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SLFP LONDON BRANCH SPLIT IN TO TWO |
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2009-10-24 | 4.05 PM |
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A serious split in the SLFP UK Branch has occurred after a committee meeting held at the Lihiniya Restaurant in Criclewood, London.
Meeting was convened by the President of the UK SLFP branch Rani Bulathwela and many of the sitting committee members attended.
During the meeting a resolution was put forward by a member proposing to send a congratulatory message to former President of the branch Sarath Wijesinghe in his appointment as an Ambassador. Rani Bulkathwela vehemently oppose this proposal saying that Sarath Wijesinghe was a crook and should not be congratulated. |
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Ven. Uduwe Thero had informed the General of the President’s decision to remove the Army Chief |
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2009-10-24 | 12.15 PM |
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JHU sources said although Ven. Uduwe Dhammaloka Thero had informed General Sarath Fonseka that the President was agreeable to remove Army Chief, Lt. General Jagath Jayasuriya in a matter of hours in order to appoint a person suggested by the General to the post, General Fonseka had not responded favorably to the suggestion.
Upon hearing Ven. Uduwe Thero’s message from the President, General Fonseka had said there was now no point in speaking about what has happened. |
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Let’s make a move, the President is coming |
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2009-10-24 | 12.15 PM |
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President Mahinda Rajapaksa had informed his security personnel during his visit to Matale on the 18th to participate in the felicitation ceremony held for the military personnel from the Central Province that he needed to visit UNP parliamentarian Ranjith Aluvihare in Matale.
The President’s security personnel had then visited Ranjith Aluvihare’s residence and informed the need to check the residence as the President planned on visiting the place to inquire after the well being of Aluvihare’s mother.
A shocked parliamentarian had said he was not informed of any Presidential visit to his residence. |
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Mixed reactions towards the General |
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2009-10-24 | 12.15 PM |
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UNP National Organizer S.B. Dissanayake had told several weekly newspaper editors on Friday (23) morning that he opposed any move to put forward General Sarath Fonseka as the common candidate at the next Presidential election with the support of the UNP. SB had said the UNP in such an eventuality would lose the support of minority parties and communities.
UNP sources say that the recent statement made by DPF Leader Mano Ganesshan that he would withdraw from the opposition alliance in the event General Fonseka was put forward as the common candidate of the opposition at the next Presidential election was backed by SB. |
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President silent on orders made against the General by the US |
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2009-10-24 | 12.15 PM |
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Army sources said the US government had informed the Sri Lankan government through the US ambassador in Sri Lanka that permission could not be given for Chief of Defence Staff General Sarath Fonseka to attend an international conference of military chiefs scheduled to be held in Hawaii and that neither the President nor the Defence Ministry had made any statement in this regard.
The US ambassador had informed the General of the US government’s decision when they met for a discussion recently. |
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Dhanasiri Amaratunga claims responsibility for removing the General’s photographs and burning them |
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2009-10-24 | 12.15 PM |
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The new SLFP organizer for Dehiwela, Dhanasiri Amaratunga has claimed responsibility for removing General Sarath Fonseka’s photographs put up at the BMICH for the exhibition organized to celebrate the 60th anniversary of the Sri Lanka Army and burning them before the arrival of the President on the day of the opening.
Dhanasiri had made this statement with a group of young boys while attending a wedding at the Mount Lanka Hotel in Mt. Lavinia on the 18th. |
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Johnston denies visiting Temple Trees |
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2009-10-23 | 11.30 AM |
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An e-mail received by Lanka News Web from a personal called J.X. Fernando in relation to a story carried in the website on the 21st, states that he is Johnston Fernando and that the story about him visiting Temple Trees with Minister Mahinda Ratnathileka is false. The e-mail further sates that if he had any desire to meet with the President he could do so directly without anyone’s help and that he could give more information about the issue if a call was made to his mobile phone number.
Editor’s note:
We than J.X. Fernando for responding to the article by exercising his right of reply. |
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President plans on ousting Wimal and getting Somawansa closer to face the General’s challenge |
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2009-10-22 | 10.50 PM |
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Sources from Temple Trees told Lanka News Web that the President has planned to cast aside the National Freedom Front (NFF) from the government in order to rebuild an alliance with the JVP.
The humiliating defeat of the NFF representatives at the Southern Provincial Council, especially the defeat of Wimal Weerawansa’s brother, Sarath Weerawansa, at the election had compelled the President to make this decision. In fact, the President had reportedly said he could just imagine the response Wimal Weerawansa would receive given the number of votes received by his brother. |
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Presidential Media Unit’s Mahinda Illeperuma asks Thilanga Sumathipala to downplay stories in Lakbima |
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2009-10-22 | 10.50 PM |
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Presidential Media Unit Director Mahinda Illeperuma has asked Managing Director of Lakbima newspapers and Western Provincial Councilor Thilanga Sumathipala to reduce the newspaper’s anti-government stance and not to publish any stories or photographs promoting General Sarath Fonseka.
Mahinda Illeperuma who was a former employee of Lakbima had made this request after personally meeting with Thilanga Sumathipala and Lakbima newspaper Editor, Sundara Nihathamana de Mel on Wednesday (21). |
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President facing difficulty in appointing Ministers to Southern Provincial Council |
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2009-10-22 | 10.50 PM |
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The President facing a difficulty in appointing the Chief Minister and the rest of the Ministers to the Southern Provincial Council several weeks after the conclusion of the election.
Prior to the election, the President had promised two of his relatives, Indika who topped the preferential votes list from the Hambantota District and Hemal Gunasekera who topped the list in the Matara District that the person who received the highest preferential votes would be appointed Chief Minister of the Province.
Unfortunately for the President, both, Indika and Hemal topped the preferential votes lists in their respective districts. |
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Jeevan sidelined in hurriedly organized flyover opening |
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2009-10-22 | 10.50 PM |
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The President reportedly made an unannounced visit to declare open the Dehiwela fly over. However, Ministers A.H.M. Fowzie and T.B. Ekanayake and Highways Ministry Secretary Wasantha Karannagoda were present at the occasion. The venue was also decorated with blue flags and balloons.
However, it appeared as if Minister Jeevan Kumaratunga had not received an invitation for the hurriedly sorted out event. Jeevan Kumaratunga is the only minister from the Colombo District representing the electorate.
Sources from Temple Trees said Jeevan Kumaratunga has been sidelined due to his close relationship with former President Chandrika Kumaratunga.
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"The GoSL Should Take Full Responsibility for the Loss of GSP Plus"
– Mangala Samaraweera |
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2009-10-22 | 10.05 PM |
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Hon Mangala Samaraweera shared these thoughts during today’s press meeting. The loss of GSP + would have a most devastating effect on local economy. The negotiations to obtaining GSP + started by Hon. Ranil Wickramasignhe in 2003 and the country was granted these special concessions in 2005 under President Kumarathunga. We have reaped many economic benefits, from the exception of taxes, under this scheme to the EU. Since the granting if GSP + the country has more than doubled its exports to the EU, which had led to growth in the garments, ceramics and fisheries sectors.
The EU is Sri Lanka’s largest trading partner, and having duty free access to the world’s largest market through the GSP+ scheme, gave impetus to the Sri Lankan exporters to increase trade with the EU. Sri Lanka currently exports goods and services worth over US$ 3 billion to the EU. The scheme has helped boost exports to the EU, by enabling local manufacturers to remain competitive despite an increasingly competitive global environment. As a result, the value of exports to the EU increased from US$1.8 billion in 2004 to US$2.9 billion in 2009. More than a million Sri Lankans would either be directly or indirectly affected by the loss of GSP +. The loss of GSP + its not merely a numbers game as the government portrays it, and the loss would be a tragic disaster for countless Sri Lankans. Now countries such as China and Bangladesh would make serious inroads into the European export markets, while we would be at the losing end. The innocent poor worker would be the |
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General’s US visit cut short to five days |
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2009-10-22 | 12.05 PM |
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Chief of Defence Staff General Sarath Fonseka who was to visit the US for three weeks has now cut short his visit to five days owning to important reasons, sources from the Presidential Secretariat said.
The Generals’ scheduled official visit to Hawaii has now been cancelled as a result. Sources also said the General will leave for the US on the 23rd and spend four days in Washington.
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President accuses Minister Piyasena Gamage of helping only his son’s campaign during Southern PC elections |
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2009-10-22 | 12.05 PM |
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Sources from Temple Trees said the President had recently reprimanded Minister Piyasena Gamage of only helping with his son’s campaign during the Southern Provincial Council election. The President had made these statements when the Minister had visited him to inform his son’s victory at the elections.
Sources added that the President was displeased with the outcome of two of his preferred candidates at the election, Sajin Vaas Gunawardena and Anarkali Akarsha.
Minister Piyasena Gamage’s son Randima Gamage polled 77,418 preferential votes and came second in the UPFA list while Sajin Vaas managed to poll 70,627 preferential votes to become fourth in the list. Anarkali Akarsha managed to secure the 10th slot in the list by polling 26,728 preferential votes.
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JVP decides to support General Fonseka as common candidate at Presidential election |
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2009-10-21 | 8.25 PM |
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JVP politburo member and parliamentarian K.D. Lalkantha said the JVP has decided to support the candidature of General Sarath Fonseka if he contests the next Presidential election as the common candidate.
Lalkantha made this statement at a press conference organized by the National Trade Union Center (NTUC) at the Library Services auditorium to inform the media of the future course of action to be adopted by the Center. |
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Minister Aluthgamage complains to President of General Fonseka threatening to hit him |
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2009-10-21 | 8.25 PM |
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A senior official from Temple Trees told Lanka News Web that Minister Mahindananda Aluthgamage had complained to the President last evening that Chief of Defence Staff General Sarath Fonseka had threatened to hit him at the felicitation ceremony for the security forces held in Matale on the 18th.
According to the source, the incident had taken place during the felicitation ceremony held for the security forces personnel from the Central Province. Minister Aluthgamage, who has been making critical remarks about the General had walked up to him in Matale and said, “Ah, Sarath Aiya, how are you now?” The Minister had also said he did everything on behalf of the President to safeguard him.
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Powerful Tamil candidate at the next Presidential election |
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2009-10-21 | 8.25 PM |
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UNP sources said the United National Alliance was looking at the possibility of putting forward a powerful Tamil candidate to represent the Tamil community in the North and East at the next Presidential election.
The decision had been arrived at due to the fear that the common candidate put forward by the United National Alliance may not be able to muster the votes of the Tamil community.
Discussions on putting forward a Tamil speaking candidate at the next Presidential election have already been held with leaders of the alliance of minority parties.
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Prix Bayeux- Calvados awards for journalists reporting on conflict affected areas |
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2009-10-21 | 8.25 PM |
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The Prix Bayeux- Calvados 2009 journalism awards ceremony was held in the French city of Bayeux on October 9
Journalists working in conflict ridden areas around the world are recognized at this award ceremony and many journalists, photographers, writers and filmmakers participated in the event.
The award for Best Photographer was received by Walter Astrada (AFP) for his photographs on the Madagascar political crisis in February 2009.
The award for Best Feature Article was won by the London based Sunday Times newspaper for |
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WORLD PRESS FREEDOM RANKING |
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2009-10-21 | 8.25 PM |
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Political power grabs dealt press freedom a great disservice again this year. A military coup caused Fiji (152nd) to fall 73 places. Soldiers moved into Fijian news rooms for several weeks and censored articles before they were published, while foreign journalists were deported. In Thailand, the endless clashes between “yellow shirts” and “red shirts” had a very negative impact on the press’s ability to work. As a result, the kingdom is now 130th.
The authoritarianism of existing governments, for example in Sri Lanka (162nd) and Malaysia (131st), prevented journalists from properly covering sensitive subjects such as corruption or human rights abuses. The Sri Lankan government had a journalist sentenced to 20 |
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President accepts he is not Maha Raja |
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2009-10-21 | 12.05 PM |
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The campaign carried out recently to liken the President to Maha Raja has been stopped. It is learnt. The President in his speech at the opening of the Kinniya Bridge on Tuesday (20) said he was not Maha Raja.
Earlier about 40 songs calling him Maha Raja including songs like “Long life to Maha Raja” were broadcast on state media while songs praising Gotabhaya Rajapaksa as the second in command were also given equal publicity.
Government members also referred to the President as Maha Raja in parliament. While the campaign was launched from the President’s House, the President it is learnt has now ordered it to be stopped after learning that many people have in fact criticized the tactic. |
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Johnston secretly visits Temple Trees |
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2009-10-21 | 12.05 PM |
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UNP parliamentarian Johnston Fernando who arrived in parliament to attend the sessions was seen leaving the parliamentary complex today (20) morning in Minister Mahinda Ratnathileka’s vehicle.
Reliable sources said the vehicle had traveled to Temple Trees. |
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Sri Lanka pays for contempt of human rights alleging they are Western Christian concepts |
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2009-10-20 | 9.20 PM |
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Areas of concern identified by the EU's ‘Committee investigating the effective implementation of Human Rights in Sri Lanka’ are mainly related not to the government's 'war against terror' as said in most cases but to the overall human rights and democratic situation of the island.
As reported by media EU sources had told the report showed evidence of police violence, torture and breach of labor laws, notably the use of underage children.
Police violence is wide spread in the country and in the most recent incident residents of a coastal village in the outskirts of Colombo city pelted stones at a police station since two village youths that were arrested for a minor incident were brutally killed and their bodies were dumped in the area.
In another incident, the wife and son of a senior Deputy Inspector General were arrested for torturing an IT student in connection with a student clash in a campus where the police officers son studied. |
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Rupavahini Corporation to produce film “Matha” utilizing public funds amounting to Rs. 500 lakhs |
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2009-10-20 | 8.15 PM |
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Minister Rohana Kumara Dissanayake’s wife and children worship the General in front of the President |
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2009-10-20 | 8.15 PM |
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Minister Rohana Kumara Dissnayake’s wife and children have worshiped Chief of Defence Staff General Sarath Fonseka on bended knee when he accompanied the President and other VIPs to the Minister’s residence in Matale after attending the felicitation ceremony of the forces at the Aluviharaya in Matale. Neither the President nor the other VIPs had reportedly received such a welcome.
A similar situation had occurred even at the felicitation ceremony where the people had welcomed the General on stage with loud applause that lasted for about 10 minutes. The President had reportedly not received such a response. |
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President mixes up small boy at Hela Maha Seya ceremony |
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2009-10-20 | 8.15 PM |
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Lanka News Web learns that the media ploy to capture the President kissing a small child at the ceremony in Anuradhapura to launch the construction of Seyas (dagabos) in every province to mark the military victory had failed when the President had mixed up the children.
The President arrived at the venue after the ministers dug the ground at the auspicious moment and unveiled the name board of the Hela Maha Seya. Drummers were used to play the magul bera and a small boy was used to blow the conch shell. Organizers were ordered by higher authorities to use a small boy from the South to blow the conch shell. The plan was for the President to kiss the small boy from the South and inquire his hometown and upon hearing a name of a Southern town, the President was to say that heroes were born from the South. |
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Dilith Jayaweera spearheads media campaign about Gotabhaya not entering politics |
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2009-10-20 | 8.15 PM |
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Sources from the Presidential Secretariat say that the statement about Defence Secretary Gotabhaya Rajapaksa not entering politics is part of a media campaign spearheaded by Managing Director of Triad advertising agency, Dilith Jayaweera to drown the opposition raised by senior SLFP members against the Rajapaksa family.
Sources said Triad’s media campaign was launched following the mud slinging campaign carried out against Gotabhaya by senior SLFP members in the Kurunegala District as well as members of the UNP following news that he was planning on contesting at the next general |
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Attempt to intimidate the General by accusing him of assassinating individuals |
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2009-10-20 | 8.15 PM |
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Reliable sources say that the President has launched a secret operation to prevent Chief of Defence Staff General Sarath Fonseka from entering politics by instilling fear in him through charging him with assassinating individuals in Colombo during the period of the war against the LTTE.
Retired Major General Lawrence Fernando has been tasked with preparing the necessary groundwork. The publicity work has been handed over to Vijayananda Herath from the President’s Media Unit and Presidential Coordinator and Secretary to the Office of the Leader of the House in parliament, Attorney Sumith Wijesinghe. |
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Basil appointed leader of the Northern Task Force by President overlooking ministers |
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2009-10-20 | 8.15 PM |
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The President has appointed Basil Rajapaksa as the leader of the task force to resettle the displaced people in the North even amidst protests by senior ministers saying it was not proper for an ordinary parliamentarian to sit at the head chair at meetings.
Other members of the task forces headed by Basil Rajapaksa are Ministers Milroy Fernando, Mahindananda Aluthgamage, Rohitha Abeygunawardena, Premalal Jayasekera, Mahinda Amaraweera, S.M. Chandrasena, Hussein Bhaila, Suresh Vadivel, Lasantha Alagiyawanna, Duminda Dissanayake, Jayaratne Herath, Jagath Pushpakumara, Rohana
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Basil launches US$ 300 million project to receive nuclear power from Korea |
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2009-10-20 | 8.15 PM |
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Sources from the Power and Energy Ministry say that senior Presidential Advisor Basil Rajapaksa is planning on presenting a project of receiving nuclear power from Korea to solve the energy crisis in the country to the Cabinet through the Finance Ministry.
The project is estimated to cost US$ 300 million. Sources said that although the project is to be a joint venture between the Power and Energy Ministry and the Finance Ministry, the Power and Energy Minister has not been clearly briefed about the project.
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Statement issued by Karu Jayasuria, Deputy Leader of the UNP
The denial of GSP concession sound the death knell for the industry |
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2009-10-20 | 8.15 PM |
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We are greatly perturbed by the release of the EU’s final report tied to the all important GSP plus concession for Sri Lanka’s apparel industry and its overwhelmingly negatives prospects. As the UNP has constantly said, the GSP Plus tariff concession scheme granted by the European Union has been a lifeline to the Apparel and Garment Industry in Sri Lanka, which directly employs over 300,000 persons and nearly a half a million persons indirectly. The denial of this concession will severely compromise Sri Lanka’s competitiveness and perhaps sound the death knell for the industry.
It is nothing short of despicable that in the face of this grave national crisis, the government continues to be obsessed with imaginary coups, conspiring about conspiracies and neutralising its opponents rather than getting on with the work of governance. The UNP demands at least now, when so much has been lost, that the authorities begin to conduct itself like a government of the people, representing their interests instead of nursing petty political ambitions. |
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Basil spoke of resigning to bring General into parliament |
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2009-10-20 | 2.00 PM | BRUSSELS, October 19, 2009 (AFP) |
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A senior Presidential Secretariat official told Lanka News Web that parliamentarian Basil Rajapaksa made a statement in Matale last week of resigning from his national list slot in the House following instructions from the President who had at the time decided to bring General Sarath Fonseka into parliament.
The President it is learnt had decided on bringing General Fonseka into parliament and appointing him the Cabinet Minister of Highway Development and had informed one of the General’s friends to get his consent for it. However, the President and Basil had been faced with a difficult situation when General Fonseka had declined the offer. |
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Gotabhaya avoids participating in Army Tattoo that was attended by General Fonseka |
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2009-10-19 | 4.45 PM |
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Defence Secretary Gotabhaya Rajapaksa was a notable absentee at the Army Tattoo organized at the Kettarama Stadium to mark the 60th anniversary of the Sri Lanka Army, which was attended by the President and the Chief of Defence Staff General Sarath Fonseka.
A senior Presidential Secretariat official told Lanka News Web that the Defence Secretary left the country on a tour to Singapore to avoid participating at the event. |
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First Lady puts pressure on the President to distance Basil and Gotabhaya from political activities |
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2009-10-19 | 4.45 PM |
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Sources from Temple Trees said that First Lady Shiranthi Rajapaksa has requested the President to keep Basil Rajapaksa and Gotabhaya Rajapaksa away from political activities in order to resolve some of the political issues currently faced by him.
Sources added that the President’s eldest son Namal Rajapaksa and Presidential Secretary Lalith Weeratunga have agreed with the First Lady’s decision. |
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Lake House Chairman trying to take over members of the Workers Association through perks and privileges |
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2009-10-19 | 4.45 PM |
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Lake House sources said that the Chairman was trying to take over the power of the Workers Association at Lake House by trying to remove its current Secretary Dharmasiri Lankapeli at the Association’s election on the 27th.
At the election of the SLFP trade union at Lake House held recently, the group put forward by the Lake House Chairman was defeated by a group supportive of Media Minister Anura Priyadharshana Yapa. However, the Chairman managed to gain control of the union by giving various perks and privileges to its President W.M.P.A. Dassanayake, Vice President Dhammika Kulasiri and Assistant Secretary Leslie Andrew. |
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Rajapaksas set to buy Swarnavahini |
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2009-10-19 | 4.45 PM |
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It is reliably learnt that the Swarnavahini channel under the EAP Group is to be purchased by a close relative of the President and the deal is to be finalized shortly.
Lake House Chairman Bandula Padmakumara had played a key role in the deal. The Rajapaksa relative had agreed to the price quoted by EAP Group Director, Jeevaka Edirisinghe.
Although the EAP Group has decided to sell the Swarnavahini TV channel due to financial difficulties, the Company is to continue with its radio channels including Sri FM.
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Tamil youth arrested at the age of 14 detained without being charged for 15 years |
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2009-10-19 | 4.45 PM |
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A leader from the People’s Movement for Freedom and Democracy told Lanka News Web that a Tamil youth arrested at the age of 14 has been detained without being charged for the past 15 years. The Tamil youth who is currently in prison is 29 years old.
The Organization had come across this detail when they were collecting data to use for a planned protest campaign calling for the release of journalist J.S. Tissainayagam and other political prisoners who are being held under the Prevention of Terrorism Act. |
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Tamils demand Sri Lanka’s pledge to be upheld |
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2009-10-19 | 4.45 PM |
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Despite the October chill, over 30,000 British Tamils and supporters took to the streets, on Saturday 17 October
2009, to highlight the desperate situation faced by Tamils in Sri Lanka who remain detained in “concentration
camps” and in protest against UN Secretary General Ban Ki-Moon’s failure to protect these innocent civilians. As
the Sri Lankan government continues to pledge release of the imprisoned civilians within 180 days, the
protesters marched through central London highlighting that over 280,000 Tamils continue to endure arbitrary
detention as we approach within 30 days of the promised deadline.
Tens of thousands congregated at Victoria Embankment, chanting slogans and harrowing placards, calling for
the immediate release of the imprisoned civilians, initiation of an international independent probe into war
crimes and categorically highlighting the UN Secretary General Ban Ki-Moon’s inaction. |
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Tamils have lost confidence in Ban Ki Moon |
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2009-10-19 | 4.35 PM |
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Unlock the “Concentration camps” and free the innocent people
More than 150 days have now elapsed since the Sri Lankan government announced that it
will release 80% of the 300,000, detainees within 180 days. Over 280,000 Tamil civilians
are still arbitrarily detained in the camps and with no accountability. Many have
disappeared in the camps - it is widely acknowledged the Sri Lankan armed forces are
responsible for these disappearances. We the British people are extremely concerned for
the safety and wellbeing of our kith and kin in Sri Lanka.
We urge you as our prime
minister to actively seek the release of the innocent people held against their will. |
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‘Lanka Irida’ editor released – questioned for 3 hours |
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2009-10-18 | 4.15 PM |
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The Chief Editor of ‘Lanka Irida’ weekend Sinhalese newspaper Chandana Sirimalwatta, who was arrested yesterday (17th) evening by Homagama Police and taken to Criminal Investigation Department, was released after he was questioned for nearly 3 hours.
CID officers had questioned Mr. Sirimalwatta regarding the sources from which the main headline of ‘Lanka Irida’ to be released was compiled from. The newspaper was released to paper stands on Friday. Mr. Sirimalwatta has been released after taking a statement from him. |
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Funds collected for Uthuru Mithuru project missing |
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2009-10-18 | 4.15 PM |
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Funds collected for the Uthuru Mithuru railway project has not been deposited in any bank account, it is learnt. The issue came into light with Sri Lanka Rupavahini donating Rs. 50 lakhs for the Uthuru Mithuru project.
It is reliable learnt that the Rupavahini officials are faced with a great difficulty in giving the cash for the project as there was no bank account to deposit the funds. Money was even collected from students island wide for the project.
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Basil’s resignation a Presidential election gimmick |
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2009-10-18 | 4.15 PM |
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Reliable sources say that Basil Rajapaksa’s deicison to resign from parliament is a Presidential election gimmick.
Many SLFP seniors are displeased with the President’s move to appoint his relatives and friends to important positions. Several other tactics like this are to be adopted to ensure the support of all SLFPers for the President during the next Presidential election. |
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Changes to take place among state media heads |
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2009-10-18 | 4.15 PM |
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The government is looking at making changes among state media heads before elections. The need to make the changes had reportedly come about due to the government’s inability to secure the anticipated percentage of votes at the recently concluded Southern Provincial Council election.
One of the main reasons for the changes is due to the loss in people’s confidence on political debates and other programmes on the President and the government telecast on Rupavahini and ITN. |
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Money spent on e-ID cards a waste |
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2009-10-18 | 4.15 PM |
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The project launched in 2006 incurring a large sum of money to provide Sri Lankan citizens with a new electronic ID card (e-ID) has come to an abrupt standstill. The reason is the inability of the officials to resolve the issues that have cropped up following an Indian and Pakistani company submitting bids for the project.
Sources from the Department said that money had been allocated to set up a state of the art office complex to handle the project and another 300 offices at divisional secretariat level. Six officials attached to the Department for the Registration of Persons and seven other officials had been employed to carry out the work. |
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CID arrests Editor of Lanka newspaper |
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2009-10-17 | 8.15 PM |
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The Criminal Investigations Department (CID) has arrested the Chief Editor of Lanka newspaper, Chandana Sirimalwatte at around 5 p.m. today. The CID accompanied by several police officers from the Homagama Police had arrested Sirimalwatte while he was taking part in a cricket tournament at the Homagama Sea Hawks ground.
A CID inspector, one Gajasinghe along with four other police officers in uniforms had taken Sirimalwatte to the Homagama Police saying they needed to record a statement from him and had told him he could be accompanied by a friend if he had any doubts. An employee of the Lanka |
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Wimal scolds the US ambassador to Sri Lanka since General Fonseka was to meet with her |
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2009-10-17 | 4.30 PM |
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A NFF member from the Nandana Gunathileka faction told Lanka News Web that NFF Leader Wimal Weerawansa reprimanded the US ambassador to Sri Lanka at the press conference held at the party headquarters on the 15th due to a tip off given by the Defence Secretary that General Sarath Fonseka was to meet with the US ambassador.
The source also said the press conference was called for the purpose following instructions from Defence Secretary Gotabhaya Rajapaksa. |
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Government ministers and media continue to attack Fonseka
No rift between government and General Fonseka says Military Spokesperson |
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2009-10-17 | 4.30 PM |
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Military Spokesperson Brigadier Udaya Nanayakkara in a media release said that an organized group of people were carrying out a conspiracy to create a rift between the Army and the government through stories in newspapers, websites, posters and media conferences claiming of a clash between Chief of Defence Staff General Sarath Fonseka and the government. The Spokesperson further said that legal action would be taken in future against such persons.
The media release issued last evening by the Military Spokesperson stated that General Fonseka is currently the most senior member of the Army and there was no rift in the relationship between him and the government.
Although the Military Spokesperson has made such a |
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Group claiming to be from the CID forcibly enter into Lanka office at night |
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2009-10-17 | 4.30 PM |
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Chief Editor of the Lanka newspaper, Chandana Sirimalwatte said that a group of people claiming to be from the Criminal Investigations Department (CID) had forcibly entered into the newspaper office at around 9.30 p.m. last night.
The group of four had been led by one Police Inspector Gajasinghe. Sirimalwatte said that although no outsider is allowed in to the office premises after 6 p.m., this group had forcibly entered into the premises after threatening the security officer. |
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Sampath to be sent overseas for medical treatment for burn injuries sustained when setting Range Bandara’s house on fire |
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2009-10-17 | 4.30 PM |
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2009-10-17 | 4.30 PM |
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President Mahinda Rajapakse has reportedly fallen on his way to attend the conference of Asian ministers held at the BMICH on the 15th.
The Presidential Security Division and the Presidential Media Unit have taken charge of all photographs and video recordings that have captured the moment. A similar situation occurred when the President fell at the Presidential Secretariat at an earlier occasion.
A well known astrologer said that the President’s second fall that happened a month after his first fall in public was a result of the bad effects of the planet Saturn.
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President did not fight the war!
General will become the common candidate! Southern Provincial Councilor Nishantha Mutuhettigama says |
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2009-10-17 | 3.30 AM |
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UPFA Southern Provincial Councilor and SLFP Akmeemana organizer Nishantha Mutuhettigama says that although the credit for ending the war was with the government, the war was not fought by the President or his family members and the General who truly fought the war, but was treated unfairly, would come forward as the common candidate.
Councilor Mutuhettigama had made this statement during a discussion with the Irida Lanka newspaper.
“Our leaders are now in the jungles. We are trying to take them on to the right path. The war was fought by the people in the South. President Rajapaksa did not fight in the war. None of the President’s family members also fought in the war. But we have the respect for
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House owner responsible for Tamil tenants |
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2009-10-17 | 3.30 AM |
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Many Police OICs it is learnt are following a mechanism where the police acquire a letter from house owners who have rented annexes to Tamils claiming they would take the responsibility for any wrong doing of the Tamil tenants.
When inquired if the letters are taken from house owners following a legal requirement, Police Spokesperson, DIG Nimal Mediwaka said it was an action adopted due to the conditions that prevailed in the country in the past by Police OICs who felt it was a requirement. |
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Fonseka tried to outsmart me but I acted before him – President |
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2009-10-17 | 3.30 AM |
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The President had told an owner of a private media institution that following the end of the war, then Army Chief, General Sarath Fonseka tried to outsmart him and Defence Secretary Gotabhaya Rajapaksa and upon hearing this, he acted fast and removed the General from the Army to prevent any chance of him trying to capture power through a military coup.
The President had also said that he has showed gratitude to Fonseka and members of his family for his contribution to defeat the LTTE and given vehicles amounting to millions of rupees but would not be given an extension of service come December 18 when General Fonseka has to
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