Chambers of Commerce and Industry of Sri Lanka (FCCISL) President Nawaz Rajabdeen said that signing the CEPA could be considered a graduation from the FTA with Sri Lanka standing to gain more than India.

He, however, said some short comings that existed in the FTA with India would be corrected before signing the CEPA.

The chamber President said the salary structure in Sri Lanka hardly made it attractive for the Indian job seekers to come to the island country and that they had several offers in Europe and other rich countries.

"There is no need to apprehend that Indians will come to Sri Lanka in search of jobs under the agreement to open the services sector under CEPA," Rajabdeen said.

Stating that the Marxist JVP party had no basis for apprehension on opening of the services sector under CEPA with India, the President of the Chambers said the task of handling business should be left to the businessmen.

"When the Free Trade Agreement (FTA) was signed in 1998 everybody said that India was a giant and that Sri Lanka would end up as a dumping ground for Indian goods," he told reporters.

He pointed out that after the FTA was implemented in 2000, exports to India had grown 10 times over within four years.

He said the private sector will have a major role to play after the implementation of the CEPA between Sri Lanka and India.

Next SAARC summit to concentrate on food and energy security

The 15th SAARC Summit to be held in Colombo on August 2-3 will focus on food security and energy crisis being faced by the members of the organization with a view to further promote and enhance cooperation in the region to face these challenges.
This was stated by Foreign Minister of the Democratic Socialist Republic of Sri Lanka Rohitha Bogollagama while addressing a press conference here at local hotel along with High Commissioner of Sri Lanka. Foreign Minister Rohitha Bogollagama said he is visiting Pakistan to extend invitation from President of Sri Lanka to the Prime Minister Syed Yousuf Raza Gilani to attend the 15th SAARC Summit being hosted by Sri Lanka.
He said there has been significant progress by SAARC in a number of areas like poverty alleviation, but said there still was need for strengthening this regional forum, especially in the fields of regional cooperation, environment, agriculture and food, water and energy security. The theme for the forthcoming 15th SAARC Summit is “partnership for the betterment of the people” and all the member states are interested to make progress in this regard, he added. Commenting on Pakistan and Sri Lanka’s bilateral relations, he said the two countries have historic ties and there is lot of scope for religious tourists to Pakistan from Sri Lanka.
The Foreign Minister said after signing Free Trade Agreement between Pakistan and Sri Lanka, there has been tremendous increase the bilateral trade. He said FTA has given a boost to economic ties between the two countries and the bilateral trade is growing. The Foreign Minister said SAARC is working on right track to promote trade and economic activities within the region and expressed the hoped that it will make further progress in this regard.
Regarding bilateral disputes and SAARC’s role, the Sri Lankan Foreign Minister said such bilateral disputes are not within the jurisdiction of the SAARC charter therefore they are not discussed in the SAARC Summit. He said SAARC has anther development to set up Poverty Alleviation Fund that has over $ 300 million so far. Referring to promote Pak-Sri Lankan relations, the Foreign Minister said Sri Lanka has good achievements in health and education and share its experience with Pakistan in these fields.
He said there is also scope for further improvement in the Telecommunication Sector. The Foreign Minister said Pakistan and Sri Lanka have also been cooperating in the security sector. Answering a question, he said, there are some Pakistani prisoners in the Sri Lanka jails, some of them are involved in the drug related cases. He said both the countries are working to sign agreement for exchange of prisoners so that the Pakistani prisoners could be repatriated to Pakistan to complete their remaining sentences.

Renegade S Lanka leader goes home

Former Sri Lankan Tamil Tiger renegade Col Karuna has arrived in Colombo after completing a prison sentence in the UK, British embassy officials say.
Embassy spokesman Dominic Williams said that Col Karuna had been removed from a UK detention centre and deported to Sri Lanka on 2 July. The embassy refused to give any more details about his arrival.
A spokesman for his Tamil Peoples' Liberation Tigers party said that the colonel was "delighted" to be home. But in an interview with the BBC, he said that the colonel would not be offered the position of chief minister of Eastern Province, which was won by an alliance led by the government - containing the Tamil Peoples' Liberation Tigers - in elections in May. Security concerns Col Karuna was the commander of rebel territory in eastern Sri Lanka and effectively number two in the Tiger military organisation.

But in 2004 Col Karuna defected and began fighting alongside government forces against the Tigers. Col Karuna was sent to jail in the UK in January for identity fraud after being arrested in London late last year. He said his forged diplomatic passport and visa were arranged for him by the Sri Lankan defence secretary. Human rights group Amnesty International expressed disappointment that despite six months of investigation the British authorities did not find enough evidence to charge him for war crimes.

TN protest calls for citizenship to Lankan Tamils

A South Indian political party staged a demonstration in Tamil Nadu today (July 03rd) and urged the central government to grant citizenship to Sri Lankan Tamils who have sought refuge in South India.
The Viduthalai Chiruthaigal Party, led by T. Thirumavalan, organized the protest that called for an easing of the law to give nationality to these displaced persons, who have been living in South India for the past 25 years.
The treatment of more than 600,000 Sri Lankan Tamils as outsiders has resulted in them being faced with various problems, the protestors said.
Life in welfare camps is not fit for them, Thirumavalan said, adding that these people should be allowed to buy land and housing as well as to start their own businesses.

NCP closed ten schools

North-Central province educational office decided to close ten schools in Anuradhapura town on Friday.
Issuing a press release the office said the schools are closed Friday since transportation difficulties might be caused as Friday is the final day to hand in nominations for the provincial council elections.
The office said in order to make up for this day a Saturday will be declared a school day

Certain parties continue attempts to deprive Sri Lanka of the GSP Plus

Minister Professor G.L. Peiris says that certain parties continue attempts to remove Sri Lanka of the GSP Plus tax concession arranged by the European Union.
He said Sri Lanka has yet not applied for the extension of the system since no country can apply till the European Commission takes legal measures.
He also refuted statements that the government of France is against the Sri Lankan government. Mr.Peiris said that there is no basis for the rumours that western countries are against Sri Lanka.

Government condemns the attacks on two media personnel

Government of Sri Lanka comprehensively condemns the attacks on two media personnel attached to the Sri Lanka Institute of Journalism and the British High commission. The government said three teams have been appointed to look into these attacks, regarded as conspiracies to discredit the government.
According to the government sources the ministerial sub committee to look into the problems of media men will meet on Monday.

US reiterates human rights concerns

Deputy Assistant Secretary of State for South and Central Asian Affairs Evan Feigenbaum who visited Sri Lanka from June 30 and July 1 has reiterated concerns over the human rights situation in the country as well as the pressure being put on the media.

Former Minister Richard Pathirana dies

Former Education Minister Richard Pathirana, who had been suffering a prolonged illness, passed away this evening at his Colombo residence.

UNP and UPFA hand over nominations

The UNP has handed over nominations for three districts on Thursday for the forthcoming provincial council election. The districts are Polonnaruwa, Kegalle and Ratnapura. The party will hand over nominations for the Anuradhapura district Friday.
The United Peoples’ Freedom Alliance has handed in nominations for the Ratnapura district in the Sabaragamuwa Provincial Council Election.
The nominations were handed in this morning to the Elections Commissioner. Nominations for the North-central and Sabaragamuwa provincial council election close at noon tomorrow.
Several political parties and independent groups have already handed in nominations for several districts. So far five recognized political parties have handed in nominations for the Polonnaruwa district of the North-central province. Eight independent groups have placed their deposits and four groups have also given in their nominations.
In the Anuradhapura district four recognized political parties have handed in their nominations. Eight independent groups have placed their deposits in the district.
In the Sabaragamuwa provincial council three recognized political parties have handed in their nominations for the Kegalle district. Six independent groups have also placed their deposits. In the Ratnapura district seven recognized political parties and five independent groups have given in their nominations.

President to reward for information on Namal’s assailants

President Mahinda Rajapaka is to offer a cash prize for information on those responsible for the assault on Acting Manager Advocacy of the Sri Lanka Press Institute, Namal Perera, said sources at Temple Trees.

Yesterday (July 02nd), the SLPI, together with the Newspaper Publishers Association, offered a reward of Rs. 5 million for similar information.

Noting that the government is committed to preserving media freedom, the President has said that the government too, wanted the assailants to be exposed.

The president has spoken about the existence of a force that acts in order to bring disrepute to the government, and that he would be unhesitant in taking action against those responsible.

The President has also condemned last week’s attack by police anti-riot squads on a peaceful protest demonstration by Buddhist monks.

PNF, Wimal's option, now a recognized political party

The Patriotic National Front (PNF), a party led by MP Piyasiri Wijenayake and considered by Wimal Weerawansa as an option for his National Freedom Front (NFF), has become a recognized political party.

Elections Commissioner Dayananda Dissanayake today (June 03rd) accepted the registration of the PNF, a senior official at the Elections Secretariat said.

Mr. Wijenayake is Trade Unions Coordinating Secretary of the NFF.

He had applied for PNF's registration on the same day Mr. Weerawansa, together with the party's Secretary Nandana Gunatilake, sent the NFF's application.

With the PNF's recognition, the Elections Secretariat has up to now registered 59 political parties.

The Elections Commissioner has also recognized the NFF as a political party, but there still is an uncertainty about its symbol, the official said.

Therefore, it has not been included in a list of parties that can contest elections.

The PNF is the only party - out of 16 that had applied after May 10th - which have been accepted by the Elections Commissioner.

Earlier today, NFF leader Wimal Weerawansa told the media that they could not contest the upcoming provincial polls, as the party had yet to be recognized.

UNP to keep close eye on police

The UNP has appointed a special committee headed by its Puttalam District MP Palitha Range Bandara to look into the shortcomings and irregularities in the police service and take legal action against ‘errant officials’ who violate laws at the dictates of Government VIPs.

Mr. Bandara who is also a former police officer told a media conference yesterday that the party’s working committee appointed this committee on Tuesday since the police service had been politicized in an unprecedented manner today.

He said that the police officials are not a position to act according to established procedure in maintaining law and order as they are under constant pressure from Government heavyweights.

“Some officials openly carry out the agendas of ruling party politicians. They do not even record complaints made by opposition members,” he said.

He said that the UNP would prosecute officials who breach the country’s law in pursuit of the political agendas of Government VIPs.

“Now plans are already underway to take legal action against the OIC of a police station in Trincomalee. This official did not act according to the law when an opposition member lodged a complaint with him on May 5, in the run-up to the Eastern Provincial Council election. This committee will defend the police officials who discharge their duties honestly despite political pressure,” he said.

He said most IGPs had been posted to top positions in the Government or the diplomatic service after retirement, and therefore there has been the temptation for anyone appointed as the IGP to please the Government expecting high suitable rewards on retirement.

“Soon after his retirement outgoing IGP Victor Perera was appointed as the Northern Province Governor. We will closely observe how newly appointed IGP Jayantha Wickramaratne will work. Our committee will not hesitate to take action against him if he violates the law,” he said.

UNP hands over nominations for three districts

The UNP has handed over nominations for three districts today for the upcoming provincial council election. The districts are Polonnaruwa, Kegalle and Ratnapura. The party will hand over nominations for the Anuradhapura district tomorrow.

Government will be suspected for the assault: Minister

Media Minister Lakshman Yapa Abeywardena said yesterday that the Government will be suspected for the assault on Journalist Namal Perera and British High Commission political officer Mahendra Ratnaweera, if police fail to identify the real culprits behind the attack.

Addressing a media conference yesterday he said the attack was a blow to the two media ministers and the committee against media violence as the incident took place in the lawn of its establishment.

“We urge the police to catch the culprits behind the attack which has created a shameful and loathsome feeling within us. The police have already deployed two police squads to investigate the incident,” he said.

He further said that the Ministers were aware of the assault after a few minutes of the incident and took steps to inform the President who acted immediately to provide security to the hospital that the two injured persons were admitted.

“The Police have identified the vehicles using the numbers on the number plates, but later on it was reported that the vehicles were not white vans and had no connection with the incident,” he said.

Meanwhile expressing his views about the upcoming strike actions he said that the working people of the country should refrain from participating in the strike on July10 as it is conducted to fulfill certain political agendas and that several trade unions have pledged their support to the government to refrain from the strike.

“The salary increase of Rs.1000 is the maximum that the government could provide right now while a large sum of money is spent on the war. The Defence expenditure has reached Rs.63 billion in 2008 from the Rs.30.9 billion in 2004,” he said adding that the salary expenditures of the government has increased up to Rs. 233 billion in 2008 from Rs. 214 billion in 2007.

“We know that the people are having a hard time. We request them to be patient until this war ends and we will be able to provide their needs more efficiently afterwards,” he added.

Modera Tamils searched and videoed

A massive search operation was conducted in Modera yesterday, with over ten Tamil civilians taken into custody, the police said.

Meanwhile Modera Police OIC C. Iriyadeniya denied allegations of shabby treatment and harassment of the civilians during the operation.

Civilians in the area had complained that they were dragged out of their beds in the early hours of the morning by Police and Army personnel, lined up on a nearby ground and videoed, all in the name of a search operation.

Women and children who were still dressed in their night gowns were not spared time to change into other clothes before leaving their homes and eyewitnesses alleged the civilians were treated shabbily by the security forces who had dragged them into the open area.

“We were not even given time to change. Some of us were still in our night garments as it was only 6 in the morning. Some children were half dressed as they were preparing to go to school,” one civilian told Daily Mirror, on condition of anonymity.

Civilians further alleged that while hundreds of Tamils nationals were being lined up, they were told to remain still while the security forces videoed them individually.

“We could not utter a word. We had to do exactly what they said. Some of our children were eating biscuits or holding plates of rice in their hands when they had been dragged out. We were completely harassed,” the civilians said.

However, Modera Police OIC Iriyadeniya denied all allegations of shabby treatment and harassment towards the civilians adding that the civilians had only ‘exaggerated’ the incident.

OIC Iriyadeniya said that while the police supervised the search operation, Army personnel videoed and questioned the civilians, adding this was the norm when conducting search operations.

“We started the search operation at 6 a.m. and ended it at 10 a.m. The civilians were all lined up on a nearby ground and questioned and after we finished checking them, they were released. Around 10 civilians were, however, arrested during the inquiry,” he said.

Meanwhile, condemning the alleged harassme