Friday, July 15, 2011
Monday, November 30, 2009
President is a true democrat - Lakshman Yapa
Monday, 30 November 2009
“ President Mahinda Rajapaksa is a true democrat and not a dictator as mistaken by Gen Fonseka", Media Minister Lakshman Yapa Abewardana told a news conference held at the Department of information today. (30)
Minister Abewardena said President Mahinda Rajapaksa after winning the election in January will embark upon a massive economic drive to make Sri Lanka an economically sound Nation.
He said the saw no competition for the President with a candidate like Sarath Fonseka who lacked political experience and was ignorant of the economy.
He said the Rajapaksa family during the past for years rendered a great service to the nation and recalled how General Fonseka commended Defence Secretary, Gotabaya Rajapaksa for the guidance given to win the war.
Minister Abewardena said no one can make any allegation against the President who was genuinely committed towards the welfare of the people and the nation.
He said President Rajapaksa never behave like a dictator as mistakenly or purposely said by General Fonseka on yesterday(29)when he made his political debut to announce his candidature Instead, President Mahinda Rajajpaksa conducted himselff in public as a true democratic man the village giving prominence to the national costume.
................................................................................................................................
Gen.Fonseka is blind to constitutional needs - Champika Ranawaka
Monday, 30 November 2009
The Opposition candidate Gen. Sarath Fonseka has no alternative constitutional proposal when he says that he is going to abolish the executive presidency, said the Minister of Environment Patali Champilka at a press conference held at the Mahaweli Center today (30).
"The Opposition can not even present their six month plan manifesto to the people. But President Mahinda Pajapaksa will present an extended version of the six year manifesto of 'Mahinda Chinthana' that will envisage extensive development plans to build the country.", said the minister.
He further noted that a document issued recently by the UNP titled, 'Future Challengers' was a carbon copy of a chapter in the original Mahinda Chinthana presented in 2005."If you read that clearly, you will surely see that the UNP had copied that chapter", he said.
He pointed out that a Six Year Horizon Development Framework is being widely implemented across the country.
A democratic environment for a political solution in which the power of all people will be amply strengthened is now emerging, he added.
................................................................................................................................
President will present extended version of Mahinda Chinthana manifesto - Dulles
Monday, 30 November 2009
President Mahinda Rajapaksa upon handing over nominations, will present to the people an extended version of the manifesto of Mahinda Chinthana that will envisage extensive development plans to build the country, said the Minister of transport Dullas Alahapperuma at a press conference held at Mahaweli Center today (30).
said for the first time in the political history after independence, an extended version of an election manifesto was being presented by a political party leader. "In all election in the past, all leaders presented new manifestos as a fashion", the Minister recalled.
Interjecting at this point, the Minister of Environment, Patali Champilka Ranawaka said that a document issued recently by the UNP titled, 'Future Challengers' was a carbon copy of a chapter in the original Mahinda Chintana presented in 2005."If you read that clearly, you will surely see that the UNP had copied that chapter", Ranawaka noted
................................................................................................................................
President brought economic renaissance to the country - Patali Champika
Monday, 30 November 2009
"Within four years President Mahinda Rajapaksa was able to wipe out terrorism through his bold and upright leadership and leadership to achieve economic renaissance in the country", the Minister of Environment Patali Champilka Ranawaka said.
The minister said that Gen.(Rtd) Sarath Fonseka on Sunday confessed that he had no knowledge on the economy of the country and that amply proved he was going to practice the UNP economic policy which was a total failure."The JVP stood opposed to the UNP economic policy and the General would be trapped between the devil and deep blue sea soon", said the minister.
While addressing the media at the Mahaweli Center, the Minister pointed out that the Government did not delay the implementation of development projects getting cover from the conflict. Results of such projects would not come overnight. When the results come the economy of the country would be sound.
President Mahinda Rajapaksa and the Government embarked upon to counter Eelam war four after a careful evaluation of the situation and the Government had a balanced development plan, the Minister said.
The Minster call upon the people to work towards economic and national development to make the newly gained freedom a reality
................................................................................................................................
Sarath Fonseka wanted to withdraw Army from North in 2000 - Transport Minister
Monday, 30 November 2009
It was Gen. Sarath Fonseka (now retired) who signed papers to withdraw fifty thousand troops from the Jaffna peninsula in 2000 as Jaffna Commander, and bring them to Colombo during the administration of President Chandrika Kumaratunga, recalled Transport Minister, Dulles Alahapperuma at a media briefing held at the Mahaweli Centre today.
The ministrer said that there was no strong political leadership at that to fight the war and pointed out that the war against the LTTE was won because of the strong political leadership of President Mahinda Rajapaksa which was an incentive to the battling troops.
Minister Alahapperuma claimed that Fonseka had no right to talk about shortcomings or weaknessess of the troops as a man who signed papers to withdraw the Army from the North to give the LTTE a cake walk to take control of the entire peninsula.
He pointed that that the military suffered some setbacks in the North during the stewarship of Fonseka in the North and the retired General cannot boast of being victorious all throughout his military career.
The minister said the nation was liberated from terrorism due to the strong political leadership of President Rajapaksa which was a blessing to the nation.
................................................................................................................................
Britain proposes Sri Lanka to host CHOGM 2013
Monday, 30 November 2009
Sri Lanka as the host for Commonwealth Heads of Government Meeting (CHOGM) 2013 was endorsed on a proposal made by British Prime Minister Gordon Brown at the CHOGM held in Trinidad & Tobago from 27 – 29 November 2009. Since Australia and Mauritius had also offered to be host, Prime Minister Brown had pointed out that all three countries are equally qualified and it was decided by the Commonwealth Heads of Government that they host the 2011 and 2015 CHOGMs respectively. The endorsement of Sri Lanka by the entire membership of the Commonwealth singularly demonstrates the recognition of Sri Lanka’s adherence to the Commonwealth values and principles with the country being one of the most vibrant democracies.
Sri Lanka has been associated with the Commonwealth from its very inception by being a signatory to the London Declaration of 1949. Sri Lanka has been actively involved in the activities of the Commonwealth and therefore is no stranger to the hosting of the Commonwealth Ministerial Meetings and workshops. It would be recalled that in the recent past Sri Lanka has hosted the Commonwealth Ministerial Meetings on Finance and Youth.
Sri Lanka was closely engaged with the process of compiling the final Communiqué. In this context, its contribution in the areas of terrorism, climate change, reform of international institutions, illegal migration, disarmament etc were adequately reflected in the final Communiqué.
Sri Lanka has been a member of the Commonwealth Ministerial Action Group (CMAG) since 2003 unprecedentedly serving three terms. The primary objective of the CMAG is to ensure that member states uphold the Harare Commonwealth Principles. During Sri Lanka’s tenure in CMAG the situation in Pakistan and Fiji were examined.
Climate change received major focus of the CHOGM this year. With regard to climate change, Sri Lanka not being an emitter of green house gases advocated the need for additional incentives including financial flows for developing countries to make commitments to enhanced action on mitigation and adaptation based on common but differentiated responsibilities. Sri Lanka further emphasized the need for a proper financial mechanism to face the challenge as the fund under Kyoto Protocol is inadequate for the efforts of adaptation of developing countries.
Sri Lanka’s delegation to CHOGM 2009 was led by Prime Minister Ratnasiri Wickremanayake and the pre-CHOGM Foreign Ministerial delegation by Foreign Minister Rohitha Bogollagama. On the sidelines of the meetings the Prime Minister and the Foreign Minister met a number of foreign heads of government which included Hon. Kevin Rudd, Prime Minister of Australia, Hon. Manmohan Singh, Prime Minister of India, Hon. Patrick Manning, Prime Minister of Trinidad & Tobago, Hon. John Key, Prime Minister of New Zealand, Hon. Murray McCully, New Zealand Foreign Minister, Hon. Stephen Smith, Foreign Minister of Australia, Hon. David Miliband, Foreign Secretary of the UK and also the Hon. Ban Ki Moon, United Nations Secretary General. They used the occasion to discuss issues of bilateral importance and on matters relating to the Commonwealth. This is in keeping with Sri Lanka’s policy of maintaining and enhancing bilateral relations through extensive engagement. The Commonwealth provides a platform for networking both within and outside the Grouping.
................................................................................................................................
Free movement for civilians in welfare camps
Monday, 30 November 2009
Civilians who have taken shelters in welfare villages will be free to leave from day after today onwards sans any conditions being imposed. The villages will be declared as open from this day. There will be no restrictions imposed on the duration of their absence from the villages, Minister of Resettlement and Disaster Relief Services, Risath Bathiyutheen said.
The Government has declared that any civilian will be free to leave the villages once they have given their personal details to the authorities concerned. A majority of the displaced in the Welfare villages have already been resettled.
More will be resettled this week. Minister Rishath Bathiuddin has said that as of December 1st, inmates will be able to freely leave and enter the villages once they have registered their details with the relevant authorities. Government has pledged to resettle all the displaced in the welfare villages by January 31st. All civilians of the Vavuniyia welfare village from Jaffna Peninsula and Eastern Province have already been resettled.
................................................................................................................................
School text books for 2010 reach schools
Monday, 30 November 2009
The distribution of school text books for next year had been completed and distributed to all schools, the Ministry of Education disclosed.
The Educational Publications Commissioner W.M.N.J. Pushpakuamara said the required school books for the Vavuniya, Kilinochchi and Jaffan districts have been dispatched to the Zonal and Divisional offices.
He said around two million text books have been dispatched to the North. The official ceremony marking the distribution of books in the North will be held at the Vembady College in Jaffan. It will be presided over by Minister Susil Premajayanth.
A large group involved in the educational sector is scheduled to participate. The first outlet of the programme to launch additional book outlets Island wide is due to be opened in Jaffna. Past examination papers can also be purchased from these outlets.
................................................................................................................................
Polls Chief pledges free and fair polls
Monday, 30 November 2009
The Elections Commissioner Dayananda Disanayake has pledged to hold a free and fair election. Local and international election monitors will be provided to facilitate this process.
The Elections Commissioner said that personnel from the EU, the Commonwealth, the Association of Asian Election Monitors and the UN would monitor the upcoming Presidential election.
Temporary ID cards would be issued to the 12% of voters who had no valid form of identification. The Presidential election will be held on the 26th of January.
Monday, 30 November 2009
“ President Mahinda Rajapaksa is a true democrat and not a dictator as mistaken by Gen Fonseka", Media Minister Lakshman Yapa Abewardana told a news conference held at the Department of information today. (30)
Minister Abewardena said President Mahinda Rajapaksa after winning the election in January will embark upon a massive economic drive to make Sri Lanka an economically sound Nation.
He said the saw no competition for the President with a candidate like Sarath Fonseka who lacked political experience and was ignorant of the economy.
He said the Rajapaksa family during the past for years rendered a great service to the nation and recalled how General Fonseka commended Defence Secretary, Gotabaya Rajapaksa for the guidance given to win the war.
Minister Abewardena said no one can make any allegation against the President who was genuinely committed towards the welfare of the people and the nation.
He said President Rajapaksa never behave like a dictator as mistakenly or purposely said by General Fonseka on yesterday(29)when he made his political debut to announce his candidature Instead, President Mahinda Rajajpaksa conducted himselff in public as a true democratic man the village giving prominence to the national costume.
................................................................................................................................
Gen.Fonseka is blind to constitutional needs - Champika Ranawaka
Monday, 30 November 2009
The Opposition candidate Gen. Sarath Fonseka has no alternative constitutional proposal when he says that he is going to abolish the executive presidency, said the Minister of Environment Patali Champilka at a press conference held at the Mahaweli Center today (30).
"The Opposition can not even present their six month plan manifesto to the people. But President Mahinda Pajapaksa will present an extended version of the six year manifesto of 'Mahinda Chinthana' that will envisage extensive development plans to build the country.", said the minister.
He further noted that a document issued recently by the UNP titled, 'Future Challengers' was a carbon copy of a chapter in the original Mahinda Chinthana presented in 2005."If you read that clearly, you will surely see that the UNP had copied that chapter", he said.
He pointed out that a Six Year Horizon Development Framework is being widely implemented across the country.
A democratic environment for a political solution in which the power of all people will be amply strengthened is now emerging, he added.
................................................................................................................................
President will present extended version of Mahinda Chinthana manifesto - Dulles
Monday, 30 November 2009
President Mahinda Rajapaksa upon handing over nominations, will present to the people an extended version of the manifesto of Mahinda Chinthana that will envisage extensive development plans to build the country, said the Minister of transport Dullas Alahapperuma at a press conference held at Mahaweli Center today (30).
said for the first time in the political history after independence, an extended version of an election manifesto was being presented by a political party leader. "In all election in the past, all leaders presented new manifestos as a fashion", the Minister recalled.
Interjecting at this point, the Minister of Environment, Patali Champilka Ranawaka said that a document issued recently by the UNP titled, 'Future Challengers' was a carbon copy of a chapter in the original Mahinda Chintana presented in 2005."If you read that clearly, you will surely see that the UNP had copied that chapter", Ranawaka noted
................................................................................................................................
President brought economic renaissance to the country - Patali Champika
Monday, 30 November 2009
"Within four years President Mahinda Rajapaksa was able to wipe out terrorism through his bold and upright leadership and leadership to achieve economic renaissance in the country", the Minister of Environment Patali Champilka Ranawaka said.
The minister said that Gen.(Rtd) Sarath Fonseka on Sunday confessed that he had no knowledge on the economy of the country and that amply proved he was going to practice the UNP economic policy which was a total failure."The JVP stood opposed to the UNP economic policy and the General would be trapped between the devil and deep blue sea soon", said the minister.
While addressing the media at the Mahaweli Center, the Minister pointed out that the Government did not delay the implementation of development projects getting cover from the conflict. Results of such projects would not come overnight. When the results come the economy of the country would be sound.
President Mahinda Rajapaksa and the Government embarked upon to counter Eelam war four after a careful evaluation of the situation and the Government had a balanced development plan, the Minister said.
The Minster call upon the people to work towards economic and national development to make the newly gained freedom a reality
................................................................................................................................
Sarath Fonseka wanted to withdraw Army from North in 2000 - Transport Minister
Monday, 30 November 2009
It was Gen. Sarath Fonseka (now retired) who signed papers to withdraw fifty thousand troops from the Jaffna peninsula in 2000 as Jaffna Commander, and bring them to Colombo during the administration of President Chandrika Kumaratunga, recalled Transport Minister, Dulles Alahapperuma at a media briefing held at the Mahaweli Centre today.
The ministrer said that there was no strong political leadership at that to fight the war and pointed out that the war against the LTTE was won because of the strong political leadership of President Mahinda Rajapaksa which was an incentive to the battling troops.
Minister Alahapperuma claimed that Fonseka had no right to talk about shortcomings or weaknessess of the troops as a man who signed papers to withdraw the Army from the North to give the LTTE a cake walk to take control of the entire peninsula.
He pointed that that the military suffered some setbacks in the North during the stewarship of Fonseka in the North and the retired General cannot boast of being victorious all throughout his military career.
The minister said the nation was liberated from terrorism due to the strong political leadership of President Rajapaksa which was a blessing to the nation.
................................................................................................................................
Britain proposes Sri Lanka to host CHOGM 2013
Monday, 30 November 2009
Sri Lanka as the host for Commonwealth Heads of Government Meeting (CHOGM) 2013 was endorsed on a proposal made by British Prime Minister Gordon Brown at the CHOGM held in Trinidad & Tobago from 27 – 29 November 2009. Since Australia and Mauritius had also offered to be host, Prime Minister Brown had pointed out that all three countries are equally qualified and it was decided by the Commonwealth Heads of Government that they host the 2011 and 2015 CHOGMs respectively. The endorsement of Sri Lanka by the entire membership of the Commonwealth singularly demonstrates the recognition of Sri Lanka’s adherence to the Commonwealth values and principles with the country being one of the most vibrant democracies.
Sri Lanka has been associated with the Commonwealth from its very inception by being a signatory to the London Declaration of 1949. Sri Lanka has been actively involved in the activities of the Commonwealth and therefore is no stranger to the hosting of the Commonwealth Ministerial Meetings and workshops. It would be recalled that in the recent past Sri Lanka has hosted the Commonwealth Ministerial Meetings on Finance and Youth.
Sri Lanka was closely engaged with the process of compiling the final Communiqué. In this context, its contribution in the areas of terrorism, climate change, reform of international institutions, illegal migration, disarmament etc were adequately reflected in the final Communiqué.
Sri Lanka has been a member of the Commonwealth Ministerial Action Group (CMAG) since 2003 unprecedentedly serving three terms. The primary objective of the CMAG is to ensure that member states uphold the Harare Commonwealth Principles. During Sri Lanka’s tenure in CMAG the situation in Pakistan and Fiji were examined.
Climate change received major focus of the CHOGM this year. With regard to climate change, Sri Lanka not being an emitter of green house gases advocated the need for additional incentives including financial flows for developing countries to make commitments to enhanced action on mitigation and adaptation based on common but differentiated responsibilities. Sri Lanka further emphasized the need for a proper financial mechanism to face the challenge as the fund under Kyoto Protocol is inadequate for the efforts of adaptation of developing countries.
Sri Lanka’s delegation to CHOGM 2009 was led by Prime Minister Ratnasiri Wickremanayake and the pre-CHOGM Foreign Ministerial delegation by Foreign Minister Rohitha Bogollagama. On the sidelines of the meetings the Prime Minister and the Foreign Minister met a number of foreign heads of government which included Hon. Kevin Rudd, Prime Minister of Australia, Hon. Manmohan Singh, Prime Minister of India, Hon. Patrick Manning, Prime Minister of Trinidad & Tobago, Hon. John Key, Prime Minister of New Zealand, Hon. Murray McCully, New Zealand Foreign Minister, Hon. Stephen Smith, Foreign Minister of Australia, Hon. David Miliband, Foreign Secretary of the UK and also the Hon. Ban Ki Moon, United Nations Secretary General. They used the occasion to discuss issues of bilateral importance and on matters relating to the Commonwealth. This is in keeping with Sri Lanka’s policy of maintaining and enhancing bilateral relations through extensive engagement. The Commonwealth provides a platform for networking both within and outside the Grouping.
................................................................................................................................
Free movement for civilians in welfare camps
Monday, 30 November 2009
Civilians who have taken shelters in welfare villages will be free to leave from day after today onwards sans any conditions being imposed. The villages will be declared as open from this day. There will be no restrictions imposed on the duration of their absence from the villages, Minister of Resettlement and Disaster Relief Services, Risath Bathiyutheen said.
The Government has declared that any civilian will be free to leave the villages once they have given their personal details to the authorities concerned. A majority of the displaced in the Welfare villages have already been resettled.
More will be resettled this week. Minister Rishath Bathiuddin has said that as of December 1st, inmates will be able to freely leave and enter the villages once they have registered their details with the relevant authorities. Government has pledged to resettle all the displaced in the welfare villages by January 31st. All civilians of the Vavuniyia welfare village from Jaffna Peninsula and Eastern Province have already been resettled.
................................................................................................................................
School text books for 2010 reach schools
Monday, 30 November 2009
The distribution of school text books for next year had been completed and distributed to all schools, the Ministry of Education disclosed.
The Educational Publications Commissioner W.M.N.J. Pushpakuamara said the required school books for the Vavuniya, Kilinochchi and Jaffan districts have been dispatched to the Zonal and Divisional offices.
He said around two million text books have been dispatched to the North. The official ceremony marking the distribution of books in the North will be held at the Vembady College in Jaffan. It will be presided over by Minister Susil Premajayanth.
A large group involved in the educational sector is scheduled to participate. The first outlet of the programme to launch additional book outlets Island wide is due to be opened in Jaffna. Past examination papers can also be purchased from these outlets.
................................................................................................................................
Polls Chief pledges free and fair polls
Monday, 30 November 2009
The Elections Commissioner Dayananda Disanayake has pledged to hold a free and fair election. Local and international election monitors will be provided to facilitate this process.
The Elections Commissioner said that personnel from the EU, the Commonwealth, the Association of Asian Election Monitors and the UN would monitor the upcoming Presidential election.
Temporary ID cards would be issued to the 12% of voters who had no valid form of identification. The Presidential election will be held on the 26th of January.
Saturday, November 28, 2009
Nov 29
'Urumayaka Piya Satahan' Labour Museum
Sunday, 29 November 2009
Urumayaka Piya Satahan' (Footsteps of a Heritage), Sri Lanka's first Labour Museum will be unveiled by President Mahinda Rajapaksa on December 1 at the Labour Secretariat, Narahenpita, the Ministry of Labour Relations and Manpower said.
The main objective of opening such a museum is to educate the country's present and future generations about the progress achieved by the Labour Department during the past 87 years.
According to Ministry sources, President Rajapaksa will also lay the foundation stone for the 30-storey new Employees Provident Fund Building, `Mehewara Piyasa' at Narahenpita.
....................................................................................................................................................................
Next Commonwealth Heads meet in Sri Lanka
Sunday, 29 November 2009
Sri Lanka will host the next Commonwealth Heads of Government Meeting. Sri Lanka received overwhelming support for the hosting of the Summit in 2011 in Colombo.
Sri Lanka received the support of 45 countries of the total of 51 member states which participated in the Commonwealth Ministers’ Meeting staged in Trinidad & Tobago.
Earlier in 2007, when the Commonwealth Summit was held in Kampala, Sri Lanka has offered to host the meeting in 2011 in Colombo. The Kampala communiqué noted the Sri Lanka offer.
Sri Lanka received overwhelming support from member countries from Asia, Caribbean and Africa. Only United Kingdom, Canada and New Zealand opposed the Sri Lankan offer.
It is learnt that the reason for the United Kingdom’s opposition to Sri Lanka’s offer is said because Gordon Brown who might be facing the next parliamentary general elections, thinks that he should embrace the support of the undemocratic forces and pro-terrorists elements in the country.
Many member countries are of the view that Sri Lanka should be given the opportunity to showcase its success in its humanitarian endeavor to liberate the Tamils from the terrorist grip and bring back the whole of Sri Lanka under a true democratic system.
.....................................................................................................................................................................
President has done much for estate people - Thondaman
Sunday, 29 November 2009
General Secretary of the Ceylon Workers Congress and Minister Arumugm Thondaman announced that the estate community is always with President Mahinda Rajapaksa.
The President had rendered a valuable services on behalf of this community,the minister added.
He pointed out that today the 'elephant' (UNP) was very seriously ill and will not recover. 'We will leave no room for the estate community to get into trouble by going behind that sick elephant',he noted.
The President had done much for the estate people, by not only building line rooms but also giving jobs. As such the Minister said they should express their gratitude to the President. He emphasized that no one can severe their links with the Government.
The Minister made these statements while addressing a special meeting at the Ceylon Workers Congress Headquarters at Kotagala in Hatton.
.....................................................................................................................................................................
Pledges fullest support to President at Presidential Poll
Eastern Province Chief Minister and Head of the TMVP, Chandrakanthan alias Pillayan today vehemently and out rightly rejected the lead story titled - “Pillayan withholds support for President” - in the Sunday Times weekly dated today and described the news report as being fabricated with malicious intent.
He told www.news.lk that he would extend his fullest support to President Mahinda Rajapaksa at the upcoming presidential poll fixed for January 26,2010.
He dismissed the contents in the news report as being ‘cooked up’ with ulterior motives to drive a wedge between the smooth understanding between his party and the government.
The Eastern sector was liberated under the leadership of President Rajapaksa, elections were then held at provincial level at which, Chandrakanthan Pillayan was elected the Chief Minister.
Life has returned to normal in the East after LTTE terrorism was crushed and democracy has been fully restored by the government.
Sunday, 29 November 2009
Urumayaka Piya Satahan' (Footsteps of a Heritage), Sri Lanka's first Labour Museum will be unveiled by President Mahinda Rajapaksa on December 1 at the Labour Secretariat, Narahenpita, the Ministry of Labour Relations and Manpower said.
The main objective of opening such a museum is to educate the country's present and future generations about the progress achieved by the Labour Department during the past 87 years.
According to Ministry sources, President Rajapaksa will also lay the foundation stone for the 30-storey new Employees Provident Fund Building, `Mehewara Piyasa' at Narahenpita.
....................................................................................................................................................................
Next Commonwealth Heads meet in Sri Lanka
Sunday, 29 November 2009
Sri Lanka will host the next Commonwealth Heads of Government Meeting. Sri Lanka received overwhelming support for the hosting of the Summit in 2011 in Colombo.
Sri Lanka received the support of 45 countries of the total of 51 member states which participated in the Commonwealth Ministers’ Meeting staged in Trinidad & Tobago.
Earlier in 2007, when the Commonwealth Summit was held in Kampala, Sri Lanka has offered to host the meeting in 2011 in Colombo. The Kampala communiqué noted the Sri Lanka offer.
Sri Lanka received overwhelming support from member countries from Asia, Caribbean and Africa. Only United Kingdom, Canada and New Zealand opposed the Sri Lankan offer.
It is learnt that the reason for the United Kingdom’s opposition to Sri Lanka’s offer is said because Gordon Brown who might be facing the next parliamentary general elections, thinks that he should embrace the support of the undemocratic forces and pro-terrorists elements in the country.
Many member countries are of the view that Sri Lanka should be given the opportunity to showcase its success in its humanitarian endeavor to liberate the Tamils from the terrorist grip and bring back the whole of Sri Lanka under a true democratic system.
.....................................................................................................................................................................
President has done much for estate people - Thondaman
Sunday, 29 November 2009
General Secretary of the Ceylon Workers Congress and Minister Arumugm Thondaman announced that the estate community is always with President Mahinda Rajapaksa.
The President had rendered a valuable services on behalf of this community,the minister added.
He pointed out that today the 'elephant' (UNP) was very seriously ill and will not recover. 'We will leave no room for the estate community to get into trouble by going behind that sick elephant',he noted.
The President had done much for the estate people, by not only building line rooms but also giving jobs. As such the Minister said they should express their gratitude to the President. He emphasized that no one can severe their links with the Government.
The Minister made these statements while addressing a special meeting at the Ceylon Workers Congress Headquarters at Kotagala in Hatton.
.....................................................................................................................................................................
Pledges fullest support to President at Presidential Poll
Eastern Province Chief Minister and Head of the TMVP, Chandrakanthan alias Pillayan today vehemently and out rightly rejected the lead story titled - “Pillayan withholds support for President” - in the Sunday Times weekly dated today and described the news report as being fabricated with malicious intent.
He told www.news.lk that he would extend his fullest support to President Mahinda Rajapaksa at the upcoming presidential poll fixed for January 26,2010.
He dismissed the contents in the news report as being ‘cooked up’ with ulterior motives to drive a wedge between the smooth understanding between his party and the government.
The Eastern sector was liberated under the leadership of President Rajapaksa, elections were then held at provincial level at which, Chandrakanthan Pillayan was elected the Chief Minister.
Life has returned to normal in the East after LTTE terrorism was crushed and democracy has been fully restored by the government.
Nov 28
I will not shy away from challenges - President
President Mahinda Rajapaksa yesterday asserted that he would never hesitate to front up to challenges or take any decisions which would ultimately benefit the people and the country.
He said that such an attitude had paved the way in realizing another challenging promise in the Mahinda Chinthana for a second fully fledged international Airport for the country.
He was speaking after inaugurating the construction of Sri Lanka’s second international airport in Mattala, Hambantota.
President Rajapaksa also lamented that regimes since independence had lacked the courage to take such bold decisions and this had ultimately hurt the country and its people.
The President pointed out that Sri Lanka’s location as a transhipment hub was not fully utilized as previous regimes had failed to construct necessary sea and air ports.
“But now in addition to the Airports, five harbours too are coming up simultaneously.”
“Now we have to rectify these mistakes and we are taking necessary steps to do so,” he added.
The President added that his regime was not prepared to engage in politics harping on the past misdeeds but was prepared to look ahead with a positive outlook.
“We have prepared our plans for the present as well as to suit the country’s needs 30-40 years ahead,” he added.
He also said that one should not think it demeaning act to reverse decisions if it was subsequently found to be incorrect. “When we found that the land in the original proposal to construct the airport in Weeravila were fertile paddy fields, we changed the location.”
As such we would also never hesitate to take decisions or revise them if necessary for the benefit of the people.
“It is not the location that matters but the deed,” he said adding that benefits of such development projects would reach the length and breadth of the country and would supplement the national economy.
He said that development would not be confined to one province but would have equal distribution including the North and East which had been lagging in this aspect during the past 30 years.
The President also pointed out that friendly nations had always stood by Sri Lanka and had helped it in its quest to usher viable development.
The President pointed out that bold decisions taken by the Government in the face of heavy international and local opposition too had proven a point in the recent past that this regime was not prepared to bow down in the face of injustice and back decisions which would hurt the country and the people.
He assured the people that he would ensure equal rights, facilities and opportunities to all Sri Lankans citizens irrespective of any differences. He invited like-minded to join in this quest and assure the future generations a bright and prosperous future.
The Chinese Ambassador speaking on behalf of her Government said that as a long-standing friend of Sri Lanka her country was always prepared to back such mega development projects in the future as well.
“A friend in need is a friend in deed,” she said while adding that China was such a friend of Sri Lanka. Ports and Aviation Minister Chamal Rajapaksa, Chairman of Airport and Aviation Authority Prasanna Wickremasuriya, Ambassador of the People’s Republic of China Yang Xiuping and Secretary to the Ministry of Ports and Aviation Ranjith De Silva also spoke.
Several Cabinet Ministers, Tri-Forces commanders, the IGP, officials of the Air Port and Aviation Services, Local politicians, the clergy and the public took part.
...............................................................................................................................
Presidential Election on January 26
Saturday, 28 November 2009
Nominations will be accepted from 9.00 a.m to 11.00 a.m on December 17, Elections Commissioner Dayananda Dissanayake announced yesterday. This will be the country’s fifth Presidential poll to elect the sixth Executive President.
President Mahinda Rajapaksa who is the incumbent in office decided to go for a Presidential election though his term of office expires only two years later in November 2011.
When he met the media at Temple Trees on Thursday morning he said he chose to seek a fresh mandate for a second term on the request of the party supporters and people.
Objections against nominations can be raised from 9.00 am to 11.30 on the same day. Objections to the nomination papers could be raised by any of the rival candidates or by persons who had signed the nomination paper, the official release said.
All candidates of recognized political parties should make deposits of Rs 50,000 and independent candidates Rs 75,000 before noon on the day of the nominations with the Accountant (Finance) of the Department of Elections.
It is mandatory that a candidate other than those of recognized political parties should confirm that he/she had been elected a member of the legislature by a letter signed by the Secretary-General of Parliament, the official release said.
The 2008 electoral register will be used for the election with a total number of 14,088,500 persons eligible to vote.
...............................................................................................................................
Doubts surface on Gen.Fonseka's statements - Minister Rambukwella
Saturday, 28 November 2009
“There are doubts about the morality over the statements made by the retired Chief of Defence staff (CDS) Gen.Sarath Fonseka”, Defense Spokesman Keheliya Rambukwella said at a media conference yesterday.
The Defence Spokesman pointed out that Fonseka made certain comments with regard to some injustices and irregularities and went to the extent of calling it indiscipline.
The General has cited a case where at midnight on 26 November or the day before, certain persons had knocked at his door requesting for the removal of his vehicles which was far from the truth,Minister Rambukwella said.
On Friday, Military Spokesman,Brig.Udaya Nanayakkara rejected this accusation of the former CDS Chief and pointed out that the visit was made with the prior permission from the General's house.
He said that when a person has relinquished his duties, he was not entitled for an official residence.
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All schools in Vavuniya back to students
Saturday, 28 November 2009
All schools in Vavuniya that have been used as temporary shelters for the displaced civilians are now open for educational activities. A total of 18 schools in Vavuniya have been used as temporary shelters for the civilians who were liberated from the terrorists, Governor of the Northern Province G.A.Chandrasiri said.
He pointed out that a majority of the displaced civilians in those schools have been now resettled . Some have been sent to other welfare centers.
The Governor said the measure was taken to free the schools to provide proper educational facilities to the children in welfare villages.
According him around 70,000 children who were displaced with their parents have been resettled in their native villages. Currently there are 35 thousand children who receive school education.
The Governor revealed that extra classes were now being held for the benefit of children in relief villages who are sitting the G.C.E. Ordinary Level Examination next month
................................................................................................................................
Lalith Weeratunga elaborates on Mahinda Chintana success story
Saturday, 28 November 2009
There are 611 plans in the Mahinda Chintana. Around75 percent of dignified peace assured has been achieved. 450 small, medium and large scale projects have been completed, President’s Secretary Lalith Weeratunga revealed these facts at a media briefing held at Temple Trees week.
He observed that this was the first time that the Mahinda Chintana had been considered as a policy statement which had been presented as a programme of the Government.
It became the initial plan of the Government’s activities. All officers were involved in discharging the tasks.
The President’s Secretary opined that he was happy to mention that all pledges given in the Mahinda Chintana have been fulfilled.
President Mahinda Rajapaksa yesterday asserted that he would never hesitate to front up to challenges or take any decisions which would ultimately benefit the people and the country.
He said that such an attitude had paved the way in realizing another challenging promise in the Mahinda Chinthana for a second fully fledged international Airport for the country.
He was speaking after inaugurating the construction of Sri Lanka’s second international airport in Mattala, Hambantota.
President Rajapaksa also lamented that regimes since independence had lacked the courage to take such bold decisions and this had ultimately hurt the country and its people.
The President pointed out that Sri Lanka’s location as a transhipment hub was not fully utilized as previous regimes had failed to construct necessary sea and air ports.
“But now in addition to the Airports, five harbours too are coming up simultaneously.”
“Now we have to rectify these mistakes and we are taking necessary steps to do so,” he added.
The President added that his regime was not prepared to engage in politics harping on the past misdeeds but was prepared to look ahead with a positive outlook.
“We have prepared our plans for the present as well as to suit the country’s needs 30-40 years ahead,” he added.
He also said that one should not think it demeaning act to reverse decisions if it was subsequently found to be incorrect. “When we found that the land in the original proposal to construct the airport in Weeravila were fertile paddy fields, we changed the location.”
As such we would also never hesitate to take decisions or revise them if necessary for the benefit of the people.
“It is not the location that matters but the deed,” he said adding that benefits of such development projects would reach the length and breadth of the country and would supplement the national economy.
He said that development would not be confined to one province but would have equal distribution including the North and East which had been lagging in this aspect during the past 30 years.
The President also pointed out that friendly nations had always stood by Sri Lanka and had helped it in its quest to usher viable development.
The President pointed out that bold decisions taken by the Government in the face of heavy international and local opposition too had proven a point in the recent past that this regime was not prepared to bow down in the face of injustice and back decisions which would hurt the country and the people.
He assured the people that he would ensure equal rights, facilities and opportunities to all Sri Lankans citizens irrespective of any differences. He invited like-minded to join in this quest and assure the future generations a bright and prosperous future.
The Chinese Ambassador speaking on behalf of her Government said that as a long-standing friend of Sri Lanka her country was always prepared to back such mega development projects in the future as well.
“A friend in need is a friend in deed,” she said while adding that China was such a friend of Sri Lanka. Ports and Aviation Minister Chamal Rajapaksa, Chairman of Airport and Aviation Authority Prasanna Wickremasuriya, Ambassador of the People’s Republic of China Yang Xiuping and Secretary to the Ministry of Ports and Aviation Ranjith De Silva also spoke.
Several Cabinet Ministers, Tri-Forces commanders, the IGP, officials of the Air Port and Aviation Services, Local politicians, the clergy and the public took part.
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Presidential Election on January 26
Saturday, 28 November 2009
Nominations will be accepted from 9.00 a.m to 11.00 a.m on December 17, Elections Commissioner Dayananda Dissanayake announced yesterday. This will be the country’s fifth Presidential poll to elect the sixth Executive President.
President Mahinda Rajapaksa who is the incumbent in office decided to go for a Presidential election though his term of office expires only two years later in November 2011.
When he met the media at Temple Trees on Thursday morning he said he chose to seek a fresh mandate for a second term on the request of the party supporters and people.
Objections against nominations can be raised from 9.00 am to 11.30 on the same day. Objections to the nomination papers could be raised by any of the rival candidates or by persons who had signed the nomination paper, the official release said.
All candidates of recognized political parties should make deposits of Rs 50,000 and independent candidates Rs 75,000 before noon on the day of the nominations with the Accountant (Finance) of the Department of Elections.
It is mandatory that a candidate other than those of recognized political parties should confirm that he/she had been elected a member of the legislature by a letter signed by the Secretary-General of Parliament, the official release said.
The 2008 electoral register will be used for the election with a total number of 14,088,500 persons eligible to vote.
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Doubts surface on Gen.Fonseka's statements - Minister Rambukwella
Saturday, 28 November 2009
“There are doubts about the morality over the statements made by the retired Chief of Defence staff (CDS) Gen.Sarath Fonseka”, Defense Spokesman Keheliya Rambukwella said at a media conference yesterday.
The Defence Spokesman pointed out that Fonseka made certain comments with regard to some injustices and irregularities and went to the extent of calling it indiscipline.
The General has cited a case where at midnight on 26 November or the day before, certain persons had knocked at his door requesting for the removal of his vehicles which was far from the truth,Minister Rambukwella said.
On Friday, Military Spokesman,Brig.Udaya Nanayakkara rejected this accusation of the former CDS Chief and pointed out that the visit was made with the prior permission from the General's house.
He said that when a person has relinquished his duties, he was not entitled for an official residence.
...............................................................................................................................
All schools in Vavuniya back to students
Saturday, 28 November 2009
All schools in Vavuniya that have been used as temporary shelters for the displaced civilians are now open for educational activities. A total of 18 schools in Vavuniya have been used as temporary shelters for the civilians who were liberated from the terrorists, Governor of the Northern Province G.A.Chandrasiri said.
He pointed out that a majority of the displaced civilians in those schools have been now resettled . Some have been sent to other welfare centers.
The Governor said the measure was taken to free the schools to provide proper educational facilities to the children in welfare villages.
According him around 70,000 children who were displaced with their parents have been resettled in their native villages. Currently there are 35 thousand children who receive school education.
The Governor revealed that extra classes were now being held for the benefit of children in relief villages who are sitting the G.C.E. Ordinary Level Examination next month
................................................................................................................................
Lalith Weeratunga elaborates on Mahinda Chintana success story
Saturday, 28 November 2009
There are 611 plans in the Mahinda Chintana. Around75 percent of dignified peace assured has been achieved. 450 small, medium and large scale projects have been completed, President’s Secretary Lalith Weeratunga revealed these facts at a media briefing held at Temple Trees week.
He observed that this was the first time that the Mahinda Chintana had been considered as a policy statement which had been presented as a programme of the Government.
It became the initial plan of the Government’s activities. All officers were involved in discharging the tasks.
The President’s Secretary opined that he was happy to mention that all pledges given in the Mahinda Chintana have been fulfilled.
Friday, November 27, 2009
Nov 27
Ranaviru Arana housing scheme
Friday, 27 November 2009
The 'Api Wenuwen Api", the ever active programme for war heroes will launch the second grand housing scheme at Attidiya, Ratmalana shortly to benefit war heroes.
The 'Api Wenuwen Api" was mooted by Defence Secretary, Gotabhaya Rajapaksa to help the war heroes and their families.
The scheme is also designed to boost the morale of the disabled soldiers who sacrificed their limbs to liberate the nation.
.................................................................................................................................
Gen.Fonseka given 100 security men and was a Four Star General - Military Spokesman
Friday, 27 November 2009
Retired General Sarath Fonseka’s request for adequate security has been already met by the Government and the number was one hundred in addition to the rank of a four star General with Fonseka being the only to enjoy that privilege while in office, claimed military spokesmen, Brigadier Udaya Nanayakkara today (27).
Brig.Nanayakkara explained that security was provided in accordance to the ranks held by senior officers.
He pointed out that Fonseka had been given the highest rank of General and Sri Lankan Army strength was too small for positions like Field Marshall to be offered. "This is not even witnessed in India", he quipped.
He said that the security men provided by the Sinha Regiment had not been withdrawn and noted that such rumours were far from the truth.
The Bgrigadier pointed that nowhere retired high ranking Army official had been given the quantum of security afforded to Gen.Fonseka and Fonseka had been afforded the highest number for the tightest security as a retired officer.
The bullet proof vehicle given to the General is in good condition and he was using it, he said.
Speaking to the media at the Ministry of Mass Media and Information he said that the military did not make any surprise visit to the General's house at mid night as reported in the media but only visited at 11p.m after informing the security . “We had to go at that time at the night because that was the time the General was available and the vehicles that he used with out authorization were parked at his premises”, the Brigadier further said.
...............................................................................................................................
Individuals cannot take credit for war victory - Brig. Prasad Samarasinghe
Friday, 27 November 2009
Brigadier Prasad Samarasinghe addressing 'Asidisi Vidwath Hamuwa' told the media today at a briefing held at the Minister the war against the LTTE ended up in victory as a collective responsibility of the Armed Forces and the people. "It is not fair for any individual to take credit for a national action perform unitedly", said Brigadier Samarasinghe.
Brigadier Prasad Samarasinghe who recalled the war period before 2005 and then analyzed the period thereafter, said the dignity and respect of the Armed Forces was given due recognition by President Mahinda Rajapaksa. "This gave confidence and moral support to the battling troops", Samarasinghe pointed out.
Samarasinghe recalled that the establishment of the Defence Web site by Defence Secretary Gotabaya Rajapaksa and Media Center for National Security (MCNS) helped the battling security forces to carry correct massages to the world.
The 'Api Wenuwen Api' concept of the Defence Secretary injected vigor to strengthen the morale of the Army,he added.
He said the largest housing scheme for the War Heroes was done under the 'Api Wenuwen Api' concept and that benevolent act was greatly appreciated.
................................................................................................................................
Presidential Election on January 26, 2010
Friday, 27 November 2009
The Presidential Election will be held on January 26, 2010; the Commissioner of Elections, Dayananda Dissanayake announced a short while ago.
Nominations will be accepted from December 17, 2009 between 9 am and 11 am, Commissioner's office further said.
................................................................................................................................
MI-24 aircraft on training crash over Buttala
Friday, 27 November 2009
A MI-24 aircraft on training purpose crashed over Buttala today, Military Spokesman, Brig.Udaya Nanayakkara told www.news.lk.
He said the details were awaited to find the cause of the mishap.
The military spokesman said the incident was now being probed
................................................................................................................................
Friday, 27 November 2009
The 'Api Wenuwen Api", the ever active programme for war heroes will launch the second grand housing scheme at Attidiya, Ratmalana shortly to benefit war heroes.
The 'Api Wenuwen Api" was mooted by Defence Secretary, Gotabhaya Rajapaksa to help the war heroes and their families.
The scheme is also designed to boost the morale of the disabled soldiers who sacrificed their limbs to liberate the nation.
.................................................................................................................................
Gen.Fonseka given 100 security men and was a Four Star General - Military Spokesman
Friday, 27 November 2009
Retired General Sarath Fonseka’s request for adequate security has been already met by the Government and the number was one hundred in addition to the rank of a four star General with Fonseka being the only to enjoy that privilege while in office, claimed military spokesmen, Brigadier Udaya Nanayakkara today (27).
Brig.Nanayakkara explained that security was provided in accordance to the ranks held by senior officers.
He pointed out that Fonseka had been given the highest rank of General and Sri Lankan Army strength was too small for positions like Field Marshall to be offered. "This is not even witnessed in India", he quipped.
He said that the security men provided by the Sinha Regiment had not been withdrawn and noted that such rumours were far from the truth.
The Bgrigadier pointed that nowhere retired high ranking Army official had been given the quantum of security afforded to Gen.Fonseka and Fonseka had been afforded the highest number for the tightest security as a retired officer.
The bullet proof vehicle given to the General is in good condition and he was using it, he said.
Speaking to the media at the Ministry of Mass Media and Information he said that the military did not make any surprise visit to the General's house at mid night as reported in the media but only visited at 11p.m after informing the security . “We had to go at that time at the night because that was the time the General was available and the vehicles that he used with out authorization were parked at his premises”, the Brigadier further said.
...............................................................................................................................
Individuals cannot take credit for war victory - Brig. Prasad Samarasinghe
Friday, 27 November 2009
Brigadier Prasad Samarasinghe addressing 'Asidisi Vidwath Hamuwa' told the media today at a briefing held at the Minister the war against the LTTE ended up in victory as a collective responsibility of the Armed Forces and the people. "It is not fair for any individual to take credit for a national action perform unitedly", said Brigadier Samarasinghe.
Brigadier Prasad Samarasinghe who recalled the war period before 2005 and then analyzed the period thereafter, said the dignity and respect of the Armed Forces was given due recognition by President Mahinda Rajapaksa. "This gave confidence and moral support to the battling troops", Samarasinghe pointed out.
Samarasinghe recalled that the establishment of the Defence Web site by Defence Secretary Gotabaya Rajapaksa and Media Center for National Security (MCNS) helped the battling security forces to carry correct massages to the world.
The 'Api Wenuwen Api' concept of the Defence Secretary injected vigor to strengthen the morale of the Army,he added.
He said the largest housing scheme for the War Heroes was done under the 'Api Wenuwen Api' concept and that benevolent act was greatly appreciated.
................................................................................................................................
Presidential Election on January 26, 2010
Friday, 27 November 2009
The Presidential Election will be held on January 26, 2010; the Commissioner of Elections, Dayananda Dissanayake announced a short while ago.
Nominations will be accepted from December 17, 2009 between 9 am and 11 am, Commissioner's office further said.
................................................................................................................................
MI-24 aircraft on training crash over Buttala
Friday, 27 November 2009
A MI-24 aircraft on training purpose crashed over Buttala today, Military Spokesman, Brig.Udaya Nanayakkara told www.news.lk.
He said the details were awaited to find the cause of the mishap.
The military spokesman said the incident was now being probed
................................................................................................................................
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