Daily NEWS Srilanka

Two United National Party members of the Mirigama Pradeshiya Sabha have met the President and joined the Freedom Alliance to consolidate its victory.

Thilak Ashoka and Sanath Ranasinghe, United National Partu members of the Mirigama Pradeshiya Sabha met President Rajapaksa at Temple Trees this morning as gave an assurance to dedicate themselves to consolidate the victory of the United People’s Freedom Alliance in the Western Provincial Council poll. Thilak Ashoka and Sanath Ranasinghe, who were stalwarts of the United National Party for a long period had been victorious at every Local Government poll. Ministers Basil Rajapaksa, Felix Perera and Mervyn Silva and Parliamentarian Wasantha Senanayake were present on the occasion.

The two UNP Pradeshiya Sabha who members who crossed over the Alliance said that they decided to join hands with the President to serve the country and the nation since they will not be getting an opportunity to serve their native country under a UNP regime.

President Raapaksa has said that laws and regulations of a country should be crafted to facilitate the day to day activities of the people and not to hinder them.

The President made this observation at a ceremony held in Moratuwa. It was organized in respect of the opening of the three storeyed building of the Moratuwa Municipal Council reconstructed at a cost of 30 million rupees. The President thereafter declared open the Moratuwa Library building which was put up at a cost of 15 million rupees.

Further speaking on the occasion, the President said that all laws and regulations of a country should be crafted for the convenience of the people.

The President said that development is now taking place in the country and this is clearly being witnessed. The fishery as well as the carpentry industries are very strong in Moratuwa. It was with the intention of further strengthening the carpentry industry it was proposed in the budget that permits were not necessary for the transport of finished goods. A Government exists not to hinder the people or trouble but to facilitate them. If so archaic laws should be gradually scrapped. Taking this into consideration, the Government abolished the rule of securing permits for the transport of finished goods. The President opined that their determination is to grant more facilities to the people

Continuing his address the President accused that some are determined to betray the country. During his visit to Cuba, the Cuban President told him not to take such allegations into account. Resolutions had been approved against Cuba at the Geneva Commission on 60 occasions. The President said that during his visit to Israel, the Prime Minister there told him that Resolutions were being tabled against them every day. But for Sri Lanka, the President said it was only three for the time being. The President mentioned that this was an annoyance for the country. Sri Lanka is next to China in economic development in the Asian Region.

The President pointed out that the responsibility of the parent should be to protect and guide their children. Religious leaders should also direct them towards the correct path. A Government or a Police alone cannot safeguard the children from pernicious material flowing into the country from the world. He said the children should be protected for the future of the country. He mentioned that they should be geared to direct the children towards the correct path.

The President handed over prizes to those who contributed to the reconstruction of the Moratuwa Municipal Council building complex and the construction of the Library building. The people of Moratuwa paid tribute to the President by presenting him with a memento. 500 thousand rupees collected by the people of Moratuwa for the Api Wenuwen Api Fund was handed over to the President. Minister Jeevan Kumaratunge, Moratuwa Mayor Saman Lal Fernando and many political representatives of the area were present on the occasion.

In the meantime, despite the heavy load of work, President Rajapaksa stepped into the Tower Hall Theatre in Maradana this morning to view a significant drama.

The State Drama Festival is now in progress at the Tower Hall Theatre in Maradana. “Weerayo Maranna Be” was a special drama that was staged this morning as an invited drama of the State Drama Festival. The significance of this drama is that all the artistes acting in this drama being inmates of the Welikada Prison. 33 prisoners have contributed in acting to this stage drama.

The presence of President Rajapaksa in viewing this drama was an encouragement to these prison inmates. Music, singing, stage decorations, costumes and all other activities related to the drama had also been contributed by these inmates. Ministers Chandrasiri Gajadheera, T.B. Ekanayake and C.B. Ratnayake also joined the President in viewing this stage drama.

The drama had been produced under the guidance of Commissioner General for Prisons Chandraratne Pallegama in collaboration with the Welikada Senior Prisons Superintendent Gamini Jayasinghe and the President of the Prison’s Welfare Association Upali Rajapaksa.

More than two million 560 thousand had visited the Deyata Kirula National Exhibition up to midnight yesterday. The number of visitors yesterday alone stood at nearly 626 thousand. These statistics were disclosed by Minister Ranjith Siyambalapitiya at a news briefing held at the Deyata Kirula Exhibition grounds this afternoon.

The Minister said that there had been 625,960 visitors from morning until midnight yesterday. It is also a record in the Deyata Kirula history. It was the highest number that had visited the Exhibition in a day. This displays the trust placed by the people in Sri Lanka’s journey towards becoming Asia’s Wonder as enunciated in the Mahinda Chinthana.

The total number of visitors to the Exhibition since its opening was two million 562 thousand and six by midnight yesterday. Minister Siyambalapitiya said tomorrow is the final day. They are confident that this Deyata Kirula Exhibition will record the highest number of visitors. The Prime Minister will be the Chief Guest tomorrow. The Minister added that the special Guest of Honour will be the Secretary to the Ministry of Defence and Urban Development Gotabhaya Rajapaksa.

Officials of the Consumer Affairs Authority have raided an establishment which was engaged in the production of food unsuitable for human consumption.

Officials of the Consumer Affairs Authority took into custody 5000 kilograms of Chillie powder and 3000 kilograms of saffron powder unsuitable for human consumption and also 2000 kilograms of old bread crumbs. Officials who were involved in the raid said that its total value exceeded three million rupees. It was found that this chillie powder and saffron powder had been produced by pounding old bread crumbs and thereafter adding fabric power which had been clearly stipulated should also be used only for textiles. The Consumer Affairs Authority said that the raid was conducted on a tip off received by Minister Johnston Fernando.

In the meantime, the Hatton Police succeeded in apprehending a person who was engaged in the process of mixing dust tea unsuitable for human use along with tea leaves suitable for drinking. The Police said that the racket was being carried out in a shop at the Hatton Public Market.

The Health Ministry has pointed out that a decision will be taken after a meeting of the Food Advisory Committee on the permission sought by a milk powder importing company to destroy 130 metric tons of milk powder.

This stock of milk powder had been imported before July 2013 as small stocks. It was also in July that tests were launched to determine whether these stocks contained DCD. A Ministerial Sub Committee was appointed to take decisions in this respect. The release of the stocks to the market after the tests also took place on the instructions of the Ministerial Sub Committee.

The Company concerned had sought permission to destroy this milk powder as it was not economically viable to conduct tests for DCD since it has been imported as small stocks.

The Ven. Dr. Itthademaliye Pagnarathana Thera has said that there are no signs of a suitable person in the near future, other than the incumbent Head of State who can take over the leadership of the country.

The prelate recalling the past said that many expected that the President and the state machinery would face devastation. Many are thinking of a common candidate, no one can ever think of a present leadership in the foreseeable future. He added that the country is experience massive development under a prudent leader.

The prelate was speaking at a function organized for the establishment of the Sri Lanka Freedom Party Bikkhu Organization within the Tangalla electorate. Many Buddhist monks of several Vihares in the Tangalla electorate joined in this event. Ministers Prof. G.L. Peiris and Mahinda Amaraweera were present on the occasion. The appointment of members for the Bikkhu Organization also took place on the occasion.

Air Marshal Kolitha Aravinda Gunatilake has assumed duties as the 14th Commander of the Sri Lanka Air Force.

Air Marshal Harsha Abeywickrema yesterday officially handed over the duties to the New Air Force Commander. The new Air Force Chief was presented with the Commander’s official sword at this event held at the Air Force Headquarters. A march past was held in honour of the Former Air Force Chief.

Air Marshal Kolitha Aravinda Gunatilake joined the Air Force as a Cadet Officer in 1980 and after the successful completion of flying training he was commissioned as a Pilot Officer. He has also served as Director Operations and Chief of Staff from the year 2008 to 2011 prior to his appointment as the Commander. He was educated at St. Thomas’ College and Royal College Colombo

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.

The tiger terrorists taking away the lives of three war heroes on 28th February in 1987 in the Kadduwan area in Jaffna embarked on their killing spree on 28th February throughout the dark era with the determination of quenching their thirst for blood. In the year 1992 also on a day like today, the terrorists killed two war heroes launching an attack in the Vettilaikerni area in Jaffna. In another attack on 28th February 1994, the terrorists killed two more soldiers.

After taking away the lives of two war heroes in the Chalai area on 28th February 2009, the ruthless tiger terrorists unleashed several attacks on the same in the Puthukidiyiruppu, Koramodai and Puthukidiyiruppu West areas. As a result 24 war heroes sacrificed their lives on behalf of the country.

A permanent halt to terrorism which scourged the country for 30 years unleashing destructions was made on 18th May 2009. By then the terrorists had killed 41 members of the Security Forces on 28th February during the fear psychosis period. The brave soldiers who advanced in the humanitarian operations with the sole aim of routing the terrorists and following the bold and prudent decisions taken by President Rajapaksa neglecting the pressure exerted by the international community succeeded in subduing the terrorist outfit. Such a tremendous achievement by the Sri Lankan troops had seriously hurt certain local as well as extraneous forces, as their efforts to achieve parochial aims were completely obstructed. The valiant soldiers carried out all these operations heeding the Geneva Conventions and adhering to war regulations while protecting human rights to the maximum.

These heroic soldiers provided a fitting example to the entire world on human rights by liberating more than 300 thousand innocent Tamil civilians who were languishing under the jackboot of the terrorists encountering untold hardships. If so why do countries such as the United States and Britain are preferring human rights allegations against Sri Lanka? It is explicitly clear that they are doing so due to their deceitfulness.

Whatever actions were initiated by certain local as well as alien forces, the entire nation is geared to confront any situation along with the Leader of the country. As such the so called forces should understand that they would not succeed in causing any harm to the motherland, the state leader or the valiant soldiers.

Many have made supreme sacrifices on behalf of the motherland. We do not possess all photographs of the war heroes who sacrificed their lives on behalf of the country.

Umar Akmal hit a fighting hundred to help Pakistan overcome early wobbles against Afghanistan to win their crucial Asia Cup match by 72 runs in Dhaka. Pakistan owed their recovery to Akmal’s 89-ball 102 not out, which lifted them from a precarious 117-6 to 248-8 in 50 overs before they wrapped up their rivals for 176 in 47.2 overs.

Afghanistan, playing their inaugural match in the five-nation tournament, impressed despite the defeat but their lack of experience stopped them from causing an upset.

Chasing a daunting target, the Afghans were 139-2 in the 36th over before losing their last eight wickets for 37 runs as Mohammad Hafeez took 3 wickets for 29 runs and Saeed Ajmal took 2-25 gave Pakistan a win with a bonus point.

Andy Murray rallied from a set and a break down against Gilles Simon to advance to his first semi-final since he won last year’s Wimbledon title while top seed David Ferrer retired with a thigh strain at the Acapulco International.

Second seed Murray twice fell behind in the second set but recovered both breaks immediately to eke out a 1-6 7-6 6-2 victory and stretch a winning streak against his French opponent to 12 matches. Murray’s semi-finals opponent will be Grigor Dimitrov, who needed two hours and 40 minutes to battle past Ernests Gulbis 4-6 7-6 7-5 in the final quarter-final match of the day at Cancha Central.

Awful Nice is an upcoming comedy film directed by Todd sklar and the movie stars James Pumphrey and Alex Rennie.

Follows estranged brothers, who are forced to travel to Branson together to renovate and flip the lake house they’ve inherited from their just-deceased father.

The movie will be released worldwide on the 7th of next month.

The Hindu festival of Maha Shivratri (Great Night of Lord Shiva), dedicated to worship God Shiva, is celebrated today.

Maha Shivratri is observed on the 13th night/14th day in the Krishna Paksha every year on the month of Maagh according to the Hindu calendar. Women observe fast and offer prayers both to Lord Shiva and Parvati to seek a blissful married life.

In a message to mark the occasion, President Rajapaksa said that Hindus in Sri Lanka have lived for centuries in brotherhood and harmony with the followers of other religions. They now have the conditions of peace throughout the land to freely celebrate this important festival in true spirit of unity and understanding. The President offered his best wishes to all Sri Lankan Hindu devotees so that a better tomorrow dawns for them and all their aspirations are fulfilled.

In another message Prime Minister D.M. Jayaratne said that a firm determination should be made today to join hands in brotherhood to further develop unity among all communities. He pointed out in his message that it would be possible to build a virtuous society by working in co-existence irrespective of caste, religious or party differences.

President Rajapaksa has emphasized that the Government will fulfil to the maximum every responsibility on behalf of the people. He said that the main aim of the Mahinda Chinthana is to impart everything to all, the privileges enjoyed by a few.

The President was speaking after opening the water supply scheme in the Mulleriyawa area in Kotikawatte. The Scheme will meet the water needs of more than 150 thousand people. The expenditure incurred on the Project launched by Sri Lanka in collaboration with Japan was 4785 million rupees.

Addressing the function which followed the opening of the Scheme, the President said that the Government had taken the initiative of granting the water subsidy to the people in the manner the fertilizer subsidy was being provided to the cultivators. He pointed out that it is the responsibility of everyone to work with awareness to successfully confront the challenge the entire world will have to face with regard to water. As the Government would be giving priority to the requirements of the people what challenges it had to confront, the President appealed for their contribution to the Government future journey sans being deceived by false campaigns.

The President said that some were accusing the Governor of taking loans. Loans were being taken to provide the basic requirements for the people. The people suffered for 17 years. He told that gathering that they will be receiving water round the clock. 45 percent were being provided pipe borne water for drinking purposes. They expected to provide water for about 70 percent within a short period. He said that what they were doing was passing on the benefits and privileges enjoyed by a handful to everyone.

The Government was meeting the requirements of the people. Water will be the serious crisis the entire world will be facing in the future. Everyone should be ready to preserve water. Various attacks will be mooted on the Government in addition to slinging mud, when these programmes were being launched. He added that the Government will bear such things on behalf of the people.

Senior Minister A.H.M. Fowzie, Minister Dinesh Gunawardena, Deputy Ministers Geethanjana Gunawardena and Nirupama Rajapaksa, Parliamentarians Thilanga Sumathipala and Duminda Silva and Western Province Governor Alavi Moulana were among those present on the occasion.

UK Conservative party member Lord Naseby says that those who appeared in the Channel-4 documentary are paid LTTE members.

Lord Naseby stated this yesterday during a debate on Sri Lanka held in British Parliament.

Lord Naseby asserted that conclusive evidence had emerged that so-called witnesses to alleged war crimes in a documentary by Channel 4 were “fully paid-up members of the Tamil Tigers”.

During the debate, Lord Naseby referred to the enormous hardships experienced by a female LTTE cadre for 30 years as shown in a documentary film based on her life was screened before a group of eminent personnel in the British Parliamentary Complex recently.

It was British national Richard Mundy who had contributed to the documentary that had taken the film produced by a group of independent media personal to be screened in Britain. Among those who had spoken with appreciation about the documentary after viewing it were Lord Naseby and Lord Ian Chrisley.

Richard Mundy who joined in a question and answer occasion after the screening of the film emphasized that the statements made by Prime Minister David Cameron who participated in the Commonwealth Summit had put the Britons into an embarrassing position. The breach of human rights is continuously taking place in Northern Ireland. Mr. Mundy had pointed that it is not proper to batter a nation which had routed terrorism. He recalled that not a single British soldier who had been involved in the killing of innocent civilians in Northern Ireland 25 years ago had been taken to Courts. Without any hesitation during the question and answer sessions, Richard Mundy declared that as a Briton he was severely embarrassed when the British Prime Minister pointed out the finger at Sri Lanka. He underlined that if anyone wanted to level any criticism on Sri Lanka is should be made after visiting the island nation and viewing the ground situation.

Richard Mundy who discharged a monumental task on behalf of Sri Lanka reached the Katunayake International Airport yesterday.

The Indian Supreme Court today halted the Tamil Nadu Government from releasing four of former Prime Minister Rajiv Gandhi’s killers who are serving life terms.

The Indian Supreme Court gave this ruling after considering a petition submitted by the Central Government. The Supreme Court recently commuted the death sentences imposed on these convicts to life sentences.

The Supreme Court last week stopped the state from freeing three of the assassins – Murugan, Santhan and Perarivalan – who were spared execution last week because of an exceptional delay in a decision on their mercy plea.

Tamil Nadu said nothing stopped it from releasing the four others serving life term, Nalini Sriharan, Robert Payas, Jayakumar and Ravichandran, which was contested by the Centre.

Prime Minister Manmohan Singh has said letting off the convicts would be contrary to all principles of justice as Rajiv Gandhi’s assassination was “an attack on the soul of India.”

Chief Justice of India, P Sathasivam said it will decide, within a week, on the fight between the Centre and Tamil Nadu over who can decide on freeing all seven convicts in the case.

The Automated Finger Print System to identify criminals was introduced at the Deyata Kirula National Exhibition premises today.

The introduction of the Automated Finger Print System to get instant finger prints of criminals took place at the Deyata Kirula Exhibition Grounds today under the patronage of Minister Ranjith Siyambalapitiya and Defence Secretary Gotabhaya Rajapaksa. Finger prints of leading criminals in the country had been incorporated into the software. As such it facilitates to get finger print data within a very short space of time. A group including Security Chiefs joined in the occasion.

Expressing views to the media after the function Defence Secretary Gotabhaya Rajapaksa said that such public services provided by the Police and the Security sectors is an example to the entire Public Service.

The Defence Secretary said it was possible to achieve this due to the dedication of the Police Officers as well as computer experts. May are used to flay the Police. But no mention is made of those who make such dedications. Dedications made by Government institutions to further improve the services is the best example. He added that as a result the people enjoy enormous facilities.

Today is the seventh day of the Deyata Kirula National Development Exhibition which is in progress in Kuliyapitiya. The Exhibition was declared open last Friday.

Massive crowds descended on the Exhibition grounds today as it was a public holiday. The Exhibition is being held centering on the Kuliyapitiya Central College, the Wayamba University and the Technical College. The Exhibition grounds spans 160 acres. Today is the Media Day at the Exhibition.

A significant occasion today was the visit of the Secretary to the Ministry of Defence and Urban Development Gotabhaya Rajapaksa. The Defence Secretary launched the Automated Finger Printing system which is aimed at identifying criminals. Thereafter the Defence Secretary joined in visiting the Exhibition booths. A special news briefing was held at the location this afternoon. Minister Ranjith Siyambalapitiya said that more than one million 930 thousand had visited the Exhibition by last night.

There was a special visitor to the ITN Stall today. He was Dayasiri Jayasekara, the Northwestern Chief Minister. He was joined by Sudharman Radaliyagoda, the Deputy General Manager of News and Current Affairs.

The Independent Television Network is again honoured with the people’s Award. ITN succeeded in winning four Awards at the People’s Awards Festival which was held last night.

The SLIM Nielson People’s Awards Gala was held at the Water’s Edge in Battaramulla last night.

The Festival was held under the patronage of Chairman of the Sri Lanka Institute of Marketing Gamika de Silva, while the Guest of Honour was Rohan Somawansa. ITN glittered with Awards at this Gala. ITN wishes to proudly announce that it bagged the Year’s People’s Television Channel Award.

It was also the Independent Television Network which bagged the Year’s Youth Channel Award.

ITN’s “Atapattama” programme clinches the Year’s People’s Television Programme Award.

The “Korale Mahatthaya” teledrama telecast by ITN was feted with the Year’s People’s Teledrama Award.

Accordingly ITN, the Channel of the motherland succeeded in securing the lead among TV Channels in the island bagging the highest number of People’s Awards.

Malini Fonseka won the Year’s People’s Actress Award while Ranjan Ramanayake bagged the Year’s People’s Actor and the Youth Actor’s Award. Saranga Dissasekara shared the People’s and Youth Actor’s Award. Nehara Peiris won the People’s Youth Actress Award.

Dr. Pandith W.D. Amaradeva andVisharadha Nanda Malini won the Year’s People’s Male and Female Vocalist Awards.

Singer Sri Lanka bagged the People’s Brand of the Year Award while Dialog won the Youth Brand Award.

Kumar Sangakkara won the Award for the Year’s Youth Sports personality while the People’s Bank was adjudged the People’s Service Provide Brand of the Year.

The ruthless activities of the tiger terrorists who killed an unknown number during the dark era are being reminisced to educate the people on the deceitful methods of those who are supporting terrorism.

If the brave soldiers did not enthrone peace in the country by making supreme sacrifices, no one could have prevented the entire motherland being converted into a battlefield.

On the night of 27^th February 1989, the tiger terrorists stormed into the Borawewa village and massacred 38 civilians shocking not only the entire country but also the world. They killed these civilians while they were asleep. They included many children. These ruthless terrorists thus quenched their blood thirst and in this manner they embarked on their killing spree on 27^th Februrary during the dark era.

The tiger terrorists in ambush mooted an attack at the war heroes on 27^th February 1991 at Palampataru in Trincomalee killed six brave soldiers. In the year 1992, also on a day like today the terrorists targeted an attack at the war heroes in the Kumburumulla area. 19 war heroes sacrificed their lives on behalf of the unity of the country in this attack.

Again on 27^th February in 2009, several terrorist attacks were unleashed at the brave soldiers in the Puthukudiyiruppu, Chalai and Puthukudiyiruppu West areas. 27 war heroes made supreme sacrifices on behalf of the unity of the motherland and on behalf of safeguarding the country’s territorial integrity.

The Commander in Chief and the war heroes took action to uproot terrorism from the country. The last shot of the insurgency was fired on 18^th May 2009 from the Nanthikadal Lagoon. By then the terrorists had taken away 92 lives on 27^th February throughout the dark period. The figure included 39 civilians while the other 53 were members of the Security forces.

The forces which advanced during the humanitarian operations following the bold and direct decisions taken by President Rajapaksa and the prudent guidance of Defence Secretary Gotabhaya Rajapaksa, succeeded in enthroning permanent peace in the country. They did so by making supreme sacrifices. The war heroes achieved this feat safeguarding the lives of innocent civilians and protecting them and also safeguarding human rights heeding the Geneva Convention.

The United States and Britain are preferring human rights allegations against such a group of war heroes, not merely because they cannot identify the nature of protecting human rights but due to their vindictive hypocrisy. The flagrant human rights violations committed by these world powers have been revealed in the international media in the past with evidence. But many are astonished as to why these countries or organizations of human rights do not speak a word on these human rights violations. The people who loved the country are not prepared to betray the freedom won through many dedications. They will also not hesitate to safeguard the motherland in the face of any force. They had proved this to the world on several occasions.

Fresh from a team win at the Olympics, champion Severin Freund won the World Cup ski jump competition in Falun, Sweden.

There was a high level of competition, with three new hill records. Freund set two of them on his way to victory, scoring a total of 266.1 points, a lead of 15.9 points over Peter Prevc who took second place. Freund now lies in fourth position overall, 79 points behind third place. Jumps of 125.5m and 133.5m saw Peter Prevc move from tenth to second in the competition.

The World Cup competition will continue in Lahti, Finland from tomorrow.

Hairbrained is an upcoming comedy film directed by Billy Kent and the movie stars Brendan Fraser, Alex Wolff and Julia Garner.

After being rejected from Harvard University, 14-year old genius and outcast Eli Pettifog finds himself at Whittman College, an Ivy League wannabe. Eli meets 41-year-old freshman Leo Searly, a gambler whose world has imploded and has dropped out of life to enroll in college. The odd duo becomes unlikely friends in this comedic coming-of-age film. The movie will be released tomorrow in theatres world over.

The President observes the construction of the stretch of the Sri Jayawardenepura Colombo highway with the Polduwa new bridge. Immediate action was initiated to open with immediate effect for traffic the stretch of which construction was completed.

President Rajapaksa observed the stretch constructed from the Parliamentary Roundabout towards Colombo along the Sri Jayawardenapura-Colombo highway. Thereafter he gave instructions to the officials concerned to open it for traffic with immediate effect.

The Polduwa Bridge which is 70 metres long was opened for traffic. Work had been completed on 260 metres including the access road which has three lanes. The second stage also with three lanes is being constructed in parallel and the work is due to be completed by September this year. Two pavements are also being constructed.

The expenditure incurred by the Government on the road is 2000 million rupees. It also solves the flood situation as well as the congestion on the Parliamentary roundabout road.

Project Minister Nirmala Kotalawala, Kaduwela Mayor G.H. Buddhadasa, Sri Lanka Freedom Party organizer of Kotte Rohitha Bogollagama and Secretary to the Ministry of Ports and Highways R.W.R. Premasiri joined the President in this inspection visit.

In the meantime, several programmes were held at Temple Trees this morning under the patronage of President Rajapaksa.

Air Force Commander Air Marshal Harsha Abeywickrema who is due to end his term of office called on President Rajapaksa. The President who had a cordial discussion with him also presented him with a memento.

Deputy Minister Mohanlal Grero has been appointed as the Sri Lanka Freedom Party Co-Organizer of the Ratmalana electorate. The President handed over his letter of appointment. Minister Dulles Alahapperuma and the Sri Lanka Freedom Party Chief Organizer of Ratmalana Chandana Kathriarachchi were present on the occasion.

In the meantime Sisira Jayawilal Abrew took oaths before the President as the Acting Appeals Court President. Acting President’s Secretary and Presidential Chief of Staff Gamini Senarath was present.

A British national responds to fabricated allegations made by the international community on Britain.

Richard Mundy returns to Sri Lanka after making clarifications to Britain which had been deceived.

Everyone’s attention has been drawn to a British national who has come forward on behalf of Sri Lanka when traitors in the island are making various allegations against the country in the presence of the international community. He is Richard Mundy. A Sri Lankan film production team along with Richard Mundy has taken initiatives to take the real situation in Sri Lanka to the world following the actions initiated by the LTTE loyal Tamil Diaspora which had been engaged in a campaign for a long period to smear Sri Lanka’s image.

Although it was necessary to screen this film in Britain before the Human Rights Sessions in Geneva, Britain prevented them from granting any opportunity to do so. Untiring attempts made by this team to go to Britain via the British High Commission in Chennai were futile. However British national Richard Mundy came forward in support of Sri Lanka. He took the film on behalf of Sri Lanka to England.

The film contains genuine information revealed by Jayawadani, an LTTE leader on the tiger outfit. Jayawadani was involved in the final battle in Puthumathalan. It was the Sri Lanka security forces who had saved her when she was wounded in a mortar attack unleashed by the LTTE terrorists. As related by her, some war heroes who had come to rescue her had died. In this film she narrated how the Sri Lankan troops saved her life, risking their own lives. She has revealed how her child, whose father was a member of the sea tiger force, was brought up by the doctors of the Lady Ridgeway Hospital in Colombo.

The humane qualities of the Sri Lankan troops are portrayed throughout this film. Richard Mundy had displayed to Britain via this film the real situation in Sri Lanka. Although responses to allegations made against Sri Lanka cannot be told within a day, the film portrayed many information on Sri Lanka. A significant feature was the presence of all those who contributed to the production of the film at the Katunayake International Airport to welcome Richard Mundy who had made such a great sacrifice on behalf of Sri Lanka on his arrival in the island.

Expressing views at the Airport, Mr. Mundy expressed concern about foreign powers pressing for punitive actions against Sri Lanka rather than helping the Government to develop the North.

Defence Secretary Gotabhaya Rajapaksa has said that the Government will not demobilize the Army or reduce military presence in the Northern Province under any circumstances.

Responding to Western calls for a smaller army in the wake of the LTTE’s battlefield defeat, the Defence Secretary said that the Government will not reduce the military in the North to appease Western powers threatening to haul Sri Lanka up before an international war crimes tribunal over accountability issues, Mr. Rajapaksa said that the peacetime deployment of the Army as well as the acquisition of armaments too, was the prerogative of the government.

The armed forces had been deployed in support of the post-war recovery projects and people of all communities benefited from their expertise. The Defence Secretary noted that the Government would not do anything to jeopardize security.

Commenting on US concerns over intimidating military presence in the Northern Province, he pointed out that the US was concerned only about its security as well as its closest allies. The Defence Secretary said that the US was fully aware of sharp reduction of Jaffna military presence since the conclusion of the conflict, though it acted as if Sri Lanka was retaining wartime strength in the Northern Province. The Defence Secretary said that the US maintained substantial forces outside US territory to ensure safety and security of its citizens as well as those of its closest allies. He queried as to why the US could not realize that Sri Lanka’s deployment was nothing but to ensure that the LTTE wouldn’t make an attempt to reorganize again.

Minister S.B. Dissanayake has said that tiger loyalists in the world were calling for an inquiry during the final stages of the war disregarding the massive destruction unleashed by the terrorists.

The Minister said it is pathetic to note that certain groups in the Opposition were supporting such conspiracies against the country.

The Minister was addressing a media conference held at the Sri Lanka Freedom Party Head Office today.

The Minister said that the Opposition at this poll was saying that they were not engaged in irregular activities, after doing whatever they could do against the country at the Geneva Sessions in March. They are doing so to win the sympathy of the people and secure their votes. They have a problem of halting the effort made by Western forces to exploit Sri Lanka. He pointed out that attempts are being made to attack the country using the final stage of the operation launched with soldiers making supreme sacrifices. The United National Party, the Janatha Vimukthi Peramuna and other parties are supporting these efforts.

Minister Dissanayake added that Sri Lanka has begun raising its head for the first time in history after gaining independence

Northwestern Chief Minister Dayasiri Jayasekara has said that the Opposition was going against the Government by encouraging international forces against the country.

He called on the Opposition to make a public statement on the brutality of tiger terrorism, if it was not loyal to the LTTE. The Northwestern Chief Minister made this challenge at a news conference at the Sri Lanka Freedom Party Head Office.

VCR

Dayasiri Jayasekara accused the Opposition of building quite a different picture while transacting with the LTTE outfit and also the Tamil Diaspora. The LTTE is a ruthless terrorist outfit which has killed many Sinhala, Tamil and Muslim civilians. He challenged the Opposition if possible to publicly declare the ruthlessness of the LTTE.

The Police will launch the automated finger print system to identify criminals tomorrow. This will provide an opportunity to secure reports on finger prints within about three minutes. Hitherto it took 14 days to secure such reports.

This special automated machine will be unveiled by the Defence Secretary at the Deyata Kirula Exhibition tomorrow.

Expressing views to the media on this special automated finger print machine, Police Media Spokesman SSP Ajith Rohana said that hitherto finger prints were checked by viewing through lenses and making comparisons. It was an uphill task and time consumption was high.

At present developed countries in the world are using the automated finger print system. These finger prints are stored in software and within minutes it is possible to determine whether a suspect is a criminal. Defence Secretary Gotabhaya Rajapaksa and Police Chief N.K. Ilangakoon mediated in this process and invited Sri Lankan experts to get involved in such a process. He said that the responsibility was tasked with the ICT. They entrusted it to the Computer Division of the Colombo University. They derived a software with the minimum cost.

The Police Spokesman said that they now possess this software. He revealed that finger prints of 370 thousand criminals have already been included in this software. He added that it will be possible to determine criminals within three minutes from tomorrow.

An honorary consulate of Sri Lanka has been opened in Kerala.

The new consulate was opened by Chief Minister Oommen Chandy in Thiruvananthapuram today. It will be a new beginning to boost businesses between Kerala and Sri Lanka.

Tourism is one business that will get a major boost both in Kerala and Sri Lanka as people from both these places do travel up and down. Another important gain would be for the business community as there would be more trade and business activities.

Sri Lanka is providing health facilities to children of Uganda further strengthening ties between the two countries.

As a result of talks held between the Presidents of Uganda and Sri Lanka in Uganda, agreement was reached to provide free medical treatment to children who do not enjoy facilities to receive treatment in their countries.

A special Medical Camp was held following the mediation of First Lady Shiranthi Wickremasinghe Rajapaksa during the President’s tour of Uganda. Agreement was reached to provide medical treatment in Sri Lanka to some sick Ugandan children. One such child was recently admitted to the Lady Ridgeway Children’s Hospital.

The First Lady visited the Hospital this morning to inquire into the wellbeing of this one and half year old child who has fallen sick due to a germ infection. The child is now recuperating and it was agreed to further increase the health facilities provided to this child.

The entire country was embroiled in a fear psychosis due to the ruthless activities of the terrorists. They unleashed massive destruction in the country taking away an inestimable number of lives which no one can forget.

If the conflict was not ended by the Commander in Chief with the support of the war heroes, the country would have been stained with more blood. This report is a fitting report to recall the human rights violations committed by the brutal terrorists throughout 3- years.

It was on 26th February 1985 the tiger terrorists killed a war heroe in the Oddusudan area in Mullaitivu and embarked on their killing spree on 26th February in the dark era. On 26th February in 1993, these brutal tiger terrorists took away the lives of two war heroes launching an attack in the Nagadevendrakurai area. Again on 26th February in the year 2007, the brutal terrorists unleashed another attack in the Mudaliyarkulam area killing two war heroes. In the year 2009 also on a day like today the barbaric terrorists mooted an attack in the Ambalavanpokkanai area. As a result six war heroes had to make supreme sacrifices on behalf of the country. On the same day these ruthless terrorists unleashed attacks in the Puthukudiyiruppu and Vishwamadu areas. Seven war heroes gave up their lives on behalf of the unity of the country. Terrorism which was plaguing the country in this manners was annihilated on 18th May 2009. By then 25 war heroes had made supreme sacrifices on behalf of the unity and territorial integrity of the country on 26th February throughout the fear psychosis period.

The members of the Security Forces who advanced in the humanitarian operations due to the bold decisions taken by President Rajapaksa, who is the Commander in Chief and the prudent guidance of Defence Secretary Gotabhaya Rajapaksa succeeded in liberating the country from the terrorists. These achievements were made as a result of many dedications. Also the benefits of peace achieved amidst many hardships and difficulties are now being reaped by the entire country. But it is unfortunate that certain local as well as extraneous forces are active to create confusion among the communities hindering the peaceful environment in the country, with the aim of achieving their parochial agendas. Western countries are attempting to take revenge from Sri Lanka making baseless and unfounded allegations saying that human rights had been violated as the new lesson given to the world by Sri Lanka was a severe attack to them. The Sri Lankans are explicitly aware of the behavior and aspirations of these conspirators. The patriotic fraternity of the country is aware of how they should respond to the so called forces which are active in disguise and becoming stooges of the United States and Britain. Britain and the United States have flagrantly violated human rights. These have already been revealed to the world. Inspite of this, they are accusing Sri Lanka of violating human rights with a view to covering up their atrocities.

President Rajapaksa declares open the five-storeyed primary school building complex of the Defence Service College.

The Defence Service College was launched in the year 2007 on the instructions of President Rajapaksa and the guidance of Defence Secretary Gotabhaya Rajapaksa with the aim of overcoming the difficulties and obstacles encountered in admitting children of members of the Armed Forces and the Police to popular schools.

The School launched by the Defence Ministry to cater to the requirements of children of war heroes has been established in Kompannaveediya. The students of the College accorded a warm welcome to the President who arrived for the opening of this five storeyed primary class room building complex with a guard of honour by the scouts.

The President vested the building complex in the children by unveiling the memorial plaque. Thereafter he inspected the complex. The 2011/2012 prize giving of the College was held under the patronage of the President. The President awarded prizes to 60 outstanding students.

The Viru Daru Piyasa magazine was handed over to the President. A memento was also presented to the President marking his arrival at the school. The President also launched the website of the Defence Service College.

Deputy Minister Mohanlal Grero, Secretary to the Ministry of Defence and Urban Development Gotabhaya Rajapaksa, Chiefs of the Armed Forces, the Inspector General of Police and School Principal Pramuditha Wickremasinghe were among the large gathering present.

Monks of the Amarapura Siri Saddhammawansa Maha Nikaya are barred from participating in demonstrations, meetings, unnecessary brawls with the Police and in active politics.

The Ven. Balapitiye Seevali Thera, Secretary of the Amarapura Siridhammawanshika Maha Nikaya revealed to the media the decisions taken by the Maha Nikaya of the Maha Sangha Sabha including the Mahanayake the Ven. Siriseela Visuddhi Thera.

There are 463 Vihares countrywide which come under the purview of the Amarapura Siri Saddhammawanshika Maha Nikaya. There are also around 5000 Buddhist monks belonging to this Nikaya. The Sudharma Karaka Sangha Sabha which met recently at the Mahakappinna Sri Maha Malaka Vihare at Welithara in Balapitiya which is the head office of the Amarapura Siri Saddhammawansa Maha Nikaya had reached a significant decision in respect of the Buddhist monks.

The Sangha Sabha has met under the auspices of the Mahanayake, the Most Ven. Ahungalle Siriseela Visuddhi Thera.

Accordingly the monks of this Nikaya are barred from engaging in demonstrations, meetings, unnecessary clashes with the Police and in active politics. The Ven. Balapitiye Seevali Thera said that action will be initiated against those who act in contrary to the disciplines of Dhamma. The prelate said that this would a paradigm for other Nikayas.

The Media Secretary of the Democratic Party have resigned protesting against the actions of Sarath Fonseka. The Media Secretary Sanjeeva Samarasinghe summoned a news conference in Colombo today.

Mr. Samarasinghe said that he had decided to resign as the Media Secretary of the Democratic Party, giving up all the responsibilities he held within the Party and also returning to politics. He said the leader of the Democratic Party should take a decisive decision during this poll.

Sanjeeva Samarasinghe disclosed that it was the supporters of Sarath Fonseka and the Dompe Organizer of the Paprty who made obstructions during his intimation to the media on his resignation as the Media Spokesman of the Party

He mentioned what he had to mainly say was that there is no democracy in the Democratic Party. He said that he did not want to make any responses in this respect.

Mr. Samarasinghe accused that Fonseka’s dream will not become a reality, although Fonseka was dreaming of becoming a common candidate again

Mr. Samarasinghe pointed out that Fonseka considered that the Ven. Maduluwawe Sobitha Thera would propose him as a common candidate. He too considered that Chandrika Kumaratunge would one day propose him as a common candidate. He claimed that the Ven. Maduluwawe Sobitha Thera had said that this Executive Presidency could be abolished only by President Rajapaksa. Thereafter Fonseka had made several hints at the prelate and also said that the Ven. Sobitha Thera was not a stable person and that they cannot proceed in this journey placing trust in him. He also met Mrs. Kumaratunge on three occasions. In the final discussion she had clearly stated that it was only she who could defeat the President. Fonseka had queried as to how a person who had been rejected by the people could assume office.

Police security had to be given to the venue where the media conference was held as a result of the situation which surfaced.

Our correspondent said that it was noticed how a group which had arrived in a van was loitering near the site and also how two persons who had come on a motorbike were recording video footage of the incident.

The Sri Lankan Government has rejected the call by the UN High Commissioner for Human Rights. The Permanent Mission of Sri Lanka to the UN in Geneva issuing a statement has emphasized this is a direct interference in the national issues of a sovereign country.

The UN Human Rights Commissioner Navanetham Pillay in a draft report has said that there should be an international inquiry mechanism to further investigate the alleged violations committed in Sri Lanka during the last stages of the humanitarian operation. Sri Lanka’s Permanent Mission to the United Nations in Geneva, issuing a statement rejecting and strongly deploring this proposal said that this is a direct interference into the national issues of a sovereign country.

The Government said it gives scant or no regard to the domestic processes ongoing in Sri Lanka within the framework of the LLRC National Plan of Action, and is politicized in premise”. The government said, the trajectory that has emerged with regard to the recommendation of the High Commissioner “reflects the preconceived, politicized and prejudicial agenda which she has relentlessly pursued with regard to Sri Lanka”, since just a week following the defeat of terrorism.

It is noted that the reference in the current report that “the High Commissioner remains convinced” for an “independent, international inquiry” demonstrates her persistent efforts against Sri Lanka.

The Sri Lankan Government said it is pertinent to question the factual basis for the High Commissioner’s initial formal call to the HRC for an independent, international investigation in May 2009 and its continuation, in order that the international community not be misled.

The Tamil Nadu Government which decided to free the killers of Rajiv Gandhi undermining the Indian law should be dissolved.

This has been emphasized by Dr. Subramaniam Swamy, a Senior Leader of the Bharathiya Janatha Party.

Dr. Swamy was expressing views to the Thinamalar newspaper published in India. He said it is pathetic to note that a person who does not understand that it is illegal to support terrorism serving as the Chief Minister of Tamil Nadu. It is the responsibility of the Chief Minister to maintain law and order in the State. No one can watch such responsibilities being shirked.

Dr. Subramaniam Swamy pointed out that the decision taken by the State Government to threaten the Indian Central Government amounts to undermining the Centre. He emphasized that he would not hesitate even to take legal action for the dissolution of the State Government for engaging in such illegitimate activities. In the interview with the Thinamalar newspaper, he underlined that he had already taken necessary action in this respect.

He recalled the actions taken by him to dissolve the Tamil Nadu Government of Karunanidhi who aided and encouraged terrorists taking the law into his hands in the year 1990. Dr. Swamy said that similar action should be taken against Jayalalitha.

The Deyata Kirula National Development Exhibition has been extended for another two days. This was announced by Minister Ranjith Siyambalapitiya at a media conference held at the Deyata Kirula Exhibition grounds.

The Minister said that they have decided to extend the Exhibition by two days. The Exhibition was due to end on the 27th of this month. But they have decided to extend the Exhibition for two more days and the 2014 Deyata Kirula Exhibition will draw to a close at 12 midnight on Saturday the 01st.

The Minister said that the educational, cultural and other programmes will be held as usual on all these days. He invited the entire nation to visit the Exhibition and see to themselves the development that is taking place in the country.

Farmers in the Matale District are receiving benefits under the programme of providing pensions to farmers.

Measures had been taken to grant pension benefits to the farmer community in the Matale District under the countrywide programme of providing pensions to farmers. The handing over of pensions to 3438 farmers at the Tourist Hotel auditorium in Matale took place under the patronage of Project Minister S.M. Chandrasena.

Deputy Ministers Nandimithra Ekanayake, Rohana Dissanayake and Wasantha Lakshman Perera were among those present on the occasion. Farmers who received pension benefits expressed their gratitude to the Government for granting them a pension during their twilight years.

The country which suffered severe setbacks as a result of terrorism that was fast spreading like a pestilence was routed from the Nanthikadal Lagoon enthroning peace by the Commander in Chief and the brave soldiers. The terrorists plagued the country for 30 years.

The gruesome killings committed by these barbaric terrorists are being reminisced in this feature.

On 25th February 1986, the tiger terrorists who took away the life of a war hero in the Mannar area embarked on their killing spree on 25th February during the dark era with the desire of taking more lives on this particular day. Again on 25th February 1997, the ruthless tiger terrorists in ambush launched a brutal assault of a group of war heroes on foot patrol in the Trincomalee area and killed two brave soldiers.

These barbaric tiger terrorists launched a brutal attack on a group of civilians who were engaged in their day to day activities at Ambalanthurai on 25th February 1999. As a result five innocent civilians were killed shocking the entire area.

The next target of the terrorists on 25th February in the year 2009 was Paalamattan, Puthukudiyiruppu and Puthukudiyiruppu West areas. 12 war heroes made supreme sacrifices on behalf of the country in these attacks.

Terrorism which was a scourge for the country was annihilated on 18th May 2009. By then these cruel terrorists had taken away 32 lives on 25th February throughout the fear psychosis period. This included five civilians. The other 27 were members of the Security Forces. The valiant soldiers who advanced in the operations following the bold direct decisions taken by President Rajapaksa undeterred in the face of international pressure, succeeded in subduing terrorism and enthroning peace in the country. These achievements by the Security Forces were a severe attack to certain local as well as foreign forces as it obstructed their path of achieving their parochial aspirations.

The Sri Lankan war heroes carried out all these operations heeding the Geneva Conventions and in conformity to war regulations while doing their utmost to safeguard human rights. The brave soldiers also succeeded in liberating more than 300 thousand innocent Tamil civilians who were languishing under the jackboot of the terrorists, providing a new lesson to the world on human rights.

It is explicitly clear that the United States and Britain are directly making human rights allegations against Sri Lanka which had discharged such a task mainly because of their hypocrisy and not because of any other reason. The people of this country are with the leader of this country whatever actions were initiated by local abd foreign forces.

The so-called forces should at least now understand that they will get no room to cause any harm or damage to the motherland, the state leader or the war heroes whatever attempts were made by them.

The Hunger Games: Catching Fire, starring Oscar-nominee Jennifer Lawrence, has eclipsed Iron Man 3 to become the highest-grossing film released at the US box office in 2013. Lionsgate Entertainment announced that the movie has grossed $ 423.6 million to date in the US, now stepping into the top 10 highest-grossing films of all time domestically. It enjoys a worldwide box office total of $ 838.2 million after seven weeks in theatres. The Hunger Games: Mockingjay Part I and The Hunger Games: Mockingjay Part 2 are in production for release November 21, 2014 and November 20, 2015, respectively.

Roger Federer showed off his winning pedigree at the Dubai Tennis Championships in a 6—1, 6-4 first-round rout of Benjamin Becker, which took just 62 minutes.

The fourth-seeded Swiss was impeccable in his destruction of the German as Federer won his 38th match at the Emirate where he maintains a training base. He improved to 4-0 over Becker, the ATP number 93, in a win that included a crowd-pleasing, between-the-legs return. The Swiss maintained a near-perfect early record at the event after losing his only first-round Dubai match six years ago against Andy Murray.

The second set was tighter, taking twice as long. Federer broke in the seventh game but had to work his way out of a tiny spot of trouble in the final game, missing on his first two match points and forced to save a break point.

The President has pointed out that the responsibility of the parents should be to direct more attention on the children guiding them towards the correct path.

President Rajapaksa emphasized that a generation with proper awareness of society which loves the country can be groomed by providing a proper education. He said it is the obligation of the parents to draw their attention towards their children. The President was speaking at a function held at the Sri Saddhananda Vidyalaya at Helambawatana in Chilaw. It was organized to mark the opening of the Mahindodaya Technological Laboratory.

The school was provided with the Laboratory under the programme of developing 1000 primary schools, parallel to the Deyata Kirula National Development Exhibition. It includes a fully-fledged Laboratory, a Mathematics Laboratory and a Language Laboratory as well as a Distance Education Unit.

Speaking further after the opening of the Laboratory, the President said that he was very happy to visit the school for the opening of the Laboratory. The children should make optimum use of it for their betterment. What they expect from the children is to study well, be good children productive to society. The God will bless good children. Massive development is taking place in the area. Development is taking place not only in schools. Improvements are taking place in health, while roads are also being developed. The President called on the children to join handS with them and make a vital contribution to the development of the country.

Minister Bandula Gunawardena, Ranjith Siyambalapitiya, Neomal Perera and Piyankara Jayaratne, Parliamentarians A.H.M. Azwer and Arundika Fernando, Northwestern Governor Tissa Balalla and Chief Minister Dayasiri Jayasekara were among those present on the occasion.

The Indian Central Government has reiterated that the decision taken by the Tamil Nadu Government to free the killers of former Prime Minister Rajiv Gandhi based on elections, politics and compassion is unreasonable.

Indian Central Government Minister G.K. Vasan has pointed out that the decision taken by the Tamil Nadu Government to release the seven convicts of the Rajiv Gandhi assassination case is against the opinion of the people. The Tamil Nadu Government has been called upon to reconsider this decision.

Pointing out that the release of the Rajiv Gandhi killers in this manner is a threat to India’s national Security, the Minister emphasized that the Indians will never endorse it. Noting that the people would properly respond to this incorrect decision taken by Tamil Nadu at future polls, Mr. J.K. Vasan said all Congress party supporters should array themselves against the arbitrary decision taken by the Tamil Nadu Government.

In the meantime a protest was held at Wallur Kottam against the decision taken to release the Rajiv Gandhi killers and the Tamil Nadu Chief Minister Jayalalitha Jeyaram.

Tamil Nadu Congress Committee leader Gnanaketheesan addressing the Congress supporters who joined in the protest said that the people would totally reject the Tamil Nadu Government which is engaged in an effort to release the killers.

Details have surfaced on a racket of smuggling gold to India via the Sri Lankan sea belt.

Information on this racket surfaced during an interrogation of two suspects arrested at the Pamban Railway Station at Rameshwaram in Tamil Nadu. The Indian Police took into custody 108 gold biscuits weighing 35 kilograms from the possession of these suspects. Its value exceeds over 300 million Lankan rupees. Tamil Nadu Additional Police Commissioner Shailendra Babu said that they had already taken action to beef up security in the Ramanathapuram, Tuticorin and Nagapattinam coastal belts with the revelation of information on the smuggling of these gold biscuits produced in Dubai to India via Sri Lanka.

The Tamil Nadu Additional Police Commissioner said that according to information received by them, a Sri Lankan has given these gold biscuits to Indian fishermen at Danushkodi. They had already received information that this gold biscuits produced in Dubai were being smuggled into India via the Sri Lankan waters.

Shailendra Babu said that they had apprehended two suspects and operations are in progress for the arrest of the other suspects. He emphasized that they would do their best to halt this racket beefing up security in the coastal belt.

Several UNP stalwarts of the Western and Southern Province have joined the Freedom Alliance supporting the Government’s efforts to build the country.

This group secured membership of the Freedom Alliance at a meeting held in Mirigama under the patronage of Minister Basil Rajapaksa to consolidate the victory of the Alliance candidates contesting the polls for the Western Provincial Councils. Among them were more than 200 active members of the United National Party.

A large group of traditional United National Party supporters joined the Freedom Alliance at a public meeting held at Narawelpita in Hakmana under the auspices of Minister Mahinda Yapa Abeywardena. Securing membership of the Freedom Alliance this group said their intention was to support development efforts of the Government which has enthroned peace in the country.

Meanwhile more than one hundred United National Party supporters secured membership of the Freedom Alliance at a public meeting held in the Maragahahena area in Akuressa. This public meeting was presided by Deputy Minister Premalal Jayasekara.

Applications will be accepted until the 21^st of this month from the differently abled persons to secure transport facilities to cast their votes in the Provincial Council polls.

Additional Elections Commissioner R.M.L. Ratnayake said that they have already commenced the acceptance of applications from differently abled persons to cast their votes at the forthcoming Western and Southern Provincial Council polls. These applications will be entertained only until the 21^st of next month.

Facilities have been provided for the differently abled persons to secure their applications from the respective Election Offices in their areas.

Minister Keheliya Rambukwella is on a tour of Latin American countries with the purpose of consolidating bilateral ties.

The Minister left the island last night embarking on a tour of Latin American countries.

The Minister, as a special representative of the President, is slated to have talks with leaders and Foreign Ministers of the Latin American countries.

Reports say that the aim of these discussions will be to further strengthen the relations existing between Sri Lanka and the Latin American countries.

Deputy Minister Weerakumara Dissanayake has said that the presentation of Shilpa 2014 prizes organized by the Ministry of Traditional Industries and Small Entrepreneurship Development will take place at the BMICH tomorrow.

The Deputy Minister revealed this at a news conference held at the Information Department auditorium presided by Minister Douglas Devananda. Revelations were also made on the development projects chalked out by the Ministry.

The Deputy Minister said that there are many villages which are popular for clay and silver-based products. Craftsmen in these villages have been engaged in these industry for generations. They will be engaged in these industries only if their economy is strengthened according to the Mahinda Chinthana. Necessary attention was not diverted to them. As such the President as well as their Minister were now mainly focusing attention on them and providing the necessary strength.

Deputy Minister Dissanayake said the President believes that the upgrading of small industries is the backbone in the development of the country’s economy. As such he added that the President’s arrival tomorrow will take place with the intention of encouraging each and every one of them.

“Stalingrad” is a 2013 Russian war drama film directed by Fedor Bondarchuk. This is the first Russian movie completely produced with IMAX 3D technology. At the same time, this project is the first Russian and non-American film produced using the IMAX format.

The film was selected as the Russian entry for the Best Foreign Language Film at the 86th Academy Awards. The film is about The Battle of Stalingrad, a major battle of World War II in which Nazi Germany and its allies fought the Soviet Union for control of the city of Stalingrad in the southwestern Soviet Union.

The movie will be released this Friday.

Russia closed the costliest Olympics ever yesterday night with a visually stunning finale that handed off a smooth but politically charged Winter Games to their next host, Pyeongchang in South Korea.

The games’ next stop, South Korea, was represented by singing children as the nation’s flag was raised. But perhaps the most memorable part, the games’ polar bear mascot, standing tall, shed a fake tear as he blew out a cauldron of flames, extinguishing the Olympic torch that burned outside the stadium.

Not only did Russia host the games, but the arithmetic was clear, their Olympic team was king of the medals, 33 overall with 13 of them gold. It’s the first time Russia has topped both the men’s and women’s medals tables since the breakup of the Soviet Union.

Rafael Nadal returned from a troublesome back injury to win the Rio Open, defeating Alexandr Dolgopolov of Ukraine. The world number one’s victory comes four weeks after he lost the Australian Open final to Stanislas Wawrinka having tweaked his back while warming up.

The Spaniard, who survived two match points in the semi-final against Pablo Andujar, never looked under threat. It was Nadal’s 43rd clay title and stretches his record on the surface to 298-21, the best of the Open era. Dolgopolov hit several exquisite winners, especially from the backhand wing, but struggled to find a consistent enough game to trouble Nadal, who made only a handful of unforced errors in the whole match.

Parents have realized the value of education irrespective of race, religion or other differences. The President says that this is an encouragement for the Government which is providing equal educational opportunities for all the children in the country.

President Mahinda Rajapaksa mentioned this while addressing a ceremony at Zahira National School in Puttalam. The students warmly welcomed the President when he arrived at the school this morning. The President opened the Mahindodaya Technical laboratory at the school. The Technical Laboratory which was built under the programme to develop one thousand schools according to Mahinda Chinthana Future Vision, consists of a fully equipped science laboratory, mathematics laboratory, language laboratory and long distance education unit. The President inspected the Distance Education Unit of the school. President handed over the keys of Mahindodaya Technical Laboratory of Puttalam Fathima Vidyalaya and Presidents College. Speaking on the occasion the President said that education can create a future generation who are knowledgeable about the society and who loved their country.

The President said that it was their responsibility to provide all the facilities to the people irrespective of their differences. The four Mahindodaya schools in the area are proof of this. He said that they have to take over the future. The education will make the children to distance themselves from narrow thinking and it would teach them how to be with the society. They should have the strength to work for all and not only for one group. All should be united and all religions should be respected. All should live together in the motherland. They should not live separately. He said that it was their responsibility to make the children useful to the society.

The president who visited Puttalam Anamaduwa Navagathegama Navodya Maha Vidyalaya opened the Mahindodaya Technical Laboratory and the three storied building. Thirty million rupees has been spent to build the Mahindodaya Laboratory. Two hundred and eighty million rupees has been spent to construct the administrative building. Navagathegama school was provided with these facilities under the development programmes that are being implemented to coincide with Deyata Kirula exhibition. These technical laboratories include a mathematics laboratory, language laboratory, information technology centre and Nenasa Long Distance Education Unit.

President Rajapaksa vested in the students the fully equipped three storied secondary school building of the Puttalam Wanathavilluva Bandaranayaka Pura Isuru School. It has an administrative unit, a laboratory and classes for advanced level students. The President offered scholarships to two students with the courtesy of Holcim Company. Expressing his views President Rajapaksa said it was the responsibility of the parents and teachers to protect the children without allowing them to tread the wrong path. He emphasized that all what is done at present will be of no value if the future generation is not moulded properly.

The President said that the information technology would provide the opportunity to connect the children especially with the outside world. There are both positive and negative aspects into it. They should be aware about the negative as well. If we do not look after the children and let them wander we would lose the children who should take over the future. Therefore we have to advise them and send them on the correct path. We cannot control children by being harsh or frightening them. It is our duty to look after them lovingly. All villages now have children who have conquered the world. We should be proud about that. You have the duty to learn well.

The present Government has achieved true freedom for the country and implemented the biggest development process in the history. The Government never neglected peoples need due to political objectives. The President emphasized this in Norochcholei.

President Mahinda Rajapaksa vested in public this morning the Palavi – Kalpitiya road which was broadened and developed to coincide with the Deyata Kirula National Development Programme. The Government has spent over two billion million rupees to develop the road. Norochcholei and Kalpitiya cities will also be developed. Addressing the public rally the President said that he would never breach the confidence the people have placed in him.

The President said that they could not find such a crowd at Norochcholei earlier. He said that he was happy to note that they not only grow vegetables but export fruits to other countries. Your economy has grown and this road which has been broadened will provide you with more facilities. He said that the Government has implemented mega development projects in the country. Colour of the parties were not considered when providing facilities for the people. Development was spread out equally throughout the island. The opposition has nothing to say now and therefore they engaged in mudslinging. The opposition devalue the services rendered for the benefit of the public. The nation should be built on unity. The President requested everyone to join in this regard.

The massive crowd at the rally warmly showed their gratitude to the President. They said that they welcome the effort of the Government to develop agriculture, industries and infrastructure of the country which uplift the living standards. A large gathering of people including Ministers, parliamentarians, diplomats and officials were present on the occasion.

The Sri Lanka tour of Afghan President has been postponed due to the death of twenty soldiers in a Taliban attack.

Afghan President Hameed Karzai was scheduled to arrive in the country this afternoon on a three day official visit. President Karzai has decided to postpone his Sri Lanka tour after hearing that the Taliban terrorist attack killed twenty soldiers. This has been reported over several international media.

Everyone should condemn the actions of Tamil National Alliance and Northern Chief Minister Vigneshwaran. He became the Chief Minister due to the sacrifices made by the heroic soldiers and the efforts of the Government. His support to the attempt of Jayalalitha to release the killers of Rajive Ghandhi, was strongly condemned at the Alliance media briefing.

Minister Patalie Champika said that Cheif Minister Vigneshwaran has said that he approved the release of Rajive Ghandhi killers by Jayalalitha. The Chief Minister himself lives in Bambalapitiya, Colombo. If democracy was not established by the security forces, he would not have become Chief Minister.

Minister Susil Premajayanth said that Jayalalitha used to wear body armour when the LTTE was active. Even Vigneshwaran could not go to Jaffna. He can do so now due to the Government and soldiers. The Minister said that Mr. Vigeshwararan was acting according to the instructions he received from the diaspora and the various other elements.

Media Spokesman of National Freedom Front M. Mussamil said that various elements are trying to destabilize the country under the pretext of human rights. Vigneshwarans and Sridharans are acting various roles. Some of these are acted by the UNP and the JVP. Others are acted in Geneva and the USA. He requested the people to understand the true nature of this issue.

The Maha Sangha and intellectuals are appreciating the support of the President to protect future generations by eradicating drug menace.

President Mahinda Rajapaksa recently directed all stakeholders to commit themselves to eradicating the drug menace to mould a healthy future generation with sound moral values. At present the national programme on eradication of the drug use and tobacco, is being implemented successfully. Steps have been taken to conduct raids and search operations simultaneously with community briefing programmes on the repercussions of drug use. The Maha Sangha and the intellectuals have praised the efforts of the government led by the President to protect the country from drug menace in a manner similar to that in which the country was saved from ruthless terrorism.

Venerable Agalakada Sirisumana Thero said that there are four religions in the country. He pointed out that drugs destroyed the youth and the culture of the country. Police are making maximum efforts to eradicate drugs. The President has instructed to get the assistance of Civil Defence Committees in this regard. He invited everyone to make the country drugs free.

Principal of Ananda Vidyalaya, Kithsiri Liyana-gamage said that children who are over fifteen years of age like to experiment. They realize the good or bad effects later. It is the responsibility of the elders to make them understand the repercussions of drug use. He said that parents and teachers should be alert about the behaviour of children at all times.

No one can forget the ruthless murders committed by the brutal LTTE terrorists daily to quench their thirst for blood. These terrorists violated human rights flagrantly.

This feature clearly depicts the brutality unleashed by the terrorists on 23rd February during the dark period.

The LTTE terrorists took away the life of a soldier in Ampara on the 23rd of February 1993. They displayed their brutality to the world by inhumanly killing an innocent civilian by shooting him on the head on the 23rd February 2007 in Mylankulum. Eleven heroic soldiers sacrificed their lives to the motherland during an attack in Pudukudirruppu – Mullaitivu on 23rd February 2009. On the same day another four soldiers died due to attacks in Mullaitivu Pudukudirruppu west. LTTE terrorism which destroyed the lives of many innocent people, was eradicated on the 18th of May 2009.

Accordingly, the number of lives taken away by the terrorists on 23rd February throughout the dark era was 35. Among them were one innocent unarmed civilian and 34 heroic soldiers.

The members of the Security Forces who advanced in the operations due to the leadership given by President Rajapaksa and the guidance of Defence Secretary Gotabhaya Rajapaksa succeeded in pulverizing terrorism that plague the country for 30 years.

It is sad to note that human rights organizations which talk very highly of the safeguarding of fundamental rights are reticent on these inhuman killings and terrorist activities.

Sri Lanka is in a position to prove with evidence how the brutal terrorists massacred innocent civilians who were languishing under the jackboot of the terrorists and were brutally slaughtered for going against them.

It was within such a background that the heroic soldiers liberated more than 300 thousand innocent Tamil civilians sans inflicting any bruises or injuries to them and offered them food and drink. These brave soldiers displayed their human qualities not only by word but also by deed.

Countries such as Britain and the United States accusing Sri Lanka of breaching human rights are demanding reports in this respect. But sufficient information has already been exposed to the world on the flagrant human rights violations committed by them.

How do the terrorist activities committed by the terrorists spreading insurgency not amount to a violation of human rights.

These heroic soldiers who brought freedom to the country through their humanitarian operation gave a fitting lesson to the world. It was the lesson of protecting human rights of innocent civilians during a battle waged against the terrorists.

We as the channel of the motherland continuously remind the country and the world the heroism of the war heroes who safeguarded the country and we are ready to show to the entire world the photographs of these valiant soldiers through this feature in honour of these heroes as well as to respect their families. We wish to make a fervent appeal to send such valuable photographs which you possess. We also wish to mention that we would assume the full responsibility of returning such photographs after being shown in our segment as a tribute to them.

The President joins the people in viewing the Deyata Kirula National Development Exhibition which displays the country’s pride.

People from all walks of life are descending on Kuliyapitiya from every corner of the country to view the Deyata Kirula National Development Exhibition which was declared open by the President yesterday. The public are coming in droves to see the Exhibition. President Rajapaksa also arrived at the Deyata Kirula Exhibition premises this afternoon.

While viewing the exhibition booths that have been put up, the President also seized the opportunity of approaching the Media Zone at the Exhibition grounds. The President was warmly greeted as he reached the Independent Television Network stall. Officials at the booth explained the operations that were taking place there. The President expressed his satisfaction.

The President also visited stalls which had been put up by other media establishments.

Several development projects launched in the Northwestern Province parallel to the Deyata Kirula National Development Programme have been vested in the people under the patronage of the President.

President Rajapaksa who arrived in the Panduwasnuwara town declared open the new bus stand and shopping complex. The shopping complex has three floors. The expenditure incurred on this project was 80 million rupees. A group including many Parliamentarians was present at this opening ceremony.

The opening of the Mahindodaya Laboratory at the Hettipola Mahidodaya Maha Vidyalaya in Kuliyapitiya also took place under the auspices of the President. The President on arrival was accorded a warm welcome by the students, the School Principal and the staff. Thereafter the President vested the laboratory in the school children. 20 million rupees was spent on the construction of the Laboratory.

Speaking on the occasion, President Rajapaksa said that every parent is desirous of providing a better education at present. The President pointed out that whatever was done by the parents and if the children are not directed towards the correct path, the country will not benefit from them as they are the ones who are to take over the future of the country. Everyone should be in the habit of throwing away the bad while taking only the good. The Principal as well as the teachers should become a parent and a friend to the children and should talk about their issues. He opined that that the parents should always monitor the activities of their children. The President told the children to place their trust in the father and the mother.

The President also joined in the handing over of surgical and medical equipment to the Kuliyapitiya Base Hospital. This Base Hospital renders a valuable service in meeting the health needs of the people of Kuliyapitiya and the surrounding areas.