10,000 more cops needed to check crime wave - DIG
by Wimalasena IhalagamaDeputy Inspector General of Police M. H. G. B. Kotakadeniya who is presently placed in charge of Crimes, Criminal Intelligence and Police Security Division, said the Police force has to be strengthened if the crime wave sweeping currently across the country is to be effectively checked. "We need at least 10,000 additional men for the purpose", he said.
Elaborating on the situation Senior DIG Kotakadeniya stated that it would be imperative to maintain a police foot patrol in all police divisions in the country if the situation is to be brought under control. This problem has been caused because a large number of police personnel have been deployed in operational areas. This has caused a severe shortage of men to be deployed on anti crime work.
He added that at least 25 additional policemen would be required at each of the 400 odd police stations in the island. It would work up to 10000 men, he explained.
Mr. Kotakadeniya said the necessary money to pay these additional 10,000 policemen could be raised by introducing a new tax.
Judging by the concern shown by the general public over the escalation of violence in the country Mr. Kotakadeniya said they would surely not mind being little taxed to ensure their own safety. Surely they would make that contribution quite willingly, the DIG asserted.
Saturday Commentary
Mulberries rejuvenatePA backbenchers have reactivated the once powerful Mulberry Group to uphold the PA policy of transparency in government affairs. They are of the view that regular meetings of the PA Parliamentary group should be held to discuss shortcomings of the present administration. They regret the group meetings have not been held for nearly five months to air their views. Some members of the reactivated Mulberry group appeared over the Independent Television Network to fill the vacuum of the cancelled programme of the 'Janatha Adhikaranaya' (Peoples Court) on Thursday night. They were PA firebrand Dilan Perera, Dallas Allahapperuma, Mahinda Amaraweera, T. B. Ekanayake and Lalith Front National List MP Kesaralal Gunesekere.
Mr. Dilan Perera, a fiery speaker stated that the group was initially formed to put the government on the correct track some months after the PA assumed office as the backbenchers felt it was going on the wrong track with regard to certain pledges given to the people. 'We saw that the bureaucracy which existed for seventeen long years taking the new government on the wrong track and that was why we formed the group to agitate against those moves', he noted. Mr. Perera in his usual style was critical of some seniors in the government who placed obstacles to the group's functioning fearing indepth investigations launched about the affairs under their ministries.
The Hambantota District backbencher Mahinda Amaraweera did not hesitate to charge certain ministers who tried to sweep dirt in their ministries under the carpet. Mr. Amaraweera pointed out that those ministers even brought pressure from the top to dismantle the group. He asserted that the offer of some deputy ministerships to Mulberry members had not thwarted their march and they still continued to probe irregular activities in ministries. He thanked certain ministers who gave their fullest cooperation to their investigations and accused others who misled the present leadership to cover their sins.
The Mulberry Group initially probed the activities of the Coopertive Wholesale Establishment (CWE) under Minister Kingsley Wickremaratne. Minister Wickremeratne invited the 'Mulberry' members investigating the activities of the CWE to his ministry to tea and extended his fullest support to the probe. The Mulberry men after the conclusion of the probe presented its' report to President Chandrika Kumaratunga in the company of Minister Wickremeratne. The President who was satisfied with the findings of the report directed the minister to remove some high officials in the CWE which the minister did in twenty four hours.
The Mulberry invstigators next probed the activities of the Paddy Marketing Board and reported back to the President. This was done nearly three years ago. The group claimed that according to their investigations they've found that certain high officials in the PMB had indulged in corrupt activities with regard to the purchase and distribution of paddy. In this instance the Mulberry men were disappointed. For nearly an year they fought to see justice done but were unsuccessful. Mr. Amaraweera told the interviewer on Thursday night without direct reference to this report that some of their investigation reports submitted had ended up in the dustbin due to pressure from certain ministers.
Lalith Front MP Kesaralal Gunesekere said as a member of the Alliance administration, it was the duty of all MPs in the Alliance to protect the government elected by the people. Mr. Gunesekere was asked whether the government was on the correct track. His reply was that the question was a complex one and had to be analysed taking into consideration various aspects. He skilfully evaded a direct answer to say that it was the duty of the MPs and the Mulberry group to correct the government wherever it went wrong. Mr. Gunesekere spoke in favour of the government much in contrast to the views of his Lalith Front colleague Ravi Karunanayake who is at loggerheads with the government. Mr. Karunanayake who is on the war path with the government openly challenges the administration on its' shortcomings both inside and outside parliament.
Last week Mr. Karunanayake chose to challenge the powers of the Deputy Finance Minister Prof. G. L. Peiris at oral question time in Parliament. Mr. Karunanayake referred to an affidavit given to court by the Deputy Minister where Prof. Peiris had said that under article 46 (2) of the Constitution he had no powers over documents of the Finance Ministry or the Treasury. This affidavit had been submitted on the Hilton Hotel case. Karunanayake argued that under that article it was very clear that the Deputy Minister had been given authority on the subjects and functions conferred or imposed on him and charged that the Minister had acted ultra vires.
Karunanayaka's rival, Minister Jeyaraj Fernandopulle stepped into the defence of the Deputy Finance Minister to say that it was sub judice to comment on a matter before Court. Karunanayake retorted saying that when his defamation case against Mr. Fernandopulle was taken up by Minister Peiris, the latter had taken up the position that until a matter was debated in Court it was not subjudice and added that he was very conscious of that fact. 'Sir, if it is sauce for the goose, it should be sauce for the gander', he added. Speaker K. B. Ratnayake pointed out that two wrongs did never make a right and asked Karunanayake to wait for another day. When Karunanayake continued, the Speaker quipped 'Ravi, you are on the war path now'. Mr. Karunanayake replied, 'Sir, I am not in Kilinochchi or Paranthan, Iam only trying to seek the truth from this House'.
The Lalith Front is indirectly accusing that Ravi Karunanayake is going the UNP way. Mr. Karunanayake argues that it was the party politbureau chaired by the leader Mrs. Srimani Athulathmudali who gave authority for the party members to contest the Provincial elections on the UNP ticket. The UNP had accommodated them after discussions with the Lalith Front leadership. According to Lalith Front sources the members who would contest through the UNP have decided to stay with the UNP at future elections.
Tilted vessel 'Leerort' to be brought upright
by Namini WijedasaThe MV Leerort which sank at the Jaya Container Terminal after an Israeli vessel collided with it, was expected to be brought into correct position by evening yesterday with salvaging efforts entering the final phase.
The vessel was lying in water on its right side with its left side jutting out of the sea. Master Divers, the company which was contracted for the salvaging, was in the process of filling the tanks on the left side of the ship with water. The double bottom tanks are situated at the lowest level inside the ship. Chairman of Master Divers, Ariyaseela Wickramanayake, explained that filling the tanks on the left would naturally set the tilted ship afloat again. A floating crane, belonging to the sub-contractors (Smit Cyclone Intl), arrived at the port from Singapore on Wednesday for the last phase in salvage efforts.
Once the ship was upright, Master Divers was expected to remove the hatch in order to fish out the containers inside the vessel. The containers on the deck have already been unloaded. Among these were printing equipment. Vice Chairman of Master Divers, Ruwan Wickramanayake, said it is possible that the ship would be in working condition in at least four days.
Mr. Wickramanayake explained that the initial stages of salvaging commenced on September 23. About 50 workers from Master Divers have been at work since then. They removed the containers from the deck and also laid a cover on the surface of the sea to prevent leaking oil from spreading. The cost of the salvage project will be covered from the insurance of the Israeli vessel which crashed into the German MV Leerort.
The Israeli vessel, Zim Piraeus Bremen, collided with the Leerort on September 19, causing it to keel over. The collision also resulted in a large hole being torn on the right side of the ship which was submerged.
Govt. which promised to end war, restore peace has failed miserably - UNP
This government came to power promising it would end the war and restore peace without delay. With this promise it was able to muster support from the minorities yearning for peace. But contrary to these expectations the government has committed the whole nation to a protracted war with staggering cost which has became unbearable to the people, the UNP states in a communique issued yesterday.
The full text of the communique is as follow:
The United National Party feels that it is their duty to keep the people of this country informed of the exact situation of the north-east war as the people have a legitimate right to be informed. It is a known fact that the People's Alliance government came to power promising the people that they would end the war and restore peace without much delay. With this promise they were able to garner the support not only of the majority community but was able to muster considerable support from the minorities who were yearning for peace. But quite contrary to everyone's expectations the government has now committed the whole nation to a protracted war with staggering cost which has become unbearable to the people of this country. The short lived peace initiative was a clear demonstration of the government's irresponsible way of handling state affairs. The very composition of the negotiating team with LTTE undermined the credibility and the seriousness of purpose of the government on this most important problem the nation is faced with.
With the abortive peace attempt the government next committed itself to search for peace through war thus committing the nation once again to a costly war. Any sensible analysis of the government's war effort from the beginning of the much claimed Rivirasa operation to the disastrous ending of Jaya-sikuru, one is drawn to the conclusion that the whole military operation is carried mainly with a political purpose without any clear military objectives or proper direction. Similar to the abandoned peace effort it appears that the government is aimlessly drifting from one point to another without any clear objective pursuing the war more according to political agenda and for the purpose of image building of certain personalities.
The operation Rivi-rasa 1 and 2 was launched with the purpose of securing Jaffna. This was done by enmeshing security personnel in large numbers to Jaffna leaving the eastern province once again in the hands of the LTTE. The fragility of the so called civil administration in the peninsula instituted under much publicity is manifested with the killing of two Mayors, three Army Commanders, and a Senior Superintendent of Police within a very short period of time. It is no secret that the government is fast losing its control over Jaffna and the troops stationed there are extremely vulnerable to terrorist attacks in the future.
The second operation named 'Edibala' was launched with the purpose of securing Vavuniya - Madhu link road. But today once again this stretch of road is under LTTE control. The third operation 'Sath Jaya' was aimed at capturing Vavuniya - Killonochchi road as a supply route to Jaffna. It will be remembered that when troops entered Kilinochchi General Ratwatte almost ecstatically proclaimed that it was a major defeat for the LTTE and the war will be ended soon. He specifically mentioned that the government was able to capture a strategic location and that was the end of Tiger power. Then Operation Jayasikuru was launched aiming Kili-nochchi to open up Mankulam road. However it did not take much time for the LTTE to recapture Kilinochchi nullifying all the efforts of Sath Jaya pursued with heavy casualties to men and material. Now the General claims that the government was able to capture Man-kulam although they lost Kilinochchi. But according to 'General Calcut' a war veteran when consider Kili-nochchi which is the gateway to Jaffna Mankulam is just another point in the Kilinochchi - Manku-lam road and it has no strategic importance.
The above sequence of events is a clear manifestation of a war effort by the government on a political agenda sans a clearly defined military strategy. It was the UNP who repeatedly reminded the government that the military planning be left to be done by competent professional army officials without pressurizing them to conduct the operation keeping to a political agenda. The government's unwillingness to pay heed to this request has resulted in the loss of life over 11,000 army personnel, and the disabling of another 25,000 since they started the war of 1994.
During this period the expenditure on war has more than doubled. Today the LTTE claims that arms and ammunition they have captured from Kilinochchi and the 32,000 mortars in their possession from the ship commandeered from South Africa, is more than enough for them to conduct the war next year without any fresh procurement. As a result of this war not only the army even the people of north and east have suffered immensely with loss of lives and properties. Inspite of the government's political game-play our soldiers have made their supreme sacrifice to protect the sovereignty and the territorial intregity of our nation. The soldiers are not to be blamed for this debacle. It is the government who should take the full responsibility for this disaster for proposing this war for political end. It is no secret that the military procurement has become a lucrative business for cronies of the PA government. It is also a fact that although the military expenditure has escalated there is no corresponding increase in the troops' strength. What has actually happened is fattening of bank accounts of those who are affiliated to the PA.
Under these circumstances UNP reiterate its commitment for a political solution to achieve a long lasting peace in the country. The UNP has always condemned the use of violence, terror or armed rebellion to undermine a democratic system of government. Until such time as the conflict with the LTTE comes to an end a government has to face the challenge of armed struggle against the state. But this cannot be achieved by sacrificing the lives of the armed service personnel or of innocent civilians to fulfil a partisan political agenda.
Therefore at this juncture the United National Party demand the government:
1) That it ends the press censorship on military news thus allowing the people of this country to know the exact position of the war;
2) To constitute a joint command at the armed forces comprising competent, professional military officials to conduct the operation according to a clearly defined military objective and a strategy, without pursuing the war efforts on a political agenda;
3) To appoint a defence procurement committee comprising of people with high competency acceptable to both the government and the opposition;
4) To appoint a civil affairs committee to ensure civil administration and civil liberties of the people of the north and east, and
5) To appoint a Parliamentary Select Com-mittee to probe the Kilinochchi debacle.
To prevent fund raising for illegal purposes
Canada examining British counter-terrorist laws
By Zacki JabbarCanada is examining provisions of the British counter-terrorist legislation in its efforts to prevent fund raising in Canada for illegal purposes abroad, Justice and Constitutional Affairs Minister G. L. Peiris told yesterday's cabinet press briefing.
Peiris said that during his recent visits to the United Kingdom and Canada he had discussed ways and means of curbing the flow of money to the LTTE collected in those countries ostensibly for humanitarian purposes.
He said that the United Kingdom's Criminal Justice (Terrorism and Conspiracy) Law is of great assistance to Sri Lanka in her struggle against terrorism.
"British legislation is of direct interest to Sri Lanka in-so-far as it breaks new ground in relation to offences concerning proscribed organisations under prevention of terrorism laws. In terms of this law very stringent penalties will flow from criminal conviction including forfeiture of property'
Peiris said that Canada's Secretary of State for Asia and the Pacific, Raymond Chan whom he met in Ottawa recently had expressed interest in the central features of the British counter-terrorist legislation.
"Mr. Chan explained to me Canada's efforts to formulate legislation drawing on some of the provisions of the British Counter- terrorist legislation. He also told me that they are taking steps to prevent the collection of funds for terrorist activity'.
Peiris said that on the economic front too the government has made progress.
"The funds allocated by the World Bank for various projects mooted by the government is a positive assertion by the Bank that Sri Lanka’s fundamentals are very strong,' he added.
Seminar on Current Trends of the Stock Market in Sri Lanka
The Alumni Association of the University of Peradeniya (Colombo Chapter) has organized a seminar on the "Current Trends of the Stock Market in Sri Lanka" to be held at the Auditorium of the Faculty of Graduate Studies, University of Colombo, Thurstan Road, from 5.15 - 7.15 p.m on the 20th (Tuesday), October 1998.
The speakers at the seminar will be Kithsiri Gunawardane, (Senior Manager, Legal, the Securities and Exchange Commission of Sri Lanka (SEC) and Manjula Kulatunga, Training and Market Development Officer of the SEC. The seminar will be conducted in both Sinhala and English.
The objective of the seminar is to make the participants aware of the factors that have affected the price movement in the Colombo Stock Exchange. The current trends as well as the likely scenarios for the future will also be discussed.
Island Caper
The Crutch and the CrotchA beauty queen of yesteryear went to a hospital that is centrally located to have a plaster cast removed. Though she was on time the habitually late surgeon was nowhere around. Inquiries revealed that the healer had left for home. The angry lady demanded her money back but was informed that the mercenary doc had taken her money before he went home. She demanded that the mercenary be contacted at home and when contacted the mercenary wanted her to come back two days later.
The angry lady would have none of it and wanted her money back and not being able to cope with an increasingly hysterical female, the man directed the hospital to pay her the money promising to reimburse the hospital. The hospital retained Rs. 50/ and returned the balance.
The irate lady would have none of that - she demanded her money in a voice that was heard in the American Ambassador's living room. It was then that a hospital administrator thought he could shoo the woman away saying not at 'Hope'. The irate Beauty retaliated with her crutch which unfortunately came into contact with the man's crotch - the man was laid out and the lady was seen leaving, to the cheers of the onlookers, waving her 50 rupee note. A daft thing no doubt.
Terrorists continue to recruit child soldiers
by Norman Palihawadana and Shakuntala PereraRepresentations have been made to the Senior Deputy Inspector General of Police, H. M. G. B. Kotaka-deniya by the Senior Superintendent of Police Batticaloa on a move by the Liberation Tigers of Tamil Eelam (LTTE) to recruit over 3000 persons including children from the East.
The recruitment drive is reported to have commenced early this month.
According to these reports received by the Valachchanei police office the LTTE has commenced their child recruitment drive on Wednesday (15).
Under the child recruitment drive the LTTE has abducted two of three ten year old students of the Mava-dvembu Maha Vidya-laya around 7 am Wed-nesday.
The Year five students, namely Mahen-dranadan Mayuran, Sinnan Sudaharan and Puwaneshwaram were abducted on their way home from school by the terrorists. Terrorists have demanded that they join their organization with immediate effect.
According to a statement given by one of the children who has been able to escape the abduction Mahen-dranadan Mayuran, the other two children have approached the other terrorists out of fear and had their hands tied by the LTTE despite their cries for release.
As Mahendranadan had attempted to run away the terrorists have warned him to refrain from such action. They had told him that he would be given a gun and be allowed to go to Jaffna if he joined the group.
He had however escaped and subsequently was handed over to the Mawadiwembu army camp by an old Tamil man who had been told of the story of the abduction.
The child's statement was recorded at the Valachchenai Army Headquarters upon being handed over to the Headquarters from the Mawadiwembu camp.
The child has later been handed over to the International Red Cross Organization by the army to look in to the whereabouts of his parents and be handed over to them.
The SSP Batticaloa has also informed DIG Kotakadeniya of further investigations including recording state-ments from the parents of the abducted children and the principal of the school the three children have attended.
Meanwhile the DIG Kotakadeniya told 'The Island' that there was very little the police could do with regard to such abductions and recruitment of children in the Batticaloa area as the area was under the control of the LTTE.
"Ofcourse these actions go against the standards stipulated by the United Nations. The Police is however doing all it can in creating sufficient awareness within the schools and the school principals against such illegal recruitment. We have informed the principals to take whatever necessary precautions against such moves of the LTTE,'he added.
The LTTE early this year promised the United Nations Special Representative on Chil-dren, Olara Otunnu not to recruit and use children in war. But they however continued to violate all standards set by the UN with regard to children in war.
Earlier this month eight children surrendered themselves to the army in Kilinochichi and recounted the many hardships they had been forced to undergo under the LTTE.
Troops continue to engage terrorists
During daytime terrorists fired mortars at troops manning defences northwest of Mankulam and south of Vannivilankulam. Troops retaliated with mortars and artillery on Thursday, Operational Headquarters said yesterday.
Troops continue to dominate the areas ahead of defences. The following incidents were also reported. At Kilinochchi troops operating ahead of defences observed a terrorist concentration and engaged them with small arms and mortars. Monitored terrorists transmission confirmed one terrorist killed and 11 injured on Thursday at 3.30 p.m.
Thonda demand birth, certificates in Tamil
By T. ChandrasekeranThe Indeeya Wamsawali Makkal Perani Party led by the Minister of Livestock Development and Estate Infrastructure, S. Thondaman has decided to request the government to issue certificates of births, marriages and deaths of Tamil estate workers in the Tamil language.
This decision was taken at the committee meeting of an organization called Indeeya Wamsawali Makkal Perani headed by Minister Thondaman.
The meeting was convened by Badulla district MP, T. V. Sennan and held at Riverside Holiday Inn at Badulla presided by Minister, S. Thon-daman.
It was also been decided to launch a programme to expedite the issue of National Identity Cards to young Tamil estate workers.
In connection with the Cancer Awareness Walk from October 11 to 17th Kandy Cancer Home has organised awareness walk which will start today (Saturday) at 9 a.m. opposite the Central Market, Kandy and will go along Dalada Veediya, Kotugodalla Veediya, Raja Veediya, D. S. Senanayake Veediya and ends near the boathouse. (round the lake).
The Hillwood College band will be in attendance with volunteers, well wishers and senior students from the school taking part. — (HM)
Tamil Tigers are murderers and traitors - NMAT
That the Tamil Tigers are murderers and are traitors to their own people is amply borne out by their final act of shooting down the Lionair civilian aircraft with over 40 Tamil citizens on board, states the National Movement Against Terrorism in a news release.
The full text of the release is as follows:
A series of religious ceremonies was conducted by the National Sangha Council, with the participation of its most venerable dignitaries to offer merit and solace to the armed forces and the police who have made the supreme sacrifice in the defence of this country against Tiger terrorism and to those who have been injured. The actions of the venerable monks gave expression to our innermost feelings at this moment of national peril and grief.
The ever present nagging feeling of hopelessness, despair and helplessness that we feel each time our soldiers die, or are injured on the separatist terror field has now found expression. The message of the sangha was that even if we are unable to go to the front, there is something that every one of us can do to help - to help in the defence effort - to help the injured - to help the dead soldier to realize his silenced yearning - for his country and for his weeping family.
The venerable monks have revealed to this nation that every citizen, however big or small, however placed, could extend his or her support - however minute - to those brave Sri Lankan soldiers who are fighting on our behalf.
The need of the moment, as voiced by the Maha Sangha of the Jathika Sangha Sabha is that every single citizen comes forward to help in the defence of our motherland from ruthless separatist terrorists who massacre, not only the Sinhala, Muslim, Burghers and Moors but also the Tamils whose cause they claim to defend.
That the Tamil Tigers are murderers and are traitors to their own people is amply borne out by their final act of shooting down the Lion Air civilian aircraft with over 40 Tamil citizens on board.
The venerable monks on 13th October 1998 assembled in their hundreds at the National Hospital, Colombo with gifts of essentials for every single wounded soldier and with large quantities of bed linen and pillows that the hospital administration had appealed for, just a few days ago. Over 300 Buddhist monks wound their way through the several wards where the injured soldiers lay far away from home and family. The venerable sangha chanted pirith, invoking the blessings of the Triple Gem, they tied the healing pirith nula, driving away the fear and despair, urging them on towards recovery. Ven. Madoluwawe Sobhita Thero stated, "Even as you fight in the battle field, remember we are always beside you in thought, casting a protective shield over you".
The venerable monks - they were all there - including Ven. Madoluwawe Sobhita Thero, Ven. Prof. Bellanwila Wimalaratana Thero, Ven. Dodangoda Assaji Thero, Ven. Muruttettuwe Ananda Thero, Ven. Brahmanawatte Seevali Thero, Ven. Udahamulle Siriwimala, Ven. Keeniyawala Palitha Thero and Ven. Akuretiye Nanda Thero, chanting on unison, urging the country to unite - to listen - to help - Now! The younger monks such as Ven. Rajawatte Vappa, Ven. Atureliye Ratana, Ven. Kalubowila Kusalagnana, Ven. Haputale Pannarama and Ven. Hedigalle Wimalasara. And monks still younger, possibly 12, 13, 14 or 15 shared the pain of their brothers. The tears in their eyes, a tell-tale break in their rhythmic chanting revealed their own agony, as they touched the blood-stained bandages.
At the National Hospital, Colombo, before the commencement of the proceedings, the National Sangha Sabha issued the enclosed statement - the truth that the nation must now surely accept.
Third $1 mln note seized by TID
by Danielle Bochel & Kalinga WeerakkodyPolice have sought the help of Interpol to check whether three one Million US$ notes which were seized from different parts at Sri Lanka are forgeries.
OIC of the Terrorist Investigation Division (TID) said that a third one million dollar note was found three days ago at Kurunegala.
Earlier two one million dollar notes were found at Chilaw and in Colombo respectively.
Investigations have revealed that in the Kurunegala incident the main suspect is a Pakistani who is married to a Sri Lankan woman. He is missing now.
The suspect had been visiting Sri Lanka for the past 9 years on and off.
All necessary steps have been taken to ensure that the suspect does not the leave country.
On Tuesday (13) TID arrested three suspects who attempted to sell a Million US$ currency note in a location between Slave Island and Grandpass around 12.30.
Meanwhile United States Information Service (USIS) source said the two US million dollar currency notes seized by Sri Lanka Police over the past week are forgeries.
The sources said that the highest denomination in US currency in circulation was the US $100 note. Million dollar notes have been printed, but they are used for transactions between the Federal Reserve Bank and the US Treasury.
Mr. Akbar Khan, country manager for American Express Bank also said that there was no doubt the currency was forged and such incidents had been reported in other countries as well.
The first counterfeit note was seized last Friday from Chilaw and a woman in whose possession it was found was arrested. She was a Sri Lankan who had been living in India for the past eighteen years and had married there. A second note surfaced in Grandpass on Tuesday in a raid by the Terrorist Investigation Division .
Rehabilitation and Reconstruction of N/E
By Harini Dias BandaranayakeMany ventures are presently being carried out to grant permanent shelter for the displaced in the North and East by chiefly the Rehabilitation and Resettlement Authority for the North (RRAN) and many other foreign organizations.
Eighty seven thousand families are reported to be displaced in these regions as a result of the ongoing war. Health, education, employment and housing are some of the diverse fields in which the concerned authorities have concentrated projects to meet the needs of the displaced.
According to the RRAN, 70% of foreign assistance in the Northern districts for rehabilitation projects is granted by a German Technolgical Company (GTZ), United Nations Development Programme (UNDP), UNOPS and British ODA. Another 16% is granted by DIDA together with the United Nations High Commission for Refugees (UNHCR),USAID and AusAid while the rest is granted by other foreign agencies and international NGOs.
Although these projects were started in 1996 when the original inhabitants of the North were able to resettle in their homelands, by March of this year only 4% of the projects were completed. Ninety Four percent were ongoing projects and the remainder were awaiting approval.The main objectives of these projects are to resettle displaced people, to construct social and economic infrastructure as well as to revive agriculture and to organize an income support system for them.
According to the Jaffna G.A many housing projects are planned to proceed with effect from next year besides the housing projects already completed or are in the process of being completed. Rs.300 million is being spent on human settlement based activities. The most number of ongoing projects in the North and mainly in the district of Jaffna are also being carried out for the purpose of resettlement of the displaced.
Human settlement based activities in the North include the provision of environmental sanitation, housing and settlement programmes and water supply schemes.
The German Technology Company (GTZ), the RRAN and UNHCR have laun-ched housing projects to accommodate the settlers that are flooding back into Jaffna daily. So far funds have been allocated for 20,000 houses. The GTZ together with UNHCR plans to start another housing project next year. The Jaffna G.A told 'The Island' that at present the government does not face any difficulty in carrying out these projects as there are sufficient funds and resources. He said the only hindrance is the extremely wet weather conditions which result in the difficulty of transporting building materials.
The housing and settlement programme includes granting aid for reconstruction of damaged houses in Jaffna and providing shelter for the homeless. These had, by March 1998, benefitted nearly 5,000 families. The rehabilitation of tube wells, the construction of new wells and the supply of water to the coastal inhabitants and to the general public constitute the projects carried out to improve the water supply in the region. Nearly 1,200 families by March 1998 had benefitted through sanitation facilities, the construction and repair of latrines and the improvement of faci-lies for children under the environmental sanitation project.
The resettlement programme carried out in the Eastern province include the districts Puttalam, Anuradha-pura, Kurunegala, Pol-onnaruwa, Ampara, Batticaloa and Trinco-malee.
By 1990, 1850 people had resettled in the district of Puttalam, Trincomalee, Ampara and Batticaloa while dry rations were distributed to those who were unwilling to do so. Under the resettlement programme Rs. 25,000 is granted to those who intend to build permanent houses and financial assistance is granted by way of Rs. 7,000 for a temporary hut, Rs. 2,000 as resettling allowance and Rs. 1,000 for implements.The Ministry of Port Development, Rehabilitation and Reconstruction informed 'The Island' that currently a project of 27 model villages are being carried out in the district of Ampara, Batticaloa, Trincomalee and Put-talam to accommodate the displaced.
Contempt of Court charges under SC consideration
By Chitra WeerarathneContempt of Court charges, against the Director General of Customs and the Chair-man and Members of the Public Service Commission, drafted and submitted to the Supreme Court by Tilak Marapana, P. C. is now under the consideration of the Supreme Court.
The charges were drafted following a complaint made by a petitioner of a Fundamental Rights Violation application that the Director General of Customs, the Chairman and other members of the Public Service Commission have committed contempt of court.
In the petition, Anura Weerawansa, Superintendent of Customs, has challenged his interdiction.
The contempt of court charge flows from a Fundamental Rights application filed by Anura Weerawansa, Superintendent of Customs.
When the application came up for hearing on June 6, this year, petitioner Weerawansa moved to withdraw the case, upon the court making order directing the respondents, the Director General of Customs, and the Members of the PSC, to serve a charge sheet and hold an inquiry into the allegations against petitioner Weerawansa which warrented his interdiction.
Later, the petitioner complained to court, of non-compliance of that order of the respondents.
The Supreme Court thereafter noticed the Director General of Customs, and other respondents to appear in court on Thursday, October 8, and show cause as to why they should not be dealt with for contempt.
The Court directed., Tilak Marapana PC, Senior Counsel for the petitioner, on that date, to draft charges of contempt, if any, on the respondents. The charges that counsel would make meant for the consideration of the court.
Mr. Marapana appeared with Hema-chandra Manatunga, Nalin Ladduwahetty and Jayantha Fernando for the petitioner.
Additional Solicitor General K. C. Kamala-sabaysan PC appeared for the respondents on Friday.
The ASG said that the inquiry against the petitioner has already commenced by the appointment of a new inquiring officer, and by the service of notice to the respondents, along with a charge sheet.
But there has been no response from the petitioner.
The petitioner had written to the PSC by letter dated 20.8.98, stating that, he does not wish to participate, for reasons stated therein. The A.S.G. said he will submit a certified copy of that letter.
The case is to be called next on January 25.
Yesterday the Bench comprised, Justices S. W. B. Wadu-godapitiya, Asoka de Z. Gunewardene and D. P. S. Gunesekera.
Blue Gold and Blue Carnival is on
Blue Gold and Blue Trade Fair and Carnival, organised by Royal College Old Hostellers' Association, which began yesterday at the Sathutu Uyana, will be held tomorrow and day after from 4 p.m. to 10 p.m.
It has been organized to raise funds to finance the construction of a new hostel building.
The cabinet on Wednesday approved a proposal by Justice Minister G. L. Peiris to set up Labour Tribunals in Anuradhapura, Matara , Gampaha and Panadura, Media Minister and Cabinet spokesman Mangala Samaraweera said at yesterday's cabinet press briefing.
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He said that on a proposal by Industrial Development Minister C. V. Gooneratne the cabinet decided to award compensation of Rs. 25,000 each to workers of Pugoda and Thulhiriya who struck work in 1978.This is in addition to the Rs 10,000 compensation they were awarded earlier.
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Also on a proposal by Mr. Gooneratne three more plots of land are to be allocated to the Kuruvita -Padaviya Industrial Complex. New buildings are to be constructed on these lands at a cost of Rs. 29.2 million.
