Sunday, January 25, 2009

New economic zone at Ratmalana


L.S. Ananda WEDAARACHCHI

The latest special Economic Zone will be set up in Kaldemulla, Ratmalana to provide essential food items as well as textiles and garments to the public.

Trade, Marketing Development, Co-operatives and Consumer Affairs Minister Bandula Gunawardena said that Ratmalana Special Economic Zone will have textiles and garments sections that the earlier Special Economic Zones numbering fifteen did not have.

The Minister said Ratmalana Zone will be set up in a land of over 100,000 square feet in Kaldemulla only the producers of food items, textile and other essential items will be allowed to operate in the Zone to sell their goods at lower prices, he said. The prices of the essential items in the Zones are comparatively low and fresh with the producers directly supplying to the Zone.

The Minister said that the Narahenpita Economic Zone which was set up a month ago has become very popular and more than ten thousand customers visit it in the evenings as it is opened from 4.30 p.m. to 11.30 p.m.

Fifteen economic zones in Dambulla, Talawa, Anuradhapura, Tissamaharamaya, Nuwara Eliya, Norochcholai, Meegoda, Welisara, Veyangoda, Narahenpita and more will be set up by the Government to provide fresh items at reasonable prices without middle businessmen.

New economic zone at Ratmalana
Sunday Observer - Columbo,Sri Lanka
Fifteen economic zones in Dambulla, Talawa, Anuradhapura, Tissamaharamaya, Nuwara Eliya, Norochcholai, Meegoda, Welisara, Veyangoda, Narahenpita and more ...

 


Thursday, January 22, 2009

Regional Countries On Alert For Prabhakaran's Escape


With the latest victories of Sri Lankan armed forces it is believed that the 
terror leader Velupillai Prabhakaran will try to escape from the country
as soon as possible. So as a security measure, regional countries like India 
and Malaysia have taken steps to prevent him from being entered in to their 
respective countries. 
It is also reported that a fears battle has been taken place yesterday in eastern
sea and investigations are being carried out to find whether it could be an
attempt by Prabhakaran or any other terror leader to flee away from the country.

Tuesday, January 13, 2009

Airtel Launched in Sri Lanka


India’s top mobile operator Airtel entered Sri Lankan market with it’s launch on this Monday. Bharathi Airtel became the 5th operator to enter Sri Lanka which has  a high competition among the existing mobile operators.

Airtel Sri Lanka has offering outgoing calles to any network at Rs 2.00 and incoming totally free. One other interesting fact is they don’t have any peak/offpeak times which makes their plans very simple. Airtel is already offering both pre paid/post paid as well as data packages.

It is expected that the existing players who are Mobitel, Dialog, Tigo and Hutch will response to the newcomer with attractive tariff packages.

You can find official tariff plans here:

Prepaid : http://www.airtel.lk/AirtelSL/tariffs_pdf/prepaid.pdf

Postpaid:http://www.airtel.lk/AirtelSL/tariffs_pdf/postpaid.pdf

Sunday, January 11, 2009

Sri Lanka - JHU's Hostility Towards MUSLIMS Creates Communal Discord


 

What's Government's Policy?

 

By Latheef  Farook

 

Our beautiful island Sri Lanka continues to bleed owing to the ethnic conflict created by politicians who used racism to win elections without thinking of the consequences. As a result we continue to lose precious lives .The island's limited resources, with this year's earmarked defense budget exceeding Rs 177 billion, which otherwise could be utilized for economic and social development, are inevitably wasted to the benefit of politicians, their side kicks and the merchants of death who thrive on our misery.

 

While the countries in the region have been moving ahead under the globalised economic environment our country has been stagnating owing to this irksome ethnic war. As a result Sri Lanka, a source of inspiration and role model for third world countries during our independence in 1948, has earned the sobriquet as a killing field.  

 

India which was far behind us is an emerging economic giant and even Maldives Islands which depended on Sri Lanka for almost everything is enjoying a per capita income three times that of Sri Lanka. We have all the required qualifications to perform more than India and Maldives Islands, but our time, talent and resources have been wasted.

 

Under the circumstance the entire population, Sinhalese, Tamils, Muslims and all others, are praying and dreaming for the day when they could live in peace.

 

In the midst of this time and again Minister Champika Ranawake and his JHU colleagues openly claim that this country belongs to Sinhalese and the Tamils and the Muslims should go to Tamilnadu and Saudi Arabia respectively. What has the Sri Lankan Muslims got to do with Saudi Arabia which is only the land of Islam and the site of   two of the three most important cities of Islam, Makkah and Madina?  

 

Minister Champika's latest claim is that "'The Sinhalese are the only organic race of Sri Lanka. Other communities are all visitors to the country, whose arrival was never challenged out of the compassion of Buddhists. But they must not take this compassion for granted. The Muslims are here because our kings let them trade and the Tamils because they were allowed to take refugee when the Moguls were invading them in India. What is happening today is pure ingratitude on the part of these visitors".

 

The question is who gave him the title deed of ownership to the island and the Sinhalese community? Is he speaking on behalf of the entire Sinhalese community? If so who gave him the mandate to do so? I am sure   Minister Champika  in no way represents the righteous Sinhalese community.     

 

This destructive ideology, in complete violation of Buddhist teachings, principals and values and the Sinhalese culture, is nothing but sheer racism which has all the potentials to beat the drum of communal discord and turn the country into a graveyard   jeopardizing the lives of the future generations. Moreover is it realistic to export a quarter of the island's population? Hitler tried on Jews and failed. Now Jews,   with the backing of the entire West, have been trying on Palestinians for more than three quarter century without success. Isn't it time for Minister Champika learn few lessons from history without fanning the flame of communal discord for petty political gains.  

 

If he cares to read his own history, Mahawamsa, he would realize that Sinhalese too came from India  and we are all migrants settled down  here during different periods. In fact the priest who wrote Mahavamsa was a Buddhist monk from present day Tamilnadu. So  how can the JHU describe Muslims and Tamils who have been living here for more than one thousands years as visitors. In that case Sinhalse, Tamils, Muslims and all others should leave the country handing over the island to its rightful owners-nagas, yakas , veddas and others. After all human civilisation began all over the world with migration of people for various reasons.

 

I am sure he is aware that civilized countries provide citizenship to even those migrants who have lived for a brief period of ten years. The mere thought of ethnic cleansing one fourth of the population demonstrates the outdated sick mindset which cannot fit into modern world-especially in a multi racial, multi religious, multi cultural and multi lingual country like Sri Lanka  

 

It appears that the cancer of racism has spread to bureaucracy too with reports of indifference and discrimination. There were even talks of some Muslim traders importing in the name of their Sinhalese friends to avoid harassments. They still remember how the despicable and disgusting kidnapping of Muslim businessmen sent shockwaves throughout the community.

 

In the east Muslims who were mainly involved in trade, fishing, cultivation and farming complain of numerous problems. Restrictions on fishing, inaccessibility to their lands for cultivation and the decline in trade threaten their very livelihood. They complain that the liberation of the east has not brought any relief but, instead,    replaced one set of oppression with another.

 

Citing an example they point out that the entire population of Mutur was a contented lot as farmers, fishermen and traders with a literacy rate of 95 percent. They did not demand anything from the government. All what they wanted was to leave them alone to live in peace.  But both the LTTE and the government fought their battle, bombed and destroyed Mutur whose population was overnight turned into paupers.

 

Do the Muslim parliamentarians who, for all practical purposes, no more represent the Muslim community, subscribe to Minister Champika's views? They have not even raised any question while the United National Party condemned it as violation of fundamental rights enshrined in the constitution. As a result   the Muslims draw the inference that they endorse the views of Minister Champika! They were accused of being worried about their positions, powerless power, perks, Prados, comforts and   sacrificing the interests of helpless and voiceless community.  

 

Meanwhile the Muslims are keen to know whether the government subscribes to the JHU's   views as they are constituent member of the government and supposed to be in its driving seat.

 

Muslims have no problem with Sinhalese or for that matter even with the Tamils, though the LTTE mercilessly massacred eastern Muslims and driven the entire Northern Muslim population at gun point turning them within hours into penniless refugees. If the Sinhalese have any problems with the Muslims on any issue these could be sorted out in a civilized manner and help create a better understanding. This in fact is the need of the hour.

 

It should be noted that around 70 percent of the island's Muslims live below poverty line; ten percent of them live in appalling conditions in refugee camps in and around Puttalam where they are seething with anger, while around five percent of them turned refugees in their homes in Mutur and Pottur. Their mood is one of deep frustration as in the case of the Eastern Muslims as a whole. In the south the overall uncertainty and the gripping fear remain the most talked about topic in almost every social gathering from wedding parties to funerals.

 

Yet Muslims were steadfast in their support to the territorial integrity of the island and opposed separation. It was this policy that made them undergo immense sufferings in the hands of the LTTE. Despite all their sufferings, they remain a peaceful community which made the Chief Justice Sarath N Silva to pay rich tribute to them during YMMA anniversary at Mahaweli Centre last June.

 

Therefore, it is time, rather than provoking them, to take measures to undo the injustices and give them hopes in their life.

 

Enough is enough Minister Champika enough. We are all paying the price with blood, flesh and lives owing to all forms of chauvinism and racism. For far too long a small coterie of ruling elite who hijacked power since independence has been exploiting religion and racism to remain in or come to power. No Tamil or Muslim will ever leave this island. This is not what the silent majority of compassionate and peace loving Sinhalese want. Therefore, instead of provoking innocent people, please help unite communities and ensure peace and harmony to turn this country once again into a paradise. I am sure God will reward you and your colleagues. It is also time that the righteous and peace loving Sinhalese come forward to avert the rising trend of  racism and save the country.


Resettle all Muslims in Jaffna - Athaulla

Saturday, 10 January 2009

Highways Minister A. L. M. Athaulla yesterday called on the government to resettle all those Muslims who were evicted from Jaffna in July 1991 and are now living in refugee camps in Puttalam or with their relations in the South.

 Addressing a news conference at the Presidential Secretariat, he said that the Muslims have also undergone severe hardships due to the LTTE's actions and the time had come for those wrongs to be rectified.

"Muslims owned land and property in the North and all that should be returned to them."
Athaulla said that it cannot be said the LTTE existed to liberate the Tamil people. This is a victory for both the Tamil and Muslim people."

 

 

The Official Government News Portal of Sri Lanka - Resettle all ...
Highways Minister A. L. M. Athaulla yesterday called on the government to resettle all those Muslims who were evicted from Jaffna in July 1991 and are now living in refugee camps in Puttalam or with their relations in the South. ...
Powered by Department of Government... - http://www.news.lk/


Thursday, January 08, 2009

Sunday Leader Lasantha Wicramathunga Shot Dead

The editor of popular English news paper “Sunday Leader” Mr LAsantha Wicramathunga has died short while ago. He was shot by an unidentified gunman this morning near Bakery Junction in Attidiya.

Mr Wickramathunga admitted to Kalubovila hospital in a critical condition and officials said that he has been undergone an immediate surgery also.

Wednesday, January 07, 2009

Sri Lanka to deploy 15,000 policemen for polls

 
Saturday, January 3, 2009, 8:08 GMT, ColomboPage News Desk, Sri Lanka.

Jan 03, Colombo: Sri Lankan government will deploy 15,000 police personnel to maintain law and order during the upcoming provincial elections.

The polls for the Central and North Western Provincial Council are scheduled to be held on February 14. The polls will be open from 7:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m.

The government announced that a minimum of four police personnel will be deployed at each polling station and service personnel will be stationed at sensitive places as deemed necessary.

Another 3,000 locally selected election monitors will also be deployed to help ensure a free and fair election, the government said. The voters are required to produce the national identity card or an equivalent acceptable to the officials at the polling station.

Voters will select 56 out of 65 candidates in the Central Province which includes Kandy, Matale and Nuwara Eliya districts. There will be 1,370 polling centers for 1,746,449 registered voters in the province.

North Western Province consisting of Kurunegala and Puttalam districts will have 1,209 polling centers for 1,661,733 registered voters to elect 50 officials from list of 56 candidates.

 

 

 

* Sri Lanka to deploy 15000 policemen for polls
Colombo Page - Colombo,Sri Lanka
North Western Province consisting of Kurunegala and Puttalam districts will have 1209 polling centers for 1661733 registered voters to elect 50 officials ...
See all stories on this topic

 


Dr. T. B. Jayah

F. Faisal Faleel

Son of Police Sergeant Cassim Jayah and Nona Jayah, Tuan Buranudeen Jayah was born on January 1, 1890 in Galagedara and was a legend in his time. A man of multifaceted career, he was a patriot, educationist, benefactor, principal, freedom fighter, Minister and diplomat.

He received his primary education at SPG School, Kotahena and won a scholarship to St. Thomas College, Modara in the year 1904.

Dr. T. B. Jayah

Having passed the Cambridge Junior and the Cambridge Senior in flying colours, he entered the London University's Matriculation class at the age of 18 years; at the age of 20, he served as assistant teacher with a monthly salary of Rs.40 at Dharmaraja College, Kandy for a brief period and thereafter taught Classics at Prince of Wales College until 1917, he joined Ananda College, Colombo where he taught Classics and History.

He was appointed Principal of Zahira College, Colombo, in 1921 when it was in a poor state with a few students and teachers and lack of buildings to house classrooms. Undoubted, he took up the challenge and worked with zeal and zest for the betterment of Muslim education. An indefatigable educationist, he emphasised the need of English education for the Muslims to forge ahead in the society.

He held the reins of principal-ship for over a quarter century and during this period he was instrumental in opening several branches of the school. In 1942, Zahira College, Aluthgama was opened on 7th May, and Zahira College, Gampola on 15th May; in 1944 and 1945 three other branches were opened in Matale and Puttalam and Slave Island respectively.

After relinquishing his duties as principal, he took up a diplomatic post as High Commissioner of Ceylon in Pakistan.

During the world war the country was facing a period of turmoil and uncertainty, when the Japanese bombed the city of Colombo on April 5, 1942.

Coincidently, two weddings took place on that fateful day - one that of A.M. Marikar Bawa's daughter and the other of my late father M.Y. Mohamed Faleel, popularly known as Faleel Master of Zahira. In the midst of this tension, Jayah attended these two weddings on that bomb revenged day at 11 a.m. and 4.30 p.m. respectively.

T.B. Jayah was a colossus among men and his name lives in the pages for history, remembered by a grateful nation for his sterling, selfless service.

He breathed his last at the age of 70 while on Haj Pilgrimage.

Inna Lillahi Wa Inna Ilaihi Rajioon. His mortal remains were laid to rest in the sacred burial ground in Medinaa.

 

 

Ceylon Daily News

Dr. TB Jayah
Ceylon Daily News - Ceylon,Sri Lanka
... and Zahira College, Gampola on 15th May; in 1944 and 1945 three other branches were opened in Matale and Puttalam and Slave Island respectively. ...
See all stories on this topic


Tuesday, January 06, 2009

Date for Airtel Launch In Sri Lanka Confirmed

The long awaited 5th mobile operator, AirTel will start operations from the 12th of January. They have already started their advertising campaigns with longer television advertisements and full page newspaper advertisements. Meanwhile AirTel has given the facility to pre-register for their network and suggest a mobile number that they wish to obtain.

Full list of Airtel dealers are given below.

Sirasa-MTV studious at Depanama LIBERATED!!



Sirasa-MTV studious at Depanama LIBERATED!! 

sirasa_attack280px_01_06

An armed group of about 10 to 12 men had forcibly entered the Depanama, Pannipitiya MBC-MTV transmission station, popularly known among SL listeners and viewers as 'Sirasa' around 2.00 am and had set the Main Controlling Room (MCR) on fire after vandalizing the whole complex, say media personnel who rushed to the scene when news about the attack got circulated.

The heavily armed group of men who had come with their faces masked, had fired into the complex, assaulted the staff they came upon, while smashing up everything in their way.

Some employees had been badly assaulted while another had been dragged with a pistol held to the head to find where the MCR is, say insiders.

The MCR had been broken up and set on fire before the gang got away, reportedly in a jeep and a van in which they came.

The fire brigade that was rushed to the place had not entered the building to put out the fire as the gang had warned before leaving the place is wired to be blasted.

A bomb disposal squad that subsequently arrived had found the wires pulled around had been fake, to scare off the staff.

They had nevertheless found a grenade that had not gone off, indicating the MCR had been attacked by grenades.

The group, it is said had laid siege for over half an hour to effect maximum damage before making their getaway.

Broadcasting of all MBC FM channels and telecasting of all MTV channels will thus be temporarily disrupted, say MTV sources, adding that alternate arrangements are already underway to begin transmissions.

This MBC-MTV station in Pannipitiya was previously attacked with petrol bombs by an unknown gang on the night of 02nd January for allegedly airing entertainment programmes without carrying programmes to honour the capture of Kilinochchi.

That had very minimal damage caused and was condemned by 04 media organizations.

 

Sunday, January 04, 2009

Polls for 2 PCs on Feb. 14

Elections for the north western and central provincial councils will take place on February 14th, announced the Elections Secretariat.

Nominations for the two PC polls closed at noon yesterday (Dec. 31).

For Kurunegala district in NWP, eight political parties and five independent groups have qualified to contest the election.

Nominations from two parties and two independent groups had been rejected.

From Puttalam, 13 political parties and independent groups each had filed nominations, but nominations from one political party and an independent group had been rejected, said returning officer M. Kingsley Fernando.

In CP, returning officer Gotabhaya Jayaratne said 10 parties and eight independent groups have qualified to contest from Kandy.

Nominations from two parties and independent groups each have been rejected.

For Matale, the nominations by 12 parties and eight independent groups have been accepted, said returning officer Gamini Seneviratne.

Nuwara Eliya returning officer D.P.G. Kumarasiri said nominations from 14 parties and 11 independent groups have been accepted, while the nomination of one political party had been rejected.


Friday, January 02, 2009

Sri Lanka President Officially Announces Kilinochi Capture

Sri Lanka president Mahinda Rajapakshe officially announced that government troops have captured LTTE terror headquarters Kilinochi. SL Army troops have suffered heavy resistance from the LTTE but have successful accomplished their goal.

Several foreign media has also reported this victory of the Sri Lankan troops. BBC website has reported the news in their home page as a breaking news head line.  

Kilinochi Falls To Sri Lanka Army

Government troops have now entered Killinochi town beating all the enemy resistance. Government media reported that troops have taken over control of Railway station along with some other key areas in Killinocchi town.

His Excellency Mahinda Rajapakse will address the nation this afternoon.  

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