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NEWSLANKA ISSUE 963

Three killed,160 houses damaged, Roads impassable, worse to come

Lashing thunderstorms leave 6 dead, 267,231 displaced (www.island.lk) - Six persons were killed and 267,231 from 56,225 families were displaced in three districts following the lashing rains experienced on Monday morning. Initial reports said that 160 houses had been damaged by floods. Three persons who had gone for a swim in a river at Divulapitiya were drawn in by the currents. Heavy rains accompanied by lightning and thunder would continue for the next 24 hours as premonsoon showers lashed the Western, Sabaragamuwa and Southern Provinces, the Meteorology Department Duty Forecaster, said. Disaster Management Ministry Assistant Director Pradeep Kodippili said that 2,720 families consisting of 13,316 persons had been affected and the Disaster Management and Social Services department had commenced relief assistance. According to latest reports, Galle, too, began to experience heavy showers and people in Habaraduwa, Akmeemana, Batapala and Kaburugamuwa have sought relief assistance. Kodippli said that according reports received from the Gampaha Divisional Secretariat, around 5,000 persons had been affected and in the Colombo area about 8,000 had sought assistance. He added that on the instructions of President

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Meanwhile, the Government instructed Government Mahinda Rajapaksa, District Secretaries in Agents in the Western and Sabaragamuwa Colombo, Gampaha and Kalutara had been given Provinces to make arrangements with the help of one million rupees each by Disaster Management the Navy to evacuate people and make immediate Ministry for immediate relief measures. arrangements to provide them with cooked meals. Heavy rains began lashing the city and suburbs Several long distance trains and buses were early last morning. In the Western Province, the cancelled yesterday as tracks were damaged and Gampaha, Nittambuwa, Matugama and Colombo several roads impassable. areas were badly affected with many schools The rainfall figures for the Western province are: closed due to poor attendance of children and Colombo 53.2 mm, Gampaha 283 mm, Nittambuwa teachers. Office workers were stranded and bus 313 mm, Matugama 94.8 mm, Pasyala 253.5 mm, and train commuters confined to bus stands, bus Kalutara 219 .5 mm, Hanwella 210 mm, Negombo halts and railway stations. 129 mm, Kukulegama 188 mm and Ratmalana 120 The Colombo-Kandy main road was impassable at mm. These were readings during the 24 hours several places while almost all city roads were ending 8.30 a.m. yesterday. under water. Meanwhile, Petroleum Corporation said an oil pipe Three wheelers were seen stalled and submerged had burst near the Kelanitissa Power Station and oil on almost every city road. Yesterday’s rain fall was higher than what had been was flowing freely. Action was being taken to repair the damaged pipe. experienced last Friday. The Met Department attributed heavy rains to low pressure disturbances in the Bay of Bengal and warned that yesterday’s rain was only the tip Over 600 cops transformed. Classifieds. of the iceberg and that the Derana London Star. Recipes. monsoon proper was due in a DNA demand release. President calls for G8-G15 few days. Colombo Column dialogue. Sports. Lessons Learnt and Obituaries. Reconciliation Commission: Fallen heroes remembered. President appoints Orchids at Chelsea. Commissioners. New Building for UK HC. See US reacts to Tiger meet. International Crisis Group calls State Enterprises. P11 for war crimes probe. Constitutional Amendments. + lots more...... More ex-tigers released.

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Festival Of Cricket 2010

Sunday 11th July

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Despite his own difficulty in driving his vehicle on the flooded city roads, this kind hearted truck driver offered these school children a ride to their school in Colombo. (Photo-Sujatha Jayarathne)

Invitation to Sri Lankan Community in the UK There will be an Alms Giving to the Maha Sangha at the High Commission of Sri Lanka in London rd on Sunday 23 May 2010 at 1130 hrs, to invoke blessings on the Government and the people of Sri Lanka. Those who wish to participate in this event, please confirm their attendance by telephone: 0207 262 1841.

Confirmed for this September

Fastcash Festival of Football 2010 The Mike Cooke Group of Companies has

announced it will sponsor the Festival of Football organized by the Sri Lanka Football Association UK for the second successive year. The event will once again be called the Fastcash Festival of Football and will be staged in September, with the exact date and venue to be announced over the next few weeks. Our picture shows(from Left) Mr Stanley Kosgodage (Technical Advisor – SLFA UK), Mr Upali Jothirathne (President, SLFA-UK), Mr Mike Cooke (MD – Fastcash), Mr Ashoka Welmillage (Sponsorship Secretary – SLFA UK), Mr Ranjith Katuwana (Football Coordinator – SLFAUK) (PLEASE SEE PAGE 23).

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NEWSLANKA

20 MAY - 2010

ISSUE 963

Derana London Star

Derana London Star is the first ever singing talent search for Sri Lankans living overseas. The singing competition started in May 2008 and is conducted in London by the Orlando Holdings (UK) Ltd, a Sri Lankan business in the UK. The objective of the competition is to give a fair chance to talented young Sri Lankan people who live in the UK. The programme is edited and televised in Sri Lanka through TV Derana on Wednesday at 9.30pm (Sri Lankan time) and UK and Europe through Miyuru TV on (SKY 805) every Friday 10.00pm(UK time). 40 episodes were televised over 152 countries throughout the world and 16 weekly episodes are yet to be televised. There were 220 applications from the UK and all of them appeared at 3 auditions to demonstrate their talent in front of an eminent panel of judges. The best 24 contestants were selected and promoted to the next level. From now on the verdict will be given by the public and thereby by the elimination of contestants will be based on the number of votes received for each contestant from the public. The selected 24 contestants performed in public at the historical "Mermaid Theatre" in London on the 27th of June 2009. Following on from that show 8 contestants

were selected for the semi finals. The semi final results night was held at the historical "Wellington Ship" on the "River Thames" for the first time in Sri Lankan musical history. Eight semi finalists started their journey from the Kingsbury New Year festival and performed in front of more than 2000 people with the most popular being Jagath Wickramasinghe and Champa Kalhari. There was another invitation from "Vishwa Lanka International Foundation" in Leicester. Vishwalanka is the only Sri Lankan Music institute in the UK who offers Visharadh degree in music. The “London Star" team spent three days with them and participated for a public show in Leicester. The Leicester New Year festival invited Derana London Star eight semi finalists to perform at their event. The eight semi-finalists are getting ready to perform in front of 800 people on the 29th May at Zorostrian Center at Rayners Lane. This will be a very important them to battle for their votes from the general public.Tickets are ready for the show and can by from London Star Team on 07958050311 or e-mail: [email protected]

International Crisis Group calls for war crimes probe (island.lk/2010/05/18) The International Crisis Group (ICG) has, in its report on Sri Lanka issued yesterday, claimed that it possesses ‘credible evidence’ that both the LTTE and the Sri Lankan security forces committed war crimes and called for an independent international war crimes probe. It claims that top government and military leaders were potentially responsible for those offences. ICG says that a section of the international community turned a blind eye to the human rights violations while they were happening and encouraged Sri Lanka’s tough response to terrorism. Full text of executive summary and recommendations of the ICG report: "The Sri Lankan security forces and the Liberation worked for the political campaign of former Tigers of Tamil Eelam (LTTE) repeatedly violated Minister Ameer Ali. They said Valachchenai police international humanitarian law during the last five station was informed of the transfers through a months of their 30-year civil war. Although both fax message on Sunday and that station’s OIC sides committed atrocities throughout the many was the only one to be not transferred. years of conflict, the scale and nature of violations Meanwhile Eastern Range Central DIG particularly worsened from January 2009 to the S.A.D.T.N. Wijegunawardena said the transfer government’s declaration of victory in May. order had come from the top. Former Minister Evidence gathered by the International Crisis Amir Ali yesterday denied his involvement in the Group suggests that these months saw tens of transfer of some police officers in Valachchenai. thousands of Tamil civilian men, women, children Mr. Ali asked how he could do such a thing even and the elderly killed, countless more wounded, without any ministerial powers. and hundreds of thousands deprived of adequate However, he charged that police officers in his food and medical care, resulting in more deaths. area supported the opposition during the election This evidence also provides reasonable grounds to time. believe the Sri Lankan security forces committed “That was the reason for my non-election to office war crimes with top government and military this time,” he said. leaders potentially responsible. There is evidence of war crimes committed by the LTTE and DO YOU WANT TO BRING YOUR FAMILY TO THE UK its leaders as well, but most of them were killed and will never face justice. Sri Lanka... An international inquiry into alleged crimes is essential given the absence of

600 policemen transferred from North By Sumaiya Rizvi (dailymirror.lk) More than 600 police personnel in the North including 110 from the Valachchenai police station are to be transferred immediately, police spokesman Prashantha Jayakody said. “It is nothing unusual to transfer more than 600 police personnel and neither is it unusual to have 110 police personnel from one particular station to be in the list of transfers,” SP Jayakody said. He said the policemen were being sent back to their original stations as they have ended their operational duties in the North and East. He denied allegations that these transfers were politically motivated. Some police officers at the Valachchenai police station unwilling to be identified said transfers were politically motivated since they had not

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political will or capacity for genuine domestic investigations, the need for an accounting to address the grievances that drive conflict in Sri Lanka, and the potential of other governments adopting the Sri Lankan model of counterinsurgency in their own internal conflicts. Crisis Group possesses credible evidence that is sufficient to warrant an independent international investigation of the following allegations: The intentional shelling of civilians. Starting in late January, the government and security forces encouraged hundreds of thousands of civilians to move into ever smaller government-declared No Fire Zones (NFZs) and then subjected them to repeated and increasingly intense artillery and mortar barrages and other fire. This continued through May despite the government and security forces knowing the size and location of the civilian population and scale of civilian casualties. The intentional shelling of hospitals. The security forces shelled hospitals and makeshift medical centres – many overflowing with the wounded and sick – on multiple occasions even though they knew of their precise locations and functions. During these incidents, medical staff, the United Nations, the International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC) and others continually informed the government and security forces of the shelling, yet they continued to strike medical facilities through May forcing civilians to abandon them. The intentional shelling of humanitarian operations. Despite knowing the exact location of humanitarian operations and food distribution points, the security forces repeatedly shelled these areas, which were crowded with humanitarian workers, vehicles and supplies, and civilians. Many were killed or wounded trying to deliver or receive basic (Contd: on P4)

US reacts to Tiger meet By Jamila Najmuddin (dailymirror.lk - 18/05/2010) While the controversial Transnational Government of Tamil Eelam (TGTE) held its inaugural sessions in the US city of Philadelphia over the last three days, the US Embassy in Colombo noted that the U.S. continues to investigate and prosecute individuals and entities that have provided material support to the LTTE. LTTE activist Visuvanathan Rudrakumaran who acts as its Coordinator said in a press statement emailed to Daily Mirror online that the TGTE meeting is being held in the US where the LTTE is listed as a terrorist outfit and comes in the wake of the Sri Lankan government urging foreign government not to give credence to moves by the LTTE to create a government in exile in support of an Ealam state. "We are very pleased to announce that the historic event of inaugural sessions of the

Transnational Government of Tamil Eelam (TGTE) are to take place at the National Constitution Centre (NCC) at the Independence Mall in the US city of Philadelphia on 17-19 May, 2010. NCC commemorates the 1787 Philadelphia Convention when the first steps were taken to write the constitution of America. The Declaration of Independence was also debated and signed in Philadelphia,” Rudrakumar said in the statement. Rudrakumar said that May 17-19 was chosen for the inauguration of TGTE in order to demonstrate the will of Eelam Tamil nation for its independence and coincides with the first year remembrance of the military victory against the LTTE. “By forming the Transnational Government of Tamil Eelam (TGTE) through a self organised democratic practice for electing people representatives by direct voting, (Contd: on P6)

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NEWSLANKA

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ISSUE 963

Lessons Learnt and Reconciliation Commission: President appoints Commissioners The Commission has been appointed under (dailynews.lk/2010/05/18President Mahinda provision of the Commission of Inquiry Act Rajapaksa has appointed an eight member (Chapter 393). “Lessons Learnt and Reconciliation Commission” It has been asked to inquire and report on the to report interalia on the facts and circumstances which led to the failure of the Ceasefire agreement following : that came into effect on February 21, 2002 and the i. the facts and circumstances which led to the failure of the Ceasefire Agreement operationalized sequence of events that followed thereafter upto on February 21, 2002 and the sequence of events May 19, 2009. that followed thereafter up to May 19, 2009; The Commissioners have been asked to report ii. whether any person, group, or institution directly back to the President within six months from the or indirectly bear date of appointment - May The Commissioners responsibility in this regard; 15, 2010. iii. the lessons we would The Commission has been Chitta Ranjan de Silva (Chairman), Dr. Amrith Rohan Perera PC. learn from those events and charged with reporting their attendant concerns, in whether any person, group Prof. Mohamed Thahir Mohamed Jiffry Prof. Karunaratna Hangawatta order to ensure that there or institution directly or will be no recurrence; indirectly bears responsibility Chandirapala Chanmugam Hewa Mathara Gamage Siripala Palihakkara iv. the methodology whereby in this regard. Manohari Ramanathan restitution to any person It is also charged with reporting on measures to be Maxwell Parakrama Paranagama affected by those events or taken to prevent the their dependents or to heirs, recurrence of such concerns in the future and can be effected; promote further national unity and reconciliation v. the institutional administrative and legislative among all communities. measures which need to be taken in order to The appointment of the Commission follows prevent any recurrence of such concerns in the Cabinet approval to a memorandum by President future, and to promote further national unity and Mahinda Rajapaksa. reconciliation among all communities, and to make The President informed the Cabinet that the any such other Commission on Lessons Learnt and Reconciliation recommendations with reference to any of the has been influenced in part by the South African matters that have been inquired into under the experience and the Iraq Inquiry of the UK. terms of this Warrant.

Govt. for talks with Tamil diaspora, int’l media ‘To change their mindset about LTTE, post war Sri Lanka’ By Indika Sri Aravinda (dailymirror.lk) The Sri Lankan government has sought talks with the Tamil Diaspora as well as the International media in order to change their mindset about the LTTE and post war Sri Lanka, a top government Minister said. Government Media Minister Keheliya Rambukwella, speaking to the Daily Mirror online, said that the Tamil Diaspora have been misled by

Colombo to host G-15 2011 By Tharindu Prematillake (thebottomline.lk/2010/05/19) The next G-15 Summit will be held in Colombo in 2011, Minister of External Affairs Professor G.L. Peiris announced yesterday, briefing the media on the developments at the recently concluded G-15 Summit in Teheran.

Northern lawyers end boycott

and the military, senior attorney and Jaffna Lawyers Association Treasurer B. Thavapalan said. The boycott was sparked by alleged death threats to Chavakachcheri District Judge T. J. Prabhakaran, who was investigating the murder of Kapilanath, a student at Chavakachcheri Hindu College. Legal proceedings at the Courts in Point Pedro, Kayts, Mallakam, Chavakechcheri and Jaffna were disrupted owing to protests.

By Vipul Sivakumaran (island.lk/2010/05/19) Courts in the Jaffna District returned to normal as lawyers ended a two-week boycott they had launched to highlight their concerns about security. They had given up the protest following assurances given by Chief Justice Asoka de Silva

Bishop opens new auditorium at St. Anne’s College, Kurunegala

(island.lk/2010/05/19) The new auditorium at St. Anne’s College, Kurunegala, which was completed around November last year, was formally declared open last Saturday by Rt. Rev. Dr. Harold Anthony, the Catholic Bishop of Kurunegala. "The auditorium stands as an edifice to the The Wimbledon Effect Solicitors courage and dedication of Rev, Br. Denzil 165 The Broadway Wimbledon SW19 - UK Border Mendis, the present Director/Principal, who was Agency Approved immigration lawyers the architect and promoter of the project" states Employers now need a sponsor licence to recruit foreign Rev. Bro. Alexander Cyrillas, who was Director/Principal of the institution from 1976 to skilled workers. Our services are approved by UKBA. 1979, in an article in a college souvenir last We can help if you have been given a Civil Penalty year for employing illegal workers

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Danuna Tilakaratne still at large Five special CID teams deployed to arrest him: Kumudu Hettiarachchi (dailynews.lk/2010/05/19) Danuna Tilakaratne, son- in-law of General Sarath Fonseka is still at large absconding from the Courts and the police. A warrant has been issued for his arrest for defrauding a sum of US dollars 2,99,061.25 by forwarding forged documents to the Army. Although the CID has deployed five special teams to hunt him down he continues to elude the law to the surprise of many.

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Passengers advised to arrive at BIA early (dailynews.lk/2010/05/19) SriLankan Airlines requested all passengers to turn up at the Bandaranaike International Airport (BIA) at least four hours prior to their departure times due to flash floods causing heavy traffic on the ColomboKatunayake road. CP

Report soon on Havana tigers By Jamila Najmuddin (dailymirror.lk) The government is expected to receive in the next few days an extensive report of a possible pro-Tamil Tiger build up in Venezuela after reports to such an effect was received by the Sri Lankan Envoy in Havana, Foreign Ministry sources told Daily Mirror online. The envoy, Tamara Kuliyanayagam who has rushed to neighbouring Venezuela is currently discussing the matter with the Venezuelan government officials and will report back to the Sri Lankan government.

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the LTTE and continue to carry out the propaganda of the Tigers. He also said that some international media organizations give publicity to LTTE propaganda and in doing so tend to paint the wrong picture of the actual post war situation in Sri Lanka. The Minister said that in order to give the proper picture the Sri Lankan government was keen to have talks with representatives of the Tamil Diaspora as well as international news agencies and media organisations.

International Crisis from P2 humanitarian assistance, including women, children and infants. The consequences of the security forces’ shelling were made substantially worse by the government’s obstruction of food and medical treatment for the civilian population, including by knowingly claiming the civilian population was less than one third its actual size and denying adequate supplies. The government declined to respond to Crisis Group’s request for comment on these allegations. There is also strong evidence that the LTTE engaged in: The intentional shooting of civilians. The LTTE fired on and killed or wounded many civilians in the conflict zone who were attempting to flee the

shelling and cross into government-controlled areas. The intentional infliction of suffering on civilians. The LTTE refused to allow civilians to leave the conflict zone, despite grave danger from shelling and lack of humanitarian supplies, even when the civilians were injured and dying. The LTTE also forcibly recruited many civilians to fight or serve as labourers and beat some family members who protested the recruitment. The substantial body of evidence collected by Crisis Group since August 2009 offers a compelling case for investigation of the conduct of hostilities and the role of the military and political leadership on both sides. It consists of numerous eyewitness statements that Crisis Group has taken and considers to be reliable as well as hundreds of photographs, video, satellite images, electronic communications and documents from multiple credible sources. But it

Buddhist Film Festival at BMICH Priyanka Kurugala (dailynews.lk/2010/05/19) As a second stage, to mark the 2600th Sri Sambuddha Jayanthi in 2011, the Light of Asia Foundation, Sri Lanka Film Corperation, BMICH and International Computer and Technology Agency will hold the international Buddhist Film Festival on May 28, 29 and 30, at the BMICH Colombo.

covers only a small number of the violations allegedly committed and is but a first step in what should be a major effort to examine the last year of the war. Among the other allegations that should be investigated are the recruitment of children by the LTTE and the execution by the security forces of those who had laid down their arms and were trying to surrender. Much of the international community turned a blind eye to the violations when they were happening. Some issued statements calling for restraint but took no action as the government continually denied any wrongdoing. Many countries had declared the LTTE terrorists and welcomed their defeat. They encouraged the government’s tough response while failing to press for political reforms to address Tamil grievances or for any improvement in human rights. (Contd: on P6)

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US reacts

20 MAY - 2010

G-15 summit, Tehran:

President calls for G8-G15 dialogue

from P2 Eelam Tamil nation declares to the Government of Sri Lanka and the International Community that it will continue its struggle until conditions are created which will enable the Tamils to realize their right to self determination and exercise their sovereignty,” Rudrakumaran added. When contacted over the TGTE meeting in the US, the US Embassy spokesman in Sri Lanka Jeff Anderson said that there are a number of organizations in the United States that represent various interests of the Sri Lankan Diaspora community with a wide range of views on issues concerning Sri Lanka, and have the right under the U.S. Constitution to express their perspectives and advocate their interests peacefully. He said that although the U.S. Government fully supports an active civil society in their own country and abroad, they do not always agree with all of the viewpoints of such organizations. “The United States unequivocally supports a united, peaceful and democratic Sri Lanka. Further, we note that the LTTE has been designated as a Foreign Terrorist Organization (FTO) in the U.S. since 1997. This designation remains in force. The U.S. continues to investigate and prosecute £420* £355* individuals and entities that have provided material £378* £335* support to the LTTE,” Anderson told Daily Mirror online. (Daily Mirror £482* £350* online)

£478* £335*

* No to politically motivated imposing conditionalities which we see in Round of negotiations in the WTO and the conditionalities retrospect, did lead in their own way to delivery of its development mandate”. * Moots high level task force for enhanced fuelling the recent crisis. He stressed that the G-15 must remain firm cooperation The President also expressed concern that that the final package should address the * Warns of climate change impact on despite the presence of the global economy concerns of the developing countries. developing world and financial surveillance through multilateral “There must be increased market access for (dailynews.lk/2010/05) President the goods and services of export interest Mahinda Rajapaksa proposed that the to us. They should not tie up with G-15 worked very closely with the G-8 politically motivated conditionalities”. to promote constructive dialogue on all Touching on the phenomenon of climate major aspects of development. He change, the President said that climate said a clear methodology needs to be change is an issue towards which they worked out for this dialogue to be in the developing world owe limited if not realistic and fruitful. little historical responsibility. Addressing the G-15 summit in It must be recognized that the present Tehran, President Rajapaksa said the trend could lead to the reduction of the G-15 with its unique composition environmental and carbon emission representing about 33 percent of the space available for developing countries world population, with clearly identified in such a manner,as to impact on their objectives has the potential to play a entitlement to development. constructive role promoting peopleHe said the G-15, to harness its full centred development initiatives in potential within the group for promoting global economic and social policy people-centred development, it is dialogues. important that they launch a collective For this reason the G-15 stresses the project for fair assessment of progress need for reforms in the international and prospects for enhanced cooperation financial architecture to better enable it in economic, financial and other areas to monitor, respond and prevent including scientific and cultural aspects President Mahinda Rajapaksa who took over the financial and economic disasters. To and called for the appointment of a high Chairmanship of the G 15 Group with Iranian President attain this objective, there must be an level task force using the great Mahmoud Ahmadinejad. Picture by Sudath Silva open, inclusive and transparent repository of expertise that they have in dialogue. their Government institutions,academia organisations and existence of early warning President Rajapaksa added that the Bretton and the private sector. systems, adequate progress has not been Woods Institutions when working with the President Rajapaksa proposed that the G-15 made in crisis prevention efforts. developing countries, should take into concentrate on action to strengthen He said the developing world has not run account the latter’s specific conditions and development cooperation in the area of away from its responsibility to contribute to needs, as well as the structural constraints infrastructure development,human resource the progressive liberalisation of global trade. they confront. “It is therefore all the more regrettable that we development and trade and investment These institutions should refrain from promotion within the group. are yet awaiting the conclusion of the Doha

International Crisis from P4

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The eventual destruction of the LTTE militarily came at the cost of immense civilian suffering and an acute challenge to the laws of war. It also undermined the credibility of the United Nations and further entrenched a

bitterness among Tamils in Sri Lanka and elsewhere which may make a durable peace elusive. Now a number of other countries are considering "the Sri Lankan option" – unrestrained military action, refusal to negotiate, disregard for humanitarian issues – as a way to deal with insurgencies and other violent groups. To recover from this damage, there must be a concerted effort to investigate alleged war crimes by both sides and prosecute those responsible. Sri Lanka is not a member state of the International Criminal Court (ICC), and the UN Security Council is not likely to refer these crimes to the ICC in the short term. While some of the LTTE may go on trial in Sri Lanka, it is virtually impossible that any domestic investigation into the government or security forces would be impartial given the entrenched culture of impunity. A UN-mandated international inquiry should be the priority, and those countries that have jurisdiction over alleged crimes – including countries such as the U.S. where dual nationals or residents may be suspected – should vigorously


pursue investigations. RECOMMENDATIONS To the Government of Sri Lanka: 1. Cooperate fully with international efforts to investigate alleged war crimes, including a UN-mandated international inquiry, guaranteeing free access to the conflict area and effective protection of witnesses. 2. Try LTTE cadres suspected of war crimes in open court, allowing them and witnesses against them full protections required by international law and permitting international oversight, or release them if there is insufficient evidence. 3. Invite the UN special rapporteurs on extrajudicial executions, torture, violence against women, the right to food, the right to health, the protection of human rights while countering terrorism and the situation of human rights defenders, and the special representatives on the human rights of internally displaced persons (IDPs) and on children and armed conflict, to visit Sri Lanka to investigate the conduct of the last year of hostilities. 4. Compile, with the assistance of the ICRC and/or the UN High Commissioner for Human Rights, a full and public register of those killed, wounded and missing from the final months of the war, including the circumstances of their death, injury or disappearance; and issue death certificates and provide financial compensation for civilians killed or wounded and for property destroyed or damaged. (Contd: on P8)

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Ravi K drops coat and tie By Gagani Weerakoon (thebottomline.lk/2010/05/19)UNP Colombo District MP Ravi Karunanayake was seen in Parliament wearing an Ariyasinhala dress (national), instead of his usual European attire (coat and tie) for the first time since his entry into Parliament in 1994. He drew much attention, not only from the government benches but also from some in the opposition. Several government MPs called out to Karunanayake, referring to him as the future leader of the UNP as he rose to speak last morning. Among those who gave the thumbs-up to Karunanayake’s new attire was DNA Leader

20 MAY - 2010

General (Rtd) Sarath Fonseka while some of his colleagues in the UNP were seen giving amused looks. A source close to MP Karunanayake when queried about the change in his dress said that the UNP MP had to attend a function at a temple yesterday morning and as he had no time to change, decided to attend Parliament in the national dress.

UNP objects to evening sessions In parliament By Kelum Bandara (dailymirror.lk) The UNP parliamentary group yesterday decided to object to the government’s proposal that Parliament should meet only in the evening. Earlier, the ruling UPFA had proposed that the House should conduct business of the day from 2.00 pm till 7.00 pm. At present, the House meets at 9.30 a.m. and conducts proceedings till 4.30 p.m. Chief Opposition Whip John Amaratunga told

the Daily Mirror yesterday his party did not agree to this move by the government. “We are paid to work for the whole day. Why should we work only in the evening then?,” he asked. Besides, the group also discussed about the government’s attempts to introduce constitutional reforms to Parliament very soon. However, Mr. Amaratunga said the UNP would not respond to the UPFA in this regard until these proposals were submitted to Parliament. “We have so far seen media reports about the government’s plan. They have to present them to Parliament first. Then, we will respond,” he said.

UNP report yet again postponed By Tharindu Prematillake (thebottomline.lk/2010/05/19) The much awaited report on how to restructure the United National Party (UNP) will constitute only a couple of pages, according to MP John Amaratunga, member of the special six-person committee appointed to

International Crisis from P6 5. Provide ICRC with full access to all places of detention, including where LTTE suspects or surrendees are being held, and allow detained individuals full protections under international law. To the United Nations and Member States: 6. Authorise an independent international inquiry into alleged war crimes in Sri Lanka during the last year of the conflict, tasking it to investigate the conduct of both sides, to complete its work within a reasonably short period and to recommend steps to be taken by national and international authorities to ensure accountability for any crimes. 7. Begin inquiries into attacks on UN assets and personnel and into the conduct of the UN during the last year of the conflict, examining the UN’s September 2008 withdrawal from Kilinochchi through to its ineffectual attempts to push for a ceasefire and its involvement in Sri Lankan government internment camps. 8. Empower the special rapporteurs on extrajudicial executions, torture, violence against women, the right to food, the right to health, the protection of human rights while countering terrorism and the situation of human rights defenders, and the special For small, LARGE, complex immigration cases, representative on the human rights of internally why think of going anywhere else?” displaced persons (IDPs), Are you a student? Do you know new rules from 3/3/2010?to carry out full Do you want to apply or extend your work permit/HSMP(Tier1)? New rules investigations of the From 6/04/2010? Get ready now. Do you want to apply spouse visa, settlement, British citizenship, Asylum, conduct of the last year of Or Entry clearance. What you need to do is, CALL US NOW. IT IS simple. hostilities, particularly into Give your immigration headache to us. We will sort out. YOU just RELAX. alleged extrajudicial Do you want to, appeal to the Asylum & Immigration Tribunal, we will assist you. What you need to do, bring your problems. executions and torture, We will advise you the next steps. Our motto is, to assist you to solve your immigration headache. and the special Don't delay. YOU CAN BRING YOUR FAMILY HERE. (your mother, father or children). representative on children They can stay with you permanently. Contact us before changing the immigration rules. and armed conflict to more Don't wait until last minute. CALL US NOW. completely investigate the Why us? Because, our service is great and Quick, Evening Appointments and also Fixed recruitment of child Fee and CONFIDENTIAL too. We also deal with civil and family (divorce) matters. soldiers and killing and You want to buy a new house? CALL US NOW. We will assist you, until you move to new home. We also maiming of children. assist you to sell your old house in Sri Lanka or England. We are your solicitors, qualified to Answer. 9. Make available to any CALL NOW : INDIKA K. KOMMALAGE, LLB, LLM, SOLICITOR (England & Wales) credible efforts to investigate alleged war PHONES : 078 284 50 776 (Hot line) crimes in Sri Lanka all FAX : 020 7998 7262 E mail: [email protected] relevant information within Srinivasans Solicitors, 169 Tooting High Street, London SW17 0SY (Regulated by the Solicitors Regulation Authority)


the possession or control of the UN. 10. Ensure that Sri Lankan contributions to UN peacekeeping missions are consistent with universal human rights principles, including by ensuring the systematic pre-deployment screening of Sri Lankan personnel to identify any individuals allegedly involved in war crimes or human rights violations. To India, the United States, Canada, Australia, the United Kingdom, France, Other EU Member States, Switzerland and Others: 11. Do not extradite LTTE suspects to Sri Lanka unless guarantees of humane treatment and fair trials are in place. Instead prosecute in domestic courts where possible and appropriate. 12. Begin investigations into alleged war crimes or human rights abuses in cases where

ISSUE 963

formulate the report. However, the finalisation of this short report has been postponed yet again. “The report will most probably be ready by Friday,” Amaratunga said. Yet, at the end of last week Amaratunga announced that the report will be released. When asked as to why the finalisation of the report has been postponed several times Amaratunga said, “We want to make sure that we get all the points of view into consideration. We are holding daily discussions with various people. It’s a process. That is why the report is getting delayed.” However, another party senior and former Assistant Leader of the UNP Rukman Senanayake had a different view on why the report was getting delayed: “This is a trick by Ranil to save himself. This should be very simple, just hold an election to elect all the party leaders. Why does a report on this have to get postponed this many times? Ranil is trying everything he can to create a report that favours him. He wants a report where he will not be asked to stand for an election. What kind of leader is afraid to stand for an election in front of his supporters?” jurisdiction may exist, including where nationals or residents are allegedly involved. Ensure such investigations have sufficient resources and share evidence in the possession or control of governments, including satellite imagery. 13. Support non-frivolous civil suits by or on behalf of alleged victims of the security forces or the LTTE, including by limiting claims of immunity. 14. Grant asylum or other protected status to witnesses and act to preserve evidence of war crimes, particularly by allowing officials to cooperate with credible investigations. 15. Impose targeted sanctions, including travel restrictions, on Sri Lankan officials and members of their families, unless and until the government cooperates with international efforts to investigate alleged war crimes.

DNA demand SF’s release on V-Day "We will hold a special Adhishtana Pooja demanding the release of Fonseka on the Vijitha Herath, General Secretary of the Victory Day, May 18 at the Viharamahadevi Democratic National Alliance (DNA) demanded Park in Colombo," he said. the release of DNA Leader Gen Sarath Wife of Gen. Fonseka, Anoma Fonseka said Fonseka, MP, when the country celebrates the that on her way to the Naval Headquarters in first anniversary of the war victory over the Colombo, where Gen. Fonseka was detained, LTTE. "It was Gen. Fonseka who led Sri Lanka army to she saw rehearsals of Victory Day celebrations, unfortunately, the army defeat LTTE and it is a joke to commander who fought celebrate the war victory and forged victory is without Fonseka’s kept under detention. participation" Herath said "I won’t plead with the addressing the press at the government to release DNA head office in Rajakeeya my husband as he has Mawatha, Colombo 07. not done anything General Fonseka was the wrong," Anoma said. army commander when forces "Government may defeated the LTTE in May 18, attmept to erase my 2009, but finally he fell out with husband’s name from President Mahinda Rajapaksa history, but it will live in who is the Commander – in – people’s hearts," she Chief and unsuccessfully DNA leaders with Anoma Fonseka said. contested the Jan. 26 Kalutara District MP presidential election. and Deputy Leader of the DNA Arjuna The main V Day ceremony will be held on May Ranatunga told the press said that all Sri 20 at the Galle Face Green with President Lankans must feel ashamed of celebrating war Rajapaksa presiding. victory without war winning Commander Gen. Herath charged that media organizations Fonseka. including government and private were not giving due credit to Fonseka.

by Dasun Edirisinghe

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SL Ambassador calls on EU not to support PTGTE (dailymirror.lk - 15/05/2010) Sri Lanka called on the European governments not to provide any political or symbolic support to the LTTE’s initiative to forming a so-called ‘Provisional Transnational Government of Tamil Eelam’ (PTGTE). Sri Lanka’s Ambassador to Belgium, Luxembourg and the EU Ravinatha Aryasinha said “the LTTE’s initiative in forming a so-called PTGTE, with ‘country working groups’ at national and regional levels in western countries was a ruse to perpetuate its terrorist struggle.”

Ambassador Aryasinha observed these bodies had been constituted through pseudo elections and comprised largely of known LTTE members/activists. These persons Ambassador Aryasinha said, were among those who entered western countries illegally and who in the normal course of events would have been sent home given the restoration of normalcy in Sri Lanka. It was therefore in their self-interest to keep the pot boiling in order to remain in the countries where they had sought asylum. Ambassador Aryasinha made these observations when he addressed the “2010 Diplomatic Security Conference “ Terrorism Situation and Trends in the EU” held at the Colonial Palace in Brussels on 11 May 2010, where the findings of Europol’s EU Terrorism Situation and Trend Report (TESAT) 2010 were discussed. The Conference, attended by politicians, diplomats, academics, and members of the law enforcement and criminal justice community, was cohosted by the European Corporate Security Association (ECSA) and the Belgian Foreign Ministry. “Lest it is glossed over, a point I want to emphasise is that none of these persons arrested so far carried name boards saying LTTE, but each and every one of them belonged to prominent front organizations which were integrally linked to the LTTE -be they the Tamil (Contd: on P16)

Sri Pada to be named as a world heritage site (news.lk) Ministry of National Heritage and Culture has initiated action to proclaim Sri Pada, as a world heritage site reported the President's Media Unit. The proposal in this regard is to be submitted at the conference of the UNESCO to be held in Brussels of Belgium next month, said a Ministry spokesman. Sri Pada is located in the Samanala mountain range in Sri Lanka's hill country in a unique natural environment. Thousands of Sri Lankans of many faith as well as foreign tourists visit the place annually. Seven historical sites; Anuradhapura, Polonnaruwa and Kandy ancient cities, Sigiriya rock fortress, Dambulla rock temple, Galle Dutch Fort and Sinharaja rain forest have been named as World Heritage sites under the International Convention on Protection of World Culture and Environmental Heritage which was passed by the United Nations Educational Scientific and Cultural Organization, UNESCO.

ISSUE 963

JVP expresses shock over plight of Tamils

Ten Trinitians in 7th Parliament

By Olindhi Jayasundere (dailymirror.lk - 19/05/2010) The Janatha Vimukthi Peramuna (JVP) said yesterday that even a year after the war had ended several thousands of displaced people were still continuing to live in temporary camps in the North and East and this had led the Tamil community to feel badly let down and disappointed. General Secretary Tilvin Silva said it was sad and shocking to find that as of last month, some 77,000 displaced people in the Vanni and 53,000 in the rest of the Northern Province had still not been resettled while 93,000 displaced people were living with relatives in the NP and some 1,000 others were in transit camps. With regard to the Eastern province, Mr. Silva said more than 70,000 displaced people were still not resettled. “These people have lost their livelihood and are struggling to rebuild their lives. All what the government has provided them apart from Rs.25,000 are some planks and roofing sheets. Is this enough to rebuild their shattered lives all over again?” he asked. Mr. Silva said the displaced people should be provided with healthcare, education, and transport. “We are not asking the government to put up supermarkets for their use. A good start will be to give them their basic necessities. They also have a right to these things,” he said. Mr. Silva said the much talked about new railway system in Jaffna had not been implemented by the government as planned. “The government collected funds from people but there is no news of it anymore,” he said. “The Tamil people are distressed by this,” he said. He said since last year the government has imposed a new tax supposed to be used for the betterment of soldiers who fought in the war. “These funds are really being used by the Government for its needs and not for any other purpose. It has been a year since the war ended. Why is it that we do not see these funds being utilized for the needs of the people in the armed forces who fought in the war?” Mr. Silva asked.

(island.lk/2010/05/17) Ten old boys of Trinity College, Kandy, who were elected to Parliament last month and a Governor were felicitated at a ceremony at the College Hall on Friday (May 14). They included Dr. Sarath Amunugama, Professor Tissa Vitharana, Professor Rajiv Wijesinghe, Kanaka Herath, Lohan Ratwatte, R. Yogarajah, Wasantha Aluvihare, Neranjan Wickremeasinghe, Kabir Hashim, Sujeewa Senasinghe and Governor of the Central Provincial Council, Tikiri Kobbekaduwa. Principal of Trinity College, Brigadier Udaya Ariyaratne, Jayanath Panditharatne and Bishop of Kurunegala Rev. Kumara Illangasinghe made addresses on the occasion. (L.G.)

Ontario man gets six months in jail for fundraising for LTTE (dailymirror.lk) Vancouver (ANI): Indian-born Canadian Liberal MP Ujjal Dosanjh has criticized the country’s judicial system for failing to send a strong message of deterrence to fundraisers for terrorist groups when it sentenced an Ontario man to only six months in jail for raising funds for the Tamil Tigers. Dosanjh was reacting to a verdict delivered by Justice Robert Powers, of the British Columbia Supreme Court, on Prapaharan Thambithurai, 46, sending him to six months in jail after he pleaded guilty this week to fundraising for a banned terrorist group. The law provides for a maximum sentence of 10 years and does not include a minimum sentence.

30% of private bus crews addicted to drugs: LPBOA By Amira Cader (dailymirror.lk) The Lanka Private Bus Owners Association (LPBOA) said that there were around 30% of bus drivers and conductors were addicted to drugs, mostly in Colombo and its suburbs.

Power supply to Colombo North suspended By Sumaiya Rizvi (dailymirror.lk) Power supply for the Colombo North has been suspended while the power supply for the Kiribathgoda area might be suspended due to the floods in the areas of two power distributing substations, Ceylon Electricity Board Chairman Vidya Amarapala said yesterday. “We can’t do anything to stop the water from seeping into the area of the sub stations in the Colombo North and Kiribathgoda,” Amarapala said. According to him the CEB had already suspended power supply to Colombo North substation while they were most likely to stop the power supply of the Kiribathgoda substation if it continued to rain he said last night.

Budget on June 29 Irangika Range and Sandasen Marasinghe (dailynews.lk/2010/05/19) Budget 2010 is to be presented in Parliament on June 29. According to the Parliamentary sources, the Appropriation Bill will be presented to Parliament on June 8. The Second Reading debate will be conducted on four days - June 30 to July 3. The vote for the Second Reading debate is due at 6 pm on July 3. The Committee Stage debate (Third reading) will be held for five days - July 5 to July 9. The vote for the Third reading debate will be at 6 pm on July 9.

More ex-tigers released By N. Parameshwaran (dailymirror.lk) More than 400 former LTTE suspects including 198 child soldiers were released to their families at a function in Jaffna this morning. Among the 425 former LTTE suspects handed over to their families were 189 former child soldiers who were being educated at a school in Ratmalana. (Daily Mirror online)

A reply to Channel 4 allegations

A statement from the Sri Lankan high commission The High Commission of Sri Lanka in the United Kingdom totally deny the allegations made against the Government of Sri Lanka and its armed forces. As it has been repeatedly stressed and supported by evidence, Government’s security forces were engaged in a humanitarian operation with the objective of rescuing the civilians held as human shields by a terrorist outfit: the LTTE, which was banned in many countries including the UK. All internationally accepted standards and norms of such operations were followed in the prosecution of the humanitarian operation by the security forces which were under strict orders to follow a zero civilian casualty policy. The government of Sri Lanka is now in the process of rebuilding and reconciliation. The President of Sri Lanka has established the "Lessons Learnt and Reconciliation Commission" of eight eminent persons reflecting all ethnic groups in Sri Lanka to inquire and report institutional administrative and legislative measures which need to be taken in order to prevent any recurrence of such concerns in the future, and to promote further national unity and reconciliation among all communities. This High Commission is not in a position to make comments on specific allegations said to have been made in the video without viewing it. Therefore, we appreciate it if you could forward the said video to the High Commission for viewing and for verifying its authenticity prior to the telecast. High Commission of Sri Lanka The United Kingdom 18 May 2010


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Regus Reception – 5th Floor, Horton House, Exchange Flags, Liverpool, L2 3PF Tel: 0151 244 56412

Hayleys posts highest ever profits in history Profit after tax exceeds Rs 2,637 million: (dailynews.lk/2010/05/19) Hayleys Group has achieved exponential growth in all key performance indicators in 2009-10 establishing record figures for revenue, profit and investment in a remarkable year of milestones. According to figures released to the Hayleys Chairman Colombo Stock Exchange, Mohan Pandithage the blue chip conglomerate’s profit before tax more than doubled to Rs 3,351 million in the 12 months ending March 31, 2010, while profit after tax tripled to Rs 2,637 million. Profit attributable to equity holders of the company grew 5.7 times (471 percent) to Rs 1,775 million. Consolidated turnover, at Rs 38 billion, reflected a growth of 18 percent. The year also saw the single largest investment in the 132 year history of the company the purchase of a controlling stake in Ceylon Continental Hotel, resulting in total investment in subsidiaries doubling in the year reviewed, and initiatives to rationalise the Group’s businesses and strategies yielding spectacular results,” Hayleys Chairman Mohan Pandithage said.

Golden Key Directress gets 1 lakh bail By Ananda Weerasuriya (dailymirror.lk - 15/05/2010) Suramya Karunarathna, a Director of the Golden Key Credit Card Company (GKCCC), charged with not paying back twelve lakhs and ninety five thousand six hundred (Rs. 1, 295,600) of employee contributions along with a surplus, was given bail by Mount Lavinia Additional Magistrate Ruchira Weliwatte. She was given surety bail of rupees one hundred thousand and ordered to appear in Courts on June 21. This case had been filed by the President of the Employees Trust Fund Board. The other Directors of this company are Daniel Jegasothi, Bandula Renaweera, Neranjan Fernando, Lalith Kotelawala, Prasanna Sumanasekara, Michael Perera and Wimaladevi Karunarathnam.

Ananda College student wins top awards at INTEL fair

A student from Ananda College in Colombo won several top awards at the 2010 Intel International Science and Engineering Fair held in San Jose, California. Ganindu Nanayakkara won the First Award of $3,000 for his project "Novel Computer Controlling Wireless Device for Handicapped People" in the Computer Science category at the Intel ISEF 2010 Grand (dailynews.lk/2010/05/17) Indrani Awards Ceremony. It was Sugathadasa assumed duties on held by the Society for May 13, 2010 as the new Science and the Public, in Chairperson of the Insurance partnership with the Intel Board of Sri Lanka (IBSL). Foundation. Ganindu built Sugathadasa, a senior civil a device that allows servant, recently retired as the persons with disabilities Secretary to the Plantation to wirelessly operate a Industries Ministry and the computer. Children's Development and Women's Empowerment Ministry. Mrs. Indrani Sugathadasa assuming duties In addition, Ganindu won three special awards for as the new Chairperson of the IBSL his project at the Special

IBSL new chairperson assumes duties


Awards Ceremony. He received a $1,000 cash award from the National Collegiate Inventors and Innovators Alliance and the Lemelson Foundation which recognizes the innovations and inventions that addresses critical basic human needs. Symantec Corporation awarded Ganindu with another $1,000 cash award.

Nuncio in Sri Lanka: "Together on the long road to peace"

Nimal Welgama, new SLT Chairman (dailynews.lk) Managing Director of Upali Group of Companies Nimal Welgama has been appointed Chairman of the Sri Lanka Telecom (SLT) with immediate effect.

Nimal Welgama

a province affected by the war: "Traveling along the very road that brings you there, my impressions were of mixed feelings: I saw buildings, including churches, destroyed by war, but I have also seen people that were rebuilding. It will take many years, of course, in order to reach a concrete result, but they are heading in the right direction". The fact that the number of refugees in camps is declining, is comforting: "They can only stay in the camps for a short period. But the relocation process is slow because of land mines, which must be eliminated. We must assist these people in every possible way, help them organise their lives again". For the Nuncio, the local Church "contributes to the welfare of people and the peace process, and this makes everyone very happy. (contd: on P15)

(island.lk/2010/05/18) "The Church of Sri Lanka is making great strides in rebuilding not only the structures but also the lives of those who have suffered from a long civil war. But there is still a long way to go in the North, a road that we must travel together". These were the comments of Archbishop Joseph Spiteri, Apostolic Nuncio in Sri Lanka, to AsiaNews after his visit to the North last week. At the invitation of the Bishop of Jaffna, Mgr. Thomas Savundaranayagam, the Vatican diplomat made his pastoral visit to parishes, seminaries, orphanages and camps for the displaced in Jaffna, Trincomalee, Batticaloa and Mannar. The nuncio said he was "satisfied by the Church’s commitment to the victims of war." He adds: "There are negative aspects and positive aspects in this whole story, but much remains to be M.R.Shah assumed duties as Merchant Bank of Sri Lanka done. I wish everyone could look at (MBSL) Chairman last week. this matter with an open mind, because it must be understood that it is not so easy to move entire communities around, overnight. We must find mature solutions. In the presence of the Nuncio the project "Vic-Jaf Fishnet " was inaugurated, created by Caritas Jaffna: This is a structure that will help victims of war and the tsunami, giving them a way to maintain their livelihood. According to Mgr. Spiteri, "It is a great consolation since it gives a concrete help to the fishing community in Jaffna Peninsula". The archbishop spoke to AsiaNews about his impression from the visit to Shah assuming duties in his new post

Shah heads MBSL Bank

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Sri Lanka going for a hat-trick Gold Medal at most prestigious Flower Show (lankapuvath.lk, May 19) - Sri Lankan Company Borneo Exotics is back again at London’s Chelsea Flower Show in the last week of May. After winning coveted Gold Medals in 2006 and 2007, Borneo Exotics took a well earned rest and declined invitations from the Royal Horticultural Society to exhibit in the following two years. Now however, they are back, in what may be their final entry into the world’s most prestigious flower show. Robert Cantley, Borneo Exotics Managing Director, points out that staging a near perfect exhibit with bare-rooted plants at such a distance is fraught with difficulties and winning any top award is by no means assured. “So many things can go wrong” says Robert. “Apart from the artistic challenge of exhibiting the plants to their best advantage, just getting them there in perfect order is enormously challenging. Everyone just expects us to be able to do it again and win a Gold Medal or maybe even a special Annual Award as we have in the past. We have created many beautiful hybrids the world has never seen before and they look perfect in our

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nurseries right now but it’s how they will look in London on the day of judging that matters. What many people don’t realize is that the panel of judges will be seeking even the tiniest flaw in design, implementation, layout or imperfection in the plants themselves to justify granting a lesser award." London’s Chelsea Flower Show is widely regarded as the most prestigious flower show in the world, drawing over 300,000 visitors in 5 days. In 2007 the Sri Lanka High Commission in London organized a troupe of Kandyan Dancers, who delighted the world press with a display of their dancing prowess in front of the Gold Medal winning exhibit.

which allow the High Commissioner to carry out special and emergency duties outside office hours," Jayasinghe said. Construction work has been assigned to the Central Engineering Consultancy Bureau (CECB) in Sri Lanka with Deputy General Manager Mohamed Navaz overseeing the work. Engineer Navaz said this major proposed project is estimated to cost 600 million Sri Lankan rupees. "Our target is to complete it by September 2011". He said the services of Sri Lankan engineers will be made use of for the proposed construction along with the expertise of reputed British engineering companies. Minister Nimal Siripala de Silva, who was in London, was expected to visit the building site last week.

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In an obvious move to court the private sector and encourage a public and private sector partnership, the government has accommodated several experienced private sector executives in key posts. Close on the heels of the appointment of Aitken Spence and Distilleries Chairman Harry Jayawardene as Chairman of the loss making Ceylon Petroleum Corporation (CPC), John Keells Chief Susantha Ratnayake is mentioned as Chairman of the Tea Board and Mano Selvanathan, of Carsons Cumberbatch for a seat on the directorate of the Sri Lanka Insurance Corporation (SLIC). Both Ratnayaka and Selvanathan have held high office in the Ceylon Chamber of Commerce. Ratnayake has pointed out possible conflicts of interest as John Keells Ltd., which he chairs, is in the tea broking business and he is also chairman of Tea Smallholder Factories, controlled by JKH and Central Finance. "Government seems to be looking at the big picture,’’ one well informed source said. ``Problems

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New three-storied residential complex for Lankan UK mission By Sujeeva Nivunhell in London (island.lk/2010/05/16) Work on the construction of a new three-storied residential complex for the Sri Lankan High Commission in London will begin shortly. The old residential building will be demolished to pave the way for this modern structure. High Commissioner Nihal Jayasinghe said that it took more than two years to obtain permission from the local council for the proposed residential complex, which will comprise of a special suite where the president or any visiting VIP could stay when they visit London, thus saving the money on hotel accommodation. "Two separate bungalows will be built in the same premises for the head of the political section and the visa section

PAGE 13

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of conflict can be (Bank of Ceylon (UK) Ltd is 100% owned by Bank of Ceylon, Sri Lanka) cosmetically handled by Bank of Ceylon (UK) Limited is authorised and regulated by the Financial Services Authority (FSA Reference No. 514744) resigning from the concerned Registered in England and Wales (Company Registration No. 06736473), Registered address and Head Office: 1 Devonshire Square, London EC2M 4WD boards but the fact remains that as head of JKH, he has would take over the SLIC. business leaders in a bid to strengthen a role in all group companies.’’ The appointment comes in the backdrop of development efforts. They said that there was an The dilemma facing business leaders approached overriding political reason to woo top private sector speculation that the government may make a fresh to take important jobs is `do we take them and do it executives. appraisal of judgments on the SLIC and Waters the way we say it must be done, or do we refuse?’ Edge cases on the basis they were detrimental to About 1,000 of Sri Lanka's business leaders and ``If we refuse, then we must forever hold our peace lesser names packed a hall in the Cinnamon state’s efforts to promote investment. and not grumble how things are done,’’ one Harry Jayawardena, who has control of several Grand Hotel in the second week of January to business leader said. cash cows was publicly critical of judicial action meet Fonseka, in the company of UNP leader Another ex-head of the Chamber of Commerce, targeting private sector enterprises in the wake of Ranil Wickremesinghe and JVP leader CTC Chairman Jayampathi. D. Bandaranayake, findings made by parliamentary watchdog Somawansa Amarasinghe. recently succeeded Dhammika Perera at the BOI. committees - Committee on Public Enterprises and Responding to a query by The Sunday Island, Perera will now run his own businesses. the Public Accounts Committee. He expressed the some sources said that the government was If Ratnayake goes to the Tea Board, he will view that such action would only discourage aiming to cut off the link between the UNP and the succeeded Lalith Hettiarachchi, son-in-law of H.K. private sector investment. Colombo business leaders by appointing several Dharmadasa, Chairman of the Nawaloka Group of Meanwhile, Indrani Sugathadasa, former Secretary key business people to state sector positions. Companies. Dharmadasa’s son, Jayantha, lost the In another related move, Gamini Senarath, to the Plantations Industries Ministry succeeded top post at the Film Corporation. Additional Secretary to the President and Chief-of- Udayasiri Kariyawasam as Chairperson of the Well informed sources told The Sunday Island that Staff, who was recently promoted to the rank of Securities and Exchange Commission and head this was part of the UPFA’s strategy to involve (Contd: on P15) Secretary on par with a Secretary to a Ministry,


PAGE 14

NEWSLANKA

20 MAY - 2010

ISSUE 963

MAHAMEVNA VESAK CELEBRATIONS

On the 9th of May 2010 an exceptional Dhamma event to venerate Gautama Buddha's three great life events was organised by the Mahamevnawa International Meditation Centre in the United Kingdom, a branch founded by the Most Venerable Kiribathgoda Gnanananda Thero. The event was conducted with the guidance of the resident Buddhist monks in the United Kingdom. The programme commenced at 8.00 am with hundreds of devotees aggregating to observe the Eight Precepts, to focus their mindfulness through meditation and broaden their knowledge on the Blessed One's doctrine through Dhamma Sermons. The Great Homage offered to the Seven Supreme

Buddhas was the highlight in the afternoon. Many devotees participated in the great deed; "We were given a chance to gather merits that would bring us comfort and happiness here in this life and in our next births" was the thought that echoed within their minds. The programme concluded at 5.00 pm providing the attendees with enormous joy and tranquillity.

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NEWSLANKA

ISSUE 963

20 MAY - 2010

PAGE 15

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Business leaders from P13 of the Sri Lanka Insurance Board. The retired SLAS officer is the wife of Lalith Weeratunga, Secretary to the President. Kariyawasam, who is the brother-in-law of National Freedom Front (NFF) leader Minister Wimal Weerawansa, is yet to receive a fresh appointment. He had previously been at the helm of the Bank of Ceylon and the CEB. The SEC is the key regulatory body entrusted with ensuring a level playing field at the stock market and thwarting fraud, including market manipulation. Sources said that the Opposition, particularly the UNP, seemed to have failed to comprehend the strategy due to its preoccupation with so-called party reforms in the backdrop of its latest electoral debacle. They said that former Justice and Law Reforms Minister Milinda Moragoda had been involved in ongoing efforts to bring experienced private sector executives to the public sector. They emphasized that this would be necessary to sustain the troubled economy and win confidence of the international community, particularly lending agencies such as the IMF.

Nuncio from P10 All Catholic structures not only Caritas but also religious congregations, groups, human rights and those of volunteers - are doing their best to help victims. It is only natural that the Church does not take into account factors such as religion and nationality but commits to helping all in need. And this is clearer than ever here, in our help to Sinhalese, Tamils and Muslims. " In its ongoing dialogue with the military, "the Church has taken the opportunity to develop renewed normality in the north of the country. The joint initiatives with the parishes in the south, and youth exchanges are admirable". But the Vatican representative also stressed "cooperation with other facilities around the world. Our brothers and sisters in Australia and France are doing a lot for the Tamil community, and have made a substantial contribution to Caritas International’s development projects, the Italian community and churches in the

U.S. continue their aid to Sri Lanka." This is particularly important "in light of the Sri Lanka Diaspora of our brethren to Western nations. The aid does not simply limit itself to reconstruction here, but also supports those forced to leave." As for the future "we must be realistic. A year after the end of the war, certainly a lot has been done for the country and its people. But the lives of victims of war have yet to be completely rebuilt, like the rest. We can say that we are on the right track, but what lies ahead is a long and complex road". (AsiaNews)

(island.lk/2010/05/15) India extended the ban on LTTE by another two years following intelligence reports that remnants of the Sri Lankan Tamil terror outfit were trying to re-group in Tamil Nadu, the PTI reported

Constitutional amendments on staggered basis, bid to tackle 17th A first by Shamindra Ferdinando

Sri Lankan scientist honoured (dailynews.lk/2010/05/18) Dr. Meththika Vithanage, a Research Fellow at the Institute of Fundamental Studies (IFS) in Kandy has been appointed as a committee member of the International Participation of the American Geophysical Union (AGU) in the United States for a two-year term beginning July 2010.

3 Lankan hotels in Expedia Insiders’ Select 2010 (thebottomline.lk/2010/05/19) Three Sri Lankan hotels have made to the Expedia Insiders’ Select 2010 list, which is an internationally recognised website that rates hotels all around the world in terms of value and quality. The three hotels that have been listed in the Expedia Insiders’ Select 2010 are Hilton Colombo, Hilton Colombo Residence and Taj Exotica. Hilton Colombo has been ranked at 688th place scoring 96.9 while Hilton Residencies at 2,260 with 89.6. Taj Exotica was ranked at 2,089th place obtaining 90.40 points. For 2010 Expedia has reviewed more than 114,000 hotels and resorts, giving each one a numerical score. These scores are completely independent of advertisers and partners. Only the top hotels with the highest scores made it onto the Insiders’ Select list.


India extends ban on LTTE by two years

(island.lk/2010/05/14) National Freedom Front (NFF) leader Housing and Common Amenities Minister Wimal Weerawansa says proposed far reaching constitutional changes are likely to be implemented on a staggered basis. The 17th Amendment to the Constitution and executive presidential powers and privileges will be dealt with first of all.Addressing the media at the NFF headquarters at Battaramulla yesterday, Minister Weerawansa said that the second and third phases envisaged amendments to the electoral system and the creation of an Upper House. Responding to a query by The Island, he said the entire process could take one and a half to two years. He declined to comment on how soon the first phase of the constitutional amendments could be implemented. The SLFP-led UPFA needs six more MPs to achieve the magical two-thirds majority in parliament. The UPFA secured 144 seats at the April 8 general election, whereas the UNP obtained 60, TNA 14 and the DNA 7. Minister Weerawansa said that a few days back leaders of UPFA constituent parties had met at Temple Trees to discuss the issue at length. He said that a second round of discussion would take place shortly to reach consensus on proposed amendments to the Constitution. The UPFA would amend the Constitution to enable President Mahinda Rajapaksa to contest presidential election for a third time, sources said. Weerawansa said that his party would push for regulations required to prevent political parties and other interested groups from supporting and encouraging separatism. Responding to another query by The Island,

Weerawansa said that the SLFP would not try to act unilaterally on this issue. He said that UPFA constituents could reach an agreement on proposed amendments and the SLFP, though having an overwhelming majority within the ruling coalition, would not try to dictate terms to its partners. Referring to a recent statement attributed to Indian Foreign Secretary Nirupama Rao, Minister Weerawansa said that it would not be realistic to devolve police powers to regions. He emphasised that was something not negotiable and it would not be in Sri Lanka’s interest to adopt any such thing. He urged the international community not to interfere in what he called a purely a domestic issue. He asserted that the NFF would push for a mechanism to guarantee that the government would have overriding powers to step-in and take remedial action in the provinces in case of an emergency.

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NEWSLANKA

20 MAY - 2010

ISSUE 963

NEWSLANKA NOTICE

DO YOU GET NEWSLANKA IN YOUR LOCAL AREA? IF NOT, PLEASE ASK YOUR LOCAL SRI LANKAN / INDIAN / PAKISTANI / WHATEVER NATIONALITY GROCER / NEWSAGENT / RESTAURANT IF THEY WOULD BE WILLING TO RECEIVE NEWSLANKA ON A FREE WEEKLY BASIS. IF THEY WOULD LIKE THE PAPER, EITHER THEY OR YOU COULD GET IN TOUCH WITH US WITH THEIR NAME AND ADDRESS. CALL US ON 020 7978 9030 [email protected]

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CLASSIFIEDS British Sri-Lankan Tamil professional parents living in UK, are looking for a suitable partner of similar status for British born, Christian, trainee GP daughter, 5'3'', 27yrs old. Please contact Ref 680. [email protected] For sale Nawala school lane 25 perches 8 bedroom 5 bathroom 10 perches garden 50 million 020 8866 7469 / 07930 917 069. [email protected] http://nawalaschoollane.shutterfly.com/ G/B parents from respectable family seek UKraised partner for their daughter. 32, educated, attractive, well brought up, caring & affectionate, employed with well known firm & studying for postgraduate degree. Seeking educated, decent, family-orientated partner. Ref 678 E-mail: [email protected] G/B&K/Catholic, Professional parents, seeks professional gentleman for petite 34y old doctor daughter (Sp Registrar) brought up & living, in the UK and appreciating Sri Lankan traditions & values Caste, Religion and Horoscope immaterial, please include family details. Ref 673 E-mail: [email protected] GB parents seek a doctor/professionally qualified partner below 30 years and over 5'8” tall, for their 25 year old doctor daughter, born and educated in England with excellent character. Ref 670. E-mail:[email protected] GB Parents seek professionally qualified suitable partner for marriage, for daughter 31 yrs graduate working in accountancy and finance. Please reply with horoscope and details. Ref 679. Tel 07865 995 172 E-mail: [email protected] Lady required to help with 3 month old baby and some general house work. Accommodation and meals provided base in North Wales. If interested please call 07528 976 227

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SL Ambassador from P10

BUDDHA DAY (VESAK) CELEBRATIONS Rehabilitation Organization Vesak is the most important festival of the Buddhist Calendar which marks Birth, Enlightenment and the Passing away of the Buddha. Over 500 million Buddhists across the world celebrate this full moon day of May with great enthusiasm and devotion. Following is our Vesak programme for the day.

TO BE HELD ON SUNDAY 30 MAY 2010 PROGRAMME. 9.00am: Observe The Eight Precepts & Vandana By Ven. M. Mangala Thera 9.30 Jathaka Katha -Ven Pelawatte Dhammananda 10.00 Meditation &Talk- By Dr. Senavirathne Athurupana 11.15 Buddha Puja Led By -P.Dhammananda 11.30 Dana For Monks And The Upasaka Upasikas (Sponsor By Mr & Mrs Gunasekara's & Friends) 12.30 Lunch 1.30 P.M Dhamma Desana - By Ven. Madugalle Mahanama 2.45 Dhamma Talkt & MeditationBy Ven Dr. Kabalewe Sirisumana 3.45 Tea Break 4.00-5.00 Dhamma Discussion PanelDr.K.Sirisumana Ven.M.Mahanama, Ven.P.Dhammananda *Punyanumodana & Seth Pirith

*Vesak Dansela Open 5.30pm - 9.00pm

Children's Vesak Programme From 9.00 Am To 1.00 Pm 7.45 Pm Bakthi Geetha (Buddhist Devotional Songs) & Pahan Kudu Dhamma School Children And Parent

(TRO/ORT), the Co-ordinating Committee of Tamils in France (CCTF/TCC), the Tamil Youth Organization (TYO), the Tamil Women’s Organization (TVO), the Tamil Arts and Cultural Organization (TKCO), the United Tamil Organization in the UK and the British Tamil Association (BTA). The failure to have acted against these front organizations earlier, could prove to be a costly mistake,” Aryasinha said. Stating Europe is now more actively trying to grapple with these issues, Ambassador Aryasinha said “today at least from a Sri Lankan standpoint I can safely say you are more vigilant, picking up more suspects, dismantling cells, and are asking for the help of our intelligence operatives in trying to understand the modus operandi of the LTTE.”

ALL ARE WELCOME


ISSUE 963

NEWSLANKA

20 MAY - 2010

PAGE 17

Alhaj A. H. M. Azwer in Colombo and Baroness Sayeeda Warsi in London make historic 'Muslim' Moves at opening of their respective parliaments

(Above): National list MP, AHM Azwer, is seen being congratulated by Minister of Parliamentary Affairs, Mrs Sumedha Jayasena. (Below): MP Azwer seen in Parliament wearing his Fez cap.

Love Cake

Alhaj A. H. M. Azwer a former Minister of Parliamentary Affairs, Media Advisor to President Rajapaksea and presently a national list MP of the Sri Lanka government and Baroness Sayeeda Warsi, Britain's first female Muslim cabinet minister and new chairperson of the Conservative Party has brought the old Muslim traditional dress back to parliament. Minister Warsi took her seat at the top table last Thursday (May 13) in a traditional colourful Selva Kamiz worn by Muslim women having ditched the pin-striped fashions of her predecessors. She posed outside Downing Street in traditional Islamic dress after the coalition cabinet's historic first meeting. Lady Warsi's bright outfit made a sharp contrast with the dark suits sported by most of the other, predominantly male, cabinet members. Few weeks earlier, that popular MP A.H.M.Azwer who worked as a journalist with me on the SUN newspaper several decades ago did the same when he 'brought back' the Fez Hat (better known in Sri Lanka as Fez Cap) to the parliament few. The last time a Fez was worn by a Sri Lankan parliamentarian was during the period of that much respected Muslim politician Sir Razeek Fareed when he moved into politics in 1930.

Mango Chutney (Amba Chutney) Here's another rice-puller that will add a wonderful flavour to any kind of rice-meal be it Yellow rice, Buriyani or Lampries.

Semolina (Rulang) ½ lb Sugar (soft) I lb Butter ¼ lb Cashew nuts (Cadjunuts) around 100 Egg yolks 10 Powdered cinnamon, grated nutmeg and lemon rind ¼ teaspoon of each Bees Honey and Rose Water ½ a wineglass of each

Green mangoes 1 to 2 lb Dried Chilies an oz or so Sugar 1 lb Sultanas ¼ lb Garlic 1 oz Mustard seeds 1 oz Fresh ginger 1 oz Vinegar 11/2 bottle Salt to taste


also wash the sultanas having taken off the stems. Then grind the mustard, garlic, ginger and chilies with a portion of the vinegar and dissolve the sugar in the remaining vinegar. Add the ground ingredients and salt and boil till the syrup is quite thick. At this point add the mango and boil for a further ten minutes. The let it cool and add the sultanas and mix well.

Sri Lankan Recipes

Fowl Fried Kukulmus Baduma

Wash the mangoes well and then peel and slice them and dry them in the sun having sprinkled them with salt. Then bruise the mango slices and

Use a basin and first put the 10 egg yolks into it. Then add the sugar and beat them together. At this point mix the butter and the semolina (ruling) well and add the mixture to the already mixed egg yolks and sugar. Beat this entire combination well and then add the rose water, bee's honey, nutmeg, lemon rind, cinnamon and the cashew nuts (finely chopped) and beat it well again. Have a cake tin lined with greased paper and pour the mixture into the tin and bake in moderate heat till the top of the cake is beautifully browned and the entire cake is cooked properly.

(Caption for above pic) Baroness Warsi arrives in traditional 'Muslim' attire for the first cabinet meeting of Britain's new coalition government at Downing Street

Fowl 1 Chopped Garlic 5 cloves Onions sliced tablespoonful 1 Fresh ginger chopped - slices 2 Roasted and ground dried chilies 20 A little saffron (ground) The following roasted and ground together:Sweet cumin seed ½ teaspoon, white cumin seed teaspoonful 1, Fenugreek teaspoon ¼, Coriander seed tablespoon 1. Cooking oil tablespoonful 1 Little cinnamon, Piece of rampa Little lemongrass Some curry leaves Vinegar wineglass 1 Coconut milk tea cups 3 Salt to taste

brought down to a very small quantity. Then take off the fowl from the pan and fry it in the cooking oil using another pan. Pour the gravy from the original pan into the pone with the fowl and let it simmer under very low heat for a few more minutes.

Wash the fowl well and cut it into edible size joints. Place the cut chicken in a large pan adding the coconut milk and the rest of the ingredients except the cooking oil. Boil the fowl and the rest till it is very tender and the gravy

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PAGE 18

NEWSLANKA

Aries(the Ram) 21st March-20th April Don't get involved in situations unless you have studied the case fully. You must separate your personal problems from work. Lucky day Wednesday.

Taurus(the Bull) 21st April - 20th May You may meet someone new. Keep away from politics. Do not spend lavishly try and save something. Take life easy. Lucky day Thursday.

Gemini(the Twins) 21st May - 20th June Get out and meet friends. Keep yourself busy. Avoid looking into other peoples affairs. Where are your old friends? Lucky day Wednesday.

Cancer(the Crab) 21st June - 20th July Look after the people close to you. Listen to their requests. Always tell the truth it pays at the end. Drop unwanted friends. Lucky day Thursday.

Leo(the Lion) 21st July - 19th / 22nd Aug House and property dealings can make you rich. Beware of mean and jealous relatives. Your plans for the week may change. Lucky day Friday.

Virgo(the Virgin) 20th / 23rd Aug - 22nd Sept Keep all you know to yourself. Attend to your own problems. Mixing with top people can be yours. Beware of new friends. Lucky day Wednesday.

Libra(the Scale) 23rd Sept - 22nd Oct Take on only what you can do. You should be putting your cash into long-term deposits. Neither lend nor borrow. Lucky you. Lucky day Saturday.

Scorpio(the Scorpion) 23rd Oct - 21st Nov Don't expect miracles to happen. You may win some cash soon but not too much. In-laws may give problems. Be calm. Lucky day Sunday.

Sagittarius(the Archer) 22nd Nov - 20th Dec Mix more with friends and relations. Many affairs will be settled this week. Take life as it comes. You are quite lucky. Help others. Lucky day Friday.

Capricorn(the Goat) 21st Dec - 20th Jan Try and meet influential people. Don't be afraid to pursue new grounds. Don't trouble your partner. Many people envy you. Lucky day Saturday.

Aquarius(the Water Carrier) 21st Jan -19th Feb Use your charm and you will win. Life with your partner will be tough. Be prepared for a confrontation. Your kids need attention. Lucky day Thursday.

Pisces(the Fishes) 20th Feb - 20th March Get yourself organised well. You will win popularity at work place. Avoid any disputes with anyone. It's not worth it. Be cool. Lucky day Friday.

20 MAY - 2010

ABEYNAIKE - DAPHNE GLADYS AMARASEKARA - PRASANTHA BOLONGHNE - Sr. MARY EUPHRASIE DE ALWIS - TISSA - 16/1, Park Street, Dehiwela DE HOEDT - ANTON EDWARD - No.30/4/3, Maradana Road, Hendala, Wattala. DE SILVA - No. 48/7, Wijerama Road, Udahamulla, Nugegoda DE SILVA - SEELA DE SILVA - WIJEKOON LASSELS ANSLEY 25/5, Kuduwamulla Road, Katubedda. DHARMAWARDENA - PADMA - 101, Elvitigala Mawatha, Colombo 08 DIAS NANDIKA ANURADHA - Kohuwela EDIRISINGHE - DONA EVELYN - 126 A, Baddegana North, Baddegana, Pita Kotte. EKANAYAKE - D.S.B. ELIYAPURA - BANDULA MAHANAMA - No. 4, Crenier Road, Borella EPHRAUMS - ONDRAY LIONEL JOSEPH FERNANDO - BERTIE - 35/2, Araliya Lane, Nagoda, Kalutara. FERNANDO - CECIL JASWANT - No.5, Circular Road, Bangalawatte, Mabole, Wattala FERNANDO - SHIRLENE KURUKULASURIYA 79/43, Kalyanie Mawatha, Wattala FERNANDO - SYLVESTER CLEMENT ROMOULD - No. 14, Sarasavi Udyanaya, Nawala Road, Nugegoda FONSEKA - MAUREEN - No. 20, Hekitta Cross Road (Seneviratna Rd), Hendala. GOONAWARDENA - ROBIN - No. 9, Park Drive, Colombo 05. GUNASEKARA - DAYA - 7/1A, Himalaya Mawatha, Battaramulla HERATH - MR VIVIAN - No.162/25/4, Samanala Mawatha, Thalahena, Malabe. JAYARATHNA MUDANNAYAKA - 176, Meegahawatte, Delgoda. JAYASEKERA - SHELTON EARDLEY - Montreal Canada. JAYASINGHE - D. JAMIS - No.15/23D, Dhammaratana Mawatha, Madiwela, Kotte. JAYAWARDENA - CHAMINDA - 134/17, Jaya Mawatha, Ehelepe Road, Katuwawala, Boralesgamuwa. JIFFREY - A.C.M. - 12A/1, Thakkiya Road, Thalapitiya, Galle. JINADASA - LAKSHMAN - No. 4/3, Malalasekara Place, Colombo 7 KALABOOSHANAM K. SHANMUGAMPILLAI No. 89/2, Fussels Lane, Wellawatte LADDUWAHETTY - AMARAWANSA - 17/1, Barnes Avenue, Mt. Lavinia LAKDAWALLA - PILOO M LANKATILLAKE - BLOSSOM - 'Kuda Walauwwa', Panavitiya, Deekirikewe MANATUNGA - ANDREW DUSHANTHA - 158/36, Dolalanda Watta, Kalalgoda MANUEL A.K. (R.CY. N) NAGALINGAM - KULANDAVALOE

OBITUARIES

NONA JAMEELA - 6/75, Albion Lane, Col. 09, Dematagoda PATHIRANNEHE - F.M.R. - “Dulmini” 7A, TISSERA - JUNETTE - No. 3, Sudarshana Aponso Avenue, Dehiwala. Mawatha, Nawala PATHUMUTTU - ZUHRY VANDERHOEVEN - SONNA - Holy Emmanuel PATKUNARAJAN - SARASWATHY Church, Moratuwa. PERERA - FREDA - “Nelum-Mal”, 18/2, Holy VANVELZON - FRANCIS Emmanuel Church Road, Rawathawatte, VIDYANANDA - LEELA - 360, Robert Moratuwa Gunawardana Mawatha, Malabe. PERERA - NIRMALA THILAK - No. 79, Sri VIVEKANANDAN Dr. BALASUNDARAM - No.1, Dhammadhara Mawatha, Ratmalana Hilbury Road, Earley, Reading RG6, 5PU.UK PULLAPERUMA - DON SARATH - 51/1, Fife WEERASINGHE - DR. JINADASA - No.32, Road, Colombo - 05 School Avenue, Nawala Road, Rajagiriya. RAJARATNAM - BALAMIBIGAI - No. 70, WIJESUNDERA - SRIKANTHA - 403/6, Lorensz Road, Colombo 04. Gammana Road, Erawwala, Pannipitiya. RAJARATNE - LEYON MILINDA - 23/16 G, Ruhunupura, Robert Gunawardena Mawatha, Battaramulla RAJARATNE - LEYON MILINDA - No. 12, Waragoda Pedesa, Kelaniya The committee for Justice4SriLanka has met and would like to thank RAJENDRA - NAGA all peace loving Sri Lankans who thought of and remembered their RAMATHUL LAREEFA mother country when voting in the recent UK general election. Your - 'C' Block 1F3, Dissanayka Flats, positive actions resulted in 5 anti Sri Lankan MPs, failing in their bid Maligawatta Road, to be re-elected to Parliament:Colombo 10. Joan Ryan in Enfield North (Labour) RODRIGO - AMBALA Andrew Dismore in Hendon (Labour) WILLIAM - 09, Susan Kramer in Richmond Park (Liberal Democrat) Sadasiripura, Dawn Butler in Brent Central (Labour) Aturugiriya. Andrew Pelling in Croydon Central (Independent) SARAM - MRS Andrew Charalambous (Conservative) who stood in Edmonton and SUMANA RUKMANI claimed that ' Eelam is the only solution' was trounced. Mampewatte, This demonstrates that when peace loving Sri Lankans act together Battaramulla. we can achieve our goals and make our voices heard. SENANAYAKE MADURA - 97/10, Galle Road, Dehiwala (opp. Holy Family Convent). SENEVIRATHNE Blessing Puja^Lucksri UK fj;ska& SARATH - 1F, 26, Y%S ,xldfõ iqm%isoaO Ydia;%fõÈkshlf.a fiajh Mattegoda Housing Services of Sri Lanka's famous astrologer Scheme, Mattegoda SILVA - AGNES Asaba Mawatha, Ahungalla. SILVA - ETHIGE ALOYSIOUS - No.2, foajdYs¾jdofhka Ydia;%lSu iy ish¿u foaj mQcd “Sirimal” Temple Rd, bgqlr fokq ,efí' Ragama Blessings of God astrology and pujas to the Gods will be fulfilled SILVA - K.L.S.E.G. Colombo 5 STEINWALL Saraswathie Puja Dhanalakshmi Pujas MODESTA - 84/6, Kawdana Road, Attidiya, Dehiwela THAMBIRAJAH All other Pujas All other services VISVALINGAM Toronto, Canada. ,smskh# NO 60, BELMONT ROAD, HARROW, HA3 7PN

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OBITUARY

Mrs Sivajothy Periyakarupapillai nee Rajagopal of Jaffna/UK Born: 04 Oct 1918 Died: 17 April 2010 Our beloved mother passed away peacefully on the 17th of April 2010. Hindu Rituals were held on the 25th of April 2010 at Kenton, UK followed by Cremation at Golders Green crematorium, London. We would like to thank all relatives and friends for their support, kind messages and flowers during our recent bereavement. For 31st day memorial please contact daughters Indu: 020 8907 2562 and Vanessa: 07941 242 740 e-mail: [email protected] May her soul rest in peace.

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ISSUE 963

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45C CRUSOE ROAD, MITCHAM, SURREY, CR4 3LJ REGISTERED IN ENGLAND NO. 44496629 Niranjan Devaadithya - British Conservative MEP vows to bridge UK-Sri Lanka relations Clegg-led coalition government, he said, “The By K T Rajasingham new British Government has taken over an (Asiantribune.com): Niranjan Devaadithya, also economy with huge debt from the last Labor-led known as Nirj Deva, a Sri Lankan who became Government. Now it is important that the new the first Asia-born to be elected as a coalition government must correct the huge Conservative member of the European mistakes made by the outgoing Labor Parliament for the second consecutive term, Government.” representing South East of the United Kingdom, Niranjan Devaadithya cautioned that the process vowed that he will do his best to improve the of doing this would create tensions which bilateral relations between might test the strength of the coalition United Kingdom and Sri relationship. Lanka. He added that both David Cameron and The Sri Lanka born Nick Clegg are highly educated and Member of the European courageous leaders. Parliament, who He further said that in the Conservative continuously defended Sri Party we have politically experienced Lanka, was earlier the first people like the new British Foreign to criticize the Secretary William Hague, Home appointment of former Secretary Theresa May and others who British Defence Secretary can give support to two leaders to do Des Browny as a special what is right. envoy for Sri Lanka and The MEP of European Conservatives said “it is not an official and Reformists said that the British way to appoint an official”. He openly condemned the Niranjan Devaadithya MEP people have spoken in the recently held Parliament earlier Labor-led ary General government when it failed to follow diplomatic Elections and the ways and declared that that step violated the two leaders David sovereignty of Sri Lanka. Cameron and When Asian Tribune contacted Niranjan Nick Clegg have Devaadithya, he said, he did his utmost best to repair the diplomatic fallout during the last stages responded to the demands made of the Labor Government led by erstwhile Prime by the people. Minister Gordon Brown. Though the Niranjan Devaadithya first started his political demands are career as the Member of Parliament for high, however it Brentford and Isleworth (1992-1997). may be painful, He has been the member of many Select the two leaders Committees: Education (1994-96) and have the resolve Parliamentary Ombudsman (1993-97) Member, to overcome and European Standing Committee B (1992-97). put the country in Member of Her Majesty's Government, the right path, he Parliamentary Private Secretary, Scottish Office said. (1995-97). Advisor to Iain Duncan Smith (2001- Asian Tribune 03). Commenting about the David Cameron - Nick

Sri Lanka-EU talks on trade deal positive: EU envoy

Sri Lanka former Tamil Tiger 'mass wedding' planned

May 19, 2010 (LBO) - The European Union is likely to remain a lucrative market for Sri Lankan exporters with talks to extend a trade deal giving duty free access to Europe being positive, the EU envoy said. EU ambassador Bernard Savage said talks between Sri Lanka and the EU on extending the GSP Plus trade deal would resume in Brussels this week. "The European Union, I hope, I'm convinced, will continue to be a very lucrative market for Sri Lanka, generating profits and of course jobs not just this year, not just in the past, but very much in the future." The EU on February 15 decided to suspend the GSP Plus trade deal, citing denial of human rights to Sri Lankan citizens the state has agreed to grant in international covenants. The suspension, which comes into effect on August 15, has cast doubts about the competitiveness of the apparel industry, which is already affected by lower orders from recession-hit Western markets.

By Charles Haviland (news.bbc.co.uk) The Sri Lankan military official in charge of "rehabilitating" former Tamil Tiger fighters says he is planning a mass wedding for some of them. Commissioner-general of rehabilitation Brig Sudantha Ranasinghe said about 20 couples were expected to be involved in the ceremony, probably by mid-June. Their relationships predated the end of the war, in which both the men and women had served, he told the BBC.

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PAGE 20

NEWSLANKA

20 MAY - 2010

ISSUE 963

Press Release by British Sri Lankan Forum

Fallen Heroes remembered in a major religious ceremony in London

Large number of patriotic Sri Lankans and few other nationalities gathered at the London Buddhist Vihara to pay tribute to the fallen heroes of the valiant Security Forces, those who engaged in the noble mission of liberating the country from the clutched of brutal terrorism ending 30 years of war. The religious programme was conducted by the Maha Sangha headed by Venerable Bogoda Seelawimala Nayaka Thero, Head of the Vihara and the Chief Sangha Nayaka of the Great Britain. Venerable Thawalama Bandula Thero delivered the Buddhist sermons. Mr Shiran Almeida spoke on half of Sri Lankan Catholics and Anglicans in the UK and delivered the message from Reverend Father Tony De Alwis, Sri Lankan Anglican Photgraphs by: priest in the Diocese of Southwell and Dusmantha Wijekoon Nottingham. This religious remembrance service was conducted mainly for Chartered Management bestow merits on the Accountants fallen heroes to mark & Tax Consultants the Ranaviru Week We have over 10 years experience in dealing with HMRC, Companies House and other Govt. agencies. announced by the government in conjunction with the We provide following servicesv Business Start Up - Self-employed and Partnerships first anniversary of defending the v Company Incorporation and

sovereignty of the country from separatism and terrorism. And also paid tribute to war heroes for their courage, determination and sacrifice in the defence of the nation. Mr P.M. Amza, Deputy High Commissioner of the Sri Lankan High Commission in London, Brigadier Nirmal Dharmaratne, representing the Sri Lankan Forces and Mr Janaka Alahapperuma, on be half of the community addressed the gathering. In addition, the occasion was graced by a very special hero of our Armed Forces Major General Nandana Udawatta, who led our noble troops in recapturing land lost to the LTTE terrorist along the Eastern border of our beloved motherland. This event was jointly organised by the members of British Sri Lankan Forum and Sri Lanka Janahanda Foundation-UK. It is also proposed to make this an annual commemorative event in future years.

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Sri Lanka shares end 0.33-pct down

of 11 million shares of Janashakthi Insurance Company at 14 rupees a share dominated the day's trade. Janashakthi Insurance Company closed flat at 14 rupees a share There were six smaller deals or 'crossings; of Distilleries Company of about a million shares. The stock closed at 125 rupees, up 1.25. Ceylon Leather Products shares continued to rise on expectations of a rights issue or warrants. The stock closed at 168.25 rupees, up 8.50.

Northern Province of Sri Lanka

(beta.thehindu.com) (PTI) The IMF, which is providing financial assistance to Sri Lanka in May 19, 2010 (LBO) - Sri Lankan stocks post-war rebuilding efforts, sent a high-level closed lower Wednesday with investors team of officials to Jaffna to discuss seen losing interest in shares whose prices rehabilitation efforts and estimate the financial had risen sharply as the market reached requirements needed for the crucial (SIZE - 10 cm x 7 cm or 7cm x 10cm) record highs in recent weeks, brokers said. development. The All Share Price Index closed at Sri Lanka has so far received two tranches of the Buy up to Buy up to Buy up to Buy up to Buy up to 4,243.54, down 0.33 percent (14.13 points) SBA loan totalling $658.8 million and discussions 6 box ads 13 box ads 26 box ads 39 box ads 52 box ads while the more liquid Milanka index fell 0.62 are on for the third instalment of $320 million. +vat +vat +vat +vat +vat percent (29.94 points) to close at 4,792.71. The mission was led by Brian Aitken, Mission £ perbox £ perbox £ perbox £ perbox £ perbox Turnover was 1.3 billion rupees, according Chief for Sri Lanka of the IMF’s Asia and Pacific Department. to stock exchange provisional figures. +vat +vat +vat +vat +vat £ perbox £ perbox £ perbox £ perbox £ perbox "Market activity continued to remain high, but unlike the first quarter of the year, we see price movements both ways," said Nikita Tissera, manager research at SC Securities. "Despite the higher prices, we still see value in the overall market while the over-bought stocks & South Indian Restaurant have lost investor flavour over time. Rayners Lane Ealing Artwork only £25 +vat "We also see tendencies of the 020 8579 1662 020 8866 5582 investor appetite somewhat 15 Village Way East, Rayners Lane, Harrow HA2 7LX 161 Northfield Avenue, London, W13 9QT slipping away from the 'high caps' WE OFFER EASY PAYMENT SCHEMES. TERMS & CONDITIONS APPLY* www.papaya-uk.com and move towards the 'mid' and the 'low caps'." BrokersCHARGE, said a negotiated off-the-floor deal MF team visits war-torn GET LISTED, FREE OF

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Kaushal Silva, Dhammika Prasad, Tharanga Paranavithana and Chaminda Vidanapathirana who will do services for the four day games will return home before the limited over (dailynews.lk/2010/05/19) The Minister games and they will be replaced by of Sports has approved the Sri Lanka ‘A’ Chamara Kapugedera, Isuru Udana, teams to tour Australia next month.The Farvez Maharoof, Dilshan Munaweera teams are scheduled to leave the island and Mahela Udawatte for the ODIs and in June. They will play one practice the Twenty20 match. game, two four day games,one The squads: twenty20 game and three ODIs against Squad for four day tournament Australia ‘A’ team. Dimuth Karunarathna, Tharanga The Lankan team is captained by Paranwithana, Lahiru Thirimana, Thilina Kandamby in the four day game Thilina Kandamby (Captain), Dinesh while Chamara Kapugedera will be the Chandimal, Kaushal Silva, Jeevan skipper for the limited over Mendis, Kosala Kulasekera, Nuwan games.Though Kapugedera is Pradeep, Dinesh Dharshanpiriya, appointed as the captain for the limited Dammika Prasad, Chaminda over games he is kept out of the longer Vidanapathirana, Sachithra version matches.

Thilina and Chamara to lead Sri Lanka ‘A’ teams for Australia

Richmond College Old Boys Union London. Dhana at London Buddhist Vihara Richmond college old boys union London branch have organised a Dhana at London Buddhist Vihara,

on Sunday the 23rd May 2010 in memory of the brave soldiers, who were past students of Richmond College and also from other schools from Sri Lanka, who sacrificed their lives during the war fighting for the country. Please come and join us. For details please contact,

Sarath: 0208 8439198, Rohana: 0208 8025481, Seneka: 01263 735747

by Rukshan Razak (island.lk/2010/05/17) The St. Sylvester’s College rugby team who were arrested by the Kandy Police on Saturday night, in relation to an alleged assault on the rugby players of Royal College, Panadura, after their inter school match were produced before the Kandy Magistrate yesterday, were later released on bail. The inter-school group ‘B’ rugby encounter of the President’s League between St. Sylvester’s College and Royal College, Panadura, played last Friday which was won by the visiting

ISSUE 963 Pandura team by 22 points to 20 led to a brawl and this resulted in the arrest of the St. Sylvester’s College rugby team. The players who were produced before the magistrate yesterday were released on personal bail of Rs. 100,000 each and the next hearing was fixed for June 21.

Sri Lankan Youth spikers in last eight

(dailynews.lk/2010/05/19) Sri Lanka Senanayake, S. Prasanna, Nadeera Nawala, Youth Volleyballers competing at the Squad for One Day tournament Asian Youth Volleyball Championships Dimuth Karunarathna, Dilshan Munaweera, in Tehran, Iran came up with flying Lahiru Thirimana, Thilina Kandamby, Dinesh colours when they outplayed strong Chandimal, Chamara Kapugedara (Captain), Australians 3-1, (26-28, 25-23, 25-18, Jeevan Mendis, Kosala Kulasekera, Nuwan 26-24). This win also paved the way for Pradeep, Dinesh Dharshanpriya, Isuru Udana, the Lankan Youth to reach the last F. Mahroof, Sachithra Senanayake, S. Prasanna, Mahela Udawatta. eight. Stand by: Sachithra Serasinghe, Kushal Janith, Janaka Gunaratne, Malintha Warnapura, Jehan Mubarak, Charity Commission Registration No. 1135027 - No1 Oxford Road, Edmonton, London. N9 0LY. -Tel 02088037194 Tharanga Lakshitha, Web:http://geocities.com/samadhi_edmonton/ Email: [email protected] BP

Wesak Lantern (Koodu ) Competition at Wesak Festival Celebrations nd Saturday 22 of May 2010 at the St. Peter's Church Hall,

King Khan vs Sanga

Bounces Road, Edmonton, London N9 8LE

The entrance to the Church Hall will be decorated with 125Nos. of Buddhist Flags to commemorate 125th Anniversary of the first Buddhist Flag hoisted in public on Vesak day, 28th April 1885 at the Dipaduttamarama, Chinthana wasala Kotahena, by Ven. Migettuwatte Gunananda Thera. This was the first Vesak public holiday under British rule. (dailynews.lk/2010/05/19) Cricket and Bollywood fans in Sri Lanka will Program have the rare opportunity of seeing 11.00AM Devotees and Friends gather at the Samadhi Meditation Centre, with their Children and the Wesak Lanterns made by them. their favourite stars in action when a 11.00AM All Invitees to arrive at the St. Peter's Church Hall 11.15AM Procession arrives at the Church Hall and Judging of the Wesak Lanterns friendly Twenty 20 charity match is played at the Sinhalese Sports Club 11.30AM Buddha Pujawa and Dhana to the Maha Sanga 01.45PM Bakthi Gee sung by Children and Adults Ground on June 04. The event has 12.30PM Lunch (dhana) to all Devotees and Friends present 02.15PM Dhamma discourse Reverend T Bandhula Thero 03.45PM End of program

IIFA T20 charity match on June 4:

been organized as a part of the Indian Film Festival. According to the Chief organizer of the event Suraj Dandeniya who is also the Chairman of the Sri Lanka Cricket World Cup Organizing Committee, the two teams will consist of Indian film stars and Indian and Sri Lankan cricketers. Dandeniya stated that the Bollywood stars team will be captained by the famous movie star Shahrukh Khan while Kumar Sangakara will lead the Sri Lankan cricket team. The match will hold a festive air with Local and Indian singers performing at every possible interval and the fans will have the opportunity to meet the stars. The musical and fun events will start at 11.00 a.m. and the match will start at around 1.00 p.m. There will be no strict rules and regulations for the match. Out of the regular format, the movie stars will accommodate more than 11 players in their side in a rotating manner in order to give every player a chance to participate in the event. Sri Lanka Cricket will be the proud organizers of this event along with the assistance from the Sri Lanka Tourism. The proceeds of the match will go to Habitat and UNICEF.

th

We are also hoping to announce our Grand Price Draw in aid of our Building Fund to be drawn on the 8 of August at the Food Festival to be held in the gardens of the SMC. Prices comprise of a return Air Ticket to Sri Lanka as first price and five other consolation prices. Raffle ticket books and tickets, at £1.00 per ticket, for the draw will be available in the Church Hall, please help us to sell all our tickets for this worthy cause

Day of Retreat and Sil Program for Wesak 23rd May 2010 All those who intend to take part, must contact Banthe to reserve a place.

LONDON BUDDHIST VIHARA Dharmapala Building, The Avenue, Chiswick, London W4 1UD.

BUDDHA DAY (VESAK) BUDDHA DAY (VESAK) which commemorates the Birth, Enlightenment, and the Parinibbana of the Buddha will be celebrated at the London Buddhist Vihara

on SUNDAY, 30th MAY 2010 (B.E. 2554) PROGRAMME 9.00 9.05 9.15

Hoisting the Buddhist Flag by H.E. Justice Nihal Jayasinghe, the High Commissioner for Sri Lanka in the UK Traditional Oil Lamp Lit by Representative from Embassy of Union of Myanmar. Administering Eight Precepts and Admonition (anusasana) by Ven. B. Seelawimala Nayaka Thera, Head of the Vihara, Chief Sangha Nayaka of Great Britain. 9.30 Buddha Vandana (Paying Homage to the Buddha) by Ven. T. Bandula. 9.45 Meditation - Instruction & Practice by Ven. Susara. 10.15 Tea will be served. 10.30 “An Eye to Noble Search” by Ven. K. Ariyaratana. 11.15 Buddhapuja led by Ven. Pandith W. Wimalajothi. 11.30 Dana offering to Venerable monks, Upasakas and Upasikas observing Eight Precepts. 12.20 "Chanting for the Harmony and Peace" by Ven. Nagase, Peace Pagoda, Battersea Park. 12.30 "Recorded Sinhala sermon" by Ven. Piyadassi of Vajirarama. 1.30pm "Science, Buddhism and Spirituality" by Prof. Chandra Wickramasinghe, He is a world-renowned authority in the field of astronomy. He was the Professor of Applied Mathematics & Astronomy at Cardiff University of Wales & Director of the Cardiff Centre for Astrobiology. 3.00 Tea will be served. 3.30 "The Lion's Roar of the Buddha" by Ven. B. Seelawimala Nayaka Thera. 4.15 Sinhala Sermon - by Ven. T. Bandula. 5.15 Paritta Chanting and Punyanumodana. 6.00 “Bodu Bethi Gee (Buddhist devotional Songs)” by Dhamma school children & Parents. 7.00 Refreshment will be served

All are welcome! CHILDREN’S VESAK PROGRAMME- Saturday, 29th May 2010 All parents are invited to bring their children to a special programme to be celebrated on Saturday 09th May from 9.00 am-1.15pm. The programme will include: *Observing Eight Precepts *Buddha Puja * Dana *Sermon for children * Pirith

The AGM

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Old Royalists Association in the UK

The Annual General Meeting of the Old Royalists Association in the UK (ORAUK) will be held on

Sunday, the 06th June 2010 at 3.00pm. Venue:

Beaufort House, 15 St. Botolph Street London, EC3A 7DT Travel: Beaufort House is on the junction of St. Botolph Street and Middlesex Street. Parking may be available. Nearest stations: Aldgate (Circle Line), Aldgate East (District Line) and Liverpool Street (British Rail and London Underground). Advance notification of attendance and parking requirements would be beneficial. Enquiries: Earle Amerasekera Tel: 0208 556 5687, Email: [email protected]

Dr Nihal Samarasinghe Tel: 020 8949 3102, Email: [email protected]

Ganga Kumarasuriyar Tel: 020 8942 6383, Email: [email protected]

[email protected] / www.oldroyalists.org.uk


ISSUE 963

NEWSLANKA

20 MAY - 2010

PAGE 23

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Fastcash Festival of Football 2010 confirmed for this September Sri Lanka Football Association-UK team leaves for Milan to participate in biggest Sri Lankan Football Festival in Italy The Mike Cooke Group of Companies has announced it will sponsor the Festival of Football organized by the Sri Lanka Football Association UK for the second successive year. The event will once again be called the Fastcash Festival of Football and will be staged in September, with the exact date and venue to be announced over the next few weeks. The event held for the 6th consecutive year in 2010 received a fresh injection of life last year with Fastcash coming on board as main sponsor in a bid to promote Britain's most popular sport amongst the Sri Lankan Diaspora community. The Sri Lanka Football Association, headed by Mr Upali Jothiratne enlisted the sponsorship of the Mike Cooke Group of Companies to take the annual Festival of Football to the next level in terms of awareness among Sri Lankan community members. It was a move that paid rich dividends for participating players and the Sri Lanka Football Association UK, raising the Association's profile and attracting the Diaspora from far and wide. Mr

Jothiratne says, “We managed to take the Mohammed Reza Asanka Fernando, Skye Edriweera, Mario Festival to a whole new level last year Jaywardana, Bimal Dharmasena, and that was largely to due to the Abeetha Pitigala, Rukman Rishantha, generosity of the Mike Cooke Group and Esuru Amendra, Jorch Michael. we hope to build on that success this For more information about the Festival year, without a doubt.” of Football, the SLFA-UK or the Italy In the run up to the event, Fastcash will tournament, contact Mr Upali Jothiratne also sponsor a team put together by on 020 8208 2658, Dr Ana Thevadasan SLFA-UK which will participate at the on 020 8673 3529 or Mr Ranjith 10th annual Sri Lankan Football Festival Katuwana on 07515888631. in Milan, Italy organized by the Sri Lak Sports Club in Milan and sees 16 teams participating in a 7a-side tournament. The team are aiming to make a mark for the British Sri Lankan community in Italy where football has a massive following among Sri Lankan Diaspora members. The team will be coached by veteran Sri Lankan football coach Stanley Kosgodage and features Gananath Edriweera (Captain), The Sri Lanka Football Association UK team to Milan Abeetha Katuwana,

NZ, SL Florida match abandoned (island.lk/2010/05/17) WELLINGTON, New Zealand (AP) - One of three Twenty20 cricket internationals between New Zealand and Sri Lanka to be played in Florida next week has been canceled because of concerns over inadequate floodlighting. New Zealand Cricket said Sunday the scheduled first match of a three-match series at Central Broward Regional Park in Fort Lauderdale on Thursday, and a match between the United States and Jamaica, have been scrapped because lighting at the stadium was not of sufficient quality for international cricket. New Zealand and Sri Lanka will meet in day matches at the Broward County stadium on Saturday and Sunday, May 22 and 23, while the United States and Jamaica will likely play a 50-overs international, NZC chief executive

Justin Vaughan said. "Ideally the inaugural game would have been a night game on Thursday," Vaughan said. "The lights at the stadium are fine for most levels of cricket, but they need to be of a higher standard for the playing and broadcast of international cricket.’’ " "Added to this, there is a high probability of rain and thunderstorms in the region on Thursday which added weight to our decision. Because of these factors, we have decided, along with our partner USA Cricket, to focus all of the attention on the weekend." The Jamaica-U.S. match is expected to be played Friday. The New Zealand players were "tremendously excited" to be involved in helping promote international cricket in the United States, he said.

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NEWSLANKA

Registered at the Sri Lanka GPO as a newspaper- Reg. No. QD/142/News/2009


20 MAY - 2010

ISSUE 963

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