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News Archive for Jan 2013
Sri Lanka should not give in to demand for an international inquiry on war crimes!Since 19 May 2009, the day on which the Sri Lanka-based military arm of the terrorist LTTE was vanquished by Sri Lanka government’s valiant men and women in uniform, there have been incessant calls and demands for war crimes investigations. Rather strangely, the only war crimes investigation that all these do-gooders wanted was with respect to the actions of the Sri Lanka armed forces. The LTTE, the perpetrators of the worst crimes that Sri Lanka had ever witnessed, or their financial backers in Canada – the country from which Tamils of Sri Lankan origin sent nearly... -Full Story- (LankaWeb - 31/01/13)
APPLICATION OF BUDDHIST PRINCIPLES CAN HELP REDUCE STRESS AND IMPROVE MENTAL HEALTH (Part 1)
With the rapid spread of Buddhism in the western United States, boosted by increased immigration from Asia, Americans should consider applying Buddhist principles to solve their everyday problems. Although Buddhism has two major sectsâ€â€ÂÂTheravada and Mahayanaâ€â€ÂÂboth agree on the crux of Buddhist philosophy based on the Four Noble Truths (FNT), the Noble Eightfold Path (NEP), and the associated 12-factor formula of conditioned genesis (paticca samuppada). Buddhist population worldwide range from 350 million to 1 billion. The 2010 religious census estimated the Buddhist population in the U.S. at 1 million, mostly located in metropolitan areas with population... -Full Story- (LankaWeb - 31/01/13)
Buddhist fears are yet to be allayed ….but getting closer - Response to Hameed Abdul Karim
It is welcome to see the toning down of Mr. Karim’s expressions of opinion and extending friendly gestures, therefore let me reciprocate whilst also appreciating the Daily News editor who has accommodated both our views allowing readers to see both sides of the story. The lovely sketches courtesy of the editorial staff carry a deeper meaning for all of us. In a democratic society this is certainly the best way to move forward. Let us approach the discussion on the presumption that there is a problem. All problems offer solutions so long as honest and genuine... -Full Story- (LankaWeb - 31/01/13)
Lament by Anglican Bishop of Colombo
The Rt. Rev. Canagasabay, Anglican Bishop of Colombo had sent a pastoral letter to the Parishes asking the people to be dressed in white, to fast and to treat 3rd and 4th Feb. as days of lament. Because, according to the Bishop, '... there is a collapse of the law and Sri Lanka no longer appears to be a constitutional democracy...' And he had put forward the same arguments presented by those who took the anti-impeachment stance. He had also said that, currently there is a climate of fear, helplessness and people remain silent against violence. During the LTTE era, when they leashed... -Full Story- (LankaWeb - 31/01/13)
Agony of a Writer.
Writing is one of my favourite pass times. I live and work abroad and have been writing to newspapers and periodicals in the region often. Many of them got published here. Recently, I was thinking of putting some of my selected works in a Book form. I contacted a few know Publishing Houses in Sri Lanka and some have shown interest in my works. But the purpose of this is not to discuss about that issue. Three of the very well and established Publishing houses were unable to contact as their given contact mail is undeliverable,... -Full Story- (LankaWeb - 31/01/13)
Tamil groups convene for discussions in Berlin, Germany
Tamil political and civil society representatives, and Diaspora groups have convened in Berlin on the 26th & 27th January 2013 for progressive discussions on how to end the Sri Lankan State's continued agenda of destruction of Tamil people’s identity (genocidal), the heightened oppressive conditions, the threat to Tamil's claim of the North and East of the island being their area of historic habitation (homeland) and to achieve consensus on addressing the legitimate aspirations of the Tamil people through a negotiated political solution. This is a continuation of on-going discussions between Tamil... -Full Story- (LankaWeb - 31/01/13)
Statement regarding media roundtable on January 26, 2013
Dear Minister Kenney, The information received by me was that this meeting was held not with the Sri Lankan media but with the Pro LTTE Tamils who have been pressing for a separate state in Sri Lanka. And only Tamils were allowed at this meeting and not a single Sinhala Canadian was allowed. I also understand that Mr. Raghvan Paranchothy was also present at this meeting, of whom there was much debate during the election, in an article headed by the Globe and Mail. I am concerned by this meeting which has been held in secret, if there is... -Full Story- (LankaWeb - 31/01/13)
Statement regarding media roundtable on January 26, 2013
Honourable Jason Kenney.  Minister of Citizenship, Immigration and Multiculturalism Minister Kenney: Let's get this right. NO, you did not have "a news conference with Sri Lankan media in Toronto". What you did have was a news conference with the Sri Lankan-Tamil media in Toronto. And that was the rub and you got screwed by your Toronto Tamil friends. I am still pissed off and I will never forget this incident. Are you now going to correct this deliberate incident by calling a round table conference with the Sinhalese-Sri Lankan Canadian media in Toronto? There are several of them.  Stop trying... -Full Story- (LankaWeb - 31/01/13)
Psychosocial Rehabilitation of the War Affected Sri Lankan Combat Veterans
The Eelam War in Sri Lanka has produced a large number of veterans with complex physical and psychological traumas over the last three decades. The war trauma has created potent barriers to their lives and these barriers obstruct recovery and personal growth. Combatants with war trauma experience problems in their living, working, learning, and social environments. The Psychosocial well-being of these combatants were not adequately addressed during the war and in the postwar period. The veterans who became the casualties of the Eelam War need effective Psychosocial Rehabilitation to acquire functionality, recovery and reintegration.... -Full Story- (LankaWeb - 31/01/13)
The dynamics of the US-China battle over Indian Ocean
The most virtuous nation in the world is to bring a second resolution against Sri Lanka for human rights violations at the Geneva sessions in March 2013. Sri Lanka however is yet to learn lessons from the principle of “once bitten twice shy†and so our external affairs ministry is shamelessly lobbying once more for India’s support. India is caught in a catch 22 situation brought about by its own machinations. India’s predicament vis a vis the US sponsored resolution is rather precarious. A vote in support of Sri Lanka would mean that the US would pull... -Full Story- (LankaWeb - 31/01/13)
Authorship of the Umpire Decision Review System (UDRS)-A Plea for Reparative Justice:
Concerning the injury suffered by Senaka Weeraratna consequent to the denial of a rightful hearing of his claim of invention, copyright and authorship regarding a critical issue in the regulation of the game of Cricket. Senaka Weeraratna – an enthusiast since his school days at Royal College, Colombo on matters pertaining to cricket – felt strongly that field decisions by Umpires that are questionable – in some cases outrageously wrong - because they share the heat of the action and are not at their best in quick judgments, and which umpiring errors were vividly displayed to... -Full Story- (LankaWeb - 31/01/13)
Stop encouraging the separatist ideology
We understand that Sri Lanka Association for Advancement of Science (SLAAS)is considering to to grant provincial autonomy to its branches which deserves the attention of the the broader community. When it is a known fact that some members of the academia as well as the professionals attempt to justify the concept of traditional homeland of Tamils -the separatist ideology- the responsible organizations should reconsider the tendency to create autonomous bodies based on the provinces. There are many examples of intellectual dishonesty displayed by a number of persons in the field of social sciences compelling the organizations such... -Full Story- (LankaWeb - 31/01/13)
“Sri Lanka Beaches Beckon with Water Fun, Slow Paceâ€ÂÂÂ, says ABS: “Do not go thereâ€ÂÂÂ, says Bhavani
Atlantic Black Star, on 29 January, carried a mouthwatering short write up about Sri Lanka. It talked about the scent of jasmine, the smell of spices and the beaches in Tangalle and Mirissa that entice the foreign tourist to Si Lanka. As happens all the time, whenever a foreign correspondent writes something positive about Sri Lanka, there are disgruntled anti-Sri Lankans, obviously of Tamil origin and probably living in an affluent countries after having used the excuse of discrimination by the majority to gain citizenship, who keep on harping on the hackneyed alleged discrimination of Tamils... -Full Story- (LankaWeb - 31/01/13)
Twin enemy for Sinhela cuts grass under the feets!
With the increased immergence of Muslim threat against Sinhela and Buddhism in Sri Lanka, where we have to fight against while facing another hidden enemy that is among and above us. To understand this scenario, let us analyze the facts; Taking all the advantages of the 1977 Open economy, then the 30 years war and finally the 2009 winning the war that opened the way for development were all taken by the Muslims by flash to their advantage. They were the least disturbed in any and the best benefactors of all, even without letting a drop of... -Full Story- (LankaWeb - 31/01/13)
A Lecture on "Sri Lanka: 2013 and Beyond" by Mr. Alistair Burt on February 01, 2013
Lakshman Kadirgamar Institute for International Relations and Strategic Studies (LKIIRSS) in collaboration with the British High Commission, Colombo are organizing a lecture on Sri Lanka: 2013 and Beyond. It is the first public lecture organized by the institute and the speaker is Mr. Alistair Burt, the Parliamentary Under Secretary of State at the Foreign and Commonwealth Office, UK. Mr. Burt oversees Afghanistan, Pakistan, Sri Lanka, Bangladesh and Maldives, Counter Terrorism, Counter Proliferation, North America, Middle East and North Africa in the UK Foreign Office. The event will take place... -Full Story- (LankaWeb - 31/01/13)
Canada Summons Ottawa's SL HC - January 28,2013
The Editor The Island Colombo, Sri Lanka Dear Sir: Reference the front page article that Canada summoned the High Commissioner for Sri Lanka in Ottawa, it should be obvious to the officials in Sri Lanka that this is all a build up towards Canada's intended actions at the UN sessions to be held in March in Geneva and the constant threats to boycott the Commonwealth Summit to be held later this year. What should also be obvious to Sri Lankan officials is that all this bluster is at the behest of the Tamil separatist... -Full Story- (LankaWeb - 31/01/13)
Jason Kenny: Your meeting Tamils behind closed doors
28 January 2013 Hon. Jason Kenney, P.C., M.P Minister of Citizenship & Immigration, House of Commons, Ottawa Dear Jason: Word of your suspicious Round Table meeting with a choice anti-Sri Lanka Tamil group in the Hilton Suites, Markham Hotel, on Saturday, January 26, was flying all over the Canadian non-Tamil community across Canada like a snow scroll on parliament Hill. And so did the word reach me yesterday evening. Your Twitter account says “Did Tamil media roundtable to review my recent trip to Sri Lanka and our... -Full Story- (LankaWeb - 31/01/13)
Canadian Minister participate in “one sided†round table discussion on Sri Lanka
Sri Lankan community in Canada are angry of the decision of the Canadian Minister Jason Kenny not to allow Sri Lankan organizations other than pro LTTE organizations to take part in the so called Round table discussion on Sri Lanka, happened to be organized by his office at the Hilton Suites in Markham Ontario on 26th January 2013 in order to gather the view of Sri Lankan community on the current situation of Sri lanka.... -Full Story- (3rdvoice.wordpress.com - 31/01/13)
Dear Politician, Do not use my child's blood to make your cocktail ! Burn 13A Now !
Once upon a time President Rajapakse spoke thus. "Thirty years of terrorism is now over. We are celebrating our independence in such an atmosphere for the first time. Now all of you can live in consolation without fear or doubt. Anyone can go anywhere freely. That is very important. This is our motherland. All of us are children of one mother. All of us are kings today. We all should live together as brothers with equal rights and with dignity. Let us discuss our issues among ourselves and resolve them. Everyone will receive all facilities in equal... -Full Story- (LankaWeb - 31/01/13)
Rahul Factor & Sri Lanka
On January 19th 2013, 42 year old Rahul Gandhi (the son of late Rajiv Gandhi) was appointed to the position of Vice President of the Congress Party of India. This surely places him to lead the party that his family has long dominated in parliamentary elections next year. The irony is that his father Rajiv Gandhi too was 42 years of age when he bullied Sri Lanka’s then president J R Jayawardana to sign the 13th Amendment and also to merge North and East of Sri Lanka to form a... -Full Story- (LankaWeb - 31/01/13)
Cabinet Reshuffle – Raise the bar in evaluating quality of Ministers
In a democracy, the people’s will is said to be exercised through its elected representatives. We know all too well how far elected representatives actually honor that duty. Be that as it may, it is abjectly clear that and no one would disagree that we lack quality in the people we vote for office. When the good are reluctant to take to politics and with little alternative left there is a need to address areas that can be improved. One of the key factors to be taken into account when looking at our representatives in parliament is... -Full Story- (LankaWeb - 31/01/13)
Buddhism and Vegetarianism - Are all Buddhists vegetarians?
No. The First Precept admonishes us to refrain from killing, but meat eating is not regarded as an instance of killing, and it is not forbidden in the scriptures. (We are speaking here mainly of the Pali scriptures. Some of the Mahayana scriptures, notably the Lankavatara Sutra, take a strong position in favor of vegetarianism. Also see Note below) As recorded in the Pali scriptures, the Buddha did not prohibit consumption of meat, even by monks. In fact, he explicitly rejected a suggestion from Devadatta to do so. In modern Theravada societies, a bhikkhu who adheres to... -Full Story- (LankaWeb - 31/01/13)
Letter to the editor: Thank you Mr. President!
Thank you Mr. President! We the peace loving Muslims of this blessed country wish to thank our President for taking active measures to stop the mischief some people were making to create tension among the Muslims and Buddhists. (Daily FT 28.1.2013 – “President asks BBS not to arouse ethnic tension in the country†) It was causing a  lot of uneasiness amongst the peace loving people of this country –especially among our Sinhalese friends that such tension was being caused. No Srilankan wants to face another ethnic war. The scars are still fresh in... -Full Story- (LankaWeb - 31/01/13)
à·ÂÂÂà·Šâ€ÂÂÂරී ලංකà·ÂÂÂවේ à·ƒà·â€ÂÂජà·ÂÂÂචදියණිය.
චන්ද්â€ÂÂÂරසේන පණ්ඩිà¶ÂÂÂගේ විසිනි. à·ÂÂÂà·Šâ€ÂÂÂරී ලංකà·ÂÂÂවට මහà¶ÂÂÂ්අභිමà·ÂÂÂනයක්ලබà·ÂÂÂදීමේ අරමà·â€ÂÂණින්, සොබ෠දම්මà·ÂÂÂà¶ÂÂÂà·ÂÂÂà·€ විසින්අපූරෆදියණියක්මේ භූමියට දà·ÂÂÂයà·ÂÂÂදය කලà·ÂÂÂය. ඇයට මෙලොව එලිය දà·ÂÂÂකීමේ මà·ÂÂÂවචවà·ÂÂÂයෙන්ගරෆකටයà·â€ÂÂà¶ÂÂÂෆමà·ÂÂÂà¶ÂÂÂà·ÂÂÂවක්හ෠ගරෆකටයà·â€ÂÂà¶ÂÂÂෆපිà¶ÂÂÂà·˜ වරයකෆබිහිකර à¶ÂÂÂිබිණ. ඒ ෆ්ලà·ÂÂÂර෠හ෠විල්සන්බණ්ඩà·ÂÂÂරණà·ÂÂÂයක නම්ගà·â€ÂÂරෆමෑණියන්හ෠ගà·â€ÂÂරෆපියà·ÂÂÂණන්ය. ජà·ÂÂÂà¶ÂÂÂියේ අනà·ÂÂÂගà¶ÂÂÂයට පණ පොවන්නට සියදිවිය කà·ÂÂÂප කොට ගà·â€ÂÂරෆවෘà¶ÂÂÂà·Šà¶ÂÂÂියහි කටයà·â€ÂÂà¶ÂÂÂෆකරන, මà·ÂÂÂà¶ÂÂÂà·ÂÂÂවක්හ෠පියෙක්à¶ÂÂÂරම්වටින෠වස්à¶ÂÂÂà·â€ÂÂවක්දà·ÂÂÂයà·ÂÂÂදය කරගෙන මෙලොව එලිය දà·ÂÂÂකීමට මà·ÂÂÂවචනිර්මà·ÂÂÂණ කල ස්වà·ÂÂÂභà·ÂÂÂවය, ඇයගෙන්අපේක්ෂ෠කරන ලද්දේ, à¶ÂÂÂම දෙමව්පියන්පරයමින්, මේ රටටà¶ÂÂÂ්ජà·ÂÂÂà¶ÂÂÂියටà¶ÂÂÂ්සේවය කරණ à·ƒà·â€ÂÂජà·ÂÂÂචදියණියකගේ කà·ÂÂÂර්යයි. ස්වභà·ÂÂÂවය අපේක්ෂ෠කල ආකà·ÂÂÂරයටම ඇය à·ƒà·â€ÂÂජà·ÂÂÂචදියණියක්වූවà·ÂÂÂය. ඉගෙනීම මනà·ÂÂÂà·€ නිමකල ඈ... -Full Story- (LankaWeb - 31/01/13)
Muslims in Thailand: A Minority Challenge
Those living outside of Thailand often imagine the country as a homogeneous society, but closer examination reveals much diversity. Although the majority of Thais practice Buddhism, the unofficial state religion, small but notable Christian, Confucian, Hindu, Jewish, Sikh and Taoist populations exist, and many estimate that up to 10 percent of Thailand's 64 million inhabitants are Muslim. Muslims make up the second largest minority group in Thailand, after the ethnic Chinese population. And while some Thai Muslims are ethnically Persian, Cham (Cambodian Muslim), Bengali, Indian, Pakistani and Chinese, most are Malay, a predominantly Muslim ethnic group... -Full Story- (LankaWeb - 31/01/13)
Why Did Muhammad Have So Many Wives?
The fact that only Muhammad is accused of polygamy is rather surprising, since this is a privilege enjoyed by prophets before him. Their wives and concubines came in great numbers, too! The Torah, the Bible, and the Qur'an tell of some of them; the rest are not mentioned so we don't know, but among the ones who were polygamous we can count Prophets Ibrahim (Abraham), Ya`qub (Jacob), Dawud (David), and Sulayman (Solomon). The Scriptures talk of polygamy as a "favor" bestowed upon them from the Lord. First Kings 11:1-3 indicates that King Solomon had 700 hundred wives... -Full Story- (LankaWeb - 31/01/13)
Establish a National Museum to honour heroes of the Buddhist revival in Sri Lanka
At a public seminar sponsored by the All Buddhist Congress of Democrats on the topic Sinhalayo  The Great Heroic Nation Nurtured by the Sinhala Bhikku Fraternity and held on Monday November 18, 2002 at the J. R. Jayewardene Cultural Centre, Colombo the following Resolution was adopted unanimously: "Considering the courageous role that patriotic elements played in the revival and restoration of Buddhism in the face of a ruthless policy of discrimination and suppression on the part of the western Christian colonial powers, and considering the undying debt of this nation to remember the heroic struggle... -Full Story- (LankaWeb - 31/01/13)
Why waste the nation's fuel?
When one tries to drive into the SLBC or Rupavahini cooperation one has to drive to Maitland crescent and instead  of  crossing over in about 20 feet to the SLBC premises, one has to go all the way to the  end of the Maitland crescent and come back all the way through the Independent square, thanks to some  nit wit’s decision. The traffic is not heavy either.  Why, o why, such decisions are  taken without thinking of the inconvenience caused to the motorists? What these decision makers do not realize is that the... -Full Story- (LankaWeb - 31/01/13)
Golden opportunity for our President
Following the end of war our country is under scrutiny by the whole world, rightly or wrongly  for war crimes, disappeared persons, ethnic cleansing etc. At present there are agitations by ill informed groups of Sinhalese against the Muslims. Totally unprovoked, totally unfair allegations which are even comical if not for the damage it may cause to the country. The very people who are supposed to teach people to be away from thanhawa (greed for worldly (possessions) are instigating them to be full of greed for “our country†,â€ÂÂÂour religion†and hatred towards... -Full Story- (LankaWeb - 31/01/13)
Desperate times for the LTTE rump?
I was at The Sydney Cricket Grounds last week and was surprised to see a group of Tamil activist openly demonstrating. wearing Tiger T-shirts under their Sri Lankan cricket shirts. One stupid young LTTE suporter chained himself to the chair and the police had to cut the chains and drag him out of the ground.On Australia day at the KFC T20 game at the Olympic park, they were there in numbers in the Sri Lanka fan zone, some wearing Tiger shirts under their shirts.They had their very loud sakkily band and tried to annoy the other... -Full Story- (LankaWeb - 31/01/13)
Sri Lanka is the biggest criminal on earth as far the US is concerned!
Is it not time to tell the US to get lost – even though Sri Lanka knows very well that it is a puny, powerless nation that the US can wipe off the world map in a jiffy – for the never-ending harassment it receives at the hands of the sole world super power? A report dated 28 January in the local media states, “the United States will sponsor a new resolution against Sri Lanka at the upcoming United Nations Human Rights Council (UNHRC) Sessions in Geneva in March. As if to celebrate the first anniversary... -Full Story- (LankaWeb - 29/01/13)
Senators seek war crimes probe for Sri Lanka
Two senators are urging the Obama administration to seek an independent international investigation into allegations of war crimes in Sri Lanka. Democrats Bob Casey of Pennsylvania and Patrick Leahy of Vermont sent a letter Tuesday to outgoing Secretary of State Hillary Rodham Clinton, saying Sri Lanka's government has done nothing to bring to justice those responsible for atrocities in the civil war that ended in 2009.... -Full Story- (huffingtonpost.com - 29/01/13)
Jason Kenny: Your meeting Tamils behind closed doors
2066 King Grove Crescent . Gloucester . Ontario . K1J 6G1 28 January 2013 Hon. Jason Kenney, P.C., M.P Minister of Citizenship & Immigration, House of Commons, Ottawa Dear Jason: Word of your suspicious Round Table meeting with a choice anti-Sri Lanka Tamil group in the Hilton Suites, Markham Hotel, on Saturday, January 26, was flying all over the Canadian non-Tamil community across Canada like a snow scroll on parliament Hill.  And so did the word reach me yesterday evening. Your Twitter account says “Did Tamil media roundtable to review my recent trip to Sri Lanka and our fight against human smuggling,... -Full Story- (LankaWeb - 29/01/13)
Sri Lanka’s Multicultural Casualty – The National Anthem
 It is puzzling how an unreliable political ideology, advocated by liberals and subscribed to by a handful of academics, media personnel, government officials, social theorists. lefties and politicians have managed to take the world by storm introducing a concept called MULTICULTURALISM. We question what its experimentation has actually delivered to nations in terms of national unity? We ask how these lobbyists expect to deliver integration when it is seeking to break identities and deal a slow death to historically preserved and valued cultures by establishing virtually sovereign societies within nations. We want to know what is... -Full Story- (LankaWeb - 26/01/13)
“Changing Tamils names to Sinhalaâ€ÂÂÂ: a simple reminder to India’s External Affairs Minister
At a meeting that the Indian External Affairs Minister Salman Khurshid has had with his Sri Lankan counterpart Prof. G.L. Peiris, as reported in the local media on 23 January, the Indian gentleman has responded to a query on the Sri Lankan Government’s efforts to settle Sinhalese people in Tamil majority territories and to change Tamil names into Sinhala. The issue of changing Tamil names that appears to have surfaced at the pow wow obviously is a reference to place names and not to the names of individuals. Whether the Indian External Affairs Minister should worry... -Full Story- (LankaWeb - 26/01/13)
Do those who oppose, approve improper conduct?: They should take a closer look at the seriousness of charges: Impeachment procedure, constitutional right of Legislature
International organisations, certain countries and their Colombo-based senior diplomats must take a closer look at the seriousness of the charges for which Dr. Mrs. Shirani Bandaranayake had been found guilty. Instead of making their own statements based on misleading campaigns carried out by a handful of lawyers who thrive on INGO funding and bankrupt Opposition politicians who cannot win the confidence of the masses, the countries and international organisations which issue statements on the recent impeachment of Dr. Mrs. Bandaranayake must evaluate the circumstances that led to her removal and the Constitutional process that... -Full Story- (LankaWeb - 26/01/13)
Destroying Libya And World Order-Book Review
It took three decades for the United States government-spanning and working assiduously over five different presidential administrations (Reagan, Bush I, Clinton, Bush II, and Obama)-to overthrow and reverse the 1969 Qaddafi Revolution in order to resubjugate Libya, seize control over its oil fields, and dismantle its Jamahiriya system. This book tells the story of what happened, why it happened, and what was both wrong and illegal with what happened from the perspective of an international law professor and lawyer who tried for over three decades to stop it. Francis Boyle provides a comprehensive history and... -Full Story- (globalresearch.ca - 26/01/13)
Boycott the Sham and Illegal Indianized National Anthem
Reconciliation as it is (South-Indianization) has taken yet another casualty – the national anthem. South-Indianization better known as reconciliation is trying to achieve what the India-LTTE collective could not achieve in the battlefield. The Rajapakse regime has been brought to its knees by Tamil Nadu leaders through India, Tamil Navi Pillay and UNHRC. Whatever Tamil Nadu leaders want from the Rajapakse regime can be demanded from their national leaders who will make sure they get it. With looming Indian national elections, their demands will increase. However, what happens with the national anthem is beyond what even... -Full Story- (LankaWeb - 26/01/13)
Stop encouraging the separatist ideology
We understand that Sri Lanka Association for Advancement of Science (SLAAS)is considering to to grant provincial autonomy to its branches which deserves the attention of the the broader community. When it is a known fact that some members of the academia as well as the professionals attempt to justify the concept of traditional homeland of Tamils -the separatist ideology- the responsible organizations should reconsider the tendency to create autonomous bodies based on the provinces. There are many examples of intellectual dishonesty displayed by a number of persons in the field of social sciences compelling the organizations such... -Full Story- (LankaWeb - 26/01/13)
Why did Buddhism disappear from South Asia? Brahmin atrocities that destroyed Buddhism in the Subcontinent
Many wonder why Buddhism disappeared from the Subcontinent but thrives in China, Japan, Korea, Thailand, Laos, Cambodia and in Sri Lanka. Many Hindus claim that Buddha was a Hindu God. Of course Buddhists in China, Thailand and other countries and in India do not accept that doctrine. In fact Buddhism was hounded out of its birthplace. Prince Sidharta’s rejection of the hand of the illegitimate daughter had angered Vidudabha, son of Prasenadi, king of Koshala ostensibly because of their caste pride. They had withheld their legitimate daughters from the Prince. Hence began the war... -Full Story- (LankaWeb - 26/01/13)
What more are we going to sacrifice in the name of reconciliation ?
 Vasudeva Nanayakkara the Minister of National Languages and Social Integration must stop thinking that he is a Minister in a Marxist Government. He is only a Marxist in a non-Marxis Government. He continues with his idea of reconciliation taking away what had been National making them common popular items of no significance.  Vasudeva Nanayakkara now wants to mix Tamil and Sinhala verses in the National Anthem to make it a garbled version of the National Anthem that was written by Ananda Samarakoon in 1940 and recognised as the National Anthem of Sri Lanka in 1951.  Vasudeva Nanaykkara... -Full Story- (LankaWeb - 24/01/13)
“Devolve Power to Tamils earlyâ€ÂÂÂ: India’s hopes are misguided and unwelcome
 A report dated 23 January that appeared in the local media mentions that the External Affairs Minister of India has told the External Affairs Minister of Sri Lanka of India’s hope of early progress on meaningful devolution based on the 13th Amendment leading to national reconciliation. The title of the news report is “India hopes Sri Lanka devolves power to Tamils earlyâ€ÂÂÂ.  Three glaring fallacies in the statement of the Indian gentleman need to be pointed out.  Firstly, the 13th Amendment is not anything that Sri Lanka ever wanted. The constitution of any sovereign nation is... -Full Story- (LankaWeb - 24/01/13)
Open letter to the Prime Minister of Canada
 Orleans, Ontario Canada January 24, 2013  Via Email and Mail  Right Honourable Stephen Harper P.M. P.C. House of Commons Parliament of Canada Ottawa, ON  Right Honourable Prime Minister,  In the recent speech given By Honourable Immigration Minister Jason Kenney in Colombo Sri Lanka, regarding the Human Smugglers, it was mentioned that the Prime Minister Harper will not be attending the Commonwealth Conference due to the Human Rights abuses in Sri Lanka. In fact this has been made aware publicly for quite some time.  I am annoyed at the reference that you will be not attending the... -Full Story- (LankaWeb - 24/01/13)
The Doomsayers are the Rulers in the Fraternity of Editorialists of Sri Lanka.
It is true that the good has little impact as news while the ugly, the bizarre and the disorderly are ardently sought by news-mongers. This reflects a bias common to mankind as a whole and we ought not to be too critical about its prevalence. Things take a more sinister turn when this natural propensity to highlight the bad is pursued as a policy to demean and diminish a country. It becomes heinously bad when the target of vilification is one's own country and the presentation of the news is blighted and distorted to bring discredit to... -Full Story- (LankaWeb - 24/01/13)
Avoiding a repeat of what happened 100 years ago?
There was an animosity towards Muslims in the Sinhala society exactly 100 years ago. The ultimate result was widespread Sinhala – Muslim clashes in 1915. Muslim resistance towards Buddhist processions in Gampola and Kandy were only the trigger, not the cause. Grabbing Sinhala lands with the support of the British Government, acquiring lands through mortgages associated with loans with excessive interest rates, dominating retail trade with the support of the government, and supporting the British Government against Sinhala uprisings, were among the causes for the riots. As someone who has studied the Sinhala –... -Full Story- (LankaWeb - 24/01/13)
"à·ÂÂÂà·Šâ€ÂÂÂරී ලංකà·ÂÂÂවට නව බලà·ÂÂÂක්à¶ÂÂÂà·’ ප්â€ÂÂÂරà¶ÂÂÂිපà¶ÂÂÂà·Šà¶ÂÂÂියක්"
 මà·â€ÂÂළෆලà·ÂÂÂකයේම විදà·â€ÂÂලි ඉල්ලූම ඉහළ යà·ÂÂÂමà¶ÂÂÂà·Š, බලà·ÂÂÂක්à¶ÂÂÂà·’ මූලà·ÂÂÂà·ÂÂÂà·Šâ€ÂÂÂර වල සීමිචබවà¶ÂÂÂà·Šà·„à·šà¶ÂÂÂà·â€ÂÂවෙන්à¶ÂÂÂිරසර පà·â€ÂÂනර්ජනනීය බලà·ÂÂÂක්à¶ÂÂÂිය à·€à·ÂÂÂඩි à·€à·ÂÂÂයෙන්දà·ÂÂÂයක කරගà·ÂÂÂනීමේ කà·ÂÂÂලීන අවà·ÂÂÂà·Šâ€ÂÂÂයà¶ÂÂÂà·ÂÂÂවක්පවà¶ÂÂÂà·“. මේ සම්බන්ධව එක්සà¶ÂÂÂ්ජà·ÂÂÂà¶ÂÂÂීන්ගේ සංවිධà·ÂÂÂනයේද අවධà·ÂÂÂනය යොමà·â€ÂÂවී à¶ÂÂÂිබේ. 2030 වනවිට à·ƒà·ÂÂÂමට බලà·ÂÂÂක්à¶ÂÂÂිය ළඟà·ÂÂÂකර දීමà¶ÂÂÂà·Š, බලà·ÂÂÂක්à¶ÂÂÂà·’ කà·ÂÂÂර්යක්ෂමà¶ÂÂÂà·ÂÂÂà·€, පවà¶ÂÂÂින à¶ÂÂÂà¶ÂÂÂà·Šà¶ÂÂÂ්වය මෙන්දෙගà·â€ÂÂණ කිරීම සහ 2030 වනවිට පවà¶ÂÂÂින පà·â€ÂÂනර්ජනනීය බලà·ÂÂÂක්à¶ÂÂÂිය දෙගà·â€ÂÂණ කිරීමà¶ÂÂÂ්එක්සà¶ÂÂÂ්ජà·ÂÂÂà¶ÂÂÂීන්ගේ මහලේකම්බෑන්කිං මà·â€ÂÂන්මහà¶ÂÂÂ෠විසින්ප්â€ÂÂÂරකà·ÂÂÂà·ÂÂÂයට පà¶ÂÂÂ්කර ඇà¶ÂÂÂි Sustainable Energy for all - SE4ALL  (à·ƒà·ÂÂÂමට à¶ÂÂÂිරසර පà·â€ÂÂනර්ජනනීය බලà·ÂÂÂක්à¶ÂÂÂිය) ප්â€ÂÂÂරà¶ÂÂÂිපà¶ÂÂÂà·Šà¶ÂÂÂියයි.  එක්සà¶ÂÂÂ්ජà·ÂÂÂà¶ÂÂÂීන්ගේ ප්â€ÂÂÂරà¶ÂÂÂිපà¶ÂÂÂà·Šà¶ÂÂÂිය අනà·â€ÂÂගමනය කරමින්රටට ගà·ÂÂÂලපෙන කෙටි, මධ්â€ÂÂÂයකà·ÂÂÂලීන හ෠දීර්චකà·ÂÂÂලීන බලà·ÂÂÂක්à¶ÂÂÂà·’ ප්â€ÂÂÂරà¶ÂÂÂිපà¶ÂÂÂà·Šà¶ÂÂÂියක්නà·â€ÂÂදà·â€ÂÂරේදීම හඳà·â€ÂÂන්වà·ÂÂÂදීමට කටයà·â€ÂÂà¶ÂÂÂෆකරන බව අමà·ÂÂÂà¶ÂÂÂà·Šâ€ÂÂÂය චම්පික... -Full Story- (LankaWeb - 24/01/13)
Life Abroad - Part 12: COUNTERING TIGER KITTENS!
Student life in London was not a bed of roses two-three decades ago being confined to ‘room accommodation’, moreover the Sri Lankan landlords who rented out rooms were far and few between. In ‘confined’ lodgings sharing of the kitchen caused more than one problem. Primarily one had to be very clean and tidy and the cooking had to be selective as English landladies or ‘housekeepers’ could not bear the strong aroma of curry! Equally, it was a different case when it came to foreign students who had to put up with the nauseating smell of ‘fish and... -Full Story- (LankaWeb - 24/01/13)
Name boards of the lanes
I wonder who decided to place the name boards on lanes on the left sides! Someone who has never gone looking for a lane! When you drive along the main road the lanes are on your left. It si simple logic that the names must be seen when you come near a lane. Rather in Colombo  all the name boards are placed in such a way you have to partly pass the lane and  look back to find the name of the lane. Often you have to reverse back on the main road... -Full Story- (LankaWeb - 24/01/13)
Contributions of Muslim Countries to Sri Lanka
We know that a swallow does nor make a summer. But unchecked, unhindered the swallow can swallow the peace and harmony of any country. No nation under the sun could develope or progress with communal disharmony , and hate mongering. It is time The Government of Sri Lanka take this Hate Muslim campaign seriously. Please read below the contributions made by Muslim countries to Sri Lanka.  Kuwait. ... -Full Story- (LankaWeb - 24/01/13)
MV Sun Sea passenger loses refugee status after court denies his claim that Sri Lanka could falsely link him to Tamil rebels
The Sun Sea arrived Aug. 13, 2010, carrying 380 men, 63 adult women and 49 children. As of last week, 50 have been accepted as refugees, 63 have had their claims rejected and 23 claims were withdrawn. Deportation orders have been issued against 25; another 16 had admissibility hearings but were not ordered deported, with three non-deportation cases under appeal by the government. Of the 25 people ordered deported, 14 were members of the ship’s crew and involved in people smuggling. 11 were found to be members of a terrorist organization; 2 of those were also found... -Full Story- (news.nationalpost.com - 24/01/13)
Can Iran make a difference in Syria? Russia says ‘yes’
Russia’s deputy foreign minister has called on the international community to give Tehran a chance to participate in ending the crisis in Syria. ÂÂÂÂMoscow is confident that the Islamic Republic of Iran “can and must play a positive role†in finding a political way to reverse the conflict in Syria, Gennady Gatilov told reporters on Thursday. "We think it unacceptable to ignore Tehran's potential,†he emphasized. “We spoke about [Iran’s participation] before the first meeting in Geneva.â€ÂÂÂ... -Full Story- (rt.com - 24/01/13)
UN begins probe into civilian deaths in US and UK drone attacks
The UN has begun a probe into civilian casualties in US and UK drone strikes and their legal implications. This follows multiple claims the attacks are war crimes and encroachment on the sovereignty of the countries in which they are carried out. A team of experts in Geneva has begun examining the details of several drone strikes with a view to establishing their legality. The UN-backed report examines the use of drone strikes in Afghanistan, Pakistan, Yemen and Somalia, UN special rapporteur Ben Emmerson told the press in a statement. He mentioned that the Israeli use of the unmanned... -Full Story- (rt.com - 24/01/13)
The People and the Judiciary
The Judiciary has come into great importance today in view of the impeachment of the Chief Justice. It is said that because of this the people at large have lost confidence in the Judiciary. In my opinion, the People lost confidence in the Judiciary a few decades ago. The People lost confidence in the manner in which cases are heard, where cases are postponed without any rhyme or reason and when a case is heard it is heard only for ten or fifteen minutes. The main attempt of the lawyers is... -Full Story- (LankaWeb - 23/01/13)
Chitranganee Wagiswara: Sri Lanka's High Commissiner in Canada
23 January 2013 The Editor EMBASSY, Ottawa Dear Editor: How right Sri Lanka’s High Commissioner Chitranganee Wagiswara is, when she says that “Change in Sri Lanka not a sprint, it’s a marathonâ€ÂÂÂ, after a 30 year Tamil separatist war which was aided and abetted by Canada for 13 long years under the Liberal Party’s Jean Chretien and Paul Martin governments. It was our former High Commissioner to Sri Lanka, Martin Collacott who was candid when he said that it was Canada’s interference and supporting the Tamil Tigers through... -Full Story- (LankaWeb - 23/01/13)
To the kind attention of, His Excellency the President of the DSRO Sri Lanka and Hon; Gotabaya Rajapakshe the Secretary of Defense
Dear Sirs, Subject: Sri Lanka Customs It is a sad plight despite your honorable wish of crime free Sri Lanka and anti under world actions, the activities of the Sri Lanka customs is the epi center of Narcotics and other contrabands coming in to the country. The corrupt customs officials together are minting money from smugglers of Narcotics, Contrabands and various other malpractices of businessman who are importing goods under pseudonym, under invoiced and false cargo manifests where great majority of these importers are Muslims. This is specifically attributed to the fact that Muslim smuggler... -Full Story- (LankaWeb - 23/01/13)
Why the University students need to learn some basic cooking.
When children are at home, they normally expect the parents to do everything for them, cooking, shopping, washing their clothes and taking them to school and many more things. They gradually grow up, passing the exams then some of them get selected to Universities. Very likely these places are not next door to home, quite often far from home and not easy to daily travel from home. In that case they have to seek some where to stay with the University accommodation or in other private accommodation that are not too far from the Universities.... -Full Story- (LankaWeb - 23/01/13)
"ලංවිම පෞද්ගලීකරණයට ඉඩ à¶ÂÂÂබන්නේ නà·ÂÂÂà·„à·ÂÂÂ"
•       රට කà·ÂÂÂබà·ÂÂÂසිනිය෠නොකරන සවිමà¶ÂÂÂ්රà·ÂÂÂජ්â€ÂÂÂය ආයà¶ÂÂÂනයක්බවට පà¶ÂÂÂ්කිරීමට කළමනà·ÂÂÂකà·ÂÂÂරීà¶ÂÂÂ්වයේ වෙනසක්. •       විදà·â€ÂÂලි අය ක්â€ÂÂÂරමය à·„à· à·ƒà·ÂÂÂපයà·â€ÂÂම්මිල à¶ÂÂÂීරණය කිරීමට ලංවිමට අයිà¶ÂÂÂියක්නà·ÂÂÂà·„à·ÂÂÂ.  සූà¶ÂÂÂà·Šâ€ÂÂÂරික෠පහන්, CFL පහන්බවට පà¶ÂÂÂ්කරගන්න෠ලෙස ඇමà¶ÂÂÂà·’ චම්පික රණවකගෙන්ඉල්ලීමක්.  2002 වසරේ පà·ÂÂÂà·€à¶ÂÂÂà·’ ආණ්ඩà·â€ÂÂà·€ විසින්ලංක෠විදà·â€ÂÂලිබල මණ්ඩලය කලà·ÂÂÂප 06 ක්බවට ඛෙද෠වෙන්කොට, පෞද්ගලීකරණය කිරීම සඳහ෠සම්මචකරගà¶ÂÂÂ්ගිවිසà·â€ÂÂම්අදටà¶ÂÂÂ්බලà·ÂÂÂà¶ÂÂÂ්මකව පවà¶ÂÂÂින බව අමà·ÂÂÂà¶ÂÂÂà·Šâ€ÂÂÂය චම්පික රණවක මහà¶ÂÂÂ෠පෙන්වà·ÂÂÂදෙයි. à·€à¶ÂÂÂ්මන්රජයේ ප්â€ÂÂÂරà¶ÂÂÂිපà¶ÂÂÂà·Šà¶ÂÂÂිය වන්නේ රට කà·ÂÂÂබà·ÂÂÂසිනිය෠නොකරන, මහජනà¶ÂÂÂà·ÂÂÂවට බරක්නොවන, සවිමà¶ÂÂÂ්රà·ÂÂÂජ්â€ÂÂÂය ආයà¶ÂÂÂනයක්බවට ලංවිම පà¶ÂÂÂ්කිරීමයි. එය අද වනවිට ලංවිම à¶â€ÂÂප්පà·â€ÂÂකර à¶ÂÂÂිබේ. 2012 වසරේ පà·ÂÂÂà·€à¶ÂÂÂà·’ නියං කà·ÂÂÂලසීමà·ÂÂÂà·€à¶ÂÂÂ්සමඟ උද්ගචවූ... -Full Story- (LankaWeb - 23/01/13)
Sri Lanka: 2013 and Beyond†-Mr. Alistair Burt, Parliamentary Under Secretary of State at the Foreign & Commonwealth Office, UK. on February 01, 2013 from 5.45 pm
PRESS RELEASE-Lakshman Kadirgamar Institute Lakshman Kadirgamar Institute for International Relations and Strategic Studies (LKIIRSS) in collaboration with the British High Commission, Colombo are organizing a lecture on Sri Lanka: 2013 and Beyond. It is the first public lecture organized by the institute and the speaker is Mr. Alistair Burt, the Parliamentary Under Secretary of State at the Foreign and Commonwealth Office, UK. The event will take place on February 01, 2013 from 5.45 pm onwards at the auditorium of the Lakshman Kadirgamar Institute.... -Full Story- (LankaWeb - 23/01/13)
SHARIA LAW AND THE PUNISHMENTS IN ISLAM
 The world today presents a horrific scenario of crime, violence, killing and a determined attempt to destroy the very pillars of social order which sustain peace, tolerance, harmony and human dignity. The lives of millions around the world have been ruined and they are going through an unbearable syndrome of traumatic suffering and ruthless devastation. The evil deployment of modern technology has given rise to a global institution of a criminal order which is the most critical challenge of the world today. The world is dearly searching for ways to combat, control and check... -Full Story- (LankaWeb - 23/01/13)
'Arab Spring' reduction hits N Africa
A discourse can be described as reductionist if it selectively tailors its reading of subject matter in such a way as to only yield desired outcomes, leaving little or no room for other inquiries, no matter how appropriate or relevant. The so-called Arab Spring, now far removed from its initial meanings and aspirations, has become just that: a breeding ground for narratives solely aimed at advancing political agendas which are deeply entrenched with regional and international involvement.... -Full Story- (atimes.com - 23/01/13)
Clinton testifies: ‘Algerian terrorists got weapons from Libya’
US Secretary of State Hillary Clinton said Islamists who carried out an attack on a gas plant in Algeria acquired weapons in Libya. She further blamed the Arab Spring for creating the security vacuum that led to the 2012 Benghazi attack. "There is no doubt that the Algerian terrorists had weapons from Libya. There is no doubt that the Malian remnants of AQIM [Al Qaeda in the Islamic Maghreb] have weapons from Libya," Clinton told the Senate Foreign Relations Committee during a hearing on the 2012 attack on the US consulate in Benghazi. Clinton said she was unable to... -Full Story- (rt.com - 23/01/13)
Syrian rebels burn and plunder religious sites – Human Rights Watch
Syrian rebels have looted and burned minority religious sites in Northern Syria, US-based Human Rights Watch says. The attacks highlight the increasingly sectarian nature of the conflict as the bloodshed continues unabated. The three incidents took place in November and December of last year in religiously mixed areas. Rebels looted two Christian churches in separate villages in the relatively peaceful western governorate of Latakia, local witnesses told the rights watchdog. They also destroyed a Shiite ‘husseiniya’ – a religious site devoted to Hussein, a martyr in Shiite tradition – in Idlib governorate.... -Full Story- (rt.com - 23/01/13)
Islam and Muslims in Sri Lanka and concern of their new trends of religiousr Editor development.
Hameed Abdul Kareem  wrote to the Daily News of the 19 January, 2013 “ Defending Islam and Muslimsâ€Â replying to an article  by Shenali Waduge . She has foreseen such discontentment in saying in her article  “….. the concerns of Buddhists are never given an unbiased voice in the mainstream media and instead Sinhalese Buddhists are labelled as “racistâ€ÂÂÂ, “extremist†and even “militantâ€ÂÂÂ. Hameed Abdul Karim does just that calling Shenali Waduge’s article, “… the latest in a long series of scaremongering…..uncalled for vituperative remarks…..and calling her a version of Ausrtralia’s Pauline Hanson…â€Â . I thank... -Full Story- (LankaWeb - 22/01/13)
Navi Pillai: After Sri Lanka again and getting bashed
22 January 2013 Ms. Navanethem Pillai United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights Office of the High Commissioner for Human Rights, Geneva, Switzerland Dear Navi Pillai: I just read in Colombo Page Sri Lanka’s Acting Secretary of the External Affairs Ministry, Kshenuka Senewiratne’s, scathing attack on you. Wow! What’s all this hulla-baloo, Navi Pillai? You obviously upset Kshenuka, and it does seem that she has taken her diplomatic gloves off and is outside the squared circle and ready for a street fight with... -Full Story- (LankaWeb - 22/01/13)
SLAAS stoking the fires of separatism?
A few months ago, the Organisation of Professional Associations (OPA) with its total membership of approximately 50,000 professionals issued a unanimous statement rejecting the 13th Amendment(the 13th A). The 13th A, we should recall was imposed on Sri Lanka by Indian gunboats and the threat of an invasion. It created a non-existent exclusive traditional Tamil Homeland in the Northern and Eastern provinces which were only demarcated for their own colonial purposes by the British in the 20th century. There was massive resistance in the country against the 13thA,but the ruling government yielded to Indian military threats.... -Full Story- (LankaWeb - 22/01/13)
THE PAST LASTS …
For all those who say that there is an overreaction on the part of the defence establishment to the legitimate expression of academic dissent in the North, the article in these pages yesterday by Dr. Susantha Goonetilleke, a former president of the Sri Lanka Association for the Advancement of Science (SLAAS), should be must reading. Dr. Goonetilleke gave the reader a brief overview of how the academic community in the North was by and large complicit in the falsification of facts, with regard to archaeological discoveries that cast light on ancient place names for instance, in... -Full Story- (LankaWeb - 22/01/13)
In southern India, relatives sometimes quietly kill their elders. - Los Angeles Times
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Southern India, relatives sometimes quietly kill their elders. - Los Angeles Times By Mark Magnier, Los Angeles Times January 15, 2013, 4:44 p.m.o
INNAMREDIYARPATTI, India  Michael headed for work at a textile mill, leaving his wife, children and infirm mother at home in this impoverished part of southern India. When he returned a few hours later, his mother's body was propped up... -Full Story- (LankaWeb - 22/01/13)
SRI LANKA ONLY SOUTH ASIAN COUNTRY AT KARATE PREMIER LEAGUE IN PARIS
National Karate champion, Vimukthi Chamara Gunerathne represented Sri Lanka at the Karate Premier League held on 19th and 20th January 2013 in Paris. Sri Lanka was the only country from the South Asian region to be represented at the first Premier League for the year 2013 at the event hosted by France and organized under the aegis of the World Karate Federation. Participating in the under 60 kg Individual Senior Male Kumite event, Vimukthi Chamara Gunerathne, was among 500 participants from 50 nations. A national player for the last 7 years, he has... -Full Story- (LankaWeb - 22/01/13)
Iraq: A Twenty-Two Year Genocide
It is the first genocide of the 21st century. Poor Iraq and Iraqis. The silence of the world pushes me to lose faith in humanity." (anonymous) Incredibly it is twenty-two years to the day since the telephone rang in the early hours and a friend said, "They are bombing Baghdad."... -Full Story- (english.pravda.ru - 22/01/13)
THE ROVING EYE-War on terror forever
And the winner of the Oscar for Best Sequel of 2013 goes to... The Global War on Terror (GWOT), a Pentagon production. Abandon all hope those who thought the whole thing was over with the cinematographic snuffing out of "Geronimo", aka Osama bin Laden, further reduced to a fleeting cameo in the torture-enabling flick Zero Dark Thirty. It's now official - coming from the mouth of the lion, Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff General Martin Dempsey, and duly posted at the AFRICOM site, the Pentagon's weaponized African branch. Exit "historical" al-Qaeda, holed up somewhere... -Full Story- (atimes.com - 22/01/13)
Pillay's statement lacks objectivity, biased, marred by erroneous facts – External Affairs Ministry
External Affairs Ministry yesterday accused UN High Commissioner for Human Rights Navaneetham Pillay of acting beyond her mandate and transgressing basic norms which should be observed by a discerning international civil servant by bringing into question the constitutional governance of a sovereign state. Ministry was alluding to the statement delivered by Pillay at the OHCHR press briefing on January 18. External Affairs Ministry in a letter addressed to Pillay states: Navanethem Pillay Ms. Navanethem Pillay, United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights,Office of the High... -Full Story- (LankaWeb - 22/01/13)
Shocking Independent Proof of Rising Islamic Extremism in Sri Lanka
It is no secret to anyone with eyes and ears that Islamic extremism is spreading in the island of Sri Lanka like wildfire. Over the past 10 years the number of mosques and other Islamic religious places has more than doubled. When Islamic extremists forced ‘Halal’ on the entire population, the nation succumbed to it helplessly. Only 9.2% of Sri Lanka’s population is Muslims and the Malay population just about 1%. In 2009 a violent mosque attack in Beruwala occurred. It is a stark reminder of the... -Full Story- (LankaWeb - 21/01/13)
THE ROVING EYE-
Burn, burn - Africa's Afghanistan
LONDON - One's got to love the sound of a Frenchman's Mirage 2000 fighter jet in the morning. Smells like... a delicious neo-colonial breakfast in Hollandaise sauce. Make it quagmire sauce. Apparently, it's a no-brainer. Mali holds 15.8 million people - with a per capita gross domestic product of only around US$1,000 a year and average life expectancy of only 51 years - in a territory twice the size of France (per capital GDP $35,000 and upwards). Now almost two-thirds of this territory is occupied by heavily weaponized Islamist outfits. What next? Bomb, baby, bomb.... -Full Story- (atimes.com - 21/01/13)
Mode of celebration - will it ever change?
We have been having a few celebrations during the period of a month or so- Christmas, New year etc. Instead of joy it brought headaches to many by the loud noised fire crackers. We Srilankans have degenerated into showing our happiness by being noisy, wasteful, un caring for other’s inconvenience and most of all blind followers. What is happening to our country men? The dawn of the new year was terribly marred by the irritating firecrackers going off at frequent intervals disturbing many people peace and sleep. Children and infants  kept waking up terrified. What sort... -Full Story- (LankaWeb - 21/01/13)
Respecting the sensitivities of the Buddhists – The way forward
 Debate is certainly welcome. In a world where people are quick to take to guns or bombs it is indeed pleasing to see people respond to articles and that media allows for response that enables readers to view both positions.  My article ‘LAWS AND RELIGION - SOME CONCERNS OF SINHALA BUDDHISTS’ appearing on the Daily News of 12 January 2013 http://www.dailynews.lk/2001/pix/PrintPage.asp?REF=/2013/01/12/fea03.asp has been replied by Mr. Hameed Abdul Kareem in the Daily News of 19 January 2013 - http://www.dailynews.lk/2013/01/19/fea01.asp. Certain inferences and insinuations made need to be clarified.  Firstly, it must be categorically stated that the original article... -Full Story- (LankaWeb - 20/01/13)
Exporting Unqualified Labour - Who Should Be Responsible?
Armed only with dreams of a better life, they soon wake up to a nightmare- http://www.sundaytimes.lk/130120/news/armed-only-with-dreams-of-a-better-life-they-soon-wake-up-to-a-nightmare-29598.html  Sending a poor uneducated Sri Lankan citizens as Domestic Helpers (DH) or for any other labour function should be Strictly Controlled by the Sri Lanka Government (SLG).  The Agents who hunt for the poor victims of economic circumstances exploit the desperate poor and this illegal human traffic is a Violation of Human Rights, and must be controlled by the Government.  Government should set-up Educational Centres where DHs are properly trained to handle household appliances, and are given a basic... -Full Story- (LankaWeb - 20/01/13)
CAVALIAR AND INCORRECT
Predictably, the UN High Commissioner for Human Rights Ms. Navinathan Pillai has issued a statement that is clearly not within her remit as a UN official in purporting to classify the recent impeachment as some kind of a Rule of Law issue concerning this country. Pronouncing on what is clearly within the constitutional right of the President of this country is absolutely not within her remit, as even if somebody were to oppose the impeachment per se, there is nothing that can be said about the candidate for the succession, a matter clearly within... -Full Story- (LankaWeb - 20/01/13)
CASE CLOSED, SL TELLS MISINFORMED OUTSIDERS; Our constitution, our Rule of Law:
Sri Lanka has sent a strong signal to the international community that the case is closed on what were pending administration of justice issues in Sri Lanka, with the appointment of a new Chief Justice. Professor G. L. Peiris Minister of External Affairs, has called the Canadian Premier’s call for the reinstatement of the former Chief Justice almost impertinent’ and others such as minister W .D. J Senevitratne, Minister of Public Administration and Home Affairs told this newspaper that the new CJ has been appointed by constitutional process which is the legal... -Full Story- (LankaWeb - 20/01/13)
Defending Islam and Muslims-Response to ‘Laws and Religion - Some Concerns of Sinhala Buddhists’
Shenali Waduge’s article on ‘Laws and Religion: Some Concerns of Sinhala Buddhists’ appearing in the Daily News on the 12th of January 2013 is the latest in a long series of scaremongering among Sinhala Buddhists against Sri Lankan Muslims. Any first time reader would get the impressions that we Muslims are a bunch of good for nothing types living off the generosity of Sinhala Buddhists with a view to wipe out ‘Sinhala Buddhism’ from the country. Our centuries old long, cordial and peaceful existence with all communities in the country seems to count for nothing in... -Full Story- (LankaWeb - 20/01/13)
Muslim Extremists in Sri Lanka Exploit Rizana Tragedy to Gain Converts
 While Sri Lanka mourns the loss of one of her daughters at the hands of the brutal Saudi regime, Muslim extremists in Sri Lanka are working on exploiting the tragedy to gain converts to Islam. There has unfortunately been a general silence from Sri Lanka's Muslim community, especially the Moors, over what many non-Muslim Sri Lankans have viewed with outrage. The execution of Rizana appears to mean little to very many Moor Muslims, as to decry the act would mean voicing one's opinion against Sharia Law, the Islamic system of jurisprudence.  Several videos have appeared with Sri Lankan... -Full Story- (LankaWeb - 20/01/13)
In memory of Fr. Balasuriya
The following essay appeared on both “Sunday Times†and “Sunday Leader†on 26th January 1997, upon the great controversy and excommunication of the good father. "I'll go to hell with Fr. Balasuriya" You’re Holiness, It is with horror I read your ex-communication order of Fr. Tissa Balasuriya due to his views as stated in his book "Mary and Human Liberation". His crime in fact, is no crime at all. He has simply depicted Virgin Mary the mother of Christ, as a role model for modern day mothers to follow in this harsh and crisis ridden world of... -Full Story- (LankaWeb - 19/01/13)
Rock solid proof of alien life? Scientists claim fossilized algae inside meteorite
Fossilized algae recently discovered inside a Sri Lankan meteorite could finally prove the existence of extra-terrestrial life, claim the authors of the new paper. ÂÂÂÂIn a recently published article in the Journal of Cosmology titled “Fossil Diatoms in a New Carbonaceous Meteoriteâ€ÂÂÂ, scientists from the UK and Sri Lanka claim to have found fossilized algae in a meteorite. The paper alleges that “microscopic fossilized diatoms were found in the sample,†which fell in Sri Lanka in December last year. The finding, the work suggests is a “strong evidence to support the theory of cometary panspermia.†The theory argues that... -Full Story- (rt.com - 19/01/13)
Bacteria from Siberia capable of living on Mars – study
A group of American-Russian scientists have found several types of bacteria from Siberian permafrost, which can grow in harsh conditions similar to those on Mars. It could potentially mean that Earth microbes can survive on the Red Planet. Some of the genus Carnobacterium microbes have already been found to exist in cold climates around the world – such as Alaska and in the oxygen-poor waters of Ace Lake in Antarctica. Researchers from the Department of Microbiology & Cell Science at the University of Florida took samples of bacteria from the sand deposits, on the bank of the Kolyma River... -Full Story- (rt.com - 19/01/13)
THOSE WHO COMPLAIN AGAINST SRI LANKA CAN LEAVE SRI LANKA PEACEFULLY
Press reports say that The British Tamils Forum had urged Her Majesty’s Government to exert serious diplomatic pressure on Sri Lanka stating that Sri Lankan government is systematically suppressing the defiant voice of Tamil people in the island. Those so called British Tamil Forum people and other anti-Sri Lankan groups better know that present Sri Lankan government does not give any care to any foreign government or organization’s adverse opinions as long as it comes to national security, safety and integrity of Sri Lanka. Sri Lankan government is treating all the citizens in the country in... -Full Story- (LankaWeb - 18/01/13)
Rev.Fr. Tissa Balasuriya dies – the colossus of an era passes away
Last night while watching the 10 p.m.Sirisa news broadcast, I was treated to a rude jolting shock; the announcement that Rev.Fr.Tissa Balasuriya had died. That death comes to all is no secret. But the one that just died was no ordinary man. Besides being an intellectual and moral giant his death represented the closing of an era both for the country and the Catholic Church. Fr. Tissa will be remembered by the thousands who received their higher education at Aquinas University College. His was the second greatest of the two great names associated with that... -Full Story- (LankaWeb - 18/01/13)
PETITION URGING PASSAGE OF SRI LANKA’S ANIMAL WELFARE BILL
Sri Lanka holds an unique place in the world, with the longest continuous history of Buddhism of any nation. Buddhism has been the major religion in the island since its official introduction in the 3rd century BC by Arahant Mahinda, the son of the Emperor Ashoka of India, and over 70% of the population is Buddhist. The sangha (Order of Monks) has existed in a largely unbroken lineage since its introduction in the 3rd century, and Sri Lankan monks and lay people have played a prominent role in spreading Theravada Buddhism to Asia, the West and even Africa.... -Full Story- (LankaWeb - 18/01/13)
The Sinhala Only Policy, Tamil “rights†and the validity of calling Buddhists extremist in Sri Lanka
To sufficiently address a global and local campaign that has as its clear objective to project Buddhists in Sri Lanka as extremists, chauvinistic and even militant is not easy and impossible given that the gavel has concluded its verdict. Then there is also the notion that the Sinhala Only was the root to Tamil discrimination. When Tamil was never an administrative language used in governance during colonial rule and even upon post-independence how can Tamils claim they had been denied this right? The politicians that claimed “grievance†in denial of Tamil usage were studying and using English... -Full Story- (LankaWeb - 17/01/13)
Two Former Bastions Of Respect Now Fallen From Grace Will Not Sway The People By Virtue Of Their Proven Shortcomings.
January 18th, 2013  If the adage "two wrongs maketh no right" is applied to the equation of Former Army Commander Gen. Sarath Fonseka reaching out to ousted Chief Justice Dr. Shirani Bandaranayake to join forces with him towards forming a new political party and "toppling" what he calls "the dictatorial Rajapaksa regime" it would amount to nothing as both persons have too many proven shortcoming that disentitle their rights towards the leadership of the Nation in any given scenario.And the harder they try the deeper they will in all probabilities be mired in failure.  This is a... -Full Story- (LankaWeb - 17/01/13)
"What to do about Dr. Chandre Dharmawardana" - In reply to Ms. Ratnawalli's article, appeared in The Nation on the 23 December, 2012
Ethnic consciousness in pre-Dutugamunu Lanka When it comes to ancient history, historical linguistics and such matters, surprisingly little is known in any tangible sense although much is claimed by the practitioners of such studies. A few marks on a potsherd may be used to build a tall tale about a `Tamil community’ in Tissamaharama, or make claims for a mythical Ramayana story of an ancient hela community. We are not questioning the importance of such studies. But we insist that where little... -Full Story- (LankaWeb - 17/01/13)
CHANDRA WICKRAMASINGHE COMING TO SRI LANKATO GATHER FURTHER INFORMATION
 Professor Chandra Wickramasinghe, Director of the Buckingham Center for Astrobiology in the United kingdom will fly to Sri Lanka for obtaining further information of  the Polonnaruwa Meteorite and meeting some Sri Lankan scientists for discussions over his team’s findings over this weekend.  He told this correspondent, “We are carrying out more tests and are more convinced that the Peradeniya criticism has no validity, The meteorite is of an unusual type, but all the evidence is that it fell from the skies. No one can challenge that diatoms are present inside this rock. The claim that it... -Full Story- (LankaWeb - 17/01/13)
Life Abroad – Part 11: ‘Servants’, and scam-land scum
The 'cutting of the neck' of Rizana Nafeek in Saudi Arabia last week, to put it in a crude manner than using a refined word like ‘be-heading’, the facts behind the whole unfortunate episode is now widely known not only in Sri Lanka but in every corner of the world. This took me back to 1991, when I bared a ‘house-maid scam in London' through columns of the Sunday Times, which exposed the wolves in sheep skin who were engaged in human smuggling rackets just to earn a few chips at the cost of human life !... -Full Story- (LankaWeb - 17/01/13)
HOSTILE FRIENDS
 A few weeks back the Pakistan army published its new Green Book which identified internal insurgent forces as the country’s principal national security threat. The book also indicated a shift of concentration of the Pakistan army from Eastern borders to the western front. This doctrinal change was warmly welcomed by various sections of the national and the international society and it was being hoped that the relations between Pakistan and India would get better as a result of this shift of concentration. Moreover it was also expected that the process of giving India the status... -Full Story- (LankaWeb - 17/01/13)
Evangelical Christians Eye North Korea
Despite the perception of North Korea as a country hermetically sealed to the outside  and despite the very real risks  dozens, if not hundreds, of Christian missionaries operate inside the country, sometimes living there for months at a stretch, in the capital, Pyongyang, or in the Rason region, near the country's Chinese border. Some run factories, distributing bread and soy milk to the poor. Others work for NGOs or universities, like the Pyongyang University of Science and Technology, North Korea's first privately funded university (launched in 2010), which is bankrolled mostly by evangelical Christian movements.... -Full Story- (LankaWeb - 17/01/13)
Inaugural Global Dignity Programme at Zahira College
The Inaugural Global Dignity day in Sri Lanka was held at Zahira College Colombo on the 2nd of January 2013. It was conducted by Global Dignity chair for Cambodia Mr. Kwong Weng Yap and Mr. Asanga Abeyagoonasekera present Executive Director of Lakshman Kadirgamar Institute and a Young Global Leader for the World Economic Forum who was named as the Global Dignity, Country Chair for Sri Lanka by His Royal Highness Crown Prince Haakon of Norway and the Global Dignity Board. The programme  was held in the presence of... -Full Story- (LankaWeb - 17/01/13)
JFK II - The Bush Connection (2003)
I thought it timely to run this piece, in light of the press conference held last week by Robert Kennedy Jr. in Dallas, where he reiterated his position that neither his uncle, President John F. Kennedy nor his father, Attorney General Robert Kennedy were assassinated by "lone gunmen," as officially claimed. This homemade video claims not only to prove that JFK's assassination was perpetrated by forces within our own government but it goes a step further; to show how George Bush Senior is connectedto the murder of JFK. Billed as a "thoroughly documented, criminal indictment of George... -Full Story- (forbiddenknowledgetv.com - 17/01/13)
Some Negative Health Effects of Fast Food
Fast food refers to food that can be prepared and served quickly. Fast food restaurants usually have a walk up counter and/or drive-thru window where you order and pick up your food without having to wait long. There is no such thing as a "bad" food, but these are some foods you should try not to have on a regular basis. Because fast food is high in sodium, saturated fat, trans fat, and cholesterol, it isn't something you should eat often. The ill effect of fast food and the potential danger that it possesses by its regular... -Full Story- (LankaWeb - 17/01/13)
"ලà·ÂÂÂකයේ à·ÂÂÂිෂ්ටà·ÂÂÂචà·ÂÂÂර වල වෙනස්වීමට, à¶ÂÂÂà·ÂÂÂක්ෂණය සහ බලà·ÂÂÂක්à¶ÂÂÂිය ප්â€ÂÂÂරධà·ÂÂÂනà¶ÂÂÂම à·ƒà·ÂÂÂධකයක්"
දියà·â€ÂÂණෆනොදියà·â€ÂÂණෆසෑම රටක්ම à¶ÂÂÂමන්ට à·„à·ÂÂÂකි උපරිමයෙන්à¶ÂÂÂà·ÂÂÂක්ෂණය සහ බලà·ÂÂÂක්à¶ÂÂÂිය භà·ÂÂÂවිà¶ÂÂÂයට අද වනවිට යොමà·â€ÂÂවී à¶ÂÂÂිබේ. මනà·â€ÂÂà·‚à·Šâ€ÂÂÂය à·ÂÂÂිෂ්ටà·ÂÂÂචà·ÂÂÂරයේ පරිණà·ÂÂÂමයà¶ÂÂÂ්සමඟ සිදà·â€ÂÂවූ සහ ඉදිරියේදී සිදà·â€ÂÂවන à¶ÂÂÂà·ÂÂÂක්ෂණික යොදà·ÂÂÂගà·ÂÂÂනීම්මෙන්ම ඒ සඳහ෠බලà·ÂÂÂක්à¶ÂÂÂියේ දà·ÂÂÂයකà¶ÂÂÂ්වය අද වනවිට ලà·ÂÂÂකයේ රටවල්අà¶ÂÂÂර à¶ÂÂÂරඟකà·ÂÂÂරිà¶ÂÂÂ්වයක්ඇà¶ÂÂÂිකරමින්පවà¶ÂÂÂà·“. ඉන්ජයගන්න෠පà·ÂÂÂර්à·ÂÂÂ්වය, ලà·ÂÂÂකයේ බලවà¶ÂÂÂà·â€ÂÂන්සේම, à·ÂÂÂිෂ්ටà·ÂÂÂචà·ÂÂÂරයේ පà·ÂÂÂà·€à·ÂÂÂà¶ÂÂÂ්ම ස්ථà·ÂÂÂවර කරගන්න෠රà·ÂÂÂජ්â€ÂÂÂයයන්බවට පà¶ÂÂÂ්වෙමින්à¶ÂÂÂිඛෙන බව අමà·ÂÂÂà¶ÂÂÂà·Šâ€ÂÂÂය චම්පික රණවක මහà¶ÂÂÂ෠පවසයි. à¶ÂÂÂම à·ÂÂÂිෂ්ටà·ÂÂÂචà·ÂÂÂරයේ සහ වර්ගයà·ÂÂÂගේ දියà·â€ÂÂණà·â€ÂÂà·€, සංවර්ධනය වෙනà·â€ÂÂවෙන්පà·ÂÂÂරිසරික à¶ÂÂÂà¶ÂÂÂà·Šà¶ÂÂÂ්වයන්පà·ÂÂÂලනය කරමින්අනෙකà·â€ÂÂà¶ÂÂÂà·Šà·ƒà¶ÂÂÂà·Šà¶ÂÂÂ්වයන්ට වඩ෠මිනිස්සà¶ÂÂÂà·Šà¶ÂÂÂ්වය෠සෑම අවස්ථà·ÂÂÂවකදීම ඉදිරියට පà·ÂÂÂමිණ ඇà¶ÂÂÂ.  ගින්දර (බලà·ÂÂÂක්à¶ÂÂÂිය) පà·ÂÂÂලනයටà¶ÂÂÂà·Š, එය භà·ÂÂÂවිà¶ÂÂÂයෙන්පà·ÂÂÂà·‚à·ÂÂÂණ... -Full Story- (LankaWeb - 17/01/13)
K. N. Choksy - CJ impeachment constitutionally done
Sunday, 13 January 2013 00:00 Former Minister of Constitutional Affairs and President’s Counsel K. N. Choksy (former UNP MP) in an exclusive interview with The Nation said that Article 107 of the Constitution duly empowered Parliament to impeach a judge of the Supreme Court or the Court of Appeal and claimed that the Judiciary had no role to play in that regard.  Elaborating further Choksy was of the view that the Legislature had the right to ignore judicial interpretations under separation of powers embodied in the Constitution. Following are excerpts of the interview. Q:... -Full Story- (LankaWeb - 16/01/13)
Independent lawyers scoff at 'NGO Collective'
Independent Lawyers yesterday called all junior lawyers not to damage their professional careers by joining few lawyers who have identified themselves as 'Lawyers' Collective'. They added that these lawyers who launched a vicious campaign against the country are funded by Non Governmental Organizations and they are being manipulated by certain elements with the backing of bankrupt political parties with the intention of destabilizing the country. These Independent Lawyers said that a peaceful environment is prevailing in the courts with the appointment of former Attorney General Mohan Peiris PC as the Chief Justice. They... -Full Story- (LankaWeb - 16/01/13)
CELEBRATION OF THAI PONGAL AT THE EMBASSY OF SRI LANKA IN FRANCE
The Embassy of Sri Lanka in Paris celebrated Thai Pongal on 14th January 2013 with the participation of its staff and members of the Sri Lankan diaspora. The Embassy premises were decorated according to tradition with mango and palm leaves and Kolam designs. The “Pooja†ceremony was conducted by a Hindu priest invoking blessings for all participants in the presence of Ms. W.S. Perera, Chargé d’Affaires a.i.  In her address to the gathering, Ms. W.S. Perera reiterated the special significance of the Pongal festival to Sri Lanka: “Sri Lanka is a multi -cultural... -Full Story- (LankaWeb - 16/01/13)
Cultural Transmission in Primates: An Overview of 60 Years’ of Research by Michael A Huffman, Associate Professor in Primatology at the Primate Research Institute of Kyoto University in Japan on Tuesday 22nd January 2013 at 5.00 p.m.
 Cultural Transmission in Primates: An Overview of 60 Years’ of Research  by  Michael A Huffman, Associate Professor in Primatology at the Primate Research Institute of Kyoto University in Japan  on Tuesday 22nd January 2013 at 5.00 p.m.  at the  Gamini Dissanayake Auditorium,  No. 96, Ananda Coomaraswamy Mawatha, Colombo 07  ALL ARE WELCOME  Michael A Huffman, an Associate Professor in Primatology at the Primate Research Institute of Kyoto University in Japan, received his MSc and DSc in Zoology from the Faculty of Science, Kyoto University. Over... -Full Story- (LankaWeb - 16/01/13)
Hizb ut Tahrir Organized a Momentous International Women’s Conference, “The Khilafah: Protecting Women from Poverty and Enslavementâ€ÂÂÂ
     Hizb ut Tahrir organized a momentous International Women’s Conference in Jakarta, Indonesia, on Saturday the 22nd of December 2012 entitled, “The Khilafah: Protecting Women from Poverty and Enslavement.†Today a summary booklet was published detailing key points presented during the talks that day. The conference featured nine speeches as well as testimonials, and questions and comments from the audience. Speakers were from South East Asia, the Indian Subcontinent, Europe, Turkey, Africa, and the Arab world. Around 1500 delegates attended from across the globe, the majority being influential women, including journalists, politicians, academics, writers, political... -Full Story- (LankaWeb - 16/01/13)
Shirani Bandaranayake, Ph. D -- white lily or prawn-head?
With each passing day the evidence pointing to the guilt of ex-Chief Justice, Dr. Shirani Bandaranayake, abusing the powers of her office and misbehaving has mounted to the point of removing all shreds of doubt. The most damning evidence against her has come from the most unexpected source. It has come from Prof. Rajeeva Wijesinghe, the government MP who absented himself from the House at voting time on a point of procedure. He can't be categorised as a partisan of the government though he is a member of the government. Coming from the liberal end... -Full Story- (LankaWeb - 15/01/13)
ONE WORD ANSWER TO THOSE 'LAWYERS' COLLECTIVE' DESPERADOES -- CONTEMPT
The Lawyers' Collective goes against the decision of its own professional body, the Bar Association to say that the new Chief Justice Mohan Peiris appointed yesterday, will not be recognized. But, this is no Lawyers' Collective in the first place - it's a motley collection of dollar-awash NGO mandarins, losing politicians who have repeatedly appeared on the opposition party's ticket, and of course lawyer sidekicks of a has-been - and now very disgruntled --former President. It's not a Lawyers Collective, it's a Lawyers Selective, that comprises of a narrow segment of people with very... -Full Story- (LankaWeb - 15/01/13)
SPEAKER CAN SUMMON CPA HEAD FOR CONTEMPT
Speaker Chamal Rajapaksa can summon Center for Policy Alternatives (CPA)Executive Director Dr Pakiasothi Sarawanamuttu before the House for contempt of Parliament on account of his conduct challenging the Speaker over the impeached Chief Justice Dr Shirani Bandaranayaka, who was removed from that position through a Constitutional process, Fisheries and Aquatic Resources Minister Dr Rajitha Senaratna said yesterday. CPA Executive Director Sarawanamuttu yesterday filed a petition in the Supreme Court requesting the Court to issue an interim order to prevent the new Chief Justice from assuming duties. He has named the Prime Minister, the... -Full Story- (LankaWeb - 15/01/13)
Stephen Harper, Canadian PM violates rights of Canadian Indians without removing Indian Act, racist relic of 1876 and removing reserves.
How easy it is for these white leaders of the rich West to cover up the garbage in their own yards, and point at imagined dirt in other peoples yards. That is a way to cover up their own malpractices. Mike Blanchfield of the Globe and Mail reported that “Harper rebukes Sri Lanka over jurist’s dismissal “.   That is referring the Stephen Harper the Prime Minister of Canada. Next time he may do that if Sri Lanka sacks a Hospital cleaner as well, because what Stephen Harper seeks is to be heard as a Prime Minister amoung... -Full Story- (LankaWeb - 15/01/13)
Rizana – Another Sri Lankan Foreign Ministry Failure
 Rizana Nafeek a Sri Lankan national from Muttur was beheaded according to Saudi Arabian law on 9 January 2013 having been found guilty of killing a 4 month baby while serving as a domestic in Saudi Arabia in 2005. The appeals for her release were many – from both local and international. Yet, it is the Sri Lankan Foreign Ministry and its Mission in Saudi Arabia that must be held accountable and an inquiry must take place to review where the mistakes took place and how best these can be addressed to avoid such incidents from taking... -Full Story- (LankaWeb - 15/01/13)
Need for new strategic partnerships
The paradigm shift in the security calculus of the Indian Ocean Region, after Washington's attempts of naval misadventures and positioning of foreign warships in and around Arabian Gulf has endangered the peace in whole region. Exercises between the countries have become a routine feature but often these serve as a message to the rivals and adversaries with regard to war potential, naval might and control over domain. Pakistan is emerging as one of the potential naval maritime naval power in the region. Islamabad shares common vision with a number of neighouring countries on joint naval maritime... -Full Story- (LankaWeb - 15/01/13)
It Is Now A Matter Of Maintaining The Mandates Of Constitutional Legalities Relative To The Nation's Justice System, and Its Highest Court Of Law Towards The Preservation Of Democracy And Justice!
January 12th 2013 On the issue of Sri Lanka's Administration led by the Executive President the Hon. Mahinda Rajapaksa relative to the impeachment of the Nation's Chief Justice appointed selectively by Presidential decree most of the information appear to be speculative involving many hypotheses where the world at large is now responding with cries of foul play on the basis that it is not an issue portraying the misgivings and irregulartities of the Chief Justice but simply a means to assert the power of the Presidency and  Legislative Authority and at what cost ? none other than the credibility of... -Full Story- (LankaWeb - 15/01/13)
Sacking of Chief Justice and emergence of new consensus
At the end of the war, the President on addressing parliament introduced a slogan which according to him should henceforth govern the legal, social and moral conscience the nation. It was about the entire population being divided into two water tight segments; those who loved the country and those who did not. This declaration received continuous sanctity through its adoption by government high rankers, especially his brother the defence secretary. Judged by any standards that attitude was a pompous one which lent itself to the interpretation: ‘those who are not with me are against me’.... -Full Story- (LankaWeb - 15/01/13)
Lice and Lice what a Problem!
Increasing volume and numbers of lice on heads is a vast spreading problem faced by over eighty five percentage of the women population of the nation today. In every girls school almost all students are faced with this increasing menace. Many therapies are sought and applied to rid this menace but with no demanding results. Therefore is there a result oriented absolute therapy one may ask? The answer to that is yes. The only absolute therapy is from the application of “Permethrin creamâ€ÂÂÂ. I will show below the method of its application.... -Full Story- (LankaWeb - 15/01/13)
Commonwealth and Canada – Why are they barking at Sri Lanka?
The Commonwealth is a group of 54 nations that were under British rule when Britain held sway over the waters of the open seas and vast swathes of land in Asia and Africa. The current Secretary General of the Commonwealth continues to issue statements against the sovereign independent nation of Sri Lanka: he reportedly is disappointed about the goings on in the island nation with respect to the judiciary.  Then there is Canada, the newly emerged crusader of human rights. There are many in Canada’s political hierarchy that demand that Sri Lanka puts its house in... -Full Story- (LankaWeb - 14/01/13)
Bob Rae: Canada Must Hold Sri Lankan Government Accountable
13 January 2013 Hon. Bob Rae, PC., OC.,OOnt, QC., MP Interim Leader of the Liberal Party House of Commons, Ottawa Dear Bob: This is in reference to your comment – Canada Must Hold Sri Lankan Government Accountable - let’s see whether we can get this right, now that you had taken upon yourself to poke your nose into Sri Lanka’s internal affairs one more time. Canada Must Hold Sri Lankan Government Accountable, you said. That is a daunting spurious command for Canada to express,... -Full Story- (LankaWeb - 14/01/13)
Former Attorney General Mohan Peiris is the President’s nominee for Chief Justice
The Parliamentary Council (set up under provisions of the 18th amendment to the constitution) is to meet today to appoint a nominee for the post of the Chief Justice -- which fell vacant with the removal of Chief Justice Shirani Bandaranayake following her impeachment. The Council will recommend the nominee of President Mahinda Rajapaksa for the post of Chief Justice in terms of the 18th amendment to the constitution, UPFA National List MP and Parliamentary Council member A H M Azwer said. Former Attorney General Mohan Peiris is the President’s nominee for Chief Justice. Azwer said the Council set... -Full Story- (LankaWeb - 14/01/13)
Sri Lanka removed from UN “child and armed conflict†list – LTTE must stand trial for forced conscription
Unless it’s a mistake or purposely done the UN removal of Sri Lanka from its List of Shame for child conscription does not clearly distinguish the fact that it was the LTTE that conscripted children to its terror outfit and not Sri Lanka’s army. Therefore, Sri Lankan authorities need to ask UN authorities to make this distinction clearly known. Moreover, it is now long overdue for LTTE to be put on trial for usurping every right of a child by kidnapping and training children to kill.  Legal Jargon Conscripting and enlisting children under the age of... -Full Story- (LankaWeb - 14/01/13)
Impeachment proceedings: Sole responsibility entrusted to Legislature
Mr. Speaker, I think it is very important for us to be clear in our minds about some basic principles. Who has the responsibility in respect of impeachment proceedings of judges of the superior courts? Is it the Legislature or the Judiciary? With regard to this matter, Sir, there is a uniform and consistent practice all over the world. In the United States, it is the Senate that is responsible for arriving at a determination in respect of impeachment proceedings; in... -Full Story- (LankaWeb - 14/01/13)
The unholy beginnings of SEPARATION OF POWERS
Dr Kamal Wickremasinghe The embarrassingly bad Appellate Court decision on CJ’s writ application gave all the appearances of a hastily made, legally and intellectually unsound decision. Even though the learned judges may have wished that it be seen as a strenuous defence of the abstract concept of the “independence of the judiciaryâ€ÂÂÂ, it comes across only as a clumsy attempt at safeguarding the career of a colleague, and vested interests of the Judiciary more generally. In assessing the rigour of the court’s... -Full Story- (LankaWeb - 14/01/13)
Judges are public servants, not bosses
Contrary to what the Chief Justice of the Supreme Court recently said, the Right to Information Act does cover 'constitutional authorities.' Absolute power and egregious error will be totally incompatible, even when the matter involves the judiciary. Justices of the court are no higher than great Homer who, as Lord Byron put it, sometimes nods off. The 'robed brethren' on the High Bench do sometimes blink. Perhaps it is a rare occurrence, but this is what happened when the Chief Justice of India, the country's highest... -Full Story- (LankaWeb - 14/01/13)
The Halaal Issue : A Way Forward ?
In a bid to penetrate the International Market for Halal Foods, estimated at US$ 2 trillion per annum, the Government of Thailand is promoting their Country (where approximately 90% of the population are Theravada Buddhists and the largest minority are Muslims) as the ‘Kitchen of the World’ and has to this end provided the necessary support to establish an independent halal certification authority, The Halal Standard Institute of Thailand, governed by the Central Islamic Committee of Thailand. This move is perceived by the Thais as a ‘National Project’, the benefits of which will accrue to all citizens... -Full Story- (LankaWeb - 14/01/13)
Abhises Abhiman: 50,800 trainee graduates recruit to government sector
The national function ‘Abhises Abhiman’ to present letters of appointment to trainee graduates who were recruited to government service in 2012 was held under the patronage of the President Mahinda Rajapaksa at Sugathadasa Stadium this morning on 12 January. Under this programme all graduates who have completed one year’s training are being provided permanent employment in the government sector. By doing so the government has created a record by granting permanent employment to 50,800 trainee graduates. All the graduates who were recruited under the ‘Development Officer’ constitution will be granted all government benefits including the female... -Full Story- (LankaWeb - 14/01/13)
Indian scholarships to Sri Lankan students for higher education
Indian government has offered a large number of scholarships for Sri Lankan students to follow undergraduate, postgraduate and PhD degrees in some of the leading universities in India, a Press Release issued by the Indian High Commission in Colombo stated. All government funded ICCR scholarships cover full tuition fees for the entire duration of the course. In addition a monthly sustenance allowance, accommodation allowance and annual grant for books and stationeries will also be provided. The scholarship programme is included full health care facilities, air fares and annual grant for education tours to visit... -Full Story- (LankaWeb - 14/01/13)
Noam Chomsky - ‘Assad Is Facing Assassination No Matter What Happens’
My first question is supposed to be related to Magnitsky Act and uneasiness between Russia and the US. What do you think about it? Is there going to be something big related to this Act? I think the right reaction on the part of Russia would be to pass a bill which would require the Russian Foreign Office to maintain a public list of human rights abusers in the US and freeze their assets. They could begin with President Obama who is the major human rights violator. He is directing a global assassination campaign which is... -Full Story- (informationclearinghouse.info - 14/01/13)
Another Chief Justice for Sri Lanka
 The first Woman Prime Minister of the world was in Sri Lanka. She was Mrs. Sirima Bandaranaike. She turned out to be exceptionally good despite her lack of  high qualification, which  some claims make a good political leader. But it was one or two of those qualified Ministers  who were around her with family connections that did not allow her to go forward with her own progressive ideas.  Appointment of the first woman Chief Justice was a good move. But unfortunately she became excessively interested in  personal agrandisement and failed to be independent and have a simple... -Full Story- (LankaWeb - 13/01/13)
Chief Justice removed with immediate effect- Can she forcefully occupy the post for a constitutional showdown and challenge the president's decree??.
Sri Lanka's President Mahinda Rajapakse Sunday sacked the country's first woman chief justice by ratifying parliament's vote to impeach her after a closed-door meeting with other judges on Saturday, according to a presidential spokesman. He had disclosed to the judges that the Chief Justice Bandaranayake had sought an extension till April with certain conditions, but he was not in favour of it. Up to the eleventh hour, President Rajapaksa had been offering the CJ the opportunity to resign with all benefits due to such a high official, including the pension. "The president this morning signed... -Full Story- (LankaWeb - 13/01/13)
වම්ඉවà·â€ÂÂර-ජà·ÂÂÂà¶ÂÂÂà·Šâ€ÂÂÂයන්à¶ÂÂÂර කà·â€ÂÂමන්à¶ÂÂÂà·Šâ€ÂÂÂරණයක්‌ ඇà¶ÂÂÂà·Šà¶ÂÂÂටම ඇà¶ÂÂÂ!
අග්â€ÂÂÂරවිනිà·ÂÂÂ්චයකà·ÂÂÂරවරියට එරෙහිව පà·ÂÂÂර්ලිමේන්à¶ÂÂÂà·â€ÂÂවේ සභ෠ගචකරන ලද දà·ÂÂÂà·‚à·ÂÂÂභියà·ÂÂÂගයට අනà·â€ÂÂà·€ ඇය ඉවà¶ÂÂÂ්කළ යà·â€ÂÂà¶ÂÂÂෆයෑයි පà·ÂÂÂර්ලිමේන්à¶ÂÂÂà·â€ÂÂà·€ à¶ÂÂÂà·â€ÂÂනෙන්දෙකේ බලයෙන්à¶ÂÂÂීන්දෆකිරීමෙන්පසෆජනà·ÂÂÂධිපà¶ÂÂÂිවරය෠අගවිනිසà·â€ÂÂරà·â€ÂÂà·€ à¶ÂÂÂම ධà·â€ÂÂරයෙන්පහකරන අවසන්ලියවිල්ල නිකà·â€ÂÂà¶ÂÂÂ්කිරීමට පෙර ඇමරික෠එක්‌සà¶ÂÂÂ්ජනපදය, බ්â€ÂÂÂරිà¶ÂÂÂà·ÂÂÂන්â€ÂÂÂයය, පොදà·â€ÂÂරà·ÂÂÂජ්â€ÂÂÂය මණ්‌ඩලයීය මහ ලේකම්කà·ÂÂÂර්යà·ÂÂÂලය හ෠ජà·ÂÂÂà¶ÂÂÂà·Šâ€ÂÂÂයන්à¶ÂÂÂර නීà¶ÂÂÂිවේදී සංගමය නම්වූ ජà·ÂÂÂà¶ÂÂÂà·Šâ€ÂÂÂයන්à¶ÂÂÂර රà·ÂÂÂජ්â€ÂÂÂය නොවන සංවිධà·ÂÂÂනය ඒ ගà·ÂÂÂන ප්â€ÂÂÂරකà·ÂÂÂ෠නිකà·â€ÂÂà¶ÂÂÂ්කළේය. මේ à·„à·ÂÂÂම ප්â€ÂÂÂරකà·ÂÂÂà·ÂÂÂනයකම එක්‌ පොදෆඅංගයක්‌ වූයේ à·ÂÂÂà·Šâ€ÂÂÂරේෂ්ඨà·ÂÂÂධිකරණයේ à¶ÂÂÂීන්දà·â€ÂÂවලට පටහà·ÂÂÂනිව අග්â€ÂÂÂරවිනිà·ÂÂÂ්චයකà·ÂÂÂරවරිය ඉවà¶ÂÂÂ්කිරීම ගà·ÂÂÂන කනස්‌සල්ල පළකර à¶ÂÂÂිබීමයි. මේ කර à¶ÂÂÂිබෙන ප්â€ÂÂÂරකà·ÂÂÂà·ÂÂÂවලින්ඉà¶ÂÂÂà·ÂÂÂමà¶ÂÂÂ්ම පà·ÂÂÂà·„à·ÂÂÂදිලිව à¶â€ÂÂප්පෆවන කà·ÂÂÂරණය වන්නේ ආණ්‌ඩà·â€ÂÂවේ ඇà¶ÂÂÂà·ÂÂÂම්ඇමà·ÂÂÂà¶ÂÂÂිවරà·â€ÂÂන්නිà¶ÂÂÂරම මොරදෙන "ජà·ÂÂÂà¶ÂÂÂà·Šâ€ÂÂÂයන්à¶ÂÂÂර කà·â€ÂÂමන්à¶ÂÂÂà·Šâ€ÂÂÂරණය" පිළිබඳ න්â€ÂÂÂයà·ÂÂÂය à·ƒà·ÂÂÂබෑවක්‌ම මිස බොරà·â€ÂÂවක්‌... -Full Story- (LankaWeb - 13/01/13)
A FAIT ACCOMPLI
The President has decided to remove Chief Justice Shirani Bandaranayake from her post on Parliament's request after the Legislature voted, Friday, to impeach her. This is constitutional procedure, and hence one more indication that every aspect of this impeachment has been carried out scrupulously as per law. Concerns of those such as the Commonwealth Secretary General Kamalesh Sharma's are obviously rather superfluous in this regard. Mr. Sharma has said something to the effect that careful consideration should be given to all aspects of the impeachment before the next moves are made. The constitutional procedure is... -Full Story- (LankaWeb - 13/01/13)
The fall of CJ Shiranie Bandaranayake
 The Parliament on Friday 11th passed the Impeachment resolution for the removal of CJ Shiranie Bandaranayake. 155 MP's voted for while 49 voted against. 20 had abstained. The 43rd Chief Justice of Sri Lanka , Shiranie Bandaranayake, was an academic and had never practiced law. She was appointed to the Supreme Court in 1996 and became the first female Supreme Court Judge. There were objections to this appointment. In May 2011, she was appointed CJ.    While all these appeared on surface, certain things unbecoming of a CJ was going on in the background. Last year her husband, who was Chairman... -Full Story- (LankaWeb - 13/01/13)
IMPEACHMENT: PSC FULFILLED ALL REQUIREMENTS – PART 111 : PSC “investigated†and “reported†on the allegations
The following is the continuation of the article by Mark Cooray LLB (HONS) (CEY), PHD (CAMB),PHD(COL) published in the Daily News on page 7 of Saturday, January 12. The earlier article (relying on an extract from the Sunday Island) examined the roots of the concept of an address presented by Parliament or Congress for impeachment. A very important distinction was drawn between minor judiciary and the highest courts, in relation to removal of judges. This article now continues from the point the earlier extract ended. This convention has been followed in Britain and... -Full Story- (LankaWeb - 13/01/13)
Sri Lanka's first woman Chief Justice sacked
Sri Lankan President Mahinda Rajapaksa on Sunday sacked the country’s first woman Chief Justice Shirani Bandarnayake after ratifying her impeachment by Parliament which held her guilty of corruption, notwithstanding widespread protests by lawyers and others. 54-year-old Bandaranayake was served a notice ordering her to quit her post, two days after the Parliament overwhelmingly voted to impeach her deepening a standoff between the judiciary and the government. The notice was served on the Chief Justice “informing her of the removal from the post,†officials were quoted as saying by local media.... -Full Story- (thehindu.com - 13/01/13)
Murder of Rizana Nafeek calls for urgent action in safeguarding of Sri lanka's value systems
An alarming speech was made by an Islamic extremist in Mutthur insulting and terrorising the Sri Lankans mourning the inhumane killing of their beloved daughter Rizana Rafeek. This speech shall be carefully investigated by all Sri Lankans http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-zmGJPBe0gs. While every citizen is entitled to practice a religion of choice, Sri Lankan government is required to safeguard , protect and foster the Buddha Sasana. Public justification of Islamic Sharia Law and the killing of Rizana instead of speaking against such barbaric action by uncivilized Saudi murderers is an insult to the foremost place given to Sri Lankan Buddhist value... -Full Story- (LankaWeb - 13/01/13)
Security Forces Bust TGTE-TNA-JSU Terrorist Plot
If you follow the weapons trail, you will unearth the plotters behind. This modern adage among defence circles the world over provides an easy and reliable pointer towards terror bigwigs. World illegal arms trade is estimated to be around 1 billion a year. Tamil Tigers had the world’s most advanced weapons procurement system equipped with ships, dealers, money collection up to $300 million annually, contacts with other terrorist organizations, assembling facilities in Cambodia and Vietnam, drug dealings in Colombia and other connected facilities. Although the war ended in 2009, Tamil terrorist networks continue to operate albeit... -Full Story- (LankaWeb - 13/01/13)
POLONNARUWA METEORITE WITH EVIDENCE OF LIFE FROM OUTER SPACE DESCRIBED THE MOST IMPORTANT FIND IN 500 YEARS
     A meteorite that Landed recently, close to the ancient city of Polonnaruwa in Sri Lanka has been described as the most important scientific discovery in the last 500 years as it carried “compelling evidence of life†from outer space.      The scientists who discovered the contents of the meteorite said, “we report here the first compelling evidence for life existing outside the earth.’     Following extensive lab work in the United Kingdom and Sri Lanka  four scientists in a paper said , “We report the discovery for the first time of fossilized diatoms  in a... -Full Story- (LankaWeb - 13/01/13)
Re: Minister Kenney addresses human smuggling in Sri Lanka
Hon. Jason Kenney, PC, MP Minister of Immigration, Citizenship and Multiculturalism House of Commons Ottawa Honourable Minister Jason Kenney, Thank you for your communication conveying the message given by you during your visit to Colombo, Sri Lanka, outlining the special legislative measures introduced to discourage persons from seeking to enter Canada through illegitimate means such as use of professional human smugglers to attempt to reach this country secretively in a vessel which is often deemed to be not seaworthy. You have rightly pointed out the life threatening risks of such a... -Full Story- (LankaWeb - 13/01/13)
මà¶ÂÂÂක මà·ÂÂÂà·€à¶ÂÂÂà·š පියනà·ÂÂÂඟීමක්‌ ("මà·ÂÂÂනව" ප්â€ÂÂÂරකà·ÂÂÂà·ÂÂÂනයේ සිට විදà·â€ÂÂසර දක්‌ව෠විහිදෙන විද්â€ÂÂÂය෠සන්නිවේදනයේ අà¶ÂÂÂ්දà·ÂÂÂකීම්)
1987, උපà·ÂÂÂලි පà·â€ÂÂà·€à¶ÂÂÂ්පà¶ÂÂÂ්සමූහය අà¶ÂÂÂරට, විදà·â€ÂÂසර විද්â€ÂÂÂය෠ප්â€ÂÂÂරකà·ÂÂÂà·ÂÂÂනය එක්‌ වූ වසරයි. එද෠මෙදà·ÂÂÂà¶ÂÂÂà·â€ÂÂර අඛණ්‌ඩව විදà·â€ÂÂසර පවà¶ÂÂÂà·Šà·€à·ÂÂÂගෙන යà·ÂÂÂම ම ජයග්â€ÂÂÂරහණයකි. විදà·â€ÂÂසර ගමන්මඟ විවිධ අය විසින්විවිධà·ÂÂÂකà·ÂÂÂර ලෙස විග්â€ÂÂÂරහ කරනෆලබනව෠ඇà¶ÂÂÂ. මෙවන්සà·ÂÂÂමරà·â€ÂÂමක දී මà¶ÂÂÂක මà·ÂÂÂà·€à¶ÂÂÂà·Šà·„à·’ ද්වà·ÂÂÂර විවර වන්නේ නිà¶ÂÂÂà·ÂÂÂà¶ÂÂÂිනි. ම෠මà¶ÂÂÂක මà·ÂÂÂවචà¶â€ÂÂස්‌සේ අà¶ÂÂÂà·“à¶ÂÂÂය වෙචඇදී යන ගමන ඇරඹීමට බලà·ÂÂÂපොරොà¶ÂÂÂà·Šà¶ÂÂÂෆවන්නේ වර්à¶ÂÂÂමà·ÂÂÂනයේ සිට නො à·€, අදින්වසර පහළොවකට පමණ පෙර එක්‌à¶ÂÂÂර෠දිනයක සිට ය. ඒ 1997 අප්â€ÂÂÂරියෙල්6 ද෠ය. එදින ඉරිදà·ÂÂÂවකි. ඉරිද෠ජà·ÂÂÂà¶ÂÂÂික පà·â€ÂÂà·€à¶ÂÂÂ්පà¶ÂÂÂකට චà·ÂÂÂනà·â€ÂÂක à·€à¶ÂÂÂà·Šà¶ÂÂÂේගම විà·ÂÂÂà·šà·‚à·ÂÂÂංග ලිපියක්‌ ලිය෠à¶ÂÂÂිබිණි. එහි à·ÂÂÂීර්ෂය වූයේ, 'බිà¶ÂÂÂà·Šà¶ÂÂÂà·’... -Full Story- (LankaWeb - 13/01/13)
The Power Principle
"Simply brilliant. It's a shame more people won't watch it due to the length. Because this is probably the best film ever made about American foreign policy." - Spartacus - ICH Comment A gripping, deeply informative account of the plunder, hypocrisy, and mass violence of plutocracy and empire; insightful, historically grounded and highly relevant to the events of today. This documentary is about the foreign policy of the United States. It demonstrates the importance of the political economy, the Mafia principle, propaganda, ideology, violence and force. It documents and explains how the policy is based on the... -Full Story- (informationclearinghouse.info - 13/01/13)
Rizana Nafeek Sacrificial Lamb Promoted by Unscrupulous Agent, Executed By Sharia Law of Allah the Merciful
 There are many open and unanswered questions which are highlighted by this tragic execution of a young Sri Lankan Overseas Expatriate Worker-;  1: Exercise stricter control of Overseas Expatriate Worker and the Employment Agencies.. 2: Apply & Control Fees which can be levied by the Agencies 3: Control the issue of Passports by stricter verification 4: Register of all workers at the local Sri Lankan Consulate upon arrival. 5: Passports if necessary to be held by the employer, should be held only by the Sri Lanka Authority, since the Ownership of the Passport is the Property... -Full Story- (LankaWeb - 13/01/13)
OBITUARY: SHED A TEAR FOR RIZANA NAFEEK
They made her kneel and extend her neck, severing her young head with an unmerciful swish of a sword, shortly before noon on Wednesday, January 9, 2013. The forlorn woman was publicly beheaded by the pitiless Saudis in the town square of Dawadmi in Saudi Arabia, slaughtered like an animal for everyone to see, her separated head dropping to the ground with a muffled thud. Her name was Rizana Nafeek and she was from Muttur in Sri Lanka. The tragedy of Rizana Nafeek is a gruesome story of innocence betrayed, the ghoulish tale of a precious... -Full Story- (LankaWeb - 13/01/13)
Rizana Nafeek we weep for you, and pray for a malediction to fall upon Saudia Arabia, may its oil wells burst into flames destroying it like Sodom and Gomorrah.
In a home in Sri Lanka  Rizana was still a little girl, where she would have not been short of tender love and affection. In a Sri Lanka household a daughter brings untold happiness into the house. As she blooms into woman hood she becomes a treasure loved and protected. Rizana Rafeek the little girl that left her home with her little head, now severed by brutes, full of dreams of a  better future for her father, mother, here two little sisters  and for herself perhaps a happy marriage a home and children. But she bloomed into... -Full Story- (LankaWeb - 12/01/13)
Rizana provokes new thinking on many fronts
The execution of Rizana Rafeed has been correctly condemned by President Mahinda Rajapaksa, a large section of the international community and important human rights organizations. It stands out as one of the worst examples of human brutality in the name of law and calls into question the strong defense made of certain aspects of Sharia Law, by persons both in Sri Lanka and abroad. The beheading of Rizana Rafeed, tragic as it is, comes hardly as a surprise judging from the long record of injustice by the Saudi authorities on this matter. To claim that... -Full Story- (LankaWeb - 12/01/13)
Taking a page from the Rizana Nafeek Story – Is it worth sending our women to meet this fate?
How many more like Rizana Nafeek will end up being victims of a barbaric system that cannot even be referred to as a “Justice System†because it is furthest from justice? Sharia Law is just what it is and against women and even innocent women who are victims of rape that end up being punished.  The domestic workers of Sri Lanka are major foreign exchange earners and provide bragging rights for politicians but little is done for them. In reality, the earnings of these poor women is equivalent to the foreign exchange drain out of the... -Full Story- (LankaWeb - 12/01/13)
Siobhain McDonagh: Sri Lanka and the UN responsibility to protect
11 January 2013 Siobhain McDonagh, British Labour MP for Mitcham and Morden , South London The Parliament, Westminster, London, UK  Dear Siobhain McDonagh: I have just read the proceedings of the debate on 8 January 2013, on ‘Sri Lanka and the UN responsibility to protect.’ I know…I know…Siobhain…you win some and you lose some. Your love-in with the Tamil Tiger terrorists and their leader, Velupillai Prabhakaran is astounding as well as hilarious. Your preamble in which you said “I hope that this debate will... -Full Story- (LankaWeb - 12/01/13)
The Psychological Impact of Political Violence in Sri Lanka
Of all the tasks of government, the most basic is to protect its citizens from violence.-John Foster Dulles Commonly violence is defined as the intentional use of physical force or power, threatened or actual against oneself, another person or against a group or community that either results in or has a high likelihood of resulting in injury, death, psychological harm, mal-development, or deprivation (Krug, Dahlberg, Mercy, Zwi& Lozano, 2002). Political violence refers to acts of violence undertaken to further the political objectives. Violence is a common means used by people and governments around the... -Full Story- (LankaWeb - 12/01/13)
Wimal weerawansa's speech in Parliament on the Impeachment
... -Full Story- (youtube.com - 12/01/13)
Black-coats instructing Supreme Court Judges
According to media reports, a group of lawyers called ' Lawyers Collective' have urged Supreme Court Judges to resist the govt's move to remove CJ Shiranie B. They have released a letter from TNA MP., Sumanthiran's office to all Supreme Court Judges and referring to the Impeachment probe have said, "...We the undersigned earnestly request that the Judges of the Supreme Court should refuse to accept an appointment of Chief Justice or refuse to recognise any person appointed to the office of Chief Justice or sit with a person appointed as CJ..." . What right has Sumanthiran and his henchmen... -Full Story- (LankaWeb - 12/01/13)
Call for a Public Inquiry on the Law College Entrance Exam Results
The growing controversy surrounding the Law College Entrance exam results is a serious issue that cannot be thrown under the carpet any longer. It revolves around the selection of 78 Muslim students, 3 of whom have topped the batch, 6 of whom are Muslim students within the first 10, and 28 of whom are within the first 50. At no time previously have Muslims secured more than 15 seats out of a total annual intake of about 300 students approximately. That the results were more than a coincidence sparked the attention of Bandula Chandrasekera, President of the... -Full Story- (LankaWeb - 12/01/13)
Dambulugale - Chitral "Chity" Somapala
Published on Jul 14, 2012 In Memory of Sri Lankan Late Artists Mr. P.L.A Somapala and Chitra Somapala. The Original Song was Written by Mr. P.L.A Somapala and Mr.Piyasena Costa in 1945 About the Legendary DAMBULLA ROCK TEMPLE. 2012 Arranged and Performed by Chitral "Chity" Somapala and Augmented by Hussain Jiffry - Fretless Bass and Dennis Taylor - Flute.... -Full Story- (youtube.com - 12/01/13)
Puppet or legislator?
Ms Siobhain McDonagh Member for Mitcham and Morden House of Commons London  Dear Ms McDonagh  Your expression of sympathy, in your letter to Prime Minister David Cameron, with the thousands of your Tamil constituents who have been indirectly affected by the "atrocities" committed by the Sri Lankan military in the closing stages of the war against the most vicious terrorist outfit in 2009 raises some pertinent questions (The Island, Sri Lanka, 7 Jan 2013).  To what extent has your sympathy sprung from a genuine humanitarian concern for people trapped in a war zone? Is there something very... -Full Story- (LankaWeb - 11/01/13)
SCIENTISTS DISCOVER LIFE FROM OUTER SPACE IN A METEORITE THAT FELL NEAR POLONNARUWA
    The ancient city of Polonnaruwa in Sri Lanka has created history as the place where a meteorite that fell there was found with fossilized life coming from outer space – for the first time in the history.         The scientists who discovered the contents of the meteorite said, “We report here the first compelling evidence for life existing outside the earth.’     Following extensive lab work in the United Kingdom and Sri Lanka  four scientists in a paper said , “We report the discovery for the first time of fossilized diatoms  in a carbonaceous meteorite... -Full Story- (LankaWeb - 11/01/13)
Speaker decides vote on impeachment in order:Chief justice impeached with two thirds majority- Vote far exceeds necessary simple majority:
Parliament yesterday passed the impeachment resolution for the removal of Chief Justice Dr Shirani Bandaranayake, the first ever impeachment motion passed against a Chief Justice in Sri Lanka, with a two-thirds majority. Speaker Chamal Rajapaksa said the resolution will be directed to President Mahinda Rajapaksa. At the conclusion of the impeachment debate in Parliament around 8 pm, the vote was taken by the Speaker, and by 155 votes to 49, the House decided to impeach the Chief Justice last evening. The vote was taken around 8.00 pm, after... -Full Story- (LankaWeb - 11/01/13)
Golden Key depositors’ seek CJ’s removal
‘Remove Chief Justice Dr Shirani Bandaranayaka and ensure functionality of Court orders’ that had been previously issued by other Supreme Court Judges who heard our (Golden Key depositors’) trial, aggrieved Golden Key depositors, who are on a hunger strike opposite the official residence of Chief Justice Dr Bandaramayaka, demanded yesterday. The hunger strike of Golden Key victims entered the fourth day. Golden Key depositors handed over a letter to President Mahinda Rajapaksa requesting him to take action to restore administration of justice to address their problem. G K depositors have called on the President... -Full Story- (LankaWeb - 11/01/13)
උද්à¶ÂÂÂà·ÂÂÂෂණයට ලà·ÂÂÂබෙන à·ƒà¶ÂÂÂ්කà·ÂÂÂරය චිකන්බà·â€ÂÂරියà·ÂÂÂනි ද නà·ÂÂÂà¶ÂÂÂ්නම්ගà·â€ÂÂටි ද?
මේ සිද්ධියේදී නීà¶ÂÂÂිඥ සංගමය ද කොටස්‌ දෙකකට බෙදී à¶ÂÂÂිබිණි. ඒ ආණ්‌ඩà·â€ÂÂවේ à¶ÂÂÂීරණයට හෙවà¶ÂÂÂ්අගවිනිසà·â€ÂÂරෆà·ÂÂÂිරà·ÂÂÂණි මහà¶ÂÂÂ්මිය දà·ÂÂÂà·‚à·ÂÂÂභියà·ÂÂÂගයක්‌ මගින්à¶ÂÂÂනà¶ÂÂÂà·â€ÂÂරෙන්නෙරප෠හà·ÂÂÂරීමට පක්â€ÂÂÂෂපà·ÂÂÂචනීà¶ÂÂÂිඥයන්සහ පක්â€ÂÂÂෂපà·ÂÂÂචනà·ÂÂÂà¶ÂÂÂà·’ නීà¶ÂÂÂිඥයන්වà·ÂÂÂයෙනි. එසේ à¶ÂÂÂිබියදී මෙබඳෆඋද්à¶ÂÂÂà·ÂÂÂෂණයකදී චිකන්බà·â€ÂÂරියà·ÂÂÂනි, වටලප්පන්, දොඩම්යà·â€ÂÂà·‚ යනà·ÂÂÂදිය බලà·ÂÂÂපොරොà¶ÂÂÂà·Šà¶ÂÂÂà·â€ÂÂ... -Full Story- (LankaWeb - 11/01/13)
බටහිර කà·â€ÂÂමන්à¶ÂÂÂà·Šâ€ÂÂÂරණය විහිළà·â€ÂÂවක්නොවේ
ඊයේ අප පà·â€ÂÂà·€à¶ÂÂÂ්පà¶ÂÂÂෙහි මà·â€ÂÂල්පිටà·â€ÂÂවේ ප්â€ÂÂÂරධà·ÂÂÂන පà·â€ÂÂà·€à¶ÂÂÂින්හෙළිදරව්වූයේ රට අරà·ÂÂÂජික කිරීමේ කà·â€ÂÂමන්à¶ÂÂÂà·Šâ€ÂÂÂරණය පසෆපස බටහිර රටවල්දෙකක්ක්â€ÂÂÂරියà·ÂÂÂà¶ÂÂÂ්මක වන බව ය. à·ƒà·ÂÂÂබෑ à¶ÂÂÂà¶ÂÂÂà·Šà¶ÂÂÂ්වය වන්නේ බටහිර රටවල්පමණක්නො à·€; වෙනà¶ÂÂÂ්රටවල්ද à·ÂÂÂà·Šâ€ÂÂÂරී ලංකà·ÂÂÂà·€ අරà·ÂÂÂජික කිරීම සඳහ෠ක්â€ÂÂÂරියà·ÂÂÂà¶ÂÂÂ්මක වන බව ය. මේ à¶ÂÂÂà¶ÂÂÂà·Šà¶ÂÂÂ්වය ලිපි ලේඛන à·„à· à·ƒà·ÂÂÂක්ෂ්â€ÂÂÂය සහිචව සනà·ÂÂÂථ කරන්නà·ÂÂÂ’යි කෙනකෆකිවහොà¶ÂÂÂà·Šà¶â€ÂÂà·„à·â€ÂÂට ලà·ÂÂÂක දේ්à·ÂÂÂපà·ÂÂÂලනය ගà·ÂÂÂන අංà·ÂÂÂෆමà·ÂÂÂà¶ÂÂÂà·Šâ€ÂÂÂරයක දà·ÂÂÂනà·â€ÂÂමක්ඇà¶ÂÂÂà·ÂÂÂ’ යි කිව නො à·„à·ÂÂÂකි ය. බටහිර රටවල්අරà·ÂÂÂබි රටවල්අරà·ÂÂÂජික කරමින්සිටින’මà·â€ÂÂà¶ÂÂÂà·Šà¶â€ÂÂà·€à·â€ÂÂන්ලà·ÂÂÂකයට ප්â€ÂÂÂරකà·ÂÂÂ෠කරනà·â€ÂÂයේ එම රටවලට ප්â€ÂÂÂරජà·ÂÂÂà¶ÂÂÂන්à¶ÂÂÂà·Šâ€ÂÂÂරවà·ÂÂÂදය උද෠කරන බව ය. නිදසà·â€ÂÂනක්කිවහොà¶ÂÂÂ්නූà¶ÂÂÂන ඉරà·ÂÂÂකය à¶ÂÂÂà·â€ÂÂà·… ප්â€ÂÂÂරජà·ÂÂÂà¶ÂÂÂන්à¶ÂÂÂà·Šâ€ÂÂÂරවà·ÂÂÂදය ස්ථà·ÂÂÂපිචවී à¶ÂÂÂිබේ ද? ලිබියà·ÂÂÂà·€... -Full Story- (LankaWeb - 11/01/13)
Know who the JVP and stinky Left are now !
The stinky JVP and the so called Leftists, is in a bid to align with radical Muslims to gain their support in the wake of losing ground among Sinhela people are now in a Political PROSTITUTION of revenge taking. This is a bad precedent anyway, the party that had been in forefront against Indian occupation which caused them to sacrifice some 100,000 youths who are Sinhela majority. The they were also instrumental in pressurizing Pres. Premadasa to remove the Indian IPKF from Sri Lanka even at the cost of so many live of Sinhela youths. The JVP... -Full Story- (LankaWeb - 11/01/13)
Daily Mirror's indifferent attitudes for COMMENTS-NOT PUBLISHING THEM???
On many occasions I have sent my opinions about many many statements given by many POLITICOS who are in the PAYROLL OF LTTE,SO CALLED DIASPORAH, to the DAILY MIRROR.But they DO NOT AND DID NOT PUBLISH THEM! Why? Is this the SO CALLED DEMOCRASY THEY PREACH??? I’m very proud to say that LANKAWEB,ALWAYS GIVES PRIORITY TO THE THE CUSTOMERS AND PUBLISH THEIR VIEWS STRAIGHT AWAY!!! Today I sent this reaction of mine over a certain news item appeared in DAILY MIRROR,which is : “ HOLLOW Weliamuna,CJ S B is only one person in the Govt Service and... -Full Story- (LankaWeb - 11/01/13)
Sky's the limit: Largest known spiral galaxy identified by accident
The largest known spiral galaxy in the universe has been accidently discovered by a team of astronomers from the US. Measuring a whopping 522,000 light-years across, it’s over five times bigger than our own galaxy, the Milky Way. The new find, called NGC 6872, is located about 212 million light years away from Earth. Researchers say they made the discovery after spotting the galaxy through a satellite signal. The astronomers were looking for star-forming regions near to the galaxy. But instead they found a huge amount of ultra-violet light from young stars, which revealed the true scale of the... -Full Story- (rt.com - 11/01/13)
Islandwide Divi Neguma training programme launched
Economic Development Minister Basil Rajapaksa has launched a five-day programme (January 15-20) to brief community leaders and government officers from top level to rural level on the government's national policy to eradicate poverty in the country. The programme will cover 324 Divisional secretariats, island-wide. The Bill, which was debated in Parliament, and previously challenged in the Supreme Court, was passed on Tuesday Minister Basil Rajapaksa called those who opposed the Divi Neguma Bill opponents of moves to eradicate poverty. They were the type of persons who had in the past opposed progressive measures such as free... -Full Story- (LankaWeb - 11/01/13)
The Silvas - On My own
Dear FriendsI am a Sri Lankan musician living in Switzerland. This song was composed, arranged and produced by me and performed by my two children.Band: The Silvas (Mihiri Sangeetha - Vocals and Tharaka Benjamin - Rap)Song: On My OwnPlease watch this on YouTube... -Full Story- (youtube.com - 11/01/13)
Suicidal politics of Hulftsdorp
When a senior judge of a superior court puts words into the mouth of an innocent man and sentences him to  a maximum period with the entire legal system looking the other way without raising a finger to save the innocent man, then it is time to ask whether the sovereign people can expect justice from the "Temple of Justice" (CJ Shirani Bandaranayake)? When at the annual general meeting of magistrates and judges evidence is produced by fellow-judges that the judiciary is riddled with issues of integrity and corruption, with the Bar Association and the big-wigs of the... -Full Story- (LankaWeb - 10/01/13)
Prof. Rajiva Wijesinha proposes Rules to prevent Judicial and other Abuses.
I prefer to read the writings of  Rajiva Wijesinhe. Because he unlike Dayan Jayatilleke is able to write without having to quote from other writers . Rajiva Wijesinhe seeks solution to the Impeachment of CJ, saying, “I believe that impeaching the Chief Justice is no solution to anything, and will in fact lead us to forget the actual problems.†Apparently why he does not want to speak about the Impeachment motion is as he says, “ I realize I am probably wasting my time, since we have developed a culture of addressing problems with sledgehammers designed for... -Full Story- (LankaWeb - 10/01/13)
Judging the judges - (Unedited Copy)
Though the so called impeachment imbroglio is presented as a case of a tussle between the Parliament and the Judiciary for supremacy it is not so. If it was such then it would have been arisen in 1984 itself when there was an attempt to impeach Mr. Neville Samarakoon. Neither there were any such problems in the case of Mr. Sarath N. Silva as he realized there was no provision for the Judiciary to challenge the supremacy of the Parliament. Mr. Anura Bandaranaike’s ruling settled the issue, but this time the Judiciary has decided to... -Full Story- (LankaWeb - 10/01/13)
For CJ Shiranie B, match over Friday evening
After a 'pitch battle', the impeachment motion is being debated in Parliament and a vote is to be taken on 11th Friday evening. All this time the opposition, NGO cabal , LTTE proxies, 'Black coats', the international community and so on had high hopes that the govt will pull out so that this group can claim victory. But there is no change in the govt decision to impeach the CJ. Now in utter desperation they have decided to boycott courts and go on 'paid' protest marches. For these 'paid' demonstrations the Black coats are backed by powerful elements from abroad who are planning... -Full Story- (LankaWeb - 10/01/13)
The grievances of Sinhalese Buddhists
 Yes, the Sinhalese Buddhists are concerned. Do they have reason to be? Yet the concerns of Buddhists are never given an unbiased voice in the mainstream media and instead Sinhalese Buddhists are labeled as “racistâ€ÂÂÂ, “extremist†and even “militantâ€ÂÂÂ. Their version also needs to be heard.  There is little debate to overrule or challenge the historical place of Sinhalese evident in the population demographics through history. It was the Sinhalese patriots and the Buddhist kings who had protected the nation from enemies (except for Don Juan Dharmapala who betrayed the nation, the Sinhalese and Buddhism) With over... -Full Story- (LankaWeb - 10/01/13)
LIFE ABROAD – PART 10:DIPLOMATIC EMERGENCE
‘Ceylon’ remained under Colonial Status until the midnight of February 3, 1948 when it transformed into a Dominian State. Prior to the Dominian stage, G.C.S. Corea (who was later knighted as Sir Claude) served as the last Ceylon Representative from 28 Cockspur Street Trafalgar Square. Despite the change, not much of diplomatic activity took place in the absence of a proper High Commission office in London or an organised Ministry of External Affairs in Colombo. Official inauguration The first High Commission office was established at 25 Grosvenor Square, London on October 22, 1948 and Sir Oliver Goonetillake... -Full Story- (LankaWeb - 10/01/13)
IMPEACHMENT: PSC FULFILLED ALL REQUIREMENTS
PART I - REFLECTIONS ON THE IMPEACHMENT DEBATE – THE CONSTITUTIONAL ISSUES THE CONSTITUTIONAL AND LEGAL IMPLICATIONS OF THE IMPEACHMENT AND THE BACKGROUND
Sri Lanka has a constitution which has many defects. The 1931 Constitution was not perfect. The 1948 Constitution was not perfect. The 1972 Constitution was not perfect. The 1978 Constitution was not perfect. Where do you find a perfect Constitution, on this side of heaven and eternity? I express some views on the... -Full Story- (LankaWeb - 10/01/13)
Constitutional interpretations; justice fast-tracked – justice withheld?
Associate Member, American Bar Association Member, International Association of Anti-Corruption Authorities When the President of the Republic refers in terms of Article 129 of the Constitution, a question of law or fact for the consideration of the Supreme Court, the said matter concerning a law is to be determined upon after consideration by at least 5 Judges of the Supreme Court. The Constitution being the supreme law of the Republic, hence should not the interpretation thereof have required the consideration by at least 5 Judges of the Supreme Court... -Full Story- (LankaWeb - 10/01/13)
Two foreign powers behind destabilization campaign-Move to create rift between judiciary and legislature:In liaison with Lankan NGO operatives:Sinister programme to cause civil unrest in country
The current wave of destabilization of the Courts system and the move to create a rift between the judiciary and the legislature, is being engineered by two foreign powers using their missions in Colombo, the Daily News reliably learns. The two foreign powers have been in direct liaison with Sri Lankan NGO operatives and so-called civil society activists, funding and otherwise assisting their destabilization campaign. According to our sources, one well-known NGO personality, who is also a lawyer at the forefront of the campaign to promote the current destabilization effort through Hulftsdorp, at... -Full Story- (LankaWeb - 10/01/13)
Easy for Coach Ford To Make Excuses For The Team But It Was A Collectively Negative Effort Involving Management and Selectors That Caused The Test Series Demise.
It seems easy for Sri Lanka coach Grahqm Ford to be retrospectively analytical about the disastrous Test Series against Australia and indeed there were positives to take from a 3-0 drubbing in Australia, but the undoing apart from inconsistency has to do with bad decisions by the hierarchy relative to selection and lack of drive and motivation by the senior players including Skipper Mahela Jayawardena. Apart from a few individual flashes in the pan by the Lankans which were not sufficient towards toppling the Aussies who were indomitable in their own backyard and toyed around with the Lankans at will it,... -Full Story- (LankaWeb - 10/01/13)
Kidney ailment could decimate Rajarata population
Dr Channa Jayasumana, Media Officer and Head of the Research team on kidney ailments of the Kelaniya University said that so far 20,000 persons have died of kidney ailments and another 15.5% have been identified as having kidney related diseases. "Other than politicians and big wigs of the government all the down trodden people in the North Central Province are suffering from kidney ailments though it had gone unnoticed and this disease is a curse which would eventually wipe out the whole population of Rajarata ," he said. Some politicians and bureaucrats... -Full Story- (LankaWeb - 10/01/13)
January 11th, 2013 - Our Motherland At A Critical Moment
January 11th 2013 is a critical day for our motherland. It is not a trivial impeachment of a corrupt Chief Justice. It is a pitch battle of the national and anti-national forces in post-LTTE Sri Lanka. They are the very evil forces who clamor for the “human rights†of the rightfully exterminated LTTE butchers but were stark silent when the LTTE massacred innocent pilgrims at worship in Anuradhapaura and at the Dalada Maligawa (the holiest site for Sinhalese Buddhists in Sri Lanka). When innocent men, women and children were killed by terrorist claymore mine at Kebitigollewa (during... -Full Story- (LankaWeb - 09/01/13)
THE ‘WALKING OUT’ DISEASE: DEROGATION OF RESPONSIBILITY
The intelligent public in Sri Lanka is indignant with justification at the regular walking out behavior of Sri Lankan Parliamentarians and high executives, a recurring contagious madness of late. Walking out may be an individuals right but they should not forget that the public have a right to an explanation since they have been milking the trappings of the high life on the public purse. The walk out by the embattled CJ purportedly on the instructions of her counsel was a sad story. Like in a children’s tale the explanation was bullying. Bullying is... -Full Story- (LankaWeb - 09/01/13)
BOTTOM FALLS OFF APPEAL COURT WRIT – JUDGES SAY IT ‘BROUGHT DISREPUTE’
*Hurried judgement using vacation court-the usual Bench has been altered in the relevant court, and Justice Jayatilleke who normally sits on the Bench has been dropped, and a vacation court date picked to make a hurried judgement. *Case argued, judgement, on same day-the case was argued and decided on the same day, and though the normal practice is to give a draft of the judgment for other judges to consider, obviously this kind of discussion would not have been possible... -Full Story- (LankaWeb - 09/01/13)
Dayan Jayatilleke says strange things about the Impeachment Motion.
Dayan Jayatilleke in an interview with the Mirror of 7 January,2013,  which  introduces him as a “leading intellectuals, ex-diplomat, Political scientist, university don and raconteur, † says, “having spoken in support of President Rajapaksa in his re-election campaign in December 2009 - which I do not regret for a moment - I criticized the detention of Gen Sarath Fonseka, in an article in the Daily Mirror and The Island published on Feb 15th 2010, under the title ‘A Perfect Blunder’, in which I listed ten reasons for characterizing it as such. I would call the impeachment motion... -Full Story- (LankaWeb - 09/01/13)
Jason Kenney in Sri Lanka and a response to his comments
8 January 2013 Hon. Jason Kenney, PC., MP Minister of Citizenship and Immigration Government of Canada' House of Commons, Ottawa Dear Jason: O Boy O boy…you go to Sri Lanka and put your foot right in your mouth when you walked into the arena of Sri Lanka's  Human Rights when you had expressed “profound concern over human rights violations and lack of progress in political reconciliation in the field of accountability for crimes that have been committed at the end of the war.â€Â War kills, Jason. And... -Full Story- (LankaWeb - 09/01/13)
Tigers in Sheep's Clothing Move-in on Holy Track! Regime Change through Conversion
Many Blond blue-eyed Tamil LTTE Tiger sympathizers from Scandinavia have moved into Sri Lanka South on a long-term mission. "Regime Change through Conversion"! Most of them are failed businessmen with no academic or technical qualifications, expert in Scams, except good looks and a friendly smile, some even speaking Sinhala. Several of them have enlisted (snared) "tame" Sinhala frontmen as Managers/Operators of the (smallish) Mission-Hotel-Guest Houses in Galle, Matara, Hambantota. Their objectives are multi fold-; 1: Collect donations from the Buddhist South, promising "Salvation". Free survival for them, Sun-Sand-Sex thrown-in Free. 2: Act as Christian Missionaries trying... -Full Story- (LankaWeb - 09/01/13)
“Sri Lanka has made more gains post-conflict than Northern Ireland. We will give our experience and help not hatred and anger.†says Ian Paisley in Westminster-UK
Northern Ireland parliamentarian for North Antrim from Democratic Unionist Party (DUP) Ian Paisley Jr said that Sri Lanka has made more measurable gains post-conflict than Northern Ireland. That is what he has seen on the ground, and British politicians should recognise it and stop the suffocation of a country by its past and help Sri Lanka to move forward to a better future. He made these strong comments with passion at Westminister Hall, UK Parliament during the debate on ‘Sri Lanka and the United Nations responsibility to protect’ from 9.30am to 11.00am on Tuesday 08 January... -Full Story- (LankaWeb - 09/01/13)
LEARNING FROM THE USA
According to the New York Times, an ex-CIA officer Mr. John C. Kiriakou is scheduled to be sentenced to 30 months in prison as part of a plea deal in which he admitted violating the Intelligence Identities Protection Act by e-mailing the name of a covert C.I.A officer to a freelance reporter. The paper says Mr. Kiriakou, 48, earned numerous commendations in nearly 15 years at the C.I.A some of which were spent undercover overseas chasing Al Qaeda and other terrorist groups. He led the team in 2002 that found Abu Zubaydah, a terrorist logistics specialist... -Full Story- (LankaWeb - 09/01/13)
Makes its position clear to diplomatic corps: Govt will not protect wrong doers and impede administration of justice
The international community is being made aware about the events that led to the impeachment of Chief Justice Dr Shirani Bandaranayaka, even as the impeachment debate takes place in Parliament today, sources at External Affairs Ministry yesterday said. External Affairs Ministry Secretary Karunathilaka Amunugama said, the government has made its position clear to diplomatic corps in Colombo that it will not protect wrong doers and impede the administration of justice. "We informed them that the process of impeachment is a matter lying with Parliament and only the Speaker of Parliament and the President... -Full Story- (LankaWeb - 09/01/13)
‘NEW’ LAWS CANNOT APPLY FOR THIS IMPEACHMENT – Leader of the House
Even at that time Anura Bandaranaike made a pronouncement it was not mandated that a future procedure for impeachment should be mapped out. But several years have passed. Leader of the House and Irrigation and Water Resources Management Minister Nimal Siripala De Silva Neither the government or the opposition or the NGOs or the International community dared to raise this issue and ensure that new legislation must be brought. It is only after this impeachment motion, that those issues were raised. We... -Full Story- (LankaWeb - 09/01/13)
Judiciary cannot usurp powers of the Legislature - Aluthgamage-CJ should bow before the law:
The government is following a very democratic procedure in its investigations into the impeachment charges brought against Chief Justice Dr Shirani Bandaranayake, Sports Minister Mahindananda Aluthgamage said. Several parties are trying to portray the impeachment as a challenge posed to the independence of the Judiciary and thereafter they say it would cause a conflict between the Legislature and the Judiciary, he said. “They also say it will harm the country’s stability,†the minister said. Those opposing this impeachment are the very persons who supported the LTTE to divide the country, in collaboration with... -Full Story- (LankaWeb - 09/01/13)
‘Traitorous elements dormant for three years back to their old game’
President Mahinda Rajapaksa said the country which the terrorists failed to divide, would not be allowed to be divided by others through alternate means. “After failing to divide the country through terrorism if any one thinks he or she could do so by any other means it is only a daydream,†the President said. He said the Security Forces liberated the country which was on the verge of being divided by terrorists after making many sacrifices and no force will be allowed to divide the motherland by any means. President Rajapaksa recalled how... -Full Story- (LankaWeb - 09/01/13)
Right of Reply: The truth about the People of Keppapilavu in Mullaitivu
This response is to counter the article titled “In search of justice: The story of the people of Kepapilavu†written under a pseudonym “Elijah†to the Sunday Times (6 Jan 2013) having visited Mullaitivu as well as spoken to the people of Kepapilavu last month (Dec 2012). Can someone please say how worse can life be for people who were living for 30 years in cadjan huts under LTTE rule engulfed in immeasurable number of fears , now given 40 perches of land for each family, 6 months of dry rations, 12 roofing sheets per family, 8... -Full Story- (LankaWeb - 08/01/13)
Siobhain McDonough: British Labour MP being a creative thinker on the Eelam War
 6 January 2013  Siobhain McDonagh, British Labour MP for Mitcham and Morden, The Parliament Westminster, London, UK  Dear Siobhain McDonagh:  It is not very often that I come across creative thinkers in parliamentarians, and you happen to be one of them, and I like it.  I just read the news item in Sri Lanka's Monday January 7th 2013, The Island bylined by Shamindra Ferdinando which said 'Sri Lanka's war lickened to wipe out British PM Cameron's constituency. It went on to say, "British Labour Party member, Siobhain McDonagh has compared the last... -Full Story- (LankaWeb - 08/01/13)
DEAR NGO PANIC-WALLAHS: Impeachment process identical to US Senate process
Dr Kamal Wickremasinghe Even the most ardent supporters of the CJ, including the NGO-wallahs do not appear to want to draw attention to the specifics of her alleged misbehaviour, but rely on the charge she did not receive a ‘fair trial’. In support of their position, they seem to turn, in an extremely vague manner, to the US Constitution and impeachment practice in the US. A careful examination of the language of the US Constitution,impeachment debates in the US Senate, and... -Full Story- (LankaWeb - 08/01/13)
Standing Orders are also law - Yapa
Maintaining peace and stability in the country should be the main concern of all, Environment Minister Anura Priyadarshana Yapa said. He said the country’s future generation would suffer in the absence of peace and stability. “Sri Lanka is a democratic country. Anybody can attain power by facing elections. For those who attempt to grab power through other means, I would like to tell them not to daydream. That won’t happen,†he said. Yapa said the Executive, Legislature and Judiciary should work in harmony for the stability of a country. “What we are witnessing... -Full Story- (LankaWeb - 08/01/13)
Senior Minister wants Constitutional amendment: KEEP JUDGES BEING PROBED OFF THE BENCH!
*Supreme Court verdict betrays partiality *Hails Oppostion for exposing malpratices of CJ Amendments should be brought to the Constitution to suspend judges facing impeachment, from sitting on the bench, until they are cleared of charges, Senior Minister for Rural Affairs Athauda Seneviratne said. Addressing the media at the Senior Ministers' Office yesterday Minister Seneviratne said during a pending impeachment against a judge such a person should be temporarily relieved of official duties, to avoid unnecessary complications until a final decision is made. This should be accomplished in the form... -Full Story- (LankaWeb - 08/01/13)
Judgement denies Constitution;Parliament's turn to correct it
Parliament and the Supreme Court have produced two different findings, both claiming to be vested with the superior authority to overrule the other. Both are loaded with heavy political baggage. Both rely on arguable principles denying the legitimacy of the other. Both are competing for supremacy. This comment, however, is to explore the judgment delivered by the Supreme Court which  predictably has relied on  a tenuous legal technicality argued to deny the right of Parliament to investigate charges against the Chief Justice Dr. Shirani Bandaranayake.  The judgement is a direct move to downgrade the powers of Parliament and to elevate the judiciary as the... -Full Story- (LankaWeb - 07/01/13)
Judiciary cannot change the Constitution -Part I- Former Chief Justice Sarath N Silva
Procedure followed in keeping with the Constitution and Standing Orders : Judiciary cannot change the Constitution - Former Chief Justice Sarath N Silva Public Service Commission has the power to take disciplinary action : An impeachment motion is a disciplinary action : Q: Controversy surrounds the recent determination of the Supreme Court. You have a wide knowledge on the judiciary. What is the due process to bring an impeachment motion against the Chief Justice or a Supreme... -Full Story- (LankaWeb - 07/01/13)
Judiciary cannot change the Constitution - Part II - Former Chief Justice Sarath N Silva
* Public Service Commission, JSC are there to maintain discipline * In Sri Lanka, sovereignty is vested in the people * Constitution is the supreme law of the land The impeachment motion against the Chief Justice has become the talking point in society. There are criticisms and analysis on the inquiring process in this regard. This endeavour is to explain what is happening in reality. We quote former Chief Justice Sarath N Silva, because he is one of the most suitable persons to speak on this matter. The first part... -Full Story- (LankaWeb - 07/01/13)
CJ impeachment :Former Speaker’s ruling binding on Parliament - DM
A former Speaker, late Anura Bandaranaike had given a historic judgement stating that it is the Parliament which is supreme and it does not need to obey the Supreme Court, Attorney-at-law and Deputy Health Minister Lalith Dissanayake said. Deputy Minister Dissanayake said nobody can go beyond that judgement that says Parliament makes laws and it is supreme. Nobody talks about the charges leveled against the Chief Justice and everybody speaks about the Constitution, procedure and loopholes of the method implemented. Nobody talks about the wrongdoings. When you go through the third... -Full Story- (LankaWeb - 07/01/13)
Canada Indeed Seems Biased and Misinformed As The External Affairs Minister Has Commented, With Every Right To Do So!
January 8th, 2013 When External Affairs Minister G.L Peries has said that the statements made by the visiting Canadian Minister Jason Kenney were “biased and unbalanced†there seems to be nore than a semblance of truth to it. For sometime now as the world is well aware, Canada seems to have taken on a mantle of self opinionated righteousness about the goings on in post insurgent Sri Lanka not paying any attention to the greatest truism that has come out of what Sri Lanka is today ~ a nation liberated from terrorism, unprecedentedly so! where many citizens have... -Full Story- (LankaWeb - 07/01/13)
JUDICIARY CANNOT JUDGE MATTERS OF REMOVING JUDGES - AG
Attorney General President’s Counsel Palitha Fernando in his submissions before the Court of Appeal on the writ application filed by Chief Justice Dr.Shirani Bandaranayake seeking to invalidate the PSC findings on the impeachment charges against her, urged that the matter be referred back to the Supreme Court for a determination. The Bench comprised Court of Appeal President Justice Sri Skandarajah, Justice Anil Goonaratne and Justice A.W.M.Salaam. The AG said powers of Parliament have to be taken into account. “I am not against or support the findings of the PSC... -Full Story- (LankaWeb - 07/01/13)
ALL POWERS RE' SC JUDGES ADMINISTRATIVE CONCERNS WITH ME - President
As the Appeal Court yesterday quashed the PSC (Parliamentary Select Committee) decision on the Chief Justice, the president stated that all powers regarding leave matters pertaining to Supreme Court judges, and their foreign visits etc., and the approval thereof will now by default be vested in him as the Executive. He stated that this is so as the Court has in any event, sought to strip the Legislature of any powers with regard to the Judiciary.... -Full Story- (LankaWeb - 07/01/13)
HOUSE UNANIMOUS: IMPEACHMENT VOTE ON JAN 11
* Constitution clear on the matter * Walk-out rumours false Parliament will debate the Parliamentary Select Committee report that probed the charges against Chief Justice Dr. Shirani Bandaranayake on January 10 and 11, and the vote will be taken after 6 p.m. on January 11th. Minister Maithripala Sirisena said that a majority of party leaders have agreed to hold the debate on January 10 and 11. Speaking at an SLFP press conference at the Mahaweli Centre yesterday, Minister Sirisena said no party representative walked out of the meeting, contrary to rumours to... -Full Story- (LankaWeb - 07/01/13)
Petition: To Amend 13th Amendment to Sri Lanka Constitution.
Dear Mr President, An Appeal for the Abolition of the Thirteenth Amendment The priceless Independence that our country achieved with blood, tears and commitment and the island nation’s unitary character have to be handed over in pristine form to the next generation and generations yet to be born. That is the formidable challenge facing us. We all know Your Excellency is above manipulation by various influences and threats designed for the insidious benefit of external agencies. These agencies are resorting to new strategies to divide our country having ignominiously failed to achieve their fantasy... -Full Story- (LankaWeb - 07/01/13)
Growing hate-Muslim campaign! Could turn the country into a killing field.
This is sheer madness. This is how one could describe the potentially disastrous hate campaign unleashed against the Island’s peaceful Muslim community by a handful of racist rabble rousers who are law unto themselves. Recently two Muslim payment hawkers were attacked by monks at Embilipitiya. Police, first refused to accept victims’ complaints, recorded them only after JVP intervention.  Then there appeared provocative posters in Mahiyangana, showing a person carrying sword in a fit of rage to kill, stating†remove the mosque or we will do itâ€ÂÂÂ. Then comes report of a medical officer in a... -Full Story- (LankaWeb - 06/01/13)
‘VERDICT FOR ANARCHY’ LIKELY TODAY
A court verdict that is aimed at destabilizing the country and driving it towards anarchy to disturb the peace and progress after 30 years of war, is in all likelihood possible today, the Media minister Keheliya Rambukwella told the Daily News yesterday. He said this is the next judgment to be given on this issue by court, and it is by anarchic forces working through the courts to destroy the country. He added that foreign and local conspirators working overtime to disturb the peace that the people are enjoying after so many years, are... -Full Story- (LankaWeb - 06/01/13)
2013 Sri Lanka’s First Priority: Education, Education, Education
 The war is over. Sri Lanka’s next battle is to arm Sri Lanka’s greatest asset – its People with Education. The ground realities are not so simple. Resurrecting a nation that suffered 30 years of more than just terrorism is a daunting task especially when forces continuously attempt to keep Sri Lanka pinned down.  More than any period of Sri Lanka’s history the country is in need of “educated†people- not necessarily those that hold paper qualifications. However, those that don’t possess even that have been responsible for the plethora of maladies that prevail necessitate the policy... -Full Story- (LankaWeb - 06/01/13)
Diets high in saturated fats and sugar block calcium absorption then calcium needed for healthy bones washes through the body in the urine.
According to researchers and medical evidences, high-fat, high-sugar foods not only cause obesity and promote heart disease, but they can also contribute to conditions like osteoporosis by weakening bones. If this trend continues, this overlooked ‘silent robber’ will begin to cripple large numbers of at-risk baby boomers, said researchers at the University of Michigan and the Alberta Bone and Joint Health Institute. While this high-fat, high-sugar diet trend and the subsequent risk of osteoporosis are climbing frighteningly fast, there’s hope, said Ron Zernicke, dean of U-M’s School of Kinesiology and a professor of orthopaedic surgery and biomedical engineering. The medical community... -Full Story- (LankaWeb - 06/01/13)
CA judges can be summoned before House for contempt of Parliament -Rajitha
The three judge Bench of the Court of Appeal which ruled that the Parliamentary Select Committee (PSC) has no legal power or authority to investigate the impeachment motion against Chief Justice Dr Shirani Bandaranayaka, can be summoned before Parliament for contempt of Parliament, Fisheries and Aquatic Resources Development Minister Dr Rajitha Senaratna said yesterday. He said the three judges of the Appeal Court, Appeals Court President S Skandarajah and Justices Anil Gooneratne and A W A Salaam can be summoned before a Parliamentary Privileges Committee on account of their judgment ignoring the Constitution and... -Full Story- (LankaWeb - 06/01/13)
Wrong verdict by Appellate Court having read only part of the relevant Article of Constitution is Null and Void.
 Any student of Law will know that an Impeachment is a political matter dealt with by the Parliament according to the Constitution. The Judiciary cannot decide to interpret the Constitution at its will to interfere in to the matters that is not within the purview of the Judiciary.  In the Constitution under the Chapter “  Judiciary†the Supreme court has seen only  the word “Law†in the Article 107(3),  and immediately interpreted that the Judiciary has the right to interpret the article for the “ Appointment and removal of Judges of the Supreme Court and Court of... -Full Story- (LankaWeb - 05/01/13)
Section 107-3; ‘Standing Orders’ ignored: SC interpretation inconclusive – Former CJ Sarath N. Silva Parliament empowered to remove judges Despite similar action against two former Chief Justices: Why the exception for Dr Mrs Bandaranayake? A Forum without commonsense SAVE the birthplace of Buddha Sri Lanka: Impeachment of the Chief Justice Deliberate and biased Interpretation of Article 107 (3) of the Constitution by Court of Appeal and Supreme Court is abuse of power vested in Judiciary. Challenges to Peaceful Co-existence: Question of tolerance in Sri Lanka CJ should be shameful of conduct -Writ application was filed by her , a Bench appointed by her and the judgement was delivered with her approval. CJ TRANSFERRED MAGISTRATE RE’HUSBAND’S CASE-‘He was to hear the case involving Pradeep Kariyawasam’ - Mervyn Silva: PSC members, not Judges but investigators - Part II : CJ playing into hands of international saboteurs UN Special Rapporteur breaches Code of Conduct SC ORDER OMITS ‘BY STANDING ORDER’ IN JUDGEMENT!- ENTIRE ORDER THEREFORE IN ERROR: Speaker will pronounce on legality of verdict on Jan 8 No third party can question Parliament’s affairs - Dy Speaker Playing by rules NO SIR -- LAWYERS AND JUDGES CANNOT TAKE THE LAW INTO THEIR OWN HANDS PSC members, not Judges but investigators MUCH ADO OVER NOTHING University academics tell public : Assess the impeachment critically Commotion over the Impeachment of Chief Justice is the failure to understand the difference between a legal procedure and that of an Impeachment Depoliticizing the Bar Association of Sri Lanka Senior Ministers assert :PSC stays out of Appeal Court Strict compliance with the law: Disturbing trends in Educational Practice in Sri Lanka “What it is to be Sri Lankanâ€ÂÂÂ: Ambassador Dayan Jayatilleka GAS OUT OF ICE; ONLY SRI LANKANS COULD DO IT!-Life Abroad - Part 9: “Educated fools†without self-respect Oliver Stone: Obama a wolf in sheep's clothing The Untold History of the United States ~ Oliver Stone ANNUAL MUSLIM CONVENTION CONCLUDES WITH ADDRESS BY WORLD LEADER Silent sub: Russian noiseless Borei class nuclear submarine immersed UN expert warns Sri Lanka on matters of the judiciary! MS. KANAUL, PLEASE BE INFORMED The judiciary's role? NEEDED: A REDEFINITION CJ Impeachment : PEOPLE’S POWER THROUGH PARLIAMENT How I came to identify Arahant Mahinda as Redactor of the BuddhapÃ¥jàva and the Sila Trio Black-coats can't make Chief Justice lily white We've Lost Our Beloved Cricketing Ambassador And The World Has Lost A Cricketing Legend ‘HOW CJ MISLED PSC ON TRILLIUM’
The Supreme Court when making its decision, had not taken any notice of “by Standing Orders†in Article 107-3 of the Constitution which reads, “Parliament shall by law or by Standing Orders provide for all matters relating to an impeachmentâ€ÂÂÂ, said former Chief Justice Sarath N. Silva. He alluded that in 1984 Parliament had decided to act according to Standing Orders and held that no Court could direct Parliament to make laws. (LankaWeb - 05/01/13)
Deputy Speaker Chandima Weerakkody said a judge of the Court of Appeal or the Supreme Court could be removed as the power is vested in Parliament as enshrined in Article 107 of the Constitution. “It is very clear that Parliament should continue the impeachment process without the interference of any third party. Therefore, any Court ruling issued with regard to this case will not be binding on Parliament,†the Deputy Speaker told the Sunday Observer yesterday. Asked about the Supreme Court opinion which said that the Parliamentary Select Committee (PSC) has no... -Full Story- (LankaWeb - 05/01/13)
Do the senior most judges in the country, who do not come under the purview of the Judicial Services Commission (JSC), have immunity over any improper conduct that is unbecoming of such a highly respected position? Parliament is supreme It is not wrong if one could get such an impression after last week’s Court of Appeal ruling on Chief Justice Dr. Mrs. Shirani Bandaranayake. All judges other than those who serve in the Supreme Court and the Court of Appeal come... -Full Story- (LankaWeb - 05/01/13)
               The group of “concerned citizens†called the Friday Forum has been in the habit of issuing statements on Sri Lankan issues. Often these go against “commonsense.â€Â We sense the world with our five senses: see, hear, smell, touch and taste. One without commonsense becomes one who is not reasonable. For example, Mr. Jayantha Danapala, now leading the Friday Forum was known for his PTOM and ISGA deals.  Even, Erik Solheim was surprised at what PTOM and ISGA were proposing to do! How can such a person write about 13-A, and suggest to exclude the... -Full Story- (LankaWeb - 06/01/13)
Sign the petition "UN Secretary General Ban Ki-moon, Nepal Government: Preserve The World Heritage Lumbini - The Buddha's birthplace" on Change.org. Preserve The World Heritage Lumbini, the Buddha’s birthplace. Stop urban development-“New World Peace City†Plan which threatens the Buddha's birthplace and its World Heritage status. It's important. Will you sign it too? Here's the link: http://www.change.org/petitions/un-secretary-general-ban-ki-moon-nepal-government-preserve-the-world-heritage-lumbini-the-buddha-s-birthplace ... -Full Story- (LankaWeb - 06/01/13)
 4 January 2013  The Editor THE OTTAWA CITIZEN  Sir: You reported: Sri Lanka - Probe of chief judge not legal, top court rules. This issue is getting nastier and messier by the day.  We are now been told that the Supreme Court had falsified/omitted the relevant part of the Constitutional clause in giving this judgment - and left out the relevant vital part of the constitutional document, which says 'by law OR Standing Order.'  If this observation is in fact honest and correct, then do I smell a rat... -Full Story- (LankaWeb - 04/01/13)
It has been reported that , “the Court of Appeal yesterday said that the proceedings against the Chief Justice, had been initiated by a PSC not established under the law. Therefore, the commencement of the proceedings and the furtherance of such proceedings were prima facie void.†That decision of the Court of Appeal of Sri Lanka is against all legal norms. It is biased in favour of the writ application by CJ who had been found guilty of three charges in the Impeachment Motion by the Constitutionally appointed Special Committee of the Parliament. If this is the... -Full Story- (LankaWeb - 04/01/13)
 We are all in agreement that once upon a time the people of Sri Lanka lived in peaceful co-existence. The challenges to that peace came after foreign invasion and occupation that introduced multiple means to divide the people and disunite them. Five Hundred years on the country remains in imbroglio not knowing how to overcome the past, how to deal with the present or how to protect our tomorrows. Part of the reason is the reluctance to face issues in its embryo stage and uproot the ills before taking root. Using these tribulations as political advantage... -Full Story- (LankaWeb - 04/01/13)
Sabaragamuwe University Chancellor Ven Prof Kumburugamuwe Vajira Thera yesterday said the Chief Justice should be shameful of her conduct while holding the top post in the Judiciary. The thera said the case filed by her was by a Bench appointed by her and the judgement was also issued with her approval. He said she should step down from the post without falling to vicious elements who are conspiring against the country, until the investigation against her is complete. “She should have informed Parliament that the appointment of the Parliamentary Select Committee (PSC) to... -Full Story- (LankaWeb - 04/01/13)
Minister Silva hit out at the Chief Justice for transferring the magistrate who was to hear the bribery and corruption case against her husband. He said she cannot hold the post of the Judicial Services Commission chairman when charges were framed against her husband under the Bribery or Corruption Act. Chief Justice Dr Shirani Bandaranayake’s husband Pradeep Kariyawasam was in the habit of withdrawing money worth Rs 25 million from the National Savings Bank of which he was the chairman. He used to invest these state funds in the share market and the... -Full Story- (LankaWeb - 04/01/13)
Views expressed by National Freedom Front Leader and Construction, Engineering Services, Housing and Common Amenities Minister Wimal Weerawansa, on the Impeachment motion against the Chief Justice. Don’t we expect that moral duty from people holding high posts. That is where the problem lies. When the UNP tried to bring in an impeachment it was published in the Ravaya paper. JVP Parliamentarians said in Parliament that her husband’s name was the same as the name of the NSB Chairman. They said his wife is in such a high post in the Judiciary... -Full Story- (LankaWeb - 04/01/13)
As discussed in the editorial of this newspaper on January 3, the comments of the ‘UN Special Rapporteur’ on the independence of judges and lawyers’, a lady by the name of Gabriela Knaul, are based on partisan information she has received from the (foreign) Government Organised Non-Governmental Organisation (GONGO) minders of the chief justice (CJ). US Supreme Court Based on this information, Ms Knaul has intervened in Sri Lanka’s domestic affairs for the second time within a month by expressing “serious concern†about the impeachment... -Full Story- (LankaWeb - 04/01/13)
The Supreme Court order given yesterday to the effect that Parliament appointed PSC (Select Committee) cannot investigate the impeachment charges against the Chief Justice, on page 26 states that ‘the constitution shall provide by law (the method of investigation of the impeachment motion) BUT the constitution in fact says ‘by law or Standing Order.’ The Supreme Court obviously falsified/omitted the relevant part of the constitutional Clause in giving this judgment - - and left out the relevant vital part of the constitutional document, which says ‘by law OR Standing Order.’ The entire gist... -Full Story- (LankaWeb - 03/01/13)
Cabinet Spokesman and Mass Media and Information Minister Keheliya Rambukwella explained that no legislator will comment on yesterday’s Appeal Court’s verdict on the Parliamentary Select Committee (PSC), whereas Speaker Chamal Rajapaksa will announce Parliament’s stand on the matter on January 8 when the House resumes for the New Year. “The Speaker himself is a judge in Parliament and he is the only individual who is empowered and capable of commenting on the legality of this verdict. We still stand by the Speaker’s recent announcement which challenged the Supreme Court's order, stating that Parliament... -Full Story- (LankaWeb - 03/01/13)
No third party can question affairs of Parliament. No institution, other than the Legislature has been vested power in relation to the removal of Supreme Court Justices including the Chief Justice under the Constitution, Deputy Speaker Chandima Weerakkody said yesterday. He was addressing a special press conference at the Parliament complex yesterday. Weerakkody said former Speaker Anura Bandaranaike ruled that the Legislature is supreme and incumbent Speaker Chamal Rajapaksa gave a ruling on the same lines when notices were issued by the Supreme Court. He insisted the same ruling will be... -Full Story- (LankaWeb - 03/01/13)
When I was asked recently, in fulfillment of my work on the Human Rights Action Plan, to assist the Ministries of Justice and of Child Development and Women’s Affairs to finalize the draft of an act to replace the Children and Young Person’s Ordinance, I was struck by the absurdity of a phrase which did not seem to worry anyone else at the consultation. It related to proceedings conducted before a Children’s Magistrate’s Court (which the law sought to establish), and laid down that ‘The Chief Justice and any three Judges of... -Full Story- (LankaWeb - 03/01/13)
Neither lawyers nor the judiciary can take the law into their own hands. But, in Sri Lanka, what should be apparent as to be axiomatic, seems to go by the board. Some lawyers say that they should have the right to determine that the Judiciary should be the last word in impeachment hearings against a Judge of the higher courts. They make newspaper pronouncements to this effect, and launch a massive media campaign, and also get onto the streets -- not mentioning that they also convert Hulftsdorp into a Lipton’s circus. ... -Full Story- (LankaWeb - 03/01/13)
Views expressed by National Freedom Front Leader and Construction, Engineering Services, Housing and Common Amenities Minister Wimal Weerawansa, on the Impeachment motion against the Chief Justice As members of the PSC on the Impeachment motion against the CJ we had certain limitations on our discussions. But today as there are no such limitations we can discuss it at length. The report of the PSC process is included in the Parliamentary Publication No 187 volume one and two. Anyone can now buy these two volumes from the Government Publications Department. ... -Full Story- (LankaWeb - 03/01/13)
Never have a Speaker and a Deputy Speaker duo been so forthright, and irrespective of party affiliations there should be general acceptance of the fact that both Chamal Rajapaksa and Chandima Weerakkody call a spade a spade. On Wednesday, the Deputy Speaker Chandima Weerakkody stated that those MPs who appear before the Appeal Court relating to Parliamentary Select Committee (PSC) proceedings, are in clear violation of the Parliamentary Powers and Privileges Act. He then proceeded to quote chapter and verse. There is no question about it; no notices can be issued on Parliament... -Full Story- (LankaWeb - 03/01/13)
Sri Lanka Open University Senior Lecturer and Lawyer Raja Gunaratne requested the people to view the impeachment motion brought against Chief Justice Dr Shirani Bandaranayake more critically and intelligently, taking into account that it was entirely a Constitutional procedure. Addressing a press conference organized by the People’s Movement for Justice at the Sri Lanka Foundation Institute yesterday, he said this procedure to remove judges in superior courts is similar to others anywhere in the world. Citing an example from the US Judiciary, he said according to the stand taken by the... -Full Story- (LankaWeb - 03/01/13)
 Impeachment trial is defined as: “ ……… a political procedure conducted by the Senate to determine whether an impeached official should be convicted and removed from office.† Here the emphasis is on “political procedureâ€ÂÂÂ. A case in a Court of Law is presented by the prosecuting Lawyers, defended by the lawyers in the presence of a Judge. In the case of a criminal case the verdict is given by a jury of ordinary men selected by the court. Everyone is subject to law and could be tried in a Court of law except the President of the... -Full Story- (LankaWeb - 02/01/13)
The logic of declaring anything “independent†must be based on an unwavering commitment to unbiased, devoid of discrimination and ethical judgment in all cases whether they are associated with the 3 pillars of governance or in private/public sector as well as in the daily affairs personal or otherwise of the public. It has become a trend to evade the main theme of any focus by turning issues into a political force thereby attracting an unwarranted number of internal and external players making solutions all the more difficult to reach and distancing any opportunity for rational thinking and... -Full Story- (LankaWeb - 02/01/13)
The government members of the Parliamentary Select Committee (PSC) appointed to investigate charges in the impeachment motion against Chief Justice Dr Shirani Bandaranayake will not appear before the Appeal Court today in strict adherence to the existing law in the country though notice had been issued against the members, Sri Lanka Freedom Party Senior Ministers said. They made this observation at a media conference at the Mahaweli Centre auditorium yesterday to express the view of the SLFP on the present political situation. Irrigation and Water Resources Management Minister Nimal Siripala de Silva said both... -Full Story- (LankaWeb - 02/01/13)
If we review the modern (Post-Colonial) evolution of modes of education in Sri Lanka, we must surely be impressed by the revolutionary character of the transformations seen within the compass of a few decades. In colonial times, anything beyond the mastery of the ‘Three R s’ in the vernacular was only for the pampered and anglicized elite. The masses were largely untutored. This shameful imbalance changed with the departure of the Colonial Overlord and the right to collegial instruction was recognized as fundamental in a liberated dispensation that claimed to be free and fair. It was natural... -Full Story- (LankaWeb - 02/01/13)
Ambassador Dayan Jayatilleka participated as a special guest at a French-Sri Lankan Diaspora youth workshop on “Post-War Reconciliation Dialogue for a Sustainable Peace†in late October 2012, organized by What’s Next!, an independent forum initiated in February 2012. Also present on this occasion were Ambassador Michel Lummaux, former Ambassador of France to Sri Lanka and Madam Sanja Jayatilleka.  Delivering their closing remarks, both Ambassador Jayatilleka and Ambassador Lummaux highlighted the importance of events and initiatives of this nature.  Referring to French philosopher, Jacques Lacan, Dr. Jayatilleka shared what meant according to... -Full Story- (LankaWeb - 02/01/13)
Students in England had a rough time with finances due to stringent exchange control regulations that existed in Sri Lanka under Mrs. Sirimavo Bandaranaike’s government. There were a few privileged students, however, who got funds transferred regularly to their UK accounts from parents or guardians who operated Swiss or off-shore bank accounts that helped them to afford comfortable well heated hostel accommodation. Bedsitter experience Others, especially in London, had to economise and confine to little rooms or a bed sitter. In fact, a bed sitter, with cooking facilities in the same room, in some instances with a... -Full Story- (LankaWeb - 02/01/13)
Mr. S.L. Gunasekara, in his interview published in the Daily Mirror (1/1/2013), refers to a description made by President R. Premadasa about “Ugath Modayin.â€Â Premadasa, who actually went to St. Joseph night school and claimed that he really went to St. Joseph’s, must have been suffering from an inferiority complex to pretend that he was a Josephian. His regime was branded at that time as a regime of “Hathe Kalliya,†(a cult of seven individuals with seventh grade-education). Besides, educational qualifications or university degrees do not make one Ugath as Premadasa thought. Ironically, I find... -Full Story- (LankaWeb - 02/01/13)
RT's Abby Martin sits down with Academy Award Winning Director, Oliver Stone, and Historian Peter Kuznick, to talk about US foreign policy and the Obama administration's disregard for the rule of law. Americanrevolution02 2 days ago It's ironic that if I want the truth, I need to get if from Russia Today. If I want misinformation, disinformation and propaganda, I get it from the mainstream media including FOX.& (youtube.com - 02/01/13)
World War II -- "Narrated by Oliver Stone, this new one-hour series features human events that at the time went under reported, but crucially shaped America's unique and complex history. The first chapter explores the birth of the American Empire by focusing on Franklin D. Roosevelt, Winston Churchill and Joseph Stalin. Through examination of key decisions during World War II, discover unsung heroes such as American Henry Wallace and explore the demonization of the Soviets." (source: www.sho.com) "I found this online as a torrent, and uploaded it without explicit permission. The second episode is nowhere to be found. You can,... -Full Story- (youtube.com - 02/01/13)
 Hazrat Mirza Masroor Ahmad says defending honour of Holy Prophet Muhammad a lifelong task for all true Muslims  The 121st Annual Convention (Jalsa Salana) of the Ahmadiyya Muslim Jama’at in India concluded last Monday in Qadian with a powerful and faith-inspiring address by the Fifth Khalifa, the Worldwide Head of the Ahmadiyya Muslim Jama’at, Hazrat Mirza Masroor Ahmad.  The Khalifa addressed the event via satellite from the Baitul Futuh Mosque in London. The Convention attracted over 18,000 people from around the world (including Sri Lanka) in... -Full Story- (LankaWeb - 02/01/13)
Super-modern, powerful and almost noiseless Russian nuclear submarine Vladimir Monomakh has been put in water to become the third ship of the Borei project. The cruiser is about to begin sea trials and mooring to become fully operational in 2013. ÂÂÂÂVladimir Monomakh was laid down at Russia’s largest shipbuilding complex Sevmash, located on the shores of the White Sea in the town of Severodvinsk in northern Russia on March 19, 2006 – the 100th anniversary of the Russian submarine fleet.... -Full Story- (rt.com - 02/01/13)
 A report dated 31 December in the local media refers to a warning by the UN Special Rapporteur on the independence of judges and lawyers on how Sri Lanka should go about handling matters pertaining to its judiciary. Thank you, madam! But, one would wonder whether when the League of Nations was set up at the end of World War II, warning resource-limited yet independent nations was a prime consideration.  All the warnings that the UN seem to direct, unfortunately, are towards Sri Lanka, and one does not ever come across similar threats against the big... -Full Story- (LankaWeb - 01/01/13)
Nihal Sri Ameresekere in a letter dated December 20, 2012 to Special Rapporteur on the Independence of Judges and Lawyers Mrs. Gabriela Knaul states the Parliamentary Select Committee (PSC) is only an administrative process, enabling the President to remove a Chief Justice, if the Committee's Report makes an adverse finding and is passed after an address of Parliament. "A hue and cry has been raised on the matter of natural justice, but, on examination of the Parliamentary Select Committee report, it would be revealed that the facts are... -Full Story- (LankaWeb - 01/01/13)
Logic demands that a persuasive argument be based on a premise that supports the conclusion. The premise of the argument of the defence team of the Chief Justice (CJ) that impeachment based on ‘misbehaviour’ of a judge is an attack on the independence of the judiciary fails this test badly, and obviously so. Notwithstanding the fact the argument does not favour CJ’s case in anyway, a review of the merits of an independent Judiciary in a functioning democracy, a developing one like Sri Lanka in particular, is warranted in the... -Full Story- (LankaWeb - 01/01/13)
* PSC has to abide by Standing Orders PSC has to abide by Standing Orders * CJ treated with due respect Parliament has exercised the people’s power vested in it by the Constitution in entertaining the impeachment motion against the Chief Justice , Minister Dilan Perera said. He was addressing a media conference organised by the People’s Movement for Justice in Colombo yesterday. He said impeachment is the only means of acting against misconduct of a Chief Justice. That power is vested in Parliament under Section 107 of the Constitution. Responding... -Full Story- (LankaWeb - 01/01/13)
– Redactor of the Buddhapåjàva in Sinhala Buddhism – with Pali Text, Translation and Analysis, 2012 due to be published soon in Canada.) December 29, 2012, 4:41 pm October 1st, 2012, or perhaps August 18th, ushered in the 2260th Year of the Buddhapåjàva in Sinhala Buddhism! Launched by Arahant Mahinda, in the presence of King Devanampiya Tissa and sub-Queen Anula. The Pa¤ca-, Aññhangika- and Dasa- Sãla. (Pansil, Atasil and Dasasil) were also launched within the same context, as part of the Buddhapåjàva. Wow! So, did... -Full Story- (LankaWeb - 01/01/13)
The raging public discourse on the charges levelled against the Chief Justice, Dr. Shirani Bandaranayake is wrapped mostly in legal, constitutional, political and moral principles. The legal luminaries who have defended her have studiously skipped the charges and focused essentially on issues like the legality of the Parliamentary Select Committee to hear her case, or on the rights and wrongs of procedures adopted by the PSC, or whether it is the Parliament or the Courts that would have the final say, or on the issues of separation of power arising from the conflict between the... -Full Story- (LankaWeb - 01/01/13)
Jan.1st 2013  "We've lost you dear friend but your memory will be etched in our hearts and minds forever. May God Grant You Eternal Rest!"  Tony Greig, the South African-born captain of England one of the most colourful of cricketers the world has ever known in recent times passed away sadly on Saturday in Australia after a brief illness albeit prematurely. He was 66. We've surely lost one of our most beloved ambassadors of the game and the world has lost a cricketing legend.   It took him just... -Full Story- (LankaWeb - 01/01/13)
* Conceals SC terms in the purchase of Trillium house * Money paid in cash although PSC was told, by cheques ... The submissions made by Chief Justice Dr.Shirani Bandaranayake before the Parliamentary Select Committee (PSC) relating to the purchase of a house from Trillium Residencies was totally contrary to what transpired as per the record in the Supreme Court, Petroleum Industries Minister Susil Premajayantha said. He made this observation yesterday at a press conference at the Sri Lanka Foundation Institute, organized by the People’s Movement for Justice. Minister Premajayantha further said... -Full Story- (LankaWeb - 01/01/13)
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