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Sunday, 21 April 2013

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During Sinhala and Hindu New Year season:

Ranil opts for overseas holiday while President meets villagers

Politicians normally take a break from national politics during the Sinhala and Hindu New Year period and opt to spend the season in their villages. Yet, certain politicians prefer to spend the New Year season with their families or loved ones.

Contrasting characteristics of President Mahinda Rajapaksa and Opposition Leader Ranil Wickremesinghe has always been evident, especially during the Sinhala and Hindu New Year. While Ranil opts for an overseas holiday, the President has always preferred to be in his ancestral home in Tangalle, following rich traditions that have been associated with our culture and meeting villagers.

One wonders whether Ranil has ever followed any New Year traditions or auspicious times as he always prefer to spend his New Year overseas in true Western style.

Ranil chose a holiday in Laos during the New Year season. Prior to his departure, he gave all necessary instructions to UNP seniors John Amaratunga and Gamini Jayawickrema Perera. General Secretary Tissa Attanayake spent the New Year season in Japan.

However, Ranil made sure not to officially appoint anyone to act on his behalf. He instructed UNP seniors on next month's UNP Working Committee meeting and other party activities. Unlike on previous occasions, he deployed his confidant at Sirikotha to have a close tab on activities of party seniors, including Tissa's tour to Japan.

In contrast, Sajith Premadasa was busy with his own campaigns while youth wing head, parliamentarian Ruwan Wijewardene was engaged in the preparations for the UNP's Youth May Day celebrations in Badulla. Unlike in previous years, UNP is not holding a main May Day rally.

Instead, the main Opposition has decided to conduct several May Day rallies on a regional basis. Political observers say that it was a ploy to cover the deteriorating membership of the UNP. During non-election periods, popularity and strengths of political parties are often assessed through the number of supporters each party could attract for their May Day rallies.

But Ranil had a strategy not to show the UNP's poor form. Hence, he instructed that the party should have equal level May Day rallies on a regional basis. That could cover up the UNP's real strength at a main May Day rally. At the same time, it is an indication that the UNP seniors are not united to sit on a same platform. It could be another reason that prompted Ranil to take this decision so that he could have his own May Day rally while Sajith and his Reformists have another in the South.

The internal power struggle of the UNP could take a new turn if Sajith boycotts the next UNP Working Committee meeting, the first since he was reinstated to the Working Committee after losing the Deputy Leader's post. Though Sajith has not been reinstated as the Deputy Leader, Ranil included the Hambantota District UNP MP to the Working Committee from the UNP leader's quota.

Hence, it will be interesting to see whether Sajith would accept the opportunity given by the party leader and attend the next UNP Working Committee meeting to be head at the party headquarters Sirikotha at 4 p.m. on May 13.

But there is a strong possibility of Sajith and his few loyalists in the Working Committee keeping away as the UNP disciplinary committee report on the attack at Sirikotha during the 2011 December party election, at which Ranil was re-elected as the party leader amidst chaos, is to be tabled at the Working Committee meeting. The culprits have already been identified and their names are to be announced at the Working Committee meeting, much to the disliking of some Reformist parliamentarians who are alleged to have directed their supporters to do so.

President follows Avurudu rituals

President Rajapaksa made sure he celebrates the New Year with his fellow villagers in Tangalle and Hambantota. As usual, he followed Aurudu rituals with his immediate family members at his native Carlton residence in Tangalle. First lady Shiranthi Rajapaksa and her three sons - Namal, Yoshitha and Rohitha joined the President in celebrating the New Year, along with Defence Secretary Gotabaya Rajapaksa and his wife Ioma.

Villagers came in their numbers to greet the President on the New Year and follow Ganu Denu traditions. A new currency note was given to all those who greeted the President.

As the number of visitors was well beyond the expected, the currency notes that were there became insufficient. Hence, another 5,000 Development Lottery tickets were bought to be distributed among the visitors.

Despite being a hectic day, it seemed that the President was overjoyed with his meetings with fellow villagers and well-wishers.

Among the others who joined the New Year celebrations at the Carton were Ministers, parliamentarians, secretaries and officials. Namal was joined by his young fellow parliamentarians who enjoyed the New Year in true village style.

After the morning activities, the President went to the residence of Speaker Chamal Rajapaksa at Madamulana to greet his elder brother at the New Year.

On hearing the news that the President had arrived at Madamulana, villages in the area too flocked to the Speaker's residence to meet the First Citizen.

Similarities in bomb attacks at Boston and Weliweriya marathons

Monday's bomb attack at the end of the Boston Marathon shocked the world and reiterated need for a worldwide attempt to crush global terrorism, Parliamentarian Dr. Sudarshani Fernandopulle, whose husband Minister Jeyaraj Fernandopulle who was killed at the Weliweriya marathon five years ago, saw seminaries between the two terrorists attacks at marathon races.

President Rajapaksa, in a message to US President condemned the Boston bomb attack while conveying condolences over loss of lives.

Two explosions at the finish line of the Boston Marathon on Monday killed three people and injured more than 140.

Two bombs exploded about 10 seconds and 100 yards apart in Boston's Copley Square, near the finish line of the Boston Marathon.

Three people were killed, including an 8-year-old boy, and more than 140 were injured.

The explosions occurred four hours into the race and two hours after the winners had crossed the finish line, but thousands of runners were still on the course.

President Rajapaksa who is the only leader in the world who eradicated the scourge of terrorism from Sri Lanka completely, has also called on all the countries to get together to eliminate the scourge of terrorism.

No chance for communal violence

Government will not tolerate anyone perpetrating acts to create communal or religious disharmony.

President Rajapaksa gave this assurance when a delegation of resident heads of 15 Islamic countries in Sri Lanka, met with him at the Temple Trees last week to discuss various matters of mutual interest pertaining to both domestic and international arenas.

If anyone has proof and evidence of such incidents, the President said, they should hand over that information, and action would be taken promptly, "We are happy to see the eradication of terrorism and a peaceful situation in the country," said the Palestinian Ambassador in Sri Lanka Dr. Anwar Al-Agha, speaking on behalf of the entire delegation. "We are keen to see even more development," he said.

President Rajapaksa thanked the delegation for the support of Islamic countries for Sri Lanka at the UN Human Rights Council meeting in Geneva last month. The delegation collectively expressed that they do not condone any country interfering with the domestic issues of another country.

Diplomatic heads from the following countries were present at the meeting: Bangladesh, Iran, Iraq, Egypt, Indonesia, Kuwait, Malaysia, Maldives, Nigeria, Pakistan, Palestine, Turkey, the United Arab Emirates, Saudi Arabia and Qatar.

Minister of External Affairs Prof. G.L. Peiris, Minister of Justice Rauff Hakeem, Minister of Petroleum Industries Anura Priyadarshana Yapa, Parliamentarian A.H.M Azwer, Secretary to the President Lalith Weeratunga and Secretary to the Ministry of External Affairs Karunatilake Amunugama were also present during the discussion.

Meanwhile, the President sent a congratulatory letter to the

new Venezuelan President Nicolas MaduroMoros. "Your victory is a manifestation of the trust and confidence you enjoy among the people of Venezuela," President Rajapaksa said in his letter.

"I have no doubt that the wealth of experience gained from your long and distinguished political career will help you steer Venezuela towards continued prosperity." President Rajapaksa also noted that bilateral ties between Sri Lanka and Venezuela were "greatly enhanced" during the tenure of the late President Hugo Chavez and that he looks forward to working closely with President Moros to further strengthen relations between the two countries.

Indian Naval ships in Colombo

During the past few months, Tamil Nadu politicians have been exerting pressure on the Indian central government on foreign policy relating to Sri Lanka. Tamil Nadu politicians even went to the extent of not permitting Sri Lankan cricketers in Indian Premier League matches in Chennai.

Though Tamil Nadu politicians have taken an anti-Sri Lankan stance, the Indian central government has maintained its unchanged foreign policy and made every effort to strengthen friendly ties between the two countries.

In is under this political climate that two ships of the Indian Navy, INS Sujata and INS Tarangini and ICGS Varuna of the Indian Coast Guard arrived to Colombo last Wednesday.

The vessels which arrived in the Island on a training visit were accorded a traditional welcome at the Colombo Port by the Sri Lanka Navy. 'INS Sujata' is an offshore petrol vessel with a Chetak helicopter onboard. The 101.1 meters long vessel has a displacement of 1,890 tons and a crew of 192 onboard.

The sail training ship 'INS Tarangini' is 54 meters in length with a displacement of 420 tons and carries a crew of 80. The 74 meter long Coast Guard craft 'ICGS Varuna' is an advanced offshore petrol vessel with a Chetak helicopter onboard. It has a displacement of 1,247 tons and crew of 187.

The ships will be in the Island till today. Sri Lanka Navy organised a special program in order to enhance mutual understanding and cooperation for their visiting Indian counterparts.

Title deeds to Mahaweli farmers

A batch of 3,000 farmer families in the Weli Oya Mahaweli 'L' Zone received title deeds to their lands from President Mahinda Rajapaksa at a ceremony held yesterday. Irrigation and Water Management Minister Nimal Siripala de Silva and North Central Province Chief Minister S. M. Ranjith Samarakoon also attended the ceremony.

Farmers belonging to all three communities in Morawewa, Helembawewa, Janakapura, Gajabapura, Nayaru and Kokilai areas suffered untold hardship for several years due to LTTE terrorism, received title deed from the President. With the defeat of terrorism, farmers in this region bounced back to life with a revival of agricultural activities once again inducing many who left their land to return.

Tamil doctor write to Indian PM

A reputed physician, Dr P. Sivapaalan in an open letter to Indian Prime Minister Dr. Manmohan Singh states that Tamils in post-terrorism Sri Lanka 'could live anywhere in the country without any fear unlike in the past and enjoy equal rights in terms of Sri Lanka's constitution.'

"As a Tamil who had seen the sufferings of Tamils for nearly 60 years, I swear that we have a better dignified life under the present government.

The Tamils who suffered due to the war are not blaming the Army, but in fact appreciate and praise the Army for having rescued them from the clutches of the LTTE and helped them in many ways," he said.

"There is no genocide. Tamils could live anywhere in Sri Lanka without any fear unlike in the past before the end of the war in May 2009. We Tamils have equal rights in Sri Lanka according to the constitution of the country". The letter said.

"There are some administrative shortcomings like Tamils getting letters in the Sinhala language from the government offices due to the irresponsibility of officials and entries that had to make in Sinhala in most of the Police stations causing grievance to Tamils. I am sure the present good government will solve it soon.

As a Tamil who had seen the sufferings of Tamils in my life for nearly 60 years, I can swear that we have better dignified life under the present government," Dr. Sivapalan said in his open letter to the Indian leader.

"The claim by the TNA, that polled less than 11 percent of the registered votes at the last general election, that it was the representative of the Tamils is misleading the international community and hoodwinking their own community. They have become traitors to their country, Sri Lanka," he added.

Sarath exposes Shirani's true colours

Former Chief Justice Sarath N. de Silva has said that the first appointment of his successor Shirani Bandaranayake, was a political appointment. "Mine was not a political appointment, but that of Shirani Bandaranayake" former Chief Justice Sarath. N. Silva said.

"In 1996, I was not appointed as Chief Justice and I held the office of Attorney General.

The appointment made in 1996 which was vehemently opposed as having been made on political considerations was that of Shirani Bandaranayake, to the Supreme Court. She was appointed at the age of 39 to the Supreme Court directly from the academic staff of the University.

It was alleged that she was appointed at the behest of Professor G.L. Peiris, the then Minister of Justice who was her superior at the university. Several applications were filed in the Supreme Court challenging the validity of the appointment on this ground," he said.

Former Chief Justice Sarath. N. Silva referring to a local newspaper editorial has pointed out that his appointment was not the beginning of politicisation of the Supreme Court and the Judiciary as stated.

He observes that the appointment in 1996 and which was vehemently opposed was that of the former Chief Justice Shirani Bandaranayake to the Supreme Court directly from the academic staff of the university and whose appointment he strongly defended before a seven Judge Bench.

Meanwhile, the Commission to Investigate Allegations of Bribery and Corruption impounded the passport of former Chief Justice Shirani Bandaranayake to prevent her from escaping to a foreign country until the probe into the allegations of bribery and corruption against her is concluded. The Commission has taken this decision in keeping with the legal powers vested in it and had communicated it to Controller General of Immigration and Emigration Chulananda Perera, on April 11.

The Commission is conducting investigations into an allegation of bribery and corruption made against the former Chief Justice pointing that she had amassed wealth beyond the means of an ordinary public servant while she was employed as a public servant.

The Commission had twice noticed Bandaranayake to appear before it and make her submissions but she had failed to do so on both occasions and asked for time to make submissions raising various objections. The Commission had received information that the ex-Chief Justice was planning to leave the country to dodge the probe into the allegations of bribery and corruption made against her. The decision to impound her passport was taken to thwart any such attempt.

UPFA ready to face any challenge

The United People's Freedom Alliance (UPFA) government led by President Mahinda Rajapaksa with majority support is ready to face local and international rival forces which were together during an earlier era, against crushing LTTE terrorism, UPFA General Secretary Susil Premajayantha said.

These forces have been evidently active in various forms in the recent past. It seemed that they have reunited again to reverse the hard earned peace by paralysing the country's economic growth. In fact, what they really want is to reverse the country's growth and launch bankrupt agendas mooted by local and international conspirators, the message said.

There is a dire need to identify these rival forces and prevent their conspiracies. The majority Sri Lankans have been blessed with the capability of recognising these conspirators correctly.

This was a proved in history as well. Sri Lankans are always ready to accord due respect and dignity to all ethnic communities and reject all forms of activities that disrupt the ethnic coexistence with equal rights and reconciliation. The government and the public who underwent tremendous hardships due to terrorism would never let any force revive such a situation again in the country. Sri Lanka has been committed to protect human rights more than the countries that have attempted to teach human rights to Sri Lanka.

We have a proud history spanning over 2,500 years enriched with a great culture. Some countries that make individual statements about Sri Lanka have failed in comprehending that Sri Lankan public are mutually connected and respected despite their differences for many centuries. All these futile efforts are being implemented out of hatred and jealousy with the support of certain opposition political parties, it further said.

 

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