Seven soldiers were killed and two injured when Tamil Tiger cadres attacked an Army detachment at Talgasmankada, on the northern parts of the Yala Sanctuary, the military said.

Six soldiers were killed when the Tigers attacked a small Army post at Talgasmankada on October 15 evening round 6 p.m. One soldier was injured in the attack. One more soldier was killed and five others injured when the tractor transporting the dead bodies from the Monday attack was caught in a pressure mine attack yesterday morning.

"Troops from Colombo have been inducted into the area and they are carrying out search operations to locate any of the attackers who may still be in the area," military spokesperson Brig. Udaya Nanayakkara told The Morning Leader.

Talgasmankada is located about 40 km south of Panama and 50 km north of Kataragama.

The Tigers meanwhile said their cadres were in control of the detachment camp for three hours after the attack and had set it on fire. The attackers had moved away with five automatic machine guns and communication equipment from the detachment. The Tigers also said the attack was carried out on the one month commemoration of three of its cadres killed in the east.

The attackers had come through the jungles and attacked the camp, and were believed to have moved out along the same route.

The military said that the attackers were believed to be Tiger cadres who fled into jungles when the military overran Thoppigala. However there were initial reports that said the attackers had reached Talgasmankada by boat.

The Army meanwhile said that there was suspicion that the attack was meant to drive fear into tourists planning to visit Yala.

"According to initial reports, (the attackers) have tried to forcibly enter areas north of Kataragama but the resistance of the troops had forced them to abandon their plan and run in all directions. 

    " It is believed that those pockets of isolated terrorists were trying to launch a major attack with a view to infusing fear among tourists expecting to visit Yala sanctuary after its re-opening," Army said on it website.

However Brig Nanayakkara said that the attackers were targeting army detachments placed in and around the sanctuary and there was no evidence to suggest that they tried to move further south.

The Tigers carried out a series of attacks inside Yala and its perimeter in early 1998 that prompted the closure of the park and the induction of the Army. Detachments have been placed inside the park ever since to deter possible Tiger attacks.

The bodies of the soldiers were removed to the Hambantota hospital yesterday.

JVP frontliner Anura Kumara Dissanayake yesterday called for the toppling of the country’s ‘weakest government since independence’ and urged the introduction of a new economic order through the creation of a new administration.

Addressing a party conference in Gampaha on Sunday Dissanayake expressed strong objections to the manner in which the government conducted its affairs and said, when this government is toppled, it should be for a greater purpose and one that adds a real difference in the socio-economic order.

"This government should be replaced by a government that can create that change." he said.

Speaking further, Dissanayake said that since 1947, a series of governments have been toppled. A long regime of 17 years ended in 1994, and in 2001, a new administration came in which survived till 2004 only.

"Now people eagerly await for the 2004 government to fall. It is easily done. This is the weakest government in post independence. It survives on charitable crumbs and has not a leg to stand on.

If this is toppled, and it should be done and done fast, the next government should have the courage to create a new economic order. We should now get mobilized for such a political journey," he said.

Comparing the incumbent administration to a quarrelsome wife, the JVP MP said divorce was due as six years together appeared impossible and the husband wished to be released from the matrimonial bonds.

"But this political divorce should culminate in a fresh marriage between people and a public spirited new administration."

Dissanayake noted that the government was full of corrupt elements. " There is a consultant who is now a MP whose is known as Mr. 10% for such is his dubious reputation. There are allegations of corruption with regard to military procurements and the stench emanating from the MiG 27 deal is indescribable. Sri Lanka has a population of 20 million people and 107 ministers. How to stem corruption, abuse and wasteful expenditure with this kind of top heavy administration which was so created only to appease a handful," he noted.

The JVP parliamentarian also spoke about excesses such as eight vehicles being used by some ministers with the monthly rental alone being Rs. 250,000 which was well above the approved spending.

Dissanayake noted that the government also did not lack thugs. "There is one minister now known as "pistol Baiz.’ He earned the title for addressing the public while turning a pistol in his hand menacingly. Another siphoned out money from the war affected farmers of Mavil Aru. That’s just two out of 107," he criticized.

Speaking of the rising cost of living, Dissanayake noted the prices were going up due to government’s failure to control prices that had nothing to do with the world market.

"It is only an excuse. When a litre of petrol is Rs. 63 when reaching the Colombo port, it carries an additional Rs. 40 in tax when it reaches a petrol shed in Gampaha. Even today, petrol can be sold at Rs. 68. For that, this government should have the resolve. Kerosene is the fuel of the poor. But that is unaffordable because the government removed the Rs. 16 government subsidy. The truth is, these price increases are caused by government inefficiency, corruption and waste that has nothing to do with world prices".

The MP further said that the President would eagerly welcome the JVP if they would also clamour for vehicles, portfolios and perks. " But we are not looking for such. It is a matter of just indicating our desire to be part of this government and we would be given super portfolios and other facilities. These portfolios won’t be like the deflated ones held by the likes of Rajitha Senaratne, but very powerful government positions," he noted.

Dissanayake added that the idea was not to assist a government that had failed the entire nation but to bring in a new administration.

"We are not just looking for an opportunity to replace this corrupt regime with another. We will create a government that ushers in a new economic order and if we fail, it will be just once. Other parties have failed this country for 60 years and we promise not to fail the people who keep faith with us", he said.

UL and BA aircraft collide at Heathrow

A collision between a SriLankan Airline aircraft and a British Airways aircraft at the Heathrow Airport Monday has resulted in a series of flight delays with the aircraft detained for inspection.

The two flights collided when Sri Lankan flight UL 502 was taxiing for take off but no serious damage was reported.

However, SriLankan airlines Head of Corporate Communications Chandana de Silva said the British Airways flight that collided with SriLankan Airline UL 502 at Heathrow while taxing on Monday evening has resulted in many inbound and outbound delays.

"Although Sri Lankan engineers in their first observation has confirmed that UL 502 flight has received only minor damages it would remain at Heathrow Airport until another assessment is carried out by the British Authorities," De Silva said.

He told The Morning Leader yesterday the British authorities had carried out an assessment no sooner the incident occurred but said that since a second evaluation has to be done all 286 passengers had to be housed in a hotel in London.

"The flight that was scheduled for taxing at 20.44hrs. London time, received minor damages due to the collision and as a result of the long delay we had to house the passengers in London," added De Silva.

When asked as to when the flight could take off from Heathrow, De Silva said that it is uncertain but hopefully could take off once the second and final assessment scheduled to be held on Tuesday at 11.00 hrs London time.

Meanwhile according to De Silva most of the out bound and inbound flights have been affected due to the collision and stated that since all airlines have a circle of rotation, a delay in one destination mean several delays in certain flights.

Seth Pirith Peraheras to rid country of the evil three

The UNP is to launch four peaceful processions from four different districts tomorrow to invoke the blessings of the Triple Gem for peace and prosperity in the country.

The four Seth Pirith Peraheras will take off from the Temple of the Tooth in Kandy, Jaya Sri Maha Bhodiya in Anuradhapura, Kirivehera in Kataragama and Dhigavapiya Chetiya in Ampara according to former UNP Minister Sarachchandra Rajakaruna.

Briefing the media at the Gangarama Temple, Colombo yesterday Rajakaruna said that the four processions would reach Colombo on October 24 and a special religious ceremony would be held at the Gangarama Temple the same evening.

"This is aimed to receive the blessings of the Triple Gem for our country and to waive off the ill spirits that has befallen on us," said Rajakaruna.

Briefing the media Prof. Oliver Abenayake said that according to Buddhism the main reason for a prosperous state is good governance. "If there is good governance the country prospers and the people get the benefits of it. Then you can expect decency among the people. But if it is the opposite side then the country goes from bad to worse. Hence according to the teachings of Lord Buddha there is no other way for this country than to have a pirith chanting continuously for seven days to waive off the evil spirits," added Prof. Abenayake

According to Prof. Abenayake since the country is covered with three evil spirits namely –the war, the hunger and life’s uncertainty the time has come to waive off them at least through the blessings of the Triple Gem.

Briefing the media Ven. Galaboda Gnanissara Thero said that all the present and past leaders of this country should be blamed for the present situation of the country and called upon all those who want to see a better tomorrow to take part in the week long sathi pirith perahera to bring prosperity to the country.

The Yala National Park will remain indefinitely closed until the military provides a security assurance for its reopening to the public, Ministry of Environment, Minister, Champika Ranawaka told The Morning Leader.

The park was due to reopen yesterday after a month’s closure for maintenance. However an attack on an army detachment at Thalgasmankada inside the sanctuary on October 15 evening forced the postponement of the reopening.

Ranawaka also said that although the park was closed to the public there were a few local tourists at the time.

These people were staying at Kumana the northern end of the park but had to be moved to Pannama following the attacks inside the park. "No injuries to these tourists were received," said the Minister.

Director General, Department of Wildlife Conservation, Ananda Wejesuriya said that there were no visitors occupying the Yala bungalows owned by the Department when the two attacks had taken place.

There are a total of seven bungalows located inside the Yala national park.

Meanwhile, Tourism Ministry, Additional Secretary, George Michael said that they are taking a ‘wait and see’ attitude towards this recent attack inside the National Park.

The Ministry as of yesterday had not received any tourist injuries regarding the attack.

"If we are to start writing and talking about this attack, we may be causing too much exaggeration or attention to the problem." He explained.

AG urged to resist bail for Malaka

Lawyers for accountant Chaminda Senasinghe who was allegedly assaulted by Malaka, son of Labour Minister Mervyn Silva at the Bistro Latino recently have called on the Attorney General (AG) to resist the bail application, which is due to be taken up at the High Court today.

In a letter by President’s Counsel M.L.M. Ameen to Attorney General C.R. de Silva PC yesterday, the reasons why the AG should object to granting Malaka Silva bail was set out.

The letter followed a request made by the AG the previous evening for the lawyers representing the aggrieved party Chaminda Senasinghe to meet him for an interview in relation to the written representation made to indict Malaka Silva for attempted murder.

In his letter President’s Counsel Ameen stated that on the request made by the AG for an interview, he contacted Daya Perera PC and their clients.

He further states that their client was keen that Perera was personally present at the interview, but that he was unable to do so having to be present in the Kandy High Court.

Ameen has further said since the bail application is coming up in the High Court on Wednesday only for the purpose of objections and not for argument Perera had suggested that a mutually convenient date to be fixed for the interview before the date for argument.

Ameen has also said that they wished to emphasise on behalf of the aggrieved party that the bail application must be resisted because the accused has violated each and every reason set out in Section 14 of the Bail Act for refusing bail.

Drawing attention to their letter dated October 11, Ameen also states that Malaka’s father, the Labour Minister had been making attempts to obtain travel documents for his son to go to Australia and Canada and thereby avoid appearance at the trial.

""Secondly it has already been brought to the notice of the Learned Magistrate that the suspect interfered with the witnesses particularly with the German lady Claudia, thereby obstructing the course of justice. Thirdly, the accused committed the crime during a period he was already bonded to be of good behaviour," Ameen has also said.

"Fourthly, the public reaction to the antics of the suspect has been of utter disgust due to the manner in which the suspect treats the legal institutions. Furthermore, it is no secret that a goon’s squad on behalf of the suspect had threatened the mother of the Learned Magistrate to release the suspect on bail. It is the desire of our client, that details in regard to these matters be furnished to you and that and it be done by Mr. Daya Perera President’s Counsel the senior counsel in this case. Therefore I would be most grateful if this request is accommodated," Ameen has added.

Heavy fighting in Vavuniya-Mannar FDLs

Heavy fighting erupted in areas north of the Vavuniya-Mannar forward defence lines in the last 48 hours leaving 30 dead.

The Defence Ministry said that at least 28 Tigers were killed in preemptive attacks at Mullikulam and Vilathaikulam on October 15.The Tigers have denied the military figures

"Troops launched their first strike at a terror hideout at Mullikulam last morning (October 15). Sources said that at least 20 terrorists were killed and 15 others were injured in the incident. During the subsequent search, troops have found five bodies of young LTTE female cadres and two bodies of male cadres," the Ministry said.

One soldier was killed and seven others injured in the subsequent mortar fire the Ministry said.

"Field sources said that they refrained from retaliating to the terrorists’ indirect fire since LTTE has positioned all of their artillery and heavy mortar batteries around the sacred Madhu church," the Ministry said.

Fighting was also reported in Vilathailkulam between 3 and 4 pm on Monday and the Defence Ministry said that at least eight Tigers were killed when government troops attacked two Tiger bunkers. Four Tigers were also reported killed while trying to infiltrate the Muhamalai FDL south of Jaffna the same evening.

However fighting had subsided by yesterday the military said. "No attacks have been reported today," military spokesperson Brig Udaya Nanayakkara said.

At least 147 Tigers have been killed in attacks in the volatile north in the last fortnight, the government said this week.

The Tigers however have dismissed Government claims as propaganda.

Threats to opposition MPs

IPU team to visit SL for on site probe

A special delegation of the Human Rights Committee of the Inter Parliamentary Union (IPU) will visit Sri Lanka during this year to carry out on-site investigations of death threats and harassments to opposition members of parliament of Sri Lanka.

Assistant Secretary, UNP, Dr Jayalath Jayawardana made representation on threats faced by MPs at the Inter Parliamentary Union 119th sessions of the Human Rights Committee of Parliamentarians of the Inter Parliamentary Union recently.

Dr Jayawardana took up the issues of death threats and harassments faced by several opposition members of Parliament.

Some of the MPs that Dr Jayawardana represented were UNP MPs, Johnston Fernando, Ranga Bandara and Abdul Cader.

Jayawardana also made representations on behalf S.B.Dissanayake, National Organiser UNP.

Other issues that were taken up by Jayawardana concerned MPs, Mangala Samaraweera and Sripathi Sooriyarachchi.

It was also noted in a UNP press release that Jayawardana at the request of Mano Ganeshan MP and leader of the Western Province People’s Front took up the issue of death threats he is facing as a human rights activist.

He also requested the Human Rights Committee of the IPU to look into the investigations pending on the assassinations of former MPs Joseph Pararajasingham and Nadaraja Raviraj.

Tornado displaces 100 in Bibile

Over 100 people are now temporarily living with friends and family members after their houses were destroyed by the tornado that struck some parts of Bibile and Medagama over the weekend.

Secretary, Bibile Divisional Secretariat, Gunadasa Samarasinghe told The Morning Leader that in Bibile about ten houses were damaged by the tornado while two houses were completely destroyed.

Overall from this area about 25 people were relocated to the houses of friends and family.

Meanwhile in the Madegama area over a 100 people were displaced while about 50 houses were damaged and about five houses completely destroyed.

The National Disaster Management Center, Director, N.D.Hettiarachchie told The Morning Leader that they are in the process of collecting information regarding these people and their homes so that the government can compensate them.

The Center has sent one of their officers to the affected places and informed the Divisional Secretaries to report to them regarding the relief measures that are needed.

"This is in a very remote area so the displaced persons have moved into their neighbors houses or have put up small huts near their damaged homes and are living there. Their food too is provided by the Divisional Secretariats and their neighbors." explained Hettiarachchie.

Such tornadoes have been experienced in these areas at least every two years noted the Bibile Divisional Secretary, Samarasinghe.

President for Iran on Oct 24

President Mahinda Rajapakse is to undertake an official visit to Iran next week.

The Morning Leader learns the President’s three day visit will commence on October 24.

Informed sources said the President is expcted to solicit Iran’s support for two power projects during the visit and a credit line for oil supplies.

The Morning Leader learns the President will in exchange for Iran’s support provide an assurance Sri Lanka will not support any move in the UN to impose any sanctions or other strictures on the country over its nuclear programme.

The governmnt’s Appropriation Bill was challenged in the Supreme Court yesterday by the JVP and the Centre for Policy Alternatives (CPA) as being unconstitutional.

The Appropriation Bill has also been challenged by Chartered Accountant, Nihal Sri Ameresekere.

The three petitions are to be supported in the Supreme Court today.

The petition for the JVP was filed by Colombo district MP Sunil Handunnetti.

The government tabled the Appropriation Bill in parliament on October 10 with the budget to be announced on November 7.

The petitioners have claimed that the provisions of the Appropriation Bill have violated the constitutional right given to parliament to control public finance.

Ameresekere in his petition has pointed out that the 2006 Appropriation Act had estimated a Rs. 609 billion expenditure whilst the actual expenditure for 2006 as per the government’s own financial statements had been Rs. 1072 billion.

The petitioners had also stated that taking into consideration the higher exchange parity rates for 2008, the total expenditure is Rs. 925 billion.

It has also been stated that public finance cannot be put beyond the reach, supervision, direction and control of parliament by the government investing funds wholly or partially in limited liability companies excluded in the definition of "Public Corporation" in terms of Article 170 of the Constitution.

Renton confident of spicing things up

Renton de Alwis, Chairman of the Sri Lanka Tourist Development Authority, is confident about the successful outcome of this year’s World Spice Food Festival which is scheduled to be held from October 18-28.

Spurred on by the past success of the festival, the SLTDA sees the upcoming festival on an even more extravagant scale in a bid to promote Sri Lanka as a vibrant tourist destination.

The festival has been organized by the Sri Lanka Tourism Development Authority (SLTDA) together with the five star hotels and top restaurants in the city. The Sri Lanka Tourist Board will declare the event open on October 18 at the Hilton Colombo to mark 10 days of a thrilling culinary extravaganza.

Most five star hotels and restaurants will conduct a food festival for one week in one of their restaurants, where world class chefs will be flown in from different countries, who are specialists in the cuisines on offer.

Govt accused of duplicity over Arbour’s Jaffna visit

THE Civil Monitoring Commission has charged that the government had not given the true picture of UN High Commissioner for Human Rights, Louise Arbour’s visit to Jaffna last week.

CMC Convener Mano Ganeshan told The Morning Leader the governments claims that Arbour had met the families of the abducted persons in the north was a joke.

"Minister Mahinda Samarasinghe must have been joking when he showed a Tamil newspaper to the media stating Madame Arbour had met the people in the north. The photo on the paper itself showed that the people were separated from the UN High Commissioner by a gate," he said.

He also welcomed the decision to resign by the four civil society members from the Human Rights advisory committee set up by government. However Ganesan said the decision was very late in coming.

He also called on the remaining members to resign.

Rights activists Sunila Abeysekara, Nimalka Fernando, Rohan Edirisinha and Pakaiyasothy Saravanamuthu sent letters of resignation to Minister Mahinda Samarasinghe claiming that their advice was not taken seriously by the Minister.

The resignation letters were sent after UN Human Rights Commissioner Arbour left the island on Saturday October 13.

Ganeshan said this committee, which was set up a year ago with prominent NGO rights activists did not serve any purpose in bringing down the Human Rights abuses or halt the culture of impunity. "Instead it gave some credibility to the government. Existence of this committee was not known to public. That is why I had to refer to this committee as one of the non result producing committees among various others set up by the government," he said. (AW)

Green month celebrated

The Environment ministry will celebrate Green Month with a series of programs to protect the environment. The Green month that commenced on October 15 will go on till November 15.

The program commenced at the Dutugemunu Uyana Embilipitiya under the patronage of Environment minister Champika Ranawaka.

Media Coordinator Aruni Muthmali said, in the past the Green Month was celebrated by encouraging the public to grow trees. "At this year’s Green month celebrations the minister hopes to create an awareness among the public to protect and preserve the environment. Subjects such as air pollution, solid waste management and water pollution that have become serious issues in the country will be discussed during the Green month," Muthumali said.

Muthumali added that under a special solid waste management program garbage is collected from Colombo West and Colombo East at 6am and disposed. "The minister plans to introduce this program to other areas in the country," Muthumali explained.

According to Ranawaka a National Policy on Solid Waste has being approved by Cabinet. "All local government bodies can now implement their own policies to control the solid waste in their areas effective from November 1. Due to proper planning and control of solid waste, around 70 companies have successfully caught on to this program," Ranawaka said.

Bakeries not affected by price hike

The increased flour prices which have led to higher rices of bread and other wheat-based products, have not affected the sales of most bakeries.

Many of the Bakery owners said that sales have only slightly reduced, but that this too is really an insignificant amount.

The Royal Bakery, Partner, Bandulla Perera told The Morning Leader that sales have not reduced that much.

"There has been a slight drop in sales, but this is not a big problem," he said.

Perera also pointed out that sales figures may change as it was the fasting period last week.

Other commonly bought items include fish buns, other pastries and bread-based foods.

Anti trafficking programme to be launched

The United States along with the International Organisation for Migration (IOM) is to launch a new anti-trafficking programme.

The United States Government has provided the IOM two grants to the total of Rs 500,000to conduct the programmes that will help strengthen Sri Lanka’s capacity to investigate incidences of human trafficking and to prosecute suspects in operations of trafficking at both the domestic and international levels.

Colombo- Kandy highway to take four more years

Over Rs. 150 million has been spent on the Colombo-Kandy Highway since the inception of the project back in 1998 according to the Road Development Authority (RDA) and yet the first stage of the project, which is the 40 kilometers stretch from Kadawatha to Ambepussa is not expected to be completed for the next four years.

A further Rs. 50 to 70 Billion is expected to be spent on this highway according to RDA sources.

RDA officials claimed that the project cost as well as the time frame for the entire project depends on the scope of work, and also the cooperation of the communities that will be affected. If all goes well with the highway work, there will be a water and sewage system which won’t require further digging for at least 30 years

Chief Minister, Sabaragamuwa Provincial Council (SPC), Mahipala Herath has been accused of blocking state funds to the Dehiowita Pradeshiya Sabha to repair the Avissawella - Mahiyangana main road.

The Morning Leader learns that although Deputy Finance Minister Finance Ranjith Siyambalapitiya whose constituency is Kegalle has assured the Dehiowita Pradeshiya Sabha of the necessary funds for the 11.5 km road, Chief Minister Herath has prevented the Pradeshiya Sabha from carrying out the work.

Chairman, Dehiowita Pradeshiya Sabha, Amila Ruwan told The Morning Leader that the Chief Minister has warned the Pradeshiya Sabha he would take legal action against it in the event it undertook to repair the road. "This road is the main road that leads from Avissawella to Panawala. The road is impassable and has not been repaired for the last three years. Although we requested the SPC several times to get the road repaired they ignored our request and the villagers had to close the entire 11.5 km long road for traffic on September 9," claimed Ruwan.

According to Ruwan no sooner Minister Siyambalapitiya was informed of the protest he had promised to take speedy action to get the road repaired. "As promised he met the relevant officers on September 15, and assured to pass funds to the Pradeshiya Sabha and requested me to bring quotations for the work," added Ruwan.

However realising that the Pradeshiya Sabha has requested only Rs. 16.8 million for the entire road while the Chief Minister’s nephew Anuruddha has requested Rs. 6.7 million for the repair of 3 km, the Chief Minister has allegedly threatened to take legal action against the Pradeshiya Sabha if it initiated the project which came under the Provincial Council.

Meanwhile Deputy Finance Minister Ranjith Siyambalapitiya told The Morning Leader that he has to look into the grievances faced by the people who use this road daily.

"I will get this road repaired for them at the earliest as all the necessary arrangements have been made to release funds to the Provincial Council. Once the money is passed I will personally look into the matter," Siyambalapitiya said.

All attempts to contact Chief Minister Mahipala Herath by The Morning Leader failed as he was ‘busy’ chairing meetings, according to his secretary.

Expect thunderstorms and lightning

The Meteorological Department forecasts heavy rains accompanied by thunderstorms and lightning till end November.

With the onset of the inter monsoon, afternoon and evening heavy showers with strong winds could be experienced islandwide, Director, Meteorology J.B. Samarasinghe said.

"Although the morning sky will be bright and clear late afternoons, evenings would be cloudy and thundershowers and storms are likely to hit most parts of the country and also along the western slopes of hills in the Central and Uva Provinces. The monsoon rains now experienced in most parts of the country will spread to the other parts in the weeks to come. People should be vigilant as occasional thunder and lightning too could be expected with the heavy showers," said Samarasinghe.

Samarasinghe told The Morning Leader that with the activation of inter-monsoonal rains the possibility of land and mudslides could be experienced in the vulnerable areas mainly in the Sabaragamuwa, Uva and Central Provinces. "People who are living in vulnerable areas should be vigilant as there is a possibility of land and mud slides in these provinces. Although we could experience short spells of rain a heavy downpour which would result in floods in most parts of the island," Samarasinghe further added.

When asked whether the country would experience heavy winds Samarasinghe said that tornados too could be expected. "On Sunday a tornado hit Medagama in Bibile where many houses were damaged. A tornado will last for about 5-10 minutes but the speed could be around 200 km per hour which would be disastrous," added Samarasinghe.

According to Samarasinghe unlike the inter monsoon period during March and April where thunder and lightning are at their highest, this time around it will be less.

Environmentalists against Sethu

Environmentalists claim that if the proposed Sethusamudram project goes ahead as planned it could affect the marine life in the country.

Despite claims by India that Sri Lanka would not be affected by this project, environmentalists have revealed the serious repercussions it could have on the fishing industry and the remaining dugong population.

Speaking to The Morning Leader Marine Conservationist, Nature Conservation Group, Prasanna Weerakkody said the Palk Straits is a shallow and ecologically sensitive area. This area is the most extensive sea grass bed in Sri Lanka and the region, and the last stronghold for the remaining dugong population. The dugong population was severely affected by fishing many years ago," Weerakkody said.

Weerakkody added that in the 1970’s there were around 200 dugongs in one pod. "But today the dugong population is almost extinct. This is the most endangered large mammal in the region. If the Sethusamudram project goes ahead a huge deep water ditch will be cut across the Palk Strait and this would divide the dugong population into two areas," Weerakkody added.

He explained that the shape of the coastline could also change. "The sea current that brings in the nutrients and sand drifts could also change and this could have a serious effect on the area. The fishing industry in Jaffna, Mannar and down to Kalpitiya would be affected due to this project," Weerakkody said.

Male workers to South Korea soon

The Foreign Employment Bureau (FEB) has received a positive response from South Korea as a destination for the country’s semi skilled male labour force according to Chairman, FEB, Kingsley Ranawake.

Ranawake and a delegation from the Ministry of Foreign Employment and Promotions left to South Korea recently on a promotional campaign for Sri Lanka’s labour market.

Speaking to The MorningLeader Ranawake said he met several factory owners in South Korea who were interested in Sri Lanka’s work force. However, the FEB has not found any new markets for maids due to their lack of skills.

Ranawake said that there are many other countries interested in both housemaids and semi skilled male workers but lack of experience and training has led Sri Lanka to miss out on these job opportunities. However training programmes are now underway for male workers as well as housemaids.

According Ranawake the FEB hopes to uplift the skills of migrant female workers by conducting training programmes with the assistance of the Vocational Training Ministry in order to put them on the level of housekeepers as the demand for housekeepers is increasing worldwide.

The FEB has been searching for new markets to send maids and other workers in the light of the recent issues which keep emerging in Saudi Arabia, the biggest employer of Lankan workers. The majority of workers who leave Sri Lanka are unskilled and most of them end up as maids in the Middle East.

According to the FEB around 285,000 foreign employment opportunities are lost each year in Sri Lanka due to the lack of skilled workers.

New tax on those who pollute the environment

Environment Minister Champika Ranawaka will introduce a new tax under the Haritha Baraya programme in the new budget to be introduced by the government in November. Under the new tax, any person who produces products that are harmful to the environment will be charged a higher tax than others.

According to Ranawaka this programme will be introduced with the aim of reducing pollution of the environment. "We have to encourage people to produce products that are environment friendly and create awareness among them if we are to protect the environment for future generations," Ranawaka said.

Initiative for better anti corruption action

An anti corruption initiative has recommended both the Public Accounts Committee (PAC) and the Committee on Public Enterprise (COPE) to refer reports that are investigated into through the Permanent Commission Investigating into Bribery and Corruption to the Attorney General’s Department for criminal and civil action.

The Sri Lanka Anti Corruption Programme 2007 in its proposed national programme to create a graft free Sri Lanka has stressed upon the need for both the parliamentary committees to take prompt action to investigate allegations and request fitting responses from both ministries and officials and to enjoy enhanced powers to do so.

The Action Plan recommends that COPE and PAC chairmen should lodge specific complaints with the Permanent Commission Investigating into Allegations of Bribery and Corruption.

It further recommends that the Attorney General should pursue both criminal and civil charges which are identified as one of the most effective corruption deterrents.

YMCA anniversary celebrated twice in one year

The directors of the YMCA National Council have questioned the need to celebrate the 125th Anniversary of the YMCA Movement for the second time in three months.

In a letter to the National General Secretary, the Executive Director has said the 125th anniversary should not have been celebrated a second time on September 28, when it had already been celebrated on June 24.

"It is the wish of the directors that I write to you and state that while the office-bearers of the National Council of YMCA’s in Sri Lanka and you were in deep slumber, the Colombo YMCA did celebrate the 125th Anniversary on the due date, namely, June 24, 2007.

"Your belated effort to observe this event, three months after the due date, is a crude attempt to distort history, mislead the public, and bask in the glory of the Colombo YMCA, of which you are infinitely unworthy," Executive Director A.J.P. Wijeyesinghe in his letter has said.

A Kia motor vehicle for recently promoted officer

Parliament has recorded yet another extravagant purchase with the obtaining of a Kia motor vehicle for a recently promoted parliamentary official at a time when a more senior officer from the same office is denied a basic computer due to lack of funds.

According to parliamentary sources, a former administrative officer attached to the office of the Chief Government Whip is currently using a Volvo.

The official who was not entitled to a vehicle obtained the facility with cabinet approval. He has also submitted fuel bills more than double his quota to the tune of Rs. 20,000. His entitlement is Rs. 9,000 for petrol.

However, the Secretary to the Chief Whip continues to draw a fuel allowance of Rs.9, 000 despite being a senior SLAS officer.

While the newly promoted assistant secretary travels in a Volvo, the Chief Government Whip, Jeyaraj Fernandopulle himself travels in a Cefiro, according to highly placed parliamentary sources.

Indian navy to set up observation post near Mandapam

As an urgent step to check smuggling activity in the Gulf of Mannar area, the Indian Navy has decided to establish a Naval Observation Post (NOP) at Seeniappa Dharga near Mandapam in Ramanathapuram district.

This is the first time that the Indian Navy has come out with a plan to create a facility along the Gulf of Mannar ever since it established naval detachments along the Palk Bay during the Indian Peace Keeping Force operations in Sri Lanka. These assets were basically established to assist the IPKF to meet its logistical and strategic needs from the Indian shore. The decision assumes significance following intelligence inputs that smugglers operating from the Palk Bay and the Palk Straits have reportedly shifted their activities to the Gulf of Mannar.

The proposed facility would enable the navy to extend its operation to Valinokkam.

The recent incidents of smuggling along the Rameswaram coast suggest that the northeast monsoon season from October to December, is considered a favourable season for smugglers. There were reports that smugglers have changed their strategy based on the seasonal changes.

Concessions for Indian film makers filming in Sri Lanka

The Government of Sri Lanka would consider providing special concessions to Indian film makers with the intention of promoting filming in the country, said Chairman, National Film Corporation of Sri Lanka (NFC) Ashok Serasinghe.

Serasinghe made this announcement when he was in Madras in connection with the Festival of Sri Lankan Films, which is held as part of the Golden Jubilee programmes of the Madras Film Society.

Giving details about some of the concessions being considered, Serasinghe said that the corporation would waive any charges for filming feature films in the country with immediate effect.

The NFC would grant asurety bond to the Sri Lanka Customs for the clearance of equipment brought in by the foreign film makers to the country. It would also provide internal transport facilities and accommodation.

Serasinghe also said that an agreement had been finalised with the Gemini Group of Companies in India to produce a film as a joint venture by both countries featuring Sri Lankan and Indian actors.

Man shot in Crow Island

The Modera police last Wednesday on receipt of information regarding a shooting at the junction leading to NARA in Crow Island, had rushed to the scene and found a person lying on the road with gun shot injuries.

The injured person was admitted to the Colombo National Hospital where he succumbed to his injuries. No one has been taken into custody in connection with this shooting.

The Hambantota police last week reported a case of theft of three heads of buffalo valued at about Rs. 60,000.

The theft had taken place between last Monday afternoon and last Tuesday morning at Walsapugala, Hambantota.

Three persons have been arrested in connection with this theft and two are still at large. One animal has been recovered by the police.

The Kahatagasdigiliya police reported a case of murder by cutting with a manna knife.

The incident had taken place last Tuesday near Kurunduwewe, Kahatagasdigiliya. The deceased was a 60 year old man.

Six persons are in police custody in connection with this murder. Police investigations are continuing.

The Hungama police reported a case of murder by cutting with a sharp weapon. The incident had taken place last Tuesday near the Modara Junction, Kahanda on the Tangalla-Tissa main road.

The victim was an unidentified male and was around 35 years of age. The suspects are still at large and the police have not been able to establish a motive for the murder. Police investigations are continuing.

The Kantale police following information last Wednesday searched a shrub jungle near the bridge on Maragaha-Rajaelu Road and recovered one kilo of high powered C-4 explosives, two electrical detonators and two torch batteries.

No one has been taken into custody in connection with this discovery. Further police investigations are in progress.

The Dehiwela police last Wednesday reported that the Acting Director of the National Zoological Gardens, H.B.Dissanayake had been admitted to the Kalubowila Hospital with injuries following an attack on him by some workers in the zoo.

The attack had been over a dispute relating to a welfare matter.

A CTB bus belonging to the Bandarawela Bus Depot proceeding to Kirinde from Diyatalawa had gone off the road and fallen into the canal at Aluthwela bridge. The incident had occurred last Wednesday.

The driver of the bus and two passengers were rescued by the villagers while they were adrift in the canal. Another passenger of the bus was reported to be missing.

The Peradeniya police last Wednesday arrested a resident of Muruthagahawala, Dehipagoda for possessing three gelignite sticks.