In a bid to prevent easy access to Jaffna peninsula, security forces have regained Punguduthivu island from where small groups of infiltrators mounted operations aimed at crippling government efforts to restore civil administration, authoritative officials said this week. Punguduthivi situated just a couple of kms off the Jaffna coast was used extensively as a springboard against targets in the peninsula before Security Forces Headquarters, Jaffna sent in troops in early this month.

Approximately 2,400 people live there.

Special Boat Squadron [SBS] personnel had killed 16 terrorists including a self styled major before navy units moved in the first week of this month. Apart from the navy a contingent of army personnel had been also deployed at Punguduthivu. Two SBS personnel died in the operation. Three others had been wounded. At least 20 to 30 terrorists mostly of the Sea Tigers had been operating from Punguduthivu. "It had been used as a transit point," a navy officer said.

With the securing of Punguduthivu the navy has increased its presence in the northern theatre of naval operations. Units operate from Kayts, Karaithivu, Eluvathivu, Analathivu, Nainathivu and Delft and now Punguduthivu.

In the past few days navy seized two Indian trawlers along with a large quantity of fuel, lubricants and spare parts for vehicles. Seized goods are worth apprximately 700,000 rupees sources said. Ten Indians had been arrested and handed over to Kankesanthurai police for investigations, military sources said yesterday.

Apart from multi-million rupee trawlers, a small boat also had been seized in the northern waters. "We believe terrorists were short of fuel, spare parts and other supplies," a navy officer said adding that terrorists have been forced to bring in large quantities of supplies from South India in view of blocking of sea supply routes from the eastern province.

The seizure of Kuchchuveli-Pulmoddai and Valachchenai-Vakarai coastal belts in recent operations conducted by Army’s Third Division headquartered at Minneriya had considerably affected Sea Tiger movements from the east to Mullaithivu coast.

In an attempt to further put pressure on terrorists, troops have moved into Nagarkovil in eastern part of Vadamaratchchy. Nagarkovil has been used as a landing point for small groups of infiltrators sent from Wanni to conduct clandestine operations in the peninsula.

Contrary to speculation and reports, troops remain in control of the peninsula. "Information from civilians continue to come in," a senior officer said adding that slowly but steadily terrorists were losing their arms hidden in the peninsula to carry out operations against the forces. In the recent most detection, troops recovered a large quantity of arms, ammunition including mortar bombs buried at Mirusuvil military sources said.

A police constable attached to the Special Investigations Unit of Vavuniya police had been shot dead by an unidentified gunman yesterday (17).

The police constable (5494) Sivanandaraja (39) had gone to Chintha Kovil in Vavuniya at about 7.00 a.m. when the gunman in hiding had shot the constable on the head killing him instantly.

Initial police investigations had revealed that there had been death threats to this constable from several Tamil organisations.

Two hundred doctors serving in government hospitals in Anuradhapura district launched a one-day token strike yesterday (16) in protest against the decision of the Provincial Director Health Service refusing to improve the medical facilities of the Anuradhapura Base Hospital.

Thousands of patients of the area are reported to have undergone untold hardship yesterday due to the trade union action of the doctors. However, the routine treatment for injured soldiers and other emergency cases were maintained at each hospital.

The GMOA Branch Union in Anuradhapura resorted to trade union action after series of unsuccessful discussions with the authorities concerned with regard to the present sad state of affairs at the Anuradhapura Hospital in which many injured soldiers are housed, according to the GMOA.

The GMOA’s main demand was that vascular surgical facilities be provided to the hospital forthwith and sterility inside the surgical theatres be ensured by repairing their broken doors and damaged floors. The GMOA believes that the rate of amputation of limbs and arms of injured soldiers could drastically be reduced with the provision of vascular surgical facilities at the hospital. The second demand was the irregular deferment of doctor transfers in the province by the PDHS be stopped.

The GMOA also wanted the PDHS to submit his apology to the doctors at the Anuradhapura Hospital for his alleged indecent conduct at his meeting with the GMOA representatives on Wednesday (15).

It has also decided to launch a continuous strike in the North Central Province hospitals from Tuesday (21) if their demands are not given before that.

The GMOA in a press release yesterday claimed the one-day token strike launched at Anuradhapura was a total success.

The following is the full text of the release:

The One Day token strike launched by the GMOA Branch Union, Anuradhapura, was a complete success. At the branch union meeting held on 17.7.98 at 8.00 a.m. attended by all members of the branch union, it was unanimously decided to launch a continuous strike action from 21.07.98 if the demands put forward are not met by the Provincial Director of Health Services, North Central Province by this date.

During the continuous trade union action on 21.07.98, Base Hospital, Polonnaruwa, will also be included.

However, war casualties and medical emergencies will be attended to as usual

The first phase of the two restoration projects of the Beira Lake by the Colombo Environment Improvement Project ( CEIP) which comes under the Ministry of Housing and Urban Development, commenced on July 14.

According Roy Jayasinge, Director CEIP, there are approximately 5000 illegal drain connections through which pollutant and sewerage flow into the lake. The phase I will undertake to intercept all illegal connections in order to control the loading, construct sewerage lines and make certain improvements and develop shore areas. Mr. Jayasinge said that two existing pumping stations in Polwatta, Colpetty and Slave Island in the Eliphant House area will be renovated and expanded while a new pumping station will be constructed at Vauxhall Street.

The first phase of the restoration project which is 90% funded by the World Bank and handled by a Chinese Company will cost Rs750 million, Mr. Jayasinge said, adding that it is expected to be completed in November next year. Negotiations with various donors for financial assistance for phase II is now in progress, he said. President Chandrika Bandara-naika has intruduced interim measures for short term improvement to the lake, which will cost Rs. 32 million, Mr. Jayasinge added.

Dredging, removal of algae and major development work on show areas will be undertaken under phase II. Meanwhile a massive programme for the under-served(low income) settlements by the Clean Settlement Project also to be funded by the World Bank are now at the final stages of discussion, Mr. Jayasinge said. Under this programme they will improve the living conditions of these under- served settlements in the greater Colombo area.

A presentation of the first copies of the interim report of the Sinhala Commission to the Dalada Maligawa and the Mhanayake Theras of the three Nikayas will take place at a religious ceremony at the Asgiriya Vihare, Kandy at 2 p.m. today.

The copies of the report will be first presented to the Dalada Maligawa and thereafter to the Mahanayake Theras at the International Buddhist Centre of the Asgiriya Vihare.

This report was published by the National Joint Committee as a result of a request by a large number of persons including members of the Maha Sangha. The report deals with the government’s proposals for constitutional reforms including the devolution package and the intention of the government to adopt extra constitutional methods to implement them.

A public meeting will be held in Colombo for the formal presentation of the report to the people on July 21 at 3 p.m. at the All Ceylon Buddhist Congress Hall, Colombo 07.

The members of the Maha Sangha, Cabinet Ministers, the Leader of the Opposition representatives of political parties and the public have been invited to attend it.

Ven. Urulawatte Dhammaratana Nayaka Thera a member of the Karaka Sabha of the Asgiri Chapter said the massive and representative gathering that had assembled to pay their last respects, that day, to Mr. Maitripala Sena-nayake, was in itself evidence of the high esteem they held the late leader for the dedications with which he had worked for the cause of the masses and his integrity.

Ven. Dhammaratana Nayaka Thera was delivering an "anusasana" at the funeral of Mr. Senanayake at Haris-chandra Park Anuradha-pura on Thursday.

A large gathering of members of the Buddhist clergy and other religious denominations and laity from all parts of the country were present on the occasion.

The Nayaka Thera said Mr. Senanayake was a politician above board, who worked with utmost dedication to improve the lot of the down-trodden Raja Rata peasentry in particular and the poor people elsewhere in general.

His demise therefore was a tragic loss to the entire country. The void he left behind was hard to fill.

The contribution he made to develop agriculture and industry was immense. He was a leader who understood the value of humanity and rendered an equally good service to promote the religion. He was one great son of the soil who would be remembered for long by the people.

The Ven. Pallegama Siri Nivasa Nayaka Thera of Atamastana. (Eight Sacred places of worship at Anuradha-pura) and the Chief Priest of the North Central Province speaking on behalf of the Malwatta Chapter said the endeavour the late leader made for the diversion of Mahaveli to enrich the Raja Rata soil to ensure the prosperity of the peasentry was praiseworthy. He did that due to his understanding of the aspirations of the cultivators of his home soil. One could not forget how the late leader brought about an agricultural renaissance through which he changed the destiny of the Raja Rata peasentry. He transformed foot paths in the villages into streets and poverty in the villages to prosperity.

Leaders of the mettle of the late Maitripala Senanayake the country would not get for ages, the Nayaka Thera asserted.

The Ven. Kotugoda Dhammawasa Nayaka Thera said the late leader during his fifty-year political career represented the cultivators of Raja Rata and rendered them socially, economically and religiously a service par-excellence.

He led a great life true to the last letter of his name.

His Lordship Os-wald Gomis, Bishop of Anuradhapura said, the demise of Mr. Sena-nayake was an unbearable loss. Though there is revenge, animosity and such other ugly features associated with local politics, he steered clear of all of them. He did not underestimate, ill-treat or ignored anyone.

He treated friend and foe alike. That was one of the greatest qualities in him. Irrespective of whatever heights he attained, he always remained humble, simple and unassuming. He treated those belonging to minority groups in a friendly spirit.

Speaker K. B. Rat-nayake said the old and young alike knew the service the great leader had rendered. He strived hard to develop the country irrespective of the Government in power. There was nothing unknown between Mr. Senanayake and him. They were so close to each other. Mr. Ratnayake said "I proudly claim that the late leader was my political guru." In serving the masses he did not think in terms of creed, caste, religion and community. He discharged with utmost dedication and care whatever service others expected of him.

While working with him, they were able to learn much. Those lessons would come in good stead in the future." Emulating his policies to their last letter, Mr. Ratnayake expressed hope of achieving peace that was eluding the country for some time.

The former Chief Minister of NCP Jaya-sena Dissanayake, Ministers Mahinda Raja-pakse, Dharmasiri Senanayake and Maitri-pala Sirisena were among others who spoke.

Pansil was administered by the Ven. Pahamune Gunananda Nayaka thera of the Malwatta Chapter.

The pyre was lit by two nephews of the late Mr. Senanayake, Messrs. Tissa Kara-liyadda, MP and Sanjeewa Wattewewa.

The Ceylon Mercantile Union (CMU) has complained to the director of the Criminal Investigation Department, the DIG Kelaniya and the Minister of Labour against what the union calls a ‘murderous attack’ on its branch organiser at a factory division of Loadstar (pvt.) Ltd.

CMU sources told ‘The Island’ yesterday that the assaulted branch organiser - Jayathu Bandara - was warded at the Ragama hospital following injuries sustained during the attack on July 13. He remained hospitalised yesterday. When asked whether the attack on Jayathu Bandara was directly connected to the newly-initiated trade union activities in the Air Tyre Division (ATD) of Loadstar, the sources said, "yes". He said other trade union activists had received threats earlier after the formation of a ‘temporary committee’ representing CMU members at the ATD.

According to the injured man’s complaint, he was taken from his home at Visakha Garden in Ekala, Ja Ela, blindfolded on the night of July 13 by 4 unidentified persons. The men had come in a white van. He was allegedly assaulted heavily by these men. A CMU letter to Loadstar (pvt.) Ltd. points out that he was left for dead in a stream at Bopitiya, Pamunu-gama. However, he struggled out and made it to the Ragama hospital with the help of others in the vicinity.

The letter to the company reiterates "we have good reason to believe that the attack upon Mr. Jayathu Bandara was instigated by a director of your company."

"In the above circumstances, we wish to know whether your company (Loadstar) is prepared to denounce the murderous attack made upon Mr. Bandara, and to recognise and deal with our union, in respect of the workers at the ATD factory, who are our members - whether or not a director of your company was responsible for the above-mentioned attack," it states.

The CMU created a branch office at Loadstar on June 19 this year. Jayathu Bandara was appointed president of its temporary committee. Following the attack, the employees of the company staged a one-day token strike on July 15. The members of the CMU branches on companies in Ja Ela and Ekala - including Eveready Battery, Keells Food, Polytex, Richard Pieris, etc. - staged a picketing campaign. However, after being requested by the police to drop the campaign as they were conducting investigations, the workers suspended the campaign.

The CMU has now pressed the police to take speedy action against the wrong-doers in the incident.

The Annual Prize Giving of St. Benedict's Primary, Kotahena will held today (18) at the College hall.

John N. L. C. Fer-nando, IBM Digital, Sales Manager, ASEN/South Asia Region will be chief guest on this occasion.

Madina Medical Centre in Faizalabad, Pakistan will send a medical team to work in collaboration with the Sri Lanka Eye Donation Society and Nugegoda Midtown Lions Club. The eye camp to be held in Colombo has been timed to coincide with the Heads of State Summit (SAARC) to be held in Colombo at the end of July, according to a press release of the High Commission of Pakistan.

Pakistani eye surgeons will examine and treat free of charge patients on 27th, 28th and 29th of this month, at the Eye Bank Building, Vidya Mawatha, Colombo 7 (near SSC cricket grounds). Those who are operated will receive cataract glasses. Priority will be given to patients who bring a letter of introduction from any branch of the Eye Donation Society or any Lions Club.

The High Commission of Pakistan is working in close co-operation with the Eye Donation Society to make this project a success. Director and Eye Surgeon Colombo, Eye Hospital Dr. Upali Mendis and Eye Surgeon M. H. S. Cassim have promised every possible help and will look after the operated patients after the Pakistani eye surgeons leave the country.

"Cigars can be just as lethal as cigarettes contrary to the popular misconception that cigars are a safe alternative to cigarettes. Many believe cigar smokers do not inhale the smoke, but many cigar smokers - especially those who switched over from cigarettes - do inhale, often without realising it," says a report issued by National Cancer Institute (NCI).

In its report the NCI pointed out why cigars can be as lethal as cigarettes to both smokers and non-smokers.In the case of the former, smoking 1-2 cigars a day, even if not inhaled, doubles a person’s risk for many cancers. Smoking more than 2 a day, or inhaling, can increase risk of some cancers 27-53 times. According to the report cigar smoke releases more than 4000 chemicals, including many known carcinogens. Non-smokers too are affected as the report pointed out. Compared to a cigarette, a large cigar emits up to 20 times the ammonia, 5-10 times more cadmium (a carcinogen), and as much as 90 times more highly carcinogenic nitrosamines. It has also been found out that cigar smoke from a single cigar can take upto 5 hours to dissapitate. A test conducted in the US revealed that the concentration of carbon monoxide at 2 cigar social events exceeded those found on a busy California freeway.

Dr. B.Randeniya, Director of the Cancer Institute, Maharagama speaking to ‘The Island’ said that approximately 43% of all cancer patients are suffering from tobacco related illnesses. Lung cancer is the predominant illness related to tobacco and the victims suffer chronic lung infections, vomiting blood and difficulty in breathing.

The Swarna Hansa Foundation is a non-government organisation that campaigns against tobacco addiction and organises awareness programmes to educate the people about the dangers in smoking. According to Dr. Randeniya the awareness programmes about the hazards of smoking have had some effect as tobacco consumption is reported to have dropped.

WHO has projected that 10 million people will die annually worldwide from tobacco by the year 2025 and that 7 million of these deaths will be in the developing countries.

There have been campaigns all over the world about the effects of tobacco and the harm it causes to people. The advertising directive, which has been strongly fought between health and tobacco interests has been passed by the Environment Committee of the European Union (EU) , which means that the EU’s top body, its council must now pass it. After that every member state and all those who want to join the EU will have to pass legislation to ban all tobacco advertising. In Malaysia, the Health Ministry is introducing a programme in all hospitals and healthcare centres to help people who want to stop smoking, in the UK scienists have urged the government to restrict smoking in public places after concluding that passive smoking causes lung cancer and heart disease. In Russia President Boris Yeltsin took to the Internet for an on-line chat recently and talked about lifelong abhorrence to smoking. "I’ve never smoked in my life, never tried smoking at all," he said. "It does great damage to society, to people and of course we should fight this evil".

Although 33,000 Samurdhi Niyamakas are in service, only 12,000 could be made permanent in their jobs, it was said in an application alleging violation of Fundamental Rights, filed by three Samurdhi Niyamakas, in the Supreme Court.

These three petitioners, complained about a recent criteria adopted to select persons for permanency in service.

The petitioners, D. A. Sisira Kumara of Dikkumbura in Galle and two others, said that the latest criteria is arbitrary and in violation of the expectations that they had since they joined the service in 1995.

The petitions said that, early this year, the Trade Unionists of the Samurdhi Niyamakas, had met the officials of the Ministry of Samurdhi and Youth Affairs, and also the other connected authorities, and came to the understanding that the persons, who had six passes, at the G.C.E. Ordinary Level, will be considered for being made permanent. But, later on there had been a variation on the criteria for the selection to permanency.

Petitioners had been informed by the respective Divisional Authorities, that those who had six passes, inclusive of the credits and inclusive of passes in language and arithmetic or mathematics, will be selected for permanency.

This will eliminate a large number of persons, who had rendered a good service for over three years, the petition said.

The persons, who had six ordinary level passes, should be called for the interview and they should be given marks for efficiency at work, the petition said.

The petition alleged arbitrary treatment, in violation of Article 12 (1) of the Constitution.

The petition requested the court to grant leave to proceed and to declare the violation of Fundamental Rights. Each petitioner claimed Rs. 75,000 in damages.

The Supreme Court yesterday granted leave to proceed on the alleged infringement of Article 12 (1).

R. K. W. Goone-sekera, with Suranjith Hewamanna and Ms. Kishali Pinto Jaye-wardene, instructed by Ms. Lilanthi de Silva, appeared for the petitioners, the Samurdhi Niyamakas.

The first respondent in the petition is the Minister of Samurdhi and Youth Affairs.

The bench comprised, Justice Mark Fernando, Justice Asoka de Z. Gune-wardene and Justice L. H. G. Weerasekera.

Objections, if any, are to be filed by the respondent Minister, the Secretary to the Ministry and others, by August 17.

Hearing was fixed for October 9.

The Fundamental Rights violation plea filed by Dr. S. T. G. R. de Silva, challenging the appointment of Dr. H. A. P. Kahandaliyanage, as the Deputy Director General of Medical Service was called before the Supreme Court yesterday and fixed for argument on November 18 and 20.

Mr. R. K. W. Goone-sekera appeared for Dr. Kahanda-liyanage, cited as one of the respondents.

President's Counsel, Ikram Mohammad, appeared for the petitioner, Dr. S. T. G. R. de Silva, while Shavindra Fer-nando, Senior State Counsel, appeared for the first respondent, the Public Services Commission.

The bench comprised Justice Mark Fernando, Justice Dr. Asoka de Z. Gunewar-dene and Justice L. H. G. Weerasekera.

The School of Agriculture, Kundasale will celebrate its Golden Anniversary this year with a special tree planting ceremony on July 18th and 19th in Colombo. The tree planting ceremony will commence at 9.45 a.m. on July 18th and the old girls will plant these trees on some of the roads and streets of Colombo which need shade.

A meeting will be held at Hotel Janaki at 11 a.m. after the lighting of the pahana which will follow with a speech by the President of the Farm School Past Pupils' Association and the Patron after which the Colombo Mayor Karu Jayasuriya will address the gathering.

A highlight will be the talk to be delivered by guest speaker Mrs. Irangani Serasinghe.