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Two
villagers killed: estate linerooms torched in Ratnapura
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Two villagers killed: estate linerooms
torched in Ratnapura Dist. The army was deployed yesterday to quell a major riot at three estates in Ratnapura district which has left at least two persons dead and scores of linerooms torched,police officials said. Troops were called in to assist police as the riot,which originated at Alupola estate,22 miles off Ratnapura and belonging to Hapugastenna Plantations Ltd.,on Tuesday night spread to two other estates,Agersland and Rasagalla in the region. The riot was sparked off by the killing of two men from the village surrounding Alupola estate, who the police said were engaged in illicit gemming and distilling kasippu.They were found hacked to death.In retaliation,villagers had gone on the rampage attacking estate workers and setting fire to some linerooms,police said. Terrified estate workers and their families had sought refuge in the factory while police called in the army to help maintain law and order.The violence had also spilled over to Agersland, which borders Alupola estate,where mobs had attacked estate workers and set ablaze linerooms,police said. As the news spread,a mob had stormed Rasagalla estate in Balangoda and set fire to eight linerooms and a motorcycle on Wednesday night,HQI,Balangoda,CI Senarath Ehelepola said. Police had moved in and brought the situation at Rasagalla under control,he said. The extent of the damage and destruction caused has still not been assessed,but could run into millions of rupees,estate sources said. The army is now patrolling the area which is tense but quiet.After the Agersland estate violence early yesterday,no fresh incidents were reported,police said. A team led by ASP Devasiri Malimbada has also been despatched to the scene to bring the situation under control. General Secretary,Lanka Jathika Estate Workers Union,Raja Seneviratne said yesterday that whatever consequences were,the police could have moved into the scene and stopped the trail of destruction No unconditional talks with LTTE - Anuruddha Minister of Irrigation and Power and Deputy Minister of Defence Anuruddha Ratwatte yesterday ruled out any unconditional talks with LTTE. Replying to UNP's suggestions that the government enter into unconditional talks with the LTTE, during the debate on the extension of the emergency, the Minister told the House yesterday evening. "The government will under no circumstance, change its declared stand on the question of talks with the LTTE". He said President Chandrika Kumaratunga has announced the government's stand on the question and that it will not be changed under any circumstance. He also urged the UNP not to waste their time telling the government to change its declared policy with regard to talking to the LTTE. The extension of the state of emergency in the whole island by one more month was passed by Parliament by a majority vote of 24, yesterday evening. The resolution received 104 votes in favour and 80 against. The United National Party, the TULF and the single member SLPF voted against the resolution. Other Tamil parties voted with the government. The LSSP earlier said it would not vote with the government in favour of the extension of the state of emergency. General Secretary of the LSSP Batty Weerakoon, who is Minister of Science and Technology and Ratnapura District MP, Vasudeva Nanayakkara were absent at the time of voting. However Athauda Seneviratne Deputy Minister of Transport and Highways also of the LSSP voted with the government. Accused of trying to sell
artefacts Ten persons including an Army Major accused of trying to sell artefacts were remanded yesterday by the Colombo Additional Magistrate Premadasa Punchihewa, till September 15. The accused were arrested while trying to sell a priceless gold blended statue of a Hindu god in Anuradhapura. They were arrested by a special police team from Peliyagoda. The Magistrate ordered the prison officials to produce the suspects before the Anuradhapura Magistrate. The suspects were Maj. G. H. Nandana Perera, Sergeant B. M. Gnanaratna, Lance Corporals M. Sisira Wickremasinghe and Suranga Jayalath, Mahinda Jayatilake, D. M. Gamini Dissanayaka, K. Gnanatissa, L. T. Sunil Ananda, T. S. M. Chandranilame and R. M. Wijebandara. Cash awards for Barry's killers IGP has decided to offer cash awards to CID personnel involved in the killing of Christopher Barry wanted in connection with several contract killings, police headquarters said. Barry was shot dead in the early hours of Monday in the Ragama Police area. (NP) TULF chief convalescing in Chennai with family TULF leader M. Sivasithamparam was flown to Chennai yesterday afternoon to join his family for convalesing as advised by doctors, political sources said The 76-year-old TULF leader was taken ill about two weeks ago and admitted to the Colombo National Hospital.) Anti Harassment Committee lays down
guidelines The Anti-Harassment Committee headed by Minister Lakshman Jayakody early this week, directed Police and security forces top brass to ensure that guidelines pertaining to arrests are strictly enforced, official sources said yesterday. The committee ordered that Police and Security forces personnel should immediately issue receipts to families of those arrested in Colombo and suburbs. The receipts should contain all details pertaining to those taken in, these sources said. The committee which was appointed by President Kumaratunga met with all Zonal 15 OICs in Colombo and Co-ordinating officers of Army, Air Force and Navy responsible for security in Colombo and suburbs along with DIG (CID) O. K. Hemachandra in the committee rooms of Parliament. The sixth trade mission from the Leicestershire Chamber of Commerce and Industry in the United Kingdom, will be visiting Sri Lanka from September 14-19. The Ceylon Chamber of Commerce has arranged a meeting with the mission members, on Monday, September 14, at 10.15 a.m. in Ground Floor Auditorium of the Ceylon Chamber of Commerce. The mission will comprise 15 companies, and will be led by Keith Horton, Chief Executive of the Leicestershire Chamber of Commerce & Industry. Allegations of extortion forces
changes in TID Police Headquarters is to effect changes in units involved in anti-terrorist operations, particularly in the City and suburbs in view of allegations that some personnel were involved in extortion officials said this week. Changes and new directives are to come into force after an ongoing investigation into alleged misdeeds within Police DepartmentThe Island learns. Despite the probe the TID will continue with investigations into terrorist activities. The TID was reported to have been responsible for some crucial breakthroughs in anti-terrorist investigations in the City. This was the third serious investigation into units involved in anti-terrorists operations in the City. Sometime back the government effected changes in Crime Detective Bureau [CDB] after investigators produced evidence that the LTTE was involved in the assassination of former National Security Minister Lalith Athulathmudali. CDB director was transferred. Two other officers who played key roles in anti-terrorist operations were interdicted only to be taken back and deployed for the same purpose. These two officers have been praised by the former police chief for highly successful operations against the LTTE. Both have been given cash awards for their roles in anti-terrorist operations. SAARC Chamber of Commerce becoming a dynamic organisation -- President The Sri Lanka Day at the second SAARC Trade Fair was ceremonially opened at the BMICH yesterday by President Chandrika Kumaratunga. A large gathering of dignitaries including Minister of Internal and International Trade and Food Kingsley Wickramaratne and Indian Minister of Commerce Rama-krishna Hedge were present on the occasion. President Kumaratunga, being the SAARC Chairperson for this year, delivered the inaugural address. Whilst welcoming the foreign guests and other invitees, she said that for the past four years the SAARC Chamber of Commerce ‘Has seen the light of day and is today slowly but surely becoming a strong and dynamic organisation which brings together the various sections of private sectors of our nations". "The SAARC Trade Fair is ample demonstration of the joint action that is possible between our nations" the President went on to say. " It is regrettable to say however that all our nations have ever since independence had much closer links with the west and particularly with our former colonial rulers and for some reason ignored the vast possibilities that exist for interaction between our nations". " After 50 years of independence Sri Lanka is just beginning to explore the possibilities that exist in the development of trade, science and technology and such other areas" she said. " We believe that the decisions that we were able to take at the recent SAARC summit in Colombo covering a wide range of spheres when implemented and put into action would create a strong and lasting basis of South Asian cooperation". President Kumaratunge noted that we must be aware that we live in a world where competition has taken over and where the concepts of profit making weighs over all other human considerations and nothing will be handed over free. She said that the SAARC nations, although not being rich countries should unite and stand on their own feet to achieve their goals. The President concluded her address by saying " I am convinced that the vast number of human resources in our region are capable of finding solutions in a competitive world". " SAARC region is an ideal sourcing option for small and medium industry related products being displayed at the exhibition" Minister Kingsley Wickramaratne said in his speech. He said that he was certain that all participants at the exhibition will be able to explore useful and profitable new business avenues. This year’s trade fair is expected to attract around 2000 buyers from around the world and around 600 SAARC delegates . This year’s trade fair is on the theme "Opportunity for regional growth". UNP’s APC will not be
fruitful - GL Minister of Justice and Constitutional Affairs G. L. Peiris said yesterday that he does not think the UNP initiated All Party Conference (APC) scheduled for this week will be fruitful. Addressing yesterday’s cabinet press briefing at the Parliamentary Complex he said there is no point in going through a previously failed attempt because whatever was proposed by the party in power was rejected by the opposition. "The President has not ruled out talks with the LTTE but first a consensus has to be reached between the two main parties representing the Sinhala people on important issues before deciding on holding discussions". The UNP’s proposals on Constitutional Reform he said does not address the issue of power sharing. They are silent on the unit of devolution and land. "I also do not agree with the UNP’s interpretation of the Liam Fox agreement. I think the bipartisan consensus the agreement speaks of, applies to the entire political process including what takes place in Parliament to resolve the ethnic issue and not just talks with the LTTE". Asian political culture he said is noted for its fine degree of acrimony but that does not mean responsible political parties must give up the effort to resolve national issues. Asked if it is not the government’s duty to end the acrimony with the UNP, Peiris said the government had bent backwards to accommodate the UNP beginning from the Select Committee process but they had not responded positively. 25
kilos of explosives seized Police yesterday seized 25 kilogrammes of high powered explosives concealed inside a house at Granspass, Colombo 14. On information provided by a Tiger suicide bomber taken into custody at Trincomalee, a few days back while he was awaiting LTTE orders to carry out a blast in Colombo city, police were able to recover this stock of explosives. Three more suspects had also been arrested by the police in this connection. Police declined to divulge more information due to security reasons. Antiquities Act insufficient to tackle
treasure hunters The provisions within the amended Antiquities Act were insufficient to protection archaeological sites and monuments, Director General of Archaeology, Dr.Siran Deraniyagala said yesterday (10). Addressing a press conference at the Department of Archeology the Director General said an enhancement in the fines and the prison sentences imposed on the offenders, is needed. The Act was amended in May this year, increasing the fine for those found guilty of destruction of a site or monument of archaeological importance from Rs.1000 to Rs.50,000 and a prison sentence of upto one year to a sentence not less than two years or below 5 years or both, a fine and a prison sentence. 'The amendments also made the offence non bailable. But there needs to be an increase to both the fine and the prison sentence. These amendments are insufficient. I am not satisfied with the amendments,' he added. Following the passing of the amendments and it coming into effect three weeks back, there has been a decrease in offences related to archaeological monuments and sites. 'Till three weeks back we have been unable to put the amendments to full use. But the past 3 weeks of operation has seen a steep decrease in offences to cultural sites of importance. The offences dropped by one eighth of those that were taking place during a week in the past 3 years.' he explained. Dr.Deraniyagala said that since April last year a total of 134 such incidents been reported up to date. Approximately 230 incidents had been reported beginning from1991 when the first incident was took place. 'There has in fact been a decrease in incidents within the past two months. Of all the incidents from 1991, persons connected with 90 of the incidents had been caught by the police and 35 of them fined by the Courts. But all these incidents were prior to the passing of the amendments.' he said. The Director said in view of the on-going plundering of antiquities, the Department was looking into the possibilities of placing controls on the sale of antiquities. 'It is too early in the process to say exactly how this will be done but it will be done soon.' he said. He added that in the reviewing of the security measures in the sites were also been considered following a meeting on Wednesday (9) between the Secretary Defense, the Inspector General of Police and the Minister of Cultural Affairs. 'As a first step we are going to be working in close consultation with the police. There is an acute need for additional security personnel at the sites, but we are not thinking in the lines of an armed security force at these sites. We are however looking to the possibilities of having the security personnel professionally trained.' he said. According to the Director, sites of archaeological importance run over 16,000 acres. There are presently only 40 watchers employed by the Department. 'But even if we were to increase this to 100, there will be no impact, unless we can increase by about a 1000 personnel.' he said. The authority of the Department will also be decentralized to allow more powers in handling such issues by the Divisional Secretaries. 'The Divisional Secretaries may under this system exercise his powers to contribute towards the protection of antiquities.' he said. The Department was also in the process of appointing Vigilance Committees on a Divisional Secretariat basis comprising Maha nayaka Theros of the temples, the police, archaeology officials and other nominees of the Divisional Secretary to better protect the sites. A special Archaeology Protection Fund has also been established. 50% of the fines may go towards this fund. The collections will be utilized for awarding of rewards to informants who assist in the detection of offenders. Tourist arrivals decline, but travel trade
optimistic Tourist arrivals to Sri Lanka continue to decline as countries in the ASEAN region battle to end the economic crisis. But both hoteliers and the Tourist Board are confident that tourist arrivals for this year will exceed the number for last year despite the continuous deceleration in arrivals. The tourism industry has recorded a decline since March this year but all concerned are positive that arrivals will pick up during the winter season from November to April. The principal reason for the continued drop in arrivals is the decline in visitors from the ASEAN region which is battling to put an end to its economic crisis. The year began well with both January and February recording an increase over the figures for 1997. In January there was a 14 per cent increase in arrivals over the previous year while in February it dropped to 0.9 per cent.Thereafter, there has been a decrease in terms of percentage fluctuating between 4.3 and 9 with May recording 9 per cent decrease over the 1997 arrivals. Chairman of the Tourist Board H. M. S. Samaranayake said that there had been a decrease of 18 per cent to end August."This, he said is largely because of the economic crisis in the Asean region." Arrivals from East and South Asia have declined by 29.5 per cent and 23.4 per cent respectively vis-ˆ-vis the number for the same period last year. Mr. Samaranayake explained that the decline in arrivals from South Asia would not affect the hotel industry too greatly as this sector did not largely opt for hotel accommodation. His prognosis for the winter season was quite optimistic. "The forecast for the winter season from November to April is quite bright. Our principal region is Western European. The arrivals from this region have increased substantially," he said. Arrivals from January to July from Western Europe have increased by 13.7 per cent over the same period for last year. Mr. Samaranayake fore cast that arrivals would exceed the 370,000 mark. The targeted arrivals for last year was 380,000, but actual arrivals fell below target at 356,000. The President of the Hoteliers Association Gilbert Jayasuriya too was optimistic in his prognosis. He too said that the winter season would see an end to the slump. He added that the hoteliers in hand with Air Lanka and the travel agents were bringing groups from the UK, Germany and France in an effort to promote tourism. The groups will consist travel agents, travel writers and even counter clerks. "We will be bringing down 300 persons," he added. The total arrivals from January to July is 202,674 recording a decrease of 1.2 per cent for the same period last year. |
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