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LSSP points accusing finger
Worst Wayamba culprit gets provincial ministry

In a 4-page statement warning against "reactionary politics within the PA" issued on the Wayamba elections, the LSSP expressed its disappointment that "a person publicly identified by the president herself as guilty of the worst malpractices at the Wayamba election has succeeded in his attempts to be appointed a minister in the provincial council."

The LSSP statement signed by its general secretary, Science and Technology Minister Batty Weerakoon said: "This person's vote rigging was directed at putting himself at the higher levels of the "manape" (preference) vote in order to add to his claim to a ministerial appointment.

"Violence and the related vote-rigging in this context affects not only the opposing party but also, and more particularly, other candidates in the same party who do not resort to this offensive and degrading exercise. The left candidates of the PA suffered this consequence at Wayamba."

The LSSP noted in its statement that the president had in no uncertain terms condemned the violence and vote rigging that had taken place and called for stern action on the perpetrators.

The statement also made the point that "a chauvinist lobby was able to stamped the PA government" to postpone the provincial council elections that were scheduled for last year. It said that in the LSSP's view, such a postponement was "both unconstitutional and uncalled for" with the reason urged for the postponement being the military operations.

"The LSSP is glad that its position has been confirmed in the Supreme Court judgement pronounced recently on this matter," the statement said.

The statement which says that the LSSP has studied the interim report of the Committee for Monitoring Election Violence, covering the period up to Jan. 24 (the day before the poll), points out that this report does not absolve either of the two principal political parties from blame for the violence.

But it says that the LSSP accepts that it is the responsibility of the government to effectively control the violence and all indications are that it had not succeeded in this. "This allowed a few political morons to conclude that on polling day they could freely indulge in the same kind of activity which the UNP had introduced into elections in the course of its 17-year regime."

"In not combating this assault on the rights of the voter, the police have proved against themselves the charge or serious neglect of duty. The effect of this was the denial to the PA what was its due, that being an untarnished victory at the polls."

The statement further said: "The LSSP condemns the violence that chracterised the campaign and the several reported instances of vote-rigging on the date of the polls. Under the prevailing law, it is left to the courts to decide as to whether any violence or vote-rigging at a provincial council election is likely to have affected the result of that election.

"It is the courts that can, in accordance with its finding, declare an election void. Neither the Commissioner of Elections nor the President can, on their own determination, make any legally valid declaration in regard to a PC election that has been held. In fact such provision has been avoided because it goes against the principle of devolution of power. the UNP cannot therefore escape the charge that its promised public agitation against this election is wholly for the purpose of fueling its campaign in the other PC elections that are shortly to take place."

The following is the full text of the LSSP statement :-

The Lanka Samasamaja Party which actively participated in the Provincial Council election campaign of the People's Alliance in Wayamba had reason to be confident that on a progressive platform the PA should win.

The UNP had administered the Province for over 10 years but had failed to focus on the issues relating to the people. From the time of the late R. Premadasa as Minister of Provincial Councils and Local Administration, this Council had been subjected to a routine subservience to and dependence on the central administration. The devolved powers were therefore not exercised for the development of the province. Wayamba saw that nationally too the UNP had no constructive position on the ethnic conflict or the problems created for the people through the policies of the open economy.

The PA's election campaign was inspired by a declared commitment to a local development agenda. Ministers and senior politicians engaged in area canvassing. The President participated in the well attended major public rallies held in 19 centres in the two districts. She got across to the people the urgent need for the political settlement of the ethnic conflict that stood in the way of national unity and economic and social progress. By then steps had also been taken to infuse confidence in the rural agricultural sector through policy measures needed for the protection of local paddy and vegetable production. The President made effective use of the material that was available to her on the UNP's land deals especially in respect of LRC land situated in the province. This contribution appeared to be adequate to ensure a PA victory in a situation where the UNP had no programme at all.

The UNP commenced its campaign with the public display of its induction into the area of retired cops some of whom had the worst records of state terrorism. The people saw this as an attempt to link with a police set up which at one time had terrorized the area. It also commenced through sections of the media a campaign of character assassination targeting the PA's aspirant to the position of Chief Minister. This was media violence at its worst and locally it led to heightened antagonisms. The ensuing conflicts which were mainly among party activists were the subject of numerous police complaints and the UNP rested its campaign on a denunciation of the violence as was evidenced by the unprecedented number of police complaints. The UNP's attempt to cast itself in the role of saviour of democracy failed to carry credibility because their doings were still fresh in the peoples' memories.

The LSSP has studied the interim report of the Committee for Monitoring Election Violence. Its record extends to the 24th of January which is the day previous to the date of the poll. This report does not absolve from blame for this violence either of the two principal political parties. The LSSP accepts that it was the responsibility of the Government to effectively control the violence and that all indications are that in this it had not succeeded. This allowed a few political morons to conclude that on polling day they could freely indulge in the same kind of activity which the UNP had introduced into elections in the course of its 17 year regime. In not combating this assault on the rights of the voter the police has proved against themselves the charge of serious neglect of duty. The effect of this was the denial to the PA what was its due, that being an untarnished victory at the polls.

The LSSP condemns the violence that characterized the campaign and the several reported instances of vote-rigging on the day of the poll. Under prevailing law it is left to the Courts to decide as to whether any violence or vote-rigging at a Provincial Council election is likely to have affected the result of that election. It is the Courts that can, in accordance with its finding, declare an election void. Neither the Commissioner of Elections nor the President can, on their own determination, make any legally valid declaration in regard to a PC election that has been held. In fact such provision has been avoided because it goes against the principle of devolution of power. The UNP cannot therefore escape the charge that its promised public agitation against this election is wholly for the purpose of fuelling its campaign in the other PC elections that are shortly to take place.

The LSSP notes that the President has in no uncertain terms condemned the violence and vote rigging that had taken place and has called for stern action on the perpetrators of this. The violence we are presently faced with as a matter of grave concern is not, as in the time of the UNP, inherent in the political regime. Nor is it violence that was behind the gruesome threat of death from a source beyond the reach of the law as when in the 1987 Provincial Council elections the JVP threatened to kill the first twenty five voters in each of the polling stations. It was essentially an improvisation hurriedly got up for the occasion. It can be isolated and overcome politically. The wide publicity given through the media to the events in question reflects the genuine media freedom that exists today. This is a facility that can be used constructively for this purpose.

Violence of this nature unleashed in relation to any election is the manifestation of political reaction. The LSSP which has had to confront this throughout its history recognizes the recent happenings as no exception to this. Although the violence is seen as directed at the opposing political party or its activists its ultimate object is the voter. Its purpose is the denial to the voter of his right to freely exercise his vote. It invariably manifests itself when in a democratic set up a government loses confidence in its ability to maintain itself on the strength of its politics. This has occurred especially when in the more recent times international financial institutions have compelled governments to put into effect the so called structural adjustments. In the Newly Industrialized Countries, or the NICs as they were called, authoritarian regimes which received legitimacy through a spurious constitutionalism carried through these adjustments. In countries like ours with their democratic traditions the UNP tried carrying out the same adjustments through institutionalizing violence in the political system while maintaining the forms of democratic government. What we saw in Wayamba was the surfacing of this same violence within the PA itself. It threatens the people in other situations too as has happened in the case of the people of Eppawela struggling to preserve intact their land rights and environment.

The LSSP is confident that given the strength of the progressive forces within the PA this phenomenon could be successfully combated. It is imperative that this be accomplished in the preparations for the five Provincial Council elections that are soon to take place. This has to be a political preparation linked to a progressive and credible political programme to which the PA as a whole commits itself. It is no accident that the Wayamba campaign of the PA was conducted as a wholly SLFP exercise with only lip service being paid to the PA. This has to be urgently remedied. The People's Alliance has to be re-established not merely as a collection of four or more parties but as the instrument of the progressive forces of this country.

The LSSP is aware that the present voting system promotes a kind of unhealthy and even violent electioneering. The preferential vote known as the "manape" registered for candidates on a district basis has been the source of much malpractice. The appointment of party organizers on the basis of the old constituencies in a district and the pressure put on them to show results is what gives rise to the "gahala ganna" election result. Given the short time there is between now and the 5 elections that are due to be held parties need to take stringent steps to ensure that their candidates and supporters do not overstep the mark. In this regard the LSSP wishes to mention its disappointment in that a person publicly identified by the President herself as guilty of the worst malpractices at the Wayamba election has succeeded in his attempts to be appointed a Minister in that Provincial Council. This person's vote rigging was directed at putting himself at the higher levels of the "manape" vote in order to add to his claim to a ministerial appointment. Violence and the related vote-rigging in this context affects not only the opposing party but also, and more particularly, other candidates in the same party who do not resort to this offensive and degrading exercise. The Left candidates of the PA suffered this consequence at Wayamba.

In the long run it must be realized by all concerned that there are at present in-built factors in our body politic that lead to the continuance of violence as a political device. Among these the ongoing military operations in the North and the East constitute a principal factor if not the predominant one. A chauvinist lobby was able to stampede the PA government into postponing the Provincial Councils elections when in the LSSP's view such postponement was both unconstitutional and uncalled for. The reason urged for the postponement related to these military operations. The LSSP is glad its position has been confirmed in the Supreme Court's judgement pronounced recently on this matter.

The LSSP is of the view that in the Wayamba campaign the PA government was set for a victory that would strengthen it in its resolve to proceed with its political solution to the ethnic conflict. This certainly could not have escaped the UNP. The LSSP urges both the PA and the UNP to be warned by the happenings in the Wayamba elections, and to take the steps needed to get through Parliament the necessary political solution as a first step in the ending of military operations. So long as the ethnic problem remains unresolved the war is bound to continue. And so long as the war continues violence in our body politic can continue with perhaps disastrous consequences.

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Investigation? Not the police, please!

Avadhi Lanka, the public interest organisation, said yesterday that it hoped that police officers will not be conducting an inquiry into the wrong doings at the Wayamba Provincial Council elections.

Quoting the February 1 Island report headlined "IGP to probe NWP violence", the Avadhi Lanka statement noted that the police, despite specific instructions to act against those who violate the law, had not been able to prevent election violence.

The statement issued by Leela Isaac, R.M.B. Senanayake, Stanley Gunaratna and Stanley Jayaweera said: "One hopes to God that the investigations will not be done by police officers themselves. They would be the limit of ludicrousness similar to horage ammagen pena ahanawa - reporting the devil to his own mother".

The statement said that the IGP must remember that he is under obligation to the PA government for having appointed him to his present post above the heads of some of his seniors. As a consequence, two of those affected have retired in protest.

"If government politicians have been involved in the violence, the public will not have any faith in an inquiry conducted by officers selected by the IGP", the statement said.

It pointed out that there are enough and more honest and honourable retired Supreme Court Judges, other judicial officers, public servants and professionals who have no political prejudices from among whom a Committee of Inquiry can be constituted to go into the conduct of errant police officers.

"Indeed, what is actually called for is a Presidential Commission to go into the entire exercise in the Wayamba which was mis-called an election", Avadhi Lanka said.

It said that here too those selected should not be from among those with an eye on ambassadorial posts or governorships or similar rewards for services rendered. The opposition too should be consulted.

"An independent Commission of Inquiry is required because those involved in. the violence that has taken place include

politicians who are alleged to be patron saints of the thugs and underworld characters who created the mayhem.

"The IGP is entirely right when he says that politicians too have a duty to prevent violence. But he surely knows that a politician in this country, with rare exceptions, is violence personified because of his insatiable lust for power.

"The IGP will do the country a great service if he will persuade the government to legislate immediately for creating an independent Police Service Commission. The Opposition will dare not refuse to give its support to get such legislationenacted immediately," Avadhi Lanka concluded.

PA and SLFP to thrash out Wayamba issues

President Chandrika Kumaratunga has summoned meetings of the PA executive committee and SLFP central committee to discuss the situation arising from the Wayamba Provincial Council election, political sources said.

The SLFP central committee meeting is scheduled for February 18 while the PA executive committee meeting will be held the next day, party sources said.

Political sources said that these are important meetings for both the PA and the SLFP in the context of the remarks made by the President in her February 4 Independence Day speech where she indicated that she will act sternly against miscreants.

Ministerial sources said that the President has also bitterly complained to her cabinet colleagues about election incidents that have tarnished her reputation.

The SLMC that has publicly complained about the conduct of the election has sought a meeting with President Kumaratunga before the PA executive committee meeting. Well informed sources said that this meeting is not likely to take place before the PA executive meeting as the President is due to fly to Jamaica for a Group of 15 meeting.

It is likely that Wayamba election incidents will be discussed at the SLFP and PA meetings, political sources said.

Celebrations at Gampola

The PA yesterday celebrated its Wayamba victory at its General Secretary D. M. Jayaratne's Gampola electorate with a big demonstration attended by Ministers Jayaratne, Alavi Moulana, D. P. Wickremasinghe and Chief Minister Nawinne of the NWPC. Members of the provincial cabinet and area MPs were also present.

PA sources said that more such meetings are planned to celebrate the victory and thank the voters.

Provincial Councils and Local Government Minister Alavi Moulana said that the PA was confident that they would be returned in four of the five provincial councils for which elections are likely to be held next month.

A victory rally at Wariyapola will be held today (Sunday) to be followed by countrywide meetings ending with a mammoth rally in Colombo at the end of this month, PA sources said. (FRS).

Supreme Court judgement
One of those ironies of history - Sirisena Cooray

Mr. Sirisena Cooray, in a statement issued shortly after Friday's Supreme Court judgement quashing all findings against him by the Lalith Athulathmudali Presidential Commission, said;

Unfair accusations, character assassination and politically motivated persecution have for many years been my fate. During that dark time, as I was accused of every conceivable crime and even placed arbitrarily under detention, what sustained me was the knowledge of my innocence and the belief that truth shall triumph and justice will prevail in the end.

Today's judgement by the highest Court in the land is a vindication of that belief.

In one of those ironies of history, it was none other than President Chandrika Bandaranaike Kumaratunga who unwittingly provided me with this opportunity to clear my name. It was the so-called findings against me in the Report of the Lalith Athulathmudali Commission appointed by the President, which enabled me to seek a legal remedy and conclusively establish my innocence before the highest court in the country.

I do not regard this judgement as a personal victory, though I feel that sense of satisfaction inevitable in the case of any innocent person who has been absolved of an utterly unfair and unjust charge. To me this judgement has a far larger, symbolic value. It is a beacon of hope and message of encouragement to those countless people in our country who have been denied justice through the machinations of the privileged and who feel helpless before a powerful Establishment.

NWPC cabinet sworn-in

Chief Minister S.B. Nawinne of the North Western Provincial Council and a cabinet of five (including the chief minister) has been sworn-in by Governor Siripala Jayaweera on Tuesday night, a PC official said.

The ministers are: Jayaratne Herath (Health and Co-operatives), Niranjan Wickramasinghe (Land, Rural Development, Social Services, Sports and Youth Affairs), Priyankara Jayaratne (Fisheries) and A.H.M. Navavi (Highways, Transport and Irrigation)

The Chief Minister will hold the Ministries of Plan Implementation, Local Government, Industries, Education, Cultural Affairs and all other ministries.

Mr. Niranjan Wickramasinghe is the son of Mr. D.P. Wickramasinghe, the Minister of Co-operatives.

Upali Group founder remembered

Elaborate arrangements in an islandwide scale are being made by members of the public, sales agents and employees of Upali Group of Companies to commemorate the 16th anniversary of the disappearance of Mr. Upali Wijewardene, the Founder Chairman of Upali Group and others which falls on February 13.

The event will be commemorated by holding various religious ceremonies like Buddha poojas, sil and meditation campaigns in temples in both urban and rural areas. Besides arrangements are being made to offer alms to the Maha Sangha and scholarships to needy children. At Kelaniya Raja Maha Vihare where one of the biggest commemoration ceremonies is scheduled to be held, the presentation of scholarships at 10 a.m. to five needy students of Helena Wijewardene Vidyalaya by the Present Chairman of the Upali Group Dr. Sivali H. Ratwatte.

Employees of Upali Trading Company will provide meals the same afternoon to the inmates of the Boys' Town Orphanage, Ja-Ela. There will be a series of religious ceremonies at the Kelaniya Raja Maha Vihara the same night.

They will include mal pahan and gilampasa poojas, religious discussions and a sermon.

Other venues where such ceremonies will be held with the participation of members of the public, Directors, employees and agents of Upali Newspapers Ltd. Upali Trading Co. Ltd., Upali Electronic Co. Ltd. Upali Food and Beverages Ltd. are as follows: Sri Dalada Maligawa, Kandy, Sri Maha Bodhi Vihara, Anuradhapura, Vajiraramaya, Bambalapitiya, Attanagalla Raja Maha Vihara, Sapugoda Vihara, Kamburupitiya, Sri Vishnu Maha Vihara, Devi Nuwara, Senanayaka Aramaya, Madampe, Mutiyangana Raja Maha Vihara, Badulla, Katupota Raja Maha Vihara, Wariyapola. Sri Saman Devala, Ratnapura, Tissa Raja Maha Vihara, Tissamaharama, Situlpauwa Raja Maha Vihara, Situlpauwa, Kalutara Maha Bodhi Kalutara Purwaramaya, Horana, Hindu Maha Sabha Kovil Hatton, Mutumari Amman Kovil Udupussellawa, Yatagala Raja Maha Vihara, Galle, Munneswaram Kovil, Chilaw, Vidyalankara Pirivena Vihara, Kelaniya, Getambe Raja Maha Vihara, Kandy, Kuppiyawatta Vihara, Maradana, Kotte Raja Maha Vihara, Kotte, Sedawatta Veragoda Purana Maha Vihara, Sedawatta and Purana Subhaddrarama Maha Vihara, Ambalangoda.

A holy mass will also be held at St. Lucia's Chathedral, Colombo 13 on Saturday, February 13, at 8.30 a.m.

Dr. Jayalath Jayawardena urges Mulberry Group
Work towards an independent elections commission

UNP MP Dr. Jayalath Jayewardena has urged the Mulberry Group to join hands in the continuing efforts to make the formation of an Independent Elections Commission a reality.

In a letter to the Group's media spokesman, Dallas Alahapperuma, Dr. Jayewardena says that 'we must work unitedly to build a new political culture in the country and protect the democratic rights of the people'.

It was reported in the media that the Mulberry Group had expressed concern over the happenings at last month's Wayamba poll, which was marred by vote rigging and political thuggery.

'During the poll, the conduct of certain government politicians had also drawn the attention of your Group which has placed before President Kumaratunga certain proposals to prevent such ugly incidents and ensure free and fair elections in the future, according to these news reports. It's immaterial which party is elected to power under a clean election. We must all bow to the decision of the people. Under these circumstances, it's of vital importance that we create the necessary political climate to ensure free and fair polls', Dr. Jayewardena said.

Five killed in chopper crash

The Maldivian Department of Civil Aviation has suspended operations of the Hummingbird Island Airways, a helicopter operator ferrying tourists from the Male' international airport to island resorts in the archipelago following a January 26 crash in which five people were killed.

Reports from the Maldives said that four foreign tourists and one Maldivian were killed when the helicopter went into the sea minutes after taking off from the Maldives Hilton resort at Rangali island in the South Ari atoll.

Many hoteliers here believe that the recent death from a sudden heart attack of Mr. Gamini Fernando, General Manager of the Colombo Hilton, was partly due to the stress flowing from the accident. Colombo based Fernando who was responsible for setting up the resort and was in charge of the operation died soon after the crash .

Reports said that there were 20 people on board the helicopter which crashed into a 10-foot deep lagoon. they were being ferried to the airport to depart after their Maldivian holiday. Among the survivors were nine Maldivians who were mainly resort staff, three tourists and three Bulgarian crew.

"The cause of the accident has not been determined and it is too early to speculate," a Maldivian newspaper said quoting a senior National Security Service official.

The Russian built helicopter which crashed was of the same type involved in a similar accident in 1993 when another helicopter went into the sea killing eight tourists and one Maldivian.

In another accident in 1996, a Hummingbird helicopter went into the sea soon after taking off from the airport island. The operation of the helicopter service was temporarily halted at that time, the Haveeru newspaper said.

Suntel dismisses SL Telecom allegations

In a strongly worded statement, Suntel (Private) Ltd., has dismissed allegations by the SLT that it has been given 'preferential treatment' by the government and the Telecommunication Regulatory Commission.

Suntel quoted several instances where 'SLT has denied them their rights under their licence agreement and also attempts to fight competition by misleading, baseless and misconstrued facts that will only damage the free competition in the country'.

Suntel has asked for a more level playing field which it says is definitely needed to maintain the good and healthy development of the telecommunication industry.

Suntel was awarded licences to operate basic telephony services in this country in full competition with other operators. However Suntel charged that the licence agreement that grants a duopoly to the two WLL operators have been contravened by SLT by the usage of WLL technology in urban areas. 'We have complained to the Telecommunication Regulatory Commission about this situation and await corrective measures to be taken' Managing Director of Suntel, Jan Campbell said.

When SLT was privatised, it was agreed by the government to grant SLT extended international monopolistic status until August, 2002 contravening the earlier notification given to Suntel that the international monopoly would be abolished in 1999. This was of course a tremendous setback for the WLL operators and the consumers of international services to whom the tariffs can be reduced by as much as 50%, he said.

For international services and other traffic between operators in Sri Lanka, conditions and commercial terms for the interconnection agreement had to be ruled by the Telecommunication Regulatory Authority as any attempts to come to commercially acceptable agreements between SLT and the WLL operators were found futile, he added.

Suntel says the final ruling of the interconnection agreement was more beneficial to SLT than to the two WLL operators and the normal international practice to create a level playing field was not adopted. SLT can therefore further enjoy a major surplus from the traffic generated by the WLL operators whilst exercising their monopolistic status.

According to the ruling for international traffic, 80% of the revenue of outgoing international calls have to be paid by the WLL to SLT and 15% of the revenue from incoming international calls have to be paid by SLT to WLL operators.

It was ruled that the WLL operators should pay 100% of the physical interconnection links between SLT and the WLL operators and in addition to pay a fee to SLT which is in total contradiction to a level playing field and as per international adopted interconnection standards, Suntel asserted.

Denying claims that its services does not reach out to rural areas, Suntel stated that its network expansion includes expansions in rural areas. Suntel has coverage in approximately one hundred smaller villages in the rural areas of Kurunegala, Horana and Badalgama. Suntel is in many of these villages the only telecommunication provider that currently invest in improving the telecommunication services for these people.

Despite the disappointing interconnect ruling that gives SLT the possibility to subsidize rural deployment and prohibit Suntel to do the same, Suntel will continue to give all possible priority to rural areas in the country, the statement said.

'By disclosing these facts, Suntel wishes to allow the public to understand how baseless and inappropriate the allegations which have been instituted against Suntel are. It is our hope that the Telecommunication industry could focus more on how to provide better services to our customers, compete with a professional and mutually beneficial business-like approach instead of trying to deny the image and market perception of a successful player on the market', it added.

Performance by Indian artistes

Indian music fans are in for a rare treat of February the 13th when two renowned Indian artistes, Ustaad Zakir Hussain (Tabla) and Hari Prasad Chaurasis (Flute) combine their talents to produce sheer musical wizardry. Both the tabla and the flute as ancient as the great sub-continent itself,are divinely played by these two artistes - each one a virtuoso in his field and together they create a magical blend.

This programme organised by the Rotary Club of Colombo hopes to raise a sum of Rs. I .5 million that will be channelled towards their community betterment projects and be their major fund raiser for the year. The Rotary club gives top priority to areas such as housing for the poor, education and the commissioning and installation of a CAT scanner in the Badulla hospital.

President of the Colombo Rotary Club, Vickram Amalean, at a press conference held recently said that every year Rotary has a fund raising event for charity and this year too following in their lofty traditions they have decided to organise this concert featuring the two world renowned Indian artistes to rake in the finances they need for their laudable community projects. In addition they would be giving Sri Lankan audiences an introduction to the mellifluous richness and diversity of India's classical music.

Flutist Hari Prasad Chaurasia is a continuing sensation giving as many as 35 concerts a month. He became the first Indian soloist to perform at the Bolshoi Theatre in Moscow - a rare honour and a testimony of his universal appeal. Jean Pierre Rampal one of the greatest Western classical flutists bowled over by the sophisticated notes that flowed from Chaurasia's simple bamboo flute insisted on playing with him just to absorb some of the masestro's style! Haunting, playful, flirtatious, earthy and spiritual - a string of adjectives could be used to describe the notes that emerge from his flute but in actuality it's sound defies description - for it tears you apart leaving you naked and vulnerable.

Inexorably he together with Tabla exponent Zakir Hussain have wooed the young Indian back into the classical fold. The tabla like the flute goes back to the dawn of Indian musical culture. An accomplished table player can send the blood coursing through your veins at his will, soft and sensuous, deep and throbbing, the thrust and parry of his drumming reaches a crescendo when mind and body become one in a uniquely sensuous experience. The son of one of lndia's tabla playing legends Alla Rakha, Zakir Hussein on stage has the raw power and demeanour of a young stallion - sheer power emanates from his entire body as he urges the tabla to do his will. The pulsating throb of Zakir Hussain with his tabla and the mellifluous notes of Chaurasia's flute will transport the listener into the mystical world of a music replete with the richness and glory of an ancient civilization. This is a once in a life time opportunity and whilst enjoying such an unique experience one could also contribute our mite for the have-nots. Tickets will be available at the TAJ SAMUDRA HOTEL.

Cardiac surgery without cardio pulmonary by-pass

by Chittaranjan de Silva
A cardiac team of eminent medical men comprising Dr. A. Jayakrishnan, Dr. L. Dalpadado and Dr. Lakshman de Zoysa created medical history in Sri Lanka recently by successfully carrying out cardiac surgery without cardiopulmonary by-pass.

This was achieved by the use of a state-of-the-art device called the octopus, which is a tissue stabilizing system that enables surgery on a beating heart without by-pass.

Dr. Lakshman de Zoysa said that cardiopulmonary by-pass requires the heart to be punctured in two places. Tubes are inserted to the right chamber of the heart and aorta that goes to the heart lung machine.

The heart is temporarily arrested by a chemical named cardioplegia which performs the role of chemically stunning the heart. Once the heart is arrested it is starved of oxygen and other nutrients and it needs a brief period to recover after operation, he said.

Cardiopulmonary by-pass causes a lot of complications and side effects and the patients could get strokes after it, he said. This type of heart surgery to clear blocked coronary arteries is usually performed on an arrested heart while the patient is on by-pass.

For the first time in Sri Lanka, this cardiac surgery was successfully performed recently with the help of a state-of-the-art device called the octopus, which has been invented in the Netherlands. The operation has been carried out on a beating heart while the patient was on by-pass.

The octopus is used in setting up a plastic cannulae (or three tubes) to transmit blood from the heart which is then oxygenated and pumped back to the body by-passing the heart and lungs. The device using suction immobilizes the part of the heart where surgery is required, according to these doctors.

Dr. de Zoysa said that the heart is not punctured and cardiac arrest is not required when performing the operation using this new device and technique.

"With the new method we have been able to avoid cardiopulmonary by-pass thus minimizing complications to the patient and saving on the costs of cardiac surgery. The new method of heart surgery marks the dawn of cost-effective minimally invasive cardiac surgery with relatively low complications," Dr. De Zoysa said on behalf of the team of doctors.

Dr. Jayakrishnan from India will be in Sri Lanka weekly to carry out operations. The octopus which costs around Rs. 2,000,000/= has been ordered by the Nawaloka Hospital, and will benefit many, he said.

The octopus assisted heart operation was done in the Nawaloka Hospital on January 21. It was made possible with the help and support of Mr. Karu Dabare, the Managing Director for Commercial Syndicate (Pvt) Ltd. teaming up with the Indian division of Medtronic.

New insights on Malaria at Rajasuriya oration

Dr. Kamalika Abeyaratne, MBBS (Cey) FRCP (Edin) DCH (Lon) FCCP (SL) FRCPCH (UK) will deliver this oration at 6.30 p.m. on Friday the 12th February at the SLMA Auditorium.

Her subject will be 'Malaria and Sri Lanka'

Dr. Abeyaratne is a Paediatrician who served for four years in the General Hospital, Anuradhapura before her transfer to the Lady Ridgeway Hospital. She was in Anuradhapura during the epidemic of 1968. During this period the use of new antimalarial drugs brought on severe complications even leading to death. Dr. Abeyaratne will describe how she and her team investigated these phenomena which for a time threatened the use of one of these vitally important drugs. She will present the results of this research and the satisfactory conclusions reached.

Dr. Abeyaratne has spent time at the National Archives of Britain in the Public Records Office and will present some hitherto unknown facts of the great epidemic of 1934/35. She will present the work of her father Professor G. A. Wickramasuriya FRCS, FRCP, FRCOG who, working during this period showed that Malaria could be passed from mother to child during pregnancy. He was awarded an international prize for this discovery.

She also found files which told the story of Malaria in World War 2. One man lost his temper and as a result DDT was brought to Ceylon for spraying. How much did this event influence the subsequent control of Malaria and the opening up of the NCP? Dr. Abeyaratne will review some of the literature on this disease in Sri Lanka especially on how the disease was brought here initially.

Dr. Abeyaratne will speak of the 'second coming of Malaria' in the late 1960s when everyone thought that the disease has been eliminated. This has been with the country since, causing much sickness and loss of productivity.

Free health camp at Nawalapitiya

A free health camp was held at the Jayathileke Stadium in Nawalapitiya on Saturday the 6th of February 1999 from 7 a.m. to 1 p.m. By a Team of Humanitarian Specialist and Senior Doctors from both the Government and Private Sector at the request of the Chandra Karunaratne Memorial Foundation in association with the Rotaract Club of Wellawatte. The Team of Medical Consultants will be assisted by a Fully Equipped Mobile Laboratory Provided Free with the Compliments of Mrs. Thiru Nadarajah, Chairman, Mediquick, Messrs. Asanka & Sampath, Consultant Physiotherapist will teach breathing exercises to the Chronic Asthmatics and also treat the Arthritics and the Paralysed, a Team of Pharmacists assisted by the Medical Representatives from the Donor Pharmaceutical Firms will dispense the prescribed Medicines, Vitamins, Nutritional Products. Soaps and Dentifrize provided by Lever Brothers Ceylon Ltd.

This Humanitarian Venture was made possible due to the kind donation of the necessary medicines and vitamins by the following pharmaceutical firms, Glaxo Welcomme, Smith Kiline Beecham Winthrop, Eamer Pharma, Gamma Pharmaceuticals (Pvt) Ltd. Pharmed Imports (Pvt) Ltd, Mead-Jhonson, MSD, Haytech Marketting, George Steuarts, Mega Pharma, Nawakrama (Pvt) Ltd, Servipharma, Cilag-Scherring Plough, Harcourts (pvt) Ltd, Ranbaxy, Kalbepharma, Hemas Pharmaceuticals, Reckitt & Colman, Astrons Ltd, Farnell Ceylon Ltd, Lanka Medical Imports, Associate Laboratories, Indo Scan and Thorn Group and Mr. Ameen Chatoor of Chatoor & Company, the Rest of the Essential Medicines and Vitamins were donated by the Rotaract Club of Wellawatte and other friends of the late Chandra Karunaratne. Nestle Lanka Limited will provide a glass of Iced Nespray to all attending the Free Health Camp and Maliban Biscuits Ltd will provide Gold Marie Biscuits to the poor patients, Jaykay Marketing will provide a snack of Keell's Products and Pepsi by Maharajah Organisation to the Medical Team and helpers during the recess. Several public spirited individuals have rallied around to assist in this Humanitarian Venture by providing Board and Lodging and Transport for the Medical Team and making the arrangements at the Venue, Mr. Sirisena Herath, DIG police, Kandy will assist in the security arrangements at the venue of The Free Health Camp. The Health Camp is conducted under the Directions of Dr. Lakshman Weerasena, Chairman Free Health Camps Islandwide.

Mrs. Ilika Karunaratne, Mr. Kishan Karunaratne and Miss Nirupa Karunaratne, widow and children of the late Chandra Karunaratne were present at The Health Camp.

Reception for Buddhist priest delegation from Japan

The Japanese delegation of Buddhist priests headed by the Ven. Kanamuri Thet-sui Maha Nayaka Thera, the Nayaka of Kosenji Temple ad Shevurji Temple, currently on a tour of Sri Lanka will be accorded a reception on February 7 at 2.30 p.m. at Sri Parakumba Pirivena.

The Ven. Devaha-ndiye Saddhatissa, the Maha Nayaka of Kotte Kalyani Sam-agi Dharma Maha Sanga Saba, will preside over the proceedings.

8th Rotary district conference a success

The 8th Rotary District Conference was inaugurated at the BMICH recently under the patronage of David Tatham the British High Commissioner, Minister A.H. M. Fowzie, the Mayor of Colombo, several members of the diplomatic community, as well as over 800 Rotarians representing Rotary Clubs from all 9 provinces of the island.

Sri Lankan Rotarians also welcomed Rotary International Director Mario Grassi and his wife, Rotary Ann Piera Grassi, who represented World Rotary International President James Lacy at the Conference.

Special emphasis was placed by Rotarian Mario Grassi on this year's Rotary theme which is " Follow Your Dream", which lays particular emphasis on the improvement of the welfare of children worldwide.

Rekha Surya's performance today

Rekha Surya an eminent vocalist in light classical Hindustani music will perform at the Indian Cultural Centre on 8th February at 6 p.m. She is a notable exponent of the allied forms of Thumri - Dadra, Kajri, Hori, Jhoola, Chaiti and Ghazal. Rekha Surya trained under Begum Akhtar, Bashir Khan and Girija Devil.

Her concerts in India have been at Bombay (National Centre for the Performing Arts, Tejpal Auditorium Prithvi Theatre), Calcutta (Ravindra Bharathi, Birla Sahba Ghar, Gyan Manch), New Delhi (Kamani Auditorium and FICCI for Kala Parishad, Azad Bhawan for ICCR) Hyderabad, Bangalore, Lucknow and many other major cities. She has also held several public performances abroad in London (Nehru Centre), New York (charity concert for Sakhi), Toronto, Montreal and at the Smithsonian Institution in Washington D.C.. amongst many others. In 1994 she recorded for the Archives of the Sangeet Natak Akademi.

The recital is open to all at the Indian Cultural Centre at 133, Bauddhaloka Mw., Colombo 4.

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