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Will it be Nelson Mandela?
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Will
it be Nelson Mandela? by Zacki Jabbar Asked if he could comment on when the situation would present itself Peiris said he is not in a position to answer that. "The President while ruling out mediation has said she will not object to a facilitator helping the government and the LTTE to resume negotiations". Commenting on the lead up to yesterdays bipartisan discussions organised by the trade chambers, he said it is a pity that the UNP had boycotted a "sincere attempt to resolve the ethnic issue" because he was part of the government delegation. "The President after discussing the matter with me said she would lead the government delegation. This is an unusual thing for an head of state to do. However she indicated to me the composition of her delegation would be decided by her. Accordingly her delegation includes Mr. C. V. Gooneratne Mr. Jeyaraj Fernandopulle and myself". Prof. Peiris said the President’s decision to lead the government delegation was conveyed to the UNP through the business leaders. However the UNP has refused to participate in the discussions due to his presence at the discussions. "The President amidst her busy schedule met the five Chambers of Commerce and Industry on Tuesday to discuss among other matters the primary issue — the resolution of the ethnic crisis. This is because she wants to give every encouragement to resolving the issue" he added. Meanwhile, the UNP Working Committee which met on Tuesday decided not to participate in any discussions which includes Minister Peiris. They alleged it was Prof. Peiris who sabotaged the recent All Party Consultations organised by the UNP. TULF says not away of child abductions by LTTE by Shamindra Ferdinando Commenting on claims that youths had been abducted by Tigers and taken to training camps, leader of the TULF Parliamentary group, Joseph Pararajasingham told ‘The Island’ that actions of both the government and the security forces were driving more people to the LTTE. However, both the military and Tamil officials based in Batticaloa said the LTTE had abducted hundreds of youths, mostly students living in uncleared Vellaveli, Pattipalai, Vavunathi-vu and parts of Vakarai. Authorities admitted that some abductions had also been reported from Mava-divendu, an area controlled by the army. Military spokesman Brigadier Sunil Tennakoon told ‘The Island’ that the army was aware of the continuing abductions in the Batticaloa-Ampara region. Mr. Pararajasing-ham however said he was not aware of any ‘abductions’ as such in the Batticaloa district. ‘But know of some youths joining the LTTE’, he claimed. Business community to form national committee to tackle ethnic crisis The co-ordinating chairman of the businessmen’s group seeking bi-partisan approach to national issues Deshamanya Lalith Kotelawala declared at its first meeting yesterday that they would take the ethnic conflict as a priority issue for a solution. In this context they would form a National Committee with the representatives of the seven business associations together with representatives of other groups which attended the meeting and representatives of the country‘s political parties. He urged the political parties to send two representatives from each. But he said the leadership in this attempt to seek peace should be in the hands of the business community. "We will lead and politicians will have to follow" he said. Yesterday’s meeting held at the BMICH was convened by the Ceylon Chamber of Commerce, the National Chamber of Commerce of Sri Lanka, the Ceylon Chamber of Industries, Federation of Chambers of Commerce and Industry, the Employers Federation, The Exporters Association with Lalith Kotelawala as convenor. This is the first occasion businessmen took over the helm of finding solutions to national issues. Prioritising the ending of the North East conflict was made in view of the issue being of paramount interest to the development of the country. Besides the conflict was the issue that took predominance in the observations made by all speakers at the forum. The agenda for the meeting consisted of ten issues. They included: 1. The effective resolution of the North East conflict; 2. Ensuring that there is no discrimination. Ensuring equality for all Sri Lankan citizens irrespective of race gender political affiliations, religion etc.; 3. Ensure personal security and peace for all Sri Lankans; 4. Introduce the use of English as a link language and legislate for English to also be an official language; 5. Ensure the power and independence of the Public Service Commission Judicial Services Commission and the Police Service; 6. Ensure that white/green papers are published prior to legislation for open public debate on all important national issues; 7. Agree to a set of common policy criteria which would remain unchanged for a minimum term of l5 years unless otherwise agreed by both government and opposition thus ensuring the continuity of policy with regard to the following: a) Agriculture b) Industry c) Trade and Commerce 8. To introduce reforms in labour laws and practice to conform to current needs; 9. To support and implement the adoption of educational reforms and 10. Formulate and implement National Economic plans in consultation with the several business associations. Prof. G. L. Pieris, Minister of Justice Constitutional Affairs and Deputy Minister of Finance who represented the team from the Government and the PA said the government was pleased about the initiative taken by the business community in the proposals made and the efforts taken. He spoke of the devolution of powers package that the government had put before the Parliament last year. He suggested that the core issues be identified by the business community and solutions sought on a bipartisan approach. Without a solution being found to the core issue of peace there would be no development in the country. Others too spoke of the ethnic problem as the major issue and several expressed partisan views. For instance Minister Ashraff asked why Tamil was not being taught to Sinhala children. Representing the convenors were: Ken Balendra, Chairman Chamber of Commerce, Aremyne Weerasinha, President National Chamber of Commerce, Nimal Samarakkody, President Employers Federation, Lyn Fernando, Chairman Exporters Association, Patrick Amarasinghe, President FCCSL. Mr. Kotelawala Presided. The government representatives included Minister C. V. Goonaratna and Jeyaraj Fernandopulle. Sri-mani Athulathmudali and Ravi Karuna-nayake representing the Lalith Front with all minority political parties being represented while the UNP was conspicuously absent. The convenors told the gathering meetings had been held with the UNP which had endorsed the attempts taken by the business community and they would be meeting again. First accused pointing a
pistol shouted: by V. Varathasuntharam His evidence in chief was led by State Counsel Sanjeewa Samaranayake. Army Sergeant T. Somachandra told that his native place was Matara. After leaving school he joined the Army on July 1, 1978. It was his first employment. He was thirty when he joined the Engineering Unit of the Army. He got married in January 1981. He has two children, a son and a daughter. His eldest child, fourteen year old daughter attends Pitipana Maha Vidyalaya while his second child Ñ twelve year old son attends St. Joseph's College, Nugegoda. He settled down with his family in the present house in April, 1995. He bought the house with a land in extent of 15 perches. This house had access to the main road through two paths, one a private road belonging to them and another through the adjoining rubber plantation. The house of the accused Mahanama Tillekeratne was also situated in the neighbourhood. The access road to the main road that they used, go past the house of Mahanama Tillekeratne. State Counsel: When did Mahanama Tillekeratne family come to reside in their house? Witness: It was after we had settled there. State Counsel: Was there anybody prior to Mahanama Tillekeratne coming to reside there? Witness: There was a hotel in the premises of his house. State Counsel: What was the name of the hotel? Witness: 'Green Shadow Inn.' State Counsel: Who was the owner of the hotel? Witness: Later I learnt from my neighbours that it belonged to Mahanama Tillekeratne. State Counsel: Does your wife work anywhere? Witness: No, she sometimes goes into ecstasy or trance and tells other's fortunes. She also performs Shanthy Karma. Judge: Do people frequent your place? Witness: Yes. They come with their problems for 'Shanthi Karmaya' and to listen to fortune telling. State Counsel: How many visit your house at a time on those occasions? Witness: Twenty to thirty at certain times. State Counsel: How long have Mahanama Tillekeratne family been residing there? Witness: About two years and six months. State Counsel: They came to reside thereafter the hotel was shifted from there? Witness: Yes. State Counsel: Do you know the reason why the hotel was shifted? Witness: No. State Counsel: Do you know the place where the hotel is presently situated? Witness: Yes, it is in Homagama. State Counsel: Who is the owner of the hotel? Witness: According to what I heard, it is the first accused. State Counsel: How was your relationship with the family of the first and the second accused. Witness: It was a very cordial relationship. My son used to frequent their house almost everyday. I had even seen Mahanama Tillekeratne carrying my son in his arms. We had taken part in the 'Dhana or Pinkama' at their house. When the first accused was presiding over the Chilaw courts, I used to accompany him to provide security. State Counsel: Has the first accused visited your house? Witness: Yes, sometimes he had come for 'Shanthi Karma'. Even when the car belonging to the second accused met with an accident he came to my wife for 'Shanthy Karma'. State Counsel: Have you ever had any financial transaction with the family of the first accused? Witness: Yes, it was between my wife and the wife of the first accused. Once, Mrs. Mahanama Tillekeratne borrowed rupees one lakh and seventy five thousand from my wife. It was needed for their eldest son who had returned from abroad to go back after vacation. State Counsel: Was it given on a credit basis? Witness: It was given because of our close relationship. Court: Was there any understanding? Witness: We told them to return the money when we required it. State Counsel: Where was your money lying? Witness: It was in a rural bank. It was my wife's savings for about ten years. It was saved to put up an upstair at our house. State Counsel: When did you lend the money? Witness: It was somewhere in October 1997. State Counsel: Did any incident take place on March 25, 1998? Witness: Yes, at about 10.12 p.m. a stone fell on our house. We were inside the house. We came out at once. Another stone struck the back door of our house. State Counsel: From where did the stone come? Witness: It came from the direction of the house of Mahanama Tillekeratne. State Counsel: What happened thereafter? Witness: When I rushed out shouting, three shots were fired at the tube light in the porch of our house. We went in and closed the door in fear. State Counsel: After the incident did you report to the police? Witness: My wife went to the police station to make a complaint but the police refused to record it. But I made a written complaint to my superior officer. But he told me to contact the police. State Counsel: Was there any other incident? Witness: Yes, it was on March 30,1998. We used to take our children everyday at 5.45 a.m. to the main road and wait there until the school van comes to take them to school. As we were standing on the main road, the second and the third accused came there. At that time the first accused came there pointed a pistol at us and shouted 'we will shoot you like dogs' and fired in the air. Court: What did you do? Witness: I remained silent. Later my wife wrote to the President explaining our predicament. State Counsel: Was there any incident on July 1, 1998? Witness: Yes, While I was taking my son to the main road at 5.45 a.m. to catch the school van, we saw a man sitting under a rubber tree. He attacked me with an iron pole. I fell down. I was attacked for about 4 seconds. The second accused and two others whom I can't identify attacked me on my legs. Then I heard someone shouting 'finish him, kill him'. It sounded like the voice of the first accused Mahanama Tillekeratne. Then my wife and daughter came there and took me to the Army camp in a vehicle. From there I was admitted to Colombo General Hospital. I was hospitalised for 12 days. State Counsel: Are you able to walk? Witness: No, I cannot bend my knees. State Counsel: Can you sit on a chair? Witness: No. State Counsel: Was there any incident thereafter? Witness: Yes. There has been continuous stone throwing and we had to abandon our house and go elsewhere. Court: Are you not residing there now? Witness: No, Your Honour, nobody stays there now. We live in Hingurakgoda. My children do not attend school now. At this state, the witness was cross-examined by Senior Defence Counsel Daya Perera (PC). Daya Perera: In what year did you leave school? Witness: In 1966. Daya Perera: In what year did you join the Army? Witness: In 1978. Daya Perera: Did you work anywhere before joining the Army? Witness: No. Daya Perera: So, for twelve years, since you left school, you had not been doing anything? Witness: Yes. Daya Perera: You joined the Volunteer Force? Witness: Yes. Daya Perera: You have never been in the regular force? Witness: Yes. Daya Perera: Have you ever worked in the war areas? Witness: Yes. Daya Perera: Where? Witness: In Vavuniya. Daya Perera: How long have you worked there? Witness: For 2 years. Daya Perera: Except for a short period of 2 years you have spent the rest of the period in Colombo? Witness: Yes. Daya Perera: Prior to settling down in your present house, where did you reside? Witness: At Maharagama. It was a rented out house. Daya Perera: Why did you leave that house? Witness: The lease was over. Daya Perera: Were you not stoned and chased away from there for your wife's false fortune telling? Witness: No. Further hearing was put off for October 30. Mahanama Tillekeratne, his son Pathinike Tillekeratne, Vincent Babu, and Poruwa Bandarage Upul are the accused. They are charged with unlawful assembly, causing injuries and attempted murder of Army Sergeant Somachandra on June 1, 1998. State Counsel Sanjeeva Samaranayake with Superintendent of Police (CID) R. Premaratne appeared for the prosecution. Daya Perera (PC) and A. L. M. Ameen (PC) with T. G. Gunasekera, Laksman Ranasinghe, Hemantha Warnakulasuriya, Jayantha Weerasinghe, Nihal Gunasinghe, Leslie Iddamalgoda, Gunasena Hewage, Ranjan de Silva, Cyril Wijekoon, Prasanna Silva, Subanee Jinasena and R. Rudra appeared for the defence. Armed thugs attack Negombo Dy. Mayor, two sons by Kalinga Weerakkody and Wimal
Keerthi The Deputy Mayor his two sons, Rohan Maldeniya (30) and Saminda Maldeniya (28) were admitted to Negombo Base Hospital with serious injuries following the brutal attack, police said. The gang had also smashed up the 'beer garden' type restaurant. Initially, the gang had attackced Rohan Maldeniya who was in the restaurant and on being informed about the incident the Deputy Mayor and his other son had intervened. By that time more members of the gang had arrived in a van, set upon the duo and attacked them as well, according to police. The 63-year-old Deputy Mayor was a former principal. Police guards have been placed at the hospital ward where they are under treatment and also at the residence of the Deputy Mayor following threats to harm other members of his family, police said. Police have so far not arrested any suspects in this connection. Investigations are in progress. Mr. Halim Ishak, a member of the UNP has submitted his resignation from the party to Mr. Gamini Atukorale, Secretary of the UNP. Mr. Ishak began his political career in the Sri Lanka Freedom Party representing it in the Colombo Municipal Council and also as a Member of Parliament. In 1994 he left the SLFP and joined the UNP. Following the new policies of the UNP on many vital issues with which he disagrees he submitted his resignation from the party. LTTE female suicide bomber in prison to say 'I Do' by Kalinga K. A. Weerakkody Commissioner of Prisons P. Baskarasingham told 'The Island' that this is the first time that the authorities have given a LTTE member to get married while in prison. He further said a love affair had exsited between the couple for sometime and when she was arrested a couple of months back she was two months pregnant. She is alleged to be a suicide bomber. "On humanitarian grounds we granted permission for them to enter wedlock, the commissioner said the woman is in the female ward of the Welikada prison while the man is at the Kalutara Prison. Mr. Baskarasingham said that for normal prisoners permission had been granted on earlier occasions to marry while in prison. "There was an occasion where 17 marriages took place in one single day," he added. The main reason for this was that in some villages though the suspects lived as husband and wife they were not legally married, he pointed out. Strike at Passara group continues: demands removal of Supdt. by Namini Wijedasa Meanwhile, the Sassoon Weekly report has noted that there is a general fear the industrial unrest at Passara estate may spread to other plantations in the district. "Plantation stocks were under pressure throughout the week as a result", says the October 16 report. A senior official of Hapugastenne Plantations Ltd. (which manages the Passara estates) told ‘The Island’ that "there has not been much impact on the company at present because there is a severe drought in the Uva region". "However, we have lost about 40,000 kilogrammes of black tea due to there being no production on the estates". Meanwhile, a spokesman for the main estate union involved in trade union action - the Lanka Jathika Estate Workers’ Union (LJEWU) - told ‘The Island’ that 12 other estates in the Badulla district coming under Hapugastenne Plantations have also joined the Passara group strike in support. The company official confirmed there was a drop in numbers reporting to work this week but attributed it to the Deepavali festival. He said he "saw no danger in the strike spreading". A number of other contentious issues involving the statutory rights of workers were, however, settled at the Labour Ministry discussion on Wednesday, presided by Labour Minister W. D. J. Seneviratne. These issues were referred to the Commissioner of Labour and addressed immediately by this official. However, both sides reached no consensus on the main demand of the strikers, which is the transfer of a superintendent and a field officer attached to the Passara group of estates. The senior company official stressed to ‘The Island’ that this demand will not be granted and is not even negotiable. He pointed out that if these two officials are transferred, there will be a harmful precedent created, with workers around the country demanding the removal of senior officials at their whim and fancy. "Ultimately, the managements would not be able to manage their employees," he noted. Meanwhile, one of the unions initially involved in the strike, the Ceylon Workers’ Congress (CWC), has now withdrawn on the grounds that the demand is ‘unreasonable’. The dispute erupted with the arrest of two estate workers after they verbally abused the field officer concerned after consuming liquor. Trade unions alleged that the estate superintendent (whose removal they are now demanding) called for police intervention and was trying to ‘harass’ them. The arrests were followed by an incident of hostage-taking, whereby the senior assistant superintendent and four others were held forcibly by workers inside a factory. The police intervened and had the hostages released but also arrested a number of workers. The 900-strong workforce then went on strike. Expo ’98 at Kandy Hotel Suisse from Oct. 28-31 by Himangi Jayasundere The objective of the fair is to provide provincial entrepreneurs the opportunity to display their products and also learn the art of negotiating, displaying, pricing and costing for the international market. Apart from this they will also be able to meet buyers both local and foreign. These meetings will provide them opportunities for export orders and subcontracting orders. Kingsley T. Wickremaratne, Minister of Internal and International Commerce and Food told a media conference that two thirds of small and medium enterprises were in the provinces. He said that during previous exhibitions many buyers came from Kandy. Having the event in Kandy would also promote it from a tourist angle. "We were able to sell our products at single country exhibitions first in Moscow where we sold our tea and in Belgrade where we were able to promote our shoes and jewellery. The next single country exhibit will be at St. Petersburg," he added. Some of the products that will be displayed are handicrafts, handloom and silk products, silverware, brassware, jewellery, processed food, spices, value added tea, coconut based products, cut flowers and foliage. The exhibition will have 106 stalls, 88 of these will be from the small and medium enterprises (SME) sector, from the North and Central provinces. This is the third time Trade Expo is being held in Kandy.The first and second Trade Expo exhibitions in 1994 and 1996 had a participation of 40 SME’s and the resulting orders both direct and indirect amounted to Rs. 2,000,000 and Rs.4,000,000 respectively. The third Trade Expo held in Hikkaduwa in 1996 bought in orders to the value of Rs.7,000,000 with 61 participants. During the 10 year period between 1988 to 1997 the share of exports of traditional products in total exports have declined from 37.52% in 1988 to 19.65%. In 1997, however there has been a corresponding increase in non-traditional exports from 62.48% to 80.35% .While exports have increased amidst adverse conditions, income from exports have contributed to nearly one fourth to GNP according to statistics of the Export Development Board. Some of the products that have shown a higher rate of export growth in recent years are soft toys and other toys, articles of stone, glass and glass based products, paper products and electrical and electronic products. Seminars and workshops on entrepreneur development, export products, quality and other related areas will be held during the fair. Trade Expo is organised by the Sri Lanka Export Development Board jointly with Central and North-Western provincial councils, trade chambers associations. The chief guest on the inaugural day will be minister Wickremaratne while the governors of the Central and North -Western provinces will be chief guests on the following days. Mangala to sue JRJ Cultural Centre Media Minister Mangala Samaraweera told yesterday's Cabinet press briefing that he would be filing action against the J. R. Jayewardene Cultural Centre for allegedly permitting its computer section to be used for accessing pronographic web sites that were charged to his official credit card.
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