      |
|||
Troops
withdraw to Paranthan
|
|
||
Troops
withdraw to Paranthan The military yesterday said that the LTTE failed to capture armoured fighting vehicles, artillery or any other heavy equipment in their engagement with the army at Kilinochchi and Paranthan in this week’s fighting that left hundreds dead on both sides. Troops did their best to prevent equipment from falling into enemy hands, the military said. However some territory had been lost. Troops were continuing to engage targets within the area "lost" to the enemy with artillery amidst sporadic clashes in several places in the Wanni. After several hours of intense exchanges defenders at Kilinochchi had pulled back towards Paranthan. "Troops withdrew to Paranthan around 6 pm on the second day of the attack," the military said. The military denied LTTE claims that they [terrorists] had taken control of 15 kms of road northwards from Kilinochchi’s now abandoned defences. "We lost perhaps four and half kms of straight road northwards from Kilinochchi," the military said adding that troops were engaged in consolidating their positions at Paranthan. The military said that troops did not lose ground in the Paranthan area. The attack codenamed "Oyatha Alaigal 2" had been mainly concentrated on troops of the Kilinochchi Brigade comprised four regular Sinha and Gemunu Watch battalions. "That particular Brigade has been relocated within the 54 Division area," the military said. The 54 Division comprised several Brigades deployed north of Elephant Pass right upto Kilinochchi on the main road. As a result of "Oyatha Alaigal 2" terrorists had been able to regain approximately 4 1/2 kms of road from Kilinochchi town towards Paranthan. The military high comamand used the diversion of terrorist firepower against Paranthan-Kilinochchi to mount an all out attack on Mankulam and seize control. Mankulam was brought under control in the early hours of Wednesday. Troops had been positioned on all four sides of Mankulam for the past several months trying to break in. Ruling party sources said that the ongoing Wanni offensive, Jayasikuru, undoubtedly the longest ever action against the LTTE was aimed at restoring the overland Main Supply Route [MSR] to Jaffna. The military said that even before the capture of Mankulam, the forward most elements of Jayasikuru forces were based approximately eight kms northwards of Mankulam. Troops will be in a position to clear the area road between Mankulam and the area dominated by the forward most elements of the Jayasikuru forces, military sources said. Lionair, Monara flights grounded Defence Secretary Chandrananda de Silva has ordered the immediate grounding of all private aircraft operating between Ratmalana and Palaly. The secretary to the Tourism and Aviation Ministry was directed on Wednesday (30) by the Defence Secretary to halt Ratmalana - Palaly flights operated by both Lionair and Monara, a senior Defence Ministry official told ‘The Island’ yesterday. Earlier Monara was to resume flights yesterday after suspending flights the previous day following the disappearance of Lionair - flight 602 off Mannar coast. The Acting Director of Civil Aviation G. S. Withanage has directed the Chief Air Traffic Controller to ensure grounding of all flights that operated between Ratmalana - Palaly until further notice Meanwhile Lionair has made arrangements to bring down a team of investigators comprising representatives of Antonov Design Bureau, the manufacturer of Anatonov -24 aircraft, Kiev Aviation Plant overhaul factory of the AN 24s and the agents AAR Airlines of Kiev, Ukraine is expected to arrive in Sri Lanka shortly. "The team will inspect the remaining AN-24s and also investigate Tuesday’s loss of Lionair flight 602," Lionair spokesperson Naomi Perera told ‘The Island’ yesterday.(SF) Ranil briefs White House, State Dept. on
current war situation The UNP leader Ranil Wickremesinghe currently on an official visit to the United States, has briefed both the White House and the State Department of security situation in the northern theatre of operations following the LTTE assault on troops deployed in the Kilinochchi district, an authoritative party official told The Island. The US proscribed the LTTE in late last year after increasing anti-terrorist assistance both through the State Department and the Pacific Command. Sri Lanka has been included in US Army’s Extented Relations Programme [ERP] which provides advance training to forces of almost 20 countries in the Asia-Pacific region. The UNP leader was scheduled to leave for New York for talks with the business community. Before leaving for New York, Wickremesinghe was expected to meet senior representatives of the Carter Centre. "He will return within a couple of days via London," the party official said. "The US officials were briefed this week of the current situation in the Wanni region," he said pointing out that for Mr. Wickremesinghe there was no alternative but to keep the international community informed of the correct situation here. These briefings had taken place both at the White House and the State Department. Wickremesinghe earlier extended his stay in Washington by one day to cover the programme organised by the State Department. During meetings with senior officials handling regional affairs including anti-terrorism, Wickremesinghe had explained his party’s position in detail while stressing the need to go for unconditional talks with the LTTE. Before leaving for Washington, the UNP leader told a visiting US diplomat in early last month that the government should continue with the ongoing military action against the LTTE while initiating unconditional talks. The UNP said that the government will have to re-assess the situation in the Wanni in view of the changes resulted by this week’s LTTE attack. The UNP leader had been critical of the government’s military strategies during talks with US officials, The Island learns. Party sources said that Wickremesinghe was briefed over the phone by aides a day after the LTTE launched attacks on troops deployed in the Paranthan and Kilinochchi areas in the early hours of Sunday [27]. Of the brigades deployed within the Kilinochchi district, troops at Paranthan and Kilinochchi defences had been targeted. There had been some mortar attacks on positions in other brigade areas. But the main multi -pronged assault, delivered by almost 2000 cadres were aimed at Kilinochchi and Paranthan. ‘The Island’ columnist passes away ‘The Island’ regrets to announce the death of Professor A. J. Gunawardena, our Media and Cultural Affairs columnist who wrote the column Marginal Comments under the pseudonym ‘Jayadeva’. "AJ" as he was known in the media and cultural scene wrote his column continuously for more than ten years. On the media and cultural scene it was a column beyond compare. ‘The Island’ and its readers will find a void difficult to fill in their reading matter. The bespectacled soft spoken AJ with his greying beard was an outstanding academic and intellectual who was much loved by his friends and colleagues. AJ had his early education at Dharmasoka Vidyalaya and completed his secondary education at Ananda College, Colombo. He read for the BA special degree at the Peradeniya University in the early ’50s. It was an exciting period for the Peradeniya University with the cultural renaissance associated with Prof. Ediriweera Sarathchandra. AJ was a participant as well as an interpreter of this cultural renaissance. He joined the Lake House as a staff writer in the early ’60s. He also wrote a column in the ‘Daily News’ under the pseudonym "Rasika" column for many years providing a fresh insight into the happenings in the art scene. Then he joined the English Department of the Jayewardenapura University where he became its head. As a Fulbright and Rockerfeller scholar AJ obtained a Ph.D. in drama at the New York University. AJ’s heart was in the arts and humanities always and he took his appointment as the Director of the Institute of Aesthetic Studies as an opportunity to bring upon a fresh outlook on the arts. AJ also served as a senior fellow at the Culture Learning Institute of the East West Centre, Honolulu. AJ contributed to the development of cinema and he won the award for the best script writer for his script for the Lester James Peries’ film Beddegama. He was also the chairman of the committee appointed to inquire into the film industry in the mid ‘80s. ‘The Island’ offers its condolences to his talented wife Trilicia who was so ably supported in her work by AJ and his children Ravi and Tripti. Meanwhile the International Centre for Ethnic Studies expressed its profound sadness and sense of loss at the sudden death of Prof. Gunawardena, one of Sri Lanka’s leading intellectuals. The ICES in its statement said that what was noteworthy about Prof. Gunawardena was that he was animated by a strong humanist concern for the plural character of Sri Lankan society and for tolerance and understanding between different ethnic and religious groups in his intellectual and cultural activity. It said that he acted in consistency with these principles both in his public activity and personal life, counting among his intimate friends people of different communities. "Sri Lanka can ill afford to lose especially at this time, a person of his stature and breadth of vision," it added extending condolences to Prof. Gunawardena’s family. Canada assures action against global terrorism Canada is looking closely at action taken in the United States and the major features of proposed British legislation to rein in terrorist organisations, Canadian Secretary of State for the Asia Pacific region Raymond Chan disclosed. At a discussion with the Minister of Justice, Constitutional Affairs, Ethnic Affairs and National Integration Prof. G. L. Peiris at the Department of Foreign Affairs and International Trade in Ottawa on Tuesday, Mr. Chan had assured of Canada’s firm resolve to do everything in its power to suppress global terrorism and strengthen the forces of democracy. Mr. Raymond Chan drew the attention of the Sri Lankan Minister to a statement in Parliament by Canada’s Solicitor General Andy Scott that the Canadian Government would introduce measures to make it more difficult for members of terrorist organisations to gain entry into Canada and to facilitate their deportation from Canada. Prof. Peiris briefed Mr. Chan in detail about the steps currently being taken by the Government of President Chandrika Kumaratunga to deal with the ethnic problem in Sri Lanka. The Minister explained the main features of the devolution proposals placed before Parliament in October last year and stressed the importance of empowerment of minority communities in the interest of overall peace and stability by means of extensive power sharing arrangements. He emphasized the commitment of the Government of Sri Lanka to a political resolution of the conflict. Pioneer BoI factory faces imminent closure A pioneer BoI factory is on the verge of closing down in view of current economic crisis, industrial sources told ‘The Island’ yesterday. One of the first factories established under then Greater Colombo Economic Commission [GCEC], it was affected by industrial unrest in October 1994, these sources said. "It was among many other factories affected by industrial unrest caused by political changes sources said pointing out that the factory never recovered from the losses suffered in the past few years. "Industrial unrest directly affected production," the same sources said claiming that the factory had recorded a Rs 291 million loss since late 1995. Although the management was later able to restore production levels it was unable to find foreign markets, industrial sources said. A company spokesman confirmed the imminent closure. The ongoing currency crisis in the South East Asia has made the situation worse, industrial sources said adding that the government has failed to come to its rescue. [SF] Three bodies of Lionair passengers found Bodies of three passengers of the ill-fated Lionair flight were recovered by the Navy off Palaithivu-Iranathivu coast yesterday. A life jacket had been also found. The aircraft disappeared a few minutes after it left Palaly airbase on Tuesday afternoon. So far the navy had failed to locate the aircraft wreck. (NP) New Telecom unit for customer complaints The Sri Lanka Telecom says a new unit to handle customer complaints about bills will be set up shortly. It will be something similar to the present ‘121’ line which was set up to handle complaints about line faults. At present there is no single unit to handle customer complaints on bills. Customers even send complaints to the minister. The present system is that complaints should be sent to the regional billing centres in the area as mentioned in the bill, Telecom official said. With the setting up of the new unit all complaints would be handled under one roof with a more co-ordinated approach, the official explained. Telecom revised charges from April this year. The rental increased and the duration of a unit now is half of the previous one, the official said. When asked about complaints on ‘inflated bills’ the official said customers were sent printed notices on the revised rates. Customers, if they are mindful of these different rates they will not have to face high bills, the official said. For example, a call to a Suntel customer from a SLT phone is regarded as a long-distance call. The customer has to be mindful of the charge rates at particular times. The official said that while there was an increase in the charge rates the percentage of tax came down. Customers benefited from the removal of BTT which levied 25%. Now the total tax amounts only to 17% of GST plus Security levy, the official explained. (LS) Srimani expresses sympathy for war dead Four hundred and fifty young men both in the Army and LTTE cadres are reported to have died in the Paranthan-Kilinochchi area in the latest clashes in the on-going North and the East conflicts. These young Sri Lankans, by sacrificing their lives have forever laid to rest the hopes, their parents had for their future. The United Lalith Front mourns the dead and conveys our heartfelt sympathy to these families. Sri Lanka is losing her sons in large numbers. It is time the politicians set aside Party politics and join together to take meaningful steps to eradicate the terrorist menace. It is only then that the Leaders of the country can begin the hard task of marching with confidence, down the road to the future. I call upon all Parties to join hands to face the terrorist threat, ULF leader Srimani Athulathmudali said in a press statement. The cabinet on Wednesday decided to develop the Sithulpauwa Rajamahaviharaya in Hambantota. The development work will be handled by Urban Development Authority. It was also decided to establish a new housing fund for Bank and Corporation employees. Government employees could also benefit from this fund if they contribute one per cent of their salary to the fund. The cabinet approved an ex gratia payment of Rs 500,000 to Mr. M. G. Mendis (88), former Member of Parliament and Trade Unionist. It was also decided to provide relief to 3,448 employees of the Nationalised Transport Service who had been victimised. "Mankulam capture more important than vacating
K’nochchi" The decision to vacate Kilinochchi and capture Mankulam was a strategic move, military spokesman Brigadier Sunil Tennekoon told yesterday’s cabinet press briefing held at the People’s Bank Auditorium in Fort. "Due to strategic reasons I cannot explain why the troops vacated Kilinochchi. All I can say is that the capture of Mankulam is tactically more important than vacating Kilinochchi". Brigadier Tennekoon said that according to LTTE transmissions monitored by the security forces the LTTE in its battle to occupy Kilinochchi beginning Sunday had lost 520 cadres, while a large number were also injured. He put the number of government troops killed at 400 and another 400 injured. Twenty eight of the thirty three soldiers reported missing had returned by yesterday. Tennekoon said that the number of government troops stationed at Kilinochchi during the LTTE attack with heavy mortars comprised three battalions, but he declined to give the numbers in each battalion. "The LTTE may have used more than three battalions to launch its attack on Kilinochchi army bases," he added. Asked about reports that LTTE leader Velupillai Prabhakaran had personally led the attack on army bases in Kilinochchi, Tennekoon said if it’s true, then it goes to show the importance the LTTE had attached to preventing Jayasikuru troops from capturing Mankulam. "Prabhakaran is on record saying that the LTTE will capture Mankulam at any cost. The LTTE attack on Kilinochchi would have been a last ditch attempt to prevent Jayasikuru troops capturing Mankulam which is centrally located with roads leading to Vavuniya, Jaffna, Vishvamadu, Pooneryn and Mullaithivu" Tennekoon said that the LTTE was not able to capture any heavy weapons or artillery from the army. "We have now moved out of Kilinochchi town and are holding on to fresh defence lines. I would say that we have not lost much ground.We did not recover any bodies while withdrawing". The LTTE, he said, has taken over certain parts of Kilinochchi but this has not affected "Operation Jayasikuru" plans. Questioned if the security forces now need to review its strategy, Tennekoon said that as and when needed new plans will be drawn up. Asked how he would compare the LTTE attack on Kilinochchi with the attack on Mullaitivu in 1996 Tennekoon said " We don’t believe in any comparisons. All I can say is that this is the second biggest attack launched by the LTTE". He said that the operation to capture Mankulam commenced on September 29 and concluded around 9.30 a.m. the following day. "More than 100 Tigers were killed in this operation according to LTTE transmissions that were monitored. The army lost 92 soldiers while 100 were injured. On September 26 , LTTE cadres numbering 26 surrendered to the army". The army, he said, recovered 72 machineguns, 3 RPGs, 60 anti personnel mines and six anti tank mines from Mankulam. Tiger surrendees tell their tale of woe The 26 LTTE cadres who surrendered to the army last Tuesday at Mankulam were brought to the Brigade Headquarters at Anuradhapura where journalists interviewed them. The majority of these girls and boys are within the age group of 15-17. They had studied up to year 7, 8 and 9. They had been forced to join the LTTE without allowing them to continue studies. Some of them admitted that they were hoodwinked to join the LTTE. They said that they were ordered to man the frontline at the Mankulam battlefront while the Tiger ‘seniors’ held the rear and when the army launched an attack their leaders had fled leaving them behind ‘we were left to face the army to assault they lamented." They said, for meals they were given two chunks of ‘pittu’ with some curry for breakfast, rice and vegetable curry for lunch and again for the night two chunks of pittu with vegetable curry. They admitted that there was a shortage of food but of whatever consumable goods seized by Tigers from rations distributed by the government to civilians at Mullaitivu and Wanni, a major part was taken away by the Tiger leaders. Most of the boys did not have even a banian to wear. The army presented to each boy a T-shirt, sarong and slippers. The girls were each given a blouse skirt and a pair of slippers. They were in tears when they accepted these presents from soldiers. When asked whether they didn’t receive any clothes from the LTTE 17-year-old Kanapathy Jayathaswari recalled that for the last one and half years the LTTE had given her only two garments. Jayatheeswari had been identified as "Maratha Arasi" by the LTTE and the number given to her was 1764. She said "I studied at Sivanagar Tamil mixed school at Kilinochchi and was following the G. C. E. (Ordinary Level) class. But I didn’t get the opportunity to sit the examination. I was taken away by the LTTE. Our leader was Selva Namakkar. I had two months training at "Leema 2" camp. Thereafter I took part in several attacks against the army. The last was the Mankulam confrontation. I am really sorry that I could not continue my education" she said. One of the male surrendees Wigneshwaran had joined the LTTE at a young age. But he had later deserted it and fled to Wanni area with his parents during the ‘Riviresa’ operation. After nomalcy was restored in Jaffna after ‘Riviresa’ operation he wanted to return with his parents. But he had been captured by the LTTE and forced to battle-front, he said. He had studied upto year 8. He had been punished by the Tigers for deserting it, Wigneshwaran said. Piyadasa Yasoras was the son of Piyadasa Muniyandi, a Sinhalese by birth who had gone to the north and had settled down after marrying a Tamil girl. Sixteen year old Piyadasa Yasoras admitted that he joined the LTTE in fear of threats against him by the Tigers. He had received training at Mulangavil LTTE camp. His leader had been Rasajeevana Makkai. Veteran journalist Douglas Senaratne died early yesterday after working with grit till the end. In the final weeks and months at "The Sunday Times", Dougie as he was affectionately known to his colleagues and friends ran into illness after illness, but accepted it all bravely. He had even to use a walking stick towards the end but was ever courageous and an inspiration to all. Known as a boxer and tough guy in his school days at Royal, friends recalled how Dougie was called in to punch some opponent at the ‘big match’. Yet behind a rough exterior was a deep thinking, wise and compassionate man well-versed in Latin, the classics and literature. After wandering round the world as a sailor in the Merchant Navy, it was his literary talent that first drew him to the newspaper world. A rough sea had made him not only a good sailor, but also a good journalist. Dougie had the distinction of working at every national newspaper in Sri Lanka — the "Observer" and "Daily News", the "Daily Mirror" of the old "Times" group, the "Island" and the "Sun" newspapers till he settled down at "The Sunday Times" for the final lap some eight years ago. Dougie wrote extensively with vision and understanding on subjects ranging from children’s stories to philosophy and higher perceptions in life. But it was as a sub-editor that he played his primary role in journalism for more than four decades, besides keeping the generally serious subs-desk in high spirits with a fund of jokes and stories from old times. Fittingly, the schoolboy boxer dedicated most of his final years to the sports desk and indeed he fought the good fight to the very last. His body lies at his residence No. 91, Depanama Road, Pannipitiya. The funeral will take place tomorrow (Saturday) after service at Christ the King Church at Arawwala, Pannipitiya at 4.40 p.m. May he rest in peace. ‘United Mahajana Party formed to avert future
uprising in South’ The United Mahajana Party (UMP) was formed to avert a future uprising particularly in the South where neither the ruling People’s Alliance nor the last UNP regime had addressed the simmering problems of the youth, said leader and General Secretary to the country’s newest political party, H. R. Piyasiri, a former Minister of State under the 1989- 94 United National Party Government, at a press conference yesterday afternoon. The new party’s first official press conference was held at Hotel Renuka, Bambalapitiya yesterday afternoon. Mr. Piyasiri said the original intention of his party, which had the support of influential sections of those who earlier supported the People’s Alliance and the United National Party, and progressive minded young people of the South, was to win at least 15 seats in the next Parliamentary elections and to support the Party which wins a majority of seats and thus qualify to form the next government with his party’s help. "By thus being an indispensable partner of the government, like the CWC and SLMC in the present government, my party will be in a better bargaining position," he added. From such a position his party will be able to compel the government to give due attention to the problems of the youth of the South, he said. He said that 80 percent of the young people in the South are unemployed. The uprising of 1971 was sparked off by the continued failure of Governments to address the problems of the youth. The uprising of 1989 was worse than that of 1971 and that if a future uprising happens it would be a formidable one, he added. The causes that led to the two previous uprisings are still there and if these are not remedied a third uprising is imminent. " We can see this. And we have considered the problem for over an year. We have understood that we need a political set up that would identify the urgency of the solution of the problems of the youth and match it with equally urgent action," Mr. Piyasiri said. The United Mahajana Party’s first press conference was also attended by the Leader and Secretary to the Ruhunu Janatha Pakshaya Ajantha de Zoysa and Aruna Zoysa respectively. The Ruhunu Janatha Pakshaya (RJP) a break away faction of the JVP, its Secretary, Aruna Zoysa, claimed that they also had the support of progressives sections of youth who earlier supported other leading political parties. He said the RJP was a regional party which was in existence for the last four years and that, while retaining its identity, would treat the UMP as its ally in the national level. Mr. Piyasiri said his new party (UMP) applied to the Commissioner of Elections for recognition a few hours before the press conference and that his lawyers have advised him that the UMP could carry on propaganda and other activities until the party is formally recognised by the Commissioner of Elections. He said though the party’s original intention was to contest the next general election from the South, there was wide spread support for him from many other parts of the country and that there is the possibility of contesting about 75 percent of the entire electorates. Already applications have been received from about 80 individuals seeking appointments as organisers, he added. Answering questions he said he was the one politician from the South against whom there was not a single complaint of killing of youths during the insurrection. Asked about the election abuses in which he had been involved, as the then Commissioner of Elections had reported he said that there were no complaints as such against him. What the Commissioner of Elections has mentioned were what had been reported by others. There are no charges against him, he said. He said there had been hundreds of attempts on his life during the insurgency but he survived all of them. The reason for these attempts were not because he had erred but because some people resented his continued staying in his electorate during the insurgency while most political leaders of the South lived in Colombo. Asked to comment on allegations that he was a darling of the ruling PA, he said his party would never be a tool in the hands of others. He conceded he met many leading figures of the United National Party including its former General Secretary Sirisena Cooray. "However this was not to ask them to join my party but to ask for their blessings for my endeavour," he said. He also said he did not receive nominations from the United National Party at the 1994 general elections due to conspiracy within the party. The present leader of the party is behind the conspiracy he added. Participants included Al. Haj. Jaleel, Treasurer, S. Gnanapragasam, Asst. Secretary, Ajantha Zoysa, National Organiser of UMP and Leader of RJP; Aruna Zoysa and Nishantha Dedigama Secretary and Treasurer, respectively of RJP. Phones at 15% special discount to journalists On the instructions of Minister of Posts, Telecommunications & Media Mangala Samaraweera, Sri Lanka Telecom has decided to give telephone facilities to working journalists without priority charges and 15% of special discount from the installation charges. This decision will be effective from yesterday SLT Chairman Hemasiri Fernando said. Mortgage scheme offer for Royal Park
apartments Royal Park Condominiums which celebrated its first anniversary on Tuesday (29), have come up with a mortgage scheme for prospective buyers of Royal Park apartments. The scheme which they termed as a ‘superb mortgage’ offer loans upto a maximum of 60% of the documented value of the apartment, with 9.57% interest per annum for the first five years. While a down payment of 10% of the purchase price is to be made to Keangnam, a Korean company who are the sole investors of Royal Park, the remaining 30% is to be paid by the purchaser within a period of one month. The balance 60% should be paid by the NDB to Keangnam on behalf of the purchaser, upon signing a deed of transfer. The apartment would be mortgaged to NDB as security by the purchaser. The client would be able to repay the loan to the bank over a maximum period of 20 years. (depending on the age of the purchaser). This would be paid together with an interest on the loan amount at the rate of 9.75% per annum during the first five years. For the balance period of repayment the full interest would be borne by the purchaser at the rate prevailing at the commencement of the sixth year. Mr. No Han-Choon, main director at Royal Park Condominiums said the initial investment for Royal park had been US$ 40 m. He said that the condominium which consisted of 248 apartments had an occupancy rate of 35% at present while almost all the residents were foreigners. Sixty units have been sold outright while 20 families occupied rentals, he said. Situated in Rajagiriya, Royal Park offers almost every facility one can think of. Keangnam hopes to launch this new mortgage scheme on October 3 to coincide with the Korean national day. Jaipur Foot "Aidex ’98" Oct.
25 Over 275 competitors are expected to participate in the annual sports festival for the physically handicapped. ‘Aidex ’98’ organised by the ‘Jaipur Foot Programme of the Colombo Friend in Need Society to be held on October 25 at the sports ministry grounds. "The participants who are all ‘Jaipur " limb users would vary from children to 65 year old adults’, the organising committee headed by Prof. Sheriffdeen told a press briefing. He said that 60% of Jaipur limb users were war victims, who have suffered blast injuries mainly from land mine and motar blasts. The (CFNS) has been supplying artificial legs to amputees since 1985. According to Prof. Sheriffdeen they have fitted around 10,000 ‘Jaipur ‘ limbs. "We produce about 90 limbs per month," he said. Most of the limbs are given free of charge, while the price of a leg is Rs. 3,500/- with volunteers or donors often giving grants. He pointed out that despite the fact that an act has been established for the disabled in 1987, no action has been implemented with regard to it. The disabled need support he said. One of the lacking factors faced by the organisers of the sports festival for the disabled ‘Aidex ’98’ is financial assistance. Although institutions and individuals have come forward to assist them they still lack funds for the many expenses involved with the event. Members of the public have been invited to participate in the festival starting at 9.00 am on October 25, as this would also be a source of encouragement to the participants. The chief guest will be Ms. Lisa Chiles, Director USAID. DPL ties between Jamaica and Sri Lanka The Government has established diplomatic relations with Jamaica. Foreign Minister Kadirgamar and the Jamaican Foreign Minister, Seymour St. Elmo Mullings signed an agreement on the establishment of diplomatic relations between Jamaica and Sri Lanka at the UN Headquarters in New York last Tuesday (29). The agreement affirms that the governments of Jamaica and Sri Lanka wish to develop and promote further the warm relations of friendship and cooperation that exist between their countries, and establishes diplomatic relations in accordance with the 1961 Vienna Convention of Diplomatic Relations. The Foreign Ministers expressed the hope that the Agreement signed would move their countries to a new era of close Jamaica-Sri Lanka relations, and the development of a broad range of contacts between Sri Lanka and all the Caribbean countries. Jamaica is a member of the Non-Aligned Movement and is also currently the Chairman of a Group of 15 (G-15), to which Sri Lanka gained admission earlier this year, the Foreign Ministry said. On Tuesday afternoon Foreign Minister Kadirgamar met with the Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Water Resources of Nepal, Mrs. Shailaja Acharya. The discussion mainly focused on the on-going efforts at strengthening the SAARC. On Wednesday, Foreign Minister Lakshman Kadirgamar called on the President of the current session of the UNQA, Dr. Didier Opertti Badan, Foreign Minister of Uruguay. The Ministers discussed the issues on the agenda of the current session. Principal murder suspect nabbed The principal suspect wanted in connection with the killing of Kingsley Sarath Hemachandra, Chairman, Arachchikattuwa Pradeshi Sabha was arrested yesterday by a special team from the Chilaw police. On information received that the suspect would be arriving at Kochchikade, SSP (Chilaw division) Gamini de Silva, despatched the special team which captured the 28-year-old army deserter, a resident of Arachchikattuwa. On information given by the suspect, a 12-bore gun used in the killing was also recovered hidden in a bush at Nalladaran Kattuwa, Arachchikattuwa, police said. The suspect is alleged to have made two earlier abortive attempts on the life of the Pradeshi Sabha Chairman. Speech and Language Therapy a new profession An exciting collaboration between the Disability Studies Unit at Kelaniya University Medical Faculty and the Institute of Child Health and Great Ormond St. Hospital, London will come to fruition with the start of the first training course in Sri Lanka to train Speech and Language Therapists. This is also being supported by the Ministry of Health who will establish a cadre for the Speech and Language Therapists when they qualify in two years time. The course at the Medical Faculty is a two year diploma and will take a first batch of 12 students who have gained places against stiff competition. Once qualified they will work in hospitals, schools and community programmes around the country. The course is being coordinated by a Miss Mary Wickenden, Speech and Language Therapy lecturer from the Institute of Child Health in London. The inaugural ceremony for the start of the course will be today (2) at 11 a.m. in the Senior Common Room of the Medical Faculty, Ragama. |
|||
 |
|||