.

Army recruitment drive falters

The recently concluded three week long recruitment drive for army’s regular battalions has failed to produce the desired results.

"We were able to get approximately one third of the total requirement," a senior officer revealed on Friday. Earlier, the army headquarters wanted to recruit approximately 10,000 youth to fill existing vacancies in regular battalions, particularly the infantry.

The officer who did not want to be identified said that the response to army’s call was not satisfactory. He said that both the Air Force and the Navy too recruited last month. A significant number went to the Air Force and Navy, he said revealing that the army intends to explore the possibility of recruiting youth rejected by other services.

Over the years successive governments had reduced educational qualifications needed to join the army.

Military sources said that there was an urgent need to re-build depleted battalions ahead of coming operations. Asked whether headquarters wanted to raise new infantry battalions, the sources said that they have to bring existing formations back to normal strength before thinking of raising new battalions.

In the past seven months the armed forces have brought about 1000 square kms both in the west and the eastern parts of the Wanni under government control. New battalions are needed for deployment as more areas are won, these sources said.

Army headquarters has routinely offered amnesties to deserters to return to their units. But there was evidence to suggest that the majority of those who return desert again at the first given opportunity.

The then army commander Lt. General Rohan de S. Daluwatte used to offer amnesties regularly. The present commander Lt. General Sri Lal Weerasooriya too offered an amnesty period as soon as he replaced Daluwatte a few months ago.

Over one thousand deserters had surrendered during the two day amnesty offered by Weerasuriya.

He is on record as saying that at least 20,000 troops were needed for the battle against the LTTE. (SF)

Two DSGs resign over Rs 3.8 m claim

The resignations of Deputy Solicitors General Parakrama Karunaratne and Kolitha Dharmawardena have been accepted by the Attorney General, authoritative sources said yesterday.

These two senior officers tendered their resignations following the controversy over their Rs. 3.8 million claim for consultancy services in the P&O deal pertaining to the Queen Elizabeth Quay (QEQ) of the Colombo port.

Informed sources said that the acceptance of their resignations by the AG indicated that they there were no charges pending against them.

Charges against any member of the public service leads to interdiction followed by a formal inquiry. There is no way out by resigning, the sources said.

Additional Solicitor General C. R. de Silva said the resignations of the two officers had been forwarded to the Public Services Commission.

Chandrika and G.L. at odds over retirement age

President Chandrika Kumaratunga last week revealed disagreement with Deputy Finance Minister G. L. Peiris over the minister’s position on present retirement age for public servants.

The president told a rally in support of candidates contesting the June 10 Southern Provincial Council poll at Akuressa on Wednesday [2] that there is no truth in newspaper reports that the government was considering raising the present optional retirement age of 55 and the compulsory retirement age of 60.

She blasted public servants for trying to cling to their posts even after they reach the age of retirement. They are closing the door to young people, she told the gathering.

Deputy Minister Peiris on May 27 told a seminar organised jointly by the Central Bank and the World Bank that 55 is too young for a person to be retired.

"The age of retirement of 55 years is too low. This should be extended taking into consideration the efficiency and productivity level that a person is capable of. It is not consensual or logical," the minister told the gathering fuelling speculation that the government was considering to raise the age of retirement.

President Kumaratunga, during her address at Akuressa, said that public servants keep on asking for extension of their services after reaching the retirement age and expiry of each extension. [SF]

LTTE mounts attacks in Welioya region
Four Sinhala fishermen abducted, Kokilai attacked forcing hundreds to flee

Several fishermen and their families who fled Kokilai and neighbouring hamlets following last week’s confrontations between forces and terrorists in the Kokilai-Pulmoddai area have moved to Siripura, a senior police officer in Anuradhapura told The Sunday Island yesterday. However, a considerable number of fishermen have left the region and arrived at Negombo and Chilaw, police said.

They are migrant fishermen from the Negombo-Chilaw areas.

Fisheries Minister Mahinda Rajapakse and his deputy Milroy Fernando were not available for comment.

Hundreds if not thousands of people fled after terrorists last Thursday [24] abducted four Sinhala fishermen at Kokilai. Later troops based at Kokilai detachment exchanged fire with terrorists who escaped carrying four OBMs and five fuel tanks belonging to the fishermen. Terrorists had fired about 80 rounds of mortars towards Kokilai.

In the early hours of Friday, terrorists attacked Pulmoddai police station. During the attack terrorists had fired at SLT tower in the vicinity causing damages. The police officer said that people fled Kokilai and neighbouring hamlets in fear. "There were no deaths or injuries among the civilian community," he said.

SLT sources said that all lines to Trincomalee district [code number 026] were out of order yesterday. "We don’t know the reason," SLT source said. The source did not rule out the possibility of damages suffered by the tower at Pulmoddai resulting in the breakdown.

Some of those who fled Kokilai had moved to Siripura.

Incidents at Kokilai came just days after terrorists killed 11 persons and wounded 5 others at Kiriibbanwewa in the Welioya region. They were killed when terrorists exploded a claymore mine and then fired small arms at the Delica van carrying 20 people including two off duty soldiers to Parakramapura army detachment.

Senior officers expressed serious concern over last week’s incidents particularly the claymore mine blast at Kiriibbanwewa, a village situated well within the Welioya region.

In fact the attack was the serious most incident since armed forces brought a large area under control in the Wanni thus making it difficult for terrorists to send in infiltrators.

The group responsible for the claymore mine attack was believed to be still operating within the defended area, military sources said.

However, last week’s incidents in the East and Welioya could have been worse if Sea Tigers succeeded in bringing in a large consignment of arms on May 25. Four craft carrying both men and material were attacked by Navy off Kokilai. Athough eight more Sea Tiger craft later joined the battle, Navy managed to foil the transfer of arms from Mullaithivu to Welioya region.

Kokilai on the east coast is within the Welioya region. [SF]

Cabinet secrecy moves threaten free expression — Prajathanthra

Prajathanthra, a foundation for freedom of expression, said in a statement yesterday that cabinet secrecy moves threaten free expression and if implemented as reportedly contemplated, would be a major threat to the freedom of expression and media freedom.

The statement issued by the organisation pointed out that the R. K. W. Goonasekera committee appointed shortly after the PA government declared its media policy had recommended the rescinding of both the Official Secrets Act and the Press Council Act.

Instead, it had recommended the introduction of the Freedom of Information Act, with capability of dealing with information classified for secrecy on an accepted criteria, and a Media Council Act covering both the print and electronic media with better representation from media professionals.

Prajathanthra said that the use of the Official Secrets Act and the Press Council Act to ensure cabinet secrecy could lead to the virtual imposition of a blanket of secrecy on government’s proposals and decisions on matters of public interest.

"All matters that come up before cabinet cannot in any way be considered cabinet secrets, because they involve expenditure of public funds and the use of public office. They are, therefore, matters of genuine interest to the public, giving cause for informed public discussion. Similarly, decisions taken by the cabinet too should not be kept secret from the public as they come within the domain of public interest. The only exceptions could be matters involving public security, national defence and important commercial secrets,’’ the statement said.

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Editors’ Guild condemns...

The Editors’ Guild of Sri Lanka, in a statement issued by acting secretary Upali Tennekoon strongly condemns attempts to use the Official Secrets Act of 1955 to prevent the publication of cabinet proceedings. This violates the basic democratic and human rights principle of the people’s right to know.

It is the business of the members of the cabinet to keep their discussions confidential if that is necessary. It is a sorry commentary of the government’s inability to discipline its ministers that it has to resort to an outdated law to prevent the press from publishing information on cabinet discussions.

The government has claimed in its election manifesto and elsewhere that it is committed to broaden press freedom in this country and strengthen the people’s right to know.

The proposed use of the Official Secrets Act to stifle publication of matters of public interest makes a mockery of those promises specially at a time that the world is moving towards greater liberalism on this score.

The Editors’ Guild of Sri Lanka calls upon the media and all those valuing democracy and press freedom to make known their unequivocal opposition to this undemocratic measure that has been proposed.

AI accuses women soldiers of rights violations

by Shamindra Ferdinando
The London headquartered human rights watchdog Amnesty International has accused Sri Lankan women soldiers of abusing detained female terrorist suspects in the North-East region.

Women soldiers deployed in operational areas had never been accused of human rights violations by the AI or any other local or international rights organisation before.

In a report dealing with the different facets of torture, rape and death in custody and other related issues released this month, AI has levelled charges against the Sri Lankan women soldiers deployed particularly in the Jaffna peninsula.

"Sri Lanka’s presidential directives for the welfare of detainees include special provisions to protect women, including the provision that women taken into custody should be allowed to be accompanied to the place of questioning by a person of their choice and "as far as possible" should be placed in the custody of a women’s unit of the relevant arm of the security forces," the report states.

Hundreds of women soldiers had been deployed in the Jaffna peninsula, in the East, North Central districts and Colombo in support of the armed forces battling separatist LTTE terrorists. Female terrorist suspects are routinely detained in the Jaffna peninsula where infiltrators are waging a ‘covert war ’ against the armed forces.

"Nonsense," said a senior armed forces officer when asked to comment on the AI’s allegations against women soldiers. "Released suspects say all sorts of things," he said pointing out that the LTTE uses every opportunity to bring the armed forces into disrepute.

"These innocent girls," he said, had done enough damage. The armed forces do not consider all Tamil women as terrorists. But the LTTE uses women cadres regularly against security targets including suicide attacks, he said. "The forces regard detainees as suspects until they are cleared", he added.

AI, in its bid to back allegations against the women soldiers deployed in the peninsula, has detailed an incident involving a 24 -year-old Tamil woman arrested at Uduvil in April last year.

In the first few days, the suspect was not interrogated or tortured. About seven days after her arrest, a group of women soldiers had come into the cell and hung her upside down from a cross bar, the report alleged.

"They told her that the punishment was going to get worse day by day if she did not tell the truth. The report indicates the involvement of women soldiers in systematic abuse of detained suspects sometimes leading to rape," it added.

The report has blamed the LTTE, armed forces, police and several Tamil groups co-operating with the government for a series of human rights violations. They have been accused of rights violations almost every year since the war began in 1983, but this year’s report has gone further by identifying women soldiers as " violators ".

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Close finish in the South?

Most political observers anticipate a close finish at the Southern Provincial Council election to be held next Thursday with few analysts willing to go out on a limb and predict whether the PA or the UNP will finish ahead.

"It will be a close finish and either party will take the lead by a short head. As in the Western Province the JVP can hold the balance of power," one analyst said.

The current reading is that the UNP is ahead in the Hambantota district, the PA in the Matara district with Galle up for grabs. The JVP is expected to get up to seven seats according to these analysts.

With election incidents relatively low, there was every hope that this election will be free of the kind of thuggery seen in the NWP and to a much lesser degree in the second round of PC elections in April.

Campaigning must end 24 hours before polling day.

Lake House handles PA election printing despite overdues

Despite a host of unpaid bills piling up to a massive Rs. 24.1 million for the last round of provincial elections, the Associated Newspapers of Ceylon Ltd. had undertaken election printing for the PA’s Southern Provincial Council election campaign too, correspondence between the company and SLFP headquarters reveal.

On April 23, Posts, Telecommunications and Media Minister Mangala Samaraweera wrote officially to Lake House Chairman Aloy Ratnayake informing him that the PA’s propaganda committee has decided that all propaganda material of "our party" for the southern campaign - posters and leaflets - should be printed by the Associated Newspapers of Ceylon Ltd.

Samaraweera’s letter was written not on PA stationery but under the official letterhead of his ministry and made no mention of how and when the bills for this printing would be settled. The letter itemized the various publications required, the number of copies to be printed and the delivery dates demanded.

The number of copies of various statements ordered totalled over 2.5 million and posters over half a million. 75,000 stickers too had been ordered by the minister who had been "pleased" to inform Lake House about this substantial business that was being passed on.

The Lake House chairman acted promptly on receipt of the minister’s letter with a minute to the commercial printing and press managers saying "Please take action immediately to comply with the minister’s order."

Three days later, an official of the Lake House commercial printing department wrote to the administrative secretary at SLFP headquarters reminding him of unpaid bills totalling Rs. 24.1 million covering the printing of posters, bulletins and manifestos for the Western, Central, Sabaragamuwa, North Central and Uva PC election on 22 invoices.

A detailed breakdown of the printed propaganda material was attached for the administrative secretary’s information and Lake House politely requested that the receipt of the invoices be acknowledged and arrangements made to settle these bills "at your earliest convenience."

The letter ended with the assurance that Lake House extends its co-operation to you "at all times."

The questions that arise are: Is it proper for a minister, in his official capacity, to order the publishing of political propaganda material from a publicly owned institution falling under his purview? Samaraweera certainly can place a commercial order with ANCL on behalf of his party’s propaganda committee. But it must be made in that capacity and not as minister as had been done.

Does Lake House routinely accept commercial printing orders from clients who owe on earlier billings? Will this facility be given to other clients who owe ANCL money? If the bills will eventually be settled (hopefully they would) will other client’s also get similar credit?

Despite press exposures of misuse of the state controlled newspaper publisher for printing political propaganda material without due payment of bills, both ANCL and the media ministry have offered the people no explanation.

NMAT accuses president ‘capitulating’ to Thonda

The National Movement Against Terrorism (NMAT) has written a 3-page letter to President Chandrika Kumaratunga addressing her on the "perilous situation the country faces today in the context of recent events in the Nuwara Eliya district.

NMAT has made specific reference in this connection to the transfer of SSP Pujitha Jayasundara out of Nuwara Eliya in their letter which they said sought to appraise her of the "correct facts of what happened at Nuwara Eliya on April 29 and 30."

NMAT has accused the President of capitulating to Mr.Thondaman’s request to move the SSP out in return for his support to stabilise the PA administration in the Central Provincial Council.

"We consider this act of yours the most damaging and disheartening betrayal of the police, since the Premadasa regime’s sacrifice of the police to the racist Prabhakaran in 1990. We believe that tomorrow the same could happen to the armed forces," NMAT said.

The letter said that in order to establish power in the provincial council the PA should seek the support of the UNP and not that of racist, extremist, pro-separatist parties. "In a similar situation the UNP should look to the People’s Alliance," the letter said.

It accused both the SLFP and the UNP since 1960 of indulging in "treacherous politics" for political gain and to stay in power even just one extra day.

NMAT called upon political leaders to act like statesmen and not as power hungry politicians.

The government’s actions in relation to the Nuwara Eliya incidents go to show that state administration has still not come to that desired point and that politicians in the country do not behave in a statesman-like manner, the letter said.

Letter to President from NMAT
‘Country facing perilous situation’

Following is the text of Friday’s letter the National Movement against Terrorism (NMAT) wrote President Chandrika Kumaratunga about the recent Nuwara Eliya incidents and the transfer of SSP Pujitha Jayasundara. NMAT attempted to hand this letter at Temple Trees without success on June 2.

We have decided to address you direct because of the perilous situation which the country faces today. This is clearly evident through the events which took place during the past few weeks in the Nuwara Eliya district. In this connection the transfer of SSP, Pujitha Jayasundara is of utmost importance. The newspapers report that Member of Parliament, Veeran Sonnan of the Badulla district, a member of the UNP and associated with the CWC is to move a motion in parliament calling for the banning of the National Movement Against Terrorism and the Sinhala Veera Vidhanaya. These incidents undoubtedly are interconnected.

First we must appraise you Madam, of the correct facts about what actually happened at Nuwara Eliya on April 29th and 30th. The NMAT had organised the ceremonial presentation of its publication " National Plan of Action Against Terrorism" at the Public Library, Nuwara Eliya at 2.30 pm on April 30th. The ceremony was not likely to have caused the least hindrance to the Hindu religious ceremonies or Mr. Thondaman’s May Day rally on May 1st.

Yet on the night of April 29th leaders of Mr. Thondaman’s CWC and his party’s armed supporters came in un-numbered vehicles to Nuwara Eliya town and proceeded to remove our posters and banners. When members of NMAT attempted to oppose this unlawful action, they enlisted police support. Under police pressure we of the NMAT agreed to the removal of our banner in order to avoid a clash and disturbance of the peace. However, on April 30th NMAT staged a demonstration to protest against the violation of our fundamental right of expression under the constitution. The NMAT had no connection whatsoever with the events which Mr. Thondaman alleges took place on May 1st.

Subsequently, the police have filed action under false charges against our member Kumara Wijeratne. But the law of the land was not operative against the armed supporters of Mr. Thondaman, who came in un-numbered vehicles. We can point to several such incidents.

Besides, Madam, we strongly oppose your action in transferring the SSP of Nuwara Eliya, Mr. Pujitha Jayasundera when you would have clearly read the findings of the specially constituted police inquiry made into these incidents at the request of Mr. Thondaman. Madam, we are giving for your information our reasons for our opposition to the aforesaid transfer:

From 1977 onwards it is quite evident that the law of this country does not apply to Mr. Thondaman’s CWC and organisations affiliated to it. As a result Sinhala, Muslim and Tamil organisations which are not affiliated to the CWC have lost the protection of the law and the security afforded by it. They have become persons, organisations discriminated against under the law. The long-term result of this situation, Madam, is a loss of credibility in relation to institutions which preserve democracy, justice and the rule of law. For the entire country this would be a counterproductive impasse.

We have in our possession tapes of what was said at Mr. Thondaman’s May Day rally and the slogans used by them. What they reveal only too clearly is not blatant racism alone. They clearly reveal the efforts being made by Mr. Thondaman’s organisation to open a second terrorist war front, of Prabhakaran’s in the hill country.

The whole country is now paying the heaviest price for the incalculable damage done by Tamil State party, later called the TULF which spearheaded Tamil racist politics in the 1960 - 1981 era. We have to remind you Madam, that by giving legal protection to Mr. Thondaman’s racist, extremist politics your government is courting disaster for yourselves and the country. We have to also declare that when the LTTE has been proscribed, your permitting members of the CWC to attend a LTTE conference at Government expense, is an act which brings the law into deep disrepute.

"You, Madam, have been declaring frequently that police officers should act fearlessly and independently of political pressures. By the transfer of a Police officer exonerated by an independent police inquiry your government is giving the police and the people of this country a message and a precedent which augurs the most dangerous consequences for this nation.

"In future there will be no independent police in Nuwara Eliya, but the people of Nuwara Eliya are not prepared to accept this situation. This was the view of thousands of nonpartisan, non-racist people who marched in demonstration in Nuwara Eliya on May 23rd 1999, immediately upon news of the aforesaid transfer. Madam, we consider this act of yours the most damaging and disheartening betrayal of the police, since the Premadasa regime’s sacrifice of the police to the racist Prabhakaran in 1990. We believe that, tomorrow, the same could happened to the Armed Forces.

"It is clear, Madam, that you have capitulated to Mr. Thondaman’s request, because you needed to stabilise the PA administration, with his help in the Provincial Council of the Central Province. The ministries demanded by the CWC has been given to them, and the whole of the Provincial Council ,of the Central Province has come under Thondaman’s sway.

This is a total betrayal of people who voted for you and for other parties and organisations. In order to establish power in the Provincial Council, the People’s Alliance should seek the support of the UNP and not of racist, extremist, pro-separatist parties. In a similar situation the UNP should look to the People’s Alliance.

"Since 1960, for political gain and to stay in power for even just one extra day, the treacherous politics indulged in by the SLFP and the UNP with Mr. Thondaman and other racist minority parties, have today made separatists terrorism the ultimate threat to this country.

"Now at least, political leaders should act like statesmen and not as power hungry politicians. Your actions, Madam in relation to the Nuwara Eliya incidents go to show that state administration has still not come to that desired point and that politicians in this county do not behave in a statesman like manner.

"Having taken everything into consideration, we wish to reiterate to you our strong opposition to the pro-racist, pro-extremist, pro-terrorist attitudes and actions of both major parties.

Madam, we request that SSP Pujitha Jayasundera be re-transferred to Nuwara Eliya forthwith and that an independent inquiry be held into the activities of the CWC’S armed gangs on April 29th and that they be dealt with according to law. In addition, we request that all organisations holding talks with the proscribed LTTE and act as political fronts for the Tigers be banned, under the law proscribing the LTTE. "

Transfer is routine - IGP

Inspector General of Police Lucky Kodituwakku said that Nuwara Eliya SSP Pujitha Jayasundara was transferred to Colombo not on the dictatesof Minister S. Thondaman but in accordance with the requirements of the police department.

Police officers won’t be transferred to fulfill wishes of individuals. SSP Jayasundara was moved to Colombo to take over a better position, IGP Kodituwakku told the ‘Sunday Island’.

The transfer of policemen, whether senior or junior is unavoidable as manpower requirements islandwide have to be met, he added.

Over army’s failure to implement security programme
Three PLOTE Jaffna councillors resign

by Shamindra Ferdinando
Three People’s Liberation Organisation of Tamil Eelam [PLOTE] councillors of the Pallai Pradeshiya Sabha resigned on Thursday [3] in protest against army’s failure to implement a proposed security scheme for local government members in the Jaffna peninsula.

PLOTE’s deputy leader and the Military Commander, Mannikkadasan said that the party had no alternative but to withdraw from all local government bodies in the Jaffna district to avoid LTTE hit squads.

One PLOTE councillor was recently shot at Thinnavely. He was later airlifted to Colombo, he said. Mannikkadasan said that rest of the councillors would also resign within a fortnight unless the army implements the security programme.

Under this programme proposed by the Security Forces Headquarters, Jaffna groups which have elected members were asked to submit a list of persons suitable to function as bodyguards. Councillors were to get two bodyguards each while chairmen and vice chairmen of local bodies were to get three.

"We have submitted a list containing 123 names almost two months ago," Mannikkadasan said blaming the army for delaying the implementation of the security programme.

He said these bodyguards were to be armed with Russian manufactured AK 47 assault rifles. " They wanted a list of people who could handle the AK 47," he said.

The military top brass in the peninsula are fully aware of the threat posed by the LTTE operatives. My people do not want to die in vain", he added.

Two mayors were among a dozen councillors killed in LTTE attacks since local government bodies became operative two years ago. A few days ago LTTE shot dead the Vice Chairman of the Nallur Pradeshiya Sabha prompting the EPDP to launch protests in Jaffna.

Mannikkadasan’s threat to vacate Jaffna local bodies comes amidst indications that the LTTE intends to intensify operations against Tamil groups co-operating with the government. The killing of volunteer army officer Muthulingham Ganeshakumar in a suicide attack on May 29 in Batticaloa was a clear signal, Tamil sources said.

Take national issues out of political agenda - Balendra

The head of one of Sri Lanka’s biggest and most prosperous companies has made a strong appeal to all Lankans "to unite in controlling internal, self-imposed burdens on the economy’’ and mitigate the overall impact of global trends.

"This is where the challenge lies,’’ said Mr. Ken Balendra in the chairman’s review of the just published 1998/99 report of John Keells Holdings where he highlighted six areas which he urged must be taken out of all political agendas and addressed as national issues in the best interest of Sri Lanka’s future.

Heading the issues underlined was the need for an effective resolution of the North East conflict that had left the country’s social fabric in tatters and is annually swallowing some 6% of GDP.

"The resolution of this conflict will not only end the senseless loss of lives but also boost the economy in no mean measure and will create an environment conducive to generating investment and employment. With all the advantages Sri Lanka is blessed with, if we can have the North-East conflict substantially or wholly behind us, the country has every prospect of sprinting towards a Newly Industrialised Country status,’’ he said.

Balendra also urged the reform of labour laws and practice to conform to current business needs identifying the following areas requiring urgent attention: labour market flexibility, reduction in the number of holidays, equality of rights and obligations of both employers and employees and linking remuneration to productivity.

His third point was the need for agreement on a common set of policy criteria for agriculture, industry and trade and commerce without short term political or financial gains.

Balendra also called for the increase in the power and independence of the Public Service Commission, Judicial Services Commission, Elections Commission and the Police.

He further urged the implementation of educational reforms with special emphasis on English and computer literacy to meet the demands of a technology driven global economy and the need to formulate and speedily implement national economy plans in consultation with all relevant parties. He said that white/green papers should be published prior to legislation to enable public debate.

JKH which continues to be Sri Lanka’s top market capitalised company had seen a downturn in profitability with the profits attributable to it down 10.45%.

Balendra said that pre-tax profits from the plantations sector had declined by as much as Rs.378 million on account of the substantial drop in tea prices in the second half of the financial year and the impact of the wage increases over the whole year. The sluggish stock market pushed down earnings of the financial services sector by Rs. 57 million.

He said that despite these major negatives, the consolidated pre-tax performance of the group at Rs.1.17 billion had declined to a lesser extent, demonstrating the resilience of the group specially on account of its diversed portfolio.

He expected the current financial year and the next year to be difficult in macro economic country terms. Although the group performance to some extent mirrored the economy, they expected to improve overall consolidated performance in the current financial year.

This optimism was based on increased auction prices of low grown tea, the re-opening of the Bentota Beach Hotel which was closed for the whole of the year under review and increased room capacity in the Maldives adding 202 rooms to those available in group hotels to generate income on an almost year round basis. Prospects for tourist arrivals both to Sri Lanka and the Maldives were encouraged and the leisure sector was well positioned to maximise earnings.

They also expect to have their share of income from operating the Queen Elizabeth Quay in the Port of Colombo for at least half the current financial year, Balendra said. Also, the software division in their IT sector was growing with potential for higher returns.

The directors of the JKH group are: Messrs. K. Balendra (Chairman), V. Lintotawela (Deputy Chairman), C. J. Fernando, A. D. Gunewardene, S. C. Ratnayake, G. S. A. Gunesekera, J. S. Ratwatte and Miss A. Coomaraswamy.

Herbal drug found to cure diabetic ailments

by Himangi Jayasundere
Patients suffering from diabetes may have found a cure for their ailments. An anti diabetic herbal drug, "cogent d.b" was launched into the Sri Lankan market last week by Harcourts (Pvt) Ltd.

The drug manufactured by Cybele Laboratories, in Coch in India has benefited a number of people, Chairman of Harcourts, Ahmed Rheyas told a press conference. "Scientific studies have established that cogent rejuvenates damaged beta cells of the pancreas", he said.

The composition for the ancient drug was discovered, in an ancient palm leaf, by an Indian. Almost a decade of research has gone in to the creation of the tablet. The drug has been tested in laboratories in India and at the Mayo clinic in the US, he said.

According to the director of the Mayo clinic in Minnesota, "The primary data shows that the drug has repaired the damage to the pancreas".

Harcourt officials said that already there is a high demand for the drug in India and over 10,000 people have benefited from it. Incidentally there are hundred million diabetics in India.

According to a WHO study, by AD 2000 every fourth diabetic patient will be an Indian. At present the drug is being marketed in Singapore, Malaysia, Australia, Doha, Burma and in various parts of India.

The officials said that ‘cogent’ has been registered with the Ayurvedic Drug Approval Board. At present the drug is being sold at Rs. 10 a tablet. The normal dosage is two tablets three times a day.

Dr. Ananda Induruwa, doctor in charge of Lanka Herbals said that Cogent has brought about a complete cure in diabetic patients. He said that when a patient commences use of Cogent, he must also continue the western drugs he has been using, parallel with Cogent. After one month of this process a blood test must be taken to ascertain the blood sugar level. If it is less, the patient then gradually reduces the intake of western medicines.

After about six months it is possible to completely adopt Cogent in most cases he said. However, he added, control of diet and exercise is also required for the success of this treatment.

Apart from lowering blood sugar levels the drug has also shown improved functioning of the liver and kidneys and most patients who are on Cogent report a sense of wellbeing and a feeling of energy.

The drug has been marketed in India for the last one and a half years and no side effects have been seen.

An estimated 15% of the population in Sri Lanka suffer from Diabetes.

The herbal drug which has anti diabetic properties has shown a promising ability to repair damage to the pancreatic cells which are responsible for producing insulin.

Cybele Laboratories which manufacture the drug are also expected to introduce this tablet with a double strength.

Mahanama Tilakeratne case adjourned abruptly — witness gives different version of incident

Mr. Munidasa Nanayakkara, District Judge and Magistrate, Kesbewa Thursday adjourned the proceedings to June 18 for his order on the application made by Mr. Hemantha Warnakulasuriya, Senior Counsel for the 4th accused in the Mahanama Tilakeratne attempted murder case. Mr. Mahanama Tilakeratne, High Court Judge, Colombo is charged before the Kesbewa Magistrate for having been a member of an unlawful assembly and committed an offence of attempted murder by shooting at G. H. Somachandra and at the same time causing grievous hurt to the complainant. Mr. Mahanama Tilakeratne is charged along with his son, Padmika Tilakeratne and his servant Sena and a neighbour P. B. Upul.

The Kesbewa Magistrate had to abruptly adjourn the proceedings when the sole eye witness to the alleged incident involving Mr. Mahanama Tilakeratne gave a different version to the incident in the witness-box. Mrs. Eugine Padmini who had been cross examined for four days continuously by Mr. Hemantha Warnakulasuriya stated in Court that Mr. Mahanama Tilakeratne was not near the place of the alleged incident but about five yards away on a small hillock in the rubber plantation and he shot at the injured from that place. At this stage Mr. Hemantha Warnakulasuriya addressed Court and stated that this witness had previously and consistently stated on oath that Mr. Mahanama Tilakeratne was present at the place of the incident and with a pole in his hand had ordered Padmika Tilakeratne to kill the complainant and had taken the revolver and shot at him. This is the position she has taken on every single day she was cross-examined but today she has completely changed the position and stated that Mr. Mahanama Tilakeratne was about 22 feet away from the place. This she had done deliberately and purposely to fall in line with the complainant who said that he never saw Mr. Mahanama Tilakeratne or the witness (Eugine Padmini) when he was being assaulted by the others. In order to fall in line she deliberately shifted the position of Mr. Mahanama Tilakeratne from the place of the incident to 22 feet away.

This witness had made a statement to the CID 89 days after the incident and neither the complainant nor his wife or any other witnesses had made a statement indicating that Eugine Padmini was residing with them or was witness to the incident either to the Kahathuduwa Police or the CID who made subsequent inquiries. Therefore as a result of the present position she had taken and in the light of the evidence given by the complainant and the evidence given by the witness the Court must earnestly consider whether continuing with the non-summary proceedings is justifiable.

Section 153 of the Criminal Procedure Code clearly gives power to the Magistrate to discharge the suspects," Mr. Sajeewa Samaranayake, State Counsel stated that the application made by Mr. Hemantha Warnakulasuriya is not without merit in the light of the evidence given by the witness today.

He moved that the proceedings be adjourned so that he could consult the Attorney General and seek his advice to determine whether there are other offences disclosed by the evidence that has been led by the prosecution. Mr. Hemantha Warnakulasuriya in reply stated the evidence of this witness is false and absolutely no reliance could be placed on her testimony and the Court may consider Section 153(2). The Legislature gives the power to Court to discharge the accused at any stage of the inquiry if the Court comes to the conclusion that the complaint is groundless.

Mr. Munidasa Nanayakkara stated that the Court would take an appropriate decision on the application made by the counsel for the defense and also made by the State Counsel and make an order. The order is to be delivered on 18th June, 1999 at 1.30 p.m.

Mr. Hemantha Warnakulasuriya with Mr. Shymal Collure and Mrs. Vijitha Wickramasekera appeared for the 4th accused and Mr. Daya Perera, PC with Mr. Jayantha Weerasinghe, Mr. Lakshman Ranasinghe appeared for the 1st, 2nd and 3rd accused respectively. Mr. Sajeewa Samaranayake, State Counsel appeared for the prosecution.

CWC prepares for a showdown with NMAT

by Shamindra Ferdinando
The National Movement Against Terrorism (NMAT) and the Ceylon Workers Congress (CWC) are heading for a showdown with the latter ordering its activists to prepare for more hostilities inspired by Sinhala hardliners. The CWC has also sought government intervention to control NMAT and other organisations campaigning against it, political sources revealed. The ruling party depends on CWC support both in the parliament and also in the Central Provincial Council. President Chandrika Kumaratunga and the highest officials and politicians had been approached, these sources said.

Angered by last Wednesday’s demonstration organised by the NMAT within their compound at No 72, Ananada Coomaraswamy Mawatha , the Ceylon Workers Congress (CWC) has placed its network of branch offices on alert to face similar demonstrations and possible attacks. " Yes, we have alerted our people to prepare to face trouble makers," an authoritative CWC official told The Sunday Island on Friday (4). The CWC swung into action soon after activists of the NMAT and an organisation styling itself as Sinhala Veera Vidhana (SVV) entered the CWC compound , pulled down its flag and raised the National and the NMAT’s flags. The demonstration, perhaps the biggest against the CWC since the People’s Alliance (PA) came into power five years ago was staged to protest against Minister S. Thondaman’s support for the separatist movement and also his role in transferring SSP Pujitha Jayasundara out of Nuwara Eliya Division over the handling of May Day clashes involving supporters of the CWC and the SVV.

The CWC said that they expect more trouble. Last Wednesday’s incidents and failure of police to prevent the protesters from entering the compound could lead into similar incidents in other areas. " We are concerned," an official based in Kandy said on Friday insisting that the next time protesters will seek to " storm " CWC offices. However, next time we will be ready, he said revealing that the headquarters has already advised partymen what to do in the event of an "attack"

A senior CWC official said that the demonstration has nothing to do with anti-terrorism. They were shouting slogans against Minister Thondaman and his grandson and the party’s General Secretary Arumugam Thondaman, he said. "I heard some Buddhist monks shouting filth," he alleged.

He blamed the police for waiting until the last moment to control the unruly crowd. Police moved in to control them only after some protesters made attempts to storm the CWC headquarters Savumia Bhavan, he said claiming some people are seeking a repetition of 83’s Black July.

Protesters had entered the compound around 4 pm and left about 45 minutes later.

Police had prevented ten CWCers who were in the headquarters from coming out. They were not allowed to come out until protesters moved away.

At the time of the incident both the CWC leader and the General Secretary had been with President Chandrika Kumaratunga at Deniyaya. They were there to attend a political rally in support of PA candidates contesting the Matara district at the next Thursday’s PC poll.

Arumugam had been in the area for a week in support of the PA campaign, political sources said adding that since the CWC accepted a portfolio at the CPC co-operation between the government and the CWC has significantly increased.

CWC officials said that the country has enough problems without some people trying stunts in the name of anti-terrorism. Whoever who wants to fight the LTTE must join the armed forces, one said pointing out that those involved in real action in the north do not believe in unruly demonstrations.

A senior CWCer in the CPC said that action against Tamil people particularly those who came here during the British rule was similar to the indiscriminate measures taken by former Ugandan leader Idi Amin. Amin, he said wanted people of Indian origin to leave. Today, some of them are the richest in the Europe, he said reminding Uganda has become a " hell".

International schools to be under national educational system

The Education and Higher Education Ministry has decided to introduce the normal national educational system to International Schools. The Ministry has appointed a three-member committee to study and forward proposals in this regard.

Students of International Schools have already been permitted to participate in inter school sport events which is one of steps that have been taken in this direction, according to official sources.

President Chandrika Kumaratunga has directed the Ministry to find ways to absorb about 60 International Schools into the national education system, these sources said.

A senior education ministry official said that once the proposals are formulated to give students of International Schools access to country’s education system, they will be placed before the Cabinet for approval. After it is approved by the Cabinet, the Education Act will be amended to pave the way for implementation.

International Schools are at present registered under the Companies Act. Most students of these schools sit for examinations overseas.

It is believed that when these schools are given access to the country’s education system they will be subjected to certain conditions such the abolition of the ‘International School’ tag and the changing of syllabuses to educate the students to sit for the local exams.

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