      |
|||
 |
|||
Thugs attack fasting Samurdhi, Govi
animators Armed thugs stormed the tent of the Samurdhi and Govi animators who were on a fasting campaign opposite the Samurdhi Authority at Battaramulla and attacked them with clubs in a ferocious raid around 2.30 am yesterday. The nine animators who were engaged in the fast were injured in the attack and removed to the Colombo National hospital, police said. One of them had suffered serious injuries to his arms and legs and was due to undergo surgery. Some others had sought OPD treatment for their injuries, hospital sources said. The fast has been temporarily called off following the attack. The fast by the animators demanding permanency of employment was on its fourth consecutive day yesterday. It was being carried out on a rotational basis by the protesting animators. Those who came under attack yesterday were members from Dehiwala with two leaders from Horana. The animators are also demanding the reinstatement of its Secretary and five other workers of the Samurdi Bank who were suspended from their jobs on November 2 this year. In addition they are agitating for confirmation of their posts which involves 30,000 animators according to their letters of appointment given in 1995. They also want an increase in their current allowance of Rs. 1995, Samurdhi sources said. Samurdhi convenor of Colombo district Jeevana Udaya Shantha told "The Island" that they had temporarily called off their fast following the attack launched. He said they will decide whether to go for a strike or not after a meeting of the executive committee. He claimed that during the past three days police provided security to the fasting animators round the clock ,but on Wednesday evening it was suddenly withdrawn. Police protection was provided after a request to the DIG of the division, he said. Talangama OIC Inspector P. G. Wimalasiri when contacted by 'The Island' denied that police protection as such was given to them. He said police were on duty at the scene of the fast to prevent animators from disrupting vehicular traffic, inconveniencing pedestrians and ensure there was no breach of the peace. Though the Samurdhi animators claimed that about 25 persons took place in the attack, IP Wimalasiri said that according to reports a 10-member group was behind the raid. They had come in vehicles. No suspects have been arrested so far in this connection. N W P elections on Jan. 25 next year The North Western Provincial Council elections will be held on January 25, 1999, Elections Commissioner Dayananda Dissanayake announced yesterday. The Commissioner said that the returning officers of the Kurunegala and Puttalam districts had issued notices of poll. The Commissioner said that seven recognised political parties and four independent groups would contest to elect 52 members from among 446 candidates. A total of 1359295 electors are expected to vote at 1160 polling stations. The elections will be keenly contested as they are being viewed as a crucial test ground by both the government and the main opposition party. Sporadic violence was reported from the Puttalam district when nomination papers were handed over on Monday. The situation in the North Western Province capital of Kurunegala contrasted with that of Puttalam with no reports of violence when nominations closed on Tuesday. Three Parliamentarians too entered the fray resigning from their seats in Parliament. UNP's Gamini Jayawickrema Perera and Asoka Wadigamangawa and PA's S. B. Nawinna handed over their resignations to contest the NWP elections. In Puttalam the UNP, PA, JVP, New Left Front, MULF, the Liberal Party, the Sri Lanka Progressive Front and three independent groups will contest the elections, while in Kurunegala the UNP, PA, JVP, New Left Front, MULF, the Liberal Party and one independent group contest. The Sri Lanka Muslim Congress which sought to pull out of the coalition and contest on its own later agreed to contest under the PA umbrella, following threats to remove key SLMC members holding ministerial positions. The DUNLF led by Mrs. Srimani Athulathmudali will contest the elections under the UNP umbrella. Meanwhile, the MEP which is boycotting elections has threatened legal action against the holding of elections in a single province, instead of all six provinces. They have questioned the validity of holding elections in one province when elections in others have been indefinitely postponed for security reasons. (SW) Copyright violation case against GL dismissed Commercial High Court Judge P. Wijayaratne on Wednesday (9), dismissed an action brought against Prof. G. L. Peiris, Minister of Justice, Constitutional Affairs, Ethnic Affairs and National Integration by P. R. H. Wijeyesinghe alleging that the Minister had plagiarized ideas concepts, principles and doctrines expressed in a book entitled Eight States in Sri Lanka published by him. The plaintiff - Wijeyesinghe - alleged that the government's proposals for constitutional reform which he variously refers to as the 'peace package', 'constitutional package' and 'devolution package', contains these ideas and concepts which he claimed were first conceived of by him and stated that his rights under the Code of Intellectual Property Act were violated. He sought Rs. 50 million by way of damages and a declaration that his above right was violated. Counsel for Prof. Peiris, President's Counsel Romesh de Silva, moved Court upon the matter being taken up for trial, that three preliminary issues of law be tried and determined, one of which was that there was no cause of action disclosed in the plaint. A cause of action is defined in the Civil Procedure Code as 'the wrong for the prevention or redress of which an action may be brought.' High Court Judge Wijayaratne in his order, dismissing the action awarding costs to Prof. Peiris, said that the plaint did not disclose a cause of action as required by the Civil Procedure Code. He said that the plaint did not disclose a 'wrong for which redress is sought in the action and that therefore the plaint did not disclose a cause of action. The Judge stated that the defendant, Professor Peiris had taken up the position that whatever proposals he had made in the constitutional 'package' was an exercise undertaken not in his personal capacity but as Minister of Justice and Constitutional Affairs of the country and that the action was presented mala fide (in bad faith) to defame him. Prof. Peiris sought the dismissal of the action and an award of costs in his favour. President's Counsel Romesh de Silva with Harsha Amarasekera instructed by Paul Ratnayake Associates represented the defendant Prof. Peiris. Japanese aid cut will not affect Sri
Lanka; pledges Rs 13. bln package A Japanese government aid delegation in Colombo on Wednesday announced that a possible 10 per cent reduction in global aid would not affect overall assistance to Sri Lanka. The Director of the Loan Aid Division of the Japanese Ministry of Foreign Affairs Yataka Yokoi told a press conference at the Japanese Embassy said that they were expecting an overall reduction in funds allocated for disbursement as foreign aid, but that this would not necessarily affect the total aid to Sri Lanka. Sri Lanka was one of several countries that would not see a reduction in aid from Japan. Sri Lanka is the ninth largest recipient of Japan's bilateral aid and has traditionally been the largest donor to Sri Lanka. Japanese assistance in 1997, made up 70 per cent of total bilateral assistance and almost 40 per cent total foreign and international assistance to Sri Lanka, he said. This year the loan assistance to Sri Lanka is a colossal Rs. 13.051 billion (Yen 26,102 million). This is Japan's 31 yen loan package to Sri Lanka. The aid scheme under the concessionary loan programme will fund phase two of the Transmission and Substation Development Project to improve the reliability of substations and enhance power transmission, the medium voltage network reinforcement project aimed at stabilising power supply by constructing a 33 kilo volts trunk power distribution line and related facilities, phase two of the telecommunication network expansion project in the Colombo metropolitan area and to set up an environmentally friendly solution fund programme to provide concessional bank loans to private firms that implement projects to prevent pollution or protect the environment. Since last year the interest rate of its loan assistance to environment related projects has been reduced to 0.75 per cent, he said. Mr. Yokoi commenting on the progress of existing projects said that he was "happy with Sri Lankan projects". He said that project management was good. The delegation also commended Sri Lanka on the management of its economy, which enabled the country to escape the effects of the East Asian crisis. Agreements were also reached between the two governments on a number of other projects under the grants component of Japanese aid. The projects under this scheme are the ongoing construction of the Mahaweli road bridge, the establishment of a School of Nursing in Sri Jayawardenapura, the reconstruction of five bridges, phase one of a programme to improve 25 junior schools, a scheme to increase food production and the supply of musical instruments to the Aesthetic Training College. The delegates added that Japan would also be providing aid to grassroots NGO projects that are "good". Japan has implemented 60 projects in Sri Lanka since the introduction of the Grant Assistance for Grassroots projects 1989. Under its technical assistance scheme, Japan has provided expertise to a number of projects in diverse areas. Since its commencement in 1954, the Japanese have provided Rs. 231.5 billion (Yen 463 billion) in Yen loans, Rs. 73 billion (Yen 146 billion) in grants and technical assistance to the extent of Rs. 17.5 (Yen 35 billion) under its co-operation programme. Following policy dialogues with the Sri Lankan government Japan has identified the improvement of infrastructure necessary for economic growth, the development of mining and manufacturing industries for development through export promotion, the development of agriculture, forestry and fisheries, the development of human resources, the improvement of health and medical care systems, the protection of the environment as priority areas for assistance. Possible cause for recent earth tremor
is seismic activity or full Victoria reservoir Micro seismic activity or a full Victoria reservoir have so far been concluded as the most possible causes for the earth tremor which was experienced in the Kandy region on November 23, said H. A. Dharmagunawardhane of the Department of Geology on Wednesday. Mr. Dharmagunawandane said that "the tremor could have resulted from a natural cause of tectonic movement causing internal landslides in the earth". The geologist said that "nevertheless, in his opinion, the most possible cause is human activity , namely the collapse of rocks inside the reservoir area." Speaking at a panel discussion at the National Science Foundation (NSF) auditorium, he said that this could occur as a result of extensive pressure upon the earth by the great volume of water in the reservoir. He said that this pressure would cause the water to mix with the limestone strata in the interior of the earth, thereby creating a mixed solution of water and limestone which in turn would find its way into the many rock fractures in the earth causing the collapse of the rocks. This collapse he said would then be felt by humans in the form of a tremor or an earth movement. The geologist together with other representatives of the Mahaweli Authority, the NSF, the Meteorological Department and the Geological Survey and Mines Bureau (GSMB) said that one cannot be absolutely certain of the cause of the tremor felt by the residents of Kandy without the use of proper monitoring equipment. D. A Kathiriarachchi of the GSMB said that government approval has been obtained to bring down a much needed seismograph whereby more accurate data regarding possible seismic activity could be recorded. Mr. N. A. Amaradasa of the Department of Meteorology stressing on the importance of the setting up of a seismograph, said that his department too has found funds to obtain and set up a seismic activity recorder. He said that operations using the new equipment is due to commence from early year 2000 if not by late 1999. "The main difficulty in obtaining such equipment is the economic factor" said the GSMB representative. The seismograph network would cost approximately US$ 300,000, Mr. Amaradasa explained. He said that the present equipment used for such recordings have become obsolete and are only capable of detecting distant earthquakes. But the more sensitive, modern and updated seismograph to be set up would even be able to detect earth tremors. Mr. Dharmagunawardhane told "The Island" that no instrument is able to prevent earthquakes but that the early detection of seismic activity would be able to warn the public to take safety measures. When asked what course of action one should take if warned of such activity , he said that people should immediately evacuate their homes or other buildings which could collapse as a result of a quake. One is able to do this as earth tremors usually travel at a very slow pace of 5km per second granting ample time to vacate the area. " This tremor was felt in the Kandy region but the next one could occur some where else" he warned. Prof. K. Dahanayake, Chairman, NSF said Sri Lanka no stranger to earth tremors. He said according to the late Prof. Vithanage's research on locally experienced seismic activity, the worst reported earthquake dates back to the early part of the 17th century which claimed the lives of more than 200 people. Mr. Dharmagunawardhane said that he had been recently informed of a previous tremor which had taken place five months ago in the area by some residents when visiting the site where the tremor had been felt last month. He also said that the area in which the tremor had been most felt was Kudapitiya in the Polgolla region and that it had been only felt slightly in the areas of Keerthibandara and Randenigala. Tremors in 1995 off Colombo and in 1993 are reported to be the most recent experiences of this nature in Sri Lanka. Mr. S. G. K. Nawaratne of the Mahaweli Authority said that when dams are built standard procedure makes allowance for a thorough geological survey. He said that usually, as in the case of the Victoria dam, provision is made for the structure to withstand tremors of this kind. He said though, that in the case of earthquakes of greater magnitude, the dams could be susceptible to damage. Mr. Amaradasa of the Met. Department said that local departments await information from other international networks which may have picked up this seismic activity in Sri Lanka, to study the tremor felt in Kandy further. PA controlled Kesbewa PS passes increased allowances for its members A resolution calling for payment of an additional allowance of Rs. 500 for every sitting of the Sabha and a further allowance of Rs. 250 for every committee meeting sitting to members was adopted by a majority vote at the last monthly meeting of the PA controlled Kesbewa Pradeshiya Sabha. All 14 PA members of the Pradeshiya Sabha voted for the motion while all the eight UNP members and the only JVP member voted against it. The meeting held at the main hall at Piliyandala was presided over by K. Gamini de Silva (PA), Chairman of the Sabha. Proposing the resolution Mr. Douglas Siriwardena (PA) said that due to the various commitments and obligations the Pradeshiya Sabha members had, the present allowance they were entitled to was grossly inadequate. They could hardly manage with the existing financial situation. Being representatives of members of the public, they were obliged to participate at various private functions they were invited to by their voters. They were functions relating to weddings, other family occasions and funerals etc. With their present meagre income members found it a task to fulfil their numerous obligations. Some means or in other words, additional sources of income had to be found. He would wish to suggest to summon members to assemble at an advisory meeting and accept the resolution provided they were all willing. Mr. Siriwardena said, "If my proposal is adopted, the Sabha would have to incur only a small amount like one lakh of rupees to pay these additional allowances to the members". T. A. D. Ariyadasa (UNP) opposing the resolution vehemently said public funds should not be utilized under any circumstances for private gains of elected representatives who went before the voters pledging to serve them. They never told the voters they had to be elected to get enhanced salaries or allowances. They called for their votes only to serve them. Considering this fact he asked whether what the Sabha proposed to do now was justifiable. In view of this position, UNP members of the Sabha rejected the proposal in toto. All seven members of the Sabha would not accept the additional allowances if the motion was adopted. They would propose that the Sabha utilize the money to purchase soap for the minor employees of the council. That was what they of the UNP would do if they were to accept that money, Mr. Ariyadasa said. He said that it was true that they had to undergo a hard time financially. That however was a different thing. But he considered it was not the correct thing to enhance their allowances by adopting a resolution like this. It was wrong by all norms when the very people who elected them were struggling for survival. Members should not do it. As, because members found it difficult to survive, they should not resort to measures that would make thing still worse for the masses, he said. Lakshman Nipunarachchi (JVP) said it was not with motive of improving their lot or with seeking privileges members went before the voters. Weddings and funerals do take place. It was for the members of the Sabha to explain their position. It was no secret that their present income was insufficient to meet their needs. That situation was not peculiar to members of local government institutions alone. The wage earners and all others were also seriously affected as a result. Bertie Eski (PA) said they got ten to fifteen invitations for weddings, alms givings and funerals for a month. At times they found it difficult to attend them. The government had failed to give them even motorcycles. They had to go on foot or use public transport to attend them. They had been reduced to such a pathetic plight. Niroshan Padukka (UNP) said even those members of party were faced with numerous financial difficulties. There were members who even starved at home while discharging their duties as members. Sumana Ranaweera (PA) said the public would not be angry with the members over the issue. T. Ratnasiri Fernando (Ind.) said he would support the motion considering it from a human angle. Ananda Hathurusinghe (MEP) said the Sabha should reject the motion on moral grounds. Karunapala Muhandiram Arachchi (PA) said the proposed allowances should be given only to those who vote for the motion. The allowances of those who opposed it should be utilized for development projects. Jayapala Nakandala (PA) said life had to be infused to members in order to activate the political organization they represented. Therefore life had to be infused to membership if their parties had to be active. Chairman Gamini de Silva said the motion proved to be a very controversial one. It was a right given to Pradeshiya Sabha members by a statute. Therefore it was an exercise of a legal right of members. Political pressure leads to principal
commiting suicide A Junior Minister in the Minuwangoda electorate and his son had been constantly worrying her husband regarding admission of children to the school and his refusal to oblige them resulted often in his getting anonymous phone calls threatening him with death, said Mrs. A. Premila Manel, the wife of the Principal of Nalanda Vidyalaya, E. D. Gamini Kumarasinghe, who committed suicide on Monday by hanging himself in his house at Kehelbaddara, Minuwangoda. She said due to such phone calls and constant worries caused, her husband was in a disturbed mental state. Premila Manel, herself a teacher, was testifying before Inquirer into Sudden Deaths Gampaha M. A. K. Jayawardane at the inquest held into the death of her husband. She said the school had political problems. There was a certain group in the school called "Hathe Kalliya". That group harassed her husband very much. They campaigned against him in the school after consuming liquor. A politico by the name of Prasanna Ranatunga abused her husband over the telephone and threatened him that he would not spare him. Anthony Fernando, the Secretary of Reggie Ranatunge got one Dickson Fernando appointed to the school as Principal. That also caused disappointment and grief to her husband. One Hector Dharmasiri and Yoga Chandra had filed a case against her husband on behalf of the OBA of the school. A verdict of suicide by hanging was returned at the inquest. No Inquirer into Sudden Deaths at Kandy General Hospital KANDY: There is no permanent Inquirer into Sudden Deaths for the Kandy General Hospital at present. This causes much hardship to the members of the public. Sarath Wijesinghe, member of the Kandy Municipal Council made this complaint at the last council meeting. Mayor Harindranath Dunuwille, chaired the meeting held recently at the Kandy Town Hall. Mr. Wijesinghe said that on a recent occasion an Inquirer was not available to hold the inquest into a death. Even the inquirer's office in the hospital was closed on the occasion. By the time the relations found the inquirer and the inquest was held, the mortuary was closed and the person in charge of the mortuary was also not available. He need not describe the hardship caused to the family members of the deceased resulting from the situation, Mr. Wijesinghe said. Deputy Mayor Z. A. M. Razik, who is also an Inquirer into Sudden Deaths, asked at this stage "Why don't you call me in such instances." The unsatisfactory state of the town's electricity supply came under fire. Several members criticised the manner in which the power supply is maintained. They complained that there were frequent power failures causing untold hardship to the consumer. Very many streets of the town remained unlit for long spells. The CEB officials seemed to be lethargic in their attitude. They did not perform the work expected of them. They could not even replace the fused bulbs of the lamp posts along the streets. That was why most of streets remained unlit for long periods of time, members complained. That was the outcome of handing over the town's power supply scheme to the Electricity Board. Edmund Silva, former Deputy Mayor, said the Council had the authority to point out the shortcomings of the CEB and demand of it to maintain a satisfactory service for which purpose the council entrusted the responsibility to the Board. Sena Dissanayake, the Deputy Leader of the Opposition, brought to the notice of the council that pavement hawkers had once again moved on to the road opposite the Kandy Post Office causing much inconvenience to the public. Leader of the Opposition K. A. Wilbert complained that unauthorized fish vendors were operating along the Yatinuwara Veediya. No action whatever was taken against them by any of the officials. L. B. Aluwihare said that a house builder at Louis Peiris Mawatha was obstructing the road. Several other members also made the same complaint. Messrs. David Perera, Lucian de Silva, Sanjeeva Hulangamuwa, Vipula Ranasinghe, Tikiri Kobbekaduwa, Ajith de Silva, John Baskaran, Tilak Jayasundera, Hafiz Marikar and the Deputy Mayor Z. A. M. Razik were among the MMCs who tabled complaints and petitions. |
|||
 |
|||