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| Govt. warns foreign missions Comments on Wayamba elections amount to interference in internal affairs
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Govt. warns foreign
missions The Foreign Ministry has told the diplomatic corps in Colombo that it regards any public statement made by them on the conduct of last week’s Wayamba election as an interference in the internal affairs of a sovereign state. The ministry, in a confidential note to all heads of diplomatic missions in Colombo, has drawn their attention to the relevant provisions of the Vienna Convention relating to diplomatic relations between countries. The ministry has expressed concern over reports it has received after the Wayamba election that some members of the Diplomatic Corps have expressed publicly their views on the conduct of the election. The ministry has emphasised in its note to the diplomats that the making of such public statements whether solicited or otherwise, is contrary to well established norms of diplomatic conduct. The ministry has added that in any event, no diplomat or diplomatic mission accredited to Sri Lanka is in a position to make an objective assessment of the facts surrounding the conduct of an election before the completion of domestic procedures. Such procedures are judicial in nature. The constitution of Sri Lanka and its well tried judicial system and the prevailing laws of the country provide ample scope for such inquiries to be held and for lawful orders to be made by the duly constituted authorities. The Foreign Ministry has said that if any diplomat or diplomatic mission wishes to make any representation on a matter which is within the recognised functions of a diplomatic mission, such representations should be made through the recognised channels available to them, namely, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Sri Lanka. The Ministry’s not has also been sent to the Heads of the United Nations Office and Heads of Specialised Agencies accredited to Sri Lanka. Independence
celebrations brief and simple Sri Lanka celebrates the 51st anniversary of its independence today amid calls for peace and national unity from political leaders, religious dignitaries and other prominent people. Police have further tightened security in Colombo, where the main celebrations are held, by deploying 10,000 police personnel and setting up more security checkpoints and barriers. Religious ceremonies at temples, kovils, mosques and churches in Colombo and in the provinces this morning will herald the dawn of the Independence Day. President Chandrika Bandaranaike Kumaratunga will address the nation from a special dais at the Independence Square, Colombo at 8.55 a.m. today, at the main state function to mark the National day, devoid of the traditional military pomp. The function, commencing at 8.00 a.m., has been restricted to one hour and 30 minutes. The military’s role at today’s celebration will be confined to the Presidential salute and a 21 gun salute by the Navy. All invited guests are expected take their seats by 8.00 a.m. Participants at the function will include the Speaker of the Parliament K. B. Ratnayake, Chief Justice G. P. S. de Silva, Prime Minister Sirimavo Bandaranaike, Governor of the Western Province K. Vignaraja, Minister of Public Administration, Home Affairs and Plantation Industries Ratnasiri Wickremanayake and his Deputy Monty Gopallawa, among others. President Kumaratnga is scheduled to arrive at Independence Square at 8.29 a.m. and the Army bugles will announce her arrival. At 8.33 the President will hoist the national flag amid the sounding of Magul Bera and blowing of the traditional conch shells by the students of the D. S. Senanayake Maha Vidyalaya, Colombo. This will follow the singing of the national anthem by 100 students of Vishaka, Sirimavo Bandaranaike Balika, Devi Balika Vidyalaya and the President’s College of Sri Jayawardanapura, Kotte. The President will receive the armed forces salute and the 21 gun salute by the Sri Lanka Navy from a special dais. After her address to the nation the President will leave at 9.14 a.m. Meanwhile religious functions will be conducted at the Kuppiyawatta Jayasekhararama Vihara, Sivasubramaniam Temple at Slave Island, All Saints Church, Borella, Methodist Church, Chapel Lane, Wellawatta and Jumma Masjid Mosque at Musjid Mawatha, Kirulapone to mark the National Day from 6.00 a.m. today. On Tuesday an All-Night Pirith ceremony was held at the Independence Hall, Colombo followed by a Sanghika Dana on the following day at the Kuppiyawatta Jayasekhararama Vihara. Independence Day celebrations will also held today at a Provincial and District lived in the Provincial and District towns. Religious functions will also take place in Buddhist, Christian, Hindu and Muslim places of worship in a Provincial and District level to mark the event. At 12 noon the Sri Lanka Navy will fire a 21 gun salute. National Day will be celebrated as usual by the Parliamentary staff under the patronage of Speaker K. B. Ratnayake in a brief ceremony at the Parliament premises this morning. Deputy Speaker Moonesinghe, Deputy Chairman of Committees Rauf Hakeem, Secretary General of Parliament Bertram S. B. Tittewella, members of the Parliamentary staff and their family members will be present at this 30 minute function. Southern Provincial Council
dissolution mooted by Govt. Discussions are under way between the government and the Southern Provincial Council (SPC) with a view to dissolve that Council before February 11 in order to hold the SPC election too along with the other five councils where elections are due. Authoritative government sources said that several ministers have requested President Chandrika Kumaratunga to dissolve the SPC and include that election too with the other five due before the end of March. The life of the Southern Provincial Council is due to end in seven weeks time from now. A Council can only be dissolved with the consent of the Chief Minister if it is to be dissolved prematurely unless it affects the security of the state in which the President can dissolve the Council in concurrence with the governor and have direct rule. These sources however disclosed that the Southern PC Chief Minister Mahinda Yapa Abeywardene was not in favour of an early dissolution and wants to complete the full term of the Provincial Council. Following a Supreme Court order delivered on January 26 after it determined a petition filed by two members of the Free Media Movement, the Commissioner of Elections was directed to fix the date for the PC elections in Western, Sabaragamuwa, Uva, North Central and Central within two weeks of the judgement and also to hold the polls within three months of the date of the judgement. PA sources said that President Kumaratunga is to have a round of talks with the SPC chief minister regarding the proposal to dissolve the SPC before February 11. The opposition United National Party and the Janatha Vimukthi Peramuna too has urged the government to dissolve the SPC and hold that election too with the other five due before the end of March. The elections to the Western, Sabaragamuwa, Uva, North Central and Central PCs were postponed in August last year under emergency regulations. The Supreme Court in its judgement of January 26 declared the gazette notification issued by the President postponing the poll null and void and upheld the right to franchise. President’s
Independence Day message President Chandrika Bandaranaike Kumaratunga in her Independence Day message called for a firm commitment to build confidence, brotherhood, goodwill and understanding among all communities. She also asked the people to commit themselves to co-existence and ending the war in the North East. The following is the text of the message: "As we commemorate today the 51st anniversary of our National Independence, I recall the trust and confidence reposed in my government and the great strength that the people of this country gave us to restore peace and prosperity. It was only one year ago that we commemorated the historic Golden Jubilee of our Independence. It is opportune today that we remind ourselves and reflect on the responsibilities and great challenges that we face. Let us resolve to strive harder and give our utmost to make our future and that of our children brighter and better, free of want, free of fear, and join hands, moving forward into the 21st century. We are now on the threshold of the next century, which could be a turning point of tremendous significance in the history of human civilization. Although Sri Lanka is a small country we have great responsibilities devolved on us, both nationally and internationally. These responsibilities we must take on with courage, patience and wisdom. On this glorious day, let us make a firm commitment to build confidence, brotherhood, goodwill and understanding among all communities. Let us also resolve to commit ourselves totally to co-existence and ending the destructive war which has raged for nearly two decades. It is time for all of us to find a just and satisfactory solution, taking into serious consideration the great loss of life and property caused by unpatriotic elements. At this point of time let us charter our future path of progress drawing inspiration from our glorious past. This is the only and most fitting tribute we could pay to our great, dedicated forefathers who fought relentlessly for independence and freedom. The People’s Alliance Government now enters its 5th year of governance treading a difficult path. My government has succeeded to a great extent in restoring the fundamental rights of the people. We are also waging a war against corruption and terror, trying to unite the country by reviving an enfeebled economy. In doing so, very often we have met opposition and pressure from our enemies in spite of which, we are moving forward undaunted, treating even these evil forces of with love and kindness. However, these elements are being isolated and relegated to the wilderness. Let us dedicate ourselves to achieving peace, prosperity and unity, preserving the rich diversity of all, thus ensuring economic and social stability. This is the only way to make our independence most meaningful. May the blessings of the Noble Triple Gem be with you all." Batticaloa: The Telecommunication exchange at Bar Road in Batticaloa Town was destroyed by a time bomb at about 7.00 p.m. on Tuesday (2/2/99). Police believe that the LTTE was responsible for the blast. Telecommunication sources said that 300 lines connected to the exchange had been affected. Last November there was an attempt to destroy this exchange but the bomb fixed to it was detected and dismantled by the Army. Last month it was damaged partially. Batticaloa Police are conducting investigations. ANCL ordered to pay
compensation to chief executive The Supreme Court yesterday said in a judgment that the Associated newspapers of Ceylon limited had violated the Fundamental Rights to equality of General Manager B. A. Jinadasa, and ordered the company to pay him Rs. 75,000 as compensation and Rs. 25,000 as costs. The complainant, Jinadasa had said that one V. R. K. de Silva was appointed the Chief Executive officer, in 1997. The duties and the authority of Jinadasa, as G. M. and Secretary (ANCL) was vested in V. R. K. de Silva. The petition said that this was done at the behest of unforeseen political elements, and was arbitrary and capricious. Mr. Romesh de Silva PC with Mr. Palitha Kumarasinghe, and Mr. Sugath Caldera instructed by Mr. G. G. Arulpragasam, appeared for the petitioner. Mr. E. D. Wikramanayake with Mr. R. A. D. Kumara Wickrama appeared for ANCL and the Director Board. The judgment was by Justice Dr. A. R. B. Amerasinghe with Justice P. R. P. Perera, and Justice Dr. Shirani Bandaranayake agreeing. Prime
Minister’s message Prime Minister Sirimavo Bandaranaike in an Independence Day message said that the time has come for all citizens of the country to join hands as Sri Lankans in the task of building a new nation. Following is the text of the message: We, Sri Lankans, commemorated the Golden Jubilee of our independence last year. Although we have had so many commemorative celebrations of independence, we must admit that we have not so far been able to reap the real fruits of independence. A glance at neighbouring countries which gained independence at or about the same time as Sri Lanka, shows that they have made great strides in the spheres of economic, social and cultural development. It’s geographical position, fertile resources and natural beauty and the high level of education of the people have given Sri Lanka too the basic factors conducive to achieving a similar level of development. In examining the factors responsible for our slow pace of development in these spheres, a number of aspects deserve our attention. One such aspect is the trend of political activities in Sri Lanka. A number of political parties are active in Sri Lanka and these parties have repeatedly found it difficult to arrive at a common agreement even on minor issues. This has given rise to dissension and violence on many occasions, and we have suffered in full measure the unsavoury results of such incidents. In particular, the failure to make a united effort even in matters of, national importance, has been one obstacle in the path of our progress. Further we must give serious thought to the undesirable influences and repercussions that can result from our dealings with foreign countries and world organizations and take planned measures in keeping with definite national policies. This would help in making the future development of our country even more meaningful. History has given us numerous examples of countries with multicommunal populations which have developed by solving resultant problems peacefully through patience and discussion as well as of others where failure to do so has greatly impeded development. Here, we are naturally reminded of the leaders of our Independence Movement, who made a united effort without thinking in terms of communal religious or caste differences. We must try to emulate their example. It’s also our duty to ponder about and remedy our past mistakes. The time has also come for all citizens of this country to join hands as Sri Lankans in the task of building up a new nation. It’s an obligation that we of the present era should fulfil in the interests of the future generation. Let us make this our Independence Day Resolution and let us while paying due respect to the National Flag, march towards year two thousand, soon to dawn, as proud Sri Lankans Minimum conditions for free
and fair election violated says PAFFREL The two independent organisations, the Movement for Free and Fair Elections (MFFE) and the People’s Action for Free and Fair Elections (PAFFREL) said that the malpractices that occurred both before and during the North Western Provincial Council elections last week violated the minimum conditions for a free and fair election. The two organisations which monitored the election, in their interim report released yesterday said ".....we believe that the conditions under which the elections were held, and the malpractices that occurred, both before and during the elections, violated the minimum conditions for a free and fair election". Godfrey Gunatilleke, Chairman PAFFREL and Kingsley Rodrigo, PAFFREL’s Executive Director, who released the report at a news conference yesterday said that most of the complaints were received from opposition parties. The report pointed to "the widespread and systematic intimidation and impersonation of voters, stuffing of ballot boxes, chasing away of polling agents and acts of violence that prevailed on the day of the elections. This is in addition to the malpractices and abuses that occurred prior to election day, that culminated in two killings, such as the violent breaking up of election meetings, tearingdown of posters and banners of rival candidates and the physical intimidation of candidates and their supporters. This resulted in an atmosphere of fear and apprehension that spread to the general public". "We note that the police were unwilling or unable to take adequate steps to ensure the maintenance of law and order both before and during the elections. There were many instances of police officers who performed their duties with a commendable commitment. But on the whole, they seemed as paralysed as the policeman who told an election monitor that his duty was limited to protecting his gun and the ballot box itself". The report said, "The public officials on election duty appeared to be as intimidated in the performance of their legitimate duties as the police. There is evidence that many of them failed to report the electoral abuses that took place in their areas of responsibility. Some of them yielded without asserting their rights to the mobs who unlawfully entered the polling booths. The lack of independence of the police and public officials, and their vulnerability to intimidation by members of the ruling party have been highlighted by the events that have taken place in conjunction with this election. "We have no illusions concerning the record of the UNP during election when they were the ruling party. But surely the issues is not whether the performance of the PA is a shade better or worse than that of the UNP. We feel strongly that these elections have betrayed the confidence and expectations that the people had placed in the pledges made by the major political parties at the general elections of 1994. Those elections had signalled a turnaround in the decline in standards of free and fair elections that had commenced with the Jaffna District Development Council elections held in 1981. Tragically, the most logical prediction following the Wayamba elections is that the decline has set in once again. The next series of elections may be even more bitterly contested and the country doomed to a further cycle of violence." The report further said "Instead of being an empowering experience for the people election time has become a time of disempowerment of the voting public. A civic organisation that has set itself the goal of upholding the fundamental rights of citizens cannot compromise on its standards. Nor can it avoid the controversy that will accompany the judgments it makes. The decision taken by PAFFREL and MFFE shortly after the polls closed on January 25 to call for an invalidation of the Wayamba elections has undoubtedly been a drastic one. But we believe it was a necessary decision and we re affirm it in this, our interim report, which we will follow up with a fuller final report." The monitors added "Given the lessons learnt at the Wayamba elections we expect better judgment and adherence to democratic norms to prevail at the next elections. It is of particular importance that the government should realise the need for the independence and integrity of the police and public officials in the conduct of their election duties. We call on all political parties to take the opportunity that forthcoming elections will provide to restore the people’s faith in the electoral process." The interim report also stated that of the incidents that were reported, there had been two murders, 25 incidents of attempted murder and shooting, 89 cases of threat and intimidation, 23 robberies, 66 cases of assault and injury and eight cases of arson. "In 9 of these incidents, vehicles without number plates have been used allegedly by PA supporters. There were no such allegations against other contesting parties," the report said. Mr.Gunatilleke denied allegations levelled against them by the government that they were biased in their statements and reports and that they were sidelined with the Opposition. "We merely monitored the election and reported on incidents as we saw them," he said. Ranil calls upon all
progressive fronts — Opposition and UNP Leader Ranil Wickremesinghe addressing a mammoth protest rally at Hyde Park yesterday evening to protest against violence and vote rigging at the North Western Provincial Council election (NWPC) called on all progressive forces to join hands to topple the dictatorial government of President Chandrika Kumaratunga. The rally was followed by a satyagraha led by Mr. Wickremesinghe, UNP Chairman Karu Jayasuriya and other senior party members. While the rally was in progress a coffin was burnt opposite the SLFP headquarters down Darley Road. Wickremesinghe said that as the last Prime Minister of the country who held free and fair polls he calls upon the people to shed all differences and unite to restore democracy in this country. "We reconstituted the constitution, the laws brought forward changes in development and took the country forward whenever we came into power. Everything what we did was with the consent and mandate of the masses. We were an example of democratic role to the whole of Asia. (Wickremasinghe said that democracy at state today). It was being attacked and challenged by the movement of Chandrika Kumaratunga. "In the past leaders joined together with masses to protect and safeguard democracy and obtain independence. Today the Chandrika government had shocked aside the masses and committed undemocratic acts leading towards a dictatorship where the masses would lose their rights to vote. To restore democracy we should overthrow the dictatorship role of the Chandrika government. This would be the biggest challenge our masses would face after independence." "I appealed to all masses and political leaders in Wayamba to allow the masses their right to use their franchise of votes in a free and fair manner. I made this appeal as I did not mind whichever political party they cast their vote, or whichever individual the voters cast their preference votes. The main thing was to allow the voters to cast their votes in a free and fair manner. Wickremasinghe said the UNP held a free and fair poll in 1994 which allowed Chandrika to form the government. "But in Wayamba all our attempts to hold free and fair polls was sabotaged by the PA. Chandrika gave directions to Commissioner of Elections and IGP and brought in policemen of her choice into the NWP. This was when the whole elections almost came to a standstill. Wickremasinghe alleged that when the government could not stop the UNP campaign they assaulted their leaders, and activists. "They told the polling agents and supporters of the UNP, JVP and New Left Front etc. to go home and cast the votes of these parties. What they did was to grab the right of the masses to vote." "The Commissioner of Elections has confirmed violence and vote rigging at 220 polling booths. The monitors put the figure at around 500 polling booths. We the UNP think that polls at over 600 booths were not free and fair. "The masses of this country have lost many of their rights and now they have also lost the right to vote". Wickremasinghe said that the poor masses of this country sacrificed many things and paid defence levy, GST etc. for the country to buy weapons and protect its people, but today one finds the very same weapons are used to destroy democracy. The UNP he said would never bow down in the face of violence, will unite and protect democracy. Colombo Mayor
complains to IGP The Mayor of Colombo and UNP Chairman Karu Jayasooriya complained to the Inspector General of Police, Lucky Kodituwakku that police vehicles with personnel in civil clothing were seen moving around the city removing all "decorations". In a letter addressed to the IGP, the Mayor said that when he inquired the personnel involved stated that they are carrying out the instructions of the chief officers of police stations in the respective areas. Mr. Jayasuriya later told ‘The Island’ that the IGP had contacted him and while expressing regrets, had given an assurance that such incidents would not happen again. "Since then these acts have stopped," the Mayor told ‘The Island" last evening. The following is the text of the Mayor’s letter to the IGP. "It is with deep concern that I am addressing this letter to you as the Mayor of Colombo re some of the incidents that took place and are taking place in the city today. "As you may be aware Colombo has always been a political friendly city, we have permitted all political parties to carry out their activities and given them all the necessary facilities. Our support and cooperation have been extended to the organisation of meetings, decorations for such meetings and other associated activities of all political parties. The citizens of Colombo enjoyed these privileges without any fear or favour. "However, with regret I write to you that I have received many complaints of threats and removal of decorations in the city by personnel from your department which had taken place today. I am personally aware of these incidents as I saw and spoke to the personnel concerned. To cite a few examples: — police vehicles with personnel in civil clothing were seen moving around the city removing all decorations — these vehicles were detected in Maradana, Cinnamon Gardens, Kollupitiya and Bambalapitiya — in Cinnamon Gardens the vehicle bearing No. 61 - 7065 was carrying personnel who were cutting the decorations — similarly vehicle No. 32 - 4404 with SI Sumanadasa was seen in Maradana. "When I inquired, the personnel involved stated that they are carrying out the instructions of the Chief Officers of the Police Stations in the respective areas. This is not only a breach of peace but acts against the will of the people and a definite threat to democracy. "As the Mayor of Colombo, I am responsible to the people of the City and I am indeed surprised at the attitude and actions of the police in this matter. It is me and the Council who approve all decorations in the city. I am therefore making this strong protest to you to instruct all your officers to desist from such actions which could only be described as inflammatory. "As a democratically elected Mayor with a vast majority of support, I would request you that all such matters should be brought to my notice for necessary instructions. I seek an assurance from you that these undemocratic acts would not take place in the future. |
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