4 Tuesday 7th March 2006 Strengthen armed forces to keep LTTE at negotiating table – JVP

by Franklin R. Satyapalan more than they ever had in any previous which put the government of President talks. Unlike the previous teams, the Rajapakse in a very difficult situation JVP Leader Somawansa GOSL team this time did not bend over during the past few months. We must Amerasinghe yesterday (6) said the backwards to appease the LTTE. This not repeat this mistake. party believes that the only way to keep marked the first time that the LTTE was A strong military is the most impor- the LTTE at the negotiating table would forced on the defensive and conceded tant, if not the only, deterrent to the be by strengthening the armed forces. points to the GOSL negotiating team. LTTE’s separatist ambitions. While con- Amerasinghe read the JVP’s state- Having said that, however, the JVP is tinuing the dialogue with the LTTE, the ment at the all party conference con- in complete disagreement with the joint GOSL should also ramp up its strength- vened by President Mahinda Rajapaksa statement presented at the conclusion of ening and training of the armed forces at the presidential secretariat last morn- the talks. This joint statement seems to so that the LTTE will realize that going ing, to brief the members on the have been drafted by the Norwegian back to war is not an option for them. In progress made at the first round of “Facilitators” and is overtly contradic- prior rounds of talks, the LTTE was direct talks between the government tory to the Mahinda Chintanaya. We successful in weakening the govern- and the LTTE held in Geneva. regret that the GOSL team agreed to be ment forces while continuing to The JVP statement: a party to such a statement after having strengthen their armed cadres. A “The two-day Geneva talks although successfully negotiated for two days. return to war a threat that the LTTE not fulfilling all the objectives of the The next round of talks will be held always used against the government. Janatha Vimukthi Peramuna and the once again in Geneva and there is much Unfortunately, previous governments people of was a step in the hope, by the government as well as the were so scared of going back to war that correct direction of regaining Sri people of Sri Lanka, that this round of they caved into the LTTE’s demands. Lanka’s full sovereignty and the spread talks would lead towards a lasting solu- This attitude by the government weak- of democracy. Unlike the previous so- tion to the armed conflict. The JVP,how- ened their bargaining position. By hav- called peace talks held in Thailand, ever, begs to differ. We do not believe ing a strong and fully prepared military Norway and Japan the government was that the LTTE Tigers will ever change at their disposal, the government will The tenth anniversary of the Sri Sambodhi English Dhamma School held at the Sri Sambodhi Vihara, not supine in front of LTTE and their stripes. Their objective, as always, be negotiating from a position of Colombo 7 was held on Monday (5). Among the distinguished invitees were, The Chief Justice Sarath Norwegian demands. The preparations remains unchanged and we urge the strength. The GOSL should “speak soft- N.de Silva, The Navy Commander Shantha Kottegoda and Mrs.Suganthi Kadirgamar. Pictured is Maha for the talks this time were completely Government not to be lulled into a false ly and carry a big stick”, which will Nayake Thera of the Asgiriya chapter Most Ven Udugama Sri Buddharakhitha Maha Thera and the transparent. In previous rounds of sense of safety and become complacent. greatly negate the LTTE threat of a Chief Justice in conversation. Pic by Kamal Bogoda talks, the, political parties in power at The GOSL should be ever vigilant of the return to hostilities. the time did not conduct an all party LTTE and ensure that they do not once In the next rounds of talks in April, conference to discuss their thoughts and again gain the upper hand in negotia- the GOSL team should actively work to exchange ideas with others. The agen- tions. rectify the mistakes made at the previ- Mysterious crows deaths not bird flu das were unilaterally set in secret with- Therefore, we recommend, after ous round of talks. We are of the opin- out consulting other political parties or analysing the results of the talks, the ion that the GOSL team did very well up by Norman Palihawadana bility of bird flu killing these birds. He without the expertise of those who were GOSL be aware of the issues that still to the point of the joint statement. Mysterious deaths of about 20 crows said the deaths could be due to the con- -well, versed in political negotiations. remain unresolved and be watchful that These mistakes should not be repeated at Mantivu, Puttalam a few days back is sumption of toxic waste material mixed The preparations for the latest round complacency does not set in. The LTTE and those mistakes made should be rec- now under investigation by the with the garbage they normally eat. of talks were done in a manner that was is a very dangerous foe and as such, we tified in future rounds of talks. Veterinary Research Institute of the However investigation into the deaths completely open and transparent. The must at all times remain extra careful In future, all steps taken at the nego- Health Department, official sources said is being conducted to ascertain the real opinions of other democratic parties in our dealings with them. tiation table should be in fall accor- yesterday (6). cause or causes that may have killed the such as the JVP as well as the opinions The JVP believes that the only way to dance with the JVP’s agreement with Director Veterinary Research (Animal crows but there was a yellow powdery of experts contributed to the forming of keep the LTTE at the negotiating table H.E. President Mahinda Rajapakse and Products) of the Health Department substance on the beaks of the crows that the opening statement in Geneva. is to strengthen the armed forces in his vision for Sri Lanka, Mahinda Dr.S.E.R.Amarasekara said there was no may be the poisonous matter causing the The GOSL’s agenda was designed in prior rounds of talks, the government Chintanaya. We firmly believe that it is need to have unfounded fears on a possi- deaths Dr.Amarasekara said. keeping with Mahinda Chintanaya. was lulled into a sense of false security better to walk away from the negotiat- From the time the talks started, the which enabled the LTTE to further ing table without any progress being GOSL team pointed, out the faults of the strengthen their forces. During the past made, rather than agree to any condi- LTTE’s opening statement and succeed- four years, the government neglected to tions that would be detrimental to the EU Election Observation Mission (EOM) to Sri Lanka ed in getting the LTTE to concede much create and maintain a strong military sovereignty of Sri Lanka.” Cushnahan to present final report SLMM says talks at risk after fresh killing Chief Observer John Cushnahan Report on the 2005 Presidential election returns to Sri Lanka today to present based on what his 80-strong observer (AFP)- Scandinavian truce monitors talks in Switzerland last month. proxy for attacks on rebel-held areas in the final report of the European team witnessed during its two month Sunday warned that Sri Lanka’s peace Tiger rebels said security forces aided the north and east. The military denies Union's Election Observation Mission mission. The report will make a num- process was in danger following the the attack that killed two of their mem- the claim. which observed the 2005 Presidential ber of recommendations for killing of two Tamil Tiger rebels in the bers manning a checkpoint in the restive During talks in Switzerland last election. strengthening the electoral process in first clash since ceasefire talks in eastern province on Saturday. month, both the Tigers and Colombo Cushnahan led the EU Election Sri Lanka. Switzerland. The attack was the first since the agreed to stop a spate of killings since Observation Missions to Sri Lanka in Before his departure to Sri Lanka, The Norwegian-led Sri Lanka peace talks in Switzerland at which the December that left at least 153 dead. The 2000, 2001 and 2004. He returned in late Chief Observer Cushnahan said: "My Monitoring Mission (SLMM) said talks government and the Liberation Tigers of government also agreed that paramili- 2005 as Chief Observer to lead the 80 formal programme with Sri Lanka's between the government and Tamil Tiger (LTTE) agreed to abide by a tary units should be disarmed or dis- member EU Team (from twenty one EU political parties begins tomorrow rebels scheduled for April could be at 2002 ceasefire. banded. Member states) to observe the 2005 morning (Tuesday March 7) when I will risk following Saturday’s attack on a “LTTE members at this post launched The talks were aimed at returning the Presidential elections. have a meeting with President Tiger post by a suspected breakaway a counter attack and the attackers from two sides to a peace process to halt an Chief Observer Cushnahan deliv- Mahinda Rajapakse. At the heart of the rebel faction. the camp ran back,” the ethnic conflict that has claimed more ered his preliminary statement imme- “If such attacks and killings should LTTE said in a statement. “Ambulances than 60,000 lives since 1972. discussions with political leaders will diately after the elections in November be the Final Report of the European reoccur, the SLMM fears that the next were heard leaving the army camp soon The Tigers and Sri Lankan peace 2005. He is returning to Sri Lanka Union Election Observation Mission round of talks is put at stake,” the outgo- after this incident.” negotiators have, however, been locked in today to present the full and final and especially the recommendations ing SLMM chief Hagrup Haukland said The defence ministry denied any a new war of words over what exactly report of the Election Observation that it contains. These suggestions are in a statement. involvement and accused the Tigers of was agreed in Switzerland. Mission. put Haukland, who is to be replaced short- putting out a “meticulously fabricated” The LTTE has already lodged a protest He will be accompanied by the ly by a Danish military officer, urged all report. with Norway over Colombo’s claim that Legal/Election forward in an attempt to improve the parties to uphold their commitments in a The LTTE has said the government the talks amounted to an amendment of expert from his team - Ms. Idoia electoral process based on our experi- joint statement after their last round of supports a breakaway rebel faction as its the 2002 ceasefire agreement. Aranceta from Spain. ences in observing not only last year's Cushnahan will meet President Presidential Election but also the 2000, Mahinda Rajapakse, the UNP leader 2001 and 2004 Parliamentary Elections. Ranil Wickremesinghe, and the leaders "I am also here to listen and learn. I Reconstruction of fisheries harbour with Japanese funding of Sri Lanka's other main political par- want to hear the views and ideas of ties. politicians, election officials, civil soci- The launching of reconstruction work The Galle Fishery Harbour is among Last week, the Government of Japan He is also scheduled to meet Election ety representatives and other stake- of the tsunami affected Galle fisheries the worst affected Harbours by the pledged a sum of 21,559 million yen Commissioner Dayananda holders as to how we can work together harbour funded by the government of Tsunami. Under the project, the Galle (approximately 18,567 million rupees) Dissanayake and representatives of in the future to protect and strengthen Japan was held on 6th March 2006. The Fishery Harbour will be reconstructed under the 37th Yen Loan Package to Sri civil society. At these meetings, he will estimated cost of the construction is with new facilities such as an Ice Plant Lanka, out of which, 14,495 million yen Sri Lanka's long tradition of democra- formally present copies of the Final Japanese Yen 642,945,159 (approximately with a production capacity of 50 tons per (approximately 13,750 million rupees) cy ." Rs. 559 million). The Japan International day,Cold Storage., Quay wall, slipway for has been allocated for the development of Cooperation Agency (JICA) assisted in fishing vessels for safe navigation, winch the Galle Port. In addition, Japan has the preparation of the designing of the house, auction hall, two storied building financed major development projects in Legal News Galle fisheries harbour while the Japan for the office of Ceylon Fishery Harbour the fisheries sector in the Southern International Cooperation Systems Cooperation, a canteen for harbour region such as the construction of the Supreme Court 330/06 45/06 CA No. SC SPL L/A No. (JICS) will supervise implementation of etc, Tangalle Fishery Harbour which will Court No. 502 SC Application 1473/05 175/05 - CA No. the project. Immediately after the tsunami, the also be reconstructed under the Japanese Before — Dr. S. A. F/R No. 154/03 - For Leave To 969/03 The fisheries sector was severely Government of Japan extended. 80 mil- Non-project Grant Aid and the College of Bandaranayake J With No. 404/03 Proceed SC SPL L/A No. affected due to the tsunami, and a large lion US$ under the Japanese Non-Project Fisheries and Nautical Engineering, etc. T. B. Weerasuriya J For Argument SC Application 268/05 - CA No. number of boats, fishing gear and infra- Grant Aid for relief, rehabilitation and Felix Perera, Minister of Fisheries N. E. Dissanayake SC Application F/R No. 26/05 260/03 structure were destroyed. It is reported reconstruction of a wide range of tsuna- and Aquatic Resources and Hiroshi J F/R No. 272/04 SC Application that about 80% of the country’s boat fleet mi affected sectors. Out of this total Karube, Deputy Head of Mission of the To Be Mentioned Court No. 403 F/R No. 36/05 For Argument was fully destroyed or damaged and 10 grant, 20 million US$, which is one fourth Embassy of Japan laid the foundation SC Special No. Before - C. N. For Granting Of SC Application out of 12 fishery harbours in the country of the grant have been allocated to the stone for the new Galle Fisheries 11/2005 Jayasinghe J Leave F/R No. 451/04 were also destroyed. As a result a large fisheries sector considering the economi- Harbour. Kingsly T. Wickramaratne, N. G. SC HC L/A No. SC Application number of coastal communities whose cal and social importance of the industry. Governor, Southern Province, E. For Leave To Amarathunga J 64/05 - HC F/R No. 70/02 livelihood depended on the fisheries This 20 million US$ has being utilized for Jinadasa, Secretary, Ministry of Proceed S. Marsoof J Colombo No. 61/05 SC Application industry were badly affected. In the providing essential fisheries items such Fisheries and Aquatic Resources, SC Application To Be Mentioned SC HC L/A No. F/R No. 308/05 restoration of tsunami-affected areas, it as large number of boats., fishing gear, Yasuhiro Watanabe, Second Secretary, F/R No. 395/05 SC Application 74/05 - HC SC Appeal No. is important that priority is given ice Plants, cold storage, and other neces- Embassy of Japan, Asanga SC Application F/R No. 469/04 Colombo No. 20/04 - HC No. towards livelihood restoration of fisher sary inputs and also for -Jr reconstruc- Abegunasekera, Chairman of Lanka F/R No. 503/05 SC Application 276/04 70/02 communities, so that the people will be tion of Galle and Tangalle fishery har- Fisheries Harbour Corporation were also To Be Mentioned F/R No. 277/65 SC SPL L/A No. SC Application able to get on with their lives as before. bours. present at the occasion. SC SPL L/A No. For Support 119/05 CA No. F/R No. . HC No. 47/06 - CA No. SC Special L/A No. 268/99 7/04

NICs... From page 1 Talks must... From page 1 Commissioner AG 35000 application of which around 2000 to needed to computerise the data of 90% of One of the highlights of the confer- were represented by the CWC while the Dharmadasa said that the department had 22000 are processed while 300 are issued by rulers of NICs. ence was the agreement of views Tamils living in the south were repre- been during is work manually since the charging rupees 500 for one day service. This could be made a reality if a new between the former political rivals sented by the Upcountry People’s front department commenced in 1972 to issues At Percent with additional space of wing was added to Jawatte Road headquar- Minister Ferial Ashraff and SLMC led by Mano Ganeshan who said these NIS to those who had reached the age of is 12,000 square feet acquired from Salusala ters employing over 100 new clerical per- leader Rauf Hakeem which was wel- two sections also had to be represented and up today issued close to 20 million hand office by the department at Jawatte sonnel and computers to complete the task comed by President Mahinda Rajapakse. as a separate entity in future peace NICS. road using ten computers it was able to in time for any future elections if there be The Tamils in the plantation sector talks. Daily the Department receives 2500 to compile the of around 200,000 persons and any.