4 Saturday 28th May, 2011 The Island Home News North poised for greater economic Elephant problem is growth -CB A fast recovery of economic activities was taking place in the Northern Province since the end of the con- flict in May 2009, stated the Central Bank. The Northern Province development programme, ‘Uthuru Wasanthaya’ (Wadakkil Wasantham), which was attrition, not extinction’ initiated just after the ending of the conflict to expedite resettlement, support livelihood and development of New Delhi, May 24, 2011: infrastructure in the province has been continuing suc- While tiger face extinction, the cessfully. elephants have to deal with attri- Protecting tuskers important for : Minister The gross extent of land used for paddy cultivation in tion. Forest ministers from eight the Northern Province increased by 179 per cent to countries deliberated on New Delhi, May 25 (IANS) The visiting minister took 67,003 hectares in the 2010/11 Maha season from Tuesday on how to protect peo- Sri Lanka will strengthen its part in an international confer- 24,051 hectares in the 2009/10 Maha season. ple from rising elephant popula- policies to save elephants, ence on elephants. He said Sri This resulted in increasing paddy production to tion from around the world. according to the country’s Lanka had a “sizeable popula- 205,507 metric tons in 2010/11 a 112 percent increase Elephant number around the Minister of Environment tion of 6,000 elephants”. compared to the 2009/10 Maha season. The highest world has remained almost con- Anura Priyadarshana Yapa. “The government is mindful increases in the extent of paddy cultivation were reported stant at 5.5 lakh but huge “The elephant is of special of the need to ensure the long in Kilinochchi and Vavuniya districts. destruction of their habitat importance to both Buddhists term survival of the elephant.” It is also estimated that the total extent of land used about 20% in last 20 years has for cultivation of other food crops (OFC) including veg- meant increase in human-ele- and Hindus in Sri Lanka. The Yapa The meet on elephant also etables also increased significantly in the Northern phant conflict. government has set aside 14 drew participants from Province by 172 per cent to 20,043 ha in the 2010/11 “It is an issue of concern for percent of the country as pro- Botswana, Congo, Kenya, Maha season from 7,342 hectares in the 2009/10 Maha all of us,” environment minister tected areas for conservation of Indonesia, Tanzania and Thailand season. Jairam Ramesh said, while wildlife,” Yapa said here. besides India. Further, the extent of land cultivated increased in adopting a resolution with seven relation to Big onions, Maize, Cowpea, Black gram and other ministers to engage local most parts of the country. Ground nuts amongst other food crops. In addition, the communities in inclusive manner to man- ects in Central India were the biggest The minister said that one of the rec- Chilla-Motichur corridor in total marine fish production increased by 58 per cent to age the conflict and work together for ele- threat to elephants and called for a strik- ommendations of the Elephant Task Force Uttarakhand has become a new conflict 33,600 mt in 2010. A substantial increase in fish produc- phant conservation. “Unlike the tiger, ing a balance between mining projects and last year was for India to take a lead in zone with resettlement of Tehri dam evac- tion is expected in 2011. which faces threat of extinction, the ele- elephant corridors. global elephant conservation. “The dele- uees, high road and railway traffic and an Banking facilities have been strengthened in the phant faces threats of attrition because of The Union Cabinet had agreed to the gates present here represent two-third of ammunition dump. Another is Similipal- Northern Province by establishing 37 new bank branch- increase in biotic pressure on their habitat National Elephant Conservation the world’s wild elephant population. Satkosia in Orissa, where encroachment of es and 22 extension offices from May 2009 to May destruction”. Authority (NECA) on the lines of the one Later in 2013 we will bring in all the 50 ele- the corridor by settlers and degradation of 2011. At the same time, co-operatives and supermarket India has over 27,000 elephants, an for tigers for promoting elephant conser- phant range countries together to deliber- the forest cover has resulted in at least five chains have increased their ties with farmers, to pur- increase from over 21,000 in over six years vation and protection but asked the min- ate and actively cooperate for elephant elephant deaths. In Buxa-Ripu at Sankosh, chase their produce. in 26 elephant reserves spread over an area istry to seek Finance Ministry’s approval. conservation and welfare,” he said. West Bengal and Assam, degradation of The number of telephone connections in the of 1.10 lakh square kms, more than the The authority will examine new projects Other than India, ministers of forest and biotic pressure from two vil- Northern Province, including wire lines, wireless, local area of Congo. Only 65 percent of the cor- in elephant zones and frame policies for Botswana, Republic of Congo, Indonesia, lages has forced elephants to frequently loops, CDMA and payphones increased by 89 per cent ridors are in the protected areas and huge improving the habitats. The government Kenya, Sri Lanka, Tanzania and Thailand raid the villages. to 74,742 in 2009 from 46,919 in 2008, while the vehicle fragmentation has been reported from had last year declared Elephant as the participated at the day long Ramesh highlighted that mining proj- stock in the Northern Province increased to 47,031 in National Heritage Animal of the country. conference.(Hindustan Times) 2009 from 39,740 in 2008, an increase of 18 per cent.

Sri Lanka... From page 1 Ritual Performances of The overall objective of the project to be com- pleted within three years, was to improve planning and delivery of priority infrastructure and local Kerala - A slide lecture services in the Metro Region, he said Eminent Indian Artist Balan adding that it will reduce the occurrence of floods, Nambiar is scheduled to present a enhance the institutional capacity of local authori- slide lecture entitled ‘Ritual ties and also help in the implementation of medi- Performances of Kerala’ at the Indian um and small scale infrastructure projects. Cultural Centre, Colombo 7 on May 30 Abeywardena said that the government will at 6.30 p.m. bear the initial cost of Rs.50 million required to Balan Nambiar is a painter, sculp- establish the Project Management Unit. tor, enamellist, photographer and a research scholar. His paintings and sculptures have received national and War victory... From page 1 international acclaim and his works Nanthikadal lagoon. are in the National Gallery of Modern The parade included tri-services and police con- Arts and four Museums in India. tingents involved in action in the Eastern, Jaffna and He is the recipient of various Vanni theatres from June 2006 to May 2009. The awards including the National award army announced yesterday how 57 Division fighting of Lalit Kala Akademi, the State award on the Vanni front had faced a severe chemical of Karnataka LKA for his creative attack before liberating Kilinochchi in the first week works and the Senior Fellowship of the of Jan. 2009. Indian Ministry of Culture and the The , Sinha Regiment, prestigious Nehru Fellowship for his , , Vijayaba Infantry academic research work. Regiment (credited with killing Prabhakaran), Sri Nambiar’s two important works can Lanka National Guard, armour and artillery as well be found in JNCASR. His latest work as support formations joined the parade. The elite (2010) is a monumental sculpture in Commandos, Special Forces, Special Task Force, stainless steel, titled ‘The Sky is the Special Boat Squadron and Rapid Action Boat Limit’ for IOC, Delhi. Squadron also took part in the parade. The Air Force and the Navy displayed some of their assets, including Unmanned Aerial Vehicles Rains cause... and a range of communication and radar equipment. From On display were arms, ammunition and equipment page 1 acquired from different countries over the past 30 Kodippili said that years. Sri Lanka had never made a genuine attempt people on the banks to standardize the armaments and equipment prima- of the Kelani river, rily due to financial constraints and unwillingness on from Avissawella to Prime Minister D.M.Jayaratne makes a financial donation to Chief Incumbent of the Doluva Raja Maha Vihara Ven Udagama the part of some countries to provide wherewithal to Colombo, had been Gnaneswara thero during a ceremony held at the Doluva Divisional Secretariat to promote 2600 Dhamma schools to mark the it for political reasons. advised to vacate the 2600 Sambuddhatva Jayanthi celebrations recently. The army included a contingent of snipers as area as the river’s well in the parade. water levels had Kfir multi-role attack aircraft first acquired in Jan. risen. 1996 were not included in the fly past as the famous Meanwhile, the Meteorology No 10 Squadron is grounded since May 1 mid-air From page 1 Department warned that rains could University... collision, which destroyed two fighters and killed an continue for a few more days as pre- Addressing the Z – score cut off for these courses. the end of the July. experienced pilot. monsoonal conditions were active. marks launching ceremony, Additional Dr. Premakumara said that 233,609 UGC Chairman Prof. Gamini The parade ended with trucks carrying groups of Meteorologist–in–Charge Gayana Secretary to the UGC Dr. Priyantha students had sat the G. C. E. (A/L) Samaranayake said that this time the officers and men wounded in action moving past the Hendavitharana said that South West Premakumara said they had planned to examination 2010 and of them 142,516 academic sessions would begin in special dais, where President Rajapaksa took the monsoon was due soon and thunder- enroll 22,000 unversity students. students had qualified to enter universi- October in all universities. salute. All invitees stood up as the vehicles moved showers could be expected in the carrying those who may never walk or see again. Southwest part of the country, includ- He said that two new degree courses, ties. Higher Education Minister S. B. The armed and police lost over 6,000 officers ing the Western and Sabaragamuwa Hospitality Management and “We have received 54,124 applications Dissanayake said that after the leader- and men during the eelam war IV. The number of Provinces and Galle and Matara Hospitality and Tourism Management for university education and we can ship training programme, the newly wounded is estimated at 30,000. Districts. had been introduced and they would be accommodate only 22,000 of them,” he selected students would undergo an Since the conclusion of the war, Sri Lanka has She said that lightning attacks offered by the Rajarata and said. English course. “Then they will selected committed more troops for overseas missions under could take place and people were Sabaragamuwa Universities respective- Dr. Premakumara said that the UGC for the US scholarships to learn English UNP control. Among those on parade yesterday advised to take precautionary measur- ly. would announce the universities to by distance education method,” he said. were officers and men who had served the UN mis- ers to minimize possible damages. The UGC plans to admit 100 students which the students had been selected at sion in Haiti.

Only we... From page 1 prosperous, in place of the hardships was eradicated from Sri Lanka, terrorists still look after the families of leaders who There is a truth we have to tell the over terrorism without hurting the feelings that prevailed. living abroad continue to work to destroy surrendered. We were able to protect our world. We did not build Armed Services to of any community. As we removed the ‘border village’ from our country.Those abroad, misusing the country over the centuries from invaders invade countries. What we have is an Today,Sinhalese take part in Vel proces- the Sri Lankan map, we are now taking democratic freedom and their right to vote because we did not hate any race, religion Armed Force committed to rebuild the sions; Tamil people participate with enthu- measures to delete ‘displaced and desti- in the countries of their domicile, are influ- or person. country with utmost commitment to the siasm when Sinhalese conduct tute” from our vocabulary.Many thousand encing those countries against us in cam- It is based on the great Buddhist tradi- people. Sambuddhatva Jayanthi celebrations. acres of land sowed with landmines are paigns against us. tions that do not preach hatred towards Whenever we step with freedom on this Sinhalese, Tamils, Muslims alike went now been cultivated. Thousands of dis- Terrorism in a country begins with any race or person, and also on the core motherland, we must remember with hon- sightseeing in the night to view Vesak deco- placed civilians were resettled with all the shooting down the truth. Even after war values of other religions, that we fought our that there are thousands of Great rations. facilities, from shelter, bedding to mosquito the Tamil Tigers continue to target the against the most ruthless, most cruel ter- Heroes of War at rest in this soil. I state It is our responsibility to preserve this coils. Likewise, reconstruction of North truth. As a result of this, conspiracies were rorist organization in the world. with pride, that even at this very moment, bond between communities. I emphasize to and East is a development task in launched to write false reports against our We are the only country that fought the our war heroes are ready to make the all political parties and groups that it will our history. country and our war heroes. terrorists fighting against us while feeding supreme sacrifice for the protection of this do no good to reopen the healing wounds, With rays of freedom rising in the north We do not hesitate to ensure the demo- them and providing them with medicines. country. to continue to dig up the past, and creating and east, the rays of development are also cratic and human rights of the citizens liv- Therefore, when we see how some coun- To make the sacrifice made by war disharmony and hatred among people will dawning on people in those areas. ing in the north and east. But we will not tries carry out operations against enemies heroes more meaningful, we have to build a be of no benefit. The only way to secure People in those areas should bear in heed the demands of separatists or terror- today,we are proud of the humanitarian great future for people to live in harmony. this the freedom of our land and this victo- mind that what we rebuild rapidly are the ists. When people in this country do not nature of our operation against the enemy. We have shown to the world that we are ry is to protect this great bond between public properties destroyed by terrorists. accept their demands, they look for ways to We were with you in the battlefield. It is capable of doing so. communities. When we rebuild the north and east make us bow down using foreign influence. same today.We will not betray you before The best answer to those who ask what Those committed to bring peace to the destroyed by the terrorists, the world But I must emphasize that no one can do the world. benefits the people received with the end of country are pleased to see that people who knows what the terrorists who are abroad anything in this country without the con- Heroes of War, we did not confine you to the war, is to respond by showing the devel- were once hiding in the jungles with their did during past two years. Since the coun- sent of our people. It is only we who can barracks after the end of the humanitarian opment both in the North and South today. kids are freely moving about today without try was united with the death of the last solve our own problems, and no one else. operation. We gave you an important role The economic growth rate in the country any fear at all. When you see the land bur- LTTE leader in Vellamulliwaikkal on May I will recall what I said in the past that to play in the task of rebuilding our moth- in 2007 was 6.8%. But after the end of the dened with landmines is now being culti- 19, these elements organized against the our troops went to the battlefront carrying erland. war, we have achieved an economic growth vated and the sea routes used by suicide motherland again. They did not cease to a gun in one hand, the Human Rights From the Foreign Service to the beauti- rate of 8%. The current growth rate in vessels of the Sea Tigers now being used by collect funds for terrorism and many other Charter in the other, food for the innocent fying of Colombo city,war heroes con- north is 14.2%. The unemployment rate has our fishermen to earn their livelihood, you illegal activities. displaced on their shoulders, and love of tribute immensely for the betterment of come down from 6% to 4.9%. We were able will realize that your sacrifices have not During the war they had heaps of their children in their hearts. They did not this country.You who shed your blood for to stabilize the value of the dollar. been in vain. Your hearts will be filled with money for purchasing weapons and ships. target any communities or religions, and this country,are today toiling for the devel- The best way to meet our future chal- happiness to see children who inherited the With that huge amount of money the ter- did not march ahead with hatred towards opment process of the country.Your disci- lenges is to strengthen national unity. suicidal cyanide capsule, now learning in rorists continue to spread false rumors, anyone. pline and the commitment have placed a Today we do not hear a single incident of schools. I pay tribute to everyone who was conspire and spread false propaganda After the death of the terrorist leader, high demand for your services in many sec- communal disharmony in this country. committed to make our motherland free, against Sri Lanka. Even though terrorism we took care of his mother and father. We tors. Two years ago, we celebrated the victory content and prosperous.