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SLFP trade union at SLPA transformed into a company |
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2009-08-29 | 4.45 PM |
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The SLFP trade union at the Sri Lanka Ports Authority (SLPA) has been registered as a company at the Company Registrar. The reason for the registration is the ability for the SLFP trade union to be engaged in business activities in the port and it is learnt that the union has already started to calculate the profits. |
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Basil orders cancellation of interview to select next Ananda Principal |
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2009-08-29 | 11.45 AM |
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A Cabinet decision arrived at on an order by Senior Presidential Advisor Basil Rajapakse has resulted in the cancellation of the interview to select a principal for Ananda College scheduled for August 27.
The decision was made at the Cabinet meeting held on the 26th on an order made by Basil. It is learnt that the acting principal of the College was not asked to attend the interview, which has resulted in the cancellation of the interview. |
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Lands of Tamils and Muslims in Samanthruai forcibly taken |
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2009-08-29 | 11.45 AM |
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Sinhalese who have come from other areas are forcibly encroaching on lands owned by Tamils and Muslims in the Samanthurai Divisional Secretariat area in the Ampara District.
It is reported that among these people who are encroachintg on lands are members of the home guard unit and the police. So far the land forcibily taken by these encroachers amount to about 400 acres.
Although the real owners of the lands have lodged complaints with the Samanthurai Divisional Secretary, Ampara District Secretary and the Ampara Police with regard to the issues faced by them, no action has been taken yet by the authorities. |
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Tamil people are imprisoned to prepare for an election mugging
– Mano Ganeshan |
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2009-08-29 | 11.45 AM |
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Parliamentarian Mano Ganeshan alleged that the reason for not resettlig the people in IDP camps is because of the fact that 175,000 people have voting rights, which could be forcibly taken by the government at the next general and presidential election.
The parliamentarian made this statement at a press conference held at Nippon Hotel on Wednesday (26). He added that while the government has already idetified most of the LTTE members among the displaced civilians, the security forces when entering the Vellamullivaikkal area had also cleared the land mines. Therefore, he said the government could resettle people in almost 85% of the land that was earlier under the LTTE.
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Massive conference hall to be built with SLPA funds |
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2009-08-28 | 11.30 PM |
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The Presidential Secretariat has handed over a contract to build a massive conference hall within the Temple Trees premises to the Sri Lanka Ports Authority (SLPA). The current conference hall could accommodate up to 2,500 people and is a temporary structure.
The new building that is being built with great urgency targeting the next Presidential election campaign could accommodate between 5,000-5,500 people.
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Gamanpila attacks Champika in JHU’s official news paper |
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2009-08-28 | 11.30 PM |
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JHU Western Province Minister Udaya Gamanpila has criticized and attacked the JHU’s theoretician, Minister Champika Ranawaka in the August issue of the party’s official newspaper, Sakhanda.
The article published under the title, “Unitary or federal?” states, “… ‘The Supreme Court after looking into the amendment has said that if at least a decimal point of additional powers is vested from the 13th amendment, a federal state could be formed.’ This statement was made by a leader of a party represented in the government. |
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President amends law to protect Shasheendra’s Basnayake Nilame post |
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2009-08-28 | 11.30 PM |
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The President has issued a gazette to ensure that Shasheendra Rajapakse could continue to serve as the Basnayake Nilame of the Ruhunu Kataragama Maha Devala while holding the office of Uva Province Chief Minister.
The gazette number 1614/30 issued on August 14 states, “By virtue of the powers vested in me by Section 3 of the Buddhist Temporalities Ordinance (Chapter 318) as amended by Act, No. 3 of 1992, read with Article 44 (2) of the Constitution, I, Mahinda Rajapaksa, President of the Democratic Socialist Republic of Sri Lanka, do by this Order exempt the Ruhunu Maha Kataragama Devalaya from the operations of the provisions of paragraph (cc) of Section 14 of that Ordinance.” |
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Rupavahini spends Rs. 90 million for film to promote the President |
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2009-08-28 | 11.30 PM |
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Sri Lanka Rupavahini Corporation (SLRC) Chairman, Ariyaratne Athugala has decided to produce a film promoting the President using SLRC funds.
It is learnt that the film, which would be created base don the character of King Rajasinghe II, is expected to cost Rs. 90 million.
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Opposition Leader to call for an investigation from government on Channel 4 news item |
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2009-08-28 | 11.30 PM |
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Signs of a postponement in the Presidential election |
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2009-08-28 | 11.30 PM |
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The government has decided to change its plan on holding the Presidential election and is looking at holding it a few months after the initially anticipated time, it is reliably learnt.
It is learnt that the Presidential election could be postponed due to the campaign carried out by the JVP claiming the President had no moral right to hold another Presidential election and the possibility of a common candidate entering the fray at the elections. |
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Key Campaign to Unlock Sri Lankan ‘Concentration Camps’ |
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2009-08-28 | 4.50 PM |
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Marking 100 days since the end of the bloody conflict in Sri Lanka and the imprisonment of over 280,000 Tamil
civilians in deplorable ‘concentration camps’, British Tamils Forum launched an unprecedented “Key” campaign.
The launch event, attended by UK Parliamentarians, human rights activists, councillors and members of
community organisations, was held at the Boothroyd Suite, Portcullis House in Westminster on Thursday, 27
August from 4pm. |
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IBAHRI condemns death threat to prominent Sri Lankan human rights activist |
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2009-08-28 | 4.30 PM |
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The International Bar Association’s Human Rights Institute (IBAHRI) condemns the death threat made to one of Sri Lanka’s leading human rights activists Mr Paikiasothy Saravanamuttu, the Executive Director of the Colombo-based think tank Centre for Policy Alternatives (CPA). Concerned by this serious threat to Mr Saravanamuttu’s personal safety, the IBAHRI has today written to the Sri Lanka authorities urging them to protect his fundamental rights and physical security, and to conduct a full investigation into the anonymous death threat received by Mr Saravanamuttu at his home on 20 August 2009. |
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SLFP seniors in the South join forces against Sajin |
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2009-08-27 | 9.10 PM |
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SLFP seniors contesting the Southern Provincial Council election have decided not to allow the powers of Temple Trees and the Rajapakses to obstruct their campaigns and defeat them at the election.
They have arrived at this decision realizing that they could not allow the likes of Sajin Vaas Gunawardena, who is contesting the Southern Provincial Council election with the President’s blessings, to undermine their respective campaigns. |
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Prime Minister laughs at Basil’s helicopter rides to parliament |
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2009-08-27 | 9.10 PM |
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Several senior government ministers have expressed their displeasure at the fact that Prime Minister Ratnasiri Wickremanayake traveled to parliament by road while Presidential Advisor, Basil Rajapakse arrived in parliament by helicopter.
The Ministers have discussed this issue in the government members lobby in parliament. It is learnt that the person who had criticized Basil’s actions most is a senior government member, who is currently building forces against the Presidential Advisor. |
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President decided to cancel jumbo trip to the US |
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2009-08-27 | 9.10 PM |
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The President decided to cancel his intended visit to the US along with a jumbo contingent of 80 persons following a communication received by senior officials of the Sri Lankan Foreign Ministry from the US embassy officials in Colombo that it would not be able to issue visas to all the delegates who had applied for a US visa.
The US embassy in Colombo had informed the Foreign Ministry that it could not issue visas to some delegates after considering their background and actions. |
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Matara people do not have an “actress mania” says Dullas Alahapperuma |
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2009-08-27 | 9.10 PM |
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Transport Minister Dullas Alahapperuma speaking at an internal discussion at the Matara Mayura Hotel has said, “The people in Matara are those with a political culture, who have fought on behalf of politics and sacrificed their lives for it. We in Matara have a history. Therefore, we don’t need pretty actresses to win elections. We have to show the country that we do not need actors and actresses teaching us politics and that we do not suffer from an actress mania by getting the highest number of votes than the other two districts at the Southern Provincial Council election.” |
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No promotions to new comers at Kelaniya University |
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2009-08-27 | 9.10 PM |
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Workers who are on probation at the Kelaniya University are not permitted to apply for existing vacancies within the University.
University sources say that until recently, such promotions were given to the workers on probation by the University administration and so far all applications forwarded by workers on probation to the relevant departments have been turned down. |
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Matara Rest House given to Medamulana cook for 30 years |
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2009-08-27 | 9.10 PM |
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The President has taken steps to lease out the Matara Rest House building at a monthly price of Rs. 88,000 for a period of 33 years to the cook named Sarath Kandambi, who prepares meals for the Rajapakses and the Medamulana Walawwa.
Although the Matara Rest House building belongs to the Urban Development Authority, the land on which it is situated belongs to the Matara Urban Council. However, a company named UDA Rest House Limited has transferred the Matara Rest House land and building to the President’s cook. |
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Gotabhaya’s assassination attempt story a manufactured piece says Siritunga Jayasuriya |
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2009-08-27 | 11.00 AM |
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A key figure in the Platform for Freedom, Siritunga Jayasuriya said that the headline story carried in the media on the unraveling of a plot to assassinate Defence Secretary Gotabhaya Rajapakse is a manufactured piece of news aimed at suppressing the opposition at future elections.
Siritunga Jayasuriya made this comment during his speech at the Platform for Freedom meeting in Anuradhapura on Tuesday (25). |
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“It is not so good for the government after September 9, let’s work together,” Mervyn Silva tells Malik Samarawickrema |
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2009-08-27 | 11.00 AM |
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Labour Minister Mervyn Silva has told UNP Working Committee member Malik Samarawickrema that since the period following September 9 is identified as a bad period for the government and the country by astrologers, it is important for everyone to work together regardless of party politics.
Mervyn Silva had said this to Samarawickrema at the wedding reception of the late Gamini Atukorale’s daughter held at the Cinnamon Grand Hotel. |
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Guns and bombs offered as grand prize from Mobitel |
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2009-08-27 | 11.00 AM |
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Lakshman Hulugalle releases details of Minister Navinna’s brass robbery to the media |
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2009-08-27 | 11.00 AM |
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Director General of the Media Center for National Security (MCNS), Lakshman Hulugalle has handed over files to several media institutions on an alleged brass robbery being carried out by Rural Development Minister S.B. Navinna by misleading the security forces.
Hulugalle’s report states that the Minister had purchased discarded brass, iron and copper material from the security forces claiming to sell them at concessionary prices to small industrialists. However, after purchasing the material, the Minister and his businessman confidant had sold the material at high prices to other businessmen earning millions of rupees. |
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SLT unions call for CEO’s removal |
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2009-08-27 | 11.00 AM |
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Trade unions attached to Sri Lanka Telecom (SLT) are planning to resort to union action calling for the removal of the company’s Chief Executive Officer (CEO) Greg Young.
A plan is underway to present a proposal to increase the powers vested with Greg Young, who is the representative of SLT shareholder Maxis Malaysia, at a board meeting scheduled to be held on August 28. |
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Channel 4 telecasts a moment in the Northern battlefield |
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2009-08-27 | 11.00 AM |
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Weerawansa supporter chased away by angry crowd |
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2009-08-26 | 6.30 PM |
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Many focused their attention on the controversies surrounding the Grade 5 scholarship exam that was held last Sunday. The shortage of test papers to be distributed among 40 students who were sitting for the exam at the Dadella BTS Vidyalaya caused an uproar among the parents.
The parents expressed their displeasure at government authorities whom they claimed have failed to hold the scholarship exam without any blunders. |
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New policy of the British High Commission in Sri Lanka
Green channel for Kudu Lal and interview for the Attorney General |
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2009-08-26 | 6.30 PM |
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The British High Commission in Sri Lanka has called Attorney General Mohan Peiris for an interview following a visa application forwarded by him to the High Commission.
People who have previously traveled to the UK and VIPs are generally not asked to attend an interview. The current attorney General has traveled to the UK on several occasions. However, the Attorney General had this time around attended an interview following a result made by the British High Commission in Sri Lanka from him to do so. |
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Intelligence units after Rudrakumaran and Gnanakoon |
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2009-08-26 | 6.30 PM |
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Sri Lankan intelligence units are looking at the possibility of bringing down the LTTE’s legal advisor and theoretician, Attorney Rudrakumaran and another leading figure in the movement, Charles Gnanakoon to the country.
It is learnt the intelligence units have requested the help of authorities in countries Rudrakumaran is believed to be residing to make the arrest. However, it is also learnt that authorities are faced with a difficulty in determining the basis to make Rudrakumaran’s arrest. |
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Video evidence of extra-judicial executions in Sri Lanka |
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2009-08-25 | 11.30 PM |
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We, 'Journalists for Democracy in Sri Lanka', wish to bring to your attention this disturbing video
clip. We are not in a position to disclose the way we received it, but we can say that the video was
captured during the month of January in 2009. |
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A mud-slinging poster on Anarkali sent to SLFP headquarters |
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2009-08-25 | 3.30 PM |
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SLFP sources said that the party headquarters has received a colorful poster with the slogan, “I too will give if I’m given.”
A further inquiry into the incident has revealed that the poster carrying a nude picture of Anarkali Akarasha, sponsored by Western provincial Councilor Duminda Silva, was prepared by the media unit of a Minister who was recently quoted as saying, “impractical actresses should not be taken into politics.”
Although we have received a copy of the poster to our e-mail, we would not publish it, as it is in violation of media ethics.
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Rupavahini and ITN banned from telecasting songs with General Sarath Fonseka’s image |
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2009-08-25 | 3.30 PM |
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A head in the ITN TV channel, Sudarman Radaliyagoda has told several of his old Anandian friends that following orders received by high ranking officials in the government to the Rupavahini and ITN, the state media institutions have stopped telecasting songs that carry images of Genral Sarath Fonseka.
Accordingly, a patriotic song by Chandrika Siriwardena has been stopped from being telecast on both state media institutions. |
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Conspiracy by the First Lady and Wickremasinghe’s to block Shasheendra to Moneragala and push Namal into national politics |
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2009-08-25 | 3.30 PM |
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A close relative of the President told Lanka News Web that Shasheendra Rajapakse was made the Uva Province Chief Minister and was blocked in provincial level politics in order to promote Namal Rajapakse into national politics.
The First Lady’s brothers, the Wickremasinghes, have advised the President to appoint Shasheendra in to Uva in order to promote Namal. According to the proposal, Shasheendra would not have a chance of contesting at a future general election. |
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Anura Dissanayake asks Lakshman Yapa to read Mahinda Chinthana before making comments |
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2009-08-25 | 11.30 AM |
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JVP parliamentary group leader Anura Dissanayake in a letter to non-cabinet Media Minister Lakshman Yapa Abeywardena has asked him to read either the agreement signed by the President with the JVP or the Mahinda Chinthana and not to make pathetic statements that demean the office he holds. |
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Sri Lankan High Commissioner to the UK under fire for incompetence |
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2009-08-24 | 5.10 PM |
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Foreign Minister Rohitha Bogollagama convened a meeting at the Sri Lankan High Commission in London, during his visit to the UK on July 31, 2009 to attend the Commonwealth meeting, to review the progress of the construction of the new High Commission residence.
Angered by the delay in completing the new residence, the Minister had blamed the High Commissioner and officials for not asking the respective UK architect of the project to attend the meeting. |
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Government muddles Grade 5 scholarship exams as well |
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2009-08-24 | 3.30 PM |
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The Lanka Teacher Services Union said that Grade 5 students in some areas who sat for the scholarship exam yesterday (23) were faced with great difficulties. |
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Two government appointed SLT directors working on behalf of Maxis |
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2009-08-24 | 3.30 PM |
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Sri Lanka Telecom (SLT) trade union sources said that two directors appointed to the SLT board to represent the government’s share in the company are allegedly working on behalf of the other shareholding company at SLT, Maxis Malaysia.
Maxis Malaysia after purchasing SLT shares from Japan’s NTTE Company, appointed Chief Executive Officer (CEO) Greg Young and three other directors to the SLT board.
However, a special board meeting has been scheduled for this week to discuss about increasing the powers vested with the CEO. |
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“UNP is supportive of abolishing executive presidency” – Ravi Karunanayake |
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2009-08-24 | 3.30 PM |
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UNP parliamentarian Ravi Karunanayake addressing a reorganization meeting of the party’s committee in Udahamulla yesterday (23) said that since three decades of political practices have proven the Executive Presidency brought by the UNP is not agreeable to the country, the party has decided to support the abolishing of the Executive Presidency. The decision he said would be announced publicly shortly. |
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Dullas forced to eat his own words |
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2009-08-24 | 3.30 PM |
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SLFP Propaganda Unit Head, Minister Dullas Alahapperuma who said, “Mr. Ranil Wickremesinghe should know that elections are not beauty pageants where people like Ranjan Ramanayake and Rosy Senanayake take part in,” is now placed in a difficult position, SLFP sources said.
Dullas made this statement critical of actors and actresses contesting elections at a UPFA media conference held soon after the dissolution of the Southern Provincial Council. |
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Complaint to be made against SLPA Chairman who presented bogus certificates |
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2009-08-24 | 3.30 PM |
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A JVP parliamentarian told Lanka News Web that a complaint would be made to the Speaker during the next parliamentary sessions calling for an inquiry to be held against Sri Lanka Ports Authority (SLPA) Chairman, Bandu Wickremamunige for allegedly handing over bogus certificates and misleading the parliamentary Committee on High Posts.
The parliamentarian said that although a doctorate was not necessary to hold the post of SLPA Chairman, he had tried to show he was more than qualified to hold the position by handing over bogus certificates and misleading parliament. |
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Promotions in teaching sector delayed due to Education Minister’s irresponsible action |
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2009-08-23 | 7.30 PM |
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The Lanka Teacher Services Union says that the lack of a properly structured programme to address the issues related to promotions in the teaching sector has prevented about 30,000 teachers from receiving their due promotions.
The union claims that the reason for this situation is the non implementation of the agreements reached between representatives of the Lanka Teacher Services Union and Education Minister Susil Premajayantha at a discussion in June. |
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Divaina journalist Manoj Abeydheera apologizes for splitting the JVP |
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2009-08-23 | 7.30 PM |
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JVP Leader Somawansa Amerasinghe has turned down an apology extended to the party by the local agent for Maxis Malaysia and Divaina journalist Manoj Abeydheera saying he was sorry for supporting Wimal Weerawansa create a split in the JVP through the Divaina newspaper. Amerasinghe has said, “We have no dealings with traitors.”
Internal sources from the JVP said that Manoj Abeydheera, who is no longer close to Wimal Weerawansa, had made a lengthy confession to a JVP parliamentarian about his treacherous acts against the JVP when he was working together with Weerawansa. |
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General Sarath Fonseka denies circulating statements via sarath.fonseka.2010@gmail.com to the President and Defence Secretary |
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2009-08-23 | 7.30 PM |
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JVP names chief ministerial candidate for Southern PC election |
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2009-08-23 | 7.30 PM |
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Even children cannot leave the camps for medical treatment – Mavai Senadhiraja |
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2009-08-22 | 6.10 PM |
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TNA parliamentarian Mavai Senadhiraja says that the security forces does not give permission for sick children to be taken out of the displaced camps for further treatment even following medical recommendations.
The parliamentarain said that the docotors have reuqested the sick children to be moved out of the displaced camp for further treatment due to the difficulty in accessing the camps with the necessary health care facilities following the heavy rains in the area that have flooded the roadways. |
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President slashes Susil’s powers by appointing executive advisor |
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2009-08-22 | 6.10 PM |
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An executive advisor has been appointed on a Presidential directive to the Education Ministry, who has the mandate to give orders to the Minisry Secretary and other officials, slashing Edcuation Minister Susil Premajayantha’s powers.
Dr. Upali M. Sedara has been appointed as the Executive Director to the Edcuation Minister with effect from August 21, 2009. |
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14,000 Army soldiers have lost limbs |
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2009-08-22 | 6.10 PM |
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It is reproted that the 14,000 Army soldiers have lost their limbs due to the war between the security forces and the LTTE for the past 25 years. These statistics have been revealed by the company Avaas International that is engaged in manufacturing artificial limbs. The compnay is to commence providing artificial limbs to the wounded soldiers from September 3. Among those who have lost their limbs, some have even lost both limbs.
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2009-08-22 | 6.10 PM |
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It has been reported that the post of Prof. Desmond Mallikarachchi, who was promoted to a position of professor of the Peradeniya University with effect from 2005, has been removed on directive issued by the Universoty’s adimintsration board.
The reason for the removal has been cited as payments made by the professor without the approval of the vice chancellor to lecturers who conducted seminars for external graduates when he was the director of the University’s external degrees department during the period of 2000 and 2003. |
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Lake House writes off Rs. 50 million |
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2009-08-22 | 4.45 PM |
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The Lake House borad of directors through form D/2/03/08 has cancelled an advance payment of Rs. 50 million paid to a US company through a Bank of Ceylon letter of credit to purchase 6 printing machines for the institution.
It is reproted that the transaction had to be cancelled due to the inability to receive the files related to the matter, which were in the possession of the late parliamentarian Sripathi Sooriyarachchi, who at the time was the legal advisor to Lake House. |
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Anarkali to run against Sajin in Galle |
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2009-08-22 | 4.45 PM |
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One of popular actress Anarkali Akarsha’a uncles, Nahil Wijesuriya, has told seniors of the JHU that the President had changed his decision to field Anarkali from the UPFA to contest from the Matara District at the forthcoming Southern Provincial Council election. He has said the President had decided yesterday (21) to field Anarkali from the Galle District following several appeals made to the effect by the First Leadey and the children. |
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Actress Susantha Chandramali to contest the Southern Provincial Council election from Hambantota |
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2009-08-22 | 4.00 AM |
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Those who hooted at the Platform for Freedom meeting are partial towards the government – Upulangani Malagamuwa |
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2009-08-22 | 4.00 AM |
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SLFP (M) Wing Deputy Leader Upulangani Malagamuwa said that the actions of the Kurunegala District Leader of a leading political party to send several thugs to disrupt the proceedings of the Platform for Freedom held in Krurnegala on Tuesday (18) was a clear indication of the respective politician’s affiliations to the government and that he acted on state orders.
Upulangani made this comment at a press conference held at the SLFP (M) Wing headquarters on Thursday (20). |
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Triad Advertising Agency threatens newspaper that carried story on TV ad that costs Rs. 100 lakhs |
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2009-08-22 | 4.00 AM |
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The Triad Advertising Agency is disturbed by the news items carried in newspapers based on a release issued by the Organization to Protect People’s Rights and Assets on the spending of Rs. 100 lakhs by the Railway Department on a directive by the Transport Minister to develop a three minute television advertisement to promote the Northern railway line, according to the Unions Lanka website.
The website report states, “It is learnt that the respective advertising agency has issued a statement in writing to an English daily newspaper that carried the story in an attempt to clear the names of the Transport Minister and the government. |
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Lanka Teacher Services Union object to Media Minister’s irresponsible statement |
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2009-08-22 | 4.00 AM |
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The Lanka Teacher Services Union said that Media Minister Lakshman Yapa Abeywardena had made suspicious and irresponsible statements with regard to the A/Level biology test paper at a media briefing held at the Media Ministry on the 19th.
A press statement issued by the Union’s Secretary, Mahinda Jayasinghe says that Minister Abeywardena referring to the incident related to the A/Level biology paper had said there were two inquiries being conducted into the incident and even before their concluded, the Minister had said the tuition master in question had not leaked questions in the test paper to his students and that an investigation is being launched in to an education sector trade union. |
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Death Threat Deals New Blow to Free Expression in Sri Lanka |
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2009-08-22 | 4.00 AM |
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The Sri Lankan government is solely responsible for ensuring the safety of prominent human rights activist Paikiasothy Saravanamuttu, who received an anonymous death threat at his home yesterday. Freedom House urges that the Sri Lanka government demonstrate that it will not continue to tolerate such vigilantism by carrying out a full and impartial investigation and bringing the perpetrators to justice. |
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Secret talks in parliament on future of UPFA |
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2009-08-22 | 4.00 AM |
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Shasheendra’s satakaya angers the First Lady |
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2009-08-22 | 3.00 AM |
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Sources from Temple Trees said that the President adorning the newly elected Uva Province Chief Minister Shasheendra Rajapakse with the Rajapakse family’s traditional satakaya at the swearing in ceremony of the Uva Province Chief Minister and the Council ministers held at the Presidential Secretariat on Thursday (20) has angered the First Lady.
Shasheendra received a record number of preferential votes at the Uva Provincial Council election.
The First Lady has been displeased over the move to bring in Shasheendra into politics before their eldest son, Namal Rajapakse. |
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Platform for Freedom (PfF)Condemns the Threats Against One of Its Convenors Dr. Saravanamuttu |
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2009-08-21 | 8.35 PM |
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Platform for Freedom, an initiative of civil society organizations comprising of representatives from trade unions, media groups and political parties is appalled at the most recent attempt to intimidate one of its convenors Dr. Paikiasothy Saravanamuttu, Director of CPA and condemn this cowardly act of intimidation to silence the ‘voice of civil society’.
Dr. Saravanamuttu has been in the forefront of civil society activism to uphold human rights, the rule of law and democracy. In particular his organisation has continued to challenge the culture of impunity, threats to rule of law and violation of fundamental rights by filing fundamental rights cases in the Supreme Court. Some of these cases have given us landmark judgements. |
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Ports Authority Chairman’s bogus doctorate revealed before parliamentary committee |
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2009-08-21 | 4.00 PM |
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The parliamentary Committee on High Posts on Thursday (20) decided not to confirm Dr. P.B. Wickrema as Chairman of the Sri Lanka Ports Authority (SLPA) due to doubts over the veracity of the educational qualifications presented by him following the revelation of his bogus doctorate.
The Committee on High Posts met in parliament on Thursday morning under the patronage of Parliamentary Affairs Minister M.H. Mohomad and members Bimal Ratnayake, Prof. Vishva Warnapala, Ravi Karunanayake, Renuka Herath, Lakshman Kiriella and John Amaratunge. |
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Plan to resettle IDPs in the midst of Army and Sinhala settlements |
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2009-08-21 | 10.30 AM |
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A source close to the President said that the release of IDPs has been postponed indefinitely with the government focusing on a plan to resettle them along with the new Sinhala and military settlements that are to be set up in the north.
The source further noted that the plan is to resettle people in areas in Kilinochchi, Mullaitivu, below Mannar and above Vavuniya , where there are currently no people. The plan is said to remove all the old Tamil villages that existed in the respective areas. |
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Dr. Paikiasothy Saravanamuttu, CPA Executive Director, receives death threat |
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2009-08-21 | 10.30 AM |
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The Executive Director of the Centre for Policy Alternatives (CPA), Dr. Paikiasothy Saravanamuttu this morning received an anonymous death threat written in English, posted to his residence. According to the contents of the letter, Dr. Saravanamuttu WILL (emphasis in original) be killed because Sri Lanka stands to be deprived of the European Union’s GSP Plus benefits in October, with resultant job losses, due to information supplied by Dr. Saravanamuttu to Ms. Benita Ferrero-Waldner, the EU’s Commissioner for External Relations. |
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Statement by the Centre for Policy Alternatives (CPA) on recent revelations of serious Police abuses and their impact on the Rule of Law
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2009-08-21 | 10.30 AM |
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The Centre for Policy Alternatives (CPA) is deeply perturbed by the recent events involving shocking acts of abuse of authority by officers of the Sri Lankan Police. The cases involving the son and associates of Colombo Crimes Division SSP Vaas Gunewardene and the extra-judicial executions of two youths allegedly by members of the Angulana Police have no place in a civilised society, let alone one that claims to be a democracy under the Rule of Law.
While under strenuous public and media pressure the authorities have taken some action in these cases – and we uphold the |
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The Beauty of Barbed Wire: Sri Lanka's cutting edge exhibition |
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2009-08-21 | 10.30 AM |
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Banyan News Reporters learns that Sri Lanka will hold the world’s first barbed wire exhibition for 180 days beginning 1st September at the Bandaranaike Memorial Hall under the auspices of the Ministry of Human Rights Disaster Management. Titled ‘The Beauty of Barbed Wire’ the exhibition will showcase cultural uses and relevance of barded wire in Sri Lanka.
Over 260,000 are projected to visit the exhibition over 180 days, making this one of the world’s largest events on this nature. |
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Presidential photographer Sudath Silva openly shouts at Dinamina journalist Chandrani Marasinghe at Shasheendra’s swearing in ceremony |
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2009-08-20 | 9.45 PM |
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Presidential photographer Sudath Silva, who had walked up to the journalists’ enclosure at the swearing in ceremony of Uva Province Chief Minister Shasheendra Rajapakse at the Presidential Secretariat today (20), had openly shouted at Dinamina journalist Chandrani Marasinghe. |
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General Sarath Fonseka pays a visit to the Malwatu-Asgiri Mahanayakes |
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2009-08-20 | 9.45 PM |
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Chief of Defence Staff General Sarath Fonseka on Monday (17) had visited Kandy to pay homage to the sacred tooth relic and to meet with the Malwatu-Asgiri Mahanayakes. According to an e-mail sent to us via sarath.fonseka.2010@gmail.com, Fonseka is to meet with the chief priests of the Amarapura and Ramanna nikayas shortly.
The e-mail further stated that a Sarath Fonseka is also planning on launching his website as well. |
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Clash between Eastern Province Chief Minister and Governor intensifies |
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2009-08-20 | 9.45 PM |
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Sources from the Presidential Secretariat said that the ongoing conflict between the Eastern Province Chief Minister Sivanesathurai Chandrakanthan alias Pillayan and Governor, Rear Admiral Mohan Wijewickrema has further intensified.
Sources noted that the five ministers of the council including the Chief Minister have already sent two petitions against the Governor.
Eastern Province Ministers M.L.M. Hizbullah, M.S. Udumal Lebbe, Thuraiappa Navaratneraja and Wimalaweera Dissanayake have also signed the petitions sent by the Chief Minister claiming the Governor unduly interfered in affairs and decisions related to the Eastern Provincial Council. |
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NFF avoids debate fearing a Presidential outburst |
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2009-08-20 | 9.45 PM |
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The National Freedom Front (NFF) has earlier requested for an adjournment debate in parliament on the collapse of underpasses on highways and their standards. Following the request, the adjournment debate on highways was scheduled for today (20).
It is learnt that hearing the request made by the NFF for an adjournment debate, the President had summoned NFF Leader Wimal Weerawansa and berated him for the move. |
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Navin invites Sajith and Jalani for his birthday, but excludes Wimal |
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2009-08-20 | 6.50 PM |
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Minister Navin Dissanayake is planning a grand birthday bash to be held on September 9 under the patronage of Senior Presidential Advisor Basil Rajapakse and has extended invitations to many politicians as well.
Invitations have been extended to the Rukman-Johnston-Lakshman trio, also known as the “Basil Group” in the UNP and to one of the group’s former members Sajith Premadasa as well. |
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Johnston’s supporters disrupt Platform for Freedom meeting following Basil’s directives |
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2009-08-20 | 6.50 PM |
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A key figure of “Basil’s Group” in the UNP, Kurunegala District parliamentarian Johnston Fernando’s attempt to disrupt the proceedings of a meeting organized by the Platform for Freedom in Kurunegala on Tuesday (18) failed. Several of Johnston’s stooges tried to disrupt the meeting by hooting after consuming alcohol.
UNP Chairman, Gamini Jayawickrema Perera had earlier in the day informed party Deputy Leader Karu Jayasuriya of information he had received with regard to Johnston’s plan to get some of his supporters to disrupt the Platform for Freedom meeting scheduled on the 18th. |
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2009-08-20 | 6.50 PM |
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A party leader’s of government members was held on Tuesday (18) at temple Trees.
The President it is learnt has criticized the National Freedom Front (NFF) at the meeting. However, NFF Leader Wimal Weerawansa had not attended the meeting and several other party members including Cultural Affairs Minister Piyasiri Wijenayake had attended the discussion. |
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Appeal to end internment camps in Sri Lanka |
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2009-08-20 | 11.30 AM |
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Three months on from military victory yet the misery continues for over 300,000 Tamil civilians in the island of Sri
Lanka, who remain confined in military-run internment camps, hidden from the glare of international witnesses.
The Times UK reported deplorable death tolls in these camps arising from malnutrition, widespread disease and
insufficient medical facilities. |
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UNP’s Basil Group invited for Navin’s birthday |
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2009-08-19 | 3.40 PM |
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UNP defector and government minister Navin Dissanayake has invited the three Basil Group members in the UNP, Rukman Senanayake, Johnston Fernando and Lakshman Seneviratne, for his birthday dinner that falls on September 9.
Navin Dissanayake has invited 38 politicians including the three UNP members for the dinner scheduled to be held at his Alfred House residence. |
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Rooms for Sri Lanka Cricket officials at Fortress Hotel costs Rs. 5 million |
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2009-08-19 | 3.40 PM |
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The tournament organizing committee has booked 39 rooms at a cost of Rs. 16,000 per day at the Fortress Hotel in Koggala for the Sri Lanka Cricket officials who will be attending the first test match between Sri Lanka and New Zealand in Galle.
It is learnt that the rooms at the hotel belonging to Board of Investment (BoI) Chairman Dhammika Perera have been booked for six days. |
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No need to sweat it says Southern Provincial Council election candidates |
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2009-08-19 | 3.40 PM |
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Interviews for the SLFP members hopeful of contesting at the forthcoming Southern Provincial Council elections was held in the past few days. Actress Anarkali Akarsha, who is to contest the elections from the Matara District, had participated in the interview last Sunday.
It is learnt that the interviewing committee had immediately summoned Anarkali in to the room as soon as she walked in ignoring the many SLFP loyalists and activists who were already there from morning for the interview. |
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A/Level Sinhala examination paper tests the war psyche and patriotism of Sinhala students |
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2009-08-19 | 3.40 PM |
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Several questions to test the war psyche and patriotism of students were included in the GCE Advanced Level Sinhala question paper that was distributed among students sitting for the 2009 exam today (19).
The first question of the second part of the Sinhala paper that was given a time allocation of three hours had requested the students to write an essay on one of the five topics given.
Following are two of the essay topics given for students to choose from. |
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Conspiracy to curtail General Sarath Fonseka’s powers |
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2009-08-19 | 3.40 PM |
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A conspiracy has been launched to slash powers vested with the Chief of Defence Staff post, which is currently held by General Sarath Fonseka.
Staff and security allocated to Fonseka have already been reduced and the powers and facilities he had been promised when he was appointed to the position have not been given as well.
The official gazette announcing the position and its powers has not been published yet. |
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“Relief camps in Sri Lanka are similar to the ones during Hitler’s time” – Mangala |
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2009-08-19 | 3.40 PM |
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SLFP (M) Wing Leader Mangala Samaraweera said that people who return after traveling to the Menik Farm and other so called relief camps set up by the government to house the internally displaced persons (IDPs) have described the camps to be similar to those set up by Hitler during World War II to hold the Jews. They have further noted that every locally and internationally accepted human rights have been violated in these camps.
Samaraweera made this statement at a press conference held at the SLFP (M) Wing headquarters yesterday (18). |
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“Situation in Wanni camps worse than a hell hole” – Sarath Manamendra |
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2009-08-19 | 3.40 PM |
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News Sihala Urumaya Leader Sarath Manamendra said that while the innocent Tamil people are being forced to live in 6 feet tall shacks in unimaginable conditions the government is using these people to receive funding although the displaced people have not been provided with any facility. He said that about 10 people are forced to loive in one small shack.
Manamendra made this statement while addressing the media at the SLFP (M) Wing headquarters yesterday (18).
The party’s media unit e-mailed to us a brief note on the statement made at the press conference and below is the English translation of the Sinhala note. |
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Lalitha Rajapakse blames the President for son Shyamlal’s death |
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2009-08-18 | 00.45 PM |
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Shyamlal Rajapakse’s mother Lalitha Rajapakse told several close friends and relatives at Shyamlal’s funeral on Monday (17) that the President also had to take responsibility for his death. A lawyer by profession, Shyamlal, was last week killed in Arusha, Tanzania.
Lalitha Rajapakse had lamented that the President who gave many perks and privileges to any one with the Rajapakse has simply ignored D.M. Rajapakse’s family and had not given any proper job to Shyamlal even after making several requests from him to give him a proper appointment. Lalitha had said that her son was compelled to leave the country due to such a situation and therefore the President also had a certain amount of responsibility with regard to Shyamlal’s untimely death. |
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2009-08-18 | 00.45 PM |
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“It is more honorable to do the task of a crow and dig out the dirt in the government than to play the role of a dog that wait for bones in the Medamulana Walawwa”
SLFP (M) Wing Leader Mangala Samarawera has in a letter to Presidential Advisor Vasudeva Nanayakkara said that it is more honorable to do the task of a crow and dig out the dirt in the government than to play the role of a dog that wait for bones in the Medamulana Walawwa.
The letter dated August 17, 2009 sent to Vasudeva was also sent to our e-mail. The English translation of the letter sent in Sinhala is as follows: |
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Island wide poster campaign by JVP calling for the abolition of the executive presidency |
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2009-08-18 | 00.45 PM |
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