      |
||
| Request
for order not to gazette Provincial Council results
refused SC grants UNP organiser to proceed with FR application on NWP poll
|
|
|
Request for order not to gazette
Provincial Council results refused The Supreme Court yesterday granted a UNP organiser of the Kurunegala district leave to proceed with his fundamental rights application alleging that the Wayamba Provincial council election was not free and fair. The court however refused to grant interim relief he sought to direct the Commissioner of Elections, not to make and/or gazette the declaration of the results of the poll. In his application the petitioner has alleged infringement of the right to Equality, the Right to Freedom of Expression and the Right to Freedom of Association. The Solicitor General K. C. Kamalasabaysan PC, who appeared for the Attorney General did not object to leave being granted to proceed. The petitioner is Marasinghe Arachchige Weerasooriya of Welipannagahamulla, the UNP organiser in the Kumbukgahamulla and Kumara Udawela areas, who is also secretary of the Katugampola South Korale. The petition has alleged intimidation of electors at some polling stations in the Kurunegala and the Puttalam districts on January 25, '99. The petitioner alleges the election was not free and fair as required by law, and that his sovereign right of franchise and also that of the other voters, registered to cast their votes in the two districts were denied by acts of violence and lawlessness. His Fundamental Right to Equality, Fundamental Right to Freedom of Expression and the Fundamental Right to Freedom of Association, guaranteed in Articles, 12(1), 14(1)(a) and 14(1)(c) of the Constitution has therefore been violated by the Commissioner of Elections cited as the first respondent and the connected Returning Officers. The petition requested the Supreme Court to grant leave to proceed, for a declaration that the petitioner's sovereign right of franchise under Article 4(e) of the Constitution has been denied/or violated and also for a declaration that the fundamental rights of the petitioner to be equally treated the Fundamental Rights for Freedom of Expression and Freedom of Association have been violated and/or denied by the respondents. The petition also requested the Supreme court to declare that no poll was held on January 25, '99 and further that the purported poll is null and void and of no force or avail in law. The petition has also moved court to direct the Commissioner of Elections to hold a due and proper poll as envisaged by the constitution and the Provincial Councils Elections Act of 1988 as amended for the election of the North Western Provincial Council. The petition has also moved court to direct the Commissioner of Elections to stay the declaration and/or the gazetting of the declared results of the purported Provincial Council poll. the petitioner has alleged that armed gangs snatched the ballot books, at the polling station at Kumbukgahamulla Sri Bodhi Madhya Maha Vidyalaya at which he was a registered voter. The armed gang threatened the police officers and the polling officers and snatched 20 ballot books. The gang had ordered the officers to write the counter foil number on the ballot papers, detach the ballot papers and to punch the ballot papers. Thereafter the gang had marked and put around 1000 votes into the box. The electors who had gathered to vote were dispersed. The petitioner was unable to vote. The petition said that the Commissioner of Elections had announced at a meeting of the general secretaries and the leaders of the Independent Groups on January 26, '99 that, there had been official reports of thuggery in 141 polling stations in the Kurunegala district. The Commissioner of Elections had said that there were 39,116 votes fraudulently and forcibly cast in the Kurunegala district. There were 8,714 such votes in the Puttalam district. The Commissioner had also said that seven ballot boxes in the Kurunegala district and two ballot boxes in the Puttalam district were missing and not brought to the counting centre. Solicitor General, K. C. Kamalasabaysan PC with Additional Solicitor General S. Marsoof (PC), and State Counsel, Harsha Fernando appeared for the Attorney General. K. N. Choksy PC, with Desmond Fernando, PC, D. H. N. Jayamaha, A. P. Niles, Ronald Perera, Methsiri Cooray, Lakshman Perera, V. K. Choksy and Mrs. Kissan Wijetunga instructed by Samararatne Associates appeared for the petitioner. the Bench comprised Justices R. N. M. Dheeraratne, S. W. B. Wadugodapitiya and Dr. Asoka de Z. Gunewardene. Mr. Choksy submitted to court that Article 4(e) of the Constitution, refers to the Right of Franchise. This extends also to the Provincial Council polls. The Fundamental Right to Freedom of Speech and Expression, includes the right to vote, according to a Supreme Court judgement of January 27 1999. Counsel submitted that Chairman of the UNP wrote to the Commissioner of Elections on January 25, referring to the polls violence, towards the UNP supporters. Copies have been sent to the IGP and the Returning Officers of Kurunegala and the Puttalam districts. 47 entries have been made at the police station. Karu Jayasuriya, Chairman UNP, on the evening of January 25, had again written to the Commissioner of Elections requesting him to void the poll at booths where there had been violence. The Commissioner is empowered to do that. 212 Presiding Officers had complained to the Elections Commissioners of polls violence. Polling agents had been chased away. Sometimes even police officers on duty had been chased away by thugs, counsel Choksy explained. Almost one fifth of the polling stations in the North Western Province were raided by thugs on the day of the poll, counsel said. The voter turn out of seventy five percent at the recent poll is indicative of ballot boxes being stuffed by frandulent votes, counsel said. Mr. Choksy as annexures to the petition, read to court, news reports of polls violence, published in 'The Island', newspaper. Justice Gunewardene: Is Article 4(e) franchise covered by the Fundamental Rights Provision. Mr. Choksy: Yes, according to a judgement of 27.1.'99. But not per se. But freedom of expression includes the right to vote. Justice Dheeraratne: We are not inclined to grant interim relief. We may hear your application on violation of fundamental rights. Justice Wadugodapitiya: The petitioner could plead for his rights only. This is a very personal thing. His personal fundamental right. The case will be argued on March 15. The Election Commissioner was given one month's time from yesterday to file objections. Arjuna fined 75% of match fee, suspended sentence Sri Lanka cricket captain Arjuna Ranatunga was let off with a heavy fine and a suspended sentence for breaching the ICC code of conduct during the one-day international against England last Saturday at the Adelaide Oval in Australia, according to sources. Ranatunga was hauled up before the ICC Match Referee in Australia Peter Van Der Merwe after being involved in a bitter argument with Australian umpire Ross Emerson who called Muttiah Muralitharan for throwing causing a stoppage of play for about 12 minutes. He was fined 75 per cent of his match fee and severely reprimanded, with a warning that he would be handed a six-match ban for any future misconduct within a calendar year. Ranatunga was charged with conduct unbecoming of an international player, showing dissent, intimidating an umpire and using abusive language with Van Der Merwe adding a charge relating to a captain being responsible for upholding the spirit of the laws of the game. Ranatunga was represented at the hearing by two eminent Australian lawyers, Nick Straetch and Brendon Schwab, whose services were acquired by Cricket Board President Thilanga Sumathipala who flew there on Sunday. ICRC teaches armed forces, LTTE and
Tamil para-military groups how to wage 'clean war' Nearly 6500 armed forces, police, Tamil para-military groups and LTTE cadres had been taught rules for behaviour in combat by the ICRC last year in an ongoing effort to improve discipline among parties to the North-East war. ICRC's Information Officer, Harasha Gunewardene said that 5427 armed forces and police commandos, 478 police personnel ,532 cadres of Tamil para-military groups, 30 LTTEers and 1196 government officials were among 13112 persons who have been taught rules for behaviour in combat. Subjects covered include international humanitarian law, the commanders responsibility in relation to the law, the conduct of operations, behaviour during action, the Red Cross Movement, the role of the ICRC and weapons systems. At least 50,000 Sri Lankans have taken part in dissemination classes since 1986. Well over half of them were armed forces, police, Tamil para-military and LTTE personnel. The LTTE, according to available to records had sent at least 1400 cadres to take part in these classes held in uncleared areas. However, since losing control of the Jaffna peninsula, the LTTE appeared to have reduce the number of cadres taking part in dissemination sessions. Between 1993-January 1997 period approximately 1300 LTTE cadres had taken part in those sessions. In whole of last year only 30 LTTE cadres had taken part. The armed forces and police have permitted ICRC representatives involved in the dissemination programme to visit camps both in and out of operational areas. The ICRC had distributed 70,000 booklets among armed forces and police. Over 10,000 booklets [Tamil version] had been distributed among LTTE cadres. A separate booklet had been distributed among military instructors, the ICRC said. These booklets explain rules of behaviour in combat. Both the armed forces and the LTTE have been accused of human rights violations. The ICRC believes that ongoing dissemination sessions will help both sides to improve discipline among the combatants. Senior armed forces officers said that there has been a tremendous improvement in discipline among troops deployed against the LTTE. 11 Tigers killed in separate confrontations-Army Troops on Wednesday [27] killed at least four terrorists and wounded five in a confrontation east of Ampakamam in the Wanni, armed forces spokesman brigadier Sunil Tennakoon told The Island. Troops did not suffer casualties. Following the incident, troops searched the area and recovered a direction finding equipment and two hand grenades. In a separate incident, terrorists had fired mortars at troops manning positions in the general area of Mankulam injuring three personnel. The defence ministry yesterday said that at least seven more terrorists were killed in confrontations east of Ampakamam last Monday and northwest of Mankulam last Wednesday. President off to Switzerland to attend Economic Forum President Chandrika Kumaratunga yesterday left for Switzerland to attend the World Economic Forum, Information Department spokesman said. The three-day meeting will begin today (29). Sri Lanka's delegation to the World Economic Forum include Justice, Constitutional Affairs and Deputy Finance Minister G. L. Peiris, presidential advisor Dr. Lal Jayewardene, Central Bank Governor A. S. Jayewardene, BOI Chairman Thilan Wijesinghe and two leading Sri Lankan businessmen - Messrs. Ken Balendra and Lalith Kotalawela. Punchinilame, Ratnathilake held for NWP violence UNP Ratnapura district MP Susantha Punchinilame and Mahinda Ratnathilake were arrested by police in connection with their alleged involvement in NWP polls related violence on January 21. UNP spokesman Dr. Karunasena Kodithuwakku last night confirmed the arrest of Messrs. Punchinilame and Ratnathilake. During the January 21 violence at Anamaduwa persons described as a PA supporter was shot dead. Ratnapura Magistrate and additional District Judge, Wimal Nambuwansa released them on Rs. 10,000 personal bail with a surety each. The two suspects surrendered to court after warrants were issued for their arrest and production before the Chilaw Magistrate on a B report filed by police. Cargo ship sinks off Colombo port A cargo ship anchored in the out harbour in Colombo sank yesterday, port sources said. The vessel 'Peace' belonging to Belizie had developed engine trouble and had been anchored 35 miles off Colombo Port to effect while attending to the repairs to the engine sea water had seeped into the ship. The crew of the ship had been saved by the timely arrival of a trawler sent from the Colombo Port. Kelaniya Duruthu Maha Perahera The annual Kelaniya Duruthu Maha Perahera commenced on the 28th and will continue on the 29th and 30th January 1999. The Historic Kelaniya Duruthu Maha Perahera had its origins in the year 1927, due largely to the efforts of that great Philanthropist Don Walter Wijewardene. This pageant has evolved over the years to a permanent position as the country's most elaborate and grandest low country pageant in its category. On a national scale, the Kelaniya Perahera is only comparable with Kandy Esela Maha Perahera. The Annual Pageant begins with the Udamaluwa Perahera and will conclude with the Maha Perahera on January 30th. Kelaniya Rajamaha Viharaya, the most sacred temple in the Western Province of Sri Lanka since Lord Buddha's sojourn here during his 3rd historic visit to Sri Lanka celebrates this event annually in the "Duruthu Poya" during January by conducting a historic, traditional and cultural pageant, the "Kelani Perahera". Whilst the Kelani Perahera commemorates the religious significance of Lord Buddha's visit it also supports and revives Sri Lanka's cultural traditions of drummers, dancers, singers and elephant maintenance. The Perahera commenced with the handing over the relics casket to Chief Basnayake Nilame Shalitha Wijesundera by the Viharadhipathi, Ven. Dr. Kollupitiye Sangharakkhita Nayake Thero. The relic casket was carried 3 rounds around the temple by Basnayake Nilames Shalitha Wijesundera and Dhammika Attygalle on first day and second day of the Perahera. The Perahera will commence daily at 9 00 pm. This year a special effort is being made to focus on Tourists eager to acquaint themselves with the majesty and splendour of Sri Lanka's cultural facets such as this Historic Perahera. Upali Travels Ltd. will handle all arrangements to ensure proper facilities for tourists viewing the Perahera including special enclosures with maximum security and convenience. Election monitors call for fresh poll The three Non Government Organisations involved in the monitoring of Monday's North Western Provincial Council elections, yesterday urged the Commissioner of Elections to order a fresh poll to elect new provincial administration and declare the polled results as nullified following severe rigging and stuffing of ballot boxes. Spokespersons from the People's Action for Free and Fair Elections (PAFFREL), the Centre for Monitoring Election Violence (CMEV) and the Movement for Free and Fair Elections (MFFE) told a news conference that a complete repoll should be ordered to ensure that the people of the Wayamba are allowed their right to free and fair elections and that they "firmly stand by all the reports and statements" they have made with regard to the elections. Arjuna Parakrama of the CMEV presenting a report on the North Western PC elections said that they had examined over 800 complaints and allegations which they had received directly. He said that from this figure, complaints against PA supporters accounted for almost 50% whilst those against other contesting parties were significantly less. According to his report, 212 polling centres were noted to have been marked with violence and illegal voting with about 60% of polling stations experiencing violence. He added that they had processed every complaint without political bias. Mr. Parakrama also said that there were approximately fourteen and eight detailed infringements against the PA and UNP respectively. "The category of major offences in this election were by far greater than any other one held" he said. The report also stated that there was a large number of illegal votes polled at several polling centres. Mr. Parakrama quoting an example said that the voter percentage at the Wariyapola electorate had been 84%; six percent higher than the average, which was evidence of the fact that illegal votes had been cast. He said that the Commissioner of Elections had only declared void those ballot boxes that were physically damaged instead of taking into account the stuffing of these boxes. "It is sheer mockery to count such polling stations as valid", he said. Spokesmen at the news conference also said that they had gathered evidence relating to poll malpractices from senior presiding officers and returning officers themselves and the Commissioner of Elections had questioned the police as to why they had not carried out their duties more effectively to avoid these electoral malpractices. "The very mechanism that announces victory is also alleging fraud" a spokesman charged. When questioned as to how these organisations can call for a repoll after the election results had been announced, Pakiasothy Saravanamuttu of CMEV replied saying that they had requested this move before the results had been announced and now they had to be annulled. Referring to speculation on how the CMEV obtained their finance, Mr. Saravanamuttu "categorically" stated that they had requested funding from the Asia Foundation in the US and had received it. "We have never felt the need to seek money from anyone under false impressions" he reiterated. Conduct fresh poll, call by JVP The JVP yesterday called on the Elections Commissioner Dayananda Dissanayaka to hold fresh polls charging that malpractices, fraud, intimidation and impersonation have occurred on a large scale during the January 25 poll in the North Western Province. The General Secretary of the JVP Tylvin Silva said that the poll was a fraud as such their chance of victory were reduced to a certain extent. The New Left Front and the Muslim United Liberated Front fully supported JVP's decision to call fresh polls who too were present at the press conference held at the Public Library auditorium yesterday. Dr. Wickramabahu Karunaratne leader of the New Left Front said the conduct of the Elections Commissioner regarding the leaving out of approximately 50,000 votes following malpractices, is against normal procedures. He said the votes were left out in areas where the New Left Front were predominant. In the Puttalam district in the Norochcholai and Kalpitiya provincial council areas and in many villages, Muslim United Liberated Front supporters were not allowed to cast their votes, Mr. Muhir Rahuman of the Muslim United Liberated Front said. They were intimidated allegedly by PA thugs. Due to intimidation, even the Muslim Congress which predominates the area was defeated, he said. "As a result our party has been driven to a pathetic situation", he said adding that they were doubtful if they would be able to contest elections in other areas following the widespread violence that took place in the NWP. Reports received by the JVP reveals that more than 50% of the votes have been impersonated. PA thugs have been in control of polling booths and the booths were closed by 12 noon as ballot boxes were full, it was said. Nimal Weerasuriya, Information Secretary of the JVP said, for the first time in the history of elections, the polls chief was compelled to call upon general secretaries of respective parties to make his position known. Meanwhile the members of the three parties called upon the government to hold elections in the other five Provincial Councils on the same day which would reduce thuggery upto a certain extent. Drugs Regulatory Authority clearance
must for cosmetics advertising All cosmetics that have either been manufactured in or imported into the country have to obtain approval from the Drugs Regulatory Authority before they can be advertised over the media, senior Health Ministry sources said yesterday. According to the sources, all cosmetics that are manufactured in and imported into the country have to be registered with the authority and obtain approval to be advertised over both print and electronic media. However recent findings by the Cosmetic Evaluation Sub Committee have indicated that there are still some companies that are evading this regulation, sources told 'The Island'. When asked as to what action will be taken for those companies that continue to evade this regulation, 'The Island' was informed that the goods would be seized in accordance with the act on this area and legal action will be instituted against the offenders. The Cosmetic Devices and Drugs Regulation No. 38 of 1984 under Section 38 of Act No. 27 of 1980 quotes Part VII to say that "no person shall advertise any cosmetic which is not registered with the authority". All western drugs along with cosmetics have to be approved for advertising, the sources said after which each product will be issued a number with an approval for advertising. Products that do not carry this number have not got clearance from the authorities for advertising. The Ministry of Health last week issued a press release calling for all media to refrain from advertising any cosmetic or drug that has not been approved for advertising by the authority. Clarion call of Ashraff to all party leaders Sri Lanka Muslim Congress leader M. H. M. Ashraff yesterday called upon leaders of all political parties to give topmost priority to the question of the urgent electoral reforms that are needed within the Proportionate Representation System. Political parties should also recognize that saving the democratic process has become an urgent item on our National Political agenda since January 25. A statement issued by SLMC says: "The Sri Lanka Muslim Congress is distressed by the large number of incidents of violence which admittedly took place in the Puttalam, and Kurunegala districts on Monday, when the people of Wayamba went to polls. The Commissioner of Elections has reported that he was satisfied that vote rigging and other election malpractices had taken place in 221 polling booths which account to nearly 20% of the 1160 polling booths in the two districts. A large number of other incidents of election related violence have later been reported to the police. The SLMC is concerned that irrespective of who or which party committed the acts of violence, the credibility of the just concluded elections has become a serious public issue. We are however consoled and appreciate the fact that the President herself had taken timely note of the incidents of violence on the day of the election itself and called for an annulment of the polls in the affected areas of the two districts. It is however imperative that in keeping with the declared commitment of the President to democracy and free and fair elections she should cause extensive and impartial investigations into the reported and alleged incidents of violence, threats and intimidations which in the public perception had marred the Wayamba elections. It is equally important that all those responsible for committing the offences and rigging should be dealt with according to law. SLMC is perturbed by the fact that those who violated election laws and resorted to thuggery and rigging have mainly targeted the areas of minority communities like Catholics and Muslims. The SLMC is also of the view that it is the responsibility of the government to ensure that the Commissioner of Elections is provided with the fullest cooperation and assistance to ensure a free and fair poll and that past acts of violence orchestrated under previous governments are no excuse whatsoever for continued violence. We wish to take this opportunity of thanking the voters of Wayamba who supported and voted for our candidates at the elections to the Wayamba Provincial Council. It is now time for political parties to objectively address their meetings to other causes that tempt and encourage politicians to interfere with the political forums. In our view the present election laws - particularly the system of casting preferential votes has also contributed to the election violence and is causing more problems within members of the SLMC party. Moragoda honoured by Davos Forum Milinda Moragoda, Chairman of the Mercantile, has been identified by the Foundation Board of the prestigious World Economic Forum - as one of its 'One hundred Global Leaders of Tomorrow'. Those nominated are persons whom the Nominations Committee considers to be leaders in their societies and in the business world of tomorrow. The induction of the new laureates is due to take place at the forum's annual meeting in Davos Switzerland which it is said would be attended by many world leaders. The President herself is scheduled to begin on the 31st of January. This recognition is said to be quite significant as others so honoured include Bill Gates, Alessandro Benetton, Andres Pastrana, Lachan Murdoch, Salman Khurshid, Jeffrey Sachs amongst others. Our agriculture must be developed Aranayaka: Immediate steps should be taken to develop our agriculture in the context of both export and domestic food production to successfully meet the challenges which are certain to spring up from other nations in the next millenium said the Minister of Agriculture and Lands D. M. Jayaratna at a large gathering of farmers and other officials after declaring open a Govisevana Complex on January 09 at Arama a village in Aranayaka. This complex was constructed by the Arama farmers Union at a cost of Rs. 450,000/- and consists of a bank, a farmers office and a store for agro chemicals. The minister said that the government has voted Rs. 10 billion for the development of agriculture, starting from this year, to run into the first few years of the new millenium. Sri Lanka being veritably an agricultural country the development of agriculture is imperative, though it declined under foreign domination for well over a century, and what is worse is that even after gaining independence, agricultural development had not received the due boost mainly due to political misadventure. Today, the P.A. government is harnessing the support of every resource, to put agricultural development on the spring board, so that our economy could be made stable and also that our people would be saved from starvation, if the predicted famine comes to pass in the next millenuim. He also said that the purpose of the Govisevana programme is to unite the rural farming communities for collective action. This would benefit not only the farmers but also the nation as a whole. In the history of the world, no government has created utopian conditions in any country but a benevolent govt. will always take up the burning problems of the people and important national issues, and this government is doing just that unlike the former regime which spread terror among the people, stooped to corruption and literally, set the whole country ablaze and fiddled like Nero. Ven. Arama Sumanasara Thero Chief Incumbent of the Arama Rajamaha Vihara who was also the donor of the block of land to construct the Govisevana addressed the gathering. Chief Organizer P. A. Aranayaka Attorney at Law Lalith Dissanayaka, Aranayaka Div. Secretary Kapila Perera, Kegalle A.C.A.S. H. A. Kularathna Div. Officer Agrarian Services Aranayaka D. M. Gnanathilaka Bandara and Opposition Leader Aranayaka PS N. G. Jayarathna also spoke. Proposal to construct road adopted by Ambalangoda UC Batapola: A proposal brought forward by the sole female member, Miss W. M. Nilani (PA-LSSP) to the effect that a road from Manana to Kularatne junction should be constructed was adopted without a division at the January monthly meeting of the Ambalangoda UC, presided over by its Chairman, M. W. Aruna Pradeep, (PA-SLFP). The road is to be constructed through the developed land of the Halwathura Ela project of which seven acres were presented to the UC by the central government, recently. Before presenting her motion by Miss Nilanie the Chairman tabled a copy of a letter in verse sent by Principal, Lalaji Manawadu in appreciation of the proposal and thanking the member for the idea which is a dream come true for him, as since the time of developing the marshy land of the Halwathura Ela project, about a decade back, a road across the land should have been made to afford a short cut of about half a mile to the people of Maha Ambalangoda, Duwa and Paniyanduwa to reach popular schools the Urban Council Polwatte hospital, post office and the like in the town. Miss Nilanie thanked Lalaji Manawadu for the letter in verse given to her which is a sort of courage to her in doing service to the area and said that the proposed road would be a great boon to the people especially to the poor in reaching places of importance in the town with ease. Speaking on the motion the Chairman said that in order to effect the proposal a bridge should be built across the Ela and several yards of the marshy land is to be developed. For that, he would request the Minister of Highways, M. H. M. Fowzie for funds. The minister has already granted Rs. 34 lakhs for development ventures at Talgasgoda. Members, Deepthichandra de Silva (PA-SLFP) and J. W. Jayantha (UNP) also spoke in favour of the proposal. Yet another proposal made by Miss Nilanie to start a 'sathipola' at Maha Ambalangoda was approved by the council unanimously. Speaking on the motion PS-SLFP member, K. M. Hemasiri said that the sathipola's site should be the premises of the Maha-Ambalangoda Co-operative Pradesikaya which is a central place for nearly 5000 people in the the area to buy their needy fresh vegetables and fruits easily and cheaply without going all the way to Madampe or Hikkadduwa. UNP's Mahinda Fernando proposed that the balance money due to the contractor of the newly constructed bus-terminal and trade complex should not be given before the latter completed all the defects of the massive structure. It was also passed without a division. Speaking about the proposal the Leader of the Opposition, G.M.S. de Silva (UNP) said that as the former Chairman he had inspected the work and saw an engineer of the UDA being in-charge of the supervision. But there are many instances of dishonest acts being done. For instance, the concrete slabs over the drains have already broken owing to a weak mixture of cement. No tubes have been installed for telephone facilities. Insufficient work has been done in obtaining pipe-borne water for the venture. The venture would be a white elephant of course. The sum of Rs. 500 lakhs spent over the construction could be easily collected in due course. You must not be in a hurry to get he benefits of the venture. The Chairman thanked the opposition member, Fernando for his suggestion and added that the members should think about the welfare of the town in pointing out defects that are detrimental to development ventures without clinging on to petty party hues. It is the obligation of the members of both sides to safeguard and improve the town in every possible way. The Council also adopted a motion forwarded by member, Hemasiri to the effect that the services of the present security guards in the UC premises and at the bus-terminal should be discontinued as the job is far from satisfactory and that the UC should start a security service of its own. It also was adopted unanimously. Speaking on the motion Vice-Chairman, J. P. Amerasena (PA-SLFP) said the security guards of the former company as well as the present company are in the same boat in not doing their duties correctly. He cited several examples to prove his story. UNP's Janith Wickrematillake also spoke. Agreement to strengthen
Lanka-Russia cultural, scientific co-operation An agreement between the Russian Federation and Sri Lanka was signed on Tuesday, aimed at further strengthening cultural and scientific co-operation between the two countries. The agreement which was signed by Lakshman Jayakody, Minister of Cultural and Religious Affairs and Victor Zotim, the Russian Ambassador, dealt with the areas of cultural and scientific interaction as well as interaction in the spheres of education, information, tourism and sports. The agreement states that the two countries would encourage the organization of tours of professional and amateur artistic groups and the establishment of contacts between creative organizations and cultural associations. Mr. Jayakody stressed that development in the field of education in Sri Lanka has been given importance in the agreement. The agreement states that Russia would grant to Sri Lanka a mutually agreed number of fellowships for training and enhancement skills of Sri Lankan nationals in educational institutions of Russia. Teachers too, would be assigned for long-term and short-term educational work and participation in scientific and pedagogical seminars, the agreement further states. According to the agreement, the opportunity for Sri Lankans to receive education or enhancement skills in Russia’s state higher and middle professional education institutions would also be granted, on the condition that reimbursement of educational expenses are bourne by these Sri Lankans. Delegations of journalists, and co-operation between national bodies in the sphere of information, television, radio broadcasting and cinematography would also be included in the efforts for building cultural and scientific ties between the two countries, Mr. Zotim explained. He also said that Sri Lanka and Russia would encourage co-operation between national museums, libraries, archives and establishments for the protection of objects of historical and cultural value. Over 12,000 Central
Province teachers apply for transfers KANDY: Over 12,000 school teachers of the Central Province are seeking transfers from their schools to others. The applications for these transfers are now being considered by the Central Province Teacher Transfer Board. Applications are from teachers who seek transfers within the province and from those who wish to leave the province for personal reasons a Transfer Board spokesman said yesterday. Over 1000 applications have already been responded to, he added. The Central Province Director of Education N. R. C. Gunawardena said that there is a dearth of teachers in schools in the remote areas of the province while the urban and semi-urban areas have an excess of teachers. In Kandy District alone the excess of teachers in Kandy, Denuwara and Wattegama Education circuits is close upon 2000, the Director of Education said. The excess in Kandy 15,700, Denuwara has 400 and Wattegama 200 approximately, the Director disclosed. However, a reasonable and fair transfer scheme is to be implemented to be fair by the teachers in the province and the children of those "not so comfortable" areas, Mr. Gunawardena said. Teachers who have been on the staffs of schools in the convenient areas for over 8 years continuously will be transferred out to serve at least for three years in the remote areas. The three year ‘compulsory service in difficult areas rule’ will be adhered to according to the scheme, Mr. Gunawardena said. There is a dearth of teachers in Wilgamuwa in Matale and Walapone and Kotmale in Nuwara Eliya, he said. Adding those young male teachers who consented to serve in those areas when they took up the posts, are pestering for transfers to the urban areas after a short period, he said. This has become a major problem, he stated. There is a big traffic congestion during the day time at the roundabout between Grandpass and Ingurukade Junction causing much inconvenience to motorists. The situation is worse during peak hours. Police attribute this situation to the extremely unsatisfactory state of the stretch of road leading to the roundabout. It is a potty stretch with irregular edges, police said. The situation had been brought to the notice of the relevant authorities. But no action has so far been taken, police complained. The picture shows one of the vehicles that had fallen into a rut along this bad road stretch. Embilipitiya student disappearence case verdict The Ratnapura High Court Judge Chandradasa Nanayakkara yesterday postponed the verdict of the Embilipitiya students’ disappearence case to February 10. The case was put off to study the details further, the trial judge stated. In this case a former headmaster of a government school along with eight army personnel have been indicted with the murder or attempted murder or kidnapping or attempt to kidnap 25 students from Embilipitiya between August 01, 1989 and January 31, 1990. This case was a sequel to the disappearance of 32 school boys during the period between August 1989 and January 1990 and was investigated by the CID who recorded statements of over 40 witnesses. Eighty charges have been filed against the accused. The 80 charges against the nine accused fall into four categories under relevant sections of the Penal Code 335, 355, 356 and 357. The principal charges are (1) Kidnapping- an offence under section 356 of the Penal Code (2) Kidnapping of 25 students during the period August 1, 1989 and January 30, 1990 (3) The purpose of kidnapping was to murder. If this charge is proved the accused will get 20 years RI each, (4) 25 students who had been kidnapped for murder had been named. The accused are Dayananda Lokugalapaththy (former Principal of Embilipitiya MMV), his son Capt. Shiranth Chaminda Lokugalappathy, Major Rohana Parakrama Liyanage, Jaliya Dananjaya, Capt. Gavesh Ginige, Capt. Kadupitiyage Visishta Chamarasingha, Capt. Samaratunga Arachchilage Senaratne, Sgt. K. H. P. Upul and soldier Jackson Kumarashinghe. There will be an interruption of water supply to the following areas in the Colombo City, with effect from 10.00 a.m. to 10.00 p.m. on Saturday, January 30, 1999 to facilitate the installation of bulk meters to the 30" and 33" mains which caters to the Colombo South areas via Dehiwala reservoir, the National Water Supply and Drainage Board said. Affected areas are Wellawatte, Pamankada, Kirulapone, Havelock Road and areas South of Colombo City and byroads and lanes connected to the Galle Road between Kollupitiya and Bambalapitiya. While regretting the inconvenience caused the National Water Supply and Drainage Board requests the consumers in these areas to store water in advance and use it sparingly during this period, the Board said. Inaugural convocation of Rajarata University The Inaugural Convocation of the Rajarata University will be held at 2.30 p.m. at the BMICH on January 30 1999 under the patronage of Mrs. Sirima Bandaranaike Prime Minister and Richard Pathirana, Minister of Education and Higher Education. Five hundred and forty graduands will receive their degrees on this occasion. Mr. K. B. Ratnayake, Speaker of Parliament and late Mr. Maithripala Senanayake will be honoured with degree of Doctor of Literature and Prof. H. P. M. Gunasena, the first Rector of the Wayamba Campus of the Rajarata University will be honoured with a degree of Doctor of Science. The graduands will be presented by the Vice Chancellor Prof. W. I. Siriweera and the Chancellor Dr. J. B. Kelegama will award the degrees. No clue regarding Kotahena
transformer blasts Police investigating last Saturday’s blasting of three power transformers at Kotahena have so far failed to make a breakthrough. Police have questioned more than 100 persons in the Kotehana area so far and no suspects have been arrested in this connection. S.S.P ( Colombo North) Gerard Ignatius said that they have provided 24 hour security to all 20 transformers in the Kotahena area. Police blamed the LTTE for the blasts. Further investigations are being carried out by the Terrorist Investigation Division (TID) and Kotahena police. |
||
 |
||
