4 Saturday 25th February, 2012 The Island Home News Protest march against anti resolution National Christian Council tells at UNHRC A march has been organ- ple’s solidarity with the gov- ized by civil organizations ernment, the organizers against moves of the inter- said. The march organized Govt not to crush protests national community to inter- under the theme ‘Let’s safe- The National Christian Council of Sri Lanka Full text of the statement: “The National elders who live in areas where there is no fere in the internal affairs of guard the hard earned yesterday urged the government to ensure that Christian Council of Sri Lanka expresses its electricity is also a matter of serious concern. Sri Lanka from Freedom’ is scheduled to undemocratic- and violent means are not adopt- deep concern on the escalation of the cost of liv- It is also important that adequate steps be Bulathsinhala town to Egal commence at 8.30 am near ed to crush public protests. ing in the recent times which has a serious taken to immediately put an end to corruption Oya Junction on Sunday (26). the clock tower in The NCCSL in a statement also appealed to impact on the lives of the people of our country. and malpractices that has a direct impact on The marchers will express Bulathsinhala town, Media those involved in demonstrations not to indulge The recent increase in the fuel price has a the national economy, so that the burdens put their protest against an anti Secretary to the Ministry of in acts of violence. ripple effect that will automatically have a on the ordinary people of our country can be Sri Lankan resolution sched- Ports and Highways K.A.D. The NCCSL statement was signed by Rev. greater impact on the prices of all essential com- reduced. We also appeal to the Government to uled to be brought up by sev- Krishantha Sampath Charles N. Janes, Chairperson of the National modities. There is also no doubt that this would ensure that undemocratic- and violent means Christian Council of Sri Lanka/Christian seriously affect the quality of life of the poor are not adopted to crush the spontaneous out- eral western nations at the Kumbalathara said inviting Reformed Church, Rt. Rev. Dr. Daniel S, and very specially of the farmers, fishermen, UNHRC sessions in Geneva all patriotic people to partici- burst of the agony and sufferings of the peo- Thiagarajah, of Jaffna Diocese, Church plantation workers and the daily paid labourers ple arising from the ever escalating cost of on February 27 and the peo- pate in it. of South India, Rev. Dr. A.W. Jebanesan, and workers of our country, who are the back living. The recent events of police brutality President, Methodist Church in Sri Lanka, Rt. bone of our sustenance and survival. and violence on demonstrators resulting even Rev. D.R. Canagasabey, Bishop of Colombo, They are not only in need of immediate in death cannot be condoned. While we appeal Diocese of Colombo, Rt. Rev. relief and assistance but immediate steps Shantha Francis, Bishop of , Church should be taken to ensure a fair sustained to those involved in demonstrations not to of Ceylon , Rev. Samara guaranteed price for their products or ensure indulge in acts of violence, we stress that the We never fire at Peres, Moderator, Presbyterian Church, Rev. an adequate and enhanced daily wage. The need of the hour is to stabilize the democratic Priyantha Wijegoonawardene, president, Sri impact of the increase in the price of space and to take steps genuinely to address Lanka Baptist Sangamaya and Commissioner Kerosene which has a negative impact on the the economic issues that are affecting the Indian fishermen: Malcolm Induruwage of the Salvation Army. education of the students and the care of the ordinary people of this country.” Lankan envoy VADODARA: Sri too,” he said. He also drew Lankan high commissioner comparisons between Monk driving car in India, P Kariyawasam, Gujarat and Sri Lanka stat- said on Thursday that the ing that both have a long Sri Lankan navy never fires sea coast. at Indian fishermen, who He added that Sri Lanka hits jeep sometimes wander into has good potential to be Ven Kithalagama had driven his personal car their boundary. developed as a tourism hub Pragnajeewa thera said to alone when it collided with Kariyawasam was in the and more Indians should be the chief incumbent of a jeep at about 10:30 pm. He city to attend an HR con- invest in Sri Lanka as his the Gothami Vihara, had been proceeding clave organized by country gets good number Jambugasmulla Lane, towards Kottawa. Federation of Gujarat of tourists. He also stressed Nugegoda has been admit- While the monk had suf- Industries (FGI) to mark on the need to develop and ted to Kalubowila Hospital fered some major injuries, 150th birth anniversary of provide better infrastruc- with injuries caused in a the passengers traveling in Sayajirao Gaekwad III. ture. head on collision on High the jeep have sustained “We never fire at the Kariyawasam also said Level Road at Pannipitiya minor injuries. Police said fishermen. If they cross that a 500 megawatt coal- on Thursday night. his life was not in danger. international boundary based power plant is being Police said that the monk while fishing they are set up in Sri Lanka in a released later,” joint venture between Kariyawasam told media- National Thermal Power persons. An Italian mer- Corporation Ltd ( NTPC) chant vessel recently fired and Seylon Electricity South India, extended home base, at Indian fishermen in Board (SEB). He put his southern coast mistaking weight behind India and them as pirates. Two fisher- said that his government says Sri Lankan Airlines CEO men were killed in the inci- supported India’s demand TIRUCHI, February 24, including Madurai. Mr. dent. Kariyawasam, who for being made permanent 2012: South India is an Chandrasena was here en visited Gujarat for the first member of United Nations extended home base for Sri route to Madurai to hold time, was all praise for the Security Council (UNSC). state. Kariyawasam said that the Lankan Airlines, the nation- talks with stakeholders in “I have visited this place Indian government handled al carrier of Sri Lanka, exploring the potential of for the first time and I must the recent Maldives crisis which is all set to expand its the temple city. say I am impressed with the sensibly by not interfering operations in metros and “Sizing up the Madurai development here. I would directly into their affairs. tier-two cities in the region. market, we feel that the city like to meet Gujarat chief (ToI) Economic Development Minister Basil Rajapaksa and Kuok Khoon Ean, Chairman, Shangri- As part of a move to accord has the right mix of passen- minister Narendra Modi La-Asia cutting the first sod of soil at the ground breaking ceremony at the former Army thrust to the Asian market, ger segments,” he said Cricket Grounds where the hotel will be constructed. Among others in the picture are the airline would increase adding that the airline Lakshman Yapa Abeywardane, Deputy Minister Economic Development and Madhu both frequencies of opera- might look at operating Ramachandra Rao, Executive Director, Shangri-La Asia. Pic by Kamal Bogoda tions and choices of desti- turbo aircrafts with limited Lankan in Australia charged nations in India. seating capacity at the ini- In an exclusive interview tial stage. Responding to a Shangri-La breaks ground with The Hindu, Kapila query on how the opera- with wife’s murder Chandrasena, Director and tions would affect Tiruchi, A Lankan man accused of with murder, not long after Chief Executive Officer, Sri the closest destination for killing his wife at their the body of the woman was Lankan Airlines, said travellers in south, he was Willeton home was ordered to found in their house on the for new hotel in Sri Lanka increasingly liberal aviation optimistic that markets be remanded by Perth Old Nursery Lane on policies and opening of sec- were big enough for unex- Magistrate’s Court Australian Thursday afternoon, ondary cities was a wel- plored segment. Broadcasting Corporation The family, including two Shangri-La Hotels and Resorts broke A health club, spa with eight treatment come sign for the industry With increased competi- said on its web yesterday. daughters, moved to Perth ground for its new hotel in Colombo, Sri rooms, an outdoor junior Olympic-size Sampathawaduge Eustace from Sri Lanka about four in India. “India is impor- tion, low yield and poor Lanka yesterday. Shangri-La Hotel, lap pool at 25 by 12 metres and two out- Sudath Silva (50) was charged years ago. tant due to the sheer scale capacity issues in European Colombo will be located between the door tennis courts will complete the of operations it offers our sector, the thrust of the avi- Galle Face Green promenade and Beira recreational facilities. Lake, with uninterrupted views of the Together with Shangri-La’s network, and the market is ation industry has now Gem and Jewellery... From page 1 Indian Ocean. The Hong Kong-based Hambantota Resort and Spa, Sri Lanka, big enough to sustain any shifted to Asia in the form number of airlines.” of new destinations, the The NGJA Chief told The Island that under no circumstances group announced the purchase of 10 the hotel fits strategically into the group’s would the surrounding environment be allowed to be affected as acres of government land in January 2011 ongoing expansion plans to link the The airline despite incur- CEO said. Noting that it was NGJA officials would frequently monitor the area. and is targeting to open the property in Indian subcontinent and the South East ring losses and curtailing not a good time for the air- He said that more than 500 people attended the auction at the mid-2015. Asia developments. frequency of operations in line or any other airline he Kataragama Pradeshiya Sabha. The hotel will be easily accessible from The Sri Lankan properties will be fully the European sector would said the upward spiral of Bandaranaike International Airport, integrated into the local community from Galhena said that the three-and-half-acre land area had been increase frequencies to aviation fuel costs that com- surveyed and divided into 49 blocks, each encompassing about Katunayake, in 45 minutes by car. the very beginning, offering employment Shangri-La is also developing a second opportunities and infrastructure support. Delhi and Chennai while prised nearly 55 per cent of 10 to 14 perches, while three plots were handed over to village exploring the possibility of operating cost were to groups. property, a 315 room city resort on In addition, both properties will adopt operations in tier-two cities, blame. (The Hindu) “Gems found in these blocks will be sold by tender and the approximately 145 acres of land in Embrace, Shangri-La’s Care for People proceeds after deducting all the expenses would be divided on a Hambantota, on the southern coast of Sri Project, to work with local children’s 30 to 70 basis between NGJA and the members of the group,” Lanka. organizations on health or education pro- Shangri-La Hotel, Colombo will be grammes over a long-term period in areas Galhena added. built according to sustainability guide- of need such as school materials, infra- From page 1 Recently, while the top soil was removed from a land belong- Kidnapped child... lines, with 661 rooms offering some of the structure improvement, hygiene and ing to the Forest Conservation Department under a road devel- largest accommodation in town at 45 nutrition. The hotel is in the process of The kidnapper was not aware that the opment project, the gem deposit was discovered, resulting in a square metres to 55 square metres (484 identifying eligible schools within mother was accompanied by plain clothed mad rush to the area. square feet to 592 square feet). This also Colombo. policemen. The kidnapper was arrested includes 43 suites ranging in size from 90 Shangri-La recognises the unique and taken to the Mundalama Police. A square metres to 225 square metres (968 opportunity presented to hone a new gen- woman said to be his paramour, who had aided and abetted the kidnapping too had Bread price .... From page 1 square feet to 2,421 square feet). eration of tourism talent in Sri Lanka. A wide range of restaurant concepts Both properties are committed to employ- been arrested. The suspect was a drug He said that they had taken into features a sushi bar, steakhouse, seafood ing the majority of the workforce locally addict, police said adding that a hand consideration the devaluation of the market, Indian restaurant, Islamic restau- and they will commence a “Hospitality grenade too had been found in his posses- rupee, fuel price hikes, and increases rant as well as a sky lounge on the top Traineeship Programme.” Young adults sion. in transport costs and the prices of floor. The all-day-dining venue will offer participating in the 15 to 18-month pro- Lalitha’s husband is employed in Italy raw material (flour, vegetable oil, mar- various food concepts throughout the day gramme will start with basic skill courses and was scheduled to fly home yesterday garine, yeast) in effecting price revi- including Straits Spice Market, a in front office, food and beverage service, because of the incident. sions of their products. Szechuan and a Macanese restaurant. A kitchen, landscaping and gardens, take-out deli, Irish pub, tea lounge and Successful candidates will then be placed wine/cigar room will round out the culi- in selected Shangri-La hotels globally nary offer. until the properties in Sri Lanka are HC issues notice... From page 1 Close relative ... From page 1 Meeting facilities will be among the ready for pre-opening work. after the chemicals were released under the Pesticides Act, the It is learnt that the close relative had not even bothered to largest in Colombo, with over 4,780 The ground breaking ceremony for the Registrar could have ordered the sale of the chemicals stopped square metres (50,598 square feet) of func- Shangri-La property in Ambalanthota, attend Jayaratne’s funeral. and ordered the chemicals to be returned. tion space spread over three floors to host that includes 300 chalets will take place Police had started grilling him as information had reached The High Court judge ordered the Court officials to inform meetings, receptions and private func- this morning. them regarding the long standing grudge he had with Jayaratne. the respondents over the phone about the decision. tions.

GoSL points... From page 1 Asked whether the Sri Lankan delegation had May 2009, the minister said. effort, realised that it was nothing but politically In the run-up to the UNHRC sessions scheduled to raised the contentious issue of double-standards with The UN made an abortive bid to persuade the motivated campaign. Prof. Peiris said that he didn’t begin on Feb. 27, HR violations and atrocities com- those spearheading the anti-Sri Lanka campaign LTTE to stop using children way back in 1998. None want to point a finger at any particular country, but mitted by the US in Iraq, Afghanistan, Pakistan as here, Prof. Peiris said: “Most certainly, we had an of those organisations protesting against crushing of the international media coverage on global war on well as abuse of prisoners, too, had come up for dis- opportunity to tell all those concerned how their des- the LTTE ever bothered at least to issue a statement terror as well as the whistle-blowing website, Wiki cussions. picable strategy will cause rapid erosion of confi- condemning the assassination of Foreign Minister Leaks had exposed the conduct of those promoting Prof. Peiris said that since the conclusion of the dence in the UNHRC process.” Lakshman Kadirgamar during the Ceasefire human rights in Sri Lanka. conflict in May 2009, the Sri Lankan government had Prof. Peiris pointed out that some living Agreement. The Minister said that the government Prof. Peiris said that he had an opportunity to dis- moved faster on the accountability issue than any abroad were campaigning against those who had res- couldn’t get at those directly involved in the cuss a very unfair condition that the identities of other country accused of large scale violations dur- cued their kith and kin from the LTTE’s grip. He said Kadirgamar assassination, though the LTTE was those who had made oral and written submissions to ing global war on terror or in the case of the invasion they were being rather ungrateful. destroyed. The failure on that part of the government the UNSG’s panel wouldn’t be revealed for 20 years. of Iraq in 2003. The global Tamil community, Minister Peiris to get at the assassins didn’t mean that it was either He said: “How could a country recovering from a He said that the Sri Lankan delegation had briefed emphasised, should be eternally thankful to the reluctant or not interested in punishing those respon- bloody war be undermined on the basis of informa- member states of the UNHRC on action taken by the incumbent government for saving children from the sible, the Minister said. tion provided by anonymous persons, whereas a spate government to address an entire gamut of post-war LTTE’s clutches. Those who were raising the so- Asked whether Sri Lanka was confident of coun- of reports, which dealt with horrendous crimes com- called accountability issues had failed to prevent the tering the US-led resolution, Prof. Peiris emphasised issues, ranging from resettlement and rehabilitation mitted since the launch of global war on terror over a to accountability issues. LTTE from using children as cannon fodder until that even those supportive of the anti-Sri Lanka decade ago had gone unnoticed?”