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Tax free vehicles for MPs, PC members The government has decided to reimburse the 25 per cent which was levied on vehicles imported by Members of Parliament and members of Provincial Councils. These vehicles had been imported by MPs and PC members under tax concessions granted by the government but a 25 percent levy was imposed on the total amount including freight and insurance. A group of more than 100 MPs and PC members will be entitled for the reimbursement. They include sitting MPs and Provincial Council members and each of them will be entitled to over Rs. 100,000 following this decision to reimburse the 25 percent levied on vehicles imported by them earlier, a government spokesman said. Under Public Administrative Circular 24/93, the 25 per cent levy was charged on the total amount, including freight and insurance charges, on vehicles imported by the MPs and Provincial Councillors, he said. In future, the government has decided to issue permits that provide complete tax exemption for MPs and PC members when importing vehicles. In order to reimburse the money, a list of MPs who have been re-appointed to Parliament has been immediately called for by the Import and Export Controller from the General Secretary of Parliament . In addition to this list, a letter has also been asked for. Steps have already been taken to prepare the list, the spokesman said. The government staff officers have expressed their dissatisfaction over the situation saying that while special concessions entitled to senior staff officers including doctors, engineers, Sri Lanka Administrative Service officers and Sri Lanka Educational Administrative officers have been suspended, the MPs, members continue to enjoy the concessions. They complained that although the government said they would revise the decision taken earlier to suspend the tax concessions, so far steps have not been taken to provide them with tax relief. Saturday, June 13 will be a ‘school day’ according to a Ministry of Education and Higher Education spokesman. The ministry has issued a circular to all principals of all government schools to conduct classes this Saturday as on a normal school day. Earlier it had been decided to make May 9 a school day but this move was cancelled due to the Vesak celebrations, he said. Journalists want war news censorship lifted Committee to protect journalists in a fax sent to President Chan-drika Kumaratunga has expressed 'grave concern over the government's imposition of censorship regulations on media coverage of the civil war between the government of Sri Lanka and the Liberation Tigers of Tamil Eelam (LTTE). Censorship is incompatible with democratic governance'. We call on you to act immediately to lift the press restrictions and allow the Sri Lankan people access to free and unbiased information regarding the conflict; it says, "On June 5, Secretary to the Defence Ministry Chandra-nanda de Silva announced that you had ordered a ban on news about the civil war through regulations "prohibiting the publication and transmission of sensitive military information." The regulations are to apply to both foreign and local news media. The Defence Ministry statement said print and electronic media were prohibited from carrying news about military and police operations. They are also barred from making "any statement pertaining to the official conduct or the performance of the head or any member of any of the armed forces or the police force." No reason was given for these drastic regulations. On June 6, the ministry announced that all photographs, news reports and television material on the war must be submitted to screening by the military. This is the first time that Sri Lanka has appointed a military censor; similar press restrictions on war coverage were administered by civilians for several months in 1995 before being lifted. In an editorial, the Sunday Times of Sri Lanka said, "We hope this is not the first step towards martial law". In protesting the censorship, Sri Lankan newspapers left columns blank over the weekend. As an organization of journalists dedicated to defending the rights of our colleagues everywhere, we deplore these new regulations in the strongest possible terms. We are further reminded that your government came to power in 1994 pledging to strengthen democratic institutions in Sri Lanka. Instead, you have imposed the harshest form of control on the Sri Lankan media. It is our belief that a free and vibrant press is the cornerstone of democracy. We agree with our colleagues in the Free Media Movement of Sri Lanka who said in a statement on Tuesday: "it is a flagrant violation of the commitment made by this government in its election manifesto to defend media freedom...The Free Media movement believes that the imposition of censorship is aimed at preventing the media from reporting the truth about the war to the people of this country." We call on your excellency to act immediately to restore press freedom in Sri Lanka and to rescind the harsh censorship restrictions imposed by your government," the committee added in its fax signed by William A. Orme, Jr., Executive Director. 208 soldiers
killed, 63 missing, 212 seriously wounded Two hundred and eight army personnel have been killed and sixty three reported missing in action since May 28 when Jayasikuru troops resumed their advance in the North, Deputy Defence Minister Gen. Anuruddha Ratwatte told parliament yesterday. Speaking on the motion to extend the state of emergency, the Minister said that among the military personnel killed were ten officers. The Minister disclosed that 206 soldiers and 6 officers were seriously wounded in the fighting while 1269 soldiers and 55 officers sustained minor injuries. The Minister said that according to LTTE clandestine radio reports 225 terrorists had been killed and around 600 injured. He said that 13,051 deserters who returned to their posts have been deployed in the battle front. He appreciated the role played by the media to draw in these deserters back to the fold. Anura's rights plea fixed for October 8 The Fundamental Rights violation plea filed by UNP National List Member of Parliament, Mr. Anura Bandaranaike, was fixed for argument before the Supreme Court on October 8. The case was called yesterday and was listed top of the list for October 8. Mr. Bandaranaike in his rights violation plea has challenged the search of his Rosmead Place residence, by the Police and C.I.D. officers at 2.15 a.m. on February 11, 1997. The search party had said that they were looking for Susantha Pun-chinilame, UNP MP for Ratnapura District, who had been wanted in connection with the killing of Nalanda Ellawala, P.A. MP for Ratnapura District. The petition complained that the search party had not obtained a Magisterial Warrant to search the said residence and that there was no reason to suspect that Mr. Anura Bandaranaike was giving refuge to any wanted person. There had been two road checkpoints, before reaching the said residential area. Mr. Bandaranaike lived next to the private residences of the Prime Minister and the President. The petition alleged unequal treatment and violation of personal liberty. Leave to proceed was granted earlier. The respondents cited in the petition are, the I.G.P., the Director — C.I.D., I. V. Sumanasekera and Inspector Ampawela of the C.I.D. Deputy Solicitor General, Kolitha Dharmawardena, appeared for the respondents. President's Counsel Faiz Mustapha with Mr. Ananda Kas-thuriarachchi, Sanjeewa Jayewar-dene and Mrs. Faiza Mustapha Markar appeared for Mr. Anura Bandaranaike. The Bench comprised, Justice Dr. A. R. B. Amerasinghe, Justice Dr. Asoka de Z. Gunewardene and Justice D. P. S. Gunasekera. No-confidence motion against govt. At the UNP group meeting held yesterday morning at the parliamentary complex, it was unanimously resolved to move a motion of no-confidence against the government as "its handling of the North-East war was not satisfactory, political sources said. This decision was taken by the parliamentary group of the UNP following a proposal by Kalutara District MP Tilak Karunaratne some time back, according to these sources. It was also decided to call for a parliamentary debate on Minister Mangala Samara-weera's credit card deal and demand a statement from the Minister Samaraweera in parliament on this issue. Kandy District MP A. C. S. Hameed has proposed to summon a special group meeting to discuss political intimidations and attacks which are now prevalent in the country, the sources said. The motion to extend the state of emergency by a further month was passed in Parliament yesterday by a majority of 22 votes. 109 members voted for and 87 against. The, UNP, TULF and PLOTE opposed the motion. — (PG) ASP
Shanthi Kumar dies Assistant Superintendant of Police (Colombo North District III), Sabarathnam Shanthikumar yesterday morning succumed to his injuries around 10.15 a.m. at the Intensive Care Unit of the National Hospital.
According to the sources the CID had done a thorough on the spot investigation and had recorded the details. Police sources also requested the assistance of the public to help them arrest the killers of the ASP. All information should be given to the Director - CID. The identity of the informants will be kept strictly confidential. According to eye witness reports the ASP's car was attacked on Monday around 1.30 p.m. near the St. John's Fish Market in Pettah police area. ASP Shanthikumar was on his way home for lunch. The car was caught in a traffic snarl when the attackers lobbed a grenade into the car on the side where the ASP was seated. The attackers had escaped even before the explosion. Police said it was the work of an expert on the job. They had recovered the pin of the lever of the grenade at the scene. The grenade is reported to be of the type that is issued to the military, the police said. ASP Shanthikumar had received serious injuries to the lower part of his body and his driver constable Bandula Bogoda too had received injuries. Police are on the look out for two motor cycles and a white van which was seen in close proximity to the ASP's car before the explosion. The Police had recorded the statement of the driver but he had said he cannot recollect anything. Those who were in the know of the ASP said that he had received a number of threats ordering him to refrain from carrying out anti-underworld operations in areas under his purview, namely Grandpass and Kotahena. Police sources said at the time of his slaying the ASP was leading a major operation to cleanse one of the most corrupt areas in the city. Police sources said that several leading drug barons and other underworld figures were arrested in those operations. This had also angered some politicians in the area it is believed who had threatened the ASP ordering him to release the suspects. But the ASP had not faltered from his duties. ASP Shanthikumar joined the police force in 1976 as a Sub Inspector. He was an old boy of Jaffna Central Collage and St. John's Collage, Jaffna. He was promoted to the rank of ASP in 1994. He had been involred in a large number of cases including the "Tony Martian" case. He was a popular officer in the police as well as with journalists. He had served in the Vavuniya and Batticaloa. Shanthikumar was much involved in the promotion of rugby football. He had two daughters. Arts faculty students election results
suspension lifted The suspension of the student election results were lifted yesterday following the finding of the committe report, Vice Chancellor of the Colombo University, Prof. W. D. Lakshman said. The situation in the University of Colombo is gradually returning to normal, Prof. W. D. Lakshman, Vice Chancellor of the University said yesterday. Vice Chancellor was due to receive a report yesterday on the findings of the committee which looked into allegations regarding that part of the voting body which did not belong to the Faculty of Arts. They wanted the election to be cancelled, he said. Although the findings of the committee was due to be released yesterday, Prof. Lakshman was not avilable for comment at the time this edition went to press. This follows last Thursday’s dramatic hostage situation which arose in the Faculty of Arts, where the pro JVP student unionists locked up the Dean and some members of the academic staff. Later the Dean was rescued by the Police. Following this incident reports indicated over 100 were detained by the police and later 105 students were suspended from the University. The suspension period of the students had not been determined so far. The Vice Chancellor said he is ready to receive appeals from the students. The committee findings will indicate whether the cancellation of the election results are necessary after it rules on the eligibility of a group of students who voted, he said. Prof. Lakshman said the remainder of the 1,700 strong Arts Faculty students are currently attending lectures. Parliamentary lobby to protect child rights A group of Parliamentarians has come together and formed a "Parliamentary Lobby for Child Rights" to work towards the realization of child rights in Sri Lanka. Twenty Paliamentarians representation all the parties in the present Parliament pledged their support for the implementation of the UN Convention on the Rights of the Child. The UN Convention on the Rights of the Child (UN-CRC) was ratified by Sri Lanka in 1991. After the ratification Sri Lankan Government has formulated the Children's Charter and adopted it as a Policy Document. Nevertheless, there were very few efforts made to create a consciousness of the Rights of the Child and use the Convention/Charter as a framework to address children's needs. Therefore this group of Parliamentarians felt that there should be a national political movement which is above party politics and work towards the greater realisation of Child Rights. They pledge there support to promote CRC as a policy framework to set standards for children in Sri Lanka. "Parliamentary Lobby for Child Rights" will be formally inaugurated by Mr. K. B. Ratnayake, the Speaker of Parliament tomorrow (12) at 6.00 p.m. at Sri Lanka Foundation Institute, Colombo 7. Leader of the Opposition Mr. Ranil Wickremesinghe and the Minister of Justice, Constitutional Affairs, Ethnic Affairs & National Integration and Deputy Minister of Finance Prof. G. L. Peiris will be the Guests of Honour and make special addresses to mark this occasion. Leaders of the political parties, Parliamentarians, representatives of the diplomatic missions and other international organisations are invited to grace this occasion. This is the first time in the history of Sri Lanka such a Parliamentary Lobby has been formed. This initiative will be fully supported by the 'Save the Children Alliance - Sri Lanka (Save the Children (UK) and Redd Barna). BATTICALOA: LTTE area leader for Kanankuda in Batticaloa surrendered to army intelligence unit in Batticaloa town on Monday, security sources said. The Tiger Anandan Devan (23) a resident of Athamalai in Batticaloa had joined the LTTE movement in 1997 December and surrendered along with a grenade and cyanide capsule, the sources said. The Tiger was handed over to Crime Special Unit (CSU) in Batticaloa for further investigations. Foreign Minister meets with Prime Minister Girija Prasad Koirala The Minister of Foreign Affairs, Lakshman Kadirgamar, had a cordial meeting with the Prime Minister of Nepal, Girija Prasad Koirala, in the Prime Minister’s Office on Tuesday, states a Foreign Ministty press release. The Foreign Minister presented the invitation to the Prime Minister on behalf of President Chandrika Bandaranaike Kumara-tunga to attend the 10th SAARC Summit to be held in Colombo in July 1998. They discussed matters relating to the organization of the 10th SAARC summit as well as bilateral issues. The Prime Minister reiterated the unwavering commitment of the government and people of Nepal to enhance regional co-operation and expressed the view that the forthcoming Colombo Summit would provide a useful opportunity to further consolidate the ongoing regional cooperation. The Prime Minister said that in view of the recent events in the region, the forthcoming Summit would be a historic one. He also agreed to Sri Lanka’s suggestion to advance the Summit dates if necessary. The meeting with the prime minister was followed by an audience with His Majesty Birendra Bir Bikram Shah Dev, the King of Nepal in the course of which the Foreign Minister conveyed an invitation to the King, on behalf of the President of Sri Lanka, to undertake a State Visit to Colombo. His Majesty the King appreciated the efforts of the Government of Sri Lanka to host the 10th SAARC Summit in Colombo in July, and conveyed the best wishes of himself and the people of Nepal for the success of the Summit. The Foreign Minister also paid a courtesy call on the Minister of Finance, Dr. Ram Saran Mahat, where they discussed matters of bilateral interest. Minister launches SAARC
Trade Fair '98 It is the private sector that plays a greater role in the development process and I believe that if the public and private sectors get together the final achievements can be maximised. My ministry is extending the fullest co-operation in organising the SAARC Expo ’98 which will be a shop window to the world, Kingsley T. Wickramaratne Minister of Internal and International Commerce and Food observed. The minister was speaking at the official launch of the second SAARC Trade Fair ’98 in a five-star hotel in Colombo. He said that although Pakistan was to host the second SAARC Expo ’98, she agreed to our request to host the event because of the special significance for us as we are celebrating 50 years of independence and Sri Lanka is taking over the chairmanship of SAARC this year. Therefore the SAARC trade fair ’98 has a special significance and we propose to organise this fair not only as a regional fair for the SAARC members but also as a SAARC Expo which will attract worldwide buyers. We are therefore, promoting this fair throughout the world by direct mailing, through our Missions abroad and through the electronic media particularly the Internet. We have set a target of around 1500 buyers, which I am confident we will achieve, the minister said. The welcome address was made by Mr. Patrick Amarasinghe President, Federation of Chamber of Commerce and Industry of Sri Lanka (FCCISL). Mr. Mack Hashim, Vice President SAARC Chamber of Commerce and Industry made a presentation on 'Opportunities in SAARC Region and Fair Information'. ADB to give soft loan for development of
Wild Life resources The government of Sri Lanka has signed a Memorandum of Understanding with the Asian Development Bank for a US$ 35 million soft loan for a project to develop an investment plan for the conservation of the biodiversity in Sri Lanka and nurture tourism, according to Additional Director (Technical), Department of Wild Life Conservation, Sunil Liyanage . The financial assistance to come in the form of a soft loan, is to assist the Department of Wild Life Conservation in a five year Bio-diversity Conservation Project to commence operations in January 1999. It is proposed under the project to establish an effective and sustainable management of the country’s wild life and habitat resources. The executing agency of the project will be the Department of Wild Life Conservation and the Ministry of Public Administration, Ho-me Affairs and Plantation Industries. Under the proposed project a special team of consultants from the ADB, headed by Peter Moss, is currently working with a team of local consultants for the formulation of an initial report of recommendations on the development plan expected to be completed by end December this year. Sunil Liyanage further added that the seventeen member team (nine international and eight local consultants) was expected to submit the report to both the ADB and the Sri Lankan government for approval for execution in early 1999. It is further revealed that a local contribution of approximately 10% of the annual budgetary allocations of the Department of Wild Life Conservation was also expected to be approved for release for the said project following the approval of the expected recommendations by the team of consultants. The Team of consultants are to work with an advisory committee to attend to the main problems of conflicts between people and animals, land pressure, inter-departmental technical management, habitat degradation, conservation education, poverty and unemployment in areas around the National parks, Wild Life reserves and sanctuaries. The proposed ADB funded project is a continuation of the work carried out by the government with technical and financial support from the USAID and the United Nations Development Project and Global Environment Facility according to Liyanage. It is further revealed that the project was aimed at remedying a situation where recommendations of numerous other such studies and reports prepared on specific issues and activities have "not been acted upon to date". The project is to concentrate on a minimum of 5 protected areas in the southern and central parts of the country , inclusive of terrestrial and marine parks and sancturies in the wet and dry zones as well as conservation forests, contiguous corridors and agricultural lands adjacent to protected areas according to the Department. Liyanage further added that special emphasis under the project was expected to be placed on the areas of private sector development, institutional strengthening of the Department of Wild Life, the Department of Forests and other stake holders and the provision of effective protection, management and rehabilitation of wild life habitats between concerned government and NGO agencies and the enhancement of the livelihood of disadvantaged groups located in the fringes of the protected areas, particularly through eco tourism. MEP Gen. Sec. submits
memorandum for free and fair
election Mahajana Eksath Peramuna (MEP) General Secretary Attorney-at-Law Piyasena Dissanayake yesterday called upon the Commissioner of Elections Dayananda Dissanayake to ensure that the police and other public officers be allowed to discharge their election duties impartially. Mr. Dissanayake said this was as one of the most dangerous and undemocratic trends observed during elections was the ruling party bring to bear undue influence on police and other public officers. The General Secretary of MEP submitted a memorandum of MEP on the imperatives for a free and fair elections to Commissioner of Elections at the conference of secretaries of recognised political parties convened by Commissioner of Elections to brief them on nomination procedures on forthcoming Provincial Council Elections held at the Elections Secretariat, Rajagiriya yesterday. This meeting was convened after the term of office of Uva Provincial Council expired on June 6th and Central Provincial Council expired yesterday. The absence of ruling PA government General Secretary Minister D. M. Jayaratne was questioned by Janatha Vimukthi Peramuna (JVP) General Secretary Tilvin Silva. Only 12 of 34 recognised political parties were present for briefing. Commissioner of Elections Dayananda Dissanayake said that he could adhere to the request by some of the political parties present that to make the national identity card compulsory for voting when the necessary amendments to the Elections Act are enacted, explaining to the secretaries and representatives present nomination procedures which if not perfected properly could lead to rejection of their nomination. He said the period of nomination commences on 14th day after the date of publication of the notice and expires at 12 noon on the 21st day after publication and that date of poll will be a date not earlier than 5 weeks and not later than 8 weeks from the date of notice of poll under Section 22. The MEP General Secretary Piaysena Dissanayake explained and distributed copies of their memorandum to secretaries of political parties present at yesterdays meeting. |
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