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lead Private bus operators have decided to jack up fares by 15% next week. "We will go ahead with the increase on September 18 if we fail to receive a favourable response from the government to a proposal forwarded by us in this regard’, President of the Private Bus Operators," Association, Reuban Silva, warned yesterday. Mr. Silva said that the Association was awaiting a response to representations made to President Kumaratunga last Friday (3). "We are still waiting days for a response, but if it fails to materialise we will be forced to increase the fares by 15%. with effect from Friday, September 18", he said. He charged that the government had failed to grant approval for a 15% bus fare hike annually, as promised in 1996. "We have waited over two years for this fare revision to take place but it has not been done so far. It is difficult for us to continue services without effecting this 15% hike. It is not illegal for us to go ahead with this increase on our own as the former Western Provincial Council Minister of Transport, Prasanna Ranatunga himself admitted in 1996 that we had provisions to legally effect this hike by ourselves," he claimed. Mr. Silva said that with the sharp increase in prices of spareparts following the introduction of the Goods and Services Tax (GST) in April this year, bus operators had to grapple with financial difficulties. "The prices of spare parts have increased tremendously after the introduction of GST and we cannot run at a profit under these circumstances. We have to bring about this increase in fares," he explained. He said that "the continued imposition of what he described as ‘various forms of unreasonable fines and other charges by the National Transport Commission’ was also creating a lot of difficulties for the operators. "The Transport Commission has no regularised system of fines for the entire country as a whole. So the result is one province imposing a fine of Rs. 600 while another imposing Rs. 200 for the same offense. Even in issuing route permits this system prevails. The Commission which charges Rs. 1300 for issuing a permit for one year would, in the event of an annual permit being refused, charge an operator Rs. 500 for a monthly permit which has to be renewed each month. This would mean Rs. 6000 for the year", he asserted. "Even in the registration of drivers there is no uniform rate. The different provinces are allowed to charge as they please. There must be one rate applicable for the whole country. These problems imposed by the Commission also create financial difficulties," he lamented. "The situation we are facing today as regards expenses is much worse than 1996 when we requested a 50% increase. As a result it is going to be even more difficult for us to provide a better service to the commuters even with this 15% hike we are asking for," the Association President said. This had stalled any significant improvements to the bus service. The fare hike in 1996 came after a lapse of 6 years. Meanwhile the Chairman of the Western Province Transport Commission Wijesiri Soysa said that the Commission which had directed the operators to make representations to the President regarding a hike, would not object in their own recommendations to the President. At present there are 16,000 private buses operating in the country. Asked whether the peoplised depots will also fall in line if fares are increased, SLCTB Chairman Ramal Siriwardena said, that it was not applicable at the moment. Police to question Dr. Jayalath on visit to
Wanni The Criminal Investigation Department [CID] has informed UNP National List MP Jayalath Jayewardene that they wanted to question him regarding the MP’s visit to Wanni in May-June this year highly placed sources said. Jayewardene yesterday afternoon confirmed the CID decision to question and record his statement. "I have nothing to hide," he claimed saying that he had agreed to give a statement and answer questions. CID’s director, senior SP Bandula Wickremasinghe Tuesday had sought to contact Jayewardene. "He had left a message for me informing the need to record my statement today," the MP said yesterday. President Chandrika Kumaratunga addressing party’s Kurunegala District Convention Tuesday evening said that there was evidence to suggest that there was an understanding between the LTTE and the UNP to work together with the aim of toppling the government. "This is believed to be the substance of clandestine talks between Dr. Jayewardene and LTTEs Thailchelvam," the President was quoted as saying at the Convention, the first meeting she attended after returning from Durban, South Africa Sunday. Jayewardene said that he visited Madhu in late May this year. Accompanied by Rev Father Alfred Alexander and Sri Lanka Red Cross North East Coordinator S. Kishore. Jayewardene had visited Madhu. It was a three day trip the MP claimed. Asked whether he had any meetings with the Thamilchelvam or any senior representative of the LTTE, jayewardene replied in the negative. Less than a week after his return from Madhu, a safe haven for refugees the driver of the SLRC vehicle which took the MP, Kishore and Rev Father Alexander had been arrested by the police. Jayewardene identified the detained driver as D. Padmanabah from Gampola. The MP was told of the decision to question him soon after the government rejected calls by both the UNP and the LTTE to initiate unconditional talks to end the ongoing war sources said. Measures taken to stem spread of cholera An emergency action programme has been put into place to curb the spread of the cholera epidemic in the Polonnaruwa District, the Ministry of Health and Indigenous Medicine said yesterday. The main features of this programme are to set up special wards in Polonnaruwa base hospital and Welikanda hospital to admit Cholera patients, provide required quantities of medicine, arrange visits by a special team of health officials from Colombo consisting of officers from the health education unit, infectious diseases control unit to educate residents of Welikanda, Aselapura, Senapura, Katuwangala and Dimbulagala where the cholera epidemic is prevalent etc. The survey carried out by health officials visiting these areas has indicated that the primary reason for the spread of the epidemic was due to drinking water obtained from polluted channels and unhygienic sanitary practices such as not using proper toilet facilities. These were the main causes for the spreading of cholera, the Ministry said. Immediately after the survey, a discussion was held with the visiting health officials presided by Polonnaruwa District Secretary, G. M. K. Abeykoon and the following decisions were taken. * To clean the channels used by the residents through
the release of fresh water into the channels twice or
thrice a week. Shanti Kumar's killer suspect shot dead by
police An underworld contract killer, wanted by police in connection with the murder of Assistant Superintendent of Police Shanthi Kumar was shot dead last Tuesday night by the CID. Police had earlier offered Rs. one million for any information that would lead to the capture of this elusive fugitive. On information given by another suspect taken into custody in connection with the killing of ASP Shanthi Kumar, CID sleuths stormed a hide-out at Podiweekumbura in Ragama. They had first surrounded the house and ordered the inmates to surrender. The underworld figure identified by police as 'Christopher' had responded that he was prepared to surrender and come out of the house shooting at the policemen CID sources said. The CID officers had then opened fire killing him, Director (CID) SSP, Bandula Wickremasinghe told "The Island". A female who was in the company of this notorious criminal at that time was injured in the crossfire but later succumbed to her injuries CID said. Two hand grenades and two revolvers were found hidden in the safe-house. The owner of the house who had rented it to 'Christopher' has been taken into custody. Initial police investigations had revealed that 'Christopher' and his female companion had rented this house about two weeks back. He had informed the landlord that he wanted the house on rent for a short term as he and his female companion were planning to leave the country soon, these sources said. A van and a motorcycle used by 'Christopher' were taken into police custody. Further investigations are being conducted by the CID. IGP promises to protect
archeological sites 'Appropriate action will be taken without any further delay to protect all archeological sites, including the Jaya Siri Maha Bodhiya,' the new IGP Lucky Kodituwakku told a news conference held to mark his first official visit to Anuradhapura on Monday after assuming duties as IGP. He was accorded a guard of honour held at Anuradhapura police play ground. The IGP said that a close rapport between the media and the police is of vital importance. For this purpose an information unit will be set up at Police Headquarters he noted. Chief Sangha Nayaka of North and Central divisions and Chief Incumbent of Atamastana, Ven Pallegama Siri Nivasa Maha Nayake, Ven. Pallegama Hemaratana Nayake Thera, Minister of Social Services, Berty Premalal Dissanayake MP, Tissa Karaliyadde, Deputy Inspector General of Police (NCP) Mahinda Balasuriya, SSP, Mahinda Beddewela, SSP, Polonnaruwa Division, S. M. Wickramasinghe were also present. The second SAARC Trade Fair was opened in Colombo on Tuesday by Minister of Internal and External Trade and Food Kingsley Wickramaratne and SAARC Secretary General Naeem U. Hassan. A large number of invitees were present at the opening including members from SAARC nations, heads of SAARC member country's diplomatic missions and other officials from participating countries. In his address Minister Wickramaratne said that this year's trade fair has special significance as Sri Lanka is hosting it in its Golden Jubilee year of independence. The trade fair holds around 300 stalls with Sri Lanka having 136, India 70, Pakistan 48 and Bhutan, Nepal, Bangladesh and Maldives having 20 each. "Over two thousand discerning buyers from around the world will find the SAARC region an ideal sourcing option for small and medium industry related products being displayed at the exhibition" the Minister said. "With the pool of natural resources and total population of over 1.3 billion people with a large middle class who have substantial purchasing power, SAARC could well become a regional grouping to reckon with by other major trading blocs in the globe as we move from SAPTA to SAFTA". He went on to say that he believed this exhibition was a valuable outlet to all the member states to fully exploit all available and potential trade opportunities in the region. The fair was open to the public from yesterday with school children being admitted free of charge. A wide array of products are on display ranging from textiles and wooden products to jewellery and computer software.Each of the seven nations will be given prominence on separate days with the Sri Lanka day being today (10). President Chandrika Kumaratunga will make her address as the SAARC Chairperson at the fair today. Colombo Stock Market rise: Flash in the pan? The little respite afforded to Stock Market on Tuesday and yesterday whilst bolstering the hope of speculators in the CSE is not being seen by analysts as a correction of the market. All analysts consider the rise to be a mere flash in the pan. The index rose three points yesterday and what ranged in the 460s has now increased to the 470 mark. Analysts at the CDIC considers that the market could not rise appreciably because of the lack of buying interest among foreign funds. On Tuesday foreign purchases amounted to Rs, 5.44 million but sales amounted to Rs. 10.07 million. With the turnover being 33.54 the index rose by 1.7 percent. Yesterday's turnover turned up to be Rs. 54 million but of which foreign buying was Rs. 10 million. However, foreign selling came to 21 million. The increased turnover however pushed up the index by three points. Most analysts believe the Asian crisis has hit all markets. On an average all European bourses fell by 10 points. And in the meantime the US Treasury has announced a reduction of interest rates. The American reduction of interest rates analysts say would help investment in its own country? Some are of the opinion that some of these funds was likely to find itself coming into Asia where there are good pickings. In the meantime analysts consider foreign funds are unlikely to come into the Colombo bourse until a firm decision is made over the possibility of a devaluation. Everyone, they say, are awaiting a devaluation in view of the rupee being kept high and exports have shown a tendency to go down. Allied Phillips analysts have reported a GDP growth for the year to go below 5 per cent. In addition they foresee a downward pressure on foreign grants causing the budget deficit to expand. In addition corporate growth is estimated to go below 10 per cent ''while some blue chips are expected to make more than 50 per cent drop in earnings for 1998''. Everyone seems to be agreed that the last two days of a rise in the CSE might not be sustained if the institutional buyers do not enter the market. Most investors are hoping there would be an improvement of the macro economic structure soon without which the country would not have much hope of further development. Tigers snatch bullock carts to extort money BATTICALOA: The LTTE has taken the bullock carts of 25 Muslim civilians in Karamunai jungle in Oddamawadi in Batticaloa in a bid to extort money in return for the carts, sources told 'The Island'. They said that the Muslim civilians had gone into the jungle to gather firewood when they were confronted by the terrorists. The Tigers had taken them deeper into the jungle and released only the civilians keeping the bulls and the carts with them. Sources said that the Tigers are demanding a sum of Rs. 10,000 for the release of each cart and the bull. Digital telephone render tapping equipments
useless Introduction of digital phones, both cellular and fixed, into the Sri Lankan market has rendered equipment and facilities available for telephone tapping useless, informed sources said this week. Digital telephones cannot be tapped as the system converts the caller's voice into a data [coded] mode for onward transmission and reconverted[de-coded] to the voice mode at the other end, industry sources said. "Existing facilities are not capable of breaking the digial system," sources admitted. The sole cellular operator which uses digital tecnology says it has sold approximately 30,000 connections," It claimed a market share of 24%. However some time ago, the cellular company, Dialog offered a package to Army Headquarters.Several senior officers obtained these GSM phones, 'The Island' learns. Amidst claims, speculation and reports of telephone tapping, it has recorded a significant growth in sales. "We have recorded 400% growth in the last two years," a spokesman said adding that advanced digital technology prevents telephone tapping. Industry sources said that Suntel and Lanka Bell fixed telephones cannot be tapped as both use the digital technology. Suntel, with a 10% market share has already fixed approximately 35,000 lines. Altogether 70,000 digital connections, both fixed and cellular have been given to customers. Important people including opposition politicians have obtained digital telephone, sources said. Some have sought digital lines to overcome congestion particularly in emergency situations. Analog system is affected badly particularly in emergencies.Sri Lanka Telecom [SLT] uses analog equipment. In this system, caller's voice is amplified and transmitted on the same frequency on copper cables and could be tapped easily. "You don't need an intelligence agency to tap a system which use analog equipment," industry sources said. Sri Lanka's primary intelligence agency, National Intelligence Bureau[PNB] is equipped to tap telephones. Informed sources said that in digital technology determined efforts have been made to provide hotlines for those who need to get in touch with somebody in an emergency. In March this year three fixed lines with digital technology were installed at a VVIP's official residence. This followed the VVIP's failure to contact a certain person during an emergency following March bomb blast informed sources said. This person had tried almost for one hour before getting the connection," sources said adding that soon after this private company was requested to fix three phones. Former Airforce Commander Oliver Ranasinghe too sought 'hotlines' after the abortive attack on the Kelanitissa Thermal Power Plant in November last year.People at Kelanitissa had failed to contact Firebrigade despite repeated attempts. Airforce, responsible for Colombo Firebrigade since the January 1996 suicide attack on the Central Bank had ordered hotlines soon after November 14 1997 bid to blast the Kelanitissa plant, sources said. ADB approves $70 m package for private sector development Private sector development in Sri Lanka will be accelerated and domestic long-term savings mobilized for productive investment with a $70 million package of assistance approved by the Asian Development Bank. The assistance consists of a partial credit guarantee and loan in respect of a Credit Enhancement Facility (CEF) for private enterprises. The manufacturing sector has become one of the main engines of growth in Sri Lanka over the past decade. However, as capital markets have not yet developed into a source of long-term funding for manufacturing enterprises in Sri Lanka, they have to rely mainly on two development banks, one of which is DFCC Bank, for term loans. The two financial institutions, however, lack long-term sources of funding and have only been able to provide local industries a limited amount in term loans, ADB said in a news release. The main objectives of the CEF are to provide DFCC Bank access to international capital markets and channel long-term funds from international investors to assist medium and large private enterprises in capacity expansion and technology upgarding. Further, the CEF aims as helping to promote the Sri Lankan debt market. The CEF will mobilize private resource flow through the Bank's partial credit guarantee facility to meet the financing needs of industries. The CEF comprises two components. A partial credit guarantee of the principal repayments on a Floating Rate Note issue of $65 million by DFCC is needed because Sri Lankan borrowers cannot, at present, access long-term international capital markets without such credit enhancement. The proposed bank guarantee will be counter-guaranteed by the Government of Sri Lanka, which will also guarantee the payment of interest to Noteholders. A 5 million loan to DFCC will be used exclusively for sub projects under the CEF. The loan will be from ADB's ordinary capital resources and will be repayable at 10 years. The interest-rate will be at a fixed rate for loans from the bank's market-based loan window. It is anticipated that the combined resources of $70 million will generate investments of at least $250 million by assisting more than 100 private medium and large enterprises, and possibly generate about 30,000 jobs, the release added. District judge issues warrants on Thonda and
his grandson Colombo District Judge Sarath Ambe-pitiya yesterday issued warrants on CWC leader S. Thondaman and Secretary S. A. R. Thondaman, both accused on a charge of contempt for failure to appear in Court yesterday. The charge against them was that they had acted contravening the enjoining order that had restrained the convening of the annual convention of the Ceylon Workers Congress. CWC former Secretary M. S. Sellasamy is the plaintiff in the case and the plaint was supported by K. Jeyakrishnan with Mrs. S. Jesudasan. Yesterday itself before the adjournment of Court both the accused appeared in Court and filed a motion to recall the warrant. The motion was supported by defence counsel Palitha Kumarasinghe with Maithri Gunaratne. Court ordered that the motion would be taken up the following day. Court also rejected the preliminary objection by the defendant respondent that ex-facie the charge sheet was bad in law and the case should be discharged in limine. The plaint by M. S. Sellasamy stated the second defendant had convened a regular conference scheduled to take place on March 3, 98 and had sent notices to certain persons. The preliminary objections by the defendant respondents stated that the enjoining order had not been served on the defendants. In fact, the Fiscal Officer had reported that he was unable to serve the enjoining order. The objections stated that there was no contempt ex-facie in that the charge sheet was vague, and unknown to the law of contempt. It does not specifically set out a charge of contempt in that it does not state inter alia the date, time and place of the act of alleged disobedience. Mr. Jeyakrishnan the plaintiffs counsel submitted that the charge of contempt of Court was valid in law. Inquiry was put off for October 30, 1998. |
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