Daily NEWS Srilanka

The President has emphatically mentioned that the nation is not prepared to betray the sovereignty of the motherland. He pointed out that Sri Lanka is now an independent country after ending the era of subjugation.

The distribution of school gear among Grade One students of the Kalutara District under the “Diri Uda” programme was held at St. Mary’s College in Matugama this morning under the patronage of President Rajapaksa. This was the fourth occasion of the “Diri Uda” programme, launched annually according to a concept of Minister Kumara Welgama.

Referring to the “Diri Uda” programme, Minister Kumara Welgama said that he is very thankful to the President as their area was fast developing when the President arrives. He called on all children who will be receiving the gifts made by him from the President to make optimum use of it an d pursue their studies and become good citizens.

School bags and school gear was dished out to children who gained Grade One admission this year from the Kalutara District.

The recipients numbered 2000. 21,000 children are due to receive them. Symbolizing the handing over the President presented school bags and school gear to 46 students. The President handed the keys of three buses gifted to the Kamburawala Maha Vidyalaya, Dodangoda Miriswatte Vidyalaya and the Bulalthsinhala National School.

Expressing views on the school gear received, student Dehemi Sanchathika said that that they are very happy today. Minister Kumara Welgama was gifting bags to them. She said that the President has also come for this occasion and they are proud of it. She welcomed all the guests including the President.

Expressing views at the function, President Rajapaksa emphasized that the nation is not prepared to betray the sovereignty of the motherland. He said that not a single country which had ended terrorism had develop at such a speed like Sri Lanka.

The President said that when he was watching ITN news the deaths that occurred during the conflict period were being reported. Every day it exceeded 100. These are children who joined the Sinhala Forces. They were vested with the task of halting it. The country was liberated without being permitted to be fragmented. As a result there are no bomb explosions. But the President said that every six months landmine explode when they go to Geneva. Sri Lanka was subjugated to Portuguese, the Dutch and the British. Now the country is free. Now some communities are attempting to dominate them. The United Nations is being exploited for this purpose. There is no country in the world that has developed within a short period of four years since ending terrorism. Despite all these developments, queries are being made as to what happened during the last three days of the humanitarian operation. Isn’t there any punishment to those who committed murders during the last two days of the Second World War. Many are pelting stones staying in glass houses. The President said how he responded to those who made queries in England that protection was need from those who pelted stones from glass houses.

The President also declared open the new Matugama new Divisional Secretariat office complex this morning. The President who arrived for the opening of the Complex was warmly greeted by crowds which gathered at the location.

The President inspected the new Division Secretariat Office after vesting in the public by unveiling the plaque. The new three storied building was put up at a cost of 61 million rupees to provide an efficient service to the public arriving there to meet their needs. It is equipped with all modern facilities. In future the people of Matugama will be able to meet their administrative needs under one roof.

Ministers Kumara Welgama, Bandula Gunawardena, Rohitha Abeygunawardena and Deputy Minister Nirmala Kotlawala were among the large gathering present.

Meanwhile, the President under took an observation tour of the Artificial Limb Manufacturing Centre in Nagoda and the residential hospital.

The President observed the activities of the Awaaz Private Limited at Nagoda in Kalutra which is an Artificial Limb Manufacturing Plant. The artificial limbs are manufactured by Aruna Samarwickrema and it has earned international praise.

He was honoured with the Presidential Award for the most significant innovation in the year 2005 and also won the Silver Award for the most flexible artificial limb at the 35th International Innovators competition staged in Switzerland in 2007 from among 143 countries. The President who made inquiries on the productions at the Plant, also made inquiries into the wellbeing of the patients who are warded at the Hospital for medical tests and training. The President also served them with fruits. Minister Rohitha Abeygunawardena joined the President in this observation visit.

Secretary to the President has said in Washington that the role of the Indian Peacekeeping Force should be probed in Sri Lanka war crimes.

President’s Secretary Lalith Weeratunga has pointed out that if an international investigation into war crimes allegedly committed in Lanka is to be fair, it has to be comprehensive. It should cover events since 1980, when terrorism raised its head in the island nation. He emphasized that such a probe should cover the period when the Indian Peace Keeping Force was operating in the island, drawing heavy flak from the Tamils for the atrocities it allegedly committed.

Mr. Weeratunga told a news agency in Washington that if there is an international investigation, the whole period has to be investigated – from the 1980s onward – which includes the two-year tenure of the Indian peacekeeping force. The IPKF was operating in Lanka from July 1987 to March 1990 to force the LTTE to accept the India-Sri Lanka Accord. Broken Palmyrah and The Satanic Force, both books written by Tamils, alleged Indian atrocities. Weeratunga is in Washington lobbying against the US proposal to bring a resolution at the UNHRC in March, calling for an international probe into charges of war crimes against Lankan troops. The Lankan official said that there would be “huge chaos” in Lanka, if its armed forces, which liberated the country from terrorism, were put to a judicial test. He warned that it was really going to reduce the morale of the army.

It is with great hesitation that a recount of another ruthless incident of the barbaric LTTE cadres which displayed their brutalism to the entire world is being reminisced.

It was on 31 January 1996 that as the clock struck at 11.00 a.m. the entire City of Colombo vibrated. No one was able to determine or come to a conclusion as to what had happened. Thick smoke rose up to the skies along with the sound of grieving citizens. A massive destruction has been caused. Everyone queried as to what had happened and where? The cruel terrorists who had drawn up plans to devastate the country had attacked the heart of the country’s economy. The entire Central Bank was covered with black smoke.

The suicide terrorists with a truck laden with explosives had stormed into the entrance of the Central bank building. Almost 18 years had passed since the carrying of this deadliest attack. While 41 employees who reported for duty at the Central Bank succumbed to this gruesome attack while 45 innocent civilians also breathed their last in this explosion. Based on hospital sources nearly 1500 sustained injuries. It is with tears and grief that many who lost their eyesight, hands and limbs as well as permanently rendered disable reminisce this atrocious attack.

The Central Bank bomb was a serious crime which no one could ever bear. No one can ever forget the ordeal despite attempts being made to do so. A fervent appeal is being made to local as well as extraneous forces shedding crocodile tears to draw attention to the human rights of the tiger terrorists whom they claim that the murderous tiger leader Prabhakaran is better than others. This is the past brutalism of the tigers.

Isn’t this a flagrant violation of fundamental rights? If more opportunities were given to the blood thirsty murderer Velupillai Prabhakaran and tiger terrorists, the destruction unleashed could have been inestimable. That brutality does not reign now. But we grieve and are concerned over our colleagues who were bumped off by the terrorists in this horrific attack.

A special ceremony was held at the Central Bank premises this morning in memory of those who were killed in the terrorist suicide attack on the Bank.

The paying of floral tributes in memory of the victims was held at 10.34 this morning under the patronage of Central bank Governor Ajith Nivard Cabral. Expressing his views on the occasion, the Central Bank Chief said that those who can still remember this merciless assault which was unleashed 18 years ago cannot raise human rights queries.

Deputy Minister Faizer Mustapha, Parliamentarians A.H.M. Azwer and Duminda Silva and Western Province Governor Alavi Moulana were present at this ceremony. A sathyagraha was also staged opposite the Central Bank remembering the attack and emphasizing that it was the obligation of everyone to prevent a recurrence of such a devastation in the motherland.

The report of the census on human death and property damages during the three-decade long conflict would be released next month.

The nationwide survey commenced in December last year was a key recommendation of the Lessons Learnt and Reconciliation Commission. The Task Force appointed to implement the LLRC proposals recommended the conduct of a professionally designed household survey, covering all affected families in the island to ascertain firsthand information on the scale and circumstances of death and injury to civilians, as well as damage to property during the period of the conflict.

Director General of the Department of Census and Statistics D.C.A. Gunawardena told local media that the field work had been completed and the data were being processed. The Department deployed about 17,000 officials for the survey to collect detailed information on the deaths, missing persons, injured and/or disabled persons, and damages to the property.

Minister Johnston Fernando has instructed the Sathosa Chairman to immediately examine all Lak Sathosa outlets.

The Minister on his way to the Pitigala area in Elpitiya had stepped into the Lak Sathosa outlet there. The Minister found that the branch was very unclean. Action had not been taken to provide certain consumer goods to the public properly.

Minister Johnston Fernando ordered CWE Chairman Nalin Fernando to immediately interdict the Outlet Manager and the Zonal Manager. Also the Minister today issued instructions to the CWE Chairman personally to examine the Lak Sathosa branches and to deploy a special team to examine these branches.

No one can estimate the brutal insurgency that was fast spreading like a pestilence causing havoc in the country. The lives lost in this plague also cannot be counted.

The tiger terrorists flagrantly violated the human rights of the entire nation. The cowardly acts of these gruesome terrorists committed during the dark era are reminisced in this feature.

On 31st January 1988, the tiger terrorists killed two war heroes in an attack unleashed at Uyilankulam in Mannar and thus embarked on their savage murders on this day during the dark period with the anticipation of meeting their terrorist objectives. The brutal terrorists carried out a deadly attack on the Central Bank Building in the Colombo Fort area on 31st Januawry 1996 shocking the entire nation. A truck laden with explosives was exploded taking away the lives of 86 persons including innocent civilians who were in the building to fulfil their business transactions.

Again on 31st January 2007, the terrorists took away the lives of nine war heroes in the Wandaramulla area unleashing another attack. The terrorists opened fire and killed four innocent civilians in the Thinnaweli area along the Nallur area on 31st January 2008, displaying their cruelty to the entire world. On the same day they targeted an attack at Kokkuthuduwai in Mullaitivu. As a result three war heroes made supreme sacrifices on behalf of the country.

In the year 2009 also on a day like today the terrorists in ambush mooted several assaults in the Vishwamadu, Kilinochchi and Puthukudiyiruppu areas. As a result 24 gallant soldiers gave up their lives on behalf of the unity of the country.

The heroic soldiers under the dynamic leadership of President Rajapaksa succeeded in bringing peace to the country uprooting terrorism which plagued the country for 30 years. This historic milestone was achieved on 18th May 2009. By this time, these barbaric LTTE cadres had killed 135 on 31st January throughout the fear psychosis period. This included 92 civilians. The other 43 were valiant soldiers.

The gallant soldiers managed to vanquish terrorism which scourged the country from the Nanthikadal Lagoon due to the unwavering and bold decisions taken by President Rajapaksa as the Commander in Chief.

The terrorists tied cyanide capsules on the neck of children and attired them in suicide kits and transformed them into human bombs not for the wellbeing of these children but mainly for the existence of the tiger leaders.

This is the most blatant human rights violation committed by them. However, the people are explicitly aware of the double standard policy of those who are shedding crocodile tears raising their voices in the world , but do not utter a word about these flagrant fundamental rights violations.

Britain and the United States are also following suit. These countries had committed thousands of killing and brazenly violated the fundamental rights of the people and these violations have already been revealed to the world. Despite these flaws the very same countries are demanding human rights reports from Sri Lanka not for any other reason but because the island nation succeeded in vanquishing the world’s deadliest terrorist outfit and besmirching the adulation received by the country.

Over and over again the patriotic fraternity had shown to the world they would permit these forces to meet their objectives. The yeoman service done to the country by the heroic soldiers are being reminisced as a tribute to them and to make the future generation aware of their services.

It has been emphasized that Provincial Councils do not have the authority to bring forward proposals pernicious to the country simply because they enjoy power. Such initiatives are deleterious to the unity of the country.

The Tamil National Alliance in collaboration with the Tamil Diaspora is engaged in an untiring effort to put Sri Lanka into difficulty at the Geneva Human Rights sessions. The final aim of this effort was the approval of two proposals against the country by the Northern Provincial Council ruled by the Tamil National Alliance.

One proposal deals with plans by three Northern Provincial Councillors in the Geneva Human Rights Council session, while the other relates to a demand that an inquest should be held with respect to incidents that happened during the conflict period. It was asserted in the Central Provincial Council that these proposals against the country should be strongly deplored.

Addressing a special session of the Central Provincial Council Chief Minister Sarath Ekanayake said that other Provincial Councils too had many proposals if necessary to be submitted to Geneva. The Chief Minister said that thousands of civilians who raised their voices on behalf of the country were massacred during British rule.

At the same time Mr. Ekanayake said that the number of innocent unarmed civilians murdered by the ruthless tiger terrorists also ran into thousands.

There has been a high response to the request made by the Police for motorbike riders in the Western Province to ride during day time by switching on their head lights.

Plans are afoot to enact a law on this respect if the trial mooted to minimize accidents achieved successful results.

The Police made a request from motorbike riders within the Western Province to run on roads during day time with their head lights on. The programme is aimed at minimizing accidents involving motorbikes. Brightly lit cycles could weave in and out of traffic without the risk of being accidentally run over by oncoming vehicles.

Drivers of other vehicles pointed out that the riding of bikes with the head lights during day time was an impetus to overcome accidents.

The Police are planning to extend the programme which is operative in the Western Province to the other Provinces in the future. Police Media Spokesman SSP Ajith Rohana said that if it reaped good results, they intend to enact a law to make the operation of motorbikes during day time with headlights.

There is a considerable drop in the illegal migration of Sri Lankans to Australia. This is revealed in a latest survey.

The Australian High Commission says that a survey carried out by the Special Committee to look into the illegal migrant groups has revealed this information.

There is a clear drop in the illegal migration of Sri Lankans to Australia and based on the results of the survey not a single Sri Lankan had illegally migrated to Australia last month. The percentage of illegal migrants to Australia within the first 100 days of the appointment of the Committee had dropped by 80.

The report attributes this drop to the programme jointly mooted by the Sri Lankan Government with Australia to avert illegal migration. The Australian High Commission has commenced the Sri Lankan Government for this improvement.

The remorseless terrorists did not value any human life or property. They unleashed an inestimable number of crimes to quench their thirst for blood.

These episodes clearly depict the ruthlessness and brutality of the crimes committed by this barbaric outfit.

The tiger terrorists who killed two war heroes in the Sorampattu area on 30^th January 1988, commenced their killing spree during the dark period on this day, with their intention of destroying more lives. On 30^th January 1989, the terrorists opened fire at a group of war heroes in the Jaffna City taking away the lives of two more war heroes and again in 1992 also on a day like today, four civilians suffered the same fate in the hands of the brutal terrorists.

Kartivu was the next target of this barbaric terrorist. They hurled a bomb at the Kartivu Jetty depriving the country of the valuable lives of three brave soldiers displaying their cruelty to the world. On 30^th January 1998, the ruthless terrorists barged into a location in the Vavuniya area frequented by the security forces and unleashed a powerful attack. As a result five brave soldiers were killed. The terrorists unleashed a mortar attack targeting a bunker at the Elephant Pass Forward Defence Line on 30^th January in the year 2000 killing two war heroes.

The next target of the cruel terrorists was a group of civilians who were engaged in the Maduvil area. The assault was carried out on 30^th January 2008. A series of attacks were mooted by the tiger terrorists in the Kilinochchi, Iranamadu, Mullaitivu and Vishwamadu areas in the year 2009 on a day like today. As a result 15 gallant soldiers made supreme sacrifices on behalf of the motherland.

The ferocious attacks unleashed by the brutal tiger terrorists, causing massive destructions of lives and public property drew to an end on 18^th May 2009. By then these barbaric tiger cadres had taken away 48 lives on 30^th January throughout the dark period. This included nine civilians. The other 39 were heroic soldiers. The last shot of the insurgency was fired by the Members of the Security forces at the Nanthikadal Lagoon after advancing as a result of the bold decisions taken by President Rajapaksa, undeterred in the face of pressure impressed upon him.

The terrorists tied cyanide capsules on the neck of children and attired them in suicide kits and transformed them into human bombs not for the wellbeing of these children but mainly for the existence of the tiger leaders.

This is the most blatant human rights violation committed by them. However, the people are explicitly aware of the double standard policy of those who are shedding crocodile tears raising their voices in the world , but do not utter a word about these flagrant fundamental rights violations.

Britain and the United States are also following suit. These countries had committed thousands of killing and brazenly violated the fundamental rights of the people and these violations have already been revealed to the world. Despite these flaws the very same countries are demanding human rights reports from Sri Lanka not for any other reason but because the island nation succeeded in vanquishing the world’s deadliest terrorist outfit and besmirching the adulation received by the country.

Over and over again the patriotic fraternity had shown to the world they would permit these forces to meet their objectives. The yeoman service done to the country by the heroic soldiers are being reminisced as a tribute to them and to make the future generation aware of their services.

We wish to apologize that we do not have certain photographs and if you possess any of them, may of your son, daughter, brother, relative or neighbor kindly dispatched them to us. As such it would be one of your prime obligations if you could send such photographs so that these could be displayed to the entire world. We wish to give you an assurance that we would return such photographs after displaying them to the entire world.

Off-spinner Dilruwan Perera picked up five wickets as Sri Lanka thumped fragile Bangladesh by an innings and 248 runs in the first Test in Dhaka.

Bangladesh, who made 232 in their first innings, conceded their highest Test total of 730-6 declared. Three Sri Lankans hit centuries including Mahela Jayawardene, who scored an unbeaten double-ton.

Bangladesh, trailing by a huge 498-run margin on first innings, were bowled out for 250 in their second knock after lunch on the fourth day. Perera, a 31-year-old playing in his second Test, finished with five for 109 while seamer Suranga Lakmal took three as the hosts were dismissed in 51.5 overs with a day to spare.

Sri Lanka have now won 14 of their 15 Tests against Bangladesh, eight of them by an innings margin, and drawn the other. The second Test starts in the port city of Chittagong on February 4. It will be followed by two Twenty20 matches and three one-day internationals.

Formula One legend Michael Schumacher is reportedly being woken up from induced coma, according to French media reports. Schumacher’s manager on the other has urged to the public not to pay attention to the ‘speculation’ but did not deny the report.

The seven-time world champion’s stay in intensive care reached the one-month mark on Wednesday. After his fall at Meribel ski resort in the French Alps, Schumacher was sedated and his body temperature cooled to around 35 degrees Celsius to ease the risk of further damage to the brain.

Labor Day is a 2013 American drama film based on the 2009 novel of the same name by Joyce Maynard and the movie is directed by Jason Reitman. The cast includes Josh Brolin, Kate Winslet, Gattlin Griffith and James Van Der Beek.

Follows a 13-year-old Henry Wheeler, who struggles to be the man of his house and care for his reclusive mother Adele while confronting all the pangs of adolescence.

The events of this long Labor Day weekend will shape them for the rest of their lives. The film is set for a wide release tomorrow.

Understand the mindset of the children. Permit them to spend their childhood as children. The President made this appeal after opening the Mahindodoaya Technical Laboratory and the three storeyed administrative building complex of the Makandura Madhya Maha Vidyalaya.

The President vested in the children this Mahindodaya Technical Laboratory and the three storeyed administrative complex last afternoon on the sidelines of the national programme of endowing to the nation the 1000 secondary schools based on the Mahinda Chinthana Way Forward. There was a special stranger within the administrative complex, when the President entered the building. She was Nandawathie Ramanayake, a past pupil and teacher over 100 years of age. When President Rajapaksa exchanged pleasantries with her, the President did not forget to introduce her to two of her pupils Ministers Mhinda Yapa Abeywardena and Lakshman Yapa Abeywardena.

The President also declared open the Siphala Educational and Trade Exhibition organized to mark the centenary of the school. It will continue at the school premises until Saturday the 01st. Addressing the students as well as the parents after opening the Exhibition, the President pointed out that it was the present Government that rectified the historical injustice caused to the village children.

The President said that they could be proud of the school and the temple in the village. The experience gained by the children in schools is immortal. This is the golden era in which reforms had taken place in education. It is more correct to say that a revolution in education had taken place. 1000 new schools are being built. Mahindodaya Laboratories were being established in schools with the intention of sorting out an issue which had been outstanding for several years. The introduction of the technological curriculum to education was the major transformation that was effect by the Government. The physical resources in the schools were lost in the past.

The President said they had recruited more than 45 thousand teachers to overcome the dearth. The attitude of the parents towards education had not changed. A student is successful in the examination if he had secured more than 70 marks. The children should be groomed for positive thinking from their childhood days. Teachers should mediate to upgrade the standards of the children. He said that the children should also be afforded of engaging in sports activities. They should not be limited only to books. They should be given an opportunity for exercises and play. The President added that the parents should encourage the children to study.

Members of the Maha Sangha including the Mahanayake of the Rohana Sangha Sabha the Most Ven. Gombaddala Nandarama Thera, Ministers Mahinda Yapa Abeywardena and Lakshman Yapa Abeywardena and Deputy Ministers Vijaya Dahanayake, Hemal Jayasekara and Sanath Jayasuriya were present on the occasion. Southern Province Governor Kumari Balasuriya and School Principal T.K. Wijenayake were also present.

In the meantime, before his arrival at the Makandura Madhya Maha Vidyalaya, the President paid floral tributes to the statue of former Provincial Minister Danny Hiththetiya. Large crowds being aware of the President’s arrival gathered near the statue.

The Sri Lankan and Indian External Ministers have met in New Delhi. Both Ministers took cognizance of the fisheries issue and the Geneva Human Rights sessions.

A special discussion between External Affairs Minister Prof. G.L. Peiris and his Indian counterpart Salman Kurshid was held in New Delhi today. Indian media reported that both Minister focused their attention on several issues significant to the country. They directed more of their attention to the Indo-Lanka fisheries issue and the Human Rights Council Sessions slated to be held in Geneva in March.

Minister Prof. Peiris left for New Delhi yesterday for a three-day official visit. The Sri Lankan External Affairs Ministry said that the Minister seized the opportunity of appraising foreign diplomats of 82 missions in India. They were briefed on the current development in Sri Lanka, measures initiated for reconciliation and the actions taken by the Sri Lankan Government to protect human rights. Minister Nimal Siripala de Silva joined Prof. G.L. Peiris in these discussions.

The Ministers pointed to the foreign diplomats in India that not a single terrorist bomb exploded in the island with the end of the conflict in 2009 and that a peaceful environment prevail in the country for all communities to live in peace and harmony. They elaborated on the initiatives the Sri Lankan |Government had taken to hold polls for the Northern Provincial Council and ensure the voting rights of the Northerners.

President’s Secretary Lalith Weeratunge has said that Sri Lanka cannot use an American method for resolving issues in the island nation. He said Sri Lanka has a Sri Lankan way of doing it.

In an interview with the Associated Press, Mr. Weeratunga reiterated that the Sri Lankan armed forces neither targeted civilians nor used heavy weapons during the final months of the conflict. The President Secretary denied any such targeting of civilians by the Sri Lankan armed forces, or even the use of heavy weapons in the final months of the war, although he acknowledged there could have been “collateral damage” during the fighting when the Tamil Tigers were using civilians as human shields.

When asked about alleged large scale killings, Mr Weeratunga said that there was no record that hundreds of people were killed during the final stages of the war. Such a judgment can be passed but he emphasized that there was no record that hundreds of people were killed during the final stages of the war.

He likened the threat of an international inquiry into war crimes to the sword of Damocles hanging by a thread over Sri Lanka. He argued the government has only had 18 months to implement the LLRC recommendations. Mr. Weeratunge warned that if that process was mishandled, it could trigger renewed conflict.

After the 30-year Sri Lanka wants sustainable peace. It is a very delicate process. He added that reconciliation is not a task that can be achieved in a day or two.

The tiger Diaspora in Europe splits. Our ITN correspondent Srimal Pathiraja reporting from Italy attributed this development to clashes which had erupted with respect to a financial scam.

Splitting the European Tamil Diaspora, the British Tamil Forum has left the Global Tamil Forum. As a result the leader of the Global Tamil Forum and the Spokesman are embroiled in a dispute. The British Tamil Forum has called on the Tamils living in Britain not to provide any funds to the Global Tamil Forum. This decision is reported to have been taken due to non-revelation of the groups orchestrated by the Global Tamil Forum, lack of democratic norms in the Forum and the non-disclosure of the funds received by it.

The British Tamil Forum has accused that it had not been given an opportunity of including one of their representatives in the Global Tamil Forum which was launched by Tamil Organizations of 14 countries. This clearly indicates that the Tamil Diaspora which is operative in 14 European countries has fragmented and is now witnessing how the Tamils are refraining from expressing support to the LTTE.

Part of the accusations the LTTE outfit planned to be moved at the Geneva sessions to be held in March is reported to be paralyzed. As such our correspondent reported that Sri Lanka’s foreign policy has further strengthened following the split of the Diaspora along with this decision.

The Election Commissioner says that civilian groups will be appointed to each police division where polls will be taking place to monitor violation of election laws. Elections Chief Mahinda Deshapriya announced that the total number of registered for polls to the Western and Southern Provincial Councils is Five million 898 thousand 427.\

Mr. Deshapriya said that they have set up complaints centres at District Secretariats. There is also a complaints centre at the main office. But the task of penalizing culprits for offences is vested with the judiciary. There are some for which the Elections Secretariat can take action. The Elections Chief has the power to take action against the use of public property. Putting up cutouts, banners and posters are prohibited under the election laws. A civil officer will be appointed to each and every Police Division in the two Provinces where the elections will be held to monitor such illegal activities and report to the Police. He called on election monitors to report to him if there are any such complaints. He also called on the media to intimate to them such complaints. He made a fervent appeal to write to him as to what they think the Elections Chief should do and also what he should not do.

The Elections Commissioner was addressing a news conference held at the Elections Secretariat today. Further addressing newsmen, Mr. Deshapriya pointed out that around 200 Government officials will be deployed within the two Province on election duty. Around 1200 million rupees will be spent on the elections. The highest expenditure will be incurred on electricity. The Elections Commissioner revealed that the Government will be spending an average of about 200 rupees on each voter. Transparent ballot boxes will be used at this poll. The Elections Chief asserted that the National Identity Card and the Birth Certificate should be forwarded to prevent the inclusion of fake names in the nominations list. He mentioned that it should not include outside names or letters. Nominations for the polls will be entertained from the tomorrow until the 06th of next month.

The Elections Chief said that deposits are now being accepted during working hours until the 5th of next month. The elections will be held based on the administrative districts. He said they only accept nominations and will not reject them. But based on the provisions of the Act nominations which not be handed over will be rejected. He added that nominations will be rejected if there are flaws.

President of the Public Service United Nurses Union the Ven. Muruttetuwe Ananda Thera has pointed out that Family Health Service Officials had no moral right to rise up against the programme of imparting midwifery training to them. He emphasized that it is the public who will benefit through the implementation of this programme.

Nurses had been given midwifery training dating back to 100 years. It is the nurses who are responsible for any complications in respect to the mother or the child. The imparting of training to the nurses is a decision taken by the Health Department.

This Policy decision was affirmed on the 28th of January 2014 to continuously maintain the training given to these nurses. The Ven. Ananda Thera said that no one had the moral right to obstruct the granting of training to another. Therefore he expressed his deep concern over the anti-people’s protests organized by the Family Health Workers Union.

The Ugandan Defence Minister visits the Kotalawala Defence University.

A delegation led by Ugandan Minister of State for Defense, General Odongo Jeje now in the island, joined in an official visit to the Kotalawala Defence University. On their arrival they were greeted by Vice Chancellor of the University Major General Milinda Peiris.

During the discussions Major General Peiris elaborated on the status quo of the University and made a proposal on the granting of facilities for Ugandan students at the Defence University.

The Ugandan State Minister for Defence and his entourage will be leaving the island on Friday.

The havoc wreaked by terrorism that was fast spreading like a pestilence and which was a mortal threat to the country, is immense.

The despicable acts committed by the terrorists unleashing massive devastation in the country are being reminisced in this feature again.

The tiger terrorists who took away some lives in the Agarapathana area on 29th January in the year 1986 embarked on their killing spree in the dark era, portraying their brutality to the world. The tiger terrorists who killed two war heroes on 29th January 1989, took away the lives of five brave soldiers on 29th January 1991 in another brazen attack in the Welioya area.

The terrorists who stormed into the Katupotha village on 29th January 1992, unleashed an attack on the war heroes killing three of them. On the same day these ruthless tiger terrorists mooted another assault in the Sinhapura area at Welikanda in Sinhapura. As a result of this attack, the country lost the valuable lives of 13 war heroes. These ruthless terrorist cadres in ambush, launched a ferocious attack on aw group of gallant soldiers near the 10th mile post in Trincomalee in the year 1996, also on a day like today. In this attack, 13 heroic soldiers made supreme sacrifices on behalf of the unity of the motherland.

Another attack was targeted by the terrorists on a group of Special Task Force heroes at Ulpathwewa at Paanama in Ampara also on the same day. Three brave STF soldiers sacrificed their lives on behalf of the unity of the country as a result of this attack. Shock waves stunned the entire country on 29th January 1997, following the explosion of two claymore mines at Vadukkodai. The target of this attack was a vehicle in which innocent civilians were travelling. Nine innocent civilians were killed in this brutal attack. On 29th January in the year 2008, four heroic soldiers were killed in two more terrorist attacks at Aandankulam and Vilaththikulam areas. The barbaric terrorists launched heavy attacks at war heroes in the Puthukudiyiruppu, Vishwamadu and Iranamadu area on 29th January 2009. They bumped off 23 brave soldiers.

By the time the last shot was fired at the Nanthikadal lagoon to quell the insurgency which was a bane to the country, these barbaric LTTE cadres had taken away the lives of 78 war heroes. The war heroes who advanced in their operations to pulverize the terrorists did so due to the straightforward and bold decisions taken by President Rajapaksa without being undeterred by external pressure.

The terrorists tied cyanide capsules on the neck of children and attired them in suicide kits and transformed them into human bombs not for the wellbeing of these children but mainly for the existence of the tiger leaders. This is the most blatant human rights violation committed by them. However, the people are explicitly aware of the double standard policy of those who are shedding crocodile tears rising their voices in the world , but do not utter a word about these flagrant fundamental rights violations.

Britain and the United States are also following suit. These countries had committed thousands of killing and brazenly violated the fundamental rights of the people and these violations have already been revealed to the world. Despite these flaws the very same countries are demanding human rights reports from Sri Lanka not for any other reason but because the island nation succeeded in vanquishing the world’s number of deadliest terrorist outfit and besmirching the adulation received by the country. Over and over again the patriotic fraternity had shown to the world they would permit these forces to meet their objectives. The yeoman service down to the country by the heroic soldiers are being reminisced as a tribute to them and for to make the future generation aware of their services.

We wish to apologize that we do not have certain photographs and if you any photographs of your son, daughter, brother, relative or neighbor kindly dispatched them to us. As such it would be one of your prime obligations if you could send such photographs so that these could be displayed to the entire world. We wish to give you an assurance that we would return such photographs after displaying them to the entire world.

“300: Rise of an Empire” is an upcoming 2014 American action film directed by Noam Murro. It is a follow-up to the 2007 film 300, taking place before, during, and after the events of that film. Zack Snyder, who directed and co-wrote the original film, acts as writer and producer on Rise of an Empire. The cast includes Sullivan Stapleton, Eva Green, Callan Mulvey, Hans Matheson, and Jack O’Connell. The cast also includes Lena Headey, Rodrigo Santoro, and David Wenham, reprising their roles from the first film. It is scheduled to be released in 3D and IMAX 3D on the 7th of March.

“Winter’s Tale” is an upcoming 2014 American supernatural drama film based on the 1983 novel by Mark Helprin. The film is directed and written by Akiva Goldsman and stars Colin Farrell, Jessica Brown Findlay and Will Smith. A New York Winter’s Tale is Goldsman’s debut as director of a feature film.

Winter’s Tale follows the story of Peter Lake. Peter Lake is a thief who falls in love with Beverly Penn, a dying girl who has tuberculosis and occupies one of the houses he breaks into. Lake is saved from the insane Irish gangster Pearly Soames and his henchmen by Athansor, a mysterious white horse who becomes his guardian angel. The movie will be released on the 14th of next month.

New Zealand sealed their one-day international series against India with a game to spare when a Ross Taylor century set up a convincing seven-wicket victory in the fourth ODI. It was New Zealand’s third win in the five-match series, with one match tied and one remaining.

At Hamilton’s Seddon Park, they chased down India’s 278-5 for the loss of only three wickets and with 11 balls to spare after Taylor paved the way with a masterful 112 not out. He received sound support from Kane Williamson (60) as they rebuilt the innings and then from Brendon McCullum (49 not out), who finished the match with a colossal six. In addition to losing the series, India also slipped from number one in the world one-day rankings to number two.

Opener Kaushal Silva hit a maiden Test century to lead a dominant batting display by Sri Lanka on the second day of the first Test against Bangladesh in Dhaka. Silva scored 139 as the tourists reached 375-5 at stumps at the Sher-e-Bangla stadium, a lead of 143 over Bangladesh’s first innings total of 232 with five wickets in hand.

The right-hander put on 118 for the first wicket with Dimuth Karunaratne and then teamed up with veteran Kumar Sangakkara to add a further 155 runs for the second wicket. Sri Lanka will resume tomorrow looking to grab a really sizeable lead and have the hosts on the ropes in the first match of the two-Test series.

The Sri Lanka Army debunks allegations that it had used chemical weapons.

Military Spokesman Brigadier Ruwan Wanigasuriya said that various human rights allegations were being levelled against Sri Lankan Security Forces targeting the Human Rights Council sessions slated to be held in Geneva in March. Addressing a media conference held in Kollupitiya, Brig. Wanigasuriya described these allegations as baseless and fabricated.

The Military Spokesman mentioned that the Sri Lankan troops launched operations against the ferocious tiger terrorists for more than 25 years. He asserted that the troops did not on any occasion use chemical or illegal weapons. The troops always used weapons in conformity to international conventions. These were selected with minimum power and in proportion to the day to day requirements. He totally rejected the baseless allegations made sans any evidence or data. He added that such accusations were being made targeting the Human Rights Sessions planned to be held in Geneva in March.

Minister Wimal Weerawansa has shed light on a conspiracy planned by forces against the country in collaboration with the Tamil Diaspora to prove to the world about the concocted tales about missing persons. The Minister made an elaboration on the proposals endorsed by the Tamil National Alliance summoning a news conference in Battaramulla.

Minister Weerawansa said that all these are proposals against the country. One proposal mentions that the population census carried out by the Sri Lankan Government cannot be accepted and that the Northern Provincial Council should undertake a separate census. This is what is incorporated in the Resolution made by Anandi Sasitharan. She is the wife of a famous tiger leader. It is very clear that there is a well-planned operation taking place. He said that the Sri Lankan delegation will be going to Geneva with details of the population census. Therefore the concocted tale that a large number had been killed becomes futile. They are quite aware of it. As such Anura Dissanayake in Parliament was attacking the Department of Census and Statistics and Shashitharan is making a proposal that they should do a separate census. NGO’s and Embassies have taken copies of Anura Dissanayake’s statements to be despatched to their loyalists in Geneva.

The Tamil Diaspora is trotting out statements made by Anura Dissanayake to prove that the Census Statistics are fake. The Minister said there is very clear evidence that even though they separate stakeholders, they are playing the roles of one drama. Minister Weerawansa called on the patriotic fraternity of the country to draw their firm attention to this betrayal.

The Chinese Government has diverted its attention to the prevailing situation at the Norochcholai Coal Power Plant.

The first stage of the Norochcholai Coal Power Plant was launched with a credit assistance given by the Chinese Government.

The Chinese Government has taken cognizance of the reports so far published in the mass media on this Power Plant. Accordingly a group of officials of the Chinese Embassy in Sri Lanka met Minister Pavithra Wanniarachchi and some officials on the instructions of the Chinese Government. At this meeting the Chinese officials assured their consent to extend all necessary support for the efficient operation of the Norochcholai Coal Power Plant. Accordingly action will be taken to get down experts of companies which had manufactured the main machinery and other appliances and examine their condition. The Chinese representatives agreed to identify the technical flaws and to get the flaws rectified through the construction companies.

Ministry Secretary M.M.P. Ferdinando, Chairman of the Ceylon Electricity Board W.B. Ganegala and many senior officials attended this discussion.

A small student faced a tragic death following an accident involving a cricket pitch hand roller.

This unfortunate incident that happened at the Colombo Ananda College Grounds is now a thing of the past.

Senitha Bandara Wijesinghe faced this tragic death not only leaving his grieving father, mother and two sisters but also the entire country. This little child was playing with his friends in the College Grounds. They would have been engaged in their usual play not knowing that such a tragic incident was in the offing. But it happened. Senith bid farewell. His friends lost a dearly beloved playful friend. Senith traversed his last journey to the Talahena cemetery on the 23rd of this month leaving his mother, father, relatives and friends in grief. The seven day almsgiving pinkama was held last Sunday. Many strangers too were present on the occasion. The programme drew to a close that day.

But how can Senith’s friends in Grade Four forget him. How can Senith’s class teacher considered as a stepmother forget him.

A Pinkama was held at the Grade Four class of Ananda College Colombo today. It was a Sangika Dana offered to invoke merits on Senith. The Ven. Ravanagoda Gnanarathana Thera delivered a Dhamma Sermon. His friends as well as the parents joined in this Pinkama.

Senith’s classroom still remains as it is and so are his colleagues.

Applications for postal voting in the forthcoming Provincial Council polls will be accepted until the 10th of next month.

Information needed for registration can be obtained on contact number 1919.

Commissioner for Elections Mahinda Deshapriya said that applications for the Western and Southern Provincial Council polls will be entertained only until the 10th of next month.

The State Information Centre has provided facilities to secure the related information from contact number 1919 for Government officials who are engaged on election duty, School Principals and Security Forces members who are eligible to cast their vote by post. A request has been made to procure this information only from 3.00 to 7.00 p.m.

No one can forget the massive destruction unleashed by the blood thirsty terrorists, whose task was to destroy lives throughout 30 years. The heroic soldiers amazed the world routing the tiger terrorists who terrorized the international community, and bringing permanent peace to the country.

The destruction unleashed by the terrorists and the humanity displayed by the war heroes, were revealed to the world. This feature contains details of the mercilessness of the tigers.

January 28th in 1987 dawned sending shock waves throughout the country. The murderous tiger terrorists took away the lives of 13 war heroes, by exploding a landmine, while they were travelling in a vehicle in the Kokadicholai area. The terrorists who killed the 13 war heroes in this manner unveiled their killing spree on 28th January in the dark era.

On 28th January 1996, the brutal terrorists launched an assault on war heroes who were providing security in the Janakapura area in Welioya and killed three of them. In the year 1997, also on a day like today the terrorists planted a landmine targeting a vehicle in which civilians were travelling in the Kuda Pokuna area. As a result six civilians were killed.

Two attacks were mooted by the ruthless tiger terrorists at Akkaraipattu and Meeyamkulam also on 28th January in 1998. Four war heroes made supreme sacrifices on behalf of the country in this assault. In the year 2000 on a day like today, the tiger terrorists killed four war heroes launching heinous attack and killed four war heroes in the Kuchchaveli area. These murderous tiger cadres mooted a mortar attack in the Adampan area on 28th January 2008, taking away the lives of two war heroes. Several gruesome attacks were launched by the brutal tiger terrorists in the Puthukudiyiruppu, Udayarkattu, Puliyan Pokkanai and Puthukudiyiruppu West areas. As a result of these cowardly attacks, the terrorists deprived the country of valuable lives of two gallant soldiers.

Terrorism which had been a bane to the country in this manner was routed on 18th May 2009. By then these ruthless tiger cadres had bumped off eight civilians and 68 valiant soldiers, altogether numbering 73 on 28th January throughout the fear psychosis period.

The brave soldiers who advanced overcoming all obstacles receiving strength and courage under the vibrant and dynamic leadership of President Rajapaksa enthroned permanent peace in the country for all communities to live in unity. It is pathetic to note that human rights outfits which talk highly on the protection of human fundamental rights are reticent on the blatant violation of human rights by these atrocious tiger terrorists. Sri Lanka is in a position to prove with evidence how the terrorists brutally slaughtered innocent Tamil civilians who were under Prabhakaran’s jackboot for going against them.

It was under such a background that the heroic soldiers liberated over 300 thousand Tamil civilians from the grip of the terrorists without causing any harm to them and even sacrificed food and drink they had to these helpless civilians to quench their thirst and hunger. This was how the courageous soldiers displayed their human qualities to the world not only by word but also by deed.

Countries such as Britain and the United States are demanding reports from Sri Lanka claiming that human rights had been flouted. However, the international media has already shed light on the blatant human rights violations that have been committed by these world powers.

Does not terrorism spread by the terrorists slaughtering thousands of persons, amount to breach of human rights? Isn’t it the liberation of civilians and granting them relief by the gallant soldiers, while making supreme sacrifices, clear evidence to portray to the world that respect human rights.

The incidents which happened during the dark period are being reminisced to indicate the viciousness of terrorism.

It was on a day like today that President Rajapaksa was re-elected to office for a second term four years ago achieving many victories mixed with peace, freedom, prosperity and pride for the motherland.

The President commenced his first term of office polling a record voter percentage at the Presidential election held in the year 2005. He was indeed an epoch maker marking a significant period in Sri Lanka during his first term of office. This great people’s leader stood upright against terrorism which reversed the country for 30 years through phobia, totally ended the era which the terrorists stained with blood and created an environment in which all communities including the Sinhalese, Tamils and Muslims could live in peace and amity. With unstinted dedication, he succeeded in returning the human rights to the Tamil civilians in the North which was subjugated by the gun, the cyanide capsule and brutalism and reap the benefits of full freedom which has dawned in the country.

Mega development projects were mooted covering all sectors such as harbour, airport, roads, electricity, water, irrigation, agriculture, industries and commerce with the sole intention of building a prosperous country in which all communities can reap the benefits of peace and freedom that have dawned.

The trust and confidence placed by the nation in President Rajapaksa was further consolidated on 26^th January 2010 with 6,015,934 votes of the patriotic fraternity. The President secured a majority of 1,842,749 votes than his opponent with the mandate given to him by the people to bring about a transformation in the country. He defeated attempts made by local as well as international conspirators without fear, to resuscitate terrorism arraying the people to make the peace achieved sustainable. He successfully confronted and surmounted all challenges and staged the Commonwealth Summit and was honoured with the Chair of the organization. The President is now engaged in an exemplary and miraculous journey further enhancing local as well as international cooperation.

The Channel of the Motherland wishes to shower its blessings on the President at a time when he completes four years of the second term in office as a proud leader raising Sri Lanka as a nation in the world which no one ever thought would be realized.

The World Bank Vice-President of the South Asian Region during a meeting with the President has lauded the progress achieved in development in Sri Lanka.

The World Bank South Asian Regional Vice President Philip Luello who is on a visit to Sri Lanka met President Rajapaksa at Temple Trees. Discussions centred on the country’s development process and the solidarity with the World Bank. The World Bank Vice President referred to the opportunity he received to exchange views with the civilians during his visit to the North and the East. Pointing out that the development that has taken place in Sri Lanka was attractive, the World Bank diplomat applauded the application of high standards in the construction of roads.

President Rajapaksa emphasized to him the unnecessary pressure exerted on the country by certain groups despite the vast development growth achieved by the country within a short period of ending the conflict. Noting that the country’s next challenge was to attract more investors, the President referred to the political stability and conducive situation prevailing in the country for investors.

The World Bank Vice-President said that Sri Lanka had received the proper guidance. He underscored that the World Bank was geared to continuously maintain links with Sri Lanka.

Finance Secretary Dr. P.B. Jayasundera was present at this meeting.

The President declares open the Kegalla Outer Circle road safeguarding the pristine glory of the Kegalla town, marking another watershed in road development.

The expenditure incurred by the Highways Ministry on this 4.2 kilometre alternative road newly constructed as a solution to traffic congestion on the Colombo-Kandy Highway in the Kegalla town was 2180 million rupees. It includes a flyover which is 70 metres long with a height of 55 feet. This site had been earlier identified as a location where heavy traffic congestion is being experienced when passing the Kegalla town in the Colombo-Kandy Highway. This alternative road has been built on the sidelines of the 2014 Deyata Kirula National Development Exhibition. The road could be accessed at Meepitiya and enter the Kandy road again from the Ranwala Junction. The public travelling on the Colombo-Kandy Highway are breathing a sigh of relief with the opening of this alternative road by the President yesterday.

Although many solutions were proposed for several years to the heavy traffic congestion experienced on the A-1 Colombo-Kandy Highway, all of them were restricted only to proposals but were not put into action. But solutions had been found for many routes in the island as in the case of the solution found to the traffic congestion within the Kegalle town along the Colombo-Kandy Highway, after President Rajapaksa assumed office.

In the meantime, President Rajapaksa also declared open yesterday the Kegalla Nidahas Mawatha which reflects the history and pride of the Kegalla town. This road was also reconstructed parallel to the Deyata Kirula National Development Exhibition. This Nidahas Mawatha is a significant impetus for the traffic congestion experienced along the Colombo-Kandy as well as the Kegalla Bullathkohupitiya roads. 148 million rupees was spent on the construction of this road.

Sri Lanka has held over 90 meetings with Geneva based Permanent Representatives of the member states.

Presidential Secretary Lalith Weeratunga who will spearhead the Sri Lankan delegation to Geneva this time, to lobby against another planned resolution on Sri Lanka by the United States, during the UNHRC sessions, had these meetings.

Mr. Weeratunga is also in charge of the National Plan of Action for the Implementation of Recommendations by the Lessons Learnt and Reconciliation Committee. He held over 90 meetings with the Geneva-based Permanent Representatives of the member states last week, ahead of the UN Human Rights Council sessions. Mr. Weeratunga is accompanied by Monitoring MP of the External Affairs Ministry Sajin de Vaas Gunawardane.

The planned Resolution and the steps taken by the government to implement recommendations of the previous resolutions were the focal point of discussion at these meetings. After these meetings, the duo proceeded to Washington for engagement with the officials of the US State Department. It is learnt that the Government considers it all the more important to remain engaged with the US on this matter.

Already, the External Affairs Ministry has set up a separate division at the Ministry to work on human rights issues. Mr. Gunawardane and Mr. Weeratunga have been assigned to oversee its activities ahead of the UNHRC session.

Another stage of the process to find solutions to the Indo-Lanka fisheries issues commenced in Chennai in Tamil Nadu today.

Talks to deliberate on the fisheries issues between India and Sri Lanka were recently held in India with the participation of the Fisheries Ministers of the two countries. As a result freedom was granted to fishermen of the two countries. Another stage of the discussions commenced in Chennai this morning.

The talks were held with the participation of the Special Representative Shiv Darshan Singh appointed to inquire into the Indo Lanka fisheries issues. Representatives including Tamil Nadu Fisheries Minister K.A. Jeyapal joined in these talks. 15 officials including Fisheries Director General Nimal Hettiarachchi represented Sri Lanka at the discussions. The talks dwelt at length on many matters including a strategy for which solutions can be found to cooperation and traditional heritage issues.

Japan is providing 160 million rupees in grant aid for humanitarian demining in the North.

Japan has been a major donor supporting mine clearance in Sri Lanka to accelerate the return and resettlement of Internally Displaced Persons and to facilitate recommencement of agriculture and other livelihood activities of returnees. Since 2003, the Government of Japan has given a sum of 27 million US Dollars for demining in the North and the East under its Grant Assistance Schemes.

The two grant contracts were signed by Japan’s Ambassador to Sri Lanka Nobuhito Hobo and two institutions engaged in the removal of mines. The contracts were signed at the Japanese Ambassador’s official residence.

Activists of other parties in the South giving up their parties and colours take the lead in bringing triumph to the government.

A group of United National Party and the Janatha Vimukthi Peramua has secured membership of the United People’s Freedom Alliance. They obtained the membership of the Alliance joining in a people’s rally held at Kamburupitiya which ws presided by Minister Chandrasiri Gajadheera. All of them declared their maximum support and dedication to the development projects mooted by the President. Also the activists of the United National Party and the Janatha Vimukthi Peramuna emphasized that another objective of joining the Freedom Alliance was to defeat attempts made by forces to paralyze the freedom won by the country.

The tiger terrorists who did not have an awareness of the value of human lives, destroyed them, denigrating all human beings. Thousands of people gave up their lives mainly to quench the blood thirst of the ruthless terrorists.

If not for the initiatives taken by the Commander in Chief with the support of the war heroes to end the brutal insurgency that plagued the country for 30 years, the entire country would have transformed into a cemetery.

With the dawn of 27^th January in 1985, the tiger terrorists who entered into the Pottuvil area murdered a war hero providing security to civilians in the area and thus embarked on their killing spree on 27^th January in the dark era. In the year 2000 also on a day like today, the terrorists planted a time bomb near the Vavuniya main Post Office with the aim of taking away several lives. People who visited the Post Office to meet their requirements were unaware of it. The bomb exploded shocking the entire area. Eight innocent civilians and six war heroes died as a result of this explosion.

On 27^th January 2009, the ruthless terrorists unleashed several attacks in the Mullaitivu, Vishwamadu and Wellankulam areas targeting the war heroes, thus killing 13 war heroes. The gallant soldiers succeeded in firing the last shot of that insurgency which plagued the country was fired on 19^th May 2009 at the Nanthikadal Lagoon. By then the terrorists had taken away a total of 49 lives on 27^th January during the fear psychosis period. The figure included 15 innocent civilians and 34 war heroes.

The gallant soldiers who advanced following the prudent and bold decision taken by the dynamic and vibrant leader President Rajapaksa who is also the Commander in Chief and the outstanding guidance given by Defence Secretary Gotabhaya Rajapaksa, succeeded in uprooting terrorism. It is pathetic to note that Human Rights outfits which talks highly of safeguarding human rights were reticent on the brutal murders carried out by the terrorists.

Sri Lanka succeeded in revealing to the entire world with evidence on the manner the terrorists killed innocent civilians in their grip for going against them. Within such a background, the valiant soldiers managed to liberate more than 300 thousand innocent Tamil civilians without causing any hindrance to them and also displayed their humanity by offering them the food and drink they had to these civilians who were in hunger and thirst and thus displaying their human qualities to the world not only by acts but also by deeds.

However, it is ludicrous to note that countries such as Britain and the United States were seeking reports on human rights violations from Sri Lanka. But light had already been shed on the breach of human rights by these countries in the world. How is it that terrorist activities committed by the terrorists spreading terrorism does not amount to flouting of human rights violations? Isn’t it the best example the Lankan war heroes has shown by providing relief to the people and saving their lives, making supreme sacrifices. The incidents in this dark period are being reminisced to display the brutality of terrorism. The war heroes caught up in this brutalism are again and again being reminded to the country and the world.

But we wish to apologize that we do not have certain photographs.

You may possess a valuable photograph of your son, daughter, brother, relative or neighbour. If such photographs are being dispatched to us, it would be a duty that you would be fulfilling on behalf of these heroes. As such it would be one of your prime obligations if you could send such photographs so that these could be displayed to the entire world. Send such photographs, may be that of a war hero or an innocent civilian who sacrificed their lives in the face of terrorism. Despatch such photographs to us. We wish to give you an assurance that we would return such photographs after displaying them to the entire world.

“The Monuments Men” is a 2014 American-German comedy-drama film directed by George Clooney, written and produced by Clooney and Grant Heslov, and starring Clooney, Matt Damon, Bill Murray, and Cate Blanchett. Based on the book The Monuments Men: Allied Heroes, Nazi Thieves and the Greatest Treasure Hunt in History by Robert M. Edsel, the film follows the story of the Monuments, Fine Arts, and Archives program, an Allied group, tasked with saving pieces of art and other culturally important items before their destruction by Hitler during World War II. The film, co-produced by Columbia Pictures and Babelsberg Studio, is scheduled to be released on 7th of next month.

Bangladesh, sent in to bat by Sri Lanka, were bowled out for 232 on the opening day of the first Test at the Sher-e-Bangla stadium in Dhaka. Skipper Mushfiqur Rahim top-scored with 61 and Shakib Al Hasan made 55. Shaminda Eranga claimed four wickets and new-ball partner Suranga Lakmal took three.

Bangladesh lost three wickets in successive overs to slide from 35-0 to 40-3 as Eranga removed Tamim Iqbal and Rahman, and captain Angelo Mathews trapped Marshall Ayub leg-before. Suranga Lakmal dismissed Mominul Haque before Shakib and Rahim batted out till lunch.

Sri Lanka, replying to Bangladesh’s first innings total of 232, were 60-0 at stumps. Dimuth Karunaratne was unbeaten on 28 and Kaushal Silva was on 30.

Australian Simon Gerrans stayed out of trouble in final stage to finish ahead of compatriot Cadel Evans and become the first rider to win the Tour Down Under for a third time.

German sprinter Andre Greipel won the 18-lap race around the 4.75km street circuit in Adelaide for his 16th tour stage win. Going into the last stage, 2006 and 2011 winner Gerrans held a one-second lead over 2011 Tour de France-winner Evans and was five seconds ahead of Italian Diego Ulissi.

The overall standings for the top three remained unchanged after the sixth and final stage of the race in and around Adelaide. Winning the title with his Australian team Orica-GreenEDGE on the country’s national day made it a special occasion for the 33 year old rider.

Everything can be achieved through dedication, belief and commitment. The President says that it was how the freedom and development of the country were achieved. President Mahinda Rajapaksa mentioned this at the ceremony held to declare open the swimming pool of the Kegalla St. Joseph Balika Vidyalaya. It has been built at a cost of fifteen million rupees. Speaking on the occasion the President pointed out that the Government has taken significant measures to enhance education levels of the children. The President said that students should use these resources to become not only, teachers, doctors and engineers but also they should become scientists and researchers who are needed by the country. He emphasized that the future generation should take steps to concur the world utilizing modern technology but they should protect the country’s religious, social and cultural values.

The President said that the negative mentality should be changed. He said that the three decades of war which was said to be unwinnable was concluded in three years. He said that one should have the determination to reach ones goal. He added that one should not be isolated from the society for failing examinations. The President further said that children should be encouraged to take part in sports apart from their studies.

The President has vested in the public a number of development projects in Kegalle as a part of the mega development projects launched in the country. President Mahinda Rajapaksa vested in the public today the outer circular road in Kegalle. This five kilo meter stretch would provide a permanent solution to the vehicle congestion that prevails in the Kegalle town. The Government has spent 3.6 billion rupees in this regard. The circular road will allow the vehicles to enter the Kegalle outer circular road through Meepitiya entrance and enter the Colombo Kandy main route through the Ranwala junction. A number of Parliamentarians and public officials were present on the occasion.

The President declared open this morning the Mahindodaya laboratory built at the Galigamuwa Central College. The laboratory constructed at a cost of eight million rupees to coincide with the Deyatakirula national development programme, is consisted of facilities including science and chemical laboratories. The renovated Ambanpitiya Dawson Bungalow was declared open this morning by the President. The Bungalow renovated at a cost of seventy million rupees has been constructed during the imperial times.

The statue of former Minister P.B.G. Kalugalla who rendered a mammoth service to people in Kalugalla, was unveiled by the President. It has been built in the centre of the Kegalle town. A pioneering member of the SLFP, Mr. Kalugalla had held portfolios of Deputy Minister and Minister and also he had been an Ambassador and a high Commissioner.

The First Lady has paid floral tributes to the Mahathma Ghandi statue built in Uganda. First Lady Shiranthi Wickramasingh Rajapaksa has left on an official tour to Uganda to take part in the inaugural medical clinic for the children in Uganda with the participation of Sri Lankan Doctors. The visit has been organized on an invitation from First Lady of Uganda Jannet Mussaveni. First Lady Mrs. Rajapaksa paid floral tributes to the Mahathma Ghandi statue built at Ginger in Uganda and also visited several historical places.

SLFP peoples’ representatives have taken the lead to assure the victory in the Western Province. Kalutara SLFP representatives meeting was held under the patronage of Minister Basil Rajapaksa. More than 2000 party activists attended the meeting held at the Kalutara South SLFP office. The SLFP meeting of Borella seat took place at the party office of the Parliamentarian Thilanga Sumathipala. A group of people including senior Minister A.H.M. Fowzi, Ministers Basil Rajapaka, Susil Premajayantha, Wimal Weerawansa, Parliamentarian Prabha Ganeshan and Wayamba Chief Minister Dayasiri Jayasekera were present on the occasion. Dehiwala SLFP meeting took place at S. de S. Jayasinghe ground. Many peoples representative including Ministers Basil Rajapaksa, Maithreepala Sirisena, Wimal Weerawansa and Deputy Minister Mohan Lal Grero attended the meeting.

Disputes in finances and ideology differences have broken the Tamil diaspora into two fractions. The Tamil diaspora which acted on behalf of LTTE internationally, collected billions of money for them during the active period of the LTTE. They also collect money for the benefit of the members of the diaspora. Following the eradication of terrorism from the county, many problems arose in the Tamil diaspora. Among the main problems were the crediting of money running into billions to the private accounts of certain leaders of the Tamil diaspora and not publishing details of accounts. International reports highlight that the diaspora has been divided due to the problems reaching a crisis level. The Tamil diaspora which has been divided into Global Tamil Forum and British Tamil Forum, has commenced issuing media statements accusing each other. British Tamil Forum says that they did a significant service to create Global Tamil Forum. British Tamil Forum has accused that Global Tamil Forum does not stand for the Tamil people. One of the problems is said to be the refusal of the Global Tamil Forum to admit members of the British Tamil Forum into its governing council. British Tamil Forum has disclosed to media that diaspora committee members have not conducted an election after 2010 and the people who are behind it are committing frauds running into billions of dollars. However impartial observers say that the divided diaspora has mortgaged Sri Lankan Tamils to achieve their aims. They point out that this is clearly evidence by the fact that the diaspora has not come forward to lend any assistance to the Tamil people in the North.

The pre-paid card system on passenger bus services has been launched. The new service was introduced from the Matara town. Accordingly the passenger bus services which commenced from Matara, have introduced the services from today. The ceremony to introduce the pre-paid card was held at Matara main bus stand with the attendance of the Japanese Ambassador – Nobo-hito Hobo, Ministers Dallas Allahapperuma and Lakshman Yapa Abeywardena.

Fisheries talks between Sri Lanka and Chennai will commence tomorrow in Chennai. The talks in Chennai would be based on the discussions between Minister Rajitha Senaratne and Indian Foreign Minister. They would also consider the views of the Committee appointed following the discussions between the two Ministers. Sri Lanka will be represented by five government representatives and five fishing community leaders. The discussions aim at minimizing problems created by violating maritime boundaries between the two countries.

Police have taken into custody a suspect at Panangala with one thousand rupee counterfeit notes. Police have been able to arrest him at Eppala-Panangala on a tip-off received by Galle Udugama Police Intelligence Unit. Police have seized five hundred notes from the possession of the suspect. Police said that there were nineteen court cases being heard in various courts, against the suspect. Three days earlier, Police arrested two more suspects in Panangala.

Tim’s Vermeer is a documentary film, directed by the performer Teller, produced by his stage partner Penn Jillette and Farley Ziegler, about inventor Tim Jenison’s questto duplicate the painting techniques of Johannes Vermeer.

Tim Jenison, a Texas based inventor, attempts to solve one of the greatest mysteries in all art: How did 17th century Dutch Master Johannes Vermeer manage to paint so photo-realistically 150 years before the invention of photography? The epic research project Jenison embarks on to test his theory is as extraordinary as what he discovers. Spanning a decade, Jenison’s adventure takes him to Delft, Holland, where Vermeer painted his masterpieces on a pilgrimage to the North coast of Yorkshire to meet artist David Hockney; and eventually even to Buckingham Palace, to see the Queen’s Vermeer. Tim’s Vermeer set to be release 31st of this month.

President has emphatically mentioned that as the Government triumphed in the war it will surmount the future challenges.

The President laid this emphasis at the granting of housing entitlements of the third stage of the houses built by the Seva Vanitha Unit of the Civil Defence Department. The ceremony ws held at the Museaus College auditorium in Colombo. Keys were symbolically handed over to 250 house recipients. Defence Secretary Gotabhaya Rajapaksa handed over cash cheques under the Suva Saviya programme at this event.

The President lauded services discharged by the Security sectors in winning the war. He underscored that it was the onus of everyone to continue to these services sans any hesitation on behalf of the country.

The President said he believes that the Government has succeeded in passing on the benefits of halting war to the nation.

The President queried from those present on the occasion whether they arrived for the event on roads which prevailed five years ago or bridges and towns that prevailed five years ago. All these have changed. The country has completely changes.

The President pointed that it was today that he came to know that the Opposition Leader’s office complex was also being built by members of the Civil Defence Department. This is the best response to those who make queries whether the war has ended.

Ananda Soysa and Soma Rajapaksa made cash contributions for the Seva Vanitha Housing Project of the Civil Defence Department. Director General of the Civil Defence Department Rear Admiral Ananda Peiris also graced the occasion.

The President has declared open the Abhayarama Dharma Sabha Mandapaya of the Abhayarama Vihare in Narahenpita.

The President who arrived at the Abhayarama Vihare in Narahenpita this morning paid obeisance to the Bodhiya and secured blessings. After engaging in religious observances the President declared open the newly constructed Dharma Sabha Mandapaya at the Vihare. The two-storeyed Mandapaya which displays how the Lord Buddha delivered sermons was built with personal contributions of Sarath Seneviratne and L.H. Piyasena. The President extended his greetings to the Chief Incumbent of the Abhayarama in Narahenpita and President of the Public Services United Nurses Union the Ven. Muruttettuwe Ananda Thera in view of his birthday which falls tomorrow. He also presented him with a memento.

Members of the Maha Sangha including the Mahanayake of the Amarapura Maha Nikaya the Most Ven. Davuldena Gnanissara Thera and the Vice Chancellor of the Kelaniya University the Ven. Welamitiyawe Kusala Dhamma Thera, and a group including Senior Minister A.H.M. Fowzier, Miniters Maithripala Sirisena and Susil Pemajayantha were present on the occasion.

A special Kiripindu Dana was held at the Sri Sambuddhaloka Vihare in Colombo Fort to mark the first anniversary of the deposit of Sacred Relics at the Dathu Mandiraya under the auspices of President Rajapaksa..

The Sacred Relics were deposited under the patronage of the President at The Dathu Mandiraya on the 25th of January last year. Since then Kiripindu Dana were continuously offered in the morning. The President assumed the task of offering the Kiripindu Dana this morning, marking the first year of the deposit of the Relics at the Vihare.

Accordingly the President visited the Vihare this morning and participated in religious observances. He also offered flowers at the Dathu Mandiraya. Chief Incumbent of the Vihare the Ven. Vitharandeniye Medhananda Thera conducted the religious observances and invoked blessings on the President. Members of the clergy and the laity were present.

Vietnam has emphasized to Sri Lanka that it will do its “utmost” to support the island nation at the United Nations Human Rights Council Sessions in Geneva in March.

Vietnam, which is a member of the UNHRC for 2014-2016 tenure, gave this assurance when President Rajapaksa’s special envoy and Minister D.E.W Gunasekera met Vietnamese President Truong Tan Sang and Party General Secretary Nguyen Phu Trong during his working visit to that country. Minister Gunasekera briefed the Vietnamese leader on Sri Lanka’s successes as well as the challenges it faces, requesting Vietnam as a member of the UNHRC to provide a fair voice on Sri Lanka’s human rights issue.

General Secretary Trong thanked Sri Lanka for supporting Vietnam to become a UNHRC member and asserted that “Viet Nam will do its utmost to make precise utterances on Sri Lanka’s human rights issue based on the Charter of the United Nations and international law.”

Commending Sri Lanka’s socio-economic achievements over the past years President Sang affirmed that Vietnam always supports Sri Lanka in its national development and reconciliation and has wished the country more success. President Sang has suggested that the two countries should work together to further boost trade and agriculture cooperation.

The Sri Lankan Minister requested Vietnam’s cooperation in national reconstruction.

Airport Customs have seized nearly 12 kiliogrammes of gold smuggled into the country.

The gold has been seized at the Katunayake International Airport during a period of 24 hours. A Sri Lankan who returned from Dubai last morning was arrested with 10 kilogrammes of gold to the value of around 50 million rupees.

Also a mother and a daughter who attempted to smuggle out to Chennai a haul of gold from the Airport were arrested. The haul of gold was confiscated and the suspects were also fined.

The minimum maternity mortality rate among the South Asian countries prevails in Sri Lanka. This is revealed in a survey carried out in respect of National Emergency Obstetric and Neonatal Care Needs Assessment.

The report on the survey carried out in respect of Emergency and Neonatal Care Needs Assessment at the National and Provincial levelwas handed over to Minister Maithripala Sirisena at the Health Ministry recently. Director of the Family Health Bureau Dr. Chithramali de Silva presented the report titled “National Guidelines for Maternal Care” to the Minister. The report prepared by the Family Health Bureau was formulated after the conduct of an island wide survey.

Doctors Lalini Rajapaksa, Lakshman Senanayake, Chandani Galwaduge, Dhammika Rochelle, Nilmini Hemachandra and Padma Silva were involved in the conduct of the survey. This study will be of immense benefit on behalf of further reducing the maternity and child mortality rates which now stand at a minimum level aimed at enhancing the standard of the Maternity Health and Neonatal Care Needs Assessment. The lowest maternity mortality rate in South Asia prevails in Sri Lanka. The number of child births in Sri Lanka per year is round 350 thousand. Infant mortality rate stands at nine per 1000 births. The maternity mortality rate reported is 37 for every 100 thousand live child births.

Speaking on the occasion Minister Maithripala Sirisena said that Sri Lanka is well ahead of maternity health services than in other Third World countries.

Health Secretary Dr. Nihal Jayatilake, Health Services Director Dr. Palitha Mahipala were among those present at this event.