<p>NEWSLANKA NEWSLANKA Established since . . FREE, WEEKLY NEWSPAPER 1991 E: info newslanka.net @ ISSUE 1151 T: 020 7978 9030 THURSDAY - DECEMBER 26 - 2013 WE CARRY THE BROADEST SELECTION OF SL NEWS TO THE BROADEST CROSS-SECTION OF SRI LANKANS gives you the opportunity to experience the sheer luxury of our business class with traditional warmth and hospitality. For more information, visit www.srilankan.com/upgrad Taprobane Travel Great offers on flights & hotels. See page 3. T T Happy New Year from Newslanka Next weeks paper, Issue 1152, will be in the shops on Friday 03rd January 2014. Sri Lankans, on Boxing Day, paid tribute to those who died in the 2004 tsunami. Two minutes-silence was observed from 9.25 to 9.27 in remembrance of all Sri Lankans who lost their lives in natural disasters. The Tsunami catastrophe which battered Sri Lanka in 2004 had a catastrophic impact on the Southern, Western, Eastern and Northern Provinces of the country. Nearly two thirds of the country’s coastal belt, i.e. 13 administrative districts bore the brunt of the disaster. Approximately 35, 000 lives were lost while 5000 were reported missing and 95,000 others were deprived of their livelihood. In a symbolic gesture of creating awareness among people as regards the disaster mitigation, 26 December of each year was named as “National Safety Day”. The Disaster Management Ministry has introduced a new hotline - 117 - for the public to convey information related to natural disasters and accidents. Sri Lankans remember tsunami victims PIC COURTESY OF DAILYMIRROR.LK Star Fortune Property Limited, UK & Capital TRUST Properties Pvt Ltd, Sri Lanka are jointly organising a presentation in London to announce the launch of Platinum1, at 1, Bagatale Road, Colombo 3. Thursday, January 16, 2014 - Time : 1.00 pm to 9.00 pm IHG | Crowne Plaza London - The City 19 New Bridge Street, London EC4V 6DB RSVP: Beulah Tanukula – Phone at +44 (0)7894955633 or email via beulaht@gmail.com Platinum1 London Event NEWSLANKA PAGE 02 26 DECEMBER - 2013 ISSUE 1151 SEND DETAILS OF YOUR EVENT. WWW.NEWSLANKA.NET CHECK THE LATEST ISSUE & OUR ARCHIVES AT Female anaconda vomits dead male anaconda (dailymirror.lk) The 15.5 feet long female anaconda at the Dehiwela Zoo that swallowed a 12 feet long male anaconda on Thursday, vomited the male anaconda on Saturday, official said. Premasiri Peries, officer in charge of reptiles at the Zoo confirmed yesterday that the male anaconda had died and the female anaconda was in good health. He also said that the body of the dead anaconda would be handed over to the Zoo Museum for keeping. Last Friday, the female anaconda had swallowed the male anaconda soon after they had mated. The females of the species are larger than the males. This pair of anacondas was brought to SriLanka from the Czech Republic on March 22, 2003.(Sanath Desmond) (dailymirror.lk) Sri Lankan authorities barred the Australian owner of one of the world's most exclusive hotels from returning to his adopted homeland Tuesday for flying the national flag upside down, officials said. Geoffrey Dobbs, who is also the organiser of an international literary festival in the tourist city of Galle, was turned back at Colombo airport for the second time in five days, the officials said. "He tried to enter the country this morning, but we did not allow it," U. G. Udowita, the head of immigration at Colombo airport, told AFP. "He flew in from Bangkok on a Sri Lankan airlines flight and the airline will take him out in the next available flight back to Thailand." Immigration sources said that Dobbs had also been turned back at the airport on Friday after flying in from Thailand. Provincial governor Kumari Balasuriya said Dobbs had been blacklisted after flying four flags -- which each feature the image of a mythical lion -- upside down and at half mast near her home in Galle just before last month's Commonwealth summit in Sri Lanka. "Neighbors were very angry that he was insulting our country," Balasuriya told AFP. "He is a very undesirable person and we have decided to blacklist him and prevent him from entering the country," she added. Balasuriya said that Dobbs had deliberately flown the flags upside down after local workmen had accidentally inverted an Australian flag. The British-born Dobbs, who is a former publisher, runs four luxury hotels in the Galle region where some rooms cost more than $2,000 a night. His portfolio includes the private Taprobane Island, whose guests have included pop stars Sting and Kylie Minogue. It has been named one of the world's 50 most romantic locations by Conde Nast Traveler magazine. Balasuriya denied allegations by the Sri Lankan opposition that the move to bar Dobbs was part of a strategy by the authorities to take control of money-spinning luxury hotels. "He has a partner running his businesses and we have not tried to stop any of them," she said. A former publisher, Dobbs has organised the Galle Literary Festival since 2007. The event has drawn writers such as the novelist Joanna Trollope, playwright Tom Stoppard and the children's author Michael Morpurgo.(AFP) Peaceful environment pays dividends One time child soldiers now immersed in books (dailynews.lk) The ending of terrorism and the dawn of peace in the North enabled children in the North to reach the apex in the field of education. For the first time in the history of the country, the Northern Province has the largest number of students qualifying for university entrance at the GCE Advanced Level examination. This was revealed at a ceremony held when students scoring top marks in the 2013 GCE Advanced Level examination called on President Mahinda Rajapaksa at Temple Trees. President Mahinda Rajapaksa requested all students who top-scored at the 2013 GCE Advanced Level examination to dedicate themselves to fulfil the hopes and aspirations of their parents by becoming useful citizens of the country, while also protecting and safeguarding the pride of their motherland. President Rajapaksa congratulating the students for their sterling achievements in education wished them all success in their future educational pursuits. Speaking on the occasion, Education Minister Bandula Gunawardena said children of the North who earlier took the cyanide capsule to their hands instead of books and fought as child soldiers have now turned a new leaf and achieved great heights in the field of education. This transformation could be described as the greatest achievement made by the education sector, he said. Minister Gunawardena noted that this was the result of giving equal emphasis to Northern children as their counterparts in the South in providing educational facilities unhindered. This had enabled Northern children to shine in the field of education in comparison to the students in other provinces. The students who called on the President were Tatsarani Amaya of Eheliyagoda MMV who was first in the Biology Stream, Aditha Weerasiri Dias of Richmond College, Galle, first in Physical Science, Erandi Kanchana of Gampaha Ratnavali Balika MV, first in the Commerce Stream, Methsarani Lokuge of Colombo Devi Balika Vidyalaya, first in the Arts Stream and Duneesha Tharangani Fernando of Colombo Musaeus College first in the ICT Stream. The President also handed over cheques to the value of Rs. 100,00 to each student with the sponsorship of the People's Bank-- in addition to a dictionary and a lap top computer each. Education Minister Bandula Gunawardena, Deputy Minister Mohanlal Grero, People's Bank Chairman and Chief of Presidential Staff Gamini Sedara Senarath, Education Ministry Secretary Anura Dissanayake, Principals of the respective schools and parents were also present. President felicitates students who excelled in AL exam NORTHERN STUDENTS TOP PEACETIME RESULTS Trinity honours Prasanna W Jayawardene (dailynews.lk) At a special ceremony Trinity College Kandy honoured old boys from around the world who had excelled in a particular field. Prasanna W Jayewardene pioneer hotelier who has worked in 10 countries been a director of the more than 20 hotel companies and authored four novels was a recipient of this prestigious award. Former recipients include George Keyt, Duncan White, Lakshman Kadirgamar, General Denzil Kobbekaduwa, Gamini Dissanayake and Kumar Sangakkara. Sri Lanka bars Australian luxury hotelier in flag spat We accept all credit cards. 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SEND DETAILS OF YOUR EVENT. WWW.NEWSLANKA.NET Immediate travel only 07860 439483 www.srilankatours.co.uk/www.srilankans.com Office Opening hours Monday to Friday 0930 to 1800. Saturday 1100 to 1300 hrs FOR RESERVATIONS AND RATES AT OVER 40 HOTELS IN SRI LANKA phone: 020 7439 0944 or visit our website: srilanka-holidays.co.uk YOU MAY SPEAK TO OUR STAFF IN ENGLISH, SINHALESE OR TAMIL * *CUMULATIVE SALES Reservations & Enquiries, please call Kamini, Lucky or Vishni 020 7434 3921/020 7437 6272 2nd Floor, 10 Warwick Street, London W1B 5LZ Taprobane Travel/Sri Lanka Tours The reliable agent - Number 1 for flights to Sri Lanka since 1977* 36 1977 2013 NE A T B R O A R V P EL A T AN Y N R I A S V R E T T “For Airline Seat Plan” please visit our website www.srilankatours.co.uk Tickets are issued within 24 hours of receiving cleared funds *Conditions apply WISHING ALL OUR CLIENTS A PROPEROUS NEW YEAR NEWSLANKA PAGE 04 26 DECEMBER - 2013 ISSUE 1151 SEND DETAILS OF YOUR EVENT. WWW.NEWSLANKA.NET MAKE SURE YOUR EVENT DOES NOT CLASH. GET LISTED FREE OF CHARGE. "One World One People" We are working for a greener, peaceful, democratic and socialist world. Campaign for natural justice based on redistribution of wealth. www.peoples-international.com Visit Peoples-International Kensington Travel Lourdes Pilgrimage by Coach £199 from 4 or 5 days pilgrimage by Luxury Coach 2014 Visit the Chapel of the Miraculous Medal, Paris 9 Feb, 17 Apr, 2 & 23 May, 20 June, 21 July, 13 Aug, 22 Aug, 19 Sept, 3 & 24 Oct, 6 Dec Lourdes Pilgrimages by Air £599 from 8 days pilgrimages : 21 July, 13 Aug, 23 Aug, 19 Sept Fly from London Heathrow with British Airways, coach transports in France, 3/4* hotel on full board ROME & ASSISI by Air £599 from 26 - 29 April 2014 / 4 days by air / 3* hotels Canonisation of Pope John XXIII & Pope John Paul II Medugorje & Split £529 from 8 days pilgrimage by air, 3* hotel in Medugorje, excursion to Split and Mostar, pilgrimage guide 2 May, 23 May, 27 June 25 July, 22 Aug, 26 Sept Holy Land Pilgrimage £979 from 23 May, 8 Aug, 21 Nov / 3* hotels on half board 8 days pilgrimage by air, 3/4* hotels on half board, fully escorted visit to Jerusalem, Bethlehem, Nazareth and Tiberias, Jericho, Bethany, Dead Sea Lourdes - Nevers - Fatima - Santiago 26 July 2014 / 12 days by luxury coach / 3 * hotels Kensington Travel [ATOL 9649] 26 Thackeray St, London W8 5ET, 0207 937 9861 www.kensingtontravel.com, info@kensingtontravel.com (dailymirror.lk) Sri Lanka topped the list of having searched for the word ‘sex’ in 2013, while India followed at the second spot, Google reported. According to statistics issued by Google, Sri Lanka came first for the third consecutive year since 2011 in the internet ‘sex’ search category. When it came to the breakdown of data by cities, Nugegoda, Homagama and Colombo topped the list of people Googling the term ‘sex’ in 2013 in the Western Province, while Kandy and Galle came first in their respective provinces. According to Google Trends, the search for the term peaked in Sri Lanka during the week April 14-20, 2013, even as the partial data for December 08-14, 2013 showed it as second-highest week during which the term was Googled in 2013. According to the list of sex-searching countries India, Timor, Ethiopia and Bangladesh moved from second place to fifth place. Meanwhile, Director General of the Telecommunication Regulatory Commission (TRC) Anusha Pelpita said about 1,500 pornographic web sites had been blocked during the past three years. “Issues arise when underage children searched for this kind of sites. The Education Ministry also has a responsibility to discipline children,” he said. “This issue could not be stopped by only blocking sites,” he said adding that future steps would be taken to stop children from searching for ‘sex’ on the internet.(DS) SL tops Google’s 2013 ‘sex’ search list By Lasitha Duminda (island.lk) The government has decided to declare the Delft Isand a sanctuary for feral ponies and horses, Wildelife Conservation Minister Vijith Wijayamuni Zoysa said yesterday. The Minister told The Island that the decision had been taken with a view to protect and safeguard the wild horses and ponies living on the island, situated about 35 kms offshore from Jaffna. The ministry would take action to set up waterways to provide water for those animals, he said. Traditional Industries and Small Enterprise Development Minister Douglas Devananda too had made a request from the government to declare the Delft a sanctuary, Minister Zoysa said. The Delft Island is about 50 square km in size with a length of eight km and width of six Km maximum. It is surrounded by shallow waters and beaches of coral and sand. There are feral ponies, on the island,that were abandoned after the Dutch period. The island was named after the Dutch city of Delft by Rijckloff van Goens who was the governor of Ceylon from 1660 to 1675 AD. Wild horses in Delft Island. File Photo Delft to be declared sanctuary for feral horses, ponies (dailymirror.lk) Sri Lankas first multi-purpose gamma irradiation plant is scheduled to be opened in January 2014, the Ministry of Technology and Research said today. The plant situated at the Biyagama Investment Zone, has been built with an investment of over Rs.760 million and comprises a capacity of 300 Ci Kilos the Ministry said. The Ministry expects a monthly income of Rs. 4.5 million from the plant. "Gamma Irradiation Plants are widely used in a number of countries for sterilisation of medical products and food preservation. The establishment of such a plant will make it possible to obtain a better export market for the significant volume of latex gloves produced in Sri Lanka by several other companies. Latex gloves which are exported at present as un-sterile examination gloves can be exported as sterile surgical gloves, with a very high value addition estimated at 400%" the Ministry said in a release today. ‘Gamma irradiation’ plant to be opened in Jan. (dailymirror.lk) The Department of Census and Statistics today said the census carried out into the human and material losses incurred due to the conflict, was done according to international standards and norms with every aspect of loss being looked into. Rejecting the Tamil National Alliance statement regarding the procedural lacuna, the department’s Director General D.C.A Gunawardena told the Daily Mirror that the claim was “ a political gimmick”. “The census was carried out completely following international standards and practices of data collection. We have devised a questionnaire after consultation with a steering committee which comprises experts in their relevant fields and all stakeholders. The assertion by the TNA is wrong and is based on their politics” he said. Explaining the questionnaire, the Director General said it comprised the causes of loss and every other factor relating to the loss. “If it’s a loss of life we even inquired into who the people they thought were responsible and whether it was people in civilian clothing or in uniform. We also checked the documents or any other material evidence of the relatives or family possessed in order to ascertain the authenticity of their claims,” he said. He further said that the census which was carried out island wide was conducted in a manner that is most suitable to ensure that all data was gathered without duplication. “This was not conducted in an ad hoc manner, we provided the technical expertise to the officials who are conducting the census. We are trying our level best to eradicate any duplication or gathering of false data” he told the Daily Mirror. “This is the best that we could do, (Contd: on P14) (dailymirror.lk) The Tamil National Alliance (TNA) has decided to reject the census taken by the Department of Statistics regarding human and material losses incurred by the civil war. TNA Parliamentarian Mavai Senadhirajah said the five-party amalgam had decided not to cooperate with the census on the grounds that the procedures adopted by the officials in gathering information were not agreeable to them. He stated that the circumstances of incidences of disappearances and deaths were not being accommodated in the census process and this was not acceptable to the Alliance. TNA Parliamentarian M.A. Sumanthiran said in Vavuniya on Tuesday that the decision to reject the census was taken at the special meeting of TNA leaders held in Vavuniya on Tuesday. TNA Parliamentarians, the Chief Minister of the Northern Province, the NPC Ministers and members participated in this meeting chaired by TNA leader R. Sampanthan. The Parliamentary Select Committee (PSC) was not a genuine process to find a solution to the ethnic problem and a reasonable political solution could not be found through the PSC, Sumanthiran said. The TNA would take a decision in due course on the PSC, he added. However, Vanni District Parliamentarians Selvam Adaikalanathan and Vinonogarathalingam were conspicuously absent at the meeting. “Land-grabs by the state, excessive army presence and women’s affairs were also discussed extensively among other things at the meeting” Sumanthiran said. “People expelled from Valikamam and Sampur shoud be able to return to their original places, army presence in the north should be reduced, safety of women should be assured, and the various impediments to carrying on enterprises should be eliminated, he said at the media briefing It was also decided that serious disciplinary action would be taken against the local government members of the TNA who voted against budget proposals presented in TNA- controlled institutions. Chief Minister C.V. Wigneswaran did not attend the press conference held after the meeting.(Navaratnam Kapilnath) TNA rejects casualty census Census Dept. rejects TNA claims ..... If November 26 not acceptable due to Prabhakaran’s birthday dead." By Zacki Jabbar (island.lk) An Opposition legislator yesterday called for May 19 to be declared Commemoration Day,if the government did not want the Tamils who died in the war,to be remembered on November 26,since it was the birthday of the LTTE’s late leader Velupillai Prabhakaran. R.Yogarajan MP,told The Island that everyone has the right to honour their loved ones who had passed away and the families of the late LTTE cadres canno’t be considered as an exception to the rule. The three decades ethnic conflict consumed a large number of lives on both sides of the divide and it included combatants as well as civilians,he noted."If the government does not want Tamils to commemorate the death of their family members on November 26, since it marked the birth of the LTTE’s late leader Velupillai Prabhakaran,then it should declare May 19 as Commemoration Day,instead of calling it Victory Day.This would not only assist the reconciliation process,but also enable those who are lucky enough to be alive,to remember their departed loved ones,regardless of how the authorities wanted to categorise the War dead: Declare May 19, Commemoration Day - unp MP PAGE 05 ISSUE 1151 NEWSLANKA 26 DECEMBER - 2013 SEND DETAILS OF YOUR EVENT. WWW.NEWSLANKA.NET CHECK THE LATEST ISSUE & OUR ARCHIVES AT Fares are valid until 31st December 2013. *Blackouts apply. GBP 613/-* NEWSLANKA PAGE 06 26 DECEMBER - 2013 ISSUE 1151 GET LISTED, FREE OF CHARGE, AT OUR ONLINE EVENT CALENDER. SEND DETAILS OF YOUR EVENT. WWW.NEWSLANKA.NET … first detection made by workers laying pipes (island.lk) The government has ordered a top level investigation following the recovery of skeletal remains of at least nine persons buried north of the former Forward Defence Line (FDL) of the LTTE at Thirukedeeshwara junction at Manthai. Authoritative sources told The Island that judicial and police authorities had intervened after workers of the Water Supply and Drainage Board found skeletal remains of three persons. They had been making excavations to lay pipes when the detection was made around 2.45 pm last Friday (Dec 20). Having been informed of the finding, an officer serving the Archaeologi cal Department alerted the Vidathalthiv u police who subsequently dispatched a team there to protect the site until the officers of the Criminal Investigation Department (CID) reached the scene on Saturday (Dec 21). Asked whether those who had made the first detection could be identified, sources said they were Kanageswaran, Sendiran and Subbramanium, all residents of Wattakandal, Adampan. During excavations on Saturday under supervision of the CID, they found skeletal remains of two more persons along with coins worth 25 cents issued in 1982. Mannar Magistrate Anandi Kanagaratnam visited the scene on Saturday afternoon. Skeletal remains of four more persons were found yesterday. A senior official told The Island that the Water Supply and Drainage Board had been directed to suspend the project to facilitate investigations. The District Medical Officer (DMO) who visited the scene said that the bones could be over ten years old. The area was brought under government control by Task Force II (subsequently named 58 Division) at the initial phase of the Vanni offensive in 2007. By Shamindra Ferdinando Skeletons found near former LTTE defence line at Manthai (colombogazette.com) UNP MP Palitha Thevarapperuma today chained himself to a truck and continued his protest at Baduraliya, demanding that a state hospital in the area be reopened. A group of Thevarapperuma’s supporters also joined him during the protest which began five days ago with a hunger strike. Several UNP members visited Thevarapperuma today and urged him to stop his protest but he refused to do so. The Baduraliya hospital was closed following a strike by doctors over an incident which had allegedly taken place at the hospital. The closure of the hospital has inconvenienced several patients in the area and Thevarapperuma says he will not move until the hospital reopens and normal operations resume. The police had said yesterday they will be compelled to use minimum force to end the protest by the UNP MP and this led to the MP today chaining himself to the truck. (Colombo Gazette) PSC appointed by Speaker after consultations with Opposition Chaminda Perera Ulterior motives are behind the continuous refusal by the Tamil National Alliance (TNA) to participate in the Parliamentary Select Committee (PSC) on the national issue, Chief Government Whip and Water Supply and Drainage Minister Dinesh Gunawardena said. The TNA's attempts to devalue the PSC appointed by the Speaker on the agreement of both the government and the opposition to evolve a solution for the national issue has an underlining connotation with the sessions of the United Nations Human Rights Commission getting closer, Minister Gunawardena told the Daily News yesterday. "The outcome of the PSC is being expected by the international community too and the TNA's attempt with the UNHRC session getting closer, has an underlining connotation," he said. Commenting on TNA parliamentarian Sumanthiran's announcement that the party does not have any faith in the PSC process to reach a solution for the national issue, Minister Gunawardena said the PSC was appointed by the Speaker after several consultations to reach a solution acceptable to all while the Opposition also agreed to serve under the PSC. He said the government nominated its members after the PSC with 31 members was appointed by the Speaker. The rest has to be nominated by the Opposition as agreed. "The UNP gives excuses that it is unable to serve in the Committee as agreed upon if the TNA does not turn up. The TNA has been making different announcements as usual," he added. The minister said the PSC has gone a further step by inviting all political parties in Parliament to give evidence before the Committee. Minister Gunawardena said political parties in Parliament can use this opportunity and say what they want before the PSC. "Let's see if they like to represent the views of their people in the PSC or take the usual view of boycott," he said. The minister added that that the government is waiting for the outcome of the new opportunity. Minister Gunawardena commenting on Sumanthiran's opposition towards the census started by the government to assess the human and property damage during the conflict, said the people in the North represented by the TNA are helping to conduct the census. He said the census is carried out for the sake of the people and not for the sake of the TNA. The people in the North accepted what was paid for the damages while they provided their fullest support to conduct this census in defiance of the TNA announcement. He added that the TNA leaders have also lost their credibility. TNA attempts to devalue Parliamentary Select Committee METHOD IN TNA'S PSC MADNESS ... UNP MP chains himself at demo PAGE 07 ISSUE 1151 NEWSLANKA 26 DECEMBER - 2013 SEND DETAILS OF YOUR EVENT. WWW.NEWSLANKA.NET MAKE SURE YOUR EVENT DOES NOT CLASH. GET LISTED FREE OF CHARGE. NEWSLANKA PAGE 08 26 DECEMBER - 2013 ISSUE 1151 SEND DETAILS OF YOUR EVENT. WWW.NEWSLANKA.NET CHECK THE LATEST ISSUE & OUR ARCHIVES AT (ft.lk) The Tamil National Alliance (TNA) says the party is prepared to talk with the Government, if it will engage in a meaningful manner. TNA Leader R. Sampanthan said the party was prepared for discussions with the Government, but the latter should reciprocate with ‘a credible response’. He made this comment in response to the invitation extended by President Mahinda Rajapaksa last week for the TNA to resume the long-stalled talks on finding a political solution to the national question. Delivering the reply speech at the final Budget debate in Parliament last week, the President made a request to the Tamil leaders of the Opposition to come together with the Government to find a national solution and achieve reconciliation. The President requested the TNA leader and Chief Minister of Northern Province C.V. Vigneswaran to join hands with the Government to create national harmony. The TNA, the one-time proxy party of the Tamil Tiger terrorist group LTTE, has refused to participate in the Parliamentary Select Committee, the mechanism the Sri Lankan Government established to achieve a sustainable political solution to devolve power. Sampanthan, however, noted that the TNA had never said the party was not prepared for talks with the Government and wanted the Government to engage with the party sincerely for negotiations. According to Sampanthan, it was the Government that did not respond positively to the meetings set on 17, 18 and 19 January 2012 to discuss the setting up of a Parliamentary Select Committee (PSC) to discuss the national question. He added that it is the Government that is solely responsible for stalling the talks with the TNA. However, the Northern Province Chief Minister accused the Government of backing an attempt to create another LTTE that would be a threat to the Tamil politicians as the LTTE did during its reign. Addressing a public event, Vigneswaran has said that a movement is in the making under a former LTTE military commander now aligned with the Government. “The latest we hear is that a former LTTE military commander is being commissioned to restart an LTTE outfit subservient to the powers that be. Thus the white van drama could now be enacted by a different cast,” Colombo Gazette quoted Vigneswaran as saying.The Chief Minister has also claimed that the Sri Lankan Army has been stationed in the north following the end of the war, with ulterior motives. TNA ready to talk with Government on solution if engaged meaningfully AUTO TOUCH UK LIMITED "Business beyond borders" 53 Marlborough Hill Harrow, Middlesex, HA1 1TX United Kingdom Phone:+44 7535 540 305 (Sajid Shafeek) Email: sajid@autotouchuk.co.uk www.autotouchuk.co.uk W OR LD W ID E e xp ort s for ne w a nd use d v eh icl es fro m lea din g m an ufa ctu rer s (colombogazette.com) The Sri Lankan Government says the international community should give the country a vote of trust, because the Government has the greatest will to do things right and is dedicating great resources to reconciliation and reconstruction In an interview with Prensa Latina, External Affairs Minister Professor G. I. Peiris said that Sri Lanka is fully able to undertake the tasks set out by the Lessons Learnt and Reconciliation Commission and to guarantee the rights of its citizens. “We have the institutions, the resources and the will to take forward the rebuilding of our country, continue strenghtening our economy, and ensuring a decent life for all, no matter their religion, ethnicity or political affiliation,” Peiris said. “It has been a little more than four years since the war against the separatist Liberation Tigers of Tamil Eelam (LTTE), and signs of progress are visible everywhere you go in our nation,” he added. He said that amid the complex situation left by a conflict of almost 30 years, the government of President Mahinda Rajapaksa has had to establish priorities among the almost 300 tasks fixed by the Reconciliation Commission. Mine clearing in the north of the country is complete and more than 11,000 former LTTE members have been rehabilitated and reinserted in society, with equal rights, Peiris said. By virtue of an intense investment program and the recovery of productive activities such as fishing and agriculture, the economy of the northern province (where the population is mostly Tamil) grew by 22 percent in recent years, compared to a national rate of 7 percent, he said. The reconstruction of homes, highways, schools, hospitals and other social projects and the (Contd: on P14) Sri Lanka seeks vote of trust PAGE 09 ISSUE 1151 NEWSLANKA 26 DECEMBER - 2013 GET LISTED, FREE OF CHARGE, AT OUR ONLINE EVENT CALENDER. SEND DETAILS OF YOUR EVENT. WWW.NEWSLANKA.NET NEWSLANKA PAGE 10 26 DECEMBER - 2013 ISSUE 1151 SEND DETAILS OF YOUR EVENT. WWW.NEWSLANKA.NET MAKE SURE YOUR EVENT DOES NOT CLASH. GET LISTED FREE OF CHARGE. 7 YEARS WARRANTY (PART & LABOUR INCLUDED)* £3300 FROM S P E C IA L O F F E R FOR SHOPKEEPERS www.easycold.co.uk Unit 1 Eastgate Business Park, Argall Way, London E10 7PG Office: 0208 5583 666 / 0203 0076 507 ASSOS (dailynews.lk) “Allegations of human rights violations are levelled against many countries. Nations like Iraq, Afghanistan, Libya, Egypt, which had been prospering in the past are now devastated. The cause behind this destruction is the spreading of hate among different communities in these countries and using this hatred to interfere into internal matters of those countries,” Archbishop of Colombo His Eminence Albert Malcolm Cardinal Ranjith said . He made these comments at the opening of a new Mission House (Meesam hall) at St. Anne’s Church in Beruwala with the participation of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources Minister Dr. Rajitha Senaratna as the Chief Guest. “It is an international conspiracy. We should not get caught in that conspiracy. We need to encounter this problem intelligently. If we are to attain economic development in our journey to become the Miracle of Asia, we need to create an atmosphere in which our people can live happily. Other countries may feel jealous of us seeing the country’s development and unity. However, if we allow those countries to interfere in our internal affairs, it would be similar to committing suicide as a nation,” Malcolm Cardinal Ranjith said. “Sri Lanka is enjoying peace after a 30 year protracted war. While enjoying the hard won peace, we need to strengthen it. For that we need to create a country in which all communities can live with self-respect. That cannot be termed as a betrayal. Creating the necessary background for the protection of identities among different communities and respect for religious leaders in the country is not a betrayal at any cost. A betrayal is instigating internal clashes to rouse disputes among the people and then allowing foreign counties to interfere in our internal affairs,” he added. “We need to bring all communities closer while respecting each other, if we are to protect and make our country more prosperous, “ the Cardinal said. “All should therefore work together for the country’s wellbeing,” he said. Minister Dr. Rajitha Senaratna said, “the Beruwala Electoral seat comprises of different ethnic and religious communities co-existing in peace and harmony. “We are happy that this seat could produce a Cardinal attracting the attention of the world to our country. If we engage in politics aiming at votes, our country may fall down a precipice. Great leaders of the country were killed as a result of the ethnic conflict,” the Minister said. “In the post-war scenario, reconciliation is important. I am of the view that we should always be utmost fair to other religions than to our own. Then only can we achieve true reconciliation. I invite all religious leaders to join hands with the President to strengthen the peace, unity and harmony existing in the country. by Zacki Jabbar (island.lk) The Rajapaksa government had to clear only the Vanni after 2005, since the UNP and UPFA under Chandrika Kumaratunga had defeated the LTTE in the East and Jaffna, but national debt as at 2005 beginning from 1948, stood at only Rs.1.8 trillion, the UNP said. Leader of the UNP Ranil Wickremesinghe addressing the 46th Anniversary Celebrations of the government Printing Services Union at Sirikotha, noted that the UNP had also a fought a war, while implementing massive projects in the hydro,power,garments and housing sectors, but was never caught in the Rajapaksa debt trap which had placed the country in an unprecedented economic mess,which even unborn generations would not be able to clear. "We secured the East and also destroyed the backbone of the Sea Tigers. The UPFA under Chandrika Kumaratunga also had to fight the war and defeated the LTTE in Jaffna. But when she left office in 2005, the total accumulated debt since independence was only Rs.1.8 trillion," Wickremesinghe pointed out querying if loans to the tune of Rs.4.8 trillion had been obtained to chase the LTTE cadres out of the Vanni, build a few highways and carpet some roads. The answer, Wickremesinghe said was "stinking corruption" and it was starting the powers that be in the face but they carried on regardlessl after having abolished the 17th Amendment to the Constitution,which could have acted as a buffer against corruption, crime and lawlessness. While the nations resources were being plundered, the government acting on the advice of its highly paid whiz kids, Wickremesinghe observed was trying to wipe out the Rs. 6.6 trillion debt by regualarly imposing taxes on essential goods and services,which had resulted in the masses being thrown from the frying pan into the fire. Despite repeated election pledges public servants had received only one salary increase of Rs. 600 during the last eight years, the UNP leader said adding that Rs. 1200 allowances were meaningless with inflation around nine percent. The Chairman of the UNP Leadership Council, Karu Jayasuriya said that the budgets of many UPFA controlled local councils had been defeated because their very own members were sick of the extent to which state resources were being robbed. With corruption engulfing the entire government from top downwards, there was no one to bell the cat. That was why it was essential to re-establish the Independent Bribery and Corruption, Public and Judicial Services Commission among others, without any further delay, Jayasuriya stressed. SLMC to go solo at PC polls (dailymirror.lk) Sri Lanka Muslim Congress (SLMC), an ally of the government, will go solo at western and southern provincial council’s election as they did at the previous elections, party officials said. The government is planning to dissolve the western and southern provincial councils on January 12, to have elections in March. The alliance partners of the ruling coalition are busy again with their politburo and central committee meetings to decide on the fielding of candidates under the betel symbol. However, SLMC General Secretary M.T. Hasan Ali said, “We will have our High Command meeting during the first week of January. Our stand is that we should contest alone under our tree symbol. We did the same at last provincial councils”. Also, he said no party had invited them to contest together this time. (Kelum Bandara) I was labelled a ‘Kudda’-DM (dailymirror.lk) Prime Minister D.M. Jayaratne alleged that he was labelled a drug dealer (Kudda) by some faction in robes, soon after he proposed to set up two Courts (Sanga Adhikarana) for Buddhist monks to act against errant Bhikkus. Speaking at an event in Udahamulla, the Premier also said, “Some of the Bhikkus are currently serving prison terms, some are claiming that they had attained state of ‘rahath’. Some of their junior monks came to me seeking my help. I told them that I was also interested in attaining state of ‘rahath’, and asked him to send their teacher to me. So we call them men in robes. That is why I proposed to set up two Sanga Adhikaranas. Then suddenly they labelled me a drug dealer,” he said.(Muditha Dayananda) International conspiracy to spread hate, and divide - Malcolm Cardinal Ranjith Clearing Vanni or corruption cause for debt to rise by Rs.4.8 trillion? – Ranil (aft.lk) Urges Sri Lankans who ventured after greener pastures to come back and help in post-war nation’s transformation Says Govt. on its part creating a conducive environment for those best of brains returning to live and work in Sri Lanka By Shabiya Ali Ahlam Secretary Defence and Urban Development Gotabaya Rajapaksa yesterday urged millions of Sri Lankan expatriates to return and contribute in transforming the peaceful nation into a leading commercial hub in the South Asian region. Noting that despite the nation having produced smart and hardworking professionals over the years, Rajapaksa expressed that due to the uncertain war situation that went on for three decades Sri Lanka lost many of its “best and brightest” talent to countries that promised a better quality of life at that time. “Whether these individuals left to escape the conflict, pursue higher education, obtain a more lucrative environment, or enjoy a better quality of life, their departure was a serious loss for the nation. Now that Sri Lanka has come out of the war the time is right for expatriates to consider coming back home,” said Rajapaksa at the inaugural ‘Work in Sri Lanka’ conference in Colombo yesterday that had a full house attendance of recent and potential returnees. The Government on its part, he said, is keen on creating a conducive environment for those returning to live and work in Sri Lanka. “The creation of such an environment is extremely important from the perspective of attracting Foreign Direct Investment (FDI). It is for this purpose that the UDA together with the relevant local authorities have taken up a range of programs to uplift the local areas,” added Rajapaksa. Following the re-election of Mahinda Rajapaksa as President for second term in office in January 2010, the focus of the country has greatly been on strengthening peace and stability whilst fast tracking economic development. He added that such developments are the main thrust in transforming the nation into a dynamic global hub and such strategies make full use of Sri Lanka’s position, its educated and productive workforce, and its recently achieved peace, stability, and security. “The vision is to establish a five hub and tourism strategy. For this the Government has been laying the seeds of transformation soon after the war and this has created a strong base for building the future. Now the task is to make maximum use of this foundation to take the country to the next level,” he told the forum, while emphasising on arising potential in the country. Rajapaksa further stated that knowledge workers choose to work in Sri Lanka since there are ample opportunities and quality destinations throughout the country. “With such it is clear that Sri Lanka has immense potential to develop much further,” he opined. Central Bank of Sri Lanka (CBSL) Governor Ajith Nivard Cabraal, who also addressed the conference, said that the recent transformation signifies the presence of a consistent pipeline of investments coming into the country. Stating that the most difficult aspect in economy management is in maintaining the momentum, Cabraal said: “Transformation has to take placeand for that to happen there has to be new industries, services, and systems coming into the country every year. This is not only important to support the present day but also the future. That is the challenge that we have.” Sharing that the Government has identified tremendous opportunities areas which include maritime, aviation, knowledge, information technology, heath services, education, and energy, he stressed the need to ensure that the macro fundamentals of the country are safe and sound whilst making sure there is a steady pipeline of ready and skilful people for this purpose. Noting that the stage is set, he said the Government has made the initial investments and has created the platform to those interested in reaching the next level. “Sri Lanka is on a forward march. We intend in keeping our country safe, we intend in ensuing that the macro fundamental will be venial, and we intend that the capacity to do business will improve on a day-to-day basis. That would be the guarantee you will have to work, play, and live in Sri Lanka,” said a confident Governor to the audience. Gota gung-ho for expats (dailymirror.lk) While claiming that the Elections Commissioner should be vested with more powers to take actions on election related malpractices, the Transparency International Sri Lanka recommended today that an Elections Judge should be appointed to investigate into election violations and malpractices with focus on misuse of public properties. “Presently, only the Attorney General can go to courts on the misuse of public properties. This should be revised. Therefore an Election Judge should be appointed to investigate into election law violations, malpractices and misuse of public properties,” Executive Director S. Ranuuge told a news conference today. He also said the Elections Commissioner should be vested with more power as presently he was not powerful enough to take action against election malpractices. “He should also have the power to recover the cost of abuse from errant candidates and political parties immediately,” he said. Along with these recommendations, the TISL also suggested that 14 recommendations be implemented for a ‘Free and Fair Election’ in the country. (Lahiru Pothmulla) - (Pix by Pradeep Dilrukshana) TISL wants Elections Judge PAGE 11 ISSUE 1151 NEWSLANKA 26 DECEMBER - 2013 SEND DETAILS OF YOUR EVENT. WWW.NEWSLANKA.NET CHECK THE LATEST ISSUE & OUR ARCHIVES AT By Sujeeva Nivunhella in London (island.lk) The British Sri Lankan Forum - UK has accused Britain's Prime Minister, David Cameron of becoming a 'virtual representative for the Tamil Diaspora at the Colombo CHOGM conference". Following Cameron's interference with Sri Lanka's internal politics during CHOGM, the Forum handed over a petition to the British Prime Minister last week. Cameron's interference in the domestic affairs of another democratic nation was a dream come true for LTTE supporters who benefited enormously by the publicity the antics generated, the petition said. "We need not elaborate that it was the same Tamil Diaspora, which funded a 30 year brutal war, partly from the benefits they received from the British Government whilst being political refugees. As such we feel that you have let down the British Tax payers", it noted. "Need we mention the money laundering, the drug trafficking, credit card fraud which the members of the Tamil Diaspora have been found guilty of in the UK and worldwide?", the petition asked. The petition also brought to the attention of the UK Government that the LTTE remains a proscribed foreign terrorist organization since 2001, but numerous fronts attached to the LTTE continue to operate very actively in the UK and internationally. "Now, these LTTE fronts have flexed their muscles to tap into the purses of indigenous British citizens through various illegal operations. Credit card scams across 200 petrol sheds in the UK have resulted in British citizens having their credit cards cloned. Even the spouse of Conservative Party MP Andrew Selous (South West Bedfordshire) has become a victim", the petition pointed out. These LTTE fronts have made their money by swindling the British public and are using these ill- gotten gains to canvass Parliamentarians by funding their election campaigns. Misusing charity status has left millions being siphoned off from the UK to fund terror. Moreover, these are violations of the rights of the people kind enough to give for a cause, and that cause is not terror", it said. How many British citizens would feel upset that over the years they have given to charities like the Tamil Rehabilitation Organization (TRO), White Pigeon etc. who have used this money to fund LTTE terror? Is this not the reason that the TRO has been stripped of its Charity status by UK?", the petition further queried. British Sri Lankan Forum - UK requested the British Prime Minister to consider not only Tamil views but also both Sinhala and Muslim views when the British Government is taking decisions pertaining to Sri Lanka. President of the British Sri Lankan Forum - UK, Janaka Alahapperuma told The Sunday Island that they received a letter from the British Prime Minister's office saying that their correspondence is currently under consideration. NEWSLANKA PAGE 12 26 DECEMBER - 2013 ISSUE 1151 SEND DETAILS OF YOUR EVENT. WWW.NEWSLANKA.NET MAKE SURE YOUR EVENT DOES NOT CLASH. GET LISTED FREE OF CHARGE. OM SIVA DURGA ASTROLOGICAL CENTRE PANDITH: DURGA PRASAD most powerfull spiritualist from india An expert pandith at your service: Health, Family, Marriage, Love, Business. Husband problems, Property, Money, Job, Education, Divorce, Court, Children, Lottery or depression etc. We give permanently protection. Past, present, future of your life will be read over to you from your face reading, palm reading and horoscopes. I will remove witchcraft and black magic permanently. 100% RESULTS GUARANTEED. ARE YOU SUFFERING? Tel: 074 4846 6009 OR 079 6063 3528 Address: 203 Lewisham High Street London SE13 6LY (Near Lewisham Library) Times: 09:30am - 07:00pm (7 days a week) Hale and Hearty Hulugalle! (ft.lk) Contrary to alleged reports of taking poison, bed ridden or dying, Lakshman Hulugalle last night didn’t look so. Apparently proving doomsayers wrong Hulugalle was wining, dining and mixing with select captains of industries at a pre-Christmas cocktails hosted by Commercial Bank Chairman Dinesh Weerakkody at the Bank’s penthouse in Head Office building in Fort. Hulugalle is also a Director of the Commercial Bank. Here Hulugalle posing for a picture with Korean Ambassador Arjuna Jongmoon Choi – Pic by Lasantha Kumara JHU warns the Government (colombogazette.com) The Jathika Hela Urumaya (JHU) has warned it is ready to step down from the Government if it can serve the people better. JHU member Udaya Gammanpila said that the JHU has now become the opposition within the Government. He said that if serving the people will be more effective by sitting in the opposition benches in Parliament then the JHU is ready to do so. Meanwhile Government Minister and JHU member Patali Champika Ranawaka said that the JHU will oppose any attempt to open a new casino in Sri Lanka. He said that while the Government had gazetted a hotel project in Colombo the JHU will raise strong objection if the project is turned into a casino business. (colombogazette.com) Government Minister Keheliya Rambukwella took a swipe at his colleague in the Cabinet, Minister Arumugam Thondaman, saying at times he tried to misuse his authority. Speaking at a trade union event in Kandy, Rambukwella said that when the UNP was in power Thondaman had gone to the Borella police station over an issue and sat on the chair of the police officer in charge and refused to leave until UNP leader Ranil Wickremesinghe came personally to resolve the matter. Rambukwella said that the UNP leader then contacted him as he was then in the UNP and asked him to meet Thondaman and bring the standoff with the police to an end. In another incident, Rambukwella recalled that Thondaman had threatened to resign from the Government of President Mahinda Rajapaksa and had even given his resignation letter. However Rambukwella said that Thondaman had later withdrawn the letter after the President said he will accept the resignation if Thondaman does not withdraw it in 24 hours. (Colombo Gazette) British Sri Lankan Forum (BSLF) donated £1000 for the Resettlement Hosing Project of war victims in Sri Lanka at another function held recently in Birmingham for the same purpose. The money was raised at a dinner and a musical evening with a patriotic theme held at the Parish Church of All Saints, Queensbury on Saturday 08 June 2013. It was extremely successful and we have been able to donate a substantial amount of money for the resettlement of the victims from the money raised. Members of the BSLF sincerely thank everyone who participated and contributed in numerous ways to make this event a tremendous success. Picture shows Janaka Alahapperuma and Vasantha Karunathilaka handing over a cheque for £1000 to Dr M.B.Ranatunga, the coordinator of the project. Details of Accounts are as follows Total income including raffle & donations-£2335 (Tickets sold 167 @ £12.00 each) Total expenditure-£1071.72 (including hall hire, Sound/Lighting, Food & refreshments, table linen, table & hall Deco, flower arrangements, cutlery/ crockery, transport, printing, photo copying, advertising & other expenses). Total profit: £1263.28 After donating £1000 for a timely important very worthy above cause a balance of £263.28 in possession of BSLF for organising future events. If you need any further clarifications please do not hesitate to contact BSLF. Email:slforum.uk@gmail.com Simple and colourful decors were adoring the Chancery of the Sri Lanka Embassy in Brussels and was crowded with Sri Lankans of all faiths, Christians, Buddhists, Hindus and Muslims, and also with the Friends of Sri Lanka in Belgium and Luxembourg, on the evening of 21st December, when the Mission marked the annual Christmas Day celebrations. This day of peace, friendship and harmony was enthusiastically attended by many Sri Lankans in Belgium, irrespective of their religious belief or practice. It is a strong signal of the desire of the Sri Lankans living outside the country also to celebrate the traditional Sri Lankan events in the best possible way they could, said Ambassador P.M. Amza, welcoming the gathering. The country, despite having less than 10% of its population following Christian faith is geared to celebrate this noble day, throughout the country, from North to South and all over. It is done so with a sense of passion. In the North, Sri Lankans are setting up Asia's tallest Christmas tree. It is a symbol of harmony and reconciliation, for a country that is emerging from a bitter conflict, he further said. He also invited the Sri Lankans in Belgium and also in Europe, to work together to keep their interest of the country active and to use their influence as a community. Rev. Father Claude Nonis, invoked blessings and conducted the religious ceremony, which included reciting from holy bible in five languages, including in French and Flemish languages. The Christmas carols sung in Sinhalese, Tamil and English echoed the message of love, peace and care, while the kids present waited eagerly to greet the Santa Clause who came in with a bag full of gifts, amidst the melodious song "jingle bells". The evening was concluded with a reception and exchange of greetings to each other. Embassy of Sri Lanka Brussels PRESS RELEASE CHRISTMAS CELEBRATED IN BRUSSELS WITH PARTICIPATION OF SRI LANKANS OF ALL FAITHS Press Release: British Sri Lankan Forum donates £1000 for Resettlement Hosing Project of war victims in Sri Lanka British Sri Lankan Forum protests against Cameron's interference Keheliya takes on Thondaman PAGE 13 ISSUE 1151 NEWSLANKA 26 DECEMBER - 2013 SEND DETAILS OF YOUR EVENT. WWW.NEWSLANKA.NET CHECK THE LATEST ISSUE & OUR ARCHIVES AT A three member official delegation led by Mr. Razik Zarook/ Chairman of the Bank of Ceylon and Mr. Amal Senalankhadikara, Chairman of the Sri Lanka Bureau of Foreign Employment along with Mr. Herath Mudiyanse, Senior Deputy General Manager of the Bank of Ceylon visited Israel from 22nd to 25th October 2013 to conduct a Promotional Seminar on “Remittances to Sri Lanka” on an invitation extended by Sri Lanka's Ambassador in Israel Mr. Sarath Wijesinghe. The promotional seminar held at the premises of the Embassy in Tel Aviv was very productive and informative to the many Sri Lankans who took time off from their workplaces to attend the event. Speaking at length on the significance of repatriating money to Sri Lanka through legal channels and on managing finances prudently, Mr. Razik Zarook/ Chairman of the Bank of Ceylon informed the gathering that remittances are the largest source of Sri Lanka's foreign exchange, comprising 8%of Sri Lanka's GDP at present and further stating that this has now exceeded the income received from our traditional export income generating sectors such as tea, rubber, coconut, gemstones and garments. An interactive briefing session for the delegation with the Sri Lankan Care Givers in Israel was also organised during the official visit to increase awareness and to update the migrant worker force in Israel of the new incentives and assistance provided by the Sri Lanka Bureau of Foreign Employment for their welfare. The Chairman of the SLBFE enumerated at length on the importance of joining the “Rata Viruwo” Organization, a progressive initiative of Hon. Dilan Perera, Minister of Foreign Employment Promotion & Welfare to extend more benefits for our migrant workers. It was stated during the discussion that the Organization which is run along the lines of a people's movement at grass roots level under the direct supervision of the State authorities, aims to bring about positive changes economically and socially to the lives of the families of migrant workers. Members of the delegation also held separate meetings with representatives of the Israeli banking, tourism and employment sectors and also visited the WATEC Exhibition which is Israel's largest Exhibition on water technology and environment control held on 22nd and 23rd October at the Trade Fairs and Exhibition Centre Grounds in Tel Aviv. Pictures depict some of the highlights of the visit. Embassy of Sri Lanka Tel Aviv NEWSLANKA PAGE 14 26 DECEMBER - 2013 ISSUE 1151 SEND DETAILS OF YOUR EVENT. WWW.NEWSLANKA.NET CHECK THE LATEST ISSUE & OUR ARCHIVES AT www.easycold.co.uk Unit 1 Eastgate Business Park, Argall Way, London E10 7PG 0208 558 36 66 SPECIAL OFFER FOR SHOPKEEPERS ASSOS Wall Unit Gondola Bread Unit 7 YEARS WARRANTY (PART & LABOUR INCLUDED)* £3300 FROM Press Release Promotional Seminar on Remittances organised for the Sri Lankan Migrant Community in Israel. SriLankan Airlines' expands its reach in Central Asia with its latest codeshare agreement with Siberian Airlines (S7) which came into effect on 17th December 2013. S7 Airlines, has its headquarters in Novosibirsk, the 3rd largest city in the Russian Federation, and is a member of the leading oneworld alliance. S7 has a wide network of destinations in Russia and in other Commonwealth of Independent States (CIS), as well as in Europe. It has the largest domestic reach in the CIS region. The codeshare will allow SriLankan Airlines' (oneworld member elect) passengers to Moscow to access key cities such as Novosibirsk, St. Petersburg, Volgograd, Irkutsk, Yekaterinburg and Chelyabinsk in the Russian Federation, as well as to Kiev the capital of Ukraine, utilising S7's strong network. Similarly, S7 Airlines will place its code on SriLankan's flights between Moscow and Colombo. S7 Airlines will also code share on SriLankan Airlines' flights to Bangkok and Male via Colombo. Highlighting the importance of this agreement, SriLankan Airlines' Chief Executive Office, Kapila Chandrasena said “ The Russian Federation and the Ukraine are very important markets for us and we are very excited at the prospect of accessing key destinations in this region together with S7 Airlines, a highly reputed airline serving a global network, particularly many destinations in the CIS region. We believe that this partnership will be of great benefit to both airlines.” Vadim Besperstov, S7 Airlines' Deputy CEO for Strategy said: “ We are glad to announce this partnership with SriLankan Airlines. S7 Airlines' passengers will discover new travel destinations on our code-share flights. We are looking forward to welcoming SriLankan on board of the oneworld airline alliance and offer even more benefits for our passengers and members of frequent flyer programs.” The city of Novosibirsk is the administrative capital of Siberia and S7 Airlines operates from the Novosibirsk Tolmachevo Airport (OVB) located in western Russia. SriLankan Airlines network has expanded to 73 destinations in 36 countries. orporate communications department SriLankan Airlines SriLankan expands reach in Central Asia with Siberian Airlines Press Release (dailynews.lk) The Annual General Meeting of the Computer Society of Sri Lanka (CSSL) was held recently at the Kingsbury Hotel and the new executive council for the year 2014 was elected. Ajith Salgado was elected as the President unanimously. The CSSL was established in 1976 in Sri Lanka by a group of dedicated professionals for the purpose of promoting Information and Communication Technology (ICT) and professionalism among those engaged in this field, and to maintain the highest professional standards among the ICT professionals. CSSL has played this role for over 35 years now and is considered the apex body for ICT professionals in Sri Lanka. It is not-for-profit body. The new President Ajith Salgado has over 15 years of experience in the ICT industry. Salgado is the Head of IT of Sampath Bank and a member of board of governors of Arthur C. Clark Centre for Modern Technologies. Making a speech at the AGM addressing ICT professionals, Salgado said “The CSSL strategy for 2014 has six focus areas. They are Develop CSSL Brand, Strengthen CSSL Membership, CSSL Media Presence, CSSL Certifications and Accreditations, International Collaboration and Developing the Next Generation”. He elaborated the strategies and their importance. “Developing brand is about further enforcing CSSL as the leading and relevant professional body for all in ICT industry. Increasing the membership will strengthen the society and the members it serves. Involvement in Certification and Accreditations demonstrates the capability of the organization. ICT is a global industry, therefore the CSSL will play a pivotal role on connecting Sri Lankan ICT industry to the world. He also explained that the future of any industry is highly dependent upon the quality of the future generations that would join it. “This is true for ICT industry as well. The CSSL will play a national role in enriching school children by increasing their awareness on ICT”, he further added. He further added that “the CSSL strategy for 2014 well aligns with the national ICT objectives set out by the President in Mahinda Chinthana, namely creating a knowledge hub, 75% IT literacy and US 1 billion ICT related export by 2015. We are committed to developing the professionals in this field to achieve those objectives”. Ajith Salgado elected President of CSSL Sri Lanka Census from P8 from P4 reinsertion of more than 400,000 people displaced by the war, along with the search for thousands of missing people are other tasks requiring more time but showing progress, he said. In March 2012 and March 2013, the United Nations Human Rights Council approved two resolutions that urged Sri Lanka to speed up the application of the Reconciliation Commission’s recommendations. In March 2014, the Human Rights Council will review the topic and many Western countries will probably propose that Sri Lanka submit to an independent internacional investigation to observe the rights of ethnic minorities. “But the threatening and the international pressure are not the path for us to go forward. The international community should give ua a vote of trust, because the Sri Lankan government has the greatest will to do things right and is dedicating great resources to reconciliation and reconstruction. We have the institutions to solve our problems,” said Peiris. “It is a mistake to apply selective and subjective standards to Sri Lanka. The UNHRC must consider the facts, by their own merits,” he said. He added that some governments are against the independent path taken by Sri Lanka, and together to former LTTE members who went abroad with a lot of financial resources, have started a campaign of discredit. we are following all internationally laid down procedures in conducting this” he said. The census which was conducted for over a month saw the participation of 15,500 government officials with every 500 households in the North being handled by one enumerator. In the South one enumerator was in charge of 1000 households. The first report of the census is expected by mid February, the Daily Mirror learns. Earlier, TNA Parliamentarian Mavai Senadhirajah said the five-party amalgam had decided not to cooperate with the census on the grounds that the procedures adopted by the officials in gathering information were not agreeable to them. He said the circumstances of incidences of disappearances and deaths were not being accommodated in the census process and this was not acceptable to the Alliance.(By Hafeel Farisz) PAGE 15 ISSUE 1151 NEWSLANKA 26 DECEMBER - 2013 GET LISTED, FREE OF CHARGE, AT OUR ONLINE EVENT CALENDER. SEND DETAILS OF YOUR EVENT. WWW.NEWSLANKA.NET The Joint Wesley College OBU (UK)</p>