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Prabhakaran asks: Are we terrorists?
| The tigers first time in the history of war called that they are willing to come to negotiated settlement far behind their original demand of separate land which they called as Tamil Eelam. Expressing dissatisfaction over the world community including his organisation in the list of world terrorists, Mr. Prabhakaran said that these countries had failed to differentiate between deliberate acts of terrorism, emerged through hate and facism and acts in reply to state sponsored violence. "These decisions have a negative impact. They have been made in haste, without deep insight into the historicity and legitimacy of our struggle of self-determination. Some of the repressive states with a history of notorious history of racist oppression and gross human rights violations have joined this global alliance against terror ", he said. Western countries which branded LTTE as terrorists were fully aware that the organisation was a freedom movement functioning with the people's support. They were dismayed as to how could these actions facilitate the peaceful resolution of the conflict, Mr. Prabhakaran said. The LTTE was not against the Sinhalese people and their struggle do not in any way pose a threat to their culture or economy. All communities could 'co-exist" if a peaceful settlement is reached however they would be left with no alternative other than separation if the 'Sinhala nation" continued to refuse peaceful resolution to the problem, he said.
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Police fire on Elakanda protestors kills three
| The fishermen are said to have protested against two foreign companies who were engaged in sand mining in the seas of Uswatakeyyawa-Elakanda for the construction of Katunayake- Colombo highway. They claimed that the companies had been dishonest in paying compensation for their damaged equipment and disruption of fishing. The protestors said that they were promised a large sum as compensation by the companies as the mining process damaged their fishing nets and affected their livelihood. Witnesses said that the protesters had set up road blocks and deflated some vehicles came to the company on business. Wattala police Anti Riots Squad on being informed of the situation had arrived at the scene in a mini bus and started firing at the protestors, they said. The bus was set on fire by the fishermen later. Meanwhile several parties expressed concern as to how police could fire at protesters at their will while there were many other ways of dispersing them like teargassing.
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President pledges alternative jobs for forces after peace
| In a letter addressed to "brotheren in the armed forces"the president said she would not send the soldiers empty handed once the war is over and their services would be required to protect large scale schemes proposed by the government. Her government had planned to construct several international airports, harbours, highways and an international trading centre. The soldiers would be provided with jobs in these projects, the President said. Lashing out once again at the previous United National Party (UNP) government of giving arms and other equipment to the Liberation Tigers of Tamil Eelam (LTTE), Mrs. Kumaratunga said her government would never do so. Her government had provided the soldiers with hi-tech equipment, better salaries and facilities and had stood with them all the way. The government was prepared to solve the ethnic conflict through maximum devolution within a united Sri Lanka and at the same time resolved to fight terrorism until it is uprooted from the country, she said.
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EU monitors fear more violence
| John Cushnahan, the Head of the EUmonitoring group said that election officials, political party representatives and others and there were genuine fears that election could be full of violence. More than 70 people were killed in last year's election campaign and this year's campaign has cost 4 lives so far since the closure of the nominations on 27 October. Cushnahan said that the EU team had expressed deep concern on the government's inability to act upon 16 recommendations made after observing last year's poll. The EU team on October 2000 had recommended sweeping reforms to make Sri Lanka's election campaigning to be conducted on a level playing field for all contesting parties. They include measures on the conduct of media, abuse of state resources and better ways to investigate election malpractice. John Cushnahan said that the EU team was pleased to note the passage of the seventeenth amendment to the Sri Lanka's constitution which is expected to provide the Elections Commissioner with more powers. "We wish to call on all political parties, the state and security bodies to co-operate fully with the Elections Commissioner", Cushnahan said. The EU observers missionnoted that the Elections Commissioner has now got powers to orderre-polling within 7 days in areas where fraudulent practices have takenplace. "This sends a clear and emphatic message to anyone who might intend to stuff the ballot boxes", Cushnahan said. The last year's parliamentary election observed by the EU observers resulted in a hung parliament. The mission's final report stressed that it would be difficult to conclude that the election was free and fair in all districts yet the overall result did to a reasonable degree reflected the political will of the electorate. Themission hopes to observe between 400-500 polling stations in a total of over 9000 polling stations.
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Opposition slams President's speech as instigation of violence
| Former Minister of precent Government who crossover to opposition on October 10 with 11 other decidents, Prof. GL Peiris, addressing a press conference here in Colombo, said that the President had told a Peoples Allionce (PA) election rally at Tissamaharama that it was time her supporters started to be violent "What is the use of judiciary, the police if people tried to become a lawunto themselves," Peiris asked. Former Minister S.B Dissanayakewho also joined Mr. Peiris to topple the Government said that Former Speaker and brother of President Kumaratunga Anura Bandaranaike's statement at a PA rally that the President had the power to dissolve parliament again and again until the UNP got fed up with elections was undemocratic Dissanayake said that Anura Bandaranaike was yet to win an election despite entering politics in 1977. Dissanayake said that the President's remark that politicians must retire when they reached 65 years of age, was meant to make her brother Anura the leader of the opposition after the election.
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Give up separatist demand President tells LTTE
| Addressing the launching ceremony of the PA manifesto at the President House the President said, she was still of the view that the ethnic conflict should be solved through the devolution of power, but she did not think that the LTTE was the only representative of the Tamils. Giving explanations to the failure of her government in fully implement the 1994 manifesto , Ms Kumaratunga said it was due to certain people in the government obstructed their implementation. Those people who had made politics their way of earning money had left the party and more such people were about to go, she said.
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PA Manifesto theme: Peace, Democracy and Prosperity
| A solution to the ethnic conflict would be based on an undivided country with full participation of the minorities in the democratic process, the manifesto said. Abolition of the Executive Presidency and introduction of an electoral system with a mixture of Proportional Representation and first-past the post system, and the abolition of the preferential vote system have been envisaged in the manifesto on democracy. Subsidies on agricultural equipment and fertilizers, launching of a food production drive, strengthening the plantation and fisheries sector, have also been promised in the manifesto.
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Tamil Alliance release manifesto
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Tamil United Liberation Front (TULF) General secretary R. Sampanthan told the landing ceremony on Monday that the alliance would work locally and internationally to meet this end.
The manifesto calls for the stoppage of war, allow free supplies to wanni, immediate peace talks with the LTTE and lifting the ban on the LTTE as steps to create a concessive environment for talks.
It also reiterates that while talks being held with the organisations no parallel discussion should be held with any political formation representing the Tamil people.
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Extremely dull day of trading
| Foreigners also remained on the quiet side with foreign purchases and sales accounting for 5% and 13% of market turnover. Foreign purcahses was seen in JKH and Lanka Walltiles shares, while Caltex Lubricants, Seylan Bank and Sampath Bank were the contributors to foreign sales. A net foreign outflow of Rs.1.4 million was recorded for the day. Sectorially, there were gains seen in five sector indices with the Investment Trust sector index witnessing the sharpest rise. There were as many as six sector indices that declined with the Banks Finance and Insurance sector index witnessing the biggest drop.
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Tamil party alliance urge lifting of LTTE ban
| Four parties, the Tamil United Liberation Front (TULF), All Ceylon Tamil Congress, Tamil Eelam Liberation Organisation (TELO) and the Eelam People's Liberation Front have formed a joint front to contest the 5 December parliamentary election. The alliance says that the proscription placed on the LTTE must be lifted and the government elected on 5 December must start talks with the LTTE aimed at a negotiated settlement to the ethnic conflict. Veerasingham Anandasangaree, the Vice President of the TULF said that they do not advocate separatism but want the recognition of the Tamil community's right to self determination. The alliance denied that they have a pact with the UNP. Anandasangaree said the people of Jaffna have suffered untold hardships and the present government must be defeated at the election for its failure to solve the ethnic conflict having made a firm pledge to do so before being elected to office in 1994. N Srikantha, the TELO leader said the majority Sinhala community politicians must take the responsibility if continued denial of Tamil right to self determination led to the separatism of the island.
The alliance hopes to double its parliamentary representation of nine in the previous parliament.
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Declined trading at CSE
| This resulted in both indices to witness declines for yet another day with the ALLSHAARE PRICE INDEX (ASPI) and MILANKA PRICE INDEX (MPI) sliding down by a further 0.2 points and 0.4 points respectively. With both local and foreign investors seeming reluctant to go after fundamentally strong stocks as the election campaign gains momentum, market turnover ended the day on a rather quiet Rs. 34.8 million. However, this represents a moderate increase from the previous two days. A local transfer of a quantity of Tokyo Cement shares at Rs. 54/= was the main contributor to the day's turnover,with Commercial Bank, Hayleys, NDB and Ceylon Investment Limited shares also making moderate contributions. Foreign selling yet again dominated foreign purchases with the former accounting for 21% of market turnover, while the later contributed a mere 2% of the day's turnover. This resulted in a foreign net outflow of Rs. 6.5 million to be recorded for the day. Foreign selling was mainly seen in Hayleys, Ceylon Investments and NDB shares. Price Declines edged out Advances by a 19 to 16 margin.
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Another day of listless trading
| With investors, both local as well as foreign, continuing to remain in a negative mind set, the inevitable declines were seen in both indices. The ALLSHAARE PRICE INDEX (ASPI) and the more sensitive MILANKA PRICE INDEX (MPI) dropped by as much as 5.1 points and 12.6 points respectively on a day where Price Declines dominated Advances by a 41 to 9 margin. Market turnover ended the day on a disappointing note totaling a mere Rs. 25.9 million. This on the heels of another lackluster performance yesterday. Once again JKH and NDB were the leading contributor to the day's turnover combining for 49% of this figure. Foreign selling made its presence felt yet again today with JKH and NDB being the main contubutors. With only JKH shares accounting for the day's only foreign purchase, a net foreign outflow of Rs.7.9 million was recorded for the day.
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Another Day of bull traading at CSE
| This resulted in market turnover totaling an extremely unimpressive Rs. 27.1 million as the market continued to lose steam. However, both indices picked up slightly on a day where Price Advances edged Declines by a 26 to 23 margin. The ALLSHAARE PRICE INDEX (ASPI) gained by a mere 1.6 points to close the day at 491.9 points, while the more sensitve MILANKA PRICE INDEX (MPI) appreciated by 2.00 points to end the day at 796.9 points. Foreign selling of quantities of JKH shares dominated foreign activity yet again. This resulted in a significant outflow of Rs. 8.2 million to be recorded for the day. There were as many as 8 sector indices that appreciated during the course of the day, with the Services and the Investment Trust sector indices witnessing double digit gains. The Chemicals & Pharmaceuticals, Hotels & Travels, Plantations and the Diversified sector indices were the only sector indices to decline during the day.
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LTTE blast Oil Tanks
| Mr. Ranatunga was admitted to hospital after being ordered to be arrested by Gampaha Magistrate on charges of beating a supporter to death. On October24 Mr.Ranatunga and his supporters allegedly assaulted Lionel Rodrigo (32) who was tracked at the Intensive Care Unit for five days. Succumbed to his injuries. The former minister was arrested them and was bailed out. On the victim's death the Magistrate ordered re-arrest of Mr.Ranatunga who then sought admission to hospital claiming that he had to redergo a few tests.
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LTTE blast Oil Tanks
| The vesel had set off from the eastern port of Trnicaomalee yesterday evening and had been transporting oil to the north once in every week. Of the 16 Navy personal 13 had been rescued and the rest are said to be mission. All 12 crew members on bound have been rescued on a combined operation by Army and the Navy. The tanks carrying about 800 tons of oil in said to be on fire.
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Better to die rather than having on knees-D.G of Bribery Commission
| Explaining the circumstance under which he was removed Mr.Arsecularatne said his "reluctance to peruse investigations into complaints which had no evidence and the determination to carry out investigations into compilations with evidence" resulted in his removal. However he declined to elaborate any specific case which caused of the removal. Mr. Arsecularatne also said although President Chandrika Kumaratunag in her letter had said he was being replaced as the Director General to get the services of a full times, members of the commissions should have been consulted before appointing another person. According to his knowledge neither the Commission are any other members had any idea of the President decision he said. President Kumaratunga in a controversial decision yesterday removed Mr.Arseculartne from the Commissioners to Investigation into Allegations of Bribery and Corruption. Political observers pointed out Mr.Arsecularatne's enthusians in investigation into complain male against prominent figures wanted to the government was the reason for the decision.
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Premier escapes assasination bid ?
| Police believed Prime Minister Ratnasiri Wickremenayake was the target of the bomb. Mr. Wickremenayake had passed the area a little while before the explosion after taking part in a ceremony , eye witnesses said. Sixteen persons were being treated at Colombo National Hospital and four of them are said to be in a critical condition. Three policemen deployed in civics had cheked the suspect a little while before the blast. On finding he had strapped a suicide jacket they had let him go and followed after calling for reinforcements. The bomber after trying hard to get out of sight of the policemen had exploded himself infront two traffic police mortor cycles, they said. Over the past few years there had been several bomb blasts in the run-up to national elections. In 1999 President Chandrika Kumaratunga escaped an assasination attempt and on the same day opposition UNP candidate retired army officer Lucky Algama was killed in a seperate incident.
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Routine Police transfers would continue- IGP
| There was nothing controversial in the transfers made and his department would continue to transfer the "weaker links" of the police. Also extra personnel would be transferred for election purposes, he said. In the run up to the December 5 elections the police would carry out their search operations and there would be no favouritism of anyone, Mr. Kodituwakku said. Denying having any dispute with the elections Commissioner Dayananda Disanayake Mr. Kodituwakku said that more than 350 police transfers had been effected after the announcement of the 1994 General Election. Earlier Elections Commissioner Dayananda Dissanayake had requested the IGP to cancel nearly 60 police transfers made after the dissolution of Parliament. However Mr. Kodituwakku responding to the request said no one had the right to interfere with his authority
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Heated contest for national list |
United National Front (UNF) has this time includedPeople's Alliance (PA) dissidents S.B Dissanayake,Prof G.L Peiris and Jayasundara Wijekoon on the list with former MPs Thilak Marapone and A.R.M.A Cader among others. Ministers D.M Jayaratne,Ronnie de Mel and DeputyMinister Harendra Corea are among the prominent figures in the People's Alliance (PA) national list. Sihala Urumaya General Secretary Thilak Karunaratne himself has this time opted to be on the national list with Udaya Gammanpila and former cricketer Mithra Wettimuni among others. Janatha Vimukthi Peramuna (JVP) has included former MP Anura Dissanayake on its national list while Sinhalaye Mahasammatha Boomiputhra Party leader Dr. Harischandra Wijetunga himself has been placed on the party's list.
Lankapress COLOMBO, October.28: Several prominent political personalities in the country have opted this time to go for the 29 seats allotted on the national list.
Out of that number 4610 have filed nomination papersto contest from political parties and the rest have been named on the national list. Candidates entering the fray from political parties is 3196 while 1414 independent candidates have filed nominations. According to official figures, out of more than 40 registered political parties in the country only 26 would be contesting the December elections.
Lankapress COLOMBO, October.28: A total number 4943 candidates will compete to represent the 225 seat parliament in the general elections to be held on December 5,fugures released by the Elections Secretariat said.
During her visit Ms. Kumaratunga will be interviewed by BBC. Arraignments for this have been made by Bells Pottinger, a public relations company, they said. She is also expected to meet British Home Secretary David Blunkett and Foreign Secretary Jack Strow.
Lankapress COLOMBO, October.27: President Chandrika Kumaratunga will leave for London on a three day visit on Sunday, informed sources said.
A spokesman or teh embassy said that they took this step as a precautionary measure. Last Monday the embassy received the suspicious letter and the room in which the letter was opened was sealed from then. Several foreign missions in Colombo including the Austrailian High Commisson and the French Embassy were in panic over the past week after receiving suspicious letters. Informed sources said that the Central Bank too had received a letter suspected to be having Anthrax bacteria. The letter had been sent to the Medical Research Institute (MRI) for confirmation.
Lankapress COLOMBO, October.26: The French Embassy in Colombo was indefinitely closed today due to Anthrax scare after five days of receiving a letter containing a white powder.
This resulted in both indices witnessing moderate declines on the heels of a light session of trading. The ASPI gave up 2.8 points to once again close below the 500 point level, while the more sensitive MPI lost as many as 6.7 points during the day. However, Price Advances continued to outnumber Declines by a significant margin (43 to 23). Market turnover totaled an unimpressive Rs. 54.1 million, the lowest so far this week. Foreign activity was dominated by the selling of a quantity of Dipped Products shares resulting in a net outflow of Rs. 18.5 million to be recorded for the day.
Lankapress COLOMBO, October.25: With investors adapting a rather cautious approach towards the already heated up stock market, coupled with selling pressure on the part of local retailers, the inevitable drop in share prices took place today.
Mr.Ranatunga who was speculated largely of Planning to enter politics since his exit from international cricket in August last year, decided to contest the December 5 General Elections on People's Alliance ticket. In the run-up for October 2000 elections Mr. Ranatunga was said to he planning to contest elections under Sinhala Nationalist "Sihala Urumaya" party. However he decided not to contest them. Addressing the media after announcing his decision he said he hoped to fair well in politics unlike Pakistan's World Cup winning captain Imran Khan. Former Indian all-rounder Manoj Prabhakar too entered politics soon after has retirement but made no progress. Arjuna Ranatunga has been appointed for contests election in Colombo district.
Lankapress COLOMBO, October.25: Sri Lanka's World Cup winning cricket caption Arjuna Ranatunga yesterday expressed confidence of becoming successful in politics as he did in sports.
In his letter to the commisioner Prof. Peiris said that he sent the replies to Mr. Dissanayake on request when a complaint was made against the articles on Tuesday. The news items in question had quoted Additional Secretary of Industrial Development Ministry Roy Jayasinghe as having said that the former minister had allocated garment quotas to 10 industrialists without the approval of Textile Quota Board. Mr. Jayasinghe had informed him that he had made no such statement and even written to the newspapers denying it,he said. Prof .Peiris on Tuesday sent a letter of demand to the state-owned newspaper group Associated Newspapers of Ceylon Ltd claiming Rs 2 billion as damages caused by the said articles.
Lankapress COLOMBO, October.24: Former Minister Prof G.L Peiris has sent his replies to the alleged defamatory articles published on the state-run Daily News and Silumina news papers to Elections Commissioner Dayananda Dissanayake requesting him to direct the newspapers to publish them.
Elections Commissioner Dayananda Dissanayake taking a tough stance against the use of state power and property to promote any candidate or party last week requested Inspector General of Police Lucky Kodituwakku to cancel transfer orders given to nearly 60 police officers after general elections were announced. However the police chief claiming that there were no politics involved in the transfers said he had all powers to appoint or transfer any police officer under the police ordinance. He was not bound to take orders from the polls chief as the Independent Elections Commission had not been constituted so far. Apart from assigning policemen for election duty he had no legal obligation to take orders on police matters, he said. Mr. Dissanayake responding this had said that he was empowered under the 17th Amendment to direct any state institution which he saw as breaching election laws. He would refer the matter to Defence Secretary to get a final decision. Meanwhile unconfirmed reports said Defence Secretary Chandrananda de Silva had asked both parties to end the tug-of-war and requested the police chief to cancel all transfer orders and not to make any till the elections are over.
Lankapress COLOMBO, October.24: Confusion over the enforcability of powers envisaged in the 17 th Amendment to the constitution had led to a despute between the elections chief and police chief with the latter refusing to take orders from the former relating to police transfers ,local newspapers reported today.
A spokesman for the coalition said that they had arrived at an understanding to contest under UNP?s Elephant symbol in all areas including the upcountry coalition?s strongholds. However discussions were on to sort out matters on seat allocation in certain areas. Under the MOU, UNP leadership had given their approval for a welfare plan for plantation sector people. Also the parties had agreed to field three candidates namely Arumugam Thondaman and Muttu Sivalingam of the CWC and Periyasamy Chandrasekeran of the UPF in their party stronghold Nuwara Eliya district, informed sources said. In the previous parliament the CWC was part of the ruling People?s Alliance and in the latter stages decided to quit from it and join the UNP. Party leader Arumugam Thondaman reasoning his decision said his party wanted to be with the government in power in order to win a better deal for the plantation workers he represented who were very much backward in all spheres of life.
Lankapress COLOMBO, October.24: The main upcountry Tamil party coalition comprising Ceylon Workers Congress (CWC) and Upcountry People?s Front (UPF) was to sign a memorandum-of-understanding with the United National Party (UNP) this evening.
A spokesman for the coalition said that they had arrived at an understanding to contest under UNP?s Elephant symbol in all areas including the upcountry coalition?s strongholds. However discussions were on to sort out matters on seat allocation in certain areas. Under the MOU, UNP leadership had given their approval for a welfare plan for plantation sector people. Also the parties had agreed to field three candidates namely Arumugam Thondaman and Muttu Sivalingam of the CWC and Periyasamy Chandrasekeran of the UPF in their party stronghold Nuwara Eliya district, informed sources said. In the previous parliament the CWC was part of the ruling People?s Alliance and in the latter stages decided to quit from it and join the UNP. Party leader Arumugam Thondaman reasoning his decision said his party wanted to be with the government in power in order to win a better deal for the plantation workers he represented who were very much backward in all spheres of life.
Lankapress COLOMBO, October.24: The main upcountry Tamil party coalition comprising Ceylon Workers Congress (CWC) and Upcountry People?s Front (UPF) was to sign a memorandum-of-understanding with the United National Party (UNP) this evening.
The All Share Price Index picked up a mere 3.7 points to go back up the 500 point level for the first time since 26th October 2000 which ended at 502.90 today?s closing. The more sensitive Milanka Price Index appreciated by only 0.3 points on a day where Price Advances led Declines by a 43 to 23 margin ended at 845.30. Market turnover ended the day at a rather moderate Rs. 218 8 million. This was mainly due a foreign transfer of a significant quantities of Ceylon Theatres shares changing hands at Rs. 420/= per share. Also large volumes of John Keels Holdng (JKH), National Development Bank (NDB) and Commercial Bank shares which changed hands contributed to the day's turnover. Ceylon Theatres shares accounted for the lion shares of foreign purchases and sales. Also foreign sales was seen in JKH shares which resulted in a net foreign outflow to be recorded for the day.
Lankapress COLOMBO, October.24: Profit taking which began late yesterday continued today as investors began to sell out. This resulted in both indices witnessing only marginal gains for the day.
Mirihana police said that a group in a double cab had thrown the hand granade causing minor damages to the building. The security guard was discharged from hospital after treatment. Police guard had been tightened in the area after the incident.
Lankapress COLOMBO, October.23: Headquarters of the United National Party (UNP) "Sirikotha", in Kotte, about 10 km from Colombo came under a grenade attack last night injuring a security guard on duty.
Until the Independent Elections Commission is constituted powers vested in him under section 27 (2) of the 17 th Amendment and Parliamentary Elections Act could be exercised by the commissioner. Under these he could prohibit the use of any moveable or unmovable state property for the promotion of a party or candidate, Mr. Dissanayake said.
Lankapress COLOMBO, October.23: Elections Commissioner Dayananda Dissanayake has warned all heads of government institutions not to violate election laws saying he was empowered to take action against them under provisions of the 17 th Amendment and Parliamentary Elections Act.
Explaining his decision to quit the PA Mr. Andramana said though he had worked hard to bring the PA to the reigns of the country, he now realized that the government had failed to keep its promises. As an Economics teaccher who had taught to thousands of students, he felt that the country's economy was in bad shape, despite the rosy picture painted by the government. His vision was to ensure a bright future for the coming generations, which duty had befallen on today's elders, he said. PA rebel leader S.B Dissanayake said Mr. Andramana's defection from the PA was only a signal that many more were join their ranks. Mr. Andramana is likely to contest the December elections in Matara district.
Lankapress COLOMBO, October.22: Another prominent People's Alliance (PA) politician, Mayor of the southern city Matara Sugath Andramana joined the United National front (UNF) on Monday.
The government had information about the latest consignment of arms brought down by the LTTE, but the government forces would keep their guns silent unless the Tigers engage in provocation. However the forces would not hesitate to hit back in case of an LTTE offensive, Mr. Kadirgarmar said.
Lankapress COLOMBO, October.22: Despite the Liberation Tigers of Tamil Eelam's (LTTE) recent mass scale arms purchases and recruitment drive in the Eastern province, the government had no plans of pushing an operation against them, Foreign Minister Lakshman Kadirgarmar said.
Mr. Ranathunga speaking on state run television network Rupavahini said that he joind Sri Lanka Freedom Party (SLFP), key partner of the ruling PA coalition on request of President Chandrika Kumaratunga and Sports Deputy Minister Mangala Samaraweera. He said he will be contest the December 5th general elections from the PA. Mr. Ranatunga led the Sri Lankan Cricket team to victory at the 1996 world cup and retierd from cricket in August 2000 after playing 100 test cricket. Mr. Ranatunga was released on bail by Maligakanda Magistrate for allagedly beating school children who entered his garden to collect their cricket ball while they were plaing next door. One student was admitted to Colombo mental hospital and are taking treatment after the incident. Next hearing of Mr. Ranatungas was fixd for December 7, two days after the general elections.
Lankapress COLOMBO, October.22: Sri Lanka Cricket team world cup winning captain Arjuna Ranatunga announced today that he will be contesting up coming general elections from the ruling Peoples Alliance (PA).
With John Keels Holdings (JKH) and National Development Bank (NDB) shares leading the way, both indices recorded significant gains. The All Share Price Index appreciated by as much as 14.8 points which ended at 488.40, while the more sensitive Millanka Price Index picked up a whopping 39 points during the day which closed at 819.80. Market Turnover continued to remain healthy topping the Rs. 100 million mark once again with JKH and NDB shares being the main contributors. Local activity was once again in the forefront of the day's trading. On the other hand foreigners adapted a rather more cautious approach towards the market as evidenced by the foreign activity that was recorded during the day.
Lankapress COLOMBO, October.22: The Colombo bourse ended yet another extremely busy day of trading in positive territory as investors continued to be in an upbeat mood.
Anusha Perera 35 year forensic officer died while she was examine a bomb at the department, police told the Lankapress. A spokesman for the department said that Mrs. Perera was four months pregnant when she was died.
Lankapress COLOMBO, October.18: Assistant Analysis of the Government Analyst department died today in bomb explosion inside the department head office in Colombo.
The ASPI appreciated by 4.09 points to close at 468.97, while the more sensitive MPI picked up by 12.16 points to close at 770.78. The notable transactions which took place in the market was 1,094,800 shares of NDB at Rs. 50.00/= which was Rs. 3/= above the previous closing. Also 116,545 shares of Commercial Bank were traded mainly at 100.00. In addition 576,968 shares of JKH also traded between 43.50, 45.00. These three transactions contributed 88% of the total market turnover.
Lankapress COLOMBO, October.18: After yesterday?s dull trading session the Colombo bourse was dominated by local activity as investors sought after selected stocks. Both indices witnessed further gains on a day where turnover topped the Rs. 100 million mark.
A turnover, for the first time since the mini rally started dipped below the 100 Million mark, closing the day at Rs. 74.1Mn mainly due to a parcel of 2.6 Mn shares of Bogawantalawa Plantation shares changing hands at a price of Rs. 15.50 gaining Rs. 2.25 to close at Rs. 16.00. Once again foreigners continued to remain on the sideline. Foreign buying was Rs. 3.85 Mn with foreign sales being Rs. 1.63 Mn. The other notable volumes that changed hands were 190,000 shares Of John Keells Holdings, 62,000 shares of National Development Bank and 35,000 shares of DFCC Bank.
Lankapress COLOMBO, October.17: At the end of trading today the All Share Price Index (ASPI) rose 5.89 points to close at 464.8 and the Milanka Price Index (MPI) gained 16.45 points to 758.6.
Addressing a media conference today Prof Peiris said he suspected the government would use police, state media and persons hurriedly recruited to state run institutions to stage their malpractices. The government had already started to activate its mechanisms to win the December elections by unfair means. They would seek the intervention of judiciary and civil organisations to counter these attempts, he said.
Lankapress COLOMBO, October.17: Former People?s Alliance (PA) minister and United National Front (UNF) media spokesman Prof G.L Peiris said that the UNF would take steps to preserve powers vested with the Elections Commissioner through the 17th Amedment to the constitution.
Former Minister of Tourism and Sports Lakshman Kiriella and Minister of Local Government and Provincial Councils Nandimithra Ekanayake would be vying for parliamentary seats in Kandy and Matale districts respectively under the United National Front (UNF) coalition. Mr. Kiriella addresing a news conference today said he decided to part with the party he had served for more than 25 years due to inefficiency, economic instability and finding no end to the war. Though it was a tough decision to take he took it considering the plight of the country,Mr Kiriella said. Meanwhile Deputy Minister and Sri Lanka Freedom Party (SLFP) Assistant Secretary Nandimithra Ekanayake sent his letter of resignation to President Chandrika Kumaratunga today. In his letter he has stated that the decision to resign was to Informed sources said that the former minister too would be joining the UNF shortly.
Lankapress COLOMBO, October.17: Two People?s Alliance (PA) strongmen and members of the cabinet Lakshman Kiriella and Nandimithra Ekanayake quit the PA and would contest the December 5 general elections under the coalition led by United National Party (UNP).
After several days of discussions the Tamil United Liberation Front (TULF), All Ceylon Tamil Congress (ACTC), Tamil Eelam Liberation Organisation (TELO) and a faction of Eelam People?s Revolutionary Liberation Front (EPRLF) led by Suresh Premachandran decided to contest under a common plantform in the northern Jaffna, Wanni and eastern Batticaloa districts. A spokesman for the alliance said that they would contest under rising sun symbol owned by the TULF and differences on these matters had been sorted out cordially with other parties. Meanwhile two parties representing the Indian Tamil people mostly concentrated in the central Sri Lankan plantation areas too formed an alliance focussing on elections. Leader of the largest plantation trade union and a member of the People?s Allinace government Arumugam Thondaman said that his party along with P. Chandrasekeran?s Upcountry People?s Front (UPF) had formed an alliance to ensure strong representation to his 1.5 million people. These two parties were arch rivals once but decided to work together after a collective hunger strike staged last year which they claim successful. This alliance is likely to help the party which emerges with most number of seats to form a government in return for concessions for the people.
Lankapress COLOMBO, October.17: Four political parties representing Tamils in the north east have decided to form an alliance to face the forth coming general elections.
The Media spokesman Mangala Samaraweera said that they will soon have a price stability program to stabilise the prices of Bread and Gas as an interim relief to the people. The government has also incresed the public servents salary by Rs. 1200, Rs.750 hike for pensioners and is also to abolish 5000 rupee diesel tax. The government has also reduced the defence leavy to 6.5 percent from 7.5 percent while the Save the Nation fund has been abolished. Tax on Cement has also been reduced . Mr. Samaraweera also said that the PA will gain 38 percent in the coming general elections excluding North and the east according to survey conducted by the PA. The UNP will get 32 Percent while the Jantha Vimukthi Peramuna (JVP) will get 11.5 percent at the elections. The PA would able to form a government on December 6th with the help of JVP, Eelam Peoples Democratic Party (EPDP) and National Unity Alliance (NUA). Mr. Samaraweera also said that the government could work with understanding with the JVP.
Lankapress COLOMBO, October.12: The governemt on Friday announced a series of measuers to grant relief to the public after seven years in office, just ahead of the next general election.
This is the third election in the last three years. While the 12 million electorate exercised their franchise in December 1999 to chose a President, the 2000 and 2001 elections were held for their Parliamentary representatives. In an anticipated face-saving move, the President dissolved Parliament in the face of growing defections from her Peoples' Alliance (PA) government which was to face an opposition-sponsored no-confidence motion today. By dissolving Parliament, the President has called for a general election on December five and the next Parliament will meet on January one next year. The nominations for the next general election will be accepted between October 20 and 27.
Lankapress COLOMBO, October.11: Sri Lanka will go to the polls on December five to elect the 225-member legislature after President Chandrika Kumaratunga dissolved the Parliament following defection of 13 MPs from her government.
The local investors showing confidence to the new government which will be elected, chased after all most all the stocks which still looks a bargain if the economic conditions improve in the country. The ASPI and the MPI skyrocketed with the market turnover recording a healthy Rs. 143.79 Million dominated by local retail and institutional investors. At the end of trading the ASPI was up by 28.28 points to close at 459.07 and the more sensitive MPI was up by 65.92 to close at 739.57. Foreign purchases registering poultry figure of Rs. 4.824 Million followed by sales of Rs. 5.140 Million.
Lankapress COLOMBO, October.11: The Colombo bourse continued with it?s bull run on the announcement of the dissolution of the parliament and the announcement of 5th December, the date for the election.
At least seven political parties including the main opposition United National Party (UNP) yesterday declared they would contest polls under a joint electoral pact or an understanding with the view of forming a strong government in the future. They are to contest as 'United National Alliance', which may use the elephant symbol of the UNP. The defectors, barring former ministers S.B.Dissanayake and Prof G.L.Peiris are planning to unite under the UNA while other parties such as the SLMC and TULF are likely to field candidates of their own in some areas and in some areas contest under the UNA ticket. Dissanayake and Prof. Peiris are to enter parliament on a national list or as appointed MPs. The UNP leader said the opposition parties collectively have been able to end the authoritative rule of Kumaratunga adding that it was a strong victory for the people of the country. 'With the priority to end the ethnic war, the main objective of our government would be to solve the problems of the people.' The SLMC leader Rauf Hakeem who started off the political crisis by withdrawing its support to the government and reducing the PA's majority in parliament in June declared that his party was planning to support the campaign with the aim of finding a solution to the ethnic issue.
Lankapress COLOMBO, October.11: The UNP and a group of government defectors led by SB Dissanayake and GL Peiris have reached an understanding to contest the upcoming elections under a broad alliance, posing a major setback for the People's Alliance.
The elections had been fixed for Decemebr 5 while nominations will be received from October 20 to 27. The first session of the 12th parliament begins from January 1 next year. Mrs.Kumaratunga signed the gazette notification of the dissolution of Parliament which completed exactly one year today to protect her party facing the no faith motion backed by the opposition. Justice Minister Batty Weerakoon told the Lankapress that they had desided to dissolve parliament and go for elections seeking a fresh mandate from people of this country. President Kumaratunga prorouged the parliament for two months on July 10 when opposition submited a no faith motion against the government after seven members of the minority SLMC crossed over to the opposition. The People?s Alliance won 97 seats out of the 225-member assembly at the 2000 general elections. The PA formed the goveremt with the support of 11 members of minority SLMC, four member Ceylon Workers Congress (CWC), the four-member Eelam People?s Democretic Party (EPDP).
Lankapress COLOMBO, October.10: President Chandrika Kumartunga dissolved the 225 member hung parliament Wednesday midnight after eight members of Peoples Alliance including three powerfull former Ministers defected to the opposition today evening.
As a result the all-important ASPI and the MPI appreciated tremendously, ASPI up 19.80 to close at 430.78 and MPI up 48.39 to close at 673.65. The ASPI and MPI rose 4.8 percent and 7.7 percent respectively today. Investors chased after all most all the stocks, which were trading at a bargain couple of days ago. The turnover recording an impressive figure of Rs. 54.135 Million dominated by local investors. The foreign figures recorded purchases outbeating sales to Rs. 5.4 Million to Rs. 3.8 million.
Lankapress COLOMBO, October.10: The day's come closer to the "No confidence motion" which will be taken up tomorrow in the parliament and some key MP's crossing over from the Ruling party to the opposition, investors speculate in the market expecting a stable government to be established.
Mr.Gunawardene said that his party supported the PA to remain in power for one year period and he beleave that the mud which has stained his party and him due to their support to the government could be washed off from the waters of the Kelani river. He also said that he beleave that he could serve the people of Kalani river area beeing an independent member rather than beeng a governemnt member. He said that his life was in danger. Today morning I huged my five children befor I leave my house, I have no security guards at my home and no body guards for me anything could be happenednd to my life and I appeal public to lookafter my life ,Mr.Gunawardene said. According to my conscience I could not retain idling in this government. From now on I will act as an independent member of this parliament. As I cannot any longer support this government I am crossing over to the opposition,Mr. Gunawardene said.
Lankapress COLOMBO, October.09: The Peoples Allionce's (PA) constituent party Mahajana Ekasath Peramuna (MEP) Parliamentarian and economist Bandula Gunawardena crossed over to the opposition saing that that this government had failed to fulfil its promises.
The ASPI and MPI appreciated by 9.44 points and 25.50 respectively on a day where advances dominated declines by a staggering 52 to 5 margins. The ASPI closed at 410.98, up 2.4 percent from previousdays 401.53 and the MPI up 4.3 percent 625.26 wich was 599.75 at previous closing. The market turnover continued to remain on the quiet side with the virtual nonexistent of the foreign activity. Market turnover totaling an unimpressive Rs.16.034 Million for the day. Foregin sales out beating Purchases to Rs. 0.852 Million to Rs. 0.244 Million.
Lankapress COLOMBO, October.09: The Political uncertainty cropped up during the last few days seems to have renewed investors enthusiasm in the market due to he notice given for the No Confidence Motion. It is to be taken up for debate on Thursday which might lead the way of the formation of an economic friendly stable government. Lead retail investors chased behind selected stocks, resulting in both indices witnessing sharp gains.
The government is to select October 11 for the debate, which date according to political sources is astrologically favourable to Kumaratunga. The UNP sponsored motion reads "This House declares that it has no confidence in the government since it is demonstrably clear that it cannot solve the pressing problems of the country and its people". Both the government and the opposition appeared confident of securing the 113 votes out of 225 in parliament . On the face of it the government, with 109 seats plus the 10 votes to be delivered by its new ally the Marxist JVP is being seen as comfortable winners. Yet the government is faced with the prospect of a substantial dissident group voting in favour of the motion. Two former senior ministers SB Dissanayake and Professor GL Peiris are thought to have entered in to an arrangement with the UNP. Dissanayake and Peiris were at variance with Kumaratunga's style of governance and faced a severe public slamming from the tough talking Sri Lankan President. "We have surprisingly large numbers from the government necessary to win the motion", Dr Rajitha Senaratne, a UNP legislator told SADA. Dissanayake-Peiris duo are to deliver at least 14 government legislators who had been disgruntled due to Kumaratunga's pact with the Marxist JVP. The main left party insisted on down sizing the Cabinet from 44 to 20 which appeared to swell dissident numbers. The JVP is set to prevent the UNP from achieving its objective of defeating Kumaratunga's government. The Marxists threw a life line to Kumaratunga when her government was reduced to a minority in parliament. A JVP statement Saturday vowed "to make every effort to defeat on-going conspiracies by certain political forces to come to power". The JVP-government MoU outlines radical reforms which they have committed Kumaratunga to implement within a year. Wimal Weerawansa, the JVP legislator said "Current moves by certain political forces to come to power are being backed by business groups who face legal action for the recovery of massive loans long overdue". The JVP stressed its desire to push through legislation for action against a number of companies and ventures that have defaulted on huge loans taken from the state banks. The state media accused the UNP of planning to sponsor some of the government legislators on paid visits to Singapore to create crucial absenteeism at the parliamentary vote. The UNP is assured of votes from the minority Tamil United Liberation Front with 5 seats, Tamil Eelam Organisation with 3 seats and the solitary vote of the All Ceylon Tamil Congress. The main Muslim party, the Sri Lanka Muslim Congress is to decide which way their 7 legislators should vote only after the debate got underway. The solitary member of the ultra-nationalist Sihala Urumaya is yet to decide their position. A defeat at the motion would force Kumaratunga to invite the main opposition leader Ranil Wickremesinghe to form a government. But Kumaratunga is said to be weighing the option of dissolving the assembly to face fresh elections. The date for the debate is to be decided on Monday.
Lankapress COLOMBO, October.07: Speculation is rife that President Chandrika Kumaratunga's embattled ruling People's Alliance (PA) coalition may opt to face this week in parliament a vote of no faith moved against it by the main opposition United National Party (UNP).
Political sources said Sunday that in a letter delivered to the UNP hierarchy on Friday night, the five member government delegation that held talks with the UNP had said that they had discussions with the JVP on Wednesday and that the JVP cleared the government proceeding with talks with the LTTE. The government had told the UNP that the JVP recognises the north-east conflict as a "national question" and therefore the supreme important question in the domestic politics of Sri Lanka. The only condition the JVP has placed is that the process must not be rushed or done in haste, the letter suggests. The UNP's concerns were revolved around clause 20 of the MoU signed with the JVP which hinted that the probationary government had no right to agree to any negotiations with the rebels. The JVP's stated position on negotiations with the rebels was that the government should reach a consensus with all sections of society before anything was presented to parliament. On negotiations with the rebels the government and the UNP had talks and a draft joint statement previously discussed but not signed by the UNP refers to, inter-alia, the need to alleviate hardships and dangers to civilians affected by the on-going conflict that a "mutually agreed temporary halt to offensive military operations be declared with immediate effect". It also calls upon the LTTE to start talks at the earliest. The UNP leadership has repeatedly stated publicly, that the party is of the view that a negotiated settlement should be arrived at with the rebels and talks with them should commence early with this objective.
Lankapress COLOMBO, October.07: The government has informed the UNP that its current pact with the Marxist JVP does not preclude them from reviving the peace process aimed at a negotiated settlement to the country's long drawn out ethnic conflict which has cost over 60,000 lives since 1983.
Rizvie Sinnalebbe, 43 died Tuesday afternoon possibly due to a kidney failure, a spokesman for the main Muslim party, the Sri Lanka Muslim Congress (SLMC) said. He was hospitalised in Colombo for well over a month having undergone kidney surgery in India, a family source said. Sinnalebbe was a appointed legislator in the Sri Lankan parliament based on national proportional representation. Despite being a member of the SLMC he was in parliament as a legislator representing the ruling People's Alliance (PA) coalition - as provided for in an electoral arrangement between the PA and the SLMC. He was one of the seven SLMC legislators who crossed over to the opposition mid June triggering a severe political crisis in the country. The cross over of the SLMC legislators reduced Kumaratunga's government to a parliamentary minority.
Lankapress COLOMBO, October.02: The death of Rizvie Sinnalebbe Tuesday appears to have dealt a blow to opposition's chances of toppling the government of the President Chandrika Kumaratunga.
The bomb, weighing about three kilos was packed in the jacket and hidden was found by street cleaners, police said. The elite police Special Task Force commandos were called in to defuse the explosives. The explosives were found three days after the LTTE rebels accused government forces of killing one of their senior leaders Colonel Shankar in a bomb attack deep inside an area held by the LTTE at Oddusudan.
Lankapress COLOMBO, September.29: A suicide bomb kit was found near the Vihara Maha Devi Park, Saturday, the Police said.
The UNP handed over a no-confidence motion against government on Friday, three months after a similar ouster bid led to the suspension of parliament. Five members of the UNP including party leader Ranil Wickramasinghe have signed the motion, a UNP source said. The one paragraph motion sates: "This house declares that it has no confidence in the government since it is demonstrably clear that it can not solve the pressing problems of the country and its people". The UNP Assistant Leader Gamini Athukorale said that most of the MPs in the opposition have already pledged their support for the motion. "We are confident that 15 government MPs will also support the motion at the crucial vote," he added. Analysts say that Kumaratunga fearing defections may either dissolve parliament for fresh elections or try to woo members of the Sri Lanka Muslim Congress to rejoin her government. The next sitting of parliament is due on October 9, but it is unlikely that the government will agree to take up the motion on the date.
Lankapress COLOMBO, September.28: The People's Alliance coalition is to face a vote of no faith moved by the UNP.
