16 april - 2009

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16 april - 2009

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FREE WEEKLY NEWSPAPER
NEWSLANKA
Established since
THURSDAY - APRIL 16 - 2009
Calls for permanent ceasefire
1991. Registered as a Newspaper with the post office.
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NEWSLANKA
ISSUE 906
100,000 march on Central London
(bbc.co.uk) - A hundred thousand protesters
have marched through central London calling for
an end to war in Sri Lanka, according to police
estimates.
The demonstration came as one Tamil protester
agreed to suspend a hunger strike opposite the
House of Commons.
Sivatharsan Sivakumaraval, 21, and
Prarameswaran Subramaniam, 28, had said
they were prepared to die unless the UK
intervened in the conflict.
Mr Sivakumaraval has suspended his fast amid
efforts to try to arrange talks.
The Metropolitan Police said 100,000 people
had joined the march and three had been
arrested for public order offences.
Sri Lanka President
Rajapaksa directs
Armed Forces to
restrict operations to
defensive nature
They marched from Embankment to Hyde Park,
where the demonstration ended with a rally at
Speaker's Corner.
The protesters want Prime Minister Gordon
Brown and UN secretary general Ban Ki-moon
to agree to meet their representatives.
Earlier, Liberal Democrat MP Simon Hughes
said he would try to arrange for a delegation of
protesters to visit the UN, Washington and
Brussels with Des Browne, the government's
special envoy to Sri Lanka, for talks.
Mr Hughes said Mr Sivakumaraval had agreed
to accept some food on the condition that he
could join Des Browne at the talks.
Doctors had said he was well enough to attend a
rally at Hyde Park Corner after the march, Mr
Hughes added.
Thousands of Sri Lankans living in the UK have
taken part in the rally that began on Monday
afternoon in London's Parliament Square.
They say thousands of civilians in northern Sri
Lanka are in danger as its government
continues an offensive to "wipe out" the Tamil
Tigers.
They are calling for the UK government to act to
help end the war and insist they will remain until
a ceasefire is called and food and medical aid is
allowed to reach civilians.
Mr Browne said that he supported a ceasefire
and the British government remained concerned
about the plight of civilians caught up in the
conflict.
LTTE PRESS RELEASE
LTTE emphasizes
Permanent Ceasefire
(13/04/09) - The LTTE has for long been
requesting a permanent ceasefire encompassing
sensible military and political essence. This, the
LTTE still reiterates.
Such a ceasefire should also contain a base for
By Ravi Ladduwahetty
political negotiations. The LTTE desires that that it
(Sun, 2009-04-12) - Sri Lanka President orders 48 should also create a conducive climate for a
hours pause in military campaign
permanent political resolution to the national
Calls for LTTE to acknowledge to accept defeat
question of the Tamils in a peaceful way. The LTTE
and surrender
is ready to comply without any conditions to a
Colombo, 12 April, (Asiantribune.com): In an
ceasefire as described above.
emergency meeting of the Sri Lankan Cabinet of
But, the Sri Lanka government’s unilateral
Ministers this afternoon, President Mahinda
announcement of a two-day ceasefire, dt.13th and
Rajapaksa in his capacity as Minister of Defence
14th April 2009, is merely an act of hoodwinking.
and Commander in Chief of the Armed Forces, has Sri Lanka government is announced this ceasefire
directed the Armed Forces to restrict their
to create a scenario as if it was heeding to the
operations their operations to those of a defensive request of the international community and also
nature.
rendering a service to the Tamils trapped in the
The President at an emergency Cabinet meeting,
Sinhala military siege.
was deeply conscious of the need to give the
We consider this ceasefire announcement of Sri
civilian population entrapped as... See p4
Lanka government as a two-day holiday
opportunity availed to its servicemen
for Sinhala New year. Although a
ceasefire has been announced, yet
the Sinhala Forces are continuing to
target civilian population with their
bombs and guns. The LTTE
unequivocally condemns this
political swagger aimed at deceiving
the world as well as the Tamil
people.
The Tamils, trapped by the Sri
Lanka’s military siege, and the war
waged on them by the Sri Lankan
armed Forces, are encountering
untold hardships. The fact that the
world leaders and the International
community are now viewing their
suffering with sympathy, ... See P6
COLOMBO COLUMN
With NEWSLANKA Editor
REGGIE
FERNANDO
Mr Sri Lanka
competition.
See p17
No permanent
ceasefire until LTTE
lays down arms,
Sri Lanka says
(ColomboPage - Apr 14) - Rejecting a call
by the rebels for a permanent ceasefire,
the Sri Lankan government today in no
uncertain terms said that there will be no
such truce until the Liberation Tigers of
Tamil Eelam (LTTE) lay down arms.
In a special press briefing today Media
Minister Lakshman Yapa Abeywardena said that taking
the history of the conflict into consideration the
government cannot agree to a ceasefire until the LTTE
lay down arms.
"The LTTE wants breathing space either to re-arm and
regroup or time to have their leaders to flee the area
they are trapped in," the Minister said.
The LTTE yesterday rejected the 48-hour halt in
military operations ordered by the Sri Lankan
President Mahinda Rajapaksa as an 'eyewash' to
deceive the international community and called for a
permanent ceasefire.
Sri Lanka Army today charged the LTTE for violating
the humanitarian pause as Tamil Tiger snipers killed a
soldier and injured another.
The defence officials said 518 civilians reached the
safety in government –controlled area during
yesterday while the ICRC evacuated another batch of
474 people to Pulmoddai over the sea route. In
addition Sri Lankan Navy rescued 26 civilians fleeing
in two dinghies off the coast of Mullaitivu.
The military accused the rebels of holding civilians as
human shields despite the halt in military offensives.
United Nations and other foreign governments
welcomed the move to halt military operations for twodays as a first step to achieve a solution to the conflict
and urged the Tigers to allow the civilians freedom of
movement to reach safety.
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PAGE 02
NEWSLANKA
16 APRIL - 2009
ISSUE 906
Media ban in war areas
wrong says RSF
(DM - 13/04/09) COLOMBO (AFP) –
An international rights group
Saturday urged Sri Lanka to allow
journalists access to the war zone in
the northeast where a "humanitarian
crisis is unfolding" without a media
presence.
"With a major humanitarian crisis
and war crimes clearly taking place,
the government must heed the
international community’s calls for a
ceasefire and for better access for
humanitarian workers and
journalists." Paris-based Reporters
Without Borders (RSF) said.
The authorities have severely
restricted access into the war zone
for journalists and humanitarian
agencies. "By limiting media
coverage to guided tours with the
purpose of confirming military
victories, the armed forces are
preventing the press from doing its
job," RSF said in a statement.
The United Nations estimates
around 100,000 people trapped
along Sri Lanka's northeastern
shoreline are at risk from intense
fighting between troops and Tamil
Tiger rebels. Security forces have
now hemmed the Tigers into a
narrow strip of coastal jungle where
they have retreated together with
the civilians.
The authorities have severely
Mohamed Kaleem: Cut down in the prime of youth
By Yohan Perera
(DM - 13/04/09) Mohamed Kaleem Rafeek,
known as Kaleem to his friends and relatives
both here in Sri Lanka and in UK, had ambitious
dreams just like all the other young lads. He was
dreaming to become a professional engineer
specialized in plumbing and in electrical work.
He also planned to purchase his own car.
Kaleem worked on it till March 29 this year
studying and working as a plumber and as a club
bouncer in Manchester UK till disaster struck,
shattering his dreams and leaving his family and
friends unable to bear the shock and grief of his
passing. On that day, Kaleem was on duty at the
door of the nightclub where he worked
supervising the security arrangements when five
Pakistani youth and 3 Bangaladeshi youth
approached the club and wanted to enter the
premises. Determined to safeguard the rules of
the club Kaleem had told them only three
persons would be allowed in at a time according
to the rules. This led to an argument, which was
settled later.
After he finished his shift, Kaleem went to a
restaurant nearby along with a friend to enjoy a
meal when one of the men with whom he had
argued earlier had come up to him saying they
wanted to apologize for what had happened
earlier. “We are all friends here let us forget what
happened earlier” said the man adding the
others are also waiting to apologize to him.
Kaleem, who had a compassionate heart, readily
agreed to meet them and put the whole episode
behind them. They had got into a car expecting
to bury the hatchet when things suddenly turned
nasty and the Asian men dragged them out of
the vehicle and started stabbing Kaleem
unmercifully. Kaleem’s friend, who was being
held by two men managed to free himself from
his captives and had jumped on top of Kaleem to
save him. It was a vain effort as the attackers
managed to stab them both. Kaleem was
stabbed 17 times and was pronounced dead
when police found him whereas his friend who
was in a critical condition was taken to hospital
where he is receiving treatment.
The attackers were arrested and detained and a
court case is pending in the UK. Police in the UK
however ruled out the possibility of it being a
gang related killing. Investigations are continuing
on various lines according to Manchester police.
The police believe that the killing could be linked
to an earlier altercation between the two parties.
Kaleem, who was born in Sri Lanka, moved with
his family to the UK at the aged of 12. He
was studying part time at Traffard College to
become a professional electrician. His
devastated mother Fuzna said he was a golden
son. “I wish every mother in this world could
have a boy like him for he had a big generous
heart and a beautiful smile,” she added. His
father said Kaleem fulfilled his duties to his
father, mother and his sisters more than was
required.
Among his relatives in Sri Lanka, who were
shattered by the news of his death, was his
uncle Roshan Mansoor and his cousin
Mohamed, who was perhaps his favorite cousin.
They had been close friends when they were
young. Kaleem used to visit his cousin at
Havelock Road, Pamankade often, where they
used to play cricket together and were
sometimes joined by a few friends in the
neighborhood. “I was deeply shattered by the
news and could not believe it. I met him just six
months back when he was in Sri Lanka with his
family and I miss him very much,” he said.
He was also popular among the Muslim
community in UK that they had a peaceful
protest in Manchester and while a prayer service
was organized for him by his relatives in Sri
Lanka.
Government to brief
Clinton, Moon on
Lankan situation
Latest from Pakistan:
No Indian hand in
Lankan team attack
By Jamila Najmuddin
(DM - 13/04/09) The government is expected
to brief former US President Bill Clinton and
UN General Secretary Ban Ki Moon about
the humanitarian situation in the north and
issues relating to resettlement of the IDPs, in
New York next week a government official
said.
Minister of Resettlement and Disaster Relief
Services, Risard Bathiyudeen told the Daily
Mirror that he will also brief the duo about the
humanitarian operation launched by the
Your Premium, No Claim bonus will not be affected
security forces in the north and stress on the
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Moon at a tsunami conference organized in
York on April 23. Although a meeting
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has not been sought, the Minister said that
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he is expected to brief them on the sidelines
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Web: www.lacl.co.uk
email: [email protected]
(Contd: on P4)
NOW AT A SCREEN NEAR YOU -
(ISL - 13/04/09) Saturday, April 11: A day after the
Lahore police said that there was evidence of an
Indian involvement in the attack on the Lankan
cricket team, Pakistan Interior Ministry has said
that there is no clue of Indian hand in the attack.
The Lahore police had on Friday alleged India's
involvement in the Lahore attack. They had also
said that there was evidence of an Indian link in
the recent attacks on police facilities in Pakistan.
Referring to the terror threats during the general
elections in India, Rehman Malik said that India
should share information about the threat with
Pakistan.
Malik also talked about the Swat peace deal,
saying that Taliban have not complied with the
deal. (NDTV)
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NEWSLANKA SUBSCRIPTION
52 ISSUES = £35
restricted access into the war zone
for journalists and humanitarian
agencies. "By limiting media
coverage to guided tours with the
purpose of confirming military
victories, the armed forces are
preventing the press from doing its
job," RSF said in a statement. "They
are disregarding the public’s right to
be informed in an independent
manner," it said.
Rights groups regard Sri Lanka as
one of the most dangerous places in
the world for journalists. In January,
the government said nine journalists
had been killed while 27 were
assaulted over the past three years,
while independent activists say
more than a dozen journalists have
been killed.
A newspaper editor critical of the
government's military campaign was
shot dead by unidentified gunmen in
January. Several others have been
arrested using draconian antiterrorism laws. RSF also accused
the Tigers, who have been fighting
for a separate homeland since
1972, of preventing civilians from
leaving the shrinking areas they
control to government-controlled
areas.
"The Tamil Tiger rebels bear a large
share of the responsibility for these
crimes," RSF said.
Britain bans ‘Mercy Ship’
bound for Wanni
By Jamila Najmuddin
(DM - 13/04/09) The British government has banned
the humanitarian aid ship ‘Mercy Mission’ from leaving
the shores of Britain to deliver aid to thousands of
civilians trapped in northern Sri Lanka until the
appropriate clearance was given by Sri Lanka,
government sources said yesterday.
The ship was expected to carry over 2,000 metric
tonnes of food and medical aid for the civilians in the
Wanni collected by British politicians and celebrities,
various British Tamil charities and British based
organisation ‘Act Now’ over the last few weeks.
The ban, preventing the ship from sailing to Sri Lanka
was declared by the British government after serious
concerns were raised by the Sri Lankan authorities
about the ship’s cargo.
The Sri Lankan government claimed that the LTTE had
used previous aid ships to smuggle in arms to the
north and urged the British authorities to look into the
issue.
An organiser of the mission, Arjunan Ethirveeraisgham
confirmed to the Daily Mirror yesterday that the ship
had not yet left Britain but said they were hopeful that
there would be a development on the matter sometime
this week.
According to Ethirveerasingam the ship could not sail
for Sri Lanka on the decided date of March 31 as they
were awaiting approval from the Sri Lankan
government to enter the Sri Lankan waters.
However, according to a spokesperson from the Sri
Lanka High Commission in UK the Sri Lankan
government might ‘consider the case’ of whether to
allow the aid into Sri Lanka if it received an assurance
from the UK government that the ship had been
checked and found to contain humanitarian supplies.
However, one of the directors from UK organization
‘Act Now’ said that the containers on the ship were
being X-rayed by British authorities so its cargo could
be verified. “If that third party check isn't good enough
for them, what is,” he asked. “I think the government is
being facetious and deliberately provocative and is
trying to find an excuse for not allowing the aid to
land,” he had said.
However, the Sri Lanka High Commission in London
has raised its dissatisfaction and continuous concerns
with the British authorities and raised questions about
the ship’s cargo.
High Commission authorities had even informed the
Foreign Ministry in Colombo and alerted the necessary
authorities of a possible aid ship heading for the
Wanni.
The Sri Lanka Navy too have been out on high alert
for unauthorized ships preparing to transport food and
medical supplies to the Wanni, bypassing the
government.
An official from the Navy on conditions of anonymity
said that the Navy would be on high alert in the
coming days to prevent any ship carrying food for the
LTTE to cross into Sri Lankan waters.
www.newslanka.net
NEWSLANKA
1977
31
16 APRIL - 2009
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16 APRIL - 2009
Government
from P2
“I have not sought any special
meeting with them both. But I will
brief them about the IDP situation
when I meet them during the
conference,” Minister Bathiyudeen
said.
Minister Bathiyudeen will receive an
invitation to the Tsunami conference
in New York later this week after
which he said he would confirm his
presence.
Last year too Minister Bathiyudeen
attended the conference where he
met several dignitaries from the UN
and other countries.
Minister Bathiyudeen is expected to
attend the Tsunami conference after
attending the Durban conference in
Geneva on racialism issues from
April 19.
Minister Bathiyudeen’s discussion
with Mr. Ban Ki Moon and Mr.
Clinton will take place after the UN
Chief made a recent telephone call
to President Mahinda Rajapaksa to
discuss the humanitarian situation in
the north and efforts of the
Government to ensure the supply of
food, medicines and other
assistance to the IDPs.
Mr. Ban Ki Moon and President
Rajapaksa also discussed the
conditions in the IDP villages,
political initiatives by the
Government and the recently
published statement by the UN High
Commissioner for Human Rights
(UNHCHR).
Truce
Cont from p1
... hostages by the ruthless actions of the LTTE,
the opportunity to celebrate these festivities which
falls on April 13 and 14 in a suitable atmosphere
and to have uninhibited freedom of movement
from the No Fire Zone to the cleared areas at the
as the nation celebrates the traditional Sinhala
and Tamil New Year, top political sources told
Asian Tribune.
The President has also told his Cabinet that the
Sinhala and Tamil New Year was symbolic of the
amity prevailing amongst all communities in Sri
Lanka.
The President also told the Cabinet that in the
true spirit of the season, it was timely for the LTTE
to acknowledge its military defeat and lay down its
weapons and surrender. The LTTE must also
renounce terrorism and violence permanently, the
President told the Cabinet.
52 ISSUES = £35
ISSUE 906
Browne going to world
capitals on Lankan
mission
(DM - 13/04/09) British envoy Des Browne is to
embark on a mission to the UN, Washington and
the EU to brief leaders there on the current
situation in Sri Lanka, the Press Association
reported. It also said that Simon Hughes, UK
Liberal Democrat MP for North Southwark and
Bermondsey, was trying to negotiate with police to
allow some Sri Lankan Tamil protesters in London
to accompany Browne on his mission.
Britain had appointed Browne as a special envoy
for Sri Lanka but the Sri Lankan government
refused to recognise the unilateral appointment
saying it violated the country’s sovereignty.
The British Foreign Ministry however continues to
negotiate with Sri Lanka seeking an agreement on
the appointment.
Two Tamil protesters in London had on Saturday
agreed to break their hunger strike over the Sri
Lankan situation with sips of water after politicians
pledged to help them take part in the talks on the
plight of Tamils living in Sri Lanka.
The students from Mitcham in South London had
been on hunger strike since last Monday refusing
to even take liquids and supporters feared they
were close to suffering renal failure.
Sivatharsan Sivakumaraval, 21, and
Prarameswaran Subramaniam, 28, were staging
their protest along with 500 Tamil supporters who
illegally occupied London's Parliament Square for
the fifth day.
The Press Association quoted Simon Hughes as
saying:
"There's very wide political support for urgent
action in Sri Lanka to avert a terrible crisis in lives
and liberty. Politicians from across the parties in
the UK are willing to work with the community here
to try to get political movement in the next few
days.
"I'm grateful the two young men (hunger strikers)
have agreed to take fluids now while negotiations
continue. I hope a political strategy for delegations
to the UN, Washington, Brussels and the
Commonwealth Secretary in London will soon be
in place to take place next week."
The protesters want the UK Government to take
action to help protect the Tamils in their homeland.
www.newslanka.net
ISSUE 906
NEWSLANKA
16 APRIL - 2009
PAGE 05
www.newslanka.net
PAGE 06
NEWSLANKA
16 APRIL - 2009
Sri Lankan Foreign Ministry Statement
on meeting with Mexico
(DM - 13/04/09) Following talks in Mexico City
between Foreign Secretary, Dr Palitha Kohona and
senior Mexican government officials, including Vice
Minister Gomez-Robledo, Mexico has reassured Sri
Lanka of its firm support at international fora,
including the UN Security Council. Mexico is holding
the presidency of the Security Council in April.
Mexico confirmed that they do not have any
intention of permitting the Sri Lankan situation to be
placed on the Security Council agenda, as it does
not pose a threat to international peace and
security.
Dr Kohona explained how the LTTE had cleverly
'herded' thousands of civilians into the tiny no-firezone in the north east of Sri Lanka, while pulling
back its combatants and weapons also into it with
the intention of sheltering behind this human shield
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and using these thousands of human hostages to
save itself. He repeated the call of the Government
to the LTTE to let these hostages go (which will
automatically result in a cessation of hostilities) and
lay down their weapons for the sake of the civilians.
The Mexican authorities expressed their
understanding of the dilemma confronting Sri Lanka
in view the fiendish circumstances deliberately
manipulated by the LTTE and offered to do all
possible to bring the civilians out to safety.
Mexico also expressed its appreciation of the large
quantities of food and medical relief supplies being
sent by the Government to the people held hostage
by the LTTE with the assistance of the UN and the
ICRC. Dr. Kohona also provided a detailed briefing
on the processing procedures for IDPs escaping
from the LTTE, the raft of relief measures being
undertaken to make their lives easier in the
relief villages, the access provided to NGOs
and INGOs, the continuing engagement with
UN officials, the advanced planning for the
early return of IDPs to their own villages and
towns, including demining and the ongoing
work to re-establish inclusive democracy in the
North.
The Mexican authorities saw the parallels
between their own experience in Chiapas and
the negative impact of a cleverly manipulated
propaganda machine. They also expressed
hope for deepening and strengthening the
bilateral relationship, including through the
exchange of high level visits.
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Jail break in Sri Lanka:
Six prisoners shot
dead, four injured
Apr 15, Colombo: Six inmates of Sri Lanka's
Kalutara Prison were shot dead in the early
hours of Wednesday, when they tried to
escape from the prison, an official said. The
incident had taken place around 3 a.m. today.
Four others, who also tried to escape were
injured and admitted to the hospital for
treatment. The official said that the prisoners
had cut the iron bars of the cell and tried to
escape, but prison guards were able to detect
them and opened fire at the fleeing prisoners.
A minor earth tremor
in Sri Lanka
(ColomboPage) Apr 15, Colombo: A minor Earth
tremor occurred this morning at several areas of
Central, Eastern and Uva provinces in Sri Lanka,
the Meteorology department said.
According to the sources the earth tremor was
reported from Amapara, Panama, Monaragala,
Badulla and Nuwara Eliya areas.
Several houses were damaged due to the tremor,
but there were no injuries reported, Meteorology
Department said.
Residents of those areas said the earth tremor
lasted for about two minutes.
Sri Lanka Army Chief
vows to crush the
LTTE 'dream of a
separate state'
ISSUE 906
Fighting resumes after
48-hour ceasefire
(DM - 13/04/09) Sri Lankan troops resumed their
offensive against Tamil Tiger rebels in the
northeast at the end of a 48-hour ceasefire, the
two sides said. A military spokesman said security
forces restarted operations against the Liberation
Tigers of Tamil Eelam (LTTE).The pro-rebel
Tamilnet website said both sides began
exchanging rocket and gunfire as the military's
unilateral two-day ceasefire ended at midnight.
Mexico says statement
by Lanka "not accurate"
(DM - 13/04/09) Mexican Ambassador to the UN
Claude Heller, who holds the presidency of the UN
Security Council in April, told reporters yesterday a
statement issued by the Sri Lankan Foreign
Ministry regarding talks between Sri Lanka and
Mexico last week was "not accurate".
"It is not an accurate statement," Ambassador
Heller said when asked to comment on the
statement. "We were very clear that in the case of
Sri Lanka there is a concern of the responsibility to
protect the population."
(ColomboPage) Apr 14, Colombo: Sri Lanka
Army Chief Lieutenant General Sarath Fonseka
today vowed to wipe out the terrorism from the
country and crush the LTTE 'dream of a separate
state'.
"Our objective should
be to eliminate the
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www.newslanka.net
ISSUE 906
NEWSLANKA
16 APRIL - 2009
PAGE 07
www.newslanka.net
PAGE 08
NEWSLANKA
Tokyo Co-Chairs
discuss Sri Lanka
again
(ColomboPage) Apr 14, Washington, D.C.:
Representatives of the Tokyo Co-Chairs- U.S.,
European Union, Norway, and Japan convened a
second conference call yesterday at the U.S. State
Department to discuss the humanitarian situation
in northern Sri Lanka.
The Assistant Secretary for South and Central
Asian Affairs Richard Boucher participated for the
United States during a conference call initiated by
the State Department.
The Co-Chair members welcomed the 48-hour halt
to military operations announced by the Sri Lankan
government on April 12 and are looking for the
civilians to be released and for the fighting to be
ended without further bloodshed, a State
Department press release said.
The Co-Chairs further discussed the humanitarian
situation and concern for the safety of more than a
hundred thousand people trapped by the conflict
between government forces and the Liberation
Tigers of Tamil Eelam (LTTE) in a narrow strip of
land in northern Sri Lanka.
"The Co-Chairs urge both sides to facilitate the
immediate shipment of urgently needed food and
medicine, and facilitate the immediate evacuation
of the sick and wounded. The Co-Chairs reiterated
their call for the Tamil Tigers to permit freedom of
movement for the civilians trapped in the conflict
zone," the statement said.
The Co-Chairs remain in close contact and will
continue their discussions of the situation in Sri
Lanka, it added.
Villagers killed
'in LTTE attack'
(BBC) At least nine people, including children and
women, were killed after an attack by suspected
Tamil Tigers in the southern Sri Lankan village of
Buttala. The defence ministry quoting police said
that a group of armed LTTE cadres have stormed
Mahagodayaya village, in Buttala, on Sunday
evening.
The attack has occurred few hours after the
government announcement on a temporary
ceasefire with the Tamil Tigers.
(Contd: on P10)
UN call for diplomatic solution
A diplomatic solution is needed to prevent a "There was a nasty incident just before this lull
possible bloodbath in Sri Lanka says UN
was announced, where they killed six civilians
special envoy sir John Holmes.
who were trying to leave"
He blamed the Tamil Tigers for killing
Sir John Holmes
civilians who are trying to leave their
control.
crossed over so far this year.
In an interview with the BBC Radio4 Today
"Over hundred thousand people are still
programme, the UN special envoy on
waiting there to get out. We believe they are
humanitarian affairs, Sir John Holmes said the held against their will by the Tamil Tigers and
pause in the fighting in Sri
they will be shot if they try
Lanka is a success.
to leave", John Holmes
"From what I hear, it is
told the BBC.
working, and we are hoping
Preventing 'bloodbath'
that we can get more
Referring to the prevailing
humanitarian aid as a result.
situation in the Tamil
Two days is too short for
Tiger controlled area, The
that."
UN envoy say, "There
He said that it will give a
was a nasty incident just
chance to the people to get
before this lull was
out if they can.
announced, where they
Civilians killed
killed six civilians who
"The problem there is that
were trying to leave".
the Tamil Tigers are not
When asked about a
letting them go. They are not
possible solution to the
Sir Holmes says Norway should
giving people the choice.
current humanitarian
continue diplomatic efforts
This is the reason why they
crisis, John Holmes say
are trapped in this appalling
the only way is to find a
situation,"says the UN special envoy.
diplomatic solution. "The civilians are the last
He blamed the Tamil Tigers for not letting
card the LTTE has. Their military situation by
people go. "It is just a matter of walking a few
geography and is pretty hopeless only way for
hundred metres in to the government
the LTTE, if they want to stop this is to lay
controlled areas, where the government forces down their arms".
are".
"If the end is going to be purely military; an
He said according to the information he had
assault on the beaches, where these people
received, already about 65000 people have
are trapped, risk will be that it will be very
"If the end is going to be purely military, risk will difficult to prevent a catastrophe, a
bloodbath. That is why a diplomatic solution
be that it will be very difficult to prevent a
is needed despite the brutal military
catastrophe, a bloodbath. That is why a
diplomatic solution is needed despite the brutal agendas of both sides," says the UN
special envoy Sir John Holmes.
military agendas of both sides"
Sir John Holmes
Tigers 'keeping civilians hostage'
The Sri Lankan foreign secretary has accused
safe zone to flee fighting.
the Tamil Tigers of using the civilians caught in
But Dr. Kohona says the LTTE has not allowed
the conflict to build a bund during the two day
the civilians to leave.
ceasefire period.
"They use and perhaps conscripted them to
Dr. Palitha Kohona
construct and strengthen a bund along the
told BBC
lagoon and build
Tamil service
further
that the
fortifications," he
LTTE's action
told the BBC.
of keeping the
In a statement
civilians
issued on Monday,
"hostage"
the rebels called
amounts to a
for an extension to
criminal act.
the cease-fire. The
"Holding
Tamil Tigers asked
anybody
for a "permanent
hostage is a
internationally
criminal act,"
supervised truce".
he said.
Dr. Kohona says the LTTE is not The foreign
The Sri Lanka in a position to make any demands secretary indicated
government
that the
announced a 48-hour
government has no intention of extending the
ceasefire for the tens
two-day truce.
of thousands of
"What is the purpose of keeping it extended if
civilians trapped in the they don't let the people go?" he questioned.
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ISSUE 906
Sri Lanka
from P6
forces over the years.
"The civilians held hostage by the LTTE have now
begun to trust the humanitarian operations
conducted by the security forces," the Army
Commander said lauding the work of the armed
forces.
"Hospitality, friendliness, kindness and other noble
qualities shown towards the civilians on their
arrival to cleared areas have proved that we are a
disciplined and friendly army," he said.
The Army Chief also said that the army fought for
nothing but to establish peace for all Sri Lankans.
"Ever rising number of civilians reaching cleared
areas confirm this truth. Those who are still under
LTTE detention will see their freedom soon," he
added.
Concern over trapped
civilians in Sri Lanka
Asked about UN staff members and dependents
who are reportedly unable to leave camps for
displaced persons in Sri Lanka, the Spokesperson
said that the United Nations does not disclose the
names and locations of staff and dependents. He
said that the United Nations has access to all the
camps for displaced people in Sri Lanka and can
therefore contact UN staff as required.
He said that the United Nations has repeatedly
asked the Government of Sri Lanka to allow them
freedom of movement so that they can eventually
resume their role as aid workers. While the
Government has repeatedly assured the United
Nations that this request would be met, the staff
still remains in the camps.
Haq reiterated the UN's extreme concern about
the estimated 150,000 people remaining in the No
Fire Zone and the demand that civilians wishing to
leave the Zone be allowed to do so without
hindrance, particularly from the Liberation Tigers
of Tamil Eelam (LTTE).
The Government of Sri Lanka, he said, must
ensure that internally displaced people are dealt
with in line with international standards and
principles, including the need for transparent
screening and registration processes, guaranteed
freedom of movement, and commitments to
ensure speedy return to their places of origin.
Sri Lanka to open A-9
road for civilian traffic
by May
Apr 14, Colombo: Sri Lanka plans to open the A-9,
Kandy-Jaffna main road by next month for civilian
traffic, the government sources said.
"In order to open the road a new programme has
been launched including the opening of an office
of the Road Development Authority in Kilinochchi,"
a spokesman for the Sri Lanka's Ministry of
Highways said.
He said the defence authorities will hand over the
security assessment report in this regard to the
Ministry of Highways by the second week of May
soon after the completion of demining activities on
the A-9 highway.
Last month, Sri Lanka opened the A-9 that was
held by the LTTE from Omanthai to Muhamalai for
over two decades, for military purposes and
supply of essential items to the Jaffna peninsula.
www.newslanka.net
ISSUE 906
NEWSLANKA
Sangaree confirms civilian casualty reports
(DM - 13/04/09) Tamil United Liberation Front
(TULF) leader V. Anandasangaree has
confirmed that some civilians were killed and
several others injured in intense shelling last
week.
In a statement the TULF leader said that he
had confirmed through various reliable sources
that on April 8, 296 injured persons were
admitted to the hospital out of which 47 had
subsequently died, some of them children.
“This number is a record for a single day since
the war started. The number of casualties
crossed 200 with over 30 reported dead on
Thursday, surprisingly a Poya day, on which
even the slaughter of cattle is prohibited.
Several people had died outside the hospital
with no records maintained. The International
Community will not take the time to ask who
was responsible for the shelling. The
Government will be condemned for the deaths
of these people. Allowing everyone who has an
opinion to condemn International
Organizations however will prove counter
productive,” he said.
Anandasangaree said he regretted to note that
his repeated requests to the government to
prevent the army from advancing further has
been ignored. “Now that they are on the last lap
of the war and as the LTTE has taken cover
amidst innocent people, using them as human
shields, the casualty rate has increased ten
fold. The lives of over two hundred thousand
people trapped in Puthumathalam, which is
also a LTTE controlled area, are at stake. We
cannot expect the LTTE to conform to society’s
norms but the forces can. Having earned a
good name for keeping the casualty rate low,
by sacrificing several of their comrades, they
cannot now, during the last lap of the war and
in such a short period, lose that good name.
ACTUF warns of general strike on April 22
By Yohan Perera
(DM - 13/04/09) The JVP led All Ceylon Trade
Union Federation (ACTUF) warned of a general
strike on April 22 against the amendments of
the labour laws and what they called laying off
the public sector workforce.
ACTUF Secretary Samantha Koralearachchi
told the Daily Mirror that the union would likely
call for a general strike against this move.
He said affiliated trade unions of the federation
are currently discussing what action they would
take and had decided that they would launch a
protest on April 22. “We have not decided on
the action we would take on the 22nd but a
general strike is a possibility,” he said.
52 ISSUES = £35
Mr. Koralearachchi said they are willing to have
a discussion with the government authorities
and had in fact asked for an appointment with
Public Administration Minister Dr. Sarath
Amunugama but a date has not been given yet.
He explained that the new laws to reduce the
public sector workforce, limit the workers
participation in trade union activities and
stoppage of salary increments have not come
up randomly but because of the conditions put
forward by the IMF in return for the promised
standout of US $ 1.9 billion
“Minister Amunugama accepted in Parliament
that they had discussions with the IMF and the
situation is clear,” he added.
However he said they would expect the
government to suspend the proposed
amendments soon,” he added.
Minister Amunugama in Parliament last week
assured that ‘the no changes that would affect
the workers’ would be made by the government
any time. He said discussions with the IMF
have been transparent and the government has
not given into any harsh conditions.
16 APRIL - 2009
PAGE 09
UPFA, UNP lead the way in polls violence – CMEV
(ISL - 13/04/09) The two major political parties have
been accused of carrying out 50% of the major
incidents of violence during the run up to the April 25
polls for the Western Provincial Council, the Centre
for Monitoring Election Violence (CMEV) said.
The CMEV in a release issued to media yesterday
called on the leaders of the UPFA and the UNP, to
take immediate and effective steps to halt the
violence perpetrated by their candidates and
supporters which is a clear threat to the integrity of
the electoral process and democracy in the country.
The CMEV release also said: "The CMEV notice with
concern the continuing escalation of violence during
the last stage of the election campaign for the
Western Provincial Council. As of April 11 CMEV has
confirmed 84 incidents of election related violence
since the closure of nominations on February 26,
2009.
Of these incidents 20 incidents were categorized
as major. It was confirmed by CMEV that in 6
instances fire arms were involved. The 30
confirmed major incidents included 1 murder, 1
attempted murder, 1 abduction, 4 assaults
resulting in injuries, 10 non grievous assaults, 3
instances of threat & intimidation, 7 incidents of
arson, 3 instances of the misuse public property.
Of the major incidents the UPFA was directly
accused of being the perpetrator in 10 while the
UNP was directly accused in 5 incidents.
The CMEV is gravely concerned that the two
major political parties have been accused of
carrying out 50% of the major incidents of
violence. CMEV calls on the leaders of the UPFA
and the UNP, to take immediate and effective
steps to halt the violence perpetrated by their
candidates and supporters which is a clear threat
to the integrity of the electoral process and
democracy in Sri Lanka.
While the UPFA has made 30 complaints to
CMEV, it was directly accused in 21 incidents. Out
of the 30 complaints made by UPFA 5 of these
complaints have been made by members of the
UPFA itself, clearly indicating how the struggle for
preferential votes is now spilling over into
violence. The UNP is accused of being involved in
8 incidents whereas it has made 14 complaints.
CMEV has received 35 complaints from the JVP
and 1 complaint against it.
Of 84 confirmed incidents, 54 (54%) have been
allegedly carried out by unknown groups and
individuals, of these 14 are major incidents (46.6%
of all major incidents).
CMEV would like to draw the attention of the IGP
and Election Commissioner to the fact that these
incidents are being carried out in a province with a
high level of security.
Kaduwela in Colombo district remains the most
violent polling division recording 14 incidents
(including 5 major) out of confirmed total of 33
incidents for the entire Colombo District. Out of 26
incidents reported throughout Gampaha District, 9
incidents have been reported from Meerigama
Electorate, whilst 13 incidents have been reported
from Horana Electorate of Kalutara District out of 25
incidents reported from the district.
CMEV reiterates the responsibility of all political
parties, the police and the Election Commissioner in
arresting the increasing trend of violence.
www.newslanka.net
PAGE 10
NEWSLANKA
16 APRIL - 2009
'Many commitments made towards achieving peace'
– Sri Lanka President
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£335*
£482*
£350*
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£335*
£240*
£350*
Bombay
£230*
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Bangalore
£365*
£250*
£270*
£295*
£480*
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£430*
*All fares are including airport taxes
(ColomboPage) Apr 14, Colombo: As
the whole country is celebrating the
Sinhala and Tamil New Year Sri Lanka
President Mahinda Rajapaksa in his
New Year's day message said that the
bonds of friendship among the people
comes from the many commitments
made towards achieving the much
sought after peace, by the government
and the people.
Full Text of President's message as
follows:
At a time when the country awaits the
dawn of peace and prosperity we are
happy to welcome the Sinhala and
Tamil New Year which brings the
promise of a new awakening to our
people. Today our people from the
North and South, East and West will
observe the traditions of the New Year
ushering in a new spring of abundance
to the entire nation. The people of the
East who already enjoy their freedom
will greet the New Year with the
traditional pot of boiling milk gathering
the new harvest of liberation. Similarly,
the people of the North will see in this
New Year propitious signs of a new
freedom and prosperity that awaits
them.
The New Year brings with it an
environment of friendship and sharing
enhanced by the fruits and flowers of
nature that enrich the spirit of festivity.
This New Year is more meaningful to
the extent that it strengthens the
bonds of friendship among our people.
This comes from the many
commitments made towards achieving
the much sought after peace, by the
Villagers
from P8
Two children and three women are among the
victims, the ministry said.
Eyewitness account
"One child and an elderly woman have
sustained serious injuries. The injured child is
being treated at the intensive care unit at the
government hospital Monaragala," the defence
ministry website said. An eyewitness told BBC
Sandeshaya that he saw how the attackers shot
his mother dead. "They closed my mouth and
fired at my mother. Then I pushed them and ran
away. They shot at me but they missed me and
the shots hit the mango tree. I ran to a nearby
house where they had a gun."
Nation Building Minister Jagath Pushpakumara
told BBC Sandeshaya that a Sinhala national
from the village has joined the LTTE.
The deserter of Sri Lanka army is hiding in the
jungles nearby together with a group of Tamil
Tigers, he said.
The Buttala area has come under continuous
attacks since last year.
There was no immediate response from the
LTTE.
government and the people.
The milk of good hope that flows in
every home at the dawn of the New
Year augurs plenty and prosperity for
the country, as well as the honour and
respect of the world. It is my belief that
all our people will join in observing the
age old traditions of the New Year with
a resolution to move our nation
towards a future of peace and plenty.
At this time of national holiday and
festivity I extend my heartfelt thanks to
all persons who remain at their posts
to ensure protection, especially to the
members of the Armed Forces and the
Police who continue their great
sacrifices for the country and the
people.
I wish you all a Happy and Prosperous
New Year.
EU presidency urges truce
extension in Sri Lanka
BRUSSELS, April 14, 2009 (AFP) The EU presidency on Tuesday
welcomed the Sri Lankan
government's two-day pause in its
offensive against Tamil rebels, but
called for a longer halt amid grave
concerns over civilian safety.
The Czech EU presidency said in a
statement that it "welcomes the twoday ceasefire," but "remains however
deeply concerned about the situation
for the civilians trapped in the conflict
zone."
The EU presidency "therefore calls
for an extension of the pause in order
to facilitate humanitarian operations
and ensure the physical safety of all
civilians," the statement added.
Sri Lankan President Mahinda
Rajapakse on Sunday called a twoday truce only to coincide with the
traditional New Year on Monday and
ISSUE 906
JVP head points
finger at Govt. for
Balage’s death
by Cyril Wimalasurendre
(ISL - 13/04/09) KANDY – Janatha Vimukthi
Peramuna (JVP) leader Somawansa
Amarasinghe addressing mourners at the
funeral of the JVP activist Nandana Balage
pointed the finger at the government for the
death of Balage.
Nandana Balage is reported to have
succumbed to gun shot injuries while attending
a Western PC election related meeting in the
Gampaha electorate last week.
Balage’s burial was held at the Mahaiyawa
cemetery on Thursday (09).
Addressing the gathering of mourners, JVP
leader Somawansa Amarasinghe said that
Nandana Blage did not die a natural death but
was killed.
The fire-arm which was used to shoot Balage
was a weapon issued by the Defence Ministry.
Accordingly, the government has a
responsibility to disclose the culprit and bring
him before the law, Amarasinghe stressed.
Amarasinghe said that there was special
importance in probing the assassination of
Nandana Balage because it happened at a
moment when terrorism in the North was
nearing an end. The question may arise
whether terrorism is rising in the South.
The JVP cannot be destroyed by killing Nanda
Balage. The JVP will proceed with added
vigour, he said.
Tuesday.
The Tamil Tiger rebels said
earlier Tuesday that they
were ready to negotiate a
ceasefire with government
forces and restart peace
talks to halt decades of
ethnic bloodshed.
The Liberation Tigers of
Tamil Eelam (LTTE),
cornered in a narrow strip of jungle in
the northeast and vastly
outnumbered, said they wanted a
long-term truce supervised by the
international community.
Tens of thousands more are still
believed to be trapped by the fighting.
The EU presidency, held by the
Czech Republic for the first half of
this year, called on the LTTE "to allow
civilians to leave the conflict area."
The EU statement stressed that both
sides of the conflict should respect
human rights and international
humanitarian law.
The EU presidency went on to
welcome the announcement by UN
Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon that
the United Nations will do whatever it
can to support a pause in military
operations and help improve the
situation for civilians in the conflict
zone.
www.newslanka.net
16 APRIL - 2009
NEWSLANKA
ISSUE 906
PAGE 11
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Sri Lanka Sampath
Bank bids for stake in
Seylan Bank
April 15, 2009 (LBO) - Sri Lanka's Sampath Bank
said it has submitted an Expression of Interest to
the Central Bank to buy a stake in Seylan Bank,
part of the troubled Ceylinco group.
The Sampath Bank announcement was in a
stock exchange filing that gave no other details.
The bank was responding to an invitation by the
central bank advertised last month calling for
proposals from investors to invest 5.7 billion
rupees (about 50 million US dollars) to take a 33
percent stake in Seylan Bank.
The deadline for the proposals ended
Wednesday.
Central bank officials would only say they had
received proposals from prospective investors
but they declined to identify any.
Investors will be notified of the outcome of their
applications by April 24 and selected investors
are expected to make formal bids by May 7.
The central bank said it will take a final decision
by May 20 and the investor is expected to inject
fresh capital within two weeks of being chosen.
The bank invited Expressions of interest from
local or foreign parties interested in becoming a
"strategic partner" of Seylan Bank, the island's
fifth largest commercial bank in terms of assets
with a seven percent market share.
The regulator also said that apart from the initial
capital injection, a further investment in
debentures of Seylan Bank is also expected.
The central bank in December 2008 put Seylan
Bank under the management control of stateowned Bank of Ceylon after irregularities were
uncovered within Golden Key Credit Card
Company, an unlisted firm of the Ceylinco group
to which Seylan belongs.
Seylan Bank's main shareholder, Ceylinco group
chairman Lalith Kotelawala, has offered to sell
his stake in the bank to raise funds to pay off
depositors of Golden Key Credit Card Company.
Several other firms of the Ceylinco group are
also on sale.
Sri Lankan stocks up
in thin volume trade
Apr 15, 2009 (LBO) Sri Lankan shares gained
marginally on Wednesday in razor thin trade in
selected blue chip shares with most investors still
to return after traditional new year holidays
earlier in the week, brokers said.
The Sri Lanka rupee traded around 115.80/90
against the US dollar in wafer thin trading
volumes in a dormant market which is recovering
from the festival holiday, dealers said.
The All Share Price Index of the Colombo stock
exchange rose 0.43 percent (7.26 points) to end
at 1,683.44 while the more liquid Milanka went
up 0.70 percent (12.22 points) to close at
1,769.37.
Turnover was 27.7 million rupees in the market
which reopened after being closed since last
Wednesday.
"The market will only be fully active by next
week," said Shivantha Meepage of Acuity
Stockbrokers.
"Investors are still in the festive mood, so we can
expect retail activity to be slow."
Sri Lanka's largest private bank, Commercial
Bank of Ceylon, gained two rupees to close at
79, while investment bank National Development
Bank (NDB) gained three rupees to close at 92.
Market heavy weight Dialog Telekom, a
subsidiary of Telekom Malaysia, contributed 10.3
million rupees to the day's turnover.
Dialing closed flat at 4.90 rupees.
"A few blue chip counters helped the index on
thin volumes," said Meepage.
Conglomerate John Keells Holdings, which has
business interests in the transport, property
development, food processing, retailing and
finance sectors, was down 25 cents to close at
63.75.
Ceylinco Insurance gained 12 rupees to close at
84.25 on 5,400 shares traded.
Distilleries Company of Sri Lanka gained 50
cents to close at 69.50.
The stock exchange announced that SKM Lanka
Holdings has been allowed to resume trade in
the Automated Trading System and the DEX
system of the CSE from Wednesday after it
complied with the minimum net capital
requirement.
Ottawa won't
budge on banning
Tamil Tigers
DAWN WALTON
CALGARY — Canada has done its best to
end the long-running conflict in Sri Lanka,
but will not bow to pressure to remove the
Tamil Tigers from the list of banned
terrorist groups, a federal cabinet minister
said yesterday.
For more than a week, Tamil supporters
have been gathering around Parliament
Hill to protest the war in the South Asian
country and ask Ottawa to intervene. On
Friday, more than 1,000 people lined
Wellington Street in front of the Parliament
buildings waving Tamil flags. Five people
are on a hunger strike.
"We have done everything that these
protesters are asking Canada to do namely call for a ceasefire - except we will
not respond to a demand of anyone to
legalize a banned, illegal terrorist
organization," Immigration Minister Jason
Kenney told reporters in Calgary.
In 2006, Canada placed the Liberation
Tigers of Tamil Eelam on a list of banned
terrorist organizations under the federal
Anti-Terrorism Act, which prohibits
financing such groups.
Protesters are angry about what they see
as hostilities by the Sri Lankan military,
which has moved onto land historically
held by the country's Tamil minority. The
Tamils have been fighting for
independence.
Mr. Kenney said Canada has called for a
ceasefire from both sides, asked the Sri
Lankan government to ensure
international support reaches people in
need and increased Canada's
humanitarian aid.
But the Tamil Tigers are responsible for
suicide bombings, and the deaths of tens
of thousands of civilians, he said.
Sri Lanka Defense
Secretary says war will
continue until terrorism is
wiped out
Apr 14, Colombo: Sri Lanka's Defense Secretary said that
the war will continue despite any international pressure
until the LTTE terrorism is completely wiped out from the
country. "Whatever the pressure, be it national or
international, we will not stop the war on terrorism until it
is defeated completely," Defense Secretary Gotabhaya
Rajapaksa, who is the brother of the Sri Lanka President
told the local media. The latest statement was in
response to the recent demands by Western leaders for
Sri Lanka to stop the war against the Tigers and go for a
ceasefire. Sri Lankan government has repeatedly rejected
call for ceasefire as the LTTE has used every ceasefire to
rearm and strengthen the outfit.
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www.newslanka.net
PAGE 12
NEWSLANKA
16 APRIL - 2009
ISSUE 906
ISSUE 906
SLSCO FLAME & HEATHROW SRI LANKA CC
NEWSLANKA
16 APRIL - 2009
PAGE 13
SRI LANKAN NEW YEAR FESTIVAL
AT THE FELTHAM ASSEMBLY HALL, HOUNSLOW 4TH APRIL 2009
SLSCO-FLAME registered charity in
association with the Hounslow Heathrow
Community Centre celebrated the Sri
Lankan New Year at the Feltham Assembly
Hall, Hounslow on 4th April
2009. This event was graced
by the presence of the Chief
guests The High
Commissioner for Sri Lanka.
Justice Nihal Jayasinghe and
The Worshipful Mayor of the
London Borough of Hounslow,
Councilor Genevieve Hibbs.
Among the religious
dignitaries present were the
Maha Nayake Thero of the Kingsbury
Temple and Maha Nayake Thero of
Birmingham Buddhist Vihara, several
leading businessman and professionals
were among the distinguished guests
present.
SLSCO-FLAME had been celebrating the
Sri Lankan New Year since 1989, at
Letchworth Garden City, Herts before the
charity was moved to Hounslow. This is
the second year the trustees joined in with
the Hounslow Heathrow Community
Centre which had been organising the Sri
Lankan New Year celebrations in
Hounslow in previous years.
In organising the festival the
Organising Committee
consisting of members
of SLSCO-FLAME and
Heathrow Community
Centre aimed to create an atmosphere of a
Sri Lankan New Year back in Sri Lanka to
bring back the memories of the rich
cultural heritage of the country and to keep
the customs and traditions alive among the
younger generations growing up in United
Kingdom.
This was a unique event as all Sri Lankans
irrespective of their differences which kept
the people apart suddenly came together
to celebrate the New Year, they showed to
the world that we all are Sri Lankans and
we have lot of things in common.
At 1.00 pm everyone was waiting to join in
the traditional games. It gave an
opportunity for everyone young and not so
young all three Sri Lankan communities to
participate to show their talents and
abilities to bringing the memories
of the New Year back at home.
All the winners of the competitions
and games were presented with a
valuable prize.
Entry to the festival was free as
such there were over one
thousand people including
children, young people and
elderly enjoying their day out with
their friends and families.
Sri Lankan food stalls were part of the
main attractions of the evening serving
snacks rolls, cutlets, kottu and hoppers
and tea and coffee and soft drinks to raise
funds for the charity as well as to provide
the visitors the taste of a variety of food.
A raffle was drawn the first prize was two
return tickets to Sri Lanka and lot more
other valuable prizes.
Cultural program highlighted the
childr en's talents in learning the
uni
que dance styles of Sri Lanka.
We noticed the happiness and
the pride of the parents while
children actively participated in the
various games and dance
performances.
Every one enjoyed the
cultural program. Main
attractions were Kandyan
dance performances by the Attanayake
dance troupe, dance by Gracey Boteju
and the troupe, Welcome dance by
children from Kamalanganie dance
school, Bharatha Natyam by Miss
Nivashi Krishnakumar. Everyone
showed their appreciation with huge
applause to the performers.
Every one was served with an authentic
Sri Lankan buffet dinner prepared by the
organising committee. Music was
provided by the Sky High Band with
Natasha. The audience was overwhelmed
with emotions as this was a rare chance
that all the three communities could join in
as one family to enjoy a Sinhalese and
Tamil New Year in London. This occasion
was significant in many respects especially
at a time when the country is aiming to
achieve peace and harmony, after years of
conflicts. It proved that communities could
co-exist by sharing common things in
promoting the cultural heritage.
Christopher Paul with his unique voice
entertained the gathering bringing them to
the dance floor with his ability and talent to
entertain his fans and enjoy the evening
listening to the music and to dance till
midnight. It was a great joy and pleasure to
the artists to see the great reception from
the crowd as he arrived from Sri Lanka
specially to participate in this event.
Everyone commented that SLSCO-FLAME
has taken a great step in building up peace
and harmony among the Sri Lankan
communities in organising this year's New
Year Celebrations at the Feltham
Assembly Hall.
We take this
opportunity to thank all
those who sponsored
to make this event a
great success, our
special thanks goes to Lycamobile the
main sponsor of this festival. Our
heartfelt thanks goes to all our
supporters and the participants
without your support we would not
have made this event a great success
in providing the food, entertainment
and paying the hall fees and bearing
all the costs of the advertising for this
event.
Also our thanks goes to the organising
committee and volunteers and all
those who did a variety of jobs cooking,
serving and conducting the games and
doing dance rehearsals to encourage the
children to show their talents in events like
this to keep the Sri Lankan culture alive
and appreciated by all growing up in this
country and to establish peace and
harmony among the communities.
Photographed by
Nimal Navaratne &
Chirstopher Mathias.
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NEWSLANKA
PAGE 14
16 APRIL - 2009
Sri Lankan Film Festival Goes to Burmingham
Further to the successful launch of Film Festival
2009 in London on 21st March and due to high
demand the event was re-launched in
Birmingham on 13/04/2009. The Birmingham
Film Festival is a another successful story due to
large participation of Sri Lankan's living in
Birmingham and members of the public from
other Asian Communities attending the event
was a highlight.
The Birmingham Film Festival was organised by
Mr Shantha Perera and Mr Dimantha
Veerarathne and friends of Birmingham in aid of
Sri Lanka Assist Foundation UK.
The event was sponsored by
Lycamobile
Jaffna Bishop thanks Govt
Urges LTTE to release civilians
the LTTE and the Government to stop the war and
allow the people to go wherever they feel safe.
“The LTTE leadership should not prevent the
(DN - 13/04/09_) The Catholic Bishop of Jaffna Rt.
innocent civilians moving into safer places.The
Rev. Dr. Thomas Savuntharanayagam while
fighting with heavy weapons
thanking the Government for taking
including artillery must be stopped at
care of 60,000 Internally Displaced
all costs.
Persons in Vavuniya, urged the
“I thank the Government for taking
LTTE to allow the remaining
care of the 60,000 innocent civilians
innocent civilians trapped in the
who have escaped the war-torn
battle hit areas to move into safer
areas.”
locations.
“The meaningless fighting should
Rt. Rev. Dr. Thomas
come to an end and I pray for
Savuntharanayagam also stressed
happiness and safety of all during
the need to stop fighting and
this Easter and the Sinhala and Tamil
creating a peaceful atmosphere with
New Year,” the Bishop said.
the dawn of Sinhala and Tamil New
Meanwhile, the New Year festival
Year.
season has gathered momentum in
“Man can overcome evil and hatred
the Jaffna Peninsula with sports
by love and kindness. That is why
events and cultural programs being
St. Paul says the Resurrection of
Rt. Rev. Dr. Thomas
organised on a wider scale. Certain
Jesus Christ is the central factor of
Savuntharanayagam
South Indian artistes are also
Christian faith. As we celebrate
expected to take part in the musical
Easter and rejoice with the Sinhala
show in Jaffna during the New Year celebrations.
and Tamil in the New Year, we cannot forget the
The ITN has made arrangements to telecast New
thousands of civilians who are languishing in the
No-Fire-Zone in the Vanni. “We are requesting both Year programs from the Palaly Army Base, sources
said.
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ISSUE 906
UNESCO ‘Treasure”
Lester James Peries honoured in Paris
UNESCO described Sri
Lankan film director
Lester James Peries as
one of the greatest film
personalities in the world.
Addressing the audience
before screening of the
film Gamperaliya to
honour Lester on his 90th
birthday at UNESCO
headquarters in Paris on
April 6, UNESCO
representative recalled
that Lester was one of the
two recipients of Fellini
Award in Paris and the
other award winner was
great Hollywood
actor/director Clint
Eastwood.
Lester James Peries is
also listed in the most
prestigious ‘Treasure List’
of UNESCO, which is the
world’s most prestigious
institution for culture. The
screening of Gamperaliya
Ambassador Lionel Fernando and UNESCO Chief for Creative Industries
was jointly organised by
for Development and Cultural expressions Georges Poussin
UNESCO and the
Embassy of Sri Lanka in
Heliotrope Films headed by Laurent Aleonard for
France. The film was screened at Salle 1 of
restoration of the print of Gamperaliya.
UNESCO in Paris on April 6 to a large gathering of Ambassador Fernando said that Lester
diplomats and French and Sri Lankan film lovers.
revolutionized Sinhala cinema by producing
UNESCO Chief for Creative Industries for
Rekawa and followed it by several outstanding
Development and Cultural expressions, Georges
films like Gamperaliya and Nidhanaya. “Lester and
Poussin said that Lester was one of the cinematic
his beloved spouse Sumithra together contributed
giants of the era and he received many awards
to the upswing of Sri Lankan cinema in the last
and recognitions in Sri Lanka and abroad. Lester’s five decades,” he said.
film Gamperaliya received the Golden Peacock
The event to honour Lester James Peries on his
Award at India International Film Festival in 1965
90th birthday was supported by UNESCO,
and he was later selected as a Member of the Jury Embassy of Sri Lanka in Paris, Helitrope Films, Sri
at Cannes Film Festival in France.
Lanka Tourism Promotion Bureau, Bank of Ceylon,
Sri Lankan Ambassador Lionel Fernando said that National Intellectual Property Office of Sri Lanka,
Lester James Peries ranked along with the best
Sri Lanka Bureau of Foreign Employment and
film makers in the world. He thanked the
several Sri Lankan organizations in Paris.
ADB to support Sri Lanka's program to expand
and improve its electricity services
Apr 14, Manila: The
Asian Development
Bank (ADB) today
said it will extend
$160 million in loans to support the Sri
Lankan government's push to expand
and improve its electricity services,
especially to the poor and those living in
conflict-affected areas.
ADB's Board of Directors today approved
loans of US$135 million from its Ordinary
Capital Resources (OCR) and a further
$25 million from its concessional Asian
Development Fund (ADF) for the Clean
Energy and Access Improvement Project
(Sri Lanka), a press release issued by
ADB today said.
The funds will be used to support energy
efficiency improvements, to develop the
use of renewable energy, and to increase
connections and services to rural
households.
According to the ADB, Sri Lankan
government has launched a 10-year
development plan to address the
problems in the country's power sector
and the project will support the Ceylon
Electricity Board and the Lanka Electricity
Company to improve coverage and
service efficiency by modernizing and
upgrading the country’s transmission
Church attack : Baptism,
marriage records stolen
(ST - 12/04/09) An unidentified gang
damaging the doors and windows of
stormed a Methodist church in
the church and had later looted the
Pepiliyana, Dehiwala earlier this
place of whatever equipment that
week and forcibly removed musical
was available.
equipment, computers and vital
“The intruders apparently intended to
documents such as baptism and
show it was a robbery, but that is not
marriage records, police
the case. It appears they
and church officials said.
were after something else,
The incident occurred
which is a mystery to all of
early on Monday morning,
us. Why do they need
a day after the church had
baptism and marriage
held a traditional
records? It is of no
procession to mark Palm
importance to any one
Sunday. The Pastor Rev.
except to the
Surangika Fernando told
parishioners,” Pastor
The Sunday Times that
Fernando said.
this was the first such
This is the latest in a
incident in the 150 year
series of incidents where
history of the church.
Christian churches and
“We have no known
The church at Pepiliyana. prayer halls have been
enemies whosoever, and
targeted in and around the
Pic. by Berty Mendis
the villagers have a good
Homagama, Piliyandala
relationship with the church. This
and Kottawa areas. A spokesperson
unprovoked attack comes as a
for the Boralesgamuwa police said
surprise and we suspect the burglars investigations were continuing and it
were from outside the area,” Pastor
was suspected the attack was carried
Fernando said.
out by persons from outside the area.
The intruders had broken in after
system and launching a demand-side
management program for public lighting.
The project will enable at least 60,000
poor households especially in the
Eastern province to be connected to
electricity services through micro-credit
support.
The loans cover 85% of the project cost
of $188.2 million. The demand-side
management initiative will receive $2.2
million from ADB's Climate Change Fund.
The OCR loan has a 25-year term,
including a grace period of five years,
with the interest rate set in accordance
with ADB’s London interbank offered rate.
Sri Lanka Air Force
commences its civil
passenger
transportation between
Jaffna and Colombo
Apr 14, Colombo: Sri Lanka Air Force has once
again commenced its normal civil passenger
transportation between Jaffna and Colombo.
Social Services and Social Welfare Ministry
headed by the Minister Douglas Devananda has
revealed that the civil passenger transportation
between Jaffna and Colombo had been started by
the Air Force following the request made by the
Ministry.
When contacted Air Force Spokesman, Wing
Commander Janaka Nanayakkara confirmed that
they have commenced its services once again with
effect from last week.
The civilians who wish to travel to Jaffna by air
have to forward their requests to the Social
Services and Social Welfare Ministry, its press
release instructed.
Civil passenger transportation between Jaffna and
Colombo was temporarily suspended earlier during
the liberation of North for security reasons.
www.newslanka.net
ISSUE 906
New Year customs and
traditions
NEWSLANKA
16 APRIL - 2009
PAGE 15
Sarath C. Jayawardana
(DN - 13/04/09) It is the month when the cultivators get ready to
enjoy the fruits of their toil following the reaping of the harvest. Time
to set aside their ethnic and religious differences and join in
celebrating the Bak New Year as a national event. It can then be
the best display of ethnic and religious coherence.
April is a month of festivity for the Sri Lankans. April or Bak is of
special significance to the Sinhalese and the Tamils (Hindus) as it
marks the dawn of a traditional new year. April is also appropriately
called ‘Bak’ in the lunar calendar meaning ‘abundance’. It is the
month of plenty.
It is the month when the cultivators get ready to enjoy the fruits of
their toil following the reaping of the harvest. The silos are full with
newly harvested grain, and the children make merry playing in the
paddy fields laid barren after the harvest. Trees bear fruits and the
flowering trees are in full bloom. Koel, the cuckoo heralds the
arrival of a new year from tree tops.
The zodiac or the imaginary line marking the path of the Sun
among the stars is divided into twelve sectors giving names
according to the domineering constellation in each sector. It begins
with Aries (the Ram) and ends with Pisces (the Fishes) with ten
others falling in between.
The earth rotating round the Sun completes the cycle in twelve
months facing each of the twelve sectors in relation to the position
of the Sun. Earthlings viewing it as the passing of the Sun through
these sectors celebrate the passage of the Sun from Pisces to
Aries as the beginning of a new year.
Transition period
This period of transition has been celebrated for centuries as the
birth of a New Year not only by the Sinhalese and Hindus in Sri
Lanka but also in India. Indian New Year is called Baisakhi, and is
celebrated in April/May.
The practice of celebrating the New Year in April in Sri Lanka has
continued through generations and is still followed with lot of gaiety
throughout the country. The new year is called ‘Saka Varsha’ or the
Saka Year as it was started during the reign of King Saka of India
and the year 2006 is the Saka year1928.
Our ancestors calculated the months according to the phases of the
Moon and named them Bak, Vesak, Poson, Esala, Nikini, Binara,
Vap, Il, Unduvap, Duruthu, Navam and Medin. Bak was considered
the first month of the year as it coincided with the passage of the
Sun from Pisces to Aries.
The beginning of New Year celebrations in Sri Lanka is unknown
but, there is proof that it had been practiced for centuries in this
country. Robert Knox in his book ‘An Historical Relation of the
Island Ceylon in the East Indies’ written in 1681 makes the
following reference. (Quote) “His great Festival is in the Month of
March at their New-years Tide.” (Unquote) ‘His’ refers to the
Buddha. He is obviously referring to the Bak festival that is
celebrated around March/April when he says their New Year Tide.
That was more than three centuries ago.
National New Year
Sri Lanka is not the only country to observe a National New Year. A
National New Year is celebrated in many other Asian countries.
Chinese celebrate their New Year according to the lunar calendar
with the new cycle of the moon falling in January or February. They
name the year according to twelve symbolic animals namely, the
rat, ox, tiger, hare, dragon, serpent, horse, ram, monkey, rooster,
dog, and the boar.
Japanese New Year is called Ganjitsu and is observed on first
January. Japan’s New Year celebrations are called Oshogatsu.
They celebrate the New Year for three days decorating their homes,
exchanging gifts and sending greeting cards. A special feature is
the planting of small pine trees on both sides of the door
representing longevity and constancy.
Tibetans celebrate their New Year in April when Buddha images are
bathed in scented water. Sand stupas are built on river banks or in
temple grounds to be washed away at the New Year symbolizing
the cleansing of evil.
Baisakhi is the Indian New Year celebrated in March or April with
worshipping at the temple, ritual bathing, and music, dancing, and
fireworks.
The passage of the Sun from Pisces to Aries is the time for
celebration. The customs and practices or the ‘Rites of Passage’
that are associated with the New Year are ritualistic in character
observed according to auspicious times.
The celebrations take the form of a national event with the entire
village coming alive. Preparations begin well in advance with the
cleansing and whitewashing of the dwellings irrespective of the
social status.
New garments are sewn for all at home and many varieties of
sweetmeats are prepared not only for home consumption but also
for distribution among the neighbourhood.
Auspicious times
The village astrologer fixes the auspicious times. Time plays an
important role in the celebrations spelling out the need for
punctuality. There are auspicious times for lighting the hearth and
cooking the first meal of the year, partake of the first
meal, anointing the head with oil and taking the first
bath and for the commencement of the practiced
vocation.
Not only the time but also the colour of the clothes to
be worn is decided. It is a time of merriment for the
entire family with the married children living away from
their parents congregating at the parental residence
with their families to celebrate the New Year.
Nonagathe
All work stops at the
predetermined time when the
Sun leaves Pisces.
No work is undertaken till the
dawn of the New Year during
this period of transition which is
called Nonagathe meaning ‘no
auspicious time’ and is devoted
to religious activities.
It also remains a period of
fasting as nothing is eaten after
commencement of Nonegathe
till the appointed hour for eating
the New Year meal. The period
of fasting sometime lasts several
hours and is spent playing
indoor and outdoor games.
Work recommences following
the entry of the Sun to Aries.
New Year activities commence
with the lighting of the hearth.
This can be correlated with the
ancient practice of worshipping
the fire. Fire was considered the
life giver as well as the
destructor and was worshipped with awe by the
forebears.
Hindu religious practices still involve the chanting of
mantrams seated around a fire. This importance
attached to fire is reflected in the lighting of the hearth
as the first activity for the New Year.
Mother kindles the fire and cooks kiri bath (milk rice)
and the father as the head of the household is the first
to taste the New Year meal with his family members.
She has therefore to finish her task before the next
auspicious time of partaking the first meal and is
assisted in her work by the other female members of
the family.
The table covered with a white table cloth is laid with
kiri bath, an assortment of traditional sweetmeats like
kevun, mun-kevum, aasmi, aggala and ripe plantains.
A coconut oil lamp is lit and placed on the table.
For some families this can be the only time when all
the family members sit together at a meal. It is a joyful
occasion.
Paying obeisance to the elders of the family offering a
sheaf of betel is an age old custom carried out during
the New Year time.
All disputes and differences are forgiven when
accepting the offered sheaf of betel making the family
bonds stronger.
Chief prelate
New Year customs end with the anointing of oil on the
head. Usually it is done at home. It is also performed
as a community function either at the village temple or
in a community centre.
A herbal preparation is applied on the head by an
elder or if it is at the temple by the chief prelate. This
is followed by taking the first bath for the New Year. It
is believed that this ensures good health in the coming
year. It is also the time for exchanging gifts and
visiting relatives during the New Year is another
important custom which strengthens family ties
forgetting any misunderstandings.
Hindu customs
It is customary to give gifts to those who visit the
house or take a gift when visiting a relative or a friend.
Hindu New Year customs differ. Auspicious times are
determined according to Hindu Panchanga.
The New Year customs begin with bathing at the
auspicious time after anointing the head with holy
water brought from the temple.
After performing the ablutions prayers are said
followed by the preparation of Pongal, a kind of
sweetened milk rice.
After consuming the New Year meal the members of
the family gifted cash by the elders. All this take place
within the auspicious period.
Sinhala New Year customs on the other hand take a
different form with different auspicious times fixed for
different activities spanning over a couple of days.
Sri Lankans, at least the majority Sinhalese, follow
New Year customs acting in unison once a year
symbolizing national harmony. They all light the
hearth, cook the first meal, partake the first meal and
anoint their heads at the same time.
Bak New Year
Bak New Year should be called the National New Year
as it is the only major occasion that allows social
cohesion.
All Sri Lankans should set aside their ethnic and
religious differences and join in celebrating the Bak
New Year as a national event. It can then be the best
display of ethnic and religious coherence.
www.newslanka.net
PAGE 16
NEWSLANKA
16 APRIL - 2009
ISSUE 906
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E-Mail: [email protected]
Couple looking for reliable lady to look after one
child ASAP in Essex. Living in/out, salary
negotiable.
Call Mrs. Perera 07835165985/07947 415393
Georges Home 2 - 3 Bed Apartments fully
furnished in Wellawatte for £20 per night. Wanted
Apartments Houses to let or buy in Colombo and
suburbs.
Contact Tel: 020 8689 0236 / 07931 587 168
E-mail: [email protected]
K/C parents who have been in UK since mid
sixties seek professional partner for daughter
32yrs, 5'2'', fair, smart convent educated has
professional employment. Only child will inherit 4
bed detached house. Cast immaterial. Ref 588.
[email protected]
Lease for Sale A well established Sri Lankan
restaurant in North West London, Owners required
a quick sale. Please contact 07852 918 056 Price
negotiable.
Maths Tuition for all levels up to GCSE available
in Enfield EN2 and surrounding areas. At pupil's
home or tutor's home. 07951 656 522
Sinhala Govi Born-again family seek for suitable
partners for their 27 years old son and 24 years
old daughter. They both are professionals work in
London and own flats. Ref 585
fndÿ f.dú wjq# 36" Wi 5'10 b;d
lvjiï ud fidhkqfha wjxl ksy;udkS
furg mÈxÑ iyldßhls' jekaoUq
Èlalido ie,fla' wu;kak# 07536
922327' Ref 588
U.K. resident Buddhist parents seek a suitable
partner for their son 31, 5'9'', working in London.
Please send details with a copy of the horoscope.
Ref 589. [email protected]
IF YOU KNOW OF A USEFUL ADDRESS, THEN PLEASE LET US KNOW
Government Institutions
SRI LANKA HIGH COMMISSION-13, HYDE PARK
GDNS, LONDON W2 2LU.
TEL: 020 7 262 1841
SRILANKAN AIRLINES LTD - CENTRAL HOUSE, 3
LAMPTON RD, HOUNSLOW, MIDDX TW3 1HY. TEL
020 8538 2000, FAX 020 8572 0808/3808
SRILANKAN AIRLINES HEATHROW AIRPORT-TEL:
020 8759 4048/ FAX: 020 8745 6649.
SRILANKAN CARGO - BLDG 560, SHOREHAM
ROAD WEST, LONDON, HEATHROW AIRPORT,
HOUNSLOW, MIDDX, TW6 3RA. TEL: 020 8897 7877,
FAX: 020 8897 7875
SRI LANKA TOURIST B0ARD-1, DEVONSHIRE SQ.,
LONDON EC2 M 4WD. TEL -020 7930 2627 FAX 020 7930 9070
BANK OF CEYLON - 1, DEVONSHIRE SQ.,
LONDON EC2 M 4WD.TeI: 020 7377 1888.
THE SRI LANKA COMMUNITY CENTRE 25,
SPRINGWELL ROADHESTON, HOUNSLOW, MIDDX.
TW5 9ED. GUPTA 0208 754 3410. 07881592189;
LATHA: - 01462-686075. E-MAIL
[email protected]
Places of Worship
AMARAWATHIE MEDITATION CENTREGT.GODDESDEN, HEMEL HEMPSTEAD.HP1
3BZ.TEL: 01442 84 2455.
ASSOCIATION OF SRI LANKAN CATHOLICS IN
THE UK. 94 BATH ROAD, HOUNSLOW.MIDDX. TW3
3EH.TEL:020 8452 4278,01923 220306.
E-mail: [email protected]
BETHANY CHURCH OF GOD - SUNDAY SERVICE ENGLISH TAMIL & SINHALA.
ROOM No 9-11 KINGS HALL, SOUTH ROAD,
SOUTHALL, MIDDX UB1 2XY
TEL/FAX: 020 8571 2156 MOB: 07956 923 044 EMAIL [email protected]
WWW.bethanychurches.org
BIRMINGHAM BUDDHIST MAHA VIHARA - 216,
NEW JOHN STREET WEST, HOCKLEY,
BIRMINGHAM, B19 3UA . TEL/FAX: 0121-523 6660
website: www.buddhist-mahavihara.com
BUDDHA VIHARA - 84 DACRE RD, LONDON E13
0PR. TEL:0208 257 2740.
BUDDHIST REALISTS’ VIAHARA -85, HIGHWORTH
RD, N11 2SN.TEL: 0208 361 6394
COMM OF MANY NAMES OF GOD-SCANDAVALE,
LLANPUMSAINT, DYFED.SA3 3JT TEL:O1559 384
421.
EAST LONDON BUDDHIST CULTURAL CENTRE 33 MAYBURY ROAD, PLAISTOW, E13 8RZ. 020
7476 0681.(SEE P26)
EDMONTON TAMIL CHURCH OF GOD- 34,DICKENS
LANE, LONDON N18 1PH.TEL:0208 245 8584
GENEVA INTERNATIONAL BUDDHIST CENTRE, 8
AVENUE DE LA CROISETTE, 1205. ,GENEVA.
SWITZERLAND.
TEL & FAX 0041 22 32159 21.
GRACE CHURCH, (TAMIL FELLOWSHIP),
METHODIST CHURCH HALL, CRICKET GREEN,
MITCHAM, SURREY CR4.TEL: 0208 646 3419.
HEATHROW SRI LANKA COMMUNITY CENTRE 2,
HEATHLANDS WAY, HEATHSIDE PARK
HOUNSLOW, MIDDLESEX TW4 5BU TEL 020 8569
4600
INTERNATIONAL BUDDHIST CENTRE'S
ASSOCIATION 2, HEATHLANDS WAY, HEATHSIDE
PARK HOUNSLOW, MIDDLESEX TW4 5BU TEL 020
8569 4600
RD
ISLAMIC FORUM-UK - 3 FLOOR LMC BUSINESS
.
WING 38-44 WHITECHAPEL ROAD LONDON E1 1JX
T.P: 02083111275 07795810262 FAX: 02083111275 E
MAIL: [email protected]
JETAVANA BUDDHIST TEMPLE - 13 BOOTH
STREET, HANDSWORTH, BIRMINGHAM, B21 0NG.
TEL/FAX: 0121 554 1466
KETUMATI BUDDHIST VIHARA - 3PRETORIA RD,
HOLLINS, OLDHAM, GTR. MANCHESTER OL8 4NH
TEL:0161 678 9726
LEICESTER BUDDHIST VIHARA -9 UNA AVE,
NARBOROUGH ROAD SOUTH, LEICESTER. LE3
2GS.TEL: 0116 282 5003
LETCHWORTH BUDDHIST VIHARA, THE
BUDDHIST COMMUNITY CENTRE, 32, HIGH
AVENUE, LETCHWORTH GARDEN CITY, SG6 3QS.
TEL - 01462 641326
LETCHWORTH DHAMMA NIKETHANA TRUST,
DHAMMA NIKETHANAYA, 69, PIX ROAD,
LETCHWORTH GARDEN CITY, HERTS. SG6 1PZ.
TEL: 01462-641688.
LIVING WATERS FOURSQUARE CHURCH
SUNDAY SERVICE IN ENGLISH, SINHALA AND
TAMIL AT 10.30 A.M. MEETING PLACE: SUDBURY
PRIMARY SCHOOL, WATFORD ROAD, SUDBURY
HA0 3EY. CORRESPONDENCE: 41 HOLGATE
DRIVE, LUTON LU4 0XD. TEL : 0845 166 5270
EMAIL:- [email protected]
LONDON BUDDHIST VIHARA, DHARMPALA BLDG.THE AVENUE,BEDFORD PARK, W4 1UD.TEL: 0208
995 9493.
LONDON SRI MURUGAN TEMPLE -78 CHURCH
RD, E12.TEL:020 8478 8433.
LONDON FAMILY CENTRE (LFC) SUNDAY
SERVICE: 10 30 AM. 41 FITZROY SQUARE,
LONDON, W1P 6AQ. TELEPHONE: 07930554262
WWW.LFCUK.ORG
MANCHESTER BUDDHIST VIHARA FOUNDATION C/O M.I.B.A. 23 WEYCROFT RD, PERRY COMMON.
BIRMINGHAM, B23 5AD TEL:0121 382 7108 FAX
0121 384 8333
MURUGAN TEMPLE-200A ARCHWAY RD, LONDON
N6.TEI: 0208 348 9835.
OXFORD INTERNATIONAL MEDITATION CENTRE,
51 COLLINWOOD ROAD, OXFORD, OX3 8HH.
Tel/fax: 01865767456. email:
[email protected]
website: http://www.oxfordimc.com
REDBRIDGE BUDDHIST CULTURAL CENTRE
(VIHARA AND MEDITATION CENTRE) 9,BALFOUR
ROAD, ILFORD IG1 4HP. TEL. 0208 478 8286.
WEBSITE: http://www.rbcc.org.uk Meditation
website: http://www.aimwell.org
SADDHATISSA INT. BUDDHIST VIHARA -3II
KINGSBURY RD. NW9 9PE.
TEL: 0208 204 3301.
SAMADHI MEDITATION CENTER 1, OXFORD
ROAD, EDMONTON, LONDON, N9 0LY. T.P- 020
8803 7194.
SCOTLANKA, 50, KINGSWAY COURT,
SCOTSTOUN, GLASGOW, G14 9SR. TEL: 0141 959
0129, 0141 576 1993.FAX: 0141 959 9168. EMAIL:
[email protected]
SINGHALA, TAMIL & ENGLISH FELLOWSHIP PASTOR A. NIROSHAN - 285 HOE STREET,
SMALL BOX ADS
ONLY £10 PER WEEK
LAND FOR SALE IN NEGOMBO
20 perch bear land . Parapot wall. 20 foot tarmac
road to property with mains lighting and water
supply. 2 minutes walk to Main Negombo busstand. 5 to 7 minutes walk to town centre.
Water & Electricity already suplied at the
property. Asking Rs.600,000/= per perch.(current
market value Rs.650,000/=) Price negotiable.
Payment in £ or Rs.
Contact no: 07545862007 or [email protected]
REPLIES TO CLASSIFIEDS
Please note that replies to classifieds are
posted once a week. To reply to the classified
ads, just write down all the details you wish
to mention & post to the Newslanka address.
Write the reference number of the ad on the
outside of the envelope. We will then
forward it to the advertiser. If you receive
replies and are not interested, then it would
be nice to say no-thank-you to the people
who write to you. Please try to return photo's
when sent with a stamped self addressed
envelope.
WALTHAMSTOW E17 9BG. TEL: 020 8521 0514,
07739 457 764.
SCOTLAND'S BUDDHIST VIHARA 1 CALDERCUILT
ROAD,MARYHILL PARK GLASGOW G20 0AD.
TEL:0141 5867493 E-MAIL: [email protected] WEB
SITE: www.tsbv.org.uk
SOUTH LONDON TAMIL CHURCH - ST. NICHOLAS
CHURCH, CHURCH LANE, SW17.TEL:0208 542
4737.
SPIRIT AND LIFE CHRISTIAN CENTRE - MINISTER.
REV. S J MANUELRAJ - SERVICES IN ENGLISH,
TAMIL, SINHALA AND HINDI - C/O CROYLAND
EVANGELICAL CHURCH, 69 CROYLAND ROAD,
EDMONTON, LONDON N9 7BE. TEL:0208 443 2655,
MOB 07739561371 / 07932427631(ELANGO)
07916375548(RAVI) EMAIL:[email protected]
SRI LANKA CATHOLIC CHAPLAIN, REV FR NIMAL
PONWEERA , ST MARY MAGDALEN CHURCH,
PETER AVENUE, WILLESDEN GREEN, LONDON
NW10 2DD. TEL: 07903 836643. FAX: 020 8451 0288
E-MAIL:[email protected]
SRI LANKAN MUSLIM CULTURAL CENTRE UK - 2
WHITEFRIARS AVENUE, WEALDSTONE, HARROW,
HA3 5RN. 020 8427 3113, e-mail: [email protected]
SRI RAJA RAJESWARY AMMAN TEMPLE.-DELL
LANE, STONELEIGH, SURREY KT17 7NE TEL: 0208
393 8147
ST. JOHN THE BAPTIST CHURCH
FR. CHRISTOPHER SILVA, 3 KING EDWARDS,
LONDON E9 7SF.
STOCKHOLM BUDDHIST VIHARA
SÅNGVÄGEN 9, 177 36 JÄRFÄLLA, SWEDEN.
Phone : + 46 8 580 313 23 Fax : + 46 8 580 313 24
E-mail : [email protected]
THAMES BUDDHIST VIHARA - DULVERTON RD.
SELSDON. SURREY. TEL: 0208 657 7120.
THE CHURCH OF CEYLON ASSOCIATION - 18
MELTHORNE DRIVE, RUISLIP, MIDDLESEX, HA4
0TP. TEL: 020 8845 7128
TAMIL CATHOLIC CHAPLAINCY 304, GARRATT
LANE, EARLSFIELD, LONDON SW18 4EH Tel/ Fax
020 8870 6257 E-mail: [email protected]
Web: www.tamilrcchaplaincy.org.uk
TAMIL CHURCH OF GOD - 233 GREEN LANES,
LONDON N13.4UH.TEL:0208 566 2731
THE BUDDHIST COMMUNITY CENTRE,
LETCHWORTH, 32. HIGH AVENUE, LETCHWORTH
GARDEN CITY, HERTFORDSHIRE, SG6 3QS.
TEL/FAX: 01462-641326.
THE BUDDHIST RESEARCH CENTRE
133 WELLS ROAD, BATH BA2 3AN, UK
TEL: +44(0)1225-471453
email: [email protected]
THE MIDLANDS INT. BUDDHIST ASSOC. IN THE
UK. (DERBY BRANCH)-319 OSMARTON PARK RD,
DERBY DE24 8DA TEL:0332 200 479
Religious Organisations
ASIAN CHAPLAINCY. ST AUGUSTINE PRIORY-55,
FULHAM PALACE RD, LONDON W6 1AU TEL:0208
563 9102.
ASSOC. BUDDHIQUE INT - 7, CITE FIRMIN
BOURGEOIS, 93350-LE BOURGET. FRANCE.TEL:48
351071.
SRI LANKA ISLAMIC ASSOC(UK)-7 BROADWAY
BLDG. BOSTON RD, LONDON W7.TEL:0208 840
3270
Language & Cultural Classes
Large Modern House 4 bedrooms
with 3 bathrooms (2 en suite).
Near 3 international schools, Apollo and
Asiri hospitals. Large open plan
living/dinning & spacious fitted
kitchen/breakfast room, utility area,
library, separate office, double garage
AC to 3 bed& library.
Separate domestic quarters & kitchen.
Reduced for quick sale
to RS. 60 million negotiable.
Tel: 00 9411 2512483 / 0044 778 654 2831
Hill Field Express Kebab
Authentic Sri Lankan
BUFFET
wfma rig n;a luq
Every Saturday
at 11.00 am
till 10.00 pm
Eat as much as you like for - £5.99
12 different dishes
Kids - £3.99
Takeaway special Price - £4.99
Daily Rice Pack - £3.49
Sri Lankan Catering for outside events also undertaken.
No.5, Hill Field Parade Bishopford Road, Morden, SM4 6BG
Tel: 02085445600, 07877748749
SINHALESE & DHAMMA CLASSES.
LBV., SADDHATISSA INT.CENTRE., THAMES
BUDDHIST VIHARA, BIRMINGHAM.B. VIAHARA,
THE EAST MIDLANDS B.VIHARA. MANCHESTER
B.MEDITATION CENTRE.
PUBUDHU DAHAM PASALA, SINHALA AND
BUDDHISM CLASSES, SOUTHGATE SCHOOL 6TH
FORM BLOCK
SUSSEX WAY, COCKFOSTERS, HERTFORDSHIRE,
EN4 OBL. 020 8360 5736, 020 8449 3965
e-mail: [email protected]
TAMIL CLASSES WEST LONDON TAMIL SCHOOL
(INCORPORATING ORIENTAL FINE ARTS
ACADEMY OF LONDON)
STANHOPE PRIMARY SCHOOL, MANSELL ROAD,
GREENFORD, MIDDLESEX TEL: 01932 779 769 OR
020 8578 3019 OR 020 8904 1539
BRENT ASIAN ACADEMY - ALPERTON HIGH
SCHOOL, EALING RD. 020 8861 0388.
www.newslanka.net
NEWSLANKA
ISSUE 906
16 APRIL - 2009
PAGE 17
10th Anniversary
MR. SRI LANKA UNFOLDS WITH POMP & PAGEANTRY SPLENDOUR
The recently concluded Fair & Handsome Mr. Sri
Lanka National Pageant for 3 World titles 'Man
Hunt International, Asia Pacific International and
Male Model International - at Galadari Hotel was
certainly something with a difference.
It was a presentation by STUDIO 9, the
Franchise Holders for Sri Lanka which took the
form of a drama. The Pageantry Palace, the
Queen of Pageantry, The Past Princes who
shone and the current competing Princes, Ashan
Fernando 'Spy' - dressed like the Palace
Announcer, commenced the evening's
proceedings with the Wheel Chair Dancers
ushering the Chief Guest. Then commenced the
Palace Procession led by saxophonist, The
Palace Guards and followed by the Pageant
Queen Subashini and Manhunt International
ABDEL MOUMEN EL MAGHRAOUY, 3 Past
Princes who shone Roshan Ranawana, Roshan
Wanduragala and Roshan Fernando completed
the Palace entourage
The Queen proclaimed” Let the Fair &
Handsome Show begin” and then came the
Southern Coast, The Hill Country and Western
City Princes. This was followed by the Swim
Wear, Reebok Sporty Wear and Formal Wear in
beautiful Buddhi Batiks Sarongs
Manhunt International was flown through the
courtesy of BIONA & Judge Rafal Sojka through
VMS Travel Services Pvt Ltd
The Panel of Celebrity Judges comprised of
Nishamani Jinadasa, Lucina Talib, Bridget
Halpe, Dr. Rashmi Shetty, Sangeetha
Weeraratne, Subathra Ramamoorthy, Rafal
Sojka & Abdelmoumen El Maghraouy
7 Sub titles were on offer sponsored by Reebok,
Kodak, Trendy Connections Pvt Ltd, Schweppes,
Soviet Eye Wear and Global Fitness
The lively show was interspersed with Dinner &
Dancing and under the patronage of Hon Mr.
Gamini Lokuge, Minster of Sports & Public
Recreation and was in aid of the disabled
dancers. Chairman Harcourts (Pvt) Ltd Mr.
Ahamed Riyaz sashed and crowned the winner.
3 Princes for World Pageants
(L -R) Sunranga Perera, Dinesh de Silva, Arosh de Silva
Manhunt International - Subashini and Rafal
The Palace Entourage
Dancing on Wheels Nilakshi & Sandun
Southern Coast Action
Roshan Ranawana
past prince who shone
The Panel of Celebrity Judges comprised of Sangeetha Weeraratne, Nishamani Jinadasa, Lucina Talib, Bridget Halpe, Dr. Rashmi
Shetty, Sangeetha Weeraratne, Subathra
Ramamoorthy, Rafal Sojka &
Abdelmoumen El Maghraouy
NEWSLANKA Box Ads
Sub-title winner
(SIZE - 10 cm x 7 cm or 7cm x 10cm)
Buy up to Buy up to Buy up to Buy up to Buy up to
6 box ads 13 box ads 26 box ads 39 box ads 52 box ads
Colour £40 per box £35 per box £30 per box £25 per box £20 per box
B&W £30 per box £25 per box £20 per box £15 per box £10 per box
+vat
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Check what response you get
from the Sri Lankan community
Swim Wear Section
Entry to Pageantry Palace by Manhunt International
and National Director
We can
help you with your ad
Artwork only £25
+vat
WE OFFER EASY PAYMENT SCHEMES. TERMS & CONDITIONS APPLY*
www.newslanka.net
PAGE 18
NEWSLANKA
16 APRIL - 2009
BENEDICT - HELENA SUSHILA RAJESWARY
- No. 55/62, School Lane, Ethukala, Negombo
BERNARD PULLAI
BOTEJU - W.H.A. - No. 224, Makola Road,
Kiribathgoda.
CARRON - PRINCESS
CHANDRASEKERA - C.H.M. TILAK - 202/2,
Rajagiriya Road, Rajagiriya.
DE SILVA - D.G. ALBERT - No. 32, Cripps
Road, Galle.
DE SILVA - DESHAMANYA HERMAN
LEONARD - No. 29, Hotel Road, Mt Lavinia
FERNANDO - FIDELIS SPENCER - 17/1,
Ganewatta Road, Mampe, Piliyandala.
FERNANDO - HEWAGE KAMALAWATHIE
GUNERATNE - T.A. - 174, 3rd Lane,
Werellawatta, Yakkala.
HENRICUS - ALOYSIUS - 826 1/B, Negombo
Road, Kerangapokuna, Welisara, Ragama.
HETTIARACHCHI - E. - 24/13, Sri Sangabo
Road, off Kawdana - Attidiya Road, Dehiwala,
MADDUMAGE - SOMAPALA - No. 20/4,
Aries(the Ram) 21st March-20th April
Go to a gym and get into shape right now. Romance has
been in the air but you aren't keen why? It's time you
bought a home and now is the time.
Lucky day Friday.
Taurus(the Bull) 21st April - 20th May
Beware of insincere friends and relatives. Be close to
those who share your home. Be most loving to your
partner. Your partner needs lots of love.
Lucky day Wednesday.
Gemini(the Twins) 21st May - 20th June
High time you found a permanent partner. Try to meet
influential people. Take care of all your possessions.
Some people are eyeing them. Act wisely.
Cancer(the Crab) 21st June - 20th July
Avoid going to night clubs and discos. Cultivate some
sober habits to get rid of stress. Stop helping someone
who is now fit, well and strong.
Leo(the Lion) 21st July - 19th / 22nd Aug
Avoid long distance travel this week. Forget who you are
simply enjoy life now. Never let your friends know your
top secrets. Beware of hypocrites.
Virgo(the Virgin) 20th / 23rd Aug - 22nd Sept
Forget the affair you have at your work place it will go
against you. Go out and make new friends.
Get you arrears up to date. Do not trust new friends.
Bishops of Sri Lanka: Prayers to the risen
Christ for peace and unity in the country
by Melani Manel Perera
Christian leaders are calling for an end to the
conflict and suffering for the civil Tamil population.
Today the rebel militias have asked for a lasting
ceasefire, and the resumption of peace talks. The
government says that any negotiations depend on
the rebels laying down their weapons.
Colombo (AsiaNews) - Easter recalls the victory of
Jesus Christ, the living God, over the forces of
darkness and destruction. Looking at Christ,
humanity can rise again to a new life by
overcoming the logic of death, war, and division.
This is the message issued on the occasion of the
Easter celebrations by Oswald Gomis, the
archbishop of Colombo, Anglican bishop Duleep de
Chickera, and Fr. Sebastian Maria Anthony,
superior general of the Jesuits of Sri Lanka, who
asks for "peace in the country, and the end of the
suffering for the civil population."
Today, the Tamil rebel militias announced that they
want to negotiate a ceasefire with the government
forces, and resume the peace talks, to put an end
to the decades of bloody conflict on the island. The
Tamil Tigers are asking for a long term ceasefire,
under the supervision of the international
community. The Sinhalese government has
rejected the request, saying that the rebels must
lay down their weapons before any negotiations
can be undertaken.
The archbishop of Colombo recalls that with war,
"no lasting results are obtained," because the
peace and prosperity of the nation "can be built
only with dialogue." "As we enter this Easter,"
Archbishop Gomis says, "all Sri Lankans are
Libra(the Scale) 23rd Sept - 22nd Oct
You may try and try but nothing will be gained. It is best
to seek advice of elders on how to resolve your
problems. Your finances are dwindling, so be quick.
Lucky day Monday.
Scorpio(the Scorpion) 23rd Oct - 21st Nov
Go somewhere on a holiday and rest. You will at last
meet someone true and loving. Keep calm under all
circumstances and you'll win. Take life easy.
Lucky day Monday.
Sagittarius(the Archer) 22nd Nov - 20th Dec
Do not let other say what you should do. This is the
best time to work hard and earn some cash.
Your ability at winning over people will be rewarded.
Lucky day Friday.
Capricorn(the Goat) 21st Dec - 20th Jan
Be bold and tell your partner what you really expect.
People at work may try to upset your life. Someone you
like is rejecting you. Carry on regardless.
Aquarius(the Water Carrier) 21st Jan -19th Feb
You must be more close to your partner and discuss
all matters. This is a luck time so try hard and you will
win. Just forget what happened recently.
Pisces(the Fishes) 20th Feb - 20th March
Settle old scores with relations without delay. Don't turn
down any offers by your bosses. Tell your partner you
cannot take any more unnecessary arguments.
Lucky day Monday.
Kanakaratne Road, Laksapathiya, Moratuwa.
PEIRIS - SUREN - 381/8, Swarna Place,
Nawala Road, Rajagiriya
PERERA - CHANDRA S. - No. 437, Biyagama
Road, Pethiyagoda, Kelaniya,
RASADARI - JAYALATH GEETHA - No. 8A,
Vigoda, Bemmulla.
RASADARI - MRS JAYALATH GEETHA- No.
8A, Vigoda, Bemmulla.
RODRIGO - EVELYN - 155/1, S. de S.
Jayasinghe Mawatha, Nugegoda.
SENDUPPERUMA PREMARATHNA - No.12,
Vidyala Mawatha, Meegahakotuwa,
Kuliyapitiya.
Thevakirupai Kandiah
Drieberg College, Chavakachcheri
WEERARATNE - SAUNDRA - No. 19,
Bodhirukkarama Road, Wellawatte.
WICKRAMA PREMA - 90-E, Vihara Mawatha,
Bellanwila.
WIJEWEERA - KARUNARATNE
ISSUE 906
OBITUARIES
OBITUARY
Thilampalam Thilanasan
Mr Thillanesan Son of late Mr & Mrs
Thilliampalam and belovered Husband
Of Bavani (Daughter of Late Mr
Balasubramaniam & Mrs Kamaladevi of Suppiah
and sons of Thinnaveli)Passed away on
10/04/2009 in Wellawatte.
He was Accountant at Kantalai Sugar Corporation.
For information UK
0208 357 0990 or 07737690440.
experiencing the dangers of the war, the
sorrows and pains of the internally displaced
people, and the harsh reality of the anticonversion bill."
The archbishop is reiterating the Church's
efforts "to uproot" the sufferings of the
population, which does not want to perpetuate
"an ethnic conflict." "We strongly condemn
every and each effort which is trying to fulfill
narrow goals by keeping innocent Tamil civilians
as human shield," he continues. Archbishop
Gomis is also calling for a "political solution" to
(DM - 13/04/09) Former Galle District Parliamentarian
put an end to the civil war.
D. G. Albert Silva passed away at Karapitiya Teaching
Peace and justice in the country are at the
Hospital.
center of the message from Anglican bishop
He was 93 at the time of his death. Mr. Silva
Duleep De Chickera. "The good news of
represented Galle in the 1977 J.R.Jayewardene
Easter," he affirms, "is a call to transformation
government.
for all our leaders and people. But for this to
He won the Galle electorate after defeating former
happen, we need to engage in self-scrutiny."
Prime Minister W. Dahanayake in 1997 and became a
only this will make it possible to "put an end to
Parliamentarian.
the suffering" of the refugees, the civilians, the
The Galle Police station, Post Office and the main Bus
poor, and the unemployed. The Anglican bishop Terminus were built when he was the MP in the area.
recalls those who are hit by the economic crisis A father of three children, late MP Silva studied at
and the young people, whose difficulties
Mahinda College, Galle.
endanger "the future development of the
Christ," he continues, "give us the power to
nation." He also defends the right of "freedom of
transcend the identities that limit and prevent us
expression," and the possibility of "expressing
from working for a just and humane society. Let the
disagreement" in civil and democratic terms.
Risen Christ give us the power and courage to
Fr. Sebastian Maria Anthony, superior general of
speak for the voiceless and marginalised brothers
the Jesuits of Sri Lanka, issues a warning for the
and sisters of our country. Let the Risen Christ
unity of the country: "Let not our caste, creed,
empower us to work for reconciliation and peace."
ethnic and linguistic identities prevent us from
exercising our Identity as children of God - brothers
and sisters of the Risen Christ." "Let the Risen
Former Galle MP Albert
Silva passes away
D.S. credentials put to test at ICC
By S.R. Pathiravithana,
Pic by Ranjith Perera
(ST - 12/04/09) There is much speculation that
the newly appointed Interim Committee
Chairman D. S. de Silva’s credentials could be
challenged at the April 17 ICC directors meeting
in Dubai because of his links with the gaming
industry.
It is believed that several local cricket
personalities and clubs have written to the ICC
and inquired about of the eligibility of de Silva
sitting at the ICC directors’ meeting because of
his links with the gaming industry.
At a recent news conference, de Silva admitted
that he had family connections with people in
the gaming industry. De Silva was also a onetime employee of a betting firm.
It is also learned that these protesters are
moving to make representations to Sports
Newslanka Notice
It is a condition of acceptance of advertisement orders that the
proprietors of Newslanka do not guarantee the insertion of any
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every effort will be made to meet the wishes of advertisers:
further they do not accept liability for any loss or damage
caused by an error or inaccuracy in the printing or nonappearance of any advertisement. They also reserve the right
to classify correctly any advertisement, edit or delete any
objectionable wording or reject any advertisement.
Newslanka does not accept any responsibility whatsoever for
any services or goods offered by the advertisers.
Minister Gamini Lokuge on the issue.
The Sunday Times learns that because of these
developments, Interim Committee Secretary
Nishantha Ranatunga would also accompany
de Silva to Dubai as a precautionary measure.
When asked, Ranatunga said, “Yes, I will
accompany D.S. on this trip to Dubai. I will be
going there as I also have received an invitation
to attend the opening of the ICC office in Dubai
on April 16. On the 17th, however, D.S. de Silva
will attend the directors’ meeting while I will go
on to seek possibilities of arranging some “A”
team and development squad tours with other
Test playing nations as you know there have
been no tours in this periphery of cricket during
the past one-and-a-half years.”
Nishantha Ranatunga’s brother, Arjuna, was the
chairman of the interim committee for eleven
months before de Silva took over.
EDITED BY REGGIE FERNANDO
LONDON CORRESPONDENT - LAKE HOUSE (ANCL)
PUBLISHED BY NEWSLANKA LTD
P. O. BOX 27429, LONDON SW9 7WH
TEL: 020 7978 9030, FAX: 020 7326 0065
e-mail address:[email protected]
Registered at the post office as a newspaper
FIRST CLASS NEWSPAPER RATE
PRINTED BY MORTONS PRINT LTD
IC Chairman D.S. de Silva (left) is facing some
turbulent times at present.
Meanwhile, The Cricket Player’s Association
and Sri Lanka Cricket are on the verge of
signing new yearly contracts for the players.
(Contd: on P19)
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BY THE MONDAY 6PM PRIOR TO THE DAY
OF PUBLICATION (WEDNESDAY)
www.newslanka.net
ISSUE 906
NEWSLANKA
16 APRIL - 2009
PAGE 19
TRICO
FREIGHT
UK
LTD
"Providing an Essential Service to the Sri Lankan Community"
T/Chest to Sri Lanka. Freight only £10.00.
Deliver to our warehouse in London N17 7RP.
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D.S. credentials
from P18
Player’s Association secretary Graeme Labrooy
told The Sunday Times, “So far we have covered
more than 80% of the matters and only a few
corners are left to be ironed out.
Labrooy said there would be a substantial
increase in the payments for players as they had
Spicy Chicken (smoked)
performed well in the recent past. “Anyway the
contracts will be signed before the players leave
for the T20 World Cup which will take place in
England in June,” he said.
Sri Lanka beat high-riding India in their last Test
outing that took place in Sri Lanka.
It is also reported that two experienced players
who have done extremely well in the recent past
have been upgraded in their ranks, while a very
senior player who is in the top category is facing
problems in retaining his position in the same
1 chicken ( 1.5 kg )
1/2 tsp salt
2 tsp* wine
1 tsp sesame oil
Spicy sauce
1 star aniseed
1/2 tsp brown peppercorn
1/2 tsp clove
1 piece cinnamon stick
1 cardamom
1/4 dried tangerine peel
5 cups water
2 tbsp** sugar
Smoking ingredients for chicken
1/2 cup Jasmine tea leaf
1/2 cup soft brown sugar
1/2 cup cooked rice
21/04/09
LOADING
ON
SAILING
ON
ARRIVING
ON
23/04/09
28/04/09
14/05/09
We are located at:
TRICO FREIGHT UK LTD
555 White Hart Lane, London N17 7RP
Vist our website
visit us @www.tricofreight.co.uk
slot.
Last year, after much haggling, the Players
Association managed to strike a deal with the
Arjuna Ranatunga management. In that
agreement, included in the category ‘A’ that ran
up a pay packet of US $ 100,000 were the then
skipper Mahela Jayawardena, Kumar
Sangakkara, Muttiah Muralitharan,
Chaminda Vaas, Sanath Jayasuriya and Marvan
Atapattu. However one of these senior players is
finding it difficult to hold on to that slot while the
retired Marvan Atapattu who subsequently joined
the ICL ranks has been omitted from the list.
There were no takers in the ‘B’ category that was
marked at US $ 60,000, but it is reported that the
two players who were elevated will now be in
this slot.
The rest of the contracted players are in the ‘C’,
‘D’ and ‘E’ categories that offered US$ 45,000/-,
35,000 and 25,000/- respectively.
Oil for deep frying
Wash chicken and remove its legs. Rub chicken
cavity and skin with salt and wine. Hang it for 40
minutes. Bring spicy sauce to the boil until 4
cups of water is left. Then strain and add light
soy sauce and sugar. Bring to the boil again. Put
chicken in spicy sauce. Simmer over low heat for
20 minutes. Cover wok with aluminum foil. Put in
tea leaf, soft brown sugar and rice. Heat the wok.
Place an iron rack on wok. Put chicken on rack.
Cover with lid. Remove from heat when smoke
emits from wok. Bake for 5 minutes. Take out
chicken. Brush sesame oil on it and allow it to
cool. Chop up and serve.
Sri Lankan Cutlets
*Tsp teaspoon **tbsp - tablespoon
LAST DAY
TO RECEIVE
2 x 170 g flaked light Tuna
1 small Onion chopped
1 green Chili chopped
1 sprig curry leaves (optional)
1 piece Rampe (Pandamus) (optional)
1 piece Cinnamon
1/2 inch Ginger root
(crushed)
4 cloves Garlic
(crushed)
2 tbs Vegetable oil
Salt, Pepper and
Cardamom powder
(optional) to taste.
4 medium Potatoes
boiled, skinned and cut into pieces.
COATING
Two Eggs (beaten)
Toasted bread crumbs (grounded)
1. - Drain the two cans of tuna.
2. - Heat the oil in a skillet (frying pan).
3. - Add crushed ginger and garlic, stir, add
onions, green chili, curry leaves, Rampe and
cinnamon.
4. - Cook until the onions are tender light brown.
5. - Add drained tuna, stir all together.
6. - Allow to cook for a few minutes.
7. - Add the drained tuna liquid.
8. - Stir and allow it to cook until the liquid is dry.
9. - Add salt, pepper and cardamom powder.
10.- Stir until well mixed.
11. - Turn off heat.
12.- Add potatoes and mix well.
13.- Separate the mix and shape in to small (2
inch diameter) balls or thick discs.
14.- Coat the balls with beaten egg and then
with the toasted bread crumbs.
15.- Deep fry in hot oil until light brown.
Sri Lankan
Recipes
for 15 minutes. Add coconut milk allow to stand
for 1 minute. Finally add the lime juice.
Yellow Fish Curry
1Lb King fish (or Salmon or Tuna or
Shark or Scallops )
2 cups coconut milk
3 cups water
1 onion
2 tablsp mustard
1tspn turmeric
1 tsp garlic
to taste salt
1 tblspn lime juice
Wash the fish and cut steaks into cubes. Add
water, onions, salt garlic, mustard and fish cook
www.newslanka.net
PAGE 20
NEWSLANKA
16 APRIL - 2009
ISSUE 906
Rejoice in the LORD and be glad. Psalm 32:11
52 ISSUES = £35
Potter's Palace Ministries
Celebrates....
Potter's Festival ' 09
We heartily welcome you to our Sports Festival on
“April 18th”
@ 8.00am to 6.00pm.
Events:
7a Side Cricket Tournament Football
Sack Race, Spoon & Lemon Race and etc
Tag of War Fancy Dress Competition
Raffle Beauty Queen Contest
And much more exciting events…
Address:GLAXO SMITHKLEIN LEISURE CLUB
Oldfield Lane North, Greenford, UB6 8QD
Contact: 079 39569959 078 37176750 Entry Free
Traditional Food Stalls & Live Music will be presented
Sri Lankan New Year Festival!
Leicester
The Sri Lankan New Year
will be celebrated soon!
Date: Sunday 26th April 2009
Time: 2.00 pm-10.30 pm
Venue: Scraptoft Valley,
working men's club Ltd,Grantham Road,
Netherhall, Leicester, LE5 1HR
Events: Children & Adults folk games,
prize giving, cultural dancing,
Sri Lankan musical show,
PRESENTED BY SKY HIGH, LONDON,
NO.1 FOR FUN, POP-RAP-BAILA
Traditional Sri Lankan buffet dinner
ALL ARE WELCOME !
Organized by
SRI LANKAN COMMUNITY CENTRE
Info: 07913559283
www.newslanka.net
NEWSLANKA
ISSUE 906
Wijeya Newspapers employee
and daughter killed in accident
(DN - 12/04/09) Pragathi Mahilal, Sales
Manager for the Daily Mirror Financial Times
and his four-year-old daughter, Viduni Mahilal,
were killed in a road accident.
Pragathi, his wife and three children were on
their way to visit his mother, who lives in
Anuradhapura, when his car collided with a
CTB bus at Kawarakulama, close to
Anuradhapura town.
The family members were rushed to the
Anuradhapura Hospital, but because of the
serious nature of their injuries, Pragathi and
Viduni were transferred to the Kandy General
Hospital.
Pragathi died on the way, and Viduni
succumbed to her injuries while undergoing
emergency surgery at the Kandy hospital.
Pragathi had been a computer consultant for
Wijeya Newspapers Ltd for more than 15
years. He had also worked as manager of the
newspaper group’s PC Quest Magazine.
16 APRIL - 2009
PAGE 21
PAPAYA
Sri Lankan
& South Indian Restaurant
Rayners Lane
Ealing
020 8579 1662
020 8866 5582
15 Village Way East, Rayners Lane, Harrow HA2 7LX
161 Northfield Avenue, London, W13 9QT
www.papaya-uk.com
Selection blues: T20 team in abeyance
MEDITATION
Super Lankan ‘Club’ Side
Thrash Thailand to avoid
Relegation
THAMES BUDDHIST VIHARA
Dulverton Road Croydon CR2 8PJ
Meditation sessions with guidance in English
Are held every Tuesday 7pm-9pm
Meditation sessions with guidance in Sinhala
Are held every Wednesday 7pm-9pm
The sessions will include:l Simple breathing meditations/samatha
meditation/walking meditations.
l Loving kindness/foulness of body meditations.
l Reality of the body and mind meditations.
l Developing to more advanced vipassana.
meditation - with one to one guidance.
l Dealing with anxiety/fear/pain.
8pm -9pm dhamma discussion covering basics
and sutta discussions.
All are welcome !
Dr. Matheesha Gunathilake -dhammachat @hotmail.com
Dr. Shiroma Bandara - [email protected]
020 8398 6044
30.
refused to go ahead with the selection of the
At the same time rumours are afoot about a
national T20 because they have no official
move to formulate a new selection committee by
status.
a certain section of the cricket administration and
According to the same source, meanwhile, the
get the minister to formalize it.
Sports Ministry has promised to get the letter of
extension delivered to
the selectors by April
H
18. The ICC wants the
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by Allaam Ousman
(ISL - 13/04/09) DUBAI - Sri Lanka raised their rugby to a
new level fielding a virtual club side outclassing Thailand
51-17 to win the relegation playoff tie in the HSBC Asian
Five Nations Division One tournament at The Sevens
Stadium on Saturday. It was an amazing performance by
a side which had assembled just 48 hours before the
start of the tournament after 17 players from the original
squad had pulled out. "It’s probably beyond what we
were targeting. We wanted a win but particularly in the
second half it was a performance which was very
special," said coach John Carrington who has been in Sri
Lanka for just six weeks with a Colombo club CR and
FC. "I’m more proud of my players than
what we have achieved," said New
Zealander Carrington who said most of
the players have just been engaged in
pre-season training. "We just had two
training session together."
But they blended well as a team giving a
powerpacked performance in the second
half as they ran riot to score five of their
six tries during this productive session.
Full back Reza Mubarak had an
outstanding game both in positional play
and goal kicking contributing a personal
tally of 21 points including three penalties
which gave Sri Lanka a 9-3 lead initially.
It was Thailand who breached the
defence first when number eight Chatree
Wannadit went over for a converted try
which gave them a 10-9 edge.Sri Lanka
fought back on the stroke of half time
when number eight Dushantha Lewke
crashed over the line with Mubarak
adding the extra points
(Contd: on P22)
Mass Global Shipping
an
According to the insider, the letter from the
Sports Ministry giving the national selectors an
extension of one month to complete the selection
of the T20 World Cup side is yet to reach them.
As the term of the selection committee has
expired technically, there is no cricket selection
committee in attendance at present.
It is reported that the National Selection
Committee headed by Asantha de Mel also has
Sr
iL
(ST - 12/04/09) In addition to the prevailing
uncertain situation in the cricketing circles, now
there is a problem with the selection of the final
15 contingent to the T20 World Cup in June this
year, though the deadline for submitting the list to
the ICC is fast approaching.
The reason, according to a cricket insider, is a
technical problem rather than the selectors’
inability to perform their job.
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Sri Lankan NewYear - 2009 Sri Lankan New Year Festival in Bristol
Management Committee of
Scotlanka Network
Cordially invite all of you for the
Sri Lankan New Year Festival
At
St. David's Church Hall,
66 Boreland Drive Knightswood,
Glasgow G13 3DX, Scotland
th
Saturday 18 April 2009
From 11.00 am onwards
Games with prizes /Lunch
Cultural Event
Further Information:
Lakmal: 0776 781 3268
Shyama: 0141 574 7215
Sivapatham: 0141 423 1203
Bus route No: 9, 44, 42A
Map: www.scotlanka.com
organised by the
Bristol Sri Lankan Cricket Club
Celebrate the Sinhala and Tamil New Year
in Sri Lankan Style
t Cultural sports & games
t Sri Lankan food
t Live music
t Free entry
on
19th April 2009 from 12pm to 8pm
at
Air Balloon Hill Infants School
Hillside Road, St George, Bristol, BS5 7PB
For more details contact
Dinesh - Phone : 07765045146,
e-mail : [email protected]
Gayan - e-mail : [email protected]
Web: www.bristolsrilankans.talktalk.net
www.newslanka.net
NEWSLANKA
PAGE 22
16 APRIL - 2009
Super Lankan
Peterites complete a memorable season
Chris Dhambarage
(DN - 13/04/09) Last year they went through a
pretty ordinary season that culminated with a
humiliating defeat at the hands of their traditional
rivals in the Battle of the Saints two day
encounter.
But in the very next season St. Peter's College
have been able to turn things around and emerge
as the most successful team in the concluded
inter school cricket season. The Peterites
captained by dynamic all rounder Angelo Perera
completed a memorable season by winning the
Munchee knock out limited overs title last week.
And quite appropriately they outclassed St.
Joseph's College by 96 runs in a completely one
sided encounter. In fact this final turned out to be
a complete mismatch because St. Peter's College
simply held their own in both batting and bowling
departments.
This was of course not the first time that St.
Peter's College had overcome their traditional
rivals but they also had the credit of winning their
annual one day match by a convincing margin and
also had the better of the same opponents in their
Saints Twenty20 encounter.
All three victories had a great amount of
significance because they were able to avenge
their shock defeat in last years Big Match which
no doubt shattered their image and reputation to a
great extent.
Last year they concluded the season in a most
embarrassing manner and immediately they were
looking to rebuild the side realizing the fact that
their own standard had really deteriorated within a
short period of time.
It was at this stage that one of their distinguished
oldboys Ranmore Martinesz entered into the
scene with a pledge to reunite the team and bring
back St. Peter's College back to their glory days.
Martinesz of course was a complete stranger for
coaching but took up the challenge at the request
of many having made his mark as a reputed
umpire. The things that occurred thereafter are
now part of history and the results they had
achieved this season is quite amazing.
They have a come a long way from been a
dejected and demoralized outfit into a champion
side through some real hard work, commitment
and determination. But above all it has been their
motivation that has certainly helped them to shine
above the rest with as many as ten outright
victories to their credit.
They may be somewhat disappointed that they
could not finish off things with the tag of having an
unbeaten record during a highly successful
season. But still they could take the credit that
they played the best brand of cricket even in that
defeat against Ananda College.
The key word throughout the season for their
success has been teamwork although there were
a couple of brilliant individual contributions. Coach
Ranmore Martinesz believed that unity in the team
could make a big difference in the final outcome
and introduced an award for the Best Team Player
at the beginning of the season. Martinesz said that
eventually it was their all rounder Akshu Fernando
who qualified to take the award for the Best Team
Player following some outstanding contributions
with both bat and ball.
The Peterite coach believe that Akshu Fernando
have been the unsung hero in this line up which is
studded with many top all
rounders and match winners.
Fernando has been able to
score 50s and 60s in a quick
time while batting at number
eight or nine in addition to his
ISSUE 906
potential as a genuine off spinner where he has
captured key wickets at vital stages of the innings.
Fernando's contribution of 450 runs this season is
certainly worth more than that considering the fact
that he has virtually destroyed the bowling while
facing less number of deliveries. His presence
was really felt in the shorter version of the game
where St. Peter's College simply swept aside all
opponents in a spectacular manner.
Martinesz further noted that the excellent
leadership of Sri Lanka youth vice captain Angelo
Perera really made his task much easier and the
team was brimming with confidence throughout
the season.
Angelo Perera was certainly an exceptional player
in this team where he amassed a total of 1543
runs in the two day matches including five
centuries and six half centuries. He also scored a
career best 239 against Nalanda College while
overcoming his previous highest individual score
of 229.
The most significant fact in his batting has been
the fact that once he completes his century he has
been able to convert that hundred into a big score
which gives a clear indication of his temperament
and concentration.
His centuries speaks volume of this having made
154 not out v Maris Stella College Negombo, 157
v Kalutara MV, 188 v Revata MMV and 103 not
out against S. Thomas' College Mount Lavinia. He
has also struck form as a bowler with a tally of 64
wickets to his credit.
The other significant contributions from the bat
came from opener Andy Berenger (720),
Shiwanga Ranasuriya (600), Denham Perera
(570), Chatura Peiris (550) and Vinod Perera
(550).
Their bowling has been spearheaded by Sri Lanka
youth player and left arm seamer Chatura Peiris
(85 wickets) and backed up well by Vinod Perera
(45 wickets), Akshu Fernando (24 wickets), Sidath
Jayaweera and Hashan Wickremasuriya.
from P21
to give them a 16-10 advantage at the interval.
After the turn around, Sri Lanka cut loose with
centre Ashan de Costa and Anuja Perera scoring
converted tries in quick succession while scrum
half Zulki Hamid scrambled over the line after a
fine break by centre Niroshan Karunanayake.
Mubarak was spot on with the conversions to give
them an unassailable 37-10 lead.
Thailand replied with a converted try by scrum
half Nuntapol Potipirom.
But the Sri Lankans were irresistible with
replacements Dinesh Kumara and Srinath
Suriyabandara getting on the scoresheet with
Mubarak converting to swell their final tally to 5117. "It’s amazing. I’m really proud of the boys. Lot
of thanks goes to the coach for giving us this
simple game plan and getting us together," said
an elated captain Pavithra Fernando. "We came
with a fresh bunch of players who played with a
lot of heart and pride for our country and we
proved ourselves. I think those players who
missed out are going to regret it," said Fernando
whose leadership qualities came in for praise by
coach Carrington.
Fernando said they had missed out on a good
opportunity of gaining promotion to the Top Five
but added the pull out was a blessing in disguise.
"In last year’s tournament as well the same bunch
of players pulled out. In Chinese Taipei, we could
have won the game and we drew against
Singapore who went up. Last time no action was
taken against these players. But this time the
union has promised to discipline them," said
Fernando.
Carrington said the bottom line was this team
played with heart and pride. "They (the original
team) may be obviously little bit better but to me if
players could pull out so easily with something
they did not agree with. That to me is not
commitment to a team," he added.
(Khaleej Times)
FOC 2009 Cricket Tournament Draw
The Draw for the 21st Festival of Cricket
the winning St. Joseph's Team. Man of the
as Live Band music, a Sri Lankan Bazaar,
2009 was held at an executive committee
Tournament was Sebastianite Thushendra
International hot food stalls, Beer tent, UK
meeting recently.
Soysa and Man of the Final Match was
and Sri Lankan based trade stalls,
Festival of Cricket 2009 will be on Sunday,
Buddhika Attanayake of St. Joseph's
Children's entertainment and a Hospitality
12th July at the Winchmore Hill Cricket
College.
marquee to cater exclusively to those
Club, The Paulin Grounds, London N21
The Chairman of the Cricket sub-committee entrepreneurs who would like to entertain
3ER. The tournament starts at 9 am and is
Mr. Jay(antha) Edirappuli (Ananda). He is a clients or friends on the day, whilst watching
expected to complete by about 8 pm.
senior FOC member, President of FOC
exciting cricket and sampling the culture
The details and the pictures of the players,
2007, and the Joint President of FOC 2009
and cuisine of Sri Lanka.
detailed time table and ground numbers of
and is supported by an experienced team, The Chief guest will be Justice Nihal
the matches will be published in May 2009.
including the President of FOC 2008 - Dr.
Jayasinghe, His Excellency the High
For latest updated details, please visit,
Deutram Thambapillai (Royal), Parakrama
Commissioner for Sri Lanka in the UK.
http://www.festivalo
fcricket.org
Champions of the
tournament will
receive the 'OBA
Challenge Trophy'
donated by ACE
Finance Services.
Awards will also be
given to the,
Runners-up, Plate
winners, Player of
the Tournament,
and Man of the
Final Match.
St. Josephs were
crowned
Skipper of St. Joseph's Team showing
champions of the
off 'OBA Challenge Trophy'
Champions of the FOC 2008 tournament - St. Josephs College OBU
Festival of Cricket
tournament 2008,
De Silva (Mahinda), Azahim Mohamed
Once again Bank of Ceylon will be the
whilst St. Sebastians, and St.
(Wesley), Nazzoomi Azhar (Trinity), and
main sponsor and SriLankan Airlines the
Benedicts received the awards for
Shanaka Herath (Royal).
co-sponsors of FOC 2009. Arrangements
the Runners-up, and Plate
There will be a number of other activities
for another successful event are in
respectively. Nilanka Peiris captained also held around the grounds to keep the
progress, and the FOC committee warmly
ATLAS BUILDERS
A Plumbing
A Painting
A Heating
A Tiling
A Electrical
A Kitchen
A bathroom
A Plastering
A Gardening
Tel: 020 8459 0001
020 8459 6633
Mobile: 0794 914 3535
430, Highroad, Willesden,
London NW10 2DA(opp:homebase)
The first round of matches between 24 schools will be
played from 9 am to 12 noon in ground 1, 2 and 3 of
the Winchmore Hill Cricket Club.
Time
0900-0945
0900-0945
0900-0945
0945-1030
0945-1030
0945-1030
1030-1115
1030-1115
1030-1115
1115-1200
1115-1200
1115-1200
Ground
G1
G2
G3
G1
G2
G3
G1
G2
G3
G1
G2
G3
audience/visitors and
children entertained
throughout the day, such
welcome Sri Lankans, their friends and
Sponsors in the United Kingdom and from
overseas, to the Festival of Cricket 2009.
Match
De Mazenod Vs Thurstan
DS Senanayake Vs Mahanama
Royal Vs Holy Cross
Wesley Vs Dharmaraja
Maris Stella Vs Zahira
Trinity Vs St Sebastians
St Benedicts Vs Richmond
St Aloysius Vs Isipathana
Ananda Vs St Josephs
St Thomas Vs St Peters
Nalanda Vs Mahinda
St Anthonys Vs Rahula
Runners-up of the FOC 2008 Tournament - St Sebastian College OBU
www.newslanka.net
NEWSLANKA
ISSUE 906
16 APRIL - 2009
PAGE 23
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Upul Chandana :An explosive all round cricketer
By Maxi Kariyawasam
(DM - 13/04/09) Whenever Upul Chandana came
onto the cricketing field, be it as a batsman,
bowler or fielder, there was a buzz of expectancy
among the spectators that something positive
would take place. In all three disciplines of the
game he was simply what one would term as
"explosive". He very often made things happen
and on many occasions would turn the game
around single handedly in favour of his team. A
former Sri Lankan cricket captain described Upul
as any captain's dream and stated that in his
opinion Upul, other than for his batting or bowling,
deserved a place in any national team purely on
his fielding ability which saves up to 40 – 50 runs
per match not to mention his match turning runouts coupled with his sizzling airborne catches.
Upul was drawn to the summer game quite early
in life while being a student at Mahinda College
Galle from 1977 to 1991. Endowed with uncanny
talent he played for the College from the U-13,
level right up to the U-19 level and in the process
captained the U-15 and U-17 teams. Upul sent a
clear message that he was indeed national
material while playing for the College 1st XI team
in 1991. Apart from his quality leg spin bowling
and fantastic fielding, he turned out to be one of
the best schoolboy batsmen in the outstations
scoring 146 against St. Aloysius College, 104
against Ananda and 116 against Wesley. While in
College he also played for Galle C.C. and was
selected for the Southern Provincial team in 1991.
Having moved over to Colombo and joining Tamil
Union in 1991 he did yeomen service for them till
2002 being utterly consistent in all three
disciplines of the game in first class cricket. He
then shifted over to the N.C.C. for whom he now
turns out.
Upul's extraordinary talents and versatility in all
departments of the game saw the national
selectors chose him to represent the President's
XI against the touring South African team in 1993
and they went further in including him in the test
squad for the subsequent tests although in reality
he never made the final XI. However Upul did not
have to wait long to wear the national cap when
he played in the tri-nations one day series against
Australia and New Zealand played in Sharjah in
1994. This opened the doorway for Upul to play
one dayers against all test playing nations (147)
till 2007. Also he made his test debut against
Pakistan in Dhaka in 1999 and played 16 test
matches against Australia, England, South Africa,
New Zealand, Bangladesh and Zimbabwe till
2005. In between in 2002 Upul was asked to
captain the Sri Lankan ‘A’ side against Kenya. In
that unofficial test series both his batting and
bowling reached dizzy heights enabling him to top
both the batting and bowling averages. In an
enterprising cricketing career starting from 1991 to
date Upul lines up with the best of all-rounders
produced by this country with predominantly eyecatching performances, statistics of which make
interesting reading.
Batting and
Old Anandians to encourage present Ananda rugby players
(DM - 13/04/09) Old Boys of Ananda
College is gearing their rugby players to
spring out with a superlative
performance during the 2009 rugby
schools season.
They had organised a seminar on
motivation conducted by former Sri
Lanka Captain and sports analyst
Chandrishan Perera and Asoka
Jayasena. They hope to raise the
standard of rugby at Ananda and get
back to division I, Segment I league
tournament next year.
Captain of Ananda rugby team Isuru
Ravinath is a fifth year coloursman and
made a pledge with his team-mates to
endeavour to take the team back to the
top division once again.
The Old Anandians Rugby Wing is taking
all steps to fulfil this ambition with a solid
management plan and with a high class
coach in Asoka Jayasena, who is a level
II IRB coach. Jayasena believes that the
dream is possible.
The team practices on their home
ground at Ananda Mawatha and will be
Amarasinghe appointed
President
Fielding
In 16 tests he has scored 616 runs with a highest
(ISL - 13/04/09) Wijaya Amarasinghe, Senior
score of 92 and has held 7 catches.
Superintendent of Police and Director, Crimes
In 147 one dayers he has scored 1627 runs with a
Division, Police headquarters, was elected as the
highest of 89 and taken 79 catches.
new President for the year 2009/10 at the Annual
In first class cricket he has played 164 matches
General Meeting of the Carrom Federation of Sri
scoring 6316 runs with a highest score of 194 and
Lanka held recently.
has held on to 136 catches.
The office bearers elected at the AGM
Bowling
President - Wijaya Amarasinghe
In 16 tests he has taken 37 wickets with a best of
Vice Presidents - J.S.R. Rodrigo, M.R. Mathiasz, R.
6/179 in an innings and 10/210 in a match.
Athauda, Sherman de
In 147 one dayers he has taken 151 wickets with
Silva and K. Jayasinghe
a best of 5/61. In first class matches he has taken
General Secretary - G.L. Mathiasz
461 wickets with a personal best of 7/60.
Hon. Treasurer - Kamala Abeyweera
That Upul was something out of the ordinary is
Tourn. Secretary - H.J. Suraweera
obvious when one sees the amazing consistency
Asst. Secretary - D.L.N. Jayathileke
displayed by him; however the selectors chose to
Asst. Treasurer - D.P. Hettiarachchi.
ignore his talents since 2005 except for an
appearance in a one day game in 2007. This was
utterly frustrating for a dynamic all-rounder of the
calibre of Upul and he retired from test and one
day cricket in 2007. However he continues to play
for the Royal Bengalian Tigers in the I.C.L. and
Chula de Silva retired from the Royal Colombo Golf
last year was chosen for the I.C.L. World XI team
Club (RCGC) after having served as its first General
against the champions. He also had a stint with
Manager/CEO for five years. He joined the RCGC in
English County Gloucestershire in 2005. The
March 2004, which was the 125th Anniversary year
demands for Upul Chandana’s talents are still in
of the club and retired on March 31, 2009.
great demand other than in Sri Lanka which only
shows the accuracy of
that saying: "A prophet
goes unhonoured in his
Seat sales specialist to Sri Lanka, Gulf and the Far East
own country".
playing their home matches as well. This
is bound to give them the much needed
encouragement.
The other senior players are Duminda
Lakmal (V-Captain), Sukitha Chaturanga,
Ishan Samitha, Thilina Nanayakkara,
Prasad Dilshan, Kanishka Sadaruwan,
Eric Balasuriya and Woshan Randima.
Ananda won the Plate Championship at
the Western Province Sevens Schools
Rugby Tournament and played in the
quarter-finals at the all island Schools
Sevens Tournament last year. (TBR)
Chula de Silva retires as
GM of RCGC
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www.newslanka.net
PAGE 24
NEWSLANKA
16 APRIL - 2009
ISSUE 906
Now at a screen near you - www.newslanka.net

16 april - 2009

Transcription

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