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President tells new police chief President Chandrika Kumaratunga has directed Inspector General of Police Lucky Kodituwakku to establish a special unit to investigate the plundering of priceless archaeological treasures, which has reached alarming proportions, official sources said. The President has drawn the attention of the IGP to allegations of connivance of local police in some of these incidents and directed the police chief to appoint a special unit preferably drawn from the CID to probe these robberies, these sources said. The Presidential directive follows recommendations made by Religious and Cultural Affairs Minister Lakshman Jayakody for urgent and immediate action at the highest level to curb this growing threat, according to these sources. The latest in a spate of robberies of archaeological treasures was last week’s plundering of five priceless guardstones from the 2000 year old Watadage in Medirigiriya. Treasure hunters had destroyed the foundation and ripped out the guardstones in this most shocking destructive trend of plundering ancient archaeological sites. The President has ordered the police chief to investigate all such cases of vandalism and initiate comprehensive and stringent action to bring to book those responsible. The President has said that instances of plundering these priceless treasures have become frequent and there are suspicions whether an organised group is behind this ‘operation’. President Kumaratunga has also drawn the attention of IGP Kodituwakku to ‘The Island’ lead story of August 26,1998 under the headline ‘treasure hunters plunder priceless guardstones’. Britain to advice on approach to resolve
ethnic conflict British efforts to help Sri Lanka end the North East crisis continues with fresh moves to educate the ruling party, Opposition MPs and also the Tamil community on the need to adopt a common approach to resolve the conflict. British High Commissioner David Tatham is scheduled to participate in a workshop for politicians and others at the Villa Ocean View Hotel next Saturday. A government spokesperson said that the head of the History and Political Science Department of the University of Ulster Prof. Thomas Fraser and Miss Annie Fraser of the Northern Ireland Women’s Coalition who have both played key roles in formulating the Northern Ireland Peace Agrrement would be guest speakers at the workshop. Minister of Justice Prof. G.L. Peiris will make the key note address at the workshop. The list of invitees numbering sixty will include representatives of political parties, academics, journalists and non governmental organisations. The workshop which will largely be an interactive one has been organised by the National Integration Project Unit of the Ministry of Justice in alliance with the International Centre for Ethnic studies headed by TULF Parliamentarian Neelan Tiruchelvam. It aims to educate Sri Lankan politicians and others about how the British managed to bring about a solution to its own conflict in Northern Ireland. Prof. Fraser who arrived in Colombo yesterday will fly to Jaffna on Thursday where he is acheduled to deliver a lecture at the Jaffna University. He is also scheduled to meet senior officials of both the military, and the civilian administration in the area. He will return to Colombo on Friday in time to attend the workshop. Prior to his Jaffna visit he will hold a lecture at the ICES office at 5:30 pm tomorrow on the topic "The Northern Ireland Agreement as a Model for Divided Societies". Miss Campbell who arrives on Thursday will make a presentation at the workshop on the topic "Did Women Make a Difference: The Northern Ireland Women’s Coalition in the Peace process. Overt British efforts to bring about a solution to the crisis first came in the form a visit by the Member of the British House of Commons Liam Fox in early 1997. He brokered an agreement between the Leader of the Opposition Ranil wickremesinghe and President Chandrika Kumaratunga. The most recent development was a speech made by the British High Commissioner in Nallur Jaffna at a civic reception hosted by the Municipal Council where he called for an end to expatriate funding of the LTTE. This was on August 21 where he stressed that the government was committed to peace. President considers me as an ‘enemy’ Opposition and UNP Leader Ranil Wickremesinghe said that apart from the North and East war situation, the plundering of votes and politicising everything are the major threats to the country’s democracy. To eradicate this pathetic trend we proposed an All Party Conference which had been rejected by Minister G. L .Peiris. Despite his refusal, we will go ahead with the idea along with all other democratic segments of society to ensure a healthy political environment in the country, he vowed. The UNP Leader was addressing a meeting on Monday at the Shalika Hall in Narahenpita organised to establish the Colombo West UNP Balamandalaya. He further said: "Our country has been under parliamentary democracy for the past 67 years. A country becomes democratic only when the people’s participation in governing is ensured. Peoples’ participation is established with their right to vote. In democracy the masses must be able to elect people of their choice to govern the country and to work with them. In short, when people participate in governing and enjoy the results of their democratic rights, then democracy is really in force. What we expect from our proposal to establish three independent commission of elections, police and public services, is to protect these democratic rights," he noted. "It is obvious that politicising of every process of society has reached its unprecedented worst level during the past four years under the PA government. Every available opportunity is offered only to their supporters while the others are branded as rivals. Everybody is not a PA member. How can the country be united and developed by practising this kind of discriminatory policy? Today the public is questioning the results and privileges they can enjoy under this kind of democracy. The reason for this situation, as we understand, is that President Kumaratunga who had been brought up in a politicised framework does not have a way out of it. She is having another problem that having tasted power, she is now reluctant to relinquish it accepting the ‘unavoidable defeat’," the UNP leader charged. If the PA tries to win elections by plundering votes, it would be an attack not on the UNP but on the PA voters who respect democracy, he said. Mr. Wickremesinghe said that the process of politicising has reached such a level that despite making attempts to resolve the war situation of the country, the President had taken him as the ‘common enemy’." Though I have extended my fullest support to the government during times of national crisis, I cannot back up the PA’s political package considering the opposition of the people to it. Then I told them to make the package unobjectionable to the people by making some amendments. If they are reluctant to pay heed to my request, there is no point in blaming me. I feel very sorry for refusing to extend my helping hand to protect rights of the people," Mr. Wickremesinghe said. "Under any Constitution, the right of the people to vote has to be ensured and any changes can be made using that as a basis. Therefore we proposed to prepare a report after consulting all segments of society including political parties, trade unions, human rights organisations and religious associations. A report prepared after this process of consultation is probably acceptable to the majority. I don’t want the credit of preparing this report and legalising and implementing the recommendations of it. If the PA does it, it will gain advantage. If not the UNP will do it under its government in future. Though the UNP can do it alone, I don’t want a report acceptable only to the UNP members. That’s why an All Party Conference was suggested" Mr. Wickremesinghe said. By refusing an All Party Conference, the PA had made it very clear that it wanted to continue the plundering of votes and politicisation further, he charged. "I will take possible step to guarantee a new political culture and the right to vote," he added. Colombo Mayor and Chairman of the Colombo West UNP Balamandalaya Karu Jayasuriya and Kegalle District MP Kabir Azis also spoke. President
wishes SL cricket team President Chandrika Kumaratunga in a congratulatory message to the Sri Lankan cricket team following its victory over England in the one off Test cricket match on Monday says: "Please convey my warmest congratulations to every member of the team. All of you have contributed to this great achivement. I send my special congratulations to Sanath Jayasuriya for his brilliant double century, to Aravinda de Silva for his classic century, to Muralitharan for his record tally of 16 wickets and to you for your wise and able leadership of the team. The entire nation is very proud of your magnificent victory". COLOMBO, Aug. 30 — The LTTE has sought the support of the South African President, Mr. Nelson Mandela, in his capacity as Chairman of the Non-Aligned Movement (NAM), "to impress upon the Government of Sri Lanka to abandon its aggressive military policy and seek a negotiated settlement based on the principles enunciated at the Thimpu talks". In a letter written by its "Political Committee", the LTTE justified its right for self-determination, stating that while "originally the principle of self-determination, was applied specifically to people under colonial domination, in contemporary times the principle has broader application in that it incorporates people facing various modes of oppression." The NAM, the letter stated, "has been championing the cause of the oppressed people in their struggle for self-determination and political independence." Charging the Sri Lankan Government with initiating "a hidden agenda", through a "well-worked out programme of military conquest", the LTTE said the "much-publicised ‘peace package’ upon which several countries had pinned their hopes and expectation for an eventual solution to the Tamil conflict has now become a dead letter." Moreover, the latest LTTE letter, "released by the LTTE International Secretariat, London," comes against the backdrop of unconfirmed reports that the organisation is in the process of shifting its international headquarters, possibly to South Africa, as the U. K. is contemplating stricter laws to combat international terrorism. (Hindu) Consensus must to settle Tamil issue MADRAS, India, Sept 1 (Reuters) — Sri Lanka sees a political consensus among the Sinhalese majority as a prerequisite to a negotiated settlement with separatist rebels, Justice and Constitutional Affairs Minister Gamini Peiris said on Tuesday. "We are not only willing but eager to talk to the LTTE (Liberation Tigers of Tamil Eelam)," Peiris told a news conference in the southern Indian city of Madras. "However, the proposals we put forward to the LTTE should command the acceptance of the (ruling) People’s Alliance and the UNP (opposition United National Party), in fact the entire Sinhala polity, otherwise there would be cynicism from the LTTE." Peiris said the LTTE should be prepared for dialogue that addressed political issues and not just humanitarian concerns. He ruled out any scope for third-party mediation in this effort. The LTTE has been fighting for a separate homeland in Sri Lanka’s north and east since 1983, accusing the Sinhalese majority of oppressing the Tamil minority. The government said in 1996 that over 50,000 people had died in the war, and since then several thousand more soldiers and rebels have been killed or wounded in many battles. Peiris said current military operations against the rebels in the north of the country were an unfortunate but necessary part of the government’s efforts to resolve the decades-long ethnic conflict. "The present operation is a regrettable necessity to reduce the military capability of the LTTE," he said. He added that he saw a crucial role for India in resolving the ongoing conflict. "I don’t mean a physical role or anything like the IPKF (Indian Peace-Keeping Force), but one of providing moral support, their goodwill and cooperation is essential." Then Indian Prime Minister Rajiv Gandhi sent in Indian troops in 1987 to disarm the Tamil Tiger rebels under an accord with the Sri Lankan government. The accord quickly fell into disarray and the Indian army ended up fighting fierce battles with LTTE guerrillas. Between 1,000 and 1,200 Indian soldiers died and about 2,000 were wounded until the troops’ abrupt withdrawal in March 1990. The minister said he did not see the Indian government’s request for the extradition of Tamil Tiger supremo Velupillai Prabhakaran, for his alleged role in the assassination of Gandhi, as a problem in bilateral ties. "There has not been any decisive development in this regard. Also, that’s not an element in the situation that is requiring any attention." IMF happy with Sri Lanka’s rupee depreciation COLOMBO, Sept 1 (Reuters) — The International Monetary Fund (IMF) on Tuesday said it was happy with the gradual devaluation of the Sri Lankan rupee against the U.S. dollar. "We are happy with the managed float regime of the government. We are confident it will not permit a major fluctuation," said a senior IMF official in Colombo who did not wish to be identified. He said the way the exchange rate is being managed, the IMF was fairly comfortable that it will not be mismanaged. "The competitiveness of Sri Lanka has suffered due to the gradual devaluation compared to that of regional currencies, but nevertheless we do not see it reflected in export figures," the IMF official said. The Central Bank said earlier this month the country’s exports grew by 8.3 percent to $2.22 billion in the first six months of this year against $2.05 billion in the same period last year. The IMF official said it was not in favour of a one-off devaluation of the rupee. Report of Economists covers all major issues
facing NAM South African Minister of Trade and Industry Alec Owen said on Tuesday in Durban that the Report of the Panel of Economists submitted by Dr. Gamini Corea was a wide-ranging review of almost all major issues and problems affecting the developing countries and NAM members in particular. "It is a good basis for a program or an Agenda of action for the NAM," he added. An Information Department press release said that there was general agreement at the Foreign Ministers' Meeting that the report allowed a fairly extensive debate on matters even outside its content on key socio-political issues of the world? The report was a sequel to the appointment of an ad-hoc Panel of Economists at the New Delhi Meeting of Foreign Ministers on the initiative of Sri Lanka. The report will be incorporated to the summit documentation and proposals made at the panel discussion will also be reviewed, said the Minister. South Africa, as the new Chairman of NAM will be mandated to have discussions with countries and relevant institutions to carry forward the discussions in order to finalise an Agenda of action. Consensus was reached by Foreign Ministers to mandate the Chairman of NAM to clarify, priorities and define an agenda on the socio-economic front for NAM, to strengthen the research network that could develop such an agenda. It was also decided that South Africa should work out the mechanism whereby the agenda would be translated into action through negotiations etc. It was also generally agreed that an inclusive approach where common problems of all parties including the developed world would be considered should be taken. As the South African Deputy president stressed during his intervention at the meeting it was agreed that the problems of the developing world affects the developed world too. The Foreign Ministers also noted that there could be diverse opinions among NAM members themselves regarding emphasis etc. due to their individual national concerns and hence every attempt should be made to accommodate them as far as possible. Among major issues discussed at the panel discussion were debt relief and commodities. The need for a positive agenda in this respect was once again emphasised. Following the summits determination to reorient NAM in a more action oriented way South Africa, the new chairman will be preparing a working program for the NAM Bureau meeting in New York in September. It was also decided to have an increased input of common concerns at the next round of WTO negotiations coming up this September. Replying to a question, the South African Minister said that consultations with the experts on the ad hoc panel would be continued though there was no decision to extend their mandate. The Foreign Ministers also deliberated on the monetary crises and agreed on the necessity of some kind of monitoring and supervision of monetary flows. In this respect, South Africa has proposed the convening of a conference on finance and money. There was a sense of urgency on this issue at the meeting. VAVUNIYA: Residents of Vavuniya are to be issued kerosene oil on permits with effect from Sept. 1 on orders of the Ministry of Defence. Accordingly each family in Vavuniya would be entitled to receive three to ten litres for a given period of time. Meanwhile an escapee from a torture chamber maintained by an armed gang in Vavuniya had surrendered to the Parish Priest of St. Anthony's Church, Vavuniya. The Parish Priest in turn had handed the escapee to Vavuniya police. "Look into the needs of people in uncleared areas" Dr. Jayalath Jayawardena, UNP Member of Parliament, has expressed concern that adequate measures are not being taken to look into the needs of people living in uncleared areas of the Mullaitivu, Kilinochchi, Mannar and Vavuniya Districts. In a news release he says that there are about 455,000 people living in uncleared areas of those districts and out of this about 345,000 are displaced and living under very pathetic conditions. Dr. Jayawardena said that he was made to understand that the decision made by the Commissioner General of Essential Services to provide dry rations for 190,000 people in these districts meant that only 45% of the total displaced persons in these uncleared areas were provided for by the Government. He adds that it is no exaggeration when he says that the cut of dry rations such as rice, dhal and sugar has affected the people most in need especially the children to a situation verging on starvation. Further, the basic amenities such as medicine, agricultural inputs and kerosene are deprived to these people, he said. Dr. Jayawardena called upon the Government to send a delegation of officials with the ICRC to ascertain the real situation in uncleared areas as it is the responsibility of the Government of Sri-Lanka to provide basic amenities to its people irrespective of their ethnicity and where they live. 77 displaced persons reach Gurunagar Jetty The Defence Ministry in a press release said that on Monday around 6.10 a.m. troops operating ahead of defences Northwest of Kunchikkulam observed a terrorist movement and engaged with small arms and mortars. Troops continue to dominate areas ahead of defences. On Sunday around 7.10 p.m. at Kilinochchi troops on patrol observed terrorist movement and engaged with small arms and mortars causing the terrorists to withdraw with their casualties. Also on Sunday during daytime at Gurunagar in Jaffna District 77 displaced persons of 22 families reached Gurunagar Jetty from uncleared areas. Chairman, Uswatte Group passes away Mr. P. J. C. (Christy) Perera, a pioneering local industrialist and founder of Uswatte Confectionery Works Ltd., died on 30th August 1998. He was also Chairman of Uswatte Group of Companies and was 72 years of age. He started his confectionery manufacturing operation together with his brother Anton, as a domestic industry in the year 1956, after having worked as a storekeeper at a mercantile establishment for a few years. Their products caught up well in the local market and their brand names "Glucorasa" and "Uswatte" became popular quite fast. Snacks, Wafers, Instant drinks and Potato chips introduced later on, under the brand names of Tipi Tip, Darling and Chirpy Chip too became known in every nook and corner of the country. He was the first president of the Confectionery Manufactures Association of Sri Lanka. Mr. Perera’s remains now lies at his residence at Glucorasa Niwasa, Ratmalana. The funeral will be held on Thursday, September 3rd at St. Mary’s Church Burial Grounds, Ratmalana. IGP tells policemen law and politics are
different The new Inspector General of Police Lucky Kodituwakku yesterday cautioned his officers and men not to mix their legitimate law enforcement duties with politics. "Police are police, politics are politics, don’t try to mix police with politics", he warned. Mr. Kodituwakku was addressing a news conference at Police Headquarters shortly after assuming duties as the country’s new police chief yesterday morning. He called upon the media to work in close coordination and collaboration with the police. ‘This is of vital importance’, he stressed. Action will be taken to appoint an information officer for the police to maintain a close rapport with the media, he said. IGP Kodituwakku explained that measures will be initiated to enhance welfare facilities to all police officers and specially to those in active duty in the North and East. The new IGP admitted that there is a shortage of officers in the Police Department and that he would take appropriate action to fill such vacancies. Mr. Kodituwakku assumed duties at Police Headquarters amidst blessings from religious dignitaries and what was most striking at the ceremony was that the new IGP shook hands with all police officers present, irrespective of their ranks. Another special feature at this occasion was the presentation of a sum of Rs. 500,000 to three police officers who had been wounded in action. A meeting of all reserve police officers who have completed the age of 60 years in terms of Public Administration Circular No. 37/94 dated October 21, 1994 pertaining to reserve police service, has been convened on September 04, 1998 at 10 a.m. at the auditorium of the Public Library, Colombo. This meeting has been convened to form a welfare society for the officers of Sri Lanka Reserve Police Service to agitate for a pension scheme for the officers concerned. Retired Reserve Police Inspector, U. H. Justin Perera, on behalf of the convenors of this meeting writes to all officers concerned to attend this meeting to make it a success. Salman Rushdie to be launched at Vijitha Yapa Bookshop Salman Rushdie by Professor D. C. R. A. Goonetilleke will be launched by Vijitha Yapa Bookshop in collaboration with the Department of English of the Kelaniya University on Saturday, September 5 at 11 a.m at Unity Plaza, Bambalapitiya. The Chief Guest at the occasion Dr. Mrs. Lakshmi De Silva, Head, Department of English, University of Kelaniya, and the author will read sections of the publication at the launch. In this valuable study of Salman Rushdie, currently one of the world’s most controversial writers. Professor Goonetilleke focuses on Rushdie as a novelist, but sets this within the context of "The Rushdie affair’ and the cultural background to his work. He indicates that the situation surrounding The Satanic Verses is more complex than simply ‘freedom of expression versus Islamic fundamentalism’, as it is so often presented. Professor Goonetilleke analyses Rushdie’s complex position as a migrant writer able to draw on the cultural riches of two hemispheres, while not belonging fully to either. In examining Rushdie’s development as a writer and the innovative nature of his art that has made him a major postmodernist, Professor Goonetillke offers full readings of Rushdie’s work to date. With original and fresh insight, he provides a lucid and comprehensive introduction to Salman Rushdie, rendering a ‘difficult’ author accessible to student, general reader and scholar alike. D. C. R. A. Goonetillke is Professor of English at the University of Kelaniya, Sri Lanka and until 1997, was Chair of the Association for Commonwealth Literature and Language Studies and Vice-President of the Federation International des Langues et. Literatures Modernes. His other publications include "Developing Countries in British Fiction, Images of the Raj" and "Joseph Conrad". He has edited "Joseph Conrad:" "Heart of Darkness," "The Penguin New Writing in Sri Lanka and "The Penguin Book of Modern Sri Lankan Stories." |
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