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Worldwide
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Worldwide
condemnation ISLAMABAD, May 28 (Reuters) - Pakistan said on Thursday it had conducted its first nuclear test blasts, drawing condemnation from some nations and swift sanctions from United States. Foreign Minister Gohar Ayub Khan told Reuters that two tests had been carried out, but he gave no details. Asked about reports that Pakistan had conducted two nuclear tests, he said: "Yes, we have done it." He would give no more details immediately. Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif, who has been under intense domestic pressure for weeks to respond to nuclear tests by arch-rival India, began a televised speech to the nation at 6:00 p.m. (1300 GMT) and was to address a news conference at 8:00 p.m. (1500 GMT). In Washington White House spokesman Mike McCurry said U.S. President Bill Clinton would slap sanctions on Pakistan in response to the tests. McCurry said Clinton would make a statement at 9:50 a.m. (1350 GMT). A senior NATO official said Pakistan now faces rigorous economic sanctions after defying warnings from the international community not to carry out the tests. The local Nawa-i-Waqt newspaper said in a special edition that the tests were carried out at 3.30 p.m. (1030 gmt) in remote Chagai area in the southwestern province of Baluchistan. Residents in the area said they could feel the earth trembling at the time of explosions. They told Reuters by telephone that the security forces had conrdoned off at least 100 sq km area for the tests. "I felt the tremors two to three times," said a resident in the village of Wat Dostin in Dalbadin area, about 260 km (162 miles) south west of provincial capital Quetta. Some residents fired gunshots at main crossing of Islamabad to express their jubilation. U.S. intelligence officials in Washington confirmed Pakistan had conducted at least two nuclear tests. The Australian Geological Survey Organisation said on Thursday it had registered Pakistan's two nuclear tests as one explosion with a magnitude of 5.0. Scientist David Jepsen said the explosion had registered at between five and 20 kilotonnes in south-west Pakistan. "We cannot see two (blasts), but there could be one hidden within the other one," Jepsen told Reuters. The announcement of the nuclear tests came hours after Pakistan said it had information India had planned to attack its nuclear sites and threatened "a swift and massive retaliation with unforeseen consequences" if such an attack was made. India denied that it planned such an attack and branded as "malicious" Islamabad's charge that a strike was imminent. "The Pakistani charge is malicious and completely baseless," an Indian Foreign Ministry spokesman told Reuters. Ten years ago, India and Pakistan signed an agreement not to attack each other's nuclear installations and on Wednesday New Delhi offered to engage Islamabad in talks on a "no first use" nuclear pact. Since India's five nuclear tests earlier this month, relations between the two neighbours have nosedived, with Islamabad threatening a nuclear trial of its own. Pakistan forced N-deterrence path, says India NEW DELHI, May 28 (Reuters) - India's Prime Minister Atal Behari Vajpayee on Thursday said Pakistan had forced his government to take the path of nuclear deterrence, and India was ready to meet "any challenge". Asked if India's tests two weeks ago may have spurred Pakistan to conduct its own series of tests earlier on Thursday, Vajpayee told reporters: "No, we did not. In fact Pakistan...forced us to take the path of nuclear deterrence." Vajpayee spoke outside India's Parliament after an emergency meeting with senior advisers and government ministers. News of Pakistan's nuclear tests triggered pandemonium in the Lok Sabha, the lower house of parliament. "These (Pakistani) tests vindicate our policy. We had apprehensions about this. India is ready to meet any challenge," Vajpayee said. "Parliament is in session. I have promised the House I will collect all the facts and place them before the Lok Sabha tomorrow. I am contacting other opposition leaders and also leaders of alliance parties. People must stand united." Asked if India would review its moratorium on further tests after Thursday's Pakistani tests, Vajpayee said: "A new situation has been created and it will be taken into account in formulating our policy." Pandemonium broke out in India's parliament when news of the Pakistani nuclear tests was shouted out by an opposition lawmaker. Vajpayee and Home (Interior) Minister Lal Krishna Advani rushed out of the parliamentary chamber as opposition deputies who had been in the midst of a passionate debate on India's five nuclear test blasts two weeks ago rose to their feet. Communist Party of India-Marxist leader Somnath Chatterjee said: "It is a nuclear arms race which you have started in this region." He demanded to know why Indian intelligence had not had any clue of the Pakistani blasts for two hours. Vajpayee told the angry lawmakers there would be need to be a "grave, calm and determined" debate. "These (Pakistani) tests have created a new situation...We may have our differences but if the challenge is from abroad, then that challenge must be met with a united House and a united nation. Australia registers 5.0 magnitude Pakistan nuke blast CANBERRA, May 28 (Reuters) - The Australian Geological Survey Organisation said on Thursday it had registered Pakistan's five nuclear tests as one explosion of a 5.0 magnitude. Research scientist David Jepsen said the explosion had registered at between five and 20 kilotonnes in south-west Pakistan. "There's definite indications of two, three, five (blasts) or whatever, however, we can only actually see one," Jepsen told Reuters, adding that the following blasts were probably hidden within the first. "I'd say that there was most certainly one large blast and the other ones would be smaller," Jepsen said. Pakistan confirmed earlier on Thursday it had conducted five nuclear blasts in retaliation for arch-rival India's five underground nuclear tests earlier this month. LONDON, May 28 (Reuters) - Britain on Thursday condemned Pakistan's nuclear tests and urged it and India to refrain from carrying out any further nuclear explosions. Foreign Secretary Robin Cook urged India and Pakistan to engage in dialogue rather than confrontation. PARIS, May 28 (Reuters) - France, which condemned India's nuclear tests earlier this month, had no immediate reaction on Thursday to Pakistan's nuclear blasts. Paris, which faced an international outcry for conducting its own final nuclear tests in 1995-96, had urged Islamabad to show restraint after India set off its blasts. French President Jacques Chirac said, however, at a Group of Eight summit earlier this month that if Pakistan went ahead and conducted nuclear tests, the response would be the same as for India. "We will issue an identical statement to that which we made on India," Chirac told reporters at the Group of Eight summit in Birmingham, England. The Group of Eight condemned India's five blasts but made no attempt to impose coordinated economic sanctions. BONN, May 28 (Reuters) - Germany on Thursday condemned Pakistan for carrying out two nuclear tests and called on both India and Pakistan to avoid any escalation in tensions. "The federal government condemns today's Pakistani nuclear tests," Foreign Minister Klaus Kinkel said in a statement. "Peace in stability in southern Asia can only be achieved through dialogue, not through a nuclear arms race." Kinkel said that, by carrying out the tests, Pakistan had ignored appeals for restraint from around the world following Indian nuclear tests earlier this month. "Pakistan has also disregarded the will of the international community for a definitive end to all nuclear tests," he said. He urged both India and Pakistan to join a 1996 international nuclear test ban treaty, signed by 149 states. "I call on India and Pakistan to follow the example of these states," he said. Wijepala refuses to accept legality of
probing committee The United National Party [UNP] will decide on the fate of Gampaha District MP and Chief Opposition Whip Wijeyapala Mendis despite his refusal to accept the legality of the three member committee appointed to inquire into the former minister’s conduct, party sources said yesterday. Mr. Mendis, the senior most UNP politician from the Gampaha district on Wednesday pointed out that that the committee headed by general secretary Gamini Atukorale has no right to inquire into his conduct. Mr.Atukorale in late April wrote to Mr Mendis requesting the latter to show cause as to why disciplinary action should not be taken against him.Mr.Atukorale’s committee appointed by the decision making Working Committee has been directed to inquire whether Mr. Mendis had acted in violation of the constitution of the party in being found guilty of abuse of power. Informed sources said that there was no alternative but to base the party decision on whatever available information.Based on the Special Presidential Commission[SPC] findings, the government had accused the former minister of abuse of power. Mr. Mendis, sources said had already explained his position through a major newspaper advertisement campaign. Mr. Mendis has pointed out that the ruling party has repeatedly denounced the SPC of Inquiry Act. "It should also be mentioned that on a recommendation of a similar commission, Mrs Sirimavo Bandaranaike’s civic rights were earlier abolished, and the present parliament voided that order on April 8 this year. Wouldn’t it be sheer hypocricy to bring in a motion in the same parliament on the recommendation of a similar SPC to deprive Wijeyapala Mendis of his civil rights," ? states an advertisement published by his supporters. Party sources said that the majority of the parliamentary group members wanted the party leader to take tough action against Mr. Mendis. However others have pointed out that removal of Mr. Mendis could have a bad impact on the UNP campaign for the Western Provincial Council. "We face tough competition in the Gampaha district," one source said adding that removal of Mr. Mendis could result in serious problems in the Gampaha district. Mr. Mendis, in no uncertain terms has said that he would not step down. Meanwhile the three member committee investigating the SPC of Inquiry Act has almost completed its work.Chairman of the Committee and the Colombo District MP Tyronne Fernando yesterday said that he intends to submit the final report to the working committee in second week of June. He declined to identify the people who expressed their views to the committee. ‘The Island’ learns that Mr Ranil Wickremasinghe and the Constitutional Expert K. N. Choksy were among them. Mr.Fernando said that the outcome of his committee’s findings will not affect Mr.Atukorale’s committee empowered to probe Wijeyapala Mendis. "His committee will go independently into the allegations made against Mr Mendis," Mr Fernando said. The working committee is expected to meet on June 10. UNP General Secy brings AirLanka deal before Bribery Commission The General Secretary of the United National Party (UNP) Gamini Atukorale in a complaint to the Chairman and Commissioner of the Commission to Investigate Bribery and Corruption stated that the manner in which the entire AirLanka privatisation transaction has been handled leads him to but one conclusion: the privatization of AirLanka was done with a view to obtaining an illegal or wrongful gain or advantage by some persons or would cause wrongful loss to the Government of Sri Lanka and/or give a wrongful advantage to Emirates. The persons involved in this transaction are the Directors and the Director General of PERC, the Directors of AirLanka the Directors of Emirates and the Cabinet of Ministers: "I place these matters before you and request you to investigate these matters under the provisions of the Commission to Investigate Allegations of Bribery or Corruption Act No. 19 of 1994 and the Bribery Act as amended by Act No. 20 of 1994. I am prepared to furnish documentary evidence of the matters set out herein", Mr. Atukorale says in his complaint to the Commission. The complaint is as follows: "AirLanka Limited is a Company incorporated under the Companies Act and the entirety of its shares are held by the Government of Sri Lanka (GOSL) and by other institutions which are in turn owned by the Government of Sri Lanka. The Public Enterprises Reform Commission (PERC) is an institution established in terms of the Public Enterprises Reform Commission Act No. 1 of 1996 having as its objective the sale or disposal of shares or assets of companies registered under the Conversion of Public Corporations and Government owned Business Undertakings into Public Companies, Act No. 23 of 1987. AirLanka Ltd., in as much as it is incorporated under the Companies Act is not a Corporation or GOBU registered under the said Act No. 23 of the 1987. Nevertheless PERC undertook the divestiture of 40% of the shares of AirLanka Ltd. Among others, Thai Airways, Malaysian Airlines and a Consortium led by Mr. David Bonderman showed interest in making offers. Mr. David Bonderman's Consortium has a large shareholding in Continental Airways. Emirates Airlines had not made an offer within the specified time limit. In March 1997 PERC, made a "Request for Proposals" offering. 1. 40% Shares in AirLanka 2. Flag Carrier Status for the Airline for 5 years. 3. Exclusive Ground Handling at Bandaranaike International Airport (BIA) for 5 Years. 4. Exclusive Catering right at BIA for 5 years. 5. A special pricing formula for the purchase of aviation fuel by AirLanka for 1 year. Mr. David Bonderman by his dated 21st April 1997 requested.
Mr. Mano Tittawela, Director General of PERC by letter informed Mr. Bonderman that his request could not be acceded to and he reiterated his position by his letter dated 5th June 1997. On 6th June 1997 Mr. Bonderman made a further inquiry regarding his request for "effective management control" and the terms referred to in his earlier letter and that if the GOSL was prepared to consider them his consortium would "revisit the situation". Thereafter, the GOSL, announced that 40% of the shares of AirLanka had been sold to Emirates Airlines. The most significant of the terms under which these shares were divested are: 1. Sale of 40% of shares for US$70 Million which would be paid in two tranches of US$45 Million representing 26% of shares to be paid on or before 31st March 1998 and the balance US$25 million representing 14% of the shares by 31st December 2000. 2. Flag carrier status for 10 years. 3. Exclusive ground handling at BIA for 10 years. 4. Exclusive catering rights at BIA for 10 years. 5. A special pricing formula for the purchase of aviation fuel by AirLanka to be increased from 1 to 5 years. 6. Full and exclusive management power, control and authority over and with respect to the business and affairs of the company without any requirement for the buyer to refer such matters to the Board of Directors notwithstanding the buyers status as a minority shareholder. In addition 1. a tax exemption of 15 years and 2. a commitment by AirLanka to purchase Airbus 330-200 with an option to purchase a further 6 Airbus 330-200. Were included in the final terms, though the purchase of airplanes by AirLanka had never transpired in any of the documents or negotiations with the other bidders. The other bidders who had been eliminated including Mr. Bonderman, who had made a specific request, were neither informed nor given an opportunity to make fresh bids taking into consideration the final terms offered to Emirates. It is a matter of note that the purchase the aircraft is in violation of all laid down Procurement Procedures of both the GOSL and AirLanka. The Business Plan submitted by Emirates anticipated orders being placed for 6 new 330-200 aircraft. Though the agreement betweenEmirates, GOSL and AirLanka were finalized only on 31st March 1998, the order for the 6 aircraft with an option for six more was placed with Airbus Industries as early as 30th January 1998. The Cabinet of Ministers approved this transaction between PERC and AirLanka." Attempt to blast Ratnapura Telecom Exchange
foiled A search operation was mounted by police to track down the culprit who made an abortive attempt to place an explosive device at the Ratnapura Telecom exchange early yesterday SSP, D. W. Prathapasinghe said. He told ‘The Island’ that if not for the vigilance of the two police constables on duty at the Telecom exchange the intruder would have been able to plant the bomb. Though the police constables had given chase to the fugitive they had failed to capture him, he said. This bomb weighed about a kilogramme was later defused by the army bomb disposal squad. There had been blood stains on the floor of the Telecom building which have been caused due to the suspect injuring his hands. Police dogs were also deployed to track down the suspect. Another CEB transformer explodes A electricity transformer close to St. Mary's Church, Dehiwala exploded and caught fire in the early hours of yesterday. Dehiwela police investigating the incident have still not been able to ascertain whether it was an act of sabotage. The Government Analysts visited the scene and is carrying out investigations to establish the cause of the explosion. A transformer at Eldeniya, Kadawata also exploded under similar circumstances recently. Police investigations are continuing to find out whether there is a gang behind these two incidents. Malpractices
probe During cross examination of recalled witness, W. K. B. Weragama, General Manager Railways (GMR), Ranjit Abeysuriya the counsel for party noticed said that the amount to be paid as compensation under the devaluation claim of John Holland was quantified due to GMR Silva’s insistence and that was inconsistent with allegations contained in the fax. The commission chaired by Justice P. R. P. Perera includes Justice H. S. Yapa and Justice F. N. D. Jayasuriya. The commission convened last Monday (25) at Superior Courts Complex. Former GMR, P. W. A. K. Silva is the party noticed in the inquiry. Mr Silva who served as GMR from 1991- 1994 was accused of abusing power during his term of office. He has been required to show cause as to why he should not be found guilty of misuse of power for certain acts in respect of transactions related to the establishment and running of the concrete sleeper manufacturing plant by John Holland International Ltd. in Australia. Ranjit Abeysuriya P. C. with Ms. Priyadarshani Dias instructed by N. Sambandan appeared for the party noticed. Saleem Marsoof, Additional Solicitor General with Ajith Wickramaratne assisted the commission. S. K. P. Bambarande is secretary to commission. Ranjit Abeysuriya: One of the allegations contained fax P86 is that Silva had requested from Messrs. John Holland 25 per cent of the claim to be given to him ? Witness: Yes. Q: You had occasion to look into the devaluation claim made by Messrs. John Holland even before Silva became GMR ? A: I am not sure of that. Witness is shown document marked P42. Document is dated April 7, 1990 and signed by Jim M. Q: It would be correct to say that this document is the foundation document for the devaluation claim ? A: Yes, but I have to check my files to see if I have seen the document. Q: In P42, Jim has written on behalf of John Holland. It’s a three page document and in the middle page paragraph four is under the heading ‘request for compensation for the increased additional local cost which John Holland International have had to bear as a result of the increase in the exchange rate of the US dollar’? A: Yes. Q: Under that heading John Holland has taken that as a consequence of the devaluation of the Sri Lanka rupee, which was totally beyond their control, the cost of basic items purchased locally have risen proportionately. A: Yes. Q: John Holland say as a result they have to bear an increased additional local cost of 13,753,076 rupees. That was the total amount they claimed as compensation for increased cost due to the change in exchange rate ? A: Yes. Q: At the time this letter had been written to the Secretary, Ministry of Transport through the GMR, Mr. Silva was not the GMR ? A: Yes. Q: Is it not the fact that before Mr. Silva took charge as GMR this very document was submitted to you for your report ? A: I don’t remember. Witness is shown document P43, the original copy bearing witness’s full signature dated May 18, 1990 addressed to the then GMR. Q: You begin that letter by saying ‘ with reference to the letter John Holland International (Pvt.) Ltd. April 7, 1990, I wish to comment as follows as requested by you’. A: Yes. Q: In P43 you have stated that the facts mentioned in the letter are correct and increasing the value of the local component is justified due to reasons mentioned in the letter, although not in direct compliance with the agreement ? A: Yes Q: For you to submit P43 somebody referred the April document to you ? A: The then GMR. Q: What did he ask you to do ? A: I can’t recall, he probably asked me to report on it. Q: Your report confirmed the correctness of the figures mentioned ? A: I said the facts mentioned are correct, increase is justified although not in direct compliance with the agreement. Q: In other words when you were called by the head of the department for a report, you have not pointed out any thing to withhold paying the increase. They asked for the payment of 13,756,076. You saw nothing wrong in entertaining that application ? A: I didn’t see anything wrong with it although it was not in compliance with the agreement. Q: Are you aware that at the same time another high official of the railway made a report on the devaluation claim to the GMR ? A: No. Document P45, report made by Stores Superintendent, Samaranayake dated June 14, 1990 shown to witness. Document stated that Messrs. John Holland letter was sent to him (Samaranayake) along with chief Engineer Weragama’s report of May 18. Q: Samaranayake has pointed out that according to the contract any revision in price would be null and void after the contract had been entered into ? A: Yes. I also said although not in direct compliance with the agreement. Q: Samaranayake has pointed out as this is a civil works contract, the contractors request can be treated as an appeal for extra contractual payment under FR704. Is that so? A: Yes. Q: What is the quantum of the increase permitted by that particular financial regulation? A: 10 per cent. But my recollection is that FR704 is not with regard to these type of variations. It is with regard to acts of nature. Counsel for the party noticed pointed out that shortly after Mr. Silva became GMR, he appointed a committee to look into the devaluation claim. The recommendation of the committee, dated September 11, 1990, chaired by Weragama bearing all three members signature was produced before the commission. The document was marked as P188. Counsel also pointed out in his response to P188 Silva had referred the matter back to the committee to make a firm recommendation after checking the quantities. Q: Thereafter on October 15, there was a meeting at the GMR’s office and at that meeting it was decided to consult the Attorney General with regard to whether it was possible to pay any amount which is over and above the contract agreement ? A: Yes. It was mentioned earlier that I made that suggestion. Q: According to the minutes taken at the conference, Mr. Bandara was instructed to seek Attorney General approval by GMR. Mr. Silva. A: Yes, according to the minutes taken. Q: Your final report contained in paragraph seven, ‘... we therefore recommend to pay only 75 per cent of the price escalation’. A: Yes. Witness explained the committee had made a recommendation to pay 75 per cent and not 100 per cent, deducting the 25 per cent profit element. Q: That is totally inconsistent with the anxiousness on Silva’s part to be bending over backwards to help John Holland and asking John Holland for 25 per cent. When at the same time as a result of his conduct that profit margin had been pruned out. Commission is proceeding. Valiant efforts of Dimbulagala monk
extolled If Sinhala people do not fight for the rights of other Sinhala people we as a nation will be lost, said guest speaker S. L. Gunesekera paying tribute to Chief Incumbent of Dimbula-gala Viharaya Ven. Kassapa Matara Siri Seelalankara Thera The National Movement Against Terrorism paid homage to the Ven. Thera, who was gunned down by a terrorist three years ago, by organising a discussion highlighting his untiring efforts to eradicate LTTE terrorism in Sri Lanka. The third death anniversary of the Ven. Thera was commemorated on May 26 at All Ceylon Buddhist Congress (ACBC). The commemoration was held under the patronage of Ven. Udahamulle Sirivimala Thera, organiser of the Jathika Sangha Sabhava. S. L. Gunesekera, attorney-at-law speaking on the occasion said that although many people talk about the rights of the minorities, nobody, not even the Sinhala people fight for the rights of the Sinhalese living in the North and East. He added politicians have fought for better conditions for Indian Tamil estate workers and have succeeded. "I am not saying what they do is unimportant, they bring in a large amount of foreign currency. But in comparison when we were on rations some years ago, it was the tireless efforts of the Sinhala farmers in the North and East that prevented us from going hungry. Our staple diet is rice, not tea. They not only feed us, but also take up arms and fight to protect our motherland. But what do they get in return ?" Mr. Gunesekera said the major political parties wanted only one thing that being wealth and power and were interested in obtaining the votes of the minorities. Therefore they listen to the politicians who speak on behalf of the minorities. He said that although this is the case, any person or organisation speaking on behalf of the Sinhala people, especially those living in the North and East are branded racist. "But when the Tamil politicians speak on behalf of their people, no one brands them racist." Highlighting the plight of people living in these areas he said, they did not have proper medical facilities or educational facilities. He said they did not have proper means to market their agrarian products adding that the only relief provided to these people were the incentives offered by the so called racist organizations. "The Ven. Thera spoke on behalf of these battered Sinhala people. He lived for them, fought for their rights and ultimately sacrificed his life for them." Col. Anil Amarasekera also spoke at the commemoration ceremony. He emphasised the importance of the areas in the North and East where there were only a handful of Sinhalese. He said the LTTE has spread from Puttalam across Vavuniya to Potuvil adding that even the names of these places have been distorted, so the Tamil people will be able to pronounce it easily. "The LTTE are gradually, systematically taking over these areas. The Sri Lankan people will eventually be pushed out into the sea, leaving us without a country to call our own," he lamented. "It is not enough for people to talk about it. If we are to eradicate the terrorist threat in our country, we must take action immediately. We must follow the example set by Ven. Siri Seelalankara Thera," he said. "I can say there are no 'Raja Horas' now" "The United National Party is making excessive use of the liberties, that we have restored when we came into power three and half years ago", said President Chandrika Bandaranaike Kumaratunga, Tuesday (26) evening. at Piliyandala. The President was addressing a well attended party propaganda rally organised by People's Alliance's chief organiser for Kesbewa seat, Chandana Kathriarachchi at the Somaweera Chandrasiri playground, Piliyandala. The President who arrived on board a Sri Lanka Air Force Chopper, around 5.50 p.m. also laid the foundation stone for the Rs. 10 million auditorium of the Piliyandala Madhya Maha Vidyalaya. Continuing the President said; "The United National Party suppressed the rights and freedoms of the people during their 17 year rule. We came to power nearly three and half years ago with a mandate from the people to restore the rights and freedoms suppressed so cruelly and blatantly by the UNP. We did it and the people today enjoy their full freedom. However, strangely enough, it is the very same UNP who suppressed the freedom of the people, that are now making excessive use of the liberties under my government." She said that the answer to the unemployment problem was the expansion of the industrial base of the country. "A poor country such as Sri Lanka cannot afford to solve the unemployment problem by the state sector alone. The private sector too has to play a major role here", she added. She said her government is now engaged in the task of building infrastructures which are a must if the country is to attract more and more investors. There are seventy factories in the pipe line. Some are already in operation. Government had to spend milions to revive some public enterprises given on a platter to party cronies and family faithfuls, without the know how and the capital, by the last UNP government. The UNP's privatisation programme was a flop, because there were no proper plans. These transactions were motivated by considerations of commissions. "I don't say corruption is only a thing of the past. But I can say that there are no "Raja Horas" now. We are determined to stamp out bribery and corruption, but the people too must assist the government in its effort to cleanse the society. We would not hesitate to deal with anybody, whatever the position if there are allegations of bribery and corruption against anyone. The black sheep of the by-gone era is still haunting" the President added. The UNP which is now hurling allegations against the government did not follow any Tender procedure when they dished out the public assets of this country to their cronies. In one instant a major state corporation had been given to a man who supplied lunch parcels to harbour workers. This man had no other qualification. "How can a venture become a success when they are in the hands of men without any managerial skills or capital" she asked. "The UNP's 17 year rule has failed to resolve the ethnic crisis. They are therefore responsible for the continuing war. All I asked the UNP is to give us 14 votes to enable us to put the devolution package in peace and to put an end to the war. But they are mum." "Whether we have the two thirds majority in Parliament or not we have other means of getting the devolution package through. When we come to you, please support us", the President said. The inflation rate was very much higher than today during the UNP period. We course have been able to bring it within manageable limits. Government is committed to restoring peace in the country. "We have reduced bank rates so that any person could obtain loans to start a business. The Bank rate now ranges between 16 and 14 per cent. Earlier it was 29 and 30", she added. "There are some of the fiscal reforms we introduced with a view to promoting private entrepreneurship specially among young people", she further added. Housing and Urban Development Minister Indika Gunawardane, Provincial Councils and Local Government Minister Alavi Mowlana, Chief Minister WPC, Susil Premajayanth Health and Indigenous Medicine Minister Nimal Siripala de Silva and Amal Senalankadhikara MP, also spoke. First certificate awarding ceremony of IIIT Madampe First Certificate Awarding Ceremony of the Islamic Institute of Information Technology (IIIT), Madampe is scheduled to be held on Friday at 5 p.m. at Ranmuthu Hotel, Galle Road, Colombo 03. Prof. V. K. Samaranayake, Chairman, Council for Information Technology will be the chief guest and Dr. A. Rashid Kausar, Representative of Institute of Leadership and Management (ILM), Lahore, Pakistan who has paid an official visit on the invitation of the Vice Chancellor, South Eastern University of Sri Lanka will be the guest of honour. The Chairman of the IIIT Dr. Ziyad Mohamed Thaha will preside. The IIIT has been conducting several short term residential introductory computer courses of 10 days duration from 1997. Further, IIIT has achieved another milestone that it has started a four week residential computer course named 'Diploma in Computer Studies' and 26 students who complete the course will be receiving their certificates on this occasion. Further, a souvenir to mark the ceremony will be released by the Institute. The IIIT has been affiliated with ILM. Pakistan which is affiliated to University of Wales, UK and Washington State University. Memorandum of Understanding will be signed between the two institutions in another function on the same day. Rights
plea by foreign qualified graduates - The Supreme Court yesterday directed the Secretary to the Ministry of Health and the Sri Lanka Medical Council, to grant internship appointments to 138 (hundred and thirty eight) locally qualified medical graduates and 14 (fourteen) foreign qualified medical graduates, with effect from June 1, 1998. The aforesaid fourteen foreign qualified medical graduates have qualified at the Act 16 examination conducted by the Sri Lanka Medical Council. The other twenty six foreign qualified medical graduates who have filed rights violation pleas in the Supreme Court are to be admitted to internship, as and when they qualify at the Act 16 examination. Their appointments are to be back dated to 1.6.98, so that their seniority will not be materially affected. The Supreme Court yesterday made the aforesaid order in respect of the fundamental rights violation application filed by some foreign qualified medical graduates over the issue of having to qualify at the Act 16 examination prior to obtaining internship appointment. They said that they should be allowed to sit the Act 16 examination, before, while or after completing the internship work in Sri Lanka. L. C. Seneviratne PC with Ronald Perera, instructed by Joe Rajakaruna, appeared for the foreign graduates who petitioned the court. Deputy Solicitor General K. Sriparan, appeared for the Minister of Health, the Secretary to the Ministry and the Director General, Health Services. R. K. W. Goone-sekera, with Shiranthi Jayatillake, appeared for the Sri Lanka Medical Council. D. P. Kuma-rasinghe, PC, appeared for the locally qualified medical graduates. E. D. Wickramanayake with U. Abdul Najeem appeared for the Government Medical Officers Association. The bench comprised, Justice Dr. A. R. B. Amerasinghe, Justice, A. S. Wijetunga and Justice D. P. S. Gunasekera. Deputy Solicitor General K. Sriparan appeared with Senior State Counsel Bimba Tillakaratne. |
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