.

Special assignments label to be replaced with portfolios
Amunugama and Mathew to take two new ministries

UNP dissidents Sarath Amunugama and Nanda Mathew who recently rejected a UNP ultimatum to resign their ministerial posts and sit with the opposition are expected to get top portfolios this week.

Both were appointed Special Assignment Ministers weeks before the December 21, 1999 presidential election. The government, ministerial sources said, decided to appoint Dr. Amunugama the Minister of Northern Development, Essential Services and Film Corporation and Mathew the Minister of Shipping, Shipping Development and Gems and Jewellery.

Dr. Amunugama yesterday evening said that they would probably take oaths on Monday or Tuesday.

Their decision to take new portfolios in the PA cabinet comes despite determined UNP bids to force them to function as opposition MPs. The UNP’s parliamentary group and the decision making working committee last month unanimously called on the dissidents to function as UNP MPs and to refrain from cooperating with the PA.

They defied the leadership and refrained from voting against the emergency vote last month. Since then, Amunugama and Mathew have traded charges and counter charges with top party officials including the General Secretary over their decision to remain with the PA.

Despite threats to initiate fresh disciplinary action, Messrs Amunugama, Mathew and other dissidents including MPs Wijeyapala Mendis and Susil Moonesinghe have so far declined to accept directives issued by the UNP.

Political sources said that the decision to accept new portfolios was a challenge to the UNP leadership’s efforts to bring the dissidents back.

The PA’s decision to offer new portfolios would upset the UNP leadership, the sources said.

The UNP last week accepted an invitation from President Chandrika Kumaratunga to participate in talks on constitutional reforms scheduled to take place coming Thursday at the Temple Trees. (SF)

Trinco human bomb attack accidental say security officials

by Shamindra Ferdinando
Security authorities probing last Thursday’s bomb blast in Trincomalee believe the explosion was triggered accidentally when the woman suicide bomber tripped and fell while trying to cross the Inner Harbour road.

A senior officer yesterday said that the vehicle carrying Colonel Piyal Abeysekera, the commanding officer of the 221 brigade had been passing the spot when the accidental explosion occurred on the driver’s side of the vehicle, killing the driver and injuring two soldiers seated in the rear.

The vehicle did not take the full impact of the blast as the bomber did not crash onto the moving jeep but accidentally blew herself up a few feet away from it.

The colonel, based at Monkey Bridge camp is the commanding officer of the brigade responsible for security of the Trincomalee town and suburbs.

Seated on the driver’s left side, the colonel escaped the blast.

Authorities believe the suicide cadre was crossing the road to position herself on the other side and then to target a senior officer leaving the Trincomalee Navy Base or the SSP’s Office. "If the intended target was the colonel, she would not have blasted herself on the wrong side," the officer said.

However, the Trincomalee police was able to arrest the teenager who took the suicide bomber, identified as the 29- year-old Sinnarasa Sathyavahini, a labourer attached to the North East Co-operative, on his push bicycle to the Inner Harbour Road where she jumped on the vehicle carrying the officer.

The teenager, identified as a 15-year-old student of a college situated in the town was captured by a police mobile patrol moving in the area at the time of the blast. "The patrol had seen the suspect getting away from the scene and had taken him in," the officer said adding that during interrogation he admitted taking the bomber on his push bicycle and dropping her at the Inner Harbour Road.

Police said that on information provided by the suspect, they were able to search the house in Trincomalee where the 29 year old suicide bomber had been living for the past few years. She had been a native of Muttur in the Trincomalee district, police said adding that the student had bared a close friendship the bomber had with his aunt.

Police said that they were also able to find a photograph of the bomber and the boy’s aunt from the bomber’s Trincomalee home.

Woman soldier’s killing at Ragama
Police probe suspect’s involvement in other disappearances

Police investigating the killing of the 24-year old woman soldier Inoka Sevwandi Weerasekera is probing the possibility of the main suspect’s involvement in a number of other disappearances.

Police on Friday exhumed the soldier’s body while thousands of people screamed for the suspect’s blood saying that he was responsible for many more disappearances. He was called a serial killer.

The victim’s mother Lalitha Piyaseeli taken there to identify the body accused the Kadawatha police of turning a blind eye to the threat the rich businessman Prabath posed to her daughter’s life. Sobbing uncontrollably, she revealed that the police did not take action even after the suspect threatened her daughter at her own home and fired two pistol shots into the air.

The two empty shells were produced at the police station but they declined to move in against the rich, powerful and influential member of a leading business family in the area, she said.

The suspect was also accused of inflicting some knife injuries on the victim.

The people of the area appeared to have been waiting for a chance to strike. Within hours of the word of the killing and the secret burial of the soldier spreading, a mob stormed the property owned by the suspect’s family at Kurukulawe, Ragama and set fire to everything in sight.

Although some are reported to have removed some valuables from the main house and other buildings situated within their compound, the majority appeared to have wanted to avenge the killing of the beautiful Inoka who joined the army despite what seemed a contended life at home.

Houses, vehicles and motor cycles parked in the family land at Kurukulawa at Ragama were set on fire.

Police said that the suspect appeared to have strangled her to death and then buried her. Investigators believe that they had been lovers and had sex regularly. They believe that the suspect had been under pressure from the victim to marry her and he appeared to have planned to kill her with the help of one of his mistresses.

Police said that the 25 - year old main suspect and two others including one of his mistresses were arrested early last week by the Special Investigation Unit of the Kelaniya Division. The sources said that they were also able to arrest a three wheeler driver who is alleged to have dug Inoka’s grave. The arrest of the three wheeler driver and the subsequent interrogation enabled for the arrest of the main suspect and his mistress described as a married woman with one child.

Police said that investigations have revealed that the victim had been posted to an army camp in the Anuradhapura district last year. The suspect had visited the camp and persuaded her to come with him, the sources said. The suspect had told her that her father had met with an accident and wanted to see her. - (SF)

Tamil parties urge Chandrika, Ranil to co-operate and compromise

By Franklin R. Satyapalan
The minority political parties while welcoming the joint talks between President Chandrika Kumaratunga and opposition leader Ranil Wickremasinghe scheduled for next Thursday, urged both leaders to show restraint as experienced statesmen and co-operate and compromise for the sake of the future generation of the country in reaching a consensus towards finding a lasting solution towards peace.

Secretary General of the TULF and MP R. Sampanthan said yesterday that the UNP leader Ranil Wickremasinghe agreeing to participate in joint talks with President Kumaratunga was very welcome.

The UNP as the alternative government in this country and the incumbent PA government should make every endeavour to arrive at a consensus in regard to all aspects of the constitutional reforms process. Such a consensus would make a very significant contribution to our endeavours to bring about lasting peace in this country which is a prerequisite to the country attaining any progress in any other field.

All the people of this country and the international community would be watching very earnestly every move by both leaders and also the final outcome of the talks between the PA government and the UNP.

‘We would strongly urge both the government and the UNP to make every endeavour to arrive at a consensus’, he said.

Senior SLMCer and Deputy Minister M. L. A. M. Hisbullah said yesterday that while the SLMC welcomed the joint talks between the president and the UNP leader, the credit for having reached a consensus towards a solution should go to both the PA and the UNP.

If not both parties would not have any meaningful dialogue and come to a consensus if the credit was to go to the other, especially the UNP would not like this.

There would be no point in meeting the LTTE or mediation or any facilitation by Norway or any other government if we were unable to reach a consensus on some sort of a meaningful solution.

The joint talks are very crucial and as both leaders are mature statesmen whatever solution or consensus reached the credit should go to both parties, he said.

If there is such a situation one could only expect the government and the opposition to co-operate and compromise in reaching a consensus. Prior to going before any international forum for any talks it would be meaningless unless we could reach a consensus between the PA and the UNP on the unit of devolution.

We do not think that both parties would disagree on matters connected with devolution, but the crucial solution lies in the unit of devolution which could be a stumbling block to any meaningful solution and everlasting peace.

So this matter would have to be thrahed out by both parties with credit going to both for having reached a consensus towards finding everlasting peace in this country, he said.

CWC vice president and MP P. P. Devaraj said yesterday while welcoming the joint talks between the PA and UNP leaders that had been delayed due to misunderstanding over the fixing of dates agreeable to both parties for a meeting and meaningful dialogue towards reaching a consensus on a solution to the ethnic crisis.

It is a welcome sign at both sides have adopted a reconciliatory approach and have agreed to meet next Thursday, he added.

The key to the resolution of the ethnic problem lies in the understanding and co-operation of the two main political groups in this country.

We welcome the new developments and pray and hope that the dialogue would result in both parties reaching a consensus towards a solution for lasting peace in this country.

Secretary General of EPRLF Suresh Premachandran said that first of all we are very much appreciative of willingness of both President Chandrika Kumaratunga and UNP leader Ranil Wickremasinghe to commence a constructive dialogue towards reaching a consensus for lasting ethnic peace in this country.

But the UNP as well as the PA should realize that the war has been continuing further past 20 years in this country.

So both leaders, as experienced statesmen, should refrain from wickering on tribal issues and co-operate and compromise towards reaching a consensus so that future generations could live in peace.

Whatever the issues both leaders are going to discuss the outcome should finally fulfil the aspirations of the Tamil people, Premachandran observed.

That is why we urge both leaders to give up their petty political differences and face up to situation and act as matured statesmen the future of the country would be in dire straits.

I hope that the president would listen to the UNP leader and Mr. Wickremasinghe will co-operate with the president in finding a solution for peace in this country.

EPDP leader and Jaffna District member of parliament Douglas Devanadna said yesterday that his party welcomed the joint talks between President Kumaratunga and the UNP Leader towards finalising the draft constitutional reform proposals of the PA government.

We believe that both leaders should sit together and work out an early political solution.

No party should attempt to achieve narrow political gains instead both should work consistently towards reaching a consensus on solving the most crucial and burning issue in the country. Our party has been constantly urging that both leaders should work together towards finding a lasting solution towards peace in this country.

So both leaders should compromise and co-operate with each other sincerely in this direction of a solution.

Contemplated sale of 66.7% of Forbes Plantations makes waves

The contemplated sale of a controlling stake of Forbes Plantations Ltd., the owners of Kahawatte Plantations, is making waves in the business world by the leaking of a Feb. 29 letter written by Mr. Nahil Wijesuriya, Chairman of Wijesuriya Holdings (Pvt) Ltd., to Vanik President and CEO Justin Meegoda.

Millionaire businessman Wijesuriya who bought the mortgaged Forbes and Walker Navam Mawatha building paying Vanik a consideration of Rs. 203 million on condition that the mortgage is discharged by March 31 has by his letter to Meegoda warned that Vanik is covenanted not to deal the mortgaged property or any part thereof except with the specific consent in writing of Wijesuriya Holdings Ltd.

"Please note that no consent whatever has been given to you to deal with the mortgaged property. Therefore please refrain from entertaining inquiries for the sale of the mortgaged property," he has told Meegoda.

The letter indicates that there is an offer for the 66.7% controlling shares of Forbes Plantations by a company called Central Highfields (Pvt.) Ltd., a Sri Lanka incorporated entity in which Wijesuriya once had an interest. He said yesterday that he had divested his shares of that company.

Meegoda confirmed that Vanik was considering offers for Forbes Plantations but would not conclude any deal without Wijesuriya’s consent. "In fact, he had written the (Feb. 29) letter when we sought his consent," he said.

"It’s like this," Meegoda explained. "I have a house that is mortgaged. I want to sell it and use the proceeds to discharge the debt and use any surplus. This is a similar situation and we are seeking Mr. Wijesuriya’s consent."

While the Vanik debt to Wijesuriya is around Rs. 250 million, collateral offered including Forbes and Walker and Forbes Plantations is valued at around Rs. 425 million. In addition to two parties interested in Forbes

Plantations, three are interested in Forbes and Walker, well informed business sources said.

Wijesuriya agreed that if he gets the collateral against the debt, he would be on the plus side while Meegoda said there is no way in which Vanik would let that happen. Wijesuriya also said that Vanik had placed an additional encumbrance on the building subsequent to the original deal which was not fair by him. But Meegoda claimed that they had got Wijesuriya’s verbal consent for this.

Vanik is bound to clear the encumbrances on the building sold to Wijesuriya by March 31 and Meegoda was optimistic about being able to do so.

Rare snake found

A rare species of a spotted white Russel’s viper (polanga) was found recently at Mirahawatte in Bandarawela by Lalith Chaminda while he was on an agricultural research mission.

The albino snake lacked the skin pigment that gives the normal skin colour.

This rare albino with pink eyes carried ten black spots in its body.

This is the first time a snake like this has been found in Sri Lanka.

Soldiers in captivity ask govt to negotiate with LTTE

by Shamindra Ferdinando
The government is under pressure to negotiate for the release of the 11 servicemen held by the LTTE even before the Norwegian effort succeeds in bringing the two sides back to the negotiating table, official sources said yesterday.

Captive soldiers have said that they would resume their hunger strike on March 15 unless the government accepts the LTTE’s offer to negotiate for their release and to send a representative there, the sources said.

There was no likelihood of the Norwegian facilitated talks taking place in the next couple of weeks as a lot more had to be done to get negotiations underway. However, the government has been forced to seriously consider accepting the LTTE offer for immediate talks on the captives, the sources added.

Defence sources said that the LTTE was seeking to use the captives as a tool to put pressure on the government to initiate a direct dialogue with them ahead of the Norwegian facilitated talks.

A letter written by them requesting President Chandrika Kumaratunga’s intervention in this regard has been faxed to the Presidential Secretariat last week.

The letter written before the LTTE on February 28 released four of the 15 personnel despite the military ignoring an LTTE offer to negotiate their release, had been sent to Colombo through the relatives of captives taken there two weeks ago.

Relatives who returned to Colombo last week said that the LTTE would have released the entire group if the government sent a negotiator. Quoting captives, they said that their loved ones would go on hunger strike and this time would not even take water if the government ignores the LTTE offer.

The families of the four released men have also sought a meeting with the President to brief her on the plight of the detained men.

The LTTE in a written message sent to the government through the International Committee of the Red Cross [ICRC] three weeks ago invited the government to send a representative to discuss the fate of the detained personnel.

ICRC’s Harasha Gunawardene said that they were ready to assist in efforts to re-unite these families.

He said that there were calls by families of the 12 civilians captured during LTTE attacks on the merchant vessels Iris Mona in 1995, Missen in 1997 and Princes Kash the following year to organise a visit to see their loved ones in captivity. However, a visit would depend on both the government and the LTTE agreeing.

Asked to comment on reports based on statements made by the recently released servicemen on the number of captives, Gunawardene said 11 servicemen and 12 civilian ship crew remain in captivity.

Four Sinhala organisations oppose Norway mediation and changes to devolution package

By a Special Correspondent
Four Sinhala organisations - the National Sangha Council, the National Joint Committee, the Sinhala Veera Vidhana and the National Movement Against Terrorism condemned the role played by Norway and the draft changes to the Devolution Package of 1997, at a press conference held at the YMBA last week.

The meeting was presided over by the Ven. Madoluwawe Sobhita Nayaka Thera, President Jatika Sangha Sabha and it was held to create awareness amongst the people. Speakers referred to the following:

• The changes to the Devolution Package which would lead to the reduction of Parliament to a powerless entity. The concentration of power in the Head of State as President, Prime Minister and as an MP would take the country into a dictatorship.

• The role of Norway as a facilitator/mediator in the ethnic conflict, when she is quite evidently partial towards the LTTE.

• The revelations subsequent to the December 1999 Presidential election that both the UNP and the PA had preliminary discussions with the Tigers and which were never revealed during the elections.

• The myth that the war is unwinnable.

The Norwegian Foreign Minister came under strong condemnation that the Sinhala groups were never consulted during his visit. If Sri Lanka wanted the assistance of any country to solve this problem, it should be India it was stated. Only the Tamil parties were consulted when amendments were made to the Devolution Package. The Sinhalese, Buddhists and the Maha Sangha were ignored, it was pointed out.

In the introduction to the press conference, Dr. Piyasena Dissanayaka, Secretary, NJC said that the people voted at the December election unaware of the real situation. The changes that have taken place since the election will have a strong impact on our political future, he said.

He continued: When the President addressed the nation she vowed to destroy the LTTE. "Their days are numbered and the number is small, she said. Within a week foreign influences have pressured her to change her stance. The UNP is helping her to appease the Tigers.

The Ven. Sobhita Thera who took the chair declared that the following was a message to the nation: "We are faced with disaster. We are in the midst of the most critical crisis in our history," he said.

The President who said that she would quickly destroy the Tigers has now launched negotiations with them with the help of Norway. The Sinhalese and the Buddhists are totally opposed to the intervention of Norway which has been of enormous assistance to the Tigers. Separatists have residence, safe houses, a communication centre and are allowed to freely raise funds, there he said.

The Ven. Thera said: Norway is trying to impose policies on our country which it does not concede to its own minorities like the Laplanders.. Norway is unquestionably a Christian/Evangelist monarchy where the king must be a Christian and have Christian advisors. The people must learn Norwegian.

Norway’s laws state that should there be any foreign intervention on any matter of state Parliament should endorse it by a three fourths majority. Thavalama, the government’s abortive peace of propaganda effort was paid for by Norway. Norway is trying to weaken the government, he said.

The President is now planning to wear three hats - as President, Prime Minister and MP. Parliament will be reduced to powerlessness. The National Anthem will be sung in Tamil also, something that does not happen in any other country and the National Flag is under threat, the Thera said.

Major General Ananda Weerasekera (retired), Administrative Secretary, Sinhala Veera Vidhana declared that the war is winnable,, but it has to be fought according to the rules and strategies of war, without political interference.

We have to meet guerrilla warfare with guerrilla tactics. The President who is the Commander-in-Chief does not listen to her generals. The country must be placed on a war footing, and people must give information, the retired Major General said.

We do not say ‘kill the Tamils,’ we say ‘defeat terrorism.’

Our commanders are disheartened because of political interference. The national aim has to be translated into plans, strategies by the commanders should be unplemented without political interference.

The Commander-in-Chief herself talks in a way that demoralises the soldier in the field. You cannot have peace-promotion clips on TV, organise peace shows and expect to recruit soldiers. We have to train our soldiers for five and a half months. When we train them for two months, either they go to their graves or they desert. Amnesties like ours only weaken the military.

We have lessons to learn from previous intervention by India and several rounds of negotiations we have had with the LTTE. We are in the same merry-go-round again. The LTTE’s Thimpu conditions are intact and they are demanding the vacation of Jaffna, removal of bases, the sending of food and medicines, said Champika Ranawake of the National Movement Against Terrorism.

He said there are around 8,500 ethnic groups in the world. So can countries concede separate states as many nations? He asked. Norway will have to concede a separate state to its 50,000 Lapps. For five and a half years there has been poor recruitment of soldiers. Norway is responsible for this.

Just look at the history of peace pacts and intervention elsewhere - Somalia is in disarray; Angola and Sierra Leone (International Alert’s bogus showpiece) have no governments. Religious civil strife has been triggered in all of Indonesia’s islands and there are stirrings of religious strife in Burma and Thailand. Should the missionaries and NGOs succeed in breaking up Sri Lanka, it is certain that India will splinter into pieces, Mr. Ranawake said. Russia has crushed Chechnya or do it would have had to fight 300 separatist wars.

S. W. Walpita,, Chairman of the Sinhala Commission and former Supreme Court Judge delivered a talk entitled "Transitional provisions - the way to dictatorship."

Relatives of missing servicemen plead for return of loved ones

The Association of Relatives of Servicemen Missing in Action has appealed to UNP MP Dr. Jayalath Jayawardena to intervene to secure the release of their beloved children. In a letter to Dr. Jayawardena, the Association says;

‘We have clear evidence to prove that our children missing in action are in the custody of the LTTE. It is rather disheartening to note that neither the government nor the opposition has taken any interest to eliminate the pain of mind of the agonizing parents of these children, who while on duty with the noble cause of serving their motherland have disappeared leaving hardly any trace behind.

We strongly believe that there should be a negotiated political settlement to end this ethnic war. Under these circumstances, while expressing our gratitude to the President for taking the initiative to start negotiation with the LTTE, we also thank the Leader of the Opposition for extending his co-operation to end this ethnic war.

The working committee of our association unanimously decided to seek your assistance regarding our beloved children, as we know for certain that you have gained a prestige internationally and locally as a lover of humanity, to take every possible step to get our children released.

We also consider you as the only member of parliament in Sri Lanka who has taken so much pain and interest to relieve the sufferings of thousands of innocent people like us. You are a frequent visitor to war torn areas in the north and in the east. You have gained popularity among the peace loving people of the North as well as of the South. We strongly believe that you can definitely play a very vital role in finding our children. On behalf of several thousands of grieving parents and relatives we humbly appeal to you to make use of your recognition and ability to get our children released.

"Since you have agreed with us to take all possible steps to get our children released not as a politician, but purely as a lover of humanity, we humbly appeal to you to obtain for this noble task permission from the our president, who has the interest of her subjects at heart.

A copy of the letter signed by President (E. P. Nanayakkara, N. D. E. F. Weethasingha, Secretary and A. B. Siyambalagoda Chief Organiser has also been sent to LTTE leader Prabhakaran.

Shell Gas justifies LPG reduction

Justifying the reduction of 500 grammes of LPG from a 13 kg cylinder and 2.5 kg from a 40 kg cylinder, Shell Gas Lanka Ltd., maintained that it’s being done as an ‘international safety precaution not to fill the cylinders to the brim’.

Customers ask why Shell Gas failed to announce this reduction which had begun in January this year, and if there was less gas in the cylinders, why the selling prices were not proportionately slashed.

At a time when LPG prices were pushed up by as much as Rs. 30 in the latest hike last month, why was there silence on the part of Shell Gas regarding this decision to reduce the quantum of gas in the 13kg and 40kg cylinders?, they queried.

A Shell Gas spokesman is on record as saying that the short weight cylinders was the result of adopting an international safety precaution and a standard established by the Sri Lanka Standards Institute.

Big names in Lions Fashion Fiesta

The Lion Ladies of District 306C has organised a fashion fiesta to raise funds for the National Blood Bank and the Elders Home at Madiwela to be held on March 12 at the Colombo Hilton.

A news release from the organisers said that the show will feature spring and summer fashions by ODEL Unlimited, a collection by Michael Wijesuriya and a show by Silpika Saree Boutique.

Some of the country’s top designers, Harris Wijesinghe, Lo Ching Wong, Ramani Fernando, Ramzi Rahaman, Nayana Karunaratne, Michael Wijesuriya, Chrisanthi Fernandopulle, Sithara Fernandopulle, Janaki Kurukulasooriya and Yohan will show a collection of bridal wear for the 21st century.

There will be dance items by Channa and his troupe followed by Latin American and Hawaiian dance, music and song by Dushan, Bathiya, Rossete and Warren.

There will be several trade stalls and bargain counters open from 4 pm to 9 pm where "very reasonable prices" have been assured.

Lo Ching Wong will direct the fashion shows while the compere will be by Dayan Candappa.

Tickets priced at Rs. 500 each are available at the special events counter of the Colombo Hilton and Swarnamahal Jewellers, Kollupitiya. The program commences at 6 pm and will continue till 9 pm.

Arms, ammunition found at army deserter’s home

By Neminda Samarajeeva in Galle
Ambalangoda police discovered a cache of arms and ammunition when they raided the house of an army deserter who was allegedly wanted for a series of robberies and murders and took into custody his father, an ex-naval officer, in the absence of suspect at midnight on Thursday, police said.

When police raided the home of ex-naval officer Mahavithanage Wimalasena de Silva (60) on information received they found a T-56 automatic rifle along with 26 cartridges and 16 bullets, police said.

When questioned the father confessed that his son was last attached to Palaly military base in the Jaffna Peninsula before he deserted the army around an year ago during which time the police claimed that the suspect deserter was wanted in connection with three robberies and four murders during the past three months in the Ambalangoda police area, police said.

OIC Ambalangoda police CI K. M. D. Prematilleke who directed the raid on the suspected deserter’s residence on information received ordered the arrest of the chief occupant of the house the ex-naval officer in the absence of his absconding son (a deserter), police said.

The ex-naval officer was produced before Balapitiya Magistrate K. M. D. Kulatunga who directed that the suspect be remanded till March 15th when the case was to be taken up for hearing, police said.

Lanka gets OPEC funds

VIENNA (Austria), Feb. 29, 2000 - The OPEC Fund for International Development on February 29, signed a US $7.43 million loan agreement with Sri Lanka to help improve vocational education. To be implemented within a Government initiative to restructure the country’s Technical Education and Vocational Training (TEVT) sub-sector, the project aims to develop a vocational training system that is more responsive to economic demand and linked directly to employers’ needs, the fund said in a statement issued last week.

Court restrains Commercial Bank appointment

Colombo district judge Kumar Ekaratne issued an injunction on February 18 restraining the Commercial Bank management from creating a post of junior executive, a new grade which they wanted to introduce.

The Judge who made the order to be in force until 3rd March also issued an interim injunction to be effective until the case is heard and concluded. This order was made in consequence of an application filed by the Ceylon Bank Employees Union and a group of employees in staff officer grades who are members of the CBEU. The Commercial Bank was cited as the respondent.

Although there is an acceptable scheme for promotion of employees from banking assistant grade to staff officer grade, the Commercial Bank management has never taken action to follow clear policy in regard to promotions from staff officer grade to executive Officer Grade. The CBEU has time and again lodged its strong protest with the management on this matter since 1993.

In the meantime, the management, taking advantage of the industrial dispute currently prevailing in the Commercial Bank, introduced in May/June 1999 a new executive officer post designated 1A with the intention of causing a decline in the membership of the CBEU and thereby crippling it. Thereafter, the management all of a sudden promoted 109 of the 344 staff officers who were members of the CBEU to this grade.

Further, with the intention of draining the CBEU members towards the management through undue influence, about 200 of the remaining 235 staff officers after the creation of the junior executive officer post, has been summoned for interviews. By this ploy, the Commercial Bank management hoped to totally remove the staff officer grade employees from the membership of the CBEU. As a pre-condition for promotion, the management has brought undue pressures on many staff officers, to resign from the union.

Therefore, the petitioners state that the establishment of the new executive grade violates sections 12-1 and 14-1 of the constitution.

In the circumstances, Mr. Shibly Aziz PC, appearing on behalf of the union, has pointed out that the promotions sought to be implemented by the Commercial Bank management are in violation of sections 12-1 and 14-1 (a) and (b) of the Constitution.

The Court, having considered the above submissions, held that there is prima facie evidence that irreparable loss will be caused to the petitioners unless the respondent bank is restrained from taking this action and that it is crystal clear that the petitioners rights will be violated. Accordingly a Restraining Order and notice of an Interim Injunction were issued on the respondent bank.

Mr. Shibly Aziz PC with Messrs. J. C. Weliamuna, Suranjith Hewamanna, Methsiri Paranavithana and Ms. Ishali Pinto Jayawardena appeared on behalf of the petitioners.

Two policemen shot at by LTTE

From M. A. Kaleel, Kalmunai Corr.
Two policemen were seriously injured after they were shot at by a LTTE pistol gang at about 8 p.m. on Friday at Samanthurai, in the Ampara district.

The police constables were returning home after guard duty at the residence of Y. L. S. Hameed, Co-ordinating Secretary to Minister M. H. M. Ashraff, police said.

They said that the attackers had followed the PCs on a push cycle and opened fire. The two victim policemen were identified as Issadeen and Ilyaas.

They were admitted to the Moneragala hospital and their condition is reported to be critical.

Shell Gas continues shelling

Users of LPG 2.4kg cylinders have been asked to pay the difference and exchange them for 13kg cylinders from Shell Gas distributors, but it’s a question of being ‘wait listed’ and left kicking their heels, an irate customer complained.

‘As I was informed by an agent at Ratmalana that they have stopped exchanging 2.4kg cylinders, I contacted Shell Gas and was assured that I will receive a letter from them which could be produced to the specified distributor to collect my 13kg cylinder. A fortnight went by without a letter in sight and on making a second telephone call, I was told that my name has been fed into the computer and they will get in touch with me soon’, said Shantha Silva, a resident of Koralawella, Moratuwa.

He said that subsequently he received a letter from Shell Gas asking him to call over at an assigned distributor and exchange the cylinder after paying the difference of Rs. 1,315 (inclusive of the Rs. 365 for the gas).

"When I did call over at this distributor, to my utter consternation, I was asked to surrender the 2.4kg cylinder, but it was not possible to say when a new 13kg cylinder could be issued. If I wanted a refund, I was told that it will be done only after it’s obtained from Shell Gas ‘some day’", Silva said.

The customer said that he was informed by the distributor to check back after one month and no specific date was given for him to call over.

He claimed that in desperation he telephoned the Marketing Manager of Shell Gas, but he had come out with various excuses and transferred the call to several locations after which it was disconnected sans a satisfactory response.

‘I am still waiting for my LPG cylinder’, Silva said in exasperation.

‘We are now in the process of issuing new cylinders in exchange for the 2.4kg ones’, said Shohan Chandiram, Executive, External Affairs and Brand Comminucations, Shell Gas Lanka Ltd.

Customers can either opt for a refund of Rs. 1,350 or pay the difference of Rs. 950 (Rs. 1,315 with gas - within Colombo) and purchase a 13 kg cylinder, he explained.

Chandiram said that he was aware of customer Silva’s complaint and prompt arrangements have already been made to issue him a new cylinder. - (Suresh)

Acupuncture for elephants

The Millennial World Congress hosted by Medicina Alternativa at the turn of the century at the BMICH, which was attended by delegates from 104 countries ended last week. Picture shows the chief guest, Dr. Leonard Steinberg, M.D., F.R.C.P., Consultant Physician and Lady Steinberg, escorted in procession in a golden coloured Rolls Royce, greeted by an elephant on whom the acupuncture points are marked. Dr. Anton Jayasuriya, Chairperson of Medicina Alternativa explains that the science of "Nila-Vidum Sashtraya" (Acupuncture) was developed in ancient times in Sri Lanka, even more intensively, than in ancient China. The acupuncture points on the elephant is punctured by the mahout (elephant keeper) with a "hendua" to train, control and treat the elephant. The acupuncture points are marked on this elephant in the picture. King Buddhadasa in the second century A.D., carried out superlative feats of surgery not only on human beings, but also on animals, using acupuncture analgesia.

The chief guest being greeted by the acupuncture elephant in front of the Lionel Auditorium where the pre-congress sessions were held. The scientific theme presentations of Prof. Dr. Carlo Fonseka and Dr. Dennis Aloysius of Sri Lanka, the opening speakers set a very high watermark with their brilliant vision of how medicine should transform and metamorphose itself to gain wider societal acceptance and do less iatrogenic damage by integrating alternative medicine into mainstream orthodox scientific medicine. Dr. Steinberg, chief guest, said "I have been practising medicine for over 50 years. If I had teachers of the caliber of Prof. Fonseka and Dr. Aloysius, I would have been a better doctor: and a more knowledgeable physician. Further Dr. Steinberg quoted the celebrated American writer Oliver Wendell Holmes stating: " If all the Medicines in the World were dumped into the sea, it would be much better for humans, but so much the worse for the fishes! "

For one month following the end of the World Congress, seminars and workshops were carried out by many foreign medical specialists to share their knowledge. Over 5000 Sri Lanka indigent patients were treated free of charge by foreign specialists who attended from U.S.A., Canada, U.K., Germany, Austria, Switzerland, Spain, India, South Africa, Denmark and Australia.

Justice Palakindner chaired a discussion session on the proposal of making The Nobel Prize in Medicine open to Alternative Medicine healers, as well. Alfred Nobel died a century ago. He was a very ill man most of his life, scientific medicine did not exist in his time. Awarding it now only to Allopathy is a travesty of Nobel’s express wishes and intentions stated many legal authorities, who spoke on this issue, such as Prof. Dr. Dame Meher Master-Moos of India, an internationally acclaimed Professor of Law and also an authority on colourtherapy.

The next World Congress will be hosted in Colombo at the beginning of December, Year 2000. The theme of the next Congress is "The Spiritual Dimensions of Healing". His Holiness the Dalai Lama, Holy Sri Sai Baba and His Holiness Lama Gangchen are among the galaxy of honoured guests who would be invited.

Vehicle with false number plates detected

Alert security officers of the Airport and Aviation Services recently detected a vehicle with false number plates used by touts at the Bandaranaike International Airport, official sources said.

The airport security which has curbed the threat of touting outside the BIA to a great extent, is armed with a list of registration numbers of vehicles used by these undesirable characters to ply their illicit trade, the sources said.

The van in question had, in an abortive bid to mislead the airport security personnel, attempted to sneak into the precincts using forged number plates. However, the alert officers on duty had, on suspicion, checked the relevant documents and taken the driver into custody, the sources said.

The suspect driver and the vehicle were later handed over to the Katunayake police.

A handful of touts still remain determined to push their slimy operations despite a crackdown by the airport security on these dubious elements, the sources said. - (SP)

UK Child Rights team’s visit to Sri Lanka

A three member team of child rights specialists: Detective Chief Inspector David Richards, paediatrician Dr. Chris Hobbs and clinical psychologist Ms Helga Hanks are visiting Sri Lanka from 27 February to 8 March, and providing training with the National Child Protection Authority (NCPA) and UNICEF.

This is the team’s second visit to Sri Lanka. In November 1998 they conducted a training programme on the multi-disciplinary approach to dealing with child abuse, interviewing child victims and the impact of trauma and counselling. This visit, like the previous one, has been funded by the British Foreign and Commonwealth office; and builds on their earlier programme. On this occasion the team have concentrated on training programmes to help children affected by armed conflict, including the rehabilitation of child soldiers, and training for medical staff, the police and other care workers in the examination and treatment of children who have been abused.

Britain and Sri Lanka have been working very closely together in the field of child rights, child development and child protection and have supported the NCPA since its inception. The British Government will be helping the NCPA construct a new headquarters and will be donating Rs. 18 million towards the construction cost. The building will provide an important resource base for all the Authority’s work in protecting the rights of children.

At a reception for the team the British High Commissioner, Linda Duffield said that she was pleased the British Government has been able to support this important work by funding both these visits and contributing to the construction of the NCPA headquarters.

Children stage peace march urging parents not to fight over race and religion

by Chittaranjan de Silva
Catholic children attending Sinhalese and Tamil schools of the Western Province staged a ‘peace march’ from Ragama to the Tewatte Basilica to urge their elders to refrain from waging war over race and religion.

‘When our elders are at each other throats, waging war over race, religion and party, how can peace dawn?’ read a banner carried by the children. ‘Save us children from the fear of war,’ another banner appealed.

The young participants expressed their concern to authorities and their elders about the need to safeguard their rights.

The children also appealed to the authorities, through banners, to provide protection to them from child abusers, especially tourists, who are engaged in these practices.

The peace march was organised by the Cathechetal Centre of the Colombo Diocese to coincide with ‘children’s day’ at Tewatte Church. The school children carrying colourful banners were led by their western bands and they marched to the tune of hymns played.

The Archbishop of Colombo, Rev. Dr. Nicholas Marcus Fernando, the leader of the Catholic Church in Sri Lanka watched as the children numbering around 15,000 went in a long procession passing over the fly-over at Ragama, on their way to ‘Tewatte Basilica’.

AFLAC’s candle of hope for cancer patients

February 19th saw a flame of compassion kindled in Ward 14 of the Cancer Hospital at Maharagama when a group of dedicated people came together to officially undertake the maintenance of the ward for a period of 2 years. It was a highlight in AFLAC’s Cancer project which initially started in a small way with the care of 10 specially selected cancer patients recommended by the hospital. AFLAC is a non-profit organisation, established in February 1995 with the aim of helping the poor in the areas of education, food, shelter and clothing. The word AFLAC stands for "Association For Lighting a Candle" because their motto is that "It is better by far to light a solitary candle than to curse the darkness".

1999 was AFLAC’s "Year for Cancer". A concert was held in October 1999, dedicated to the memory of the late Lylie Godridge and proceeds from this were utilized for the Cancer Project. Ward 14 of the Cancer Hospital was tiled, repainted and spruced up to make it a pleasant and clean environment for patients. The doctors of the hospital were extremely supportive and AFLAC was assisted by the National Development Bank, Lanka Wall Tiles and other well-wishers. Many of the patients of this ward were awaiting surgery or after surgery. Some of them in acute pain, but still able to manage a smile. The ward looked cool and comfortable with its freshly painted pale green walls, crisp new curtains and pretty vases of flowers. There was also a large screen TV for patients to watch programmes of their choice.

Cancer is a devastating disease that not only ravages the body but also saps the spirit. Working closely with the medical staff of the Cancer Hospital, AFLAC plans to introduce counselling for patients because they believe a positive mindset can help to fight the disease. Some of the patients are in abject poverty. Some cannot find the bus fare to bring them to the hospital. Others do not have proper food or are financially destitute. AFLAC appeals to corporate organisations and the general public to assist in alleviating the suffering of these individuals in whatever way possible. Even the smallest of contributions will go a long way for these patients. Those interested in helping could contact Dil or Elmo Jayawardena on 645546 or e-mail elmoj@eureka.lk.

National Forum on Ageing to discuss proposed Elders Bill

The National Forum on Ageing, a coordinated body for established organisations active in care delivery of elders, physical, mental and social, will meet at the Mallika Nivasa Samithiya, No. 45, Visaka Road, Colombo 4 on March 10 at 5 pm to discuss the contents of proposed National Council for Elders Bill and to make representations to the government to ensure effective implementation.

It is said that longevity was one of the greatest achievements of the 20th century - the decline of fertility and mortality during the last 50 years has added 20 years to the average life span. Now, at the commencement of the 21st century demographic transition is a key issue, and would necessitate qualitative improvements in social programmes to safeguard the rights and security of older persons in our community, the Forum said.

It is also interesting to note that the momentum of ageing in Sri Lanka is unprecedented in world history! "Sri Lanka will be the only poor country in the world to have an elderly population of over 20% in 2020-25. No country in the world has experienced an ageing of the population in as rapid a pace as Sri Lanka would in the next quarter century"!

The Government in its bid to address the issue, which would have a considerable impact on the social and economic environment of the country, has introduced a Bill in Parliament "to provide for the establishment of a National Council for Elders for the promotion and protection of the welfare and the rights of elders".

The forum advocates collective representation to relevant government agencies, in order to urge and support state policies to evolve better methods of community based care delivery, in keeping with the changing context of the Sri Lankan family and society.

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