UNP Slams Govt. Over Double Talk by Wijitha Nakkawita and President Chandrika to Kill Innocent Children, Women Peace Talks So Far

4 Thursday 22nd June, 2006 In Parliament on Wednesday UNP slams govt. over double talk By Wijitha Nakkawita and President Chandrika to kill innocent children, women peace talks so far. This should Lakshmi de Silva Kumaratunga had agreed that the and poor villagers who were going change so that Muslims could Opening the Adjournment CFA had held for 4 years up to the to the hospital to attend clinics or present their views and proposals Debate on the LTTE massacre of end of her term of office and for treatment. Such villagers are for a lasting political solution in 66 villagers of Kebetigollewa, appreciated the fact that three called by some people as border the North and East. UNP Kandy District fourths of the people were for it villagers but it was an incorrect Dr.Rajitha Senaratne said a Parliamentarian Lakshman and a political solution negotiated term to be used as for a border to solution to the problem could not Kiriella said the government was with the LTTE. exist there should be two coun- be arrived at while sticking to the asking all political parties to air He condemned the killing of tries. Therefore we should call concept of the unitary state. The their views at the All Party civilians at Kebetigollewa and them villages exposed to terrorist government should seek a solu- Conference to arrive at a consen- urged the government to seek a attacks. tion acceptable to all communities sus to resolve the conflict in the peaceful solution without opting He said LTTE political without following a rigid policy on North and East with a political set- for a military one. spokesman Thamilselvan immedi- the issue. tlement but some parties and cer- Minister of Posts and ately after the aborted Geneva Sripathy Sooriyaarchchi, tain elements within the govern- Telecommunications, talks had claimed there was a de Deputy Minister said the UNP ment were asking for a military D.M.Jayaratna said thousands of facto separate state of Tamils with had changed its policy on the uni- solution. innocent people had perished in rights over land and sea, but it was tary state concept enshrined in The UNP had its solution of the conflict during the past two like a separate state for a 5 percent the Constitution first by the pursuing talks with the LTTE and decades and whether it was people carved out with the inter- Stagnant drains are a serious health hazard in Bopitiya. Neither Health offi- Sirimavo Bandaranaike led cers nor officers of the Wattala PS show any interest to remedy this situa- when it came to power in 2001 Sinhalese, Tamil or Muslim citi- national community in Sudan. United Left Front Government of zens who died, every one of them Even in Sri Lanka, certain inter- tion. (From S. K. J. Kurera — Pamunugama Corr.) went ahead with signing a 1970 and in the JR.Jayewardene Ceasefire Agreement with the had died for no fault of theirs. national forces were trying the constitution of 1978. Again the LTTE which even the government He said the government con- same method used in Sudan and concept of a unitary state was con- admits it has to stand by while demned the killing of civilians at we should be united to defeat such tinued. Even after the Indo-Lanka pursuing a peaceful solution. It Kebetigollewa which was the lat- moves so that the LTTE will not SAFMA – SL call for end to suppression of journalists accord of 1987 when devolution of was imperative therefore that the est case of attacks on innocent have the opportunity of creating a by Zacki Jabbar necessary security to carry out their government first settled for a con- civilians by the LTTE. Some ele- separate state in our country. power was accepted, The SAFMA National Conference duties in all parts of the country and for sensus within it before it asked for ments were now making attempts SLMC leader Rauff Hakim J.R.Jayewardene told a press con- on “Towards Media Excellence : a North proper recognition of the media accred- a consensus among all political to blame the security forces for the said his party condemned the ference that the unitary state was - South Dialogue” yesterday called on itation card. parties. killings of civilians in the North killing of civilians at also his policy. Though both both state and non state actors to As one participant put it state institu- During the past 6 months about and East but even the internation- Kebetigollewa and it has to be D.B.Wijetunga and R.Premadasa stop suppressing freedom of expres- tions were the biggest offenders when 6000 lives were lost to violence for al community was fully aware the remembered there were several had also accepted the same policy, sion , harassing and torturing journal- it came to non recognition of the media which the government was LTTE was behind those killings. attacks on Muslims living in the it was the present UNP leader ists and in some instances being accreditation card. responsible and it was essential JVP Parliamentary Group North and East. The Muslim com- Ranil Wickremesinghe who responsible for their disappearance or “The media accreditation card clear- that the government came up with Leader Wimal Weerawansa said munity was a stakeholder in the changed that policy opting for a death. ly states that journalists be given all its own solution as promised dur- the Kebetigollewa attack on vil- peace process but it was to be solution in which the unitary sta- The workshop organised by the necessary assistance in carrying out ing the election campaigns, he lagers showed what type of savage regretted that neither govern- tus of the country was not pre- South Asian Free Media Association – their duties but many state institutions said. terrorists the LTTE are as they ments nor the LTTE had allowed served. Sri Lanka branch in collaboration with do not recognise it.The question is why Kiriellla said even former had used extreme cruel methods Muslim representation in the the Sri Lanka Press Institute and held issue an indentiy card that is not in Colombo, was attended by a large recognised”, he queried. number of foreign and local journalists The importance of achieving high Loud speakers a menace to readers including those from the North-East. standards of media excellence in order Among the various issues raised to effectively contribute towards peace ‘JHU totally against salary hikes’ by Cyril Wimalasurendre premises of the Municipal were difficulties faced by journalists and social justice, was also empha- KANDY — High volume loud- Council’s luxury car-park. throughout Sri Lanka in carrying out sised. by Dasun Edirisinghe in Parliament, the increases to speakers at a book-sales centre Several sets of loud-speakers their duties . State agencies and oth- “In doing so we recognise the need The Jathika Hela Urumaya is take effect from January 01. created an immense disturbance were installed around the car- ers resorting to violence to achieve their for all Sri Lankan journalist organisa- totally opposed to any salary, The country faces the twin to readers at the Kandy Municipal park at Dalada Veediya and the increases for the President, Prime problems of war and a failing objectives including the underworld tions to collaborate in building a profes- Council managed D. S. Market Square. were urged to halt such practices. sional community and work together Minister, Ministers or parliamen- economy. In this situation this Senanayake Public Library morn- The public library is housed in tarians, General Secretary of the salary hike is foolish. The participants unanimously in defending existing rights , raise cov- ing yesterday (21). the neighbourhood of the vehicle agreed that just as much as Southern erage standards of the national crisis, JHU Ven. Dr. Omalpe Sobitha The JHU for its part, will credit The mass-book sale was park. Several complaints have journalists were under threat in the past make special efforts to create ethnic Thera said. their MPs salary hike to a fund to opened yesterday with the Kandy been made to the Kandy , Northern and Eastern journalists were harmony and link up with South Asian A cabinet paper for increase of renovate Buddhist temples in the Mayor as Chief Guest. Loud- Municipal Council against the salaries of all parliamentarians Northern and Eastern provinces, speakers were allowed to be used noise pollution. facing the same situation now. and international bodies in furtherance including the President was if the hikes become law, he said. for advertising the sales of books The book sale continues till The workshop urged the authorities of SAFMA’s goals”, the workshop passed recently and was presented at the exhibition conducted at the June 25. to ensure that journalists are provided resolved. China donates sprinkler irrigation Decoding the Da Vinci Code How can one book create so much opsis of the book, he will examine its hype? Is it because the book is ‘blasphe- most startling claims in the light of the systems for dry zone mous’? Or is it because it actually historical record. The presentation will The Chinese government yesterday China. The views and suggestions of lectur- uncovers a dark side of the Christian be followed by a time for questions from donated 170 sprinkler irrigation systems The Ministry of Disaster Relief ers of the Agricultural Faculty of the church, which only a few had known up the floor. costing Rs. 70 million to Sri Lanka for Services formulated a number of proj- Peradeniya University and the Open to now? Does the book really reveal a Given the international furore and the benefit of dry zone farmers. ects aimed at reducing the impact of University were sought on the imple- truth that can rock the very foundations the mega publicity for both the book Chinese Ambassador Sun Gloxiang drought in the dry zone, rain water har- mentation of the project. The sprinkler of historic Christianity? To what extent and now the movie, many want to be in handed over the donation to President vesting system, agro wells, rain water irrigation systems would be initially dis- is the book’s alleged “history” histori- on the discussion of the real issues it Mahinda Rajapakse at the Temple Trees. ponds and small scale drinking water tributed to farmers in the districts of cally accurate? How much of the book raises. Decoding the Da Vinci Code The agreement was signed by Minister programmes. The Chinese government, Anuradhapura, Kurunegala, Badulla,, is pure fiction? could well be the opportunity to get a of Disaster Relief Services M. S. S. after evaluating these projects, agreed to Ampara, Puttalam, Moneragala, Jaffna, These questions and others will be broader perspective and some clear Ameer Ali, on behalf of Sri Lanka gov- help by providing sprinkler irrigations Mannar, Batticaloa, Trincomalee and considered in greater detail on Friday, answers to the matters of history that ernment and by Mr.Gloxiang on behalf systems. Hambantotta.(S.S) June 23, 2006 when Ivor Poobalan pulsate in Dan Brown’s shock and awe (Principal of Colombo Theological in contemporary literature. Seminary) holds a forum at the PCAG For more information about this Auditorium at 160/30 Kirimandala presentation please go to www.reachbe- Mahila Samiti Mawatha, Narahenpita. The presenta- yondlimits.com or contact Pas Hans Pope saddened by Kebetigollewa massacre tion will start at 6:15pm. Barbut 0714 946842 for details. His Holiness Pope Benedict XVI, renounce the violence which causes AGM Ivor Poobalan is an alumnus of both Entrance Free. All are welcome. in a message of condolence on the so much suffering to civilian popula- the London School of Theology, and All attendees will receive a free copy The 76th Annual General Meeting of Kebetigollewa claymore blast, which tion and instead to embrace the way Trinity International University, of the booklet, The Da Vinci Code: the Lanka Mahila Samiti will be held at killed over 65 civilians, including of lasting peace. Praying for those Chicago, from which he holds the Separating Fact From Fiction (Grand the Lanka Mahila Samiti Kaduwela women and children, said he was who have been injured and for the Masters of Theology in Old Testament Rapids, Michigan: RBC Ministries, Training Centre Kotalawela from 9.30 saddened to learn of the great loss of eternal repose of the dead, he & Semitic Languages. Following a syn- 2005). a.m. to 1.00 p.m. Members from 16 dis- life and extended his heartfelt condo- invokes upon all the afflicted the tricts will participate. lences to the families of those who Almighty’s blessings of comfort and died and assured them of his prayers strength,” states a message issued by during this time of sorrow. Cardinal Angelo Sodano, Secretary “ In a special way the Holy Father of State of the Apostolic Nunciature. Brig. Jayasinghe presented appeals to all in the region to (S.S.) Tigers kill wine US Legion of Merit medal store owner The US Legion of Merit Medal was United States from 2003 to 2005. A wealthy wine stores proprietor was presented to Brigadier Rohan M. The Legion of Merit Medal is Karuna cadres kill 8 Tigers shot dead by the LTTE pistol gang on Jayasinghe of the Sri Lankan Army by awarded by the President of the Tuesday night for failing to pay protec- US Ambassador Jeffrey Lunstead. United States to individuals who have by Norman Palihawadena military sources confirmed yesterday. tion money to the Tigers. Brig. Jayasinghe has obtained the rank “distinguished themselves by excep- The shooting had taken place well The 52-year-old Iyankaran Nirmala of “Officer” in the Legion of Merit for tionally meritorious conduct in the Karuna faction cadres launched an past midnight and it was heard in cer- Kumar was killed opposite his wine his service as Sri Lankan Defence, performance of outstanding servic- attack on an LTTE camp at tain parts of the Trincomalee district. stores at Kommanthurai in Batticaloa. Military, Naval, and Air Attache to the es.” Kattaparichan near Muttur on Tuesday The Army has learnt about the attack The father of four, he and hails from night killing at least eight Wanni cadres and the casualties by tapping the LTTE Kalliyankadu in Jaffna. Eravur police is and injuring several others, police and radio messages investigating. Lankan, Maldivian Cadets get appointments to US military academies Jobs for 2,000 in Mauritius Look out for Jumadhal Three military cadets received certificates of Cadet Mooman will study civil engineering before appointment from US Ambassador Jeffrey J. returning to serve as lieutenants in the Maldivian by Don Asoka Wijewardena dearth of such personnel in our country. Ukhra Hijri moon Lunstead to begin undergraduate studies at the US National Defence Force. The Government of Mauritius has expressed will- Referring to the increase in foreign exchange Air Force Academy and the US Military Academy in Students from Sri Lanka and the Maldives have ingness to recruit around 2,000 Sri Lankans to work The Colombo Grand Mosque (CGM) through foreign remittances, Minister Seneviratne September of 2006. had great success in the highly competitive selec- in the garment industry. appeals to the Muslim public took out said that earlier 28 per cent of foreign exchange was Radhika Ranaweera of Sri Lanka will enroll in tion process of gaining admission to the Labour Relations and Foreign Employment for the new moon on June 26, 2006 imme- earned through migrant workers. Since 2005 Sri the US Air Force Academy in Colorado Springs, Academies, with four Maldivian and six Sri Lankan Minister Athauda Seneviratne told The Island that diately after Maghrib to decide on the Lanka had been able to increase that percentage up Colorado, and Ali Ihusaan and Ahmed Mooman, cadets students pursuing degrees in the coming Mauritius was in need of skilled Sri Lankans for the beginning of the Islamic month of to 30 by sending more Sri Lankans to foreign coun- both of the Maldives, will enroll in the US Military term at the US Naval Academy in Annapolis, the garment industry and arrangements were being Jumadhal Ukhra Hijri 1427. tries. Academy in West Point, New York. The three stu- US Military Academy in West Point and the US Air made to select them in accordance with the rules and “Insha Allah, if you sight the new He also said that those who were seeking job dents will pursue Bachelor of Science degrees and Force Academy in Colorado Springs. Students regulations imposed by the Government of Mauritius. opportunities in Korea should pass the Korean lan- moon, kindly telephone the Colombo receive military training alongside students from from more than 150 countries are invited to apply He said that although almost all European coun- guage test. He added that the Korean International Grand Mosque on any one of the follow- the United States and around the world. “I am excit- each year for admission to the academies, where tries were short of qualified nurses and nursing assis- Organisation had planned to set up Korean language ing telephone numbers: (01) 2390783, ed about going to study aeronautical engineering, international students complete the same course of tants, Sri Lanka was not in a position to send nurses centre in Sri Lanka for the benefit of job seekers in 2432110, 2434651 or 0777-377099”, the hopefully learning to fly,” said Cadet Ranaweera. study as their American peers, but do not receive or paramedics to those countries as there is a severe Korea. CGM said. Cadet Ihusaan will study computer sciences and commissions in the American Armed Forces.