Britain's housing market began to show signs of slowing down in May, the latest Nationwide house price index shows.
Monthly growth totalled 0.5 per cent in May, falling from the 0.9 per cent seen in April, the building society said. Annual growth fell from 10.3 per cent to 10.2 per cent thanks to strong activity 12 months ago.
The May fall has been partly caused by recent interest rate hikes by the Bank of England, Nationwide said, saying that the likelihood of a further raise meant a "measured cooling" can be expected in the coming months.
Fionnuala Earley, Nationwide's chief economist, said the monetary policy committee's "hawkish" attitude had implications for budding property owners.
"Higher interest rates, with the threat of more on the horizon, should signal caution to those thinking about stretching themselves to get a foot on the ladder," she said.
"This is not only because of the level of debt in the short term, but also because, in a low inflation world, the real value of the debt is not eroded as quickly. As a result the burden of servicing that debt remains heavier for much longer."
Thursday, May 31, 2007
Sri Lankan stones in Tehran
Sri Lankan Foreign Minister has announced that a collection of precious stones from his country will be put on display in Tehran.
Rohitha Bogollagama made the remarks during the opening ceremony of Sri Lanka-Iran Business Council in the Iranian capital.
The exhibition will showcase Sri Lanka's precious stones and also provide the visitors with information about Sri Lanka's tourism potentials, he added.
"I always thought Iran has got unique historical monuments and great history but during my trip to Iran I realized that besides the great ancient history, Iran has beautiful nature," he noted.
Rohitha Bogollagama made the remarks during the opening ceremony of Sri Lanka-Iran Business Council in the Iranian capital.
The exhibition will showcase Sri Lanka's precious stones and also provide the visitors with information about Sri Lanka's tourism potentials, he added.
"I always thought Iran has got unique historical monuments and great history but during my trip to Iran I realized that besides the great ancient history, Iran has beautiful nature," he noted.
Residents flee in fear as Tamil rebels fire mortars at the village in Northeast Sri Lanka
May 31, Colombo: The residents of Athawetunawewa village in the Vauniya district, Welioya Defense Colony in Sri Lanka are reportedly fleeing the area due to mortar attacks by the Liberation Tigers of Tamil Ealam (LTTE), sources from the area said.
One Army soldier was killed in the mortar attacks and seven persons including an Army officer, a home guard and two women were hospitalized with injuries, defense sources said.
The first mortar was fired around 10 a.m. and the next fell as the officials reached the sight.
Athawetunawewa is situated in the controversial Welioya defense colony established in late 1980s in the northern most edge of the Sinhalese settlements and the area is continuously aimed for the fatal attacks by the Tamil Tigers.
One Army soldier was killed in the mortar attacks and seven persons including an Army officer, a home guard and two women were hospitalized with injuries, defense sources said.
The first mortar was fired around 10 a.m. and the next fell as the officials reached the sight.
Athawetunawewa is situated in the controversial Welioya defense colony established in late 1980s in the northern most edge of the Sinhalese settlements and the area is continuously aimed for the fatal attacks by the Tamil Tigers.
Sri Lanka says may scrap tattered truce with rebels
COLOMBO, May 31 (Reuters) - Sri Lanka's government may scrap what is left of a "flawed" 2002 ceasefire pact with the Tamil Tigers within weeks, the island's defence spokesman said on Thursday, a move analysts fear could escalate renewed civil war.
Defence spokesman and government minister Keheliya Rambukwella said the Norwegian-brokered truce, which now holds only on paper after breaking down on the ground last year, no longer reflected reality, citing Tamil Tiger ambushes and attacks on security forces.
The military and rebels have been locked in near daily skirmishes, land and sea battles for months. An estimated 4,000 people have been killed since last year alone.
"The government may abrogate it... due to the fact that the ground reality does not go in parallel with the CFA (Ceasefire Agreement)," Rambukwella told Reuters. "It is flawed."
Defence spokesman and government minister Keheliya Rambukwella said the Norwegian-brokered truce, which now holds only on paper after breaking down on the ground last year, no longer reflected reality, citing Tamil Tiger ambushes and attacks on security forces.
The military and rebels have been locked in near daily skirmishes, land and sea battles for months. An estimated 4,000 people have been killed since last year alone.
"The government may abrogate it... due to the fact that the ground reality does not go in parallel with the CFA (Ceasefire Agreement)," Rambukwella told Reuters. "It is flawed."
New equipment for Vakarai schools
The Education Ministry yesterday dispatched furniture, books and school uniforms and other equipment to twelve schools in Vakarai that are to be reopened following the full restoration of civilian life in the region.
The schools were facing much hindrances due to lack of furniture and study material when Vakarai was in the grip of LTTE terror. Education Ministry sources said with the dispatch of the furniture and other goods the schools would will be able to reopen soon.
Under this programme, 2,000 school desks, 2,000 chairs, 1,700 small chairs, 850 small desks, teachers' chairs and tables all costing Rs. 13 million were sent for use by the 12 schools.
Education Minister Susil Premajayantha handed over the list of the consignment to Nation Building Minister Susantha Punchinilame and Local Government Minister Bashir Segudawood.
The schools were facing much hindrances due to lack of furniture and study material when Vakarai was in the grip of LTTE terror. Education Ministry sources said with the dispatch of the furniture and other goods the schools would will be able to reopen soon.
Under this programme, 2,000 school desks, 2,000 chairs, 1,700 small chairs, 850 small desks, teachers' chairs and tables all costing Rs. 13 million were sent for use by the 12 schools.
Education Minister Susil Premajayantha handed over the list of the consignment to Nation Building Minister Susantha Punchinilame and Local Government Minister Bashir Segudawood.
Foreign Ministry clarifies arrests of Miss Parmeshwari and Mr. Basnayke
The Ministry of Foreign Affairs in two press releases today (31) clarified the circumstances surrounding the arrest of two employees of Standard Newspapers Limited; Miss Munisamy Parameshwari and Mr Dushyantha Basnayake.
The Ministry said the clarifications have to be made as the two arrests were largely misinterpreted in both international and local forums as government's attempts to curtail media freedom.
Explaining the circumstances surrounding the arrest of Miss Parameshwari, who was a journalist attached to former local newspaper "Mavubima" the Ministry said that the arrest was made Based on intelligence received by the Special Task Force of the Sri Lanka Police.
"Miss Parameshwari was arrested on 23rd November 2006, in respect of her alleged involvement in abetting a LTTE female suicide cadre named Thambirasa Susanthi, by providing her with accommodation in Colombo. Her arrest and subsequent detention was in accordance with provisions of the Emergency Regulations", the press release said.
Commenting on Miss Parameshwari's acquittal, the press release elucidated:
"Following the completion of the investigation, the Attorney General reviewed the available material for the purpose of instituting criminal proceedings. Though there existed a volume of incriminatory material against Parameshwari, the availability of material admissible against the suspect in a court of law, was insufficient and hence the Attorney General advised the police to discharge the suspect. Accordingly, the suspect was discharged by the Magistrate on 22nd March 2007"
The Ministry said the clarifications have to be made as the two arrests were largely misinterpreted in both international and local forums as government's attempts to curtail media freedom.
Explaining the circumstances surrounding the arrest of Miss Parameshwari, who was a journalist attached to former local newspaper "Mavubima" the Ministry said that the arrest was made Based on intelligence received by the Special Task Force of the Sri Lanka Police.
"Miss Parameshwari was arrested on 23rd November 2006, in respect of her alleged involvement in abetting a LTTE female suicide cadre named Thambirasa Susanthi, by providing her with accommodation in Colombo. Her arrest and subsequent detention was in accordance with provisions of the Emergency Regulations", the press release said.
Commenting on Miss Parameshwari's acquittal, the press release elucidated:
"Following the completion of the investigation, the Attorney General reviewed the available material for the purpose of instituting criminal proceedings. Though there existed a volume of incriminatory material against Parameshwari, the availability of material admissible against the suspect in a court of law, was insufficient and hence the Attorney General advised the police to discharge the suspect. Accordingly, the suspect was discharged by the Magistrate on 22nd March 2007"
One killed, five injured in LTTE mortar attack at Athawatun Wewa village
One army soldier killed and five others including two civilian suffered injuries as the LTTE terrorists fired mortar shells at Athawatunu Wewa Sinhalese village this morning (31).
According to the defence sources, the terrorists have started firing heavy mortars around 10.30a.m targeting the villagers. Two villagers, both females suffered injuries and were rushed to the government hospital at Padawiya. Later, the two have been airlifted to Anuradhapura General Hospital.
Meanwhile six army soldiers who had been deployed for the protection of villagers also suffered injuries in the attack. One of the injured succumbed to injuries at the admission to the hospital.
The LTTE is a ruthless terror group who fights for a mono-ethnic separate homeland for the Tamils living in Sri Lanka since 1983. It has been the outfit's strategy since its inception to flush out Singhalese and Muslim people from North and East by bloody ethnic cleansing raids. Thousands of civilians, mostly women and children were perished in the most ruthless massacres during its 20 years of terror campaign.
According to the defence sources, the terrorists have started firing heavy mortars around 10.30a.m targeting the villagers. Two villagers, both females suffered injuries and were rushed to the government hospital at Padawiya. Later, the two have been airlifted to Anuradhapura General Hospital.
Meanwhile six army soldiers who had been deployed for the protection of villagers also suffered injuries in the attack. One of the injured succumbed to injuries at the admission to the hospital.
The LTTE is a ruthless terror group who fights for a mono-ethnic separate homeland for the Tamils living in Sri Lanka since 1983. It has been the outfit's strategy since its inception to flush out Singhalese and Muslim people from North and East by bloody ethnic cleansing raids. Thousands of civilians, mostly women and children were perished in the most ruthless massacres during its 20 years of terror campaign.
Army guns down an LTTE intelligence wing cadre- Batticaloa
Army troops conducting a search operation in the Kinniyadi area, in Batticaloa gunned down an LTTE cadre around 9:45 this morning (31).
Defence sources said that the soldiers on the search patrol came under fire at Mancholai village in Kinniyadi . The soldiers repulsed the attack successfully and found a body of a slain LTTE cadre along with a T-56 assault riffle.
It is now suspected that the dead LTTE cadre might be a member of the LTTE intelligence wing. Defence officials said that the suspicion was based on a document found with the LTTE cadre. However, they refused to make further comments on the finding.
Defence sources said that the soldiers on the search patrol came under fire at Mancholai village in Kinniyadi . The soldiers repulsed the attack successfully and found a body of a slain LTTE cadre along with a T-56 assault riffle.
It is now suspected that the dead LTTE cadre might be a member of the LTTE intelligence wing. Defence officials said that the suspicion was based on a document found with the LTTE cadre. However, they refused to make further comments on the finding.
Wednesday, May 30, 2007
Google corners nearly two-thirds of US search market
The latest search market share numbers are in from Hitwise: in the four weeks ended March 31st, Google (GOOG) racked up fully 64.13% of all US searches. That’s up more than 10% since March 2006, and, if trends hold, Google’s share will pass the two thirds mark by August. In the same period, Yahoo (YHOO), Microsoft (MSFT), and Ask (IACI) all lost share. As the old Wall Street hands like to say: “Liquidity begets liquidity.”
Clearly, this is not good news for the search also rans, particularly as it covers a period when all of them made major and costly improvements to their search engines. Ask.com for example, rolled out an impressive local search service in 2006 and also greatly improved its image searching, and yet its share declined nearly a half a point, to a fragile 3.48%, in the course of the year.
Conventional wisdom has long held that Google is vulnerable to vertical attacks, i.e. search engines that carve out category niches. The new Hitwise data suggests, however, that Google is actually gaining influence in valuable verticals. Search engines overall grew in influence over the year, accounting for more of the total traffic sent to sites in the categories of travel, health, shopping, business, and entertainment, among others. However, in all of those categories, the growth of Google’s share of this “upstream traffic” flow outpaced that of its rivals. In shopping, for example, Google’s share grew 14% while, taken together, all search engines increased their share in that arena by only 6%.
Of course, web market share numbers are notoriously fallible, and these will require further vetting. Meantime, those desperate for any sign of Google weakness, may take some consolation in this recent PC Magazine critique of Gmail. Delighted GOOG investors wishing to further fuel their warm and fuzzy feelings, on the other hand, should proceed directly to Alex Iskold’s two-by-two matrix-laden proof that Google is, in fact, the “ultimate money making machine.”
Clearly, this is not good news for the search also rans, particularly as it covers a period when all of them made major and costly improvements to their search engines. Ask.com for example, rolled out an impressive local search service in 2006 and also greatly improved its image searching, and yet its share declined nearly a half a point, to a fragile 3.48%, in the course of the year.
Conventional wisdom has long held that Google is vulnerable to vertical attacks, i.e. search engines that carve out category niches. The new Hitwise data suggests, however, that Google is actually gaining influence in valuable verticals. Search engines overall grew in influence over the year, accounting for more of the total traffic sent to sites in the categories of travel, health, shopping, business, and entertainment, among others. However, in all of those categories, the growth of Google’s share of this “upstream traffic” flow outpaced that of its rivals. In shopping, for example, Google’s share grew 14% while, taken together, all search engines increased their share in that arena by only 6%.
Of course, web market share numbers are notoriously fallible, and these will require further vetting. Meantime, those desperate for any sign of Google weakness, may take some consolation in this recent PC Magazine critique of Gmail. Delighted GOOG investors wishing to further fuel their warm and fuzzy feelings, on the other hand, should proceed directly to Alex Iskold’s two-by-two matrix-laden proof that Google is, in fact, the “ultimate money making machine.”
Expose LTTE genocide worldwide: TULF
The Tamil United Liberation Front Leader V. Anandasangaree suggests a team of British administrators and a few pro - LTTE Tamil Nadu politicians be brought down to see some of the LTTE's atrocious activities.
In a statement issued yesterday the TULF leader "strongly condemns the LTTE for its ruthless manner in which they took the lives of 8 innocent civilians and caused injuries to 36 others of whom how many would have lost their limbs and eyesight are not known".
I wish a team of British Parliamentarians and a few pro LTTE Tamil Naadu Politicians be brought down to see some of the LTTE's atrocious activities and to go back and tell the world that more than 50% of Tamils are living amongst the Sinhalese peacefully and that it is the LTTE that is engaged in genocide and not the Sinhala people.
It is surprising that there are people who still glorify the LTTE for their heinous crimes of this nature too, both locally and abroad because they are in safe haven happily with their families. Donating a day's pay for the LTTE's activities is nothing for them. They must put themselves in this position and feel for the death of the innocent ones for which they are partly responsible.
The international community should with one voice warn the LTTE to stop these types of heinous crimes and accept a solution as recommended by them and our Government too should come down to a reciprocal arrangement. I express my deepest sympathies to the families of the victims of this cruel incident and at the same time plead with the Sinhalese to keep calm, without giving vent to their anger and look after the minorities who live amongst them with honour because they are with them due to the LTTE's atrocious activities.
In a statement issued yesterday the TULF leader "strongly condemns the LTTE for its ruthless manner in which they took the lives of 8 innocent civilians and caused injuries to 36 others of whom how many would have lost their limbs and eyesight are not known".
I wish a team of British Parliamentarians and a few pro LTTE Tamil Naadu Politicians be brought down to see some of the LTTE's atrocious activities and to go back and tell the world that more than 50% of Tamils are living amongst the Sinhalese peacefully and that it is the LTTE that is engaged in genocide and not the Sinhala people.
It is surprising that there are people who still glorify the LTTE for their heinous crimes of this nature too, both locally and abroad because they are in safe haven happily with their families. Donating a day's pay for the LTTE's activities is nothing for them. They must put themselves in this position and feel for the death of the innocent ones for which they are partly responsible.
The international community should with one voice warn the LTTE to stop these types of heinous crimes and accept a solution as recommended by them and our Government too should come down to a reciprocal arrangement. I express my deepest sympathies to the families of the victims of this cruel incident and at the same time plead with the Sinhalese to keep calm, without giving vent to their anger and look after the minorities who live amongst them with honour because they are with them due to the LTTE's atrocious activities.
Tiger air, sea power worries India
India is "concerned" by the air and sea capabilities of the LTTE, a top Indian official said yesterday.
Speaking to reporters after meeting Tamil Nadu Chief Minister M Karunanidhi, National Security Advisor M.K. Narayanan called the Tigers a terrorist organisation, saying: "We are always concerned about their air and sea capabilities."
He said the Sea Tigers "are a threat; otherwise why should we increase (Indian) patrolling" in the sea dividing India and Sri Lanka.
Narayanan said the Centre would take all necessary steps including enhancing security to protect Tamil Nadu fishermen from attacks on the high seas.
"We will have to start coordinated patrolling," Narayanan told reporters.
Narayanan, who was with the chief minister for about 20 minutes, added that coordinated Naval patrolling between India and Sri Lanka in the sea that divides them was yet to start, Indo-Asian News Service reported.
Asked if Karunanidhi had any objection to such patrolling, Narayanan replied: "I don't find any problems for that."
About coordinated patrolling, he said the opinion of the Lanka was also required in this regard and "I do not think there is any problem from our side".
To a question whether new Delhi planned to step up assistance to the Sri Lankan defence forces to tackle LTTE, he said, "Ask the political leadership".
Karunanidhi, who later spoke briefly to journalists, however, denied discussing the issue of "coordinated patrolling" with Narayanan.
Speaking to reporters after meeting Tamil Nadu Chief Minister M Karunanidhi, National Security Advisor M.K. Narayanan called the Tigers a terrorist organisation, saying: "We are always concerned about their air and sea capabilities."
He said the Sea Tigers "are a threat; otherwise why should we increase (Indian) patrolling" in the sea dividing India and Sri Lanka.
Narayanan said the Centre would take all necessary steps including enhancing security to protect Tamil Nadu fishermen from attacks on the high seas.
"We will have to start coordinated patrolling," Narayanan told reporters.
Narayanan, who was with the chief minister for about 20 minutes, added that coordinated Naval patrolling between India and Sri Lanka in the sea that divides them was yet to start, Indo-Asian News Service reported.
Asked if Karunanidhi had any objection to such patrolling, Narayanan replied: "I don't find any problems for that."
About coordinated patrolling, he said the opinion of the Lanka was also required in this regard and "I do not think there is any problem from our side".
To a question whether new Delhi planned to step up assistance to the Sri Lankan defence forces to tackle LTTE, he said, "Ask the political leadership".
Karunanidhi, who later spoke briefly to journalists, however, denied discussing the issue of "coordinated patrolling" with Narayanan.
School children from Vakarai visit Colombo
overnment, along with the support of the Security Forces personnel and the 'Seva Lanka' Foundation, has organized an educational trip for the students of Vakarai area to visit the Southern part of the island.
Yesterday was the last day of this four day tour which includes sixty two students of that area. Twenty two students from Vigneshwaran School of Vakarai and forty students from Palachchenai are participating in the educational tour.
The Army and the 'Seva Lanka' Foundation are providing food and accommodation to the students.
First three days were spent at Colombo and the students had the opportunity of visiting several important places. They visited the famous shrine of St. Anthony's in Kochchikade on Saturday (26) while on Sunday they visited the National Zoological Gardens. They visited the Ramanadan Hindu College yesterday and went on a sightseeing tour in Colombo. A musical show was conducted for the students in the evening.
They left for Kandy yesterday (29) to visit the Royal Botanical Gardens and will end their educational tour after visiting the 'Dalada Maligawa' (Temple of the sacred tooth relic) and the ancient Hindu Kovil in Kandy. Seva Lanka Organisation, Security Forces Headquarters (East) and the Ettambagoda Vihara Chief Incumbent Ven. Deshakeerthi Kalyanatissa Thera jointly organised the tour.
The tour was arranged as a confidence building measure with the people in south as well as to forge understanding among both parties.
This is the second tour for the students of Vakarai area, since the area was liberated by the Security Forces.
Yesterday was the last day of this four day tour which includes sixty two students of that area. Twenty two students from Vigneshwaran School of Vakarai and forty students from Palachchenai are participating in the educational tour.
The Army and the 'Seva Lanka' Foundation are providing food and accommodation to the students.
First three days were spent at Colombo and the students had the opportunity of visiting several important places. They visited the famous shrine of St. Anthony's in Kochchikade on Saturday (26) while on Sunday they visited the National Zoological Gardens. They visited the Ramanadan Hindu College yesterday and went on a sightseeing tour in Colombo. A musical show was conducted for the students in the evening.
They left for Kandy yesterday (29) to visit the Royal Botanical Gardens and will end their educational tour after visiting the 'Dalada Maligawa' (Temple of the sacred tooth relic) and the ancient Hindu Kovil in Kandy. Seva Lanka Organisation, Security Forces Headquarters (East) and the Ettambagoda Vihara Chief Incumbent Ven. Deshakeerthi Kalyanatissa Thera jointly organised the tour.
The tour was arranged as a confidence building measure with the people in south as well as to forge understanding among both parties.
This is the second tour for the students of Vakarai area, since the area was liberated by the Security Forces.
Red Cross returns to Sri Lanka's northern crossing points after safety assurances
COLOMBO, Sri Lanka: Two crossing points between government and rebel-held territories in northern Sri Lanka will be reopened Wednesday after the Red Cross was given security assurances from both sides, an official said.
International Committee of the Red Cross staff plan to return to the Omanthai and Uyilankulam check points three days a week — Monday, Wednesday and Friday — after the rebels and government guaranteed their safety, ICRC spokesman, Davide Vignati, said.
The ICRC said last week it was withdrawing its staff from the two checkpoints due to escalating violence amid a deepening conflict between separatist Tamil Tiger rebels and the security forces.
"The ICRC had been present on a daily basis since 2002. Although its presence at the crossing points will now be reduced to only three days a week, it remains ready to ensure the safe passage of ambulances transporting the sick and wounded whenever necessary," the group said in a statement.
The Tamil Tigers have been fighting for over two decades for an independent state for the country's 3.1 million Tamil minority, citing decades of discrimination by the Sinhalese-majority state.
International Committee of the Red Cross staff plan to return to the Omanthai and Uyilankulam check points three days a week — Monday, Wednesday and Friday — after the rebels and government guaranteed their safety, ICRC spokesman, Davide Vignati, said.
The ICRC said last week it was withdrawing its staff from the two checkpoints due to escalating violence amid a deepening conflict between separatist Tamil Tiger rebels and the security forces.
"The ICRC had been present on a daily basis since 2002. Although its presence at the crossing points will now be reduced to only three days a week, it remains ready to ensure the safe passage of ambulances transporting the sick and wounded whenever necessary," the group said in a statement.
The Tamil Tigers have been fighting for over two decades for an independent state for the country's 3.1 million Tamil minority, citing decades of discrimination by the Sinhalese-majority state.
Sri Lanka's general public asked to be vigilant
May 29, Colombo: The Sri Lankan security forces yesterday urged the general public to be vigilant amidst intensified LTTE terror attacks against civilians and military personnel.
“Security forces note that the LTTE is increasingly resorting to terror attacks in heavily populated areas in Colombo and suburbs,” the Media Center for National Security said.
Following yesterday’s bomb blast at Ratmalana, the Media Center said, “These attacks are deliberately carried out by the LTTE to create racial disharmony and civil unrest in the south. Their ultimate aim is to divert the attention of the security forces from operational areas.”
It also said, “The general public is requested to maintain constant vigil over their surroundings and on suspicious persons in order to help the security forces prevent terror attacks in the country. The general public is requested to immediately notify relevant security authorities if they observe any disruptive elements, suspicious person or activity.”
“Security forces note that the LTTE is increasingly resorting to terror attacks in heavily populated areas in Colombo and suburbs,” the Media Center for National Security said.
Following yesterday’s bomb blast at Ratmalana, the Media Center said, “These attacks are deliberately carried out by the LTTE to create racial disharmony and civil unrest in the south. Their ultimate aim is to divert the attention of the security forces from operational areas.”
It also said, “The general public is requested to maintain constant vigil over their surroundings and on suspicious persons in order to help the security forces prevent terror attacks in the country. The general public is requested to immediately notify relevant security authorities if they observe any disruptive elements, suspicious person or activity.”
Estate Tamils seek 16 seats
The Upcountry People’s Front (UPF) has asked for 16 parliamentary seats for Tamils of Indian origin under the proposed electoral reforms along with ten constituencies re-demarcated to strengthen the community’s representation.
The UPF, a party of the governing coalition, discussed its proposals with other political parties representing the upcountry Tamils at the Indian community council meeting held on Monday. Currently, there are 11 members representing Tamils of Indian origin in Parliament.
UPF central committee member S. Vijesandiran told the Daily Mirror yesterday they basically demanded 16 seats in parliament and ten of them should be elected from the proposed constituencies in the districts largely inhabited by upcountry Tamils.
“We will support a combination of the first-past-the post system and the present proportional representation system only on these conditions,” he said.
In addition, the UPF has also proposed 18 and 12 constituencies for Sri Lankan Tamils and Muslims respectively out of the total 40 minority constituencies.
The proposed constituencies for estate Tamils in the Nuwara-Eliya district are Maskeliya, Hatton, Talawakele and Nuwara-Eliya and in the Badulla district, Passara and Dambatenne-Poonagala.
The party has also proposed the demarcation of Kotahena and Wellawatte as separate constituencies for Tamils of Indian origin in the Colombo district.
The Ceylon Workers’ Congress (CWC) agreed in principle with the UPF demand of 16 seats in Parliament for estate Tamils.
CWC spokesman R. Yogarajan said the party decided at the meeting to join hands in fighting for its electoral rights in the future.
The UPF, a party of the governing coalition, discussed its proposals with other political parties representing the upcountry Tamils at the Indian community council meeting held on Monday. Currently, there are 11 members representing Tamils of Indian origin in Parliament.
UPF central committee member S. Vijesandiran told the Daily Mirror yesterday they basically demanded 16 seats in parliament and ten of them should be elected from the proposed constituencies in the districts largely inhabited by upcountry Tamils.
“We will support a combination of the first-past-the post system and the present proportional representation system only on these conditions,” he said.
In addition, the UPF has also proposed 18 and 12 constituencies for Sri Lankan Tamils and Muslims respectively out of the total 40 minority constituencies.
The proposed constituencies for estate Tamils in the Nuwara-Eliya district are Maskeliya, Hatton, Talawakele and Nuwara-Eliya and in the Badulla district, Passara and Dambatenne-Poonagala.
The party has also proposed the demarcation of Kotahena and Wellawatte as separate constituencies for Tamils of Indian origin in the Colombo district.
The Ceylon Workers’ Congress (CWC) agreed in principle with the UPF demand of 16 seats in Parliament for estate Tamils.
CWC spokesman R. Yogarajan said the party decided at the meeting to join hands in fighting for its electoral rights in the future.
Cuba-Sri Lanka Boost Cultural Relations
Havana, May 29.- Sri Lanka's Minister of Cultural Affairs and National Heritage, Mahinda Yapa Abeywardena, and Cuban Vice Minister of Culture Vivian Velunza held a meeting on Monday aimed at strengthening cultural relations between the two nations.
Abeywardena said that a cooperation agreement to be inked on Wednesday aims to expand cultural exchange between Cuba and Sri Lanka. He added that culture is the most efficient way to integrate all sectors of society.
The minister also expressed his interest in the area of cinematography and talked about the possibility of exhibiting films from his country at Havana's International Festival of New Latin American Cinema, held every year in December.
Abeywardena said that a cooperation agreement to be inked on Wednesday aims to expand cultural exchange between Cuba and Sri Lanka. He added that culture is the most efficient way to integrate all sectors of society.
The minister also expressed his interest in the area of cinematography and talked about the possibility of exhibiting films from his country at Havana's International Festival of New Latin American Cinema, held every year in December.
Tuesday, May 29, 2007
ICRC to have crucial talks with Tamil Tigers to reopen the checkpoints in Sri Lanka
May 28, Colombo: International Committee of Red Cross (ICRC) is to have a crucial discussion with the Liberation Tigers of Tamil Ealam (LTTE) today to take a decision on the opening of checkpoints leading the way to the Tamil rebel held Wanni in the Northern Province of Sri Lanka.
Omanthai and Puliyankulam checkpoints remained closed since 23rd stranding thousands of civilians crossing the key entry-exit point between the rebel territory and government controlled area.
Meanwhile, sources from Wanni said that a scarcity of food is beginning to prevail in the region. A number of patients seeking further treatment from the Vavuniya hospital lagged in Kilinochchi hospital behind the borders while hospital sources said that 63 discharged patients are in Vavuniya hospital as they could not go back to uncleared areas.
The ICRC had discussions with the Tamil Tigers and the government past few days to reopen the checkpoints. They seek assurance of safety for their officials to reopen the checkpoints. Continued LTTE mortar and artillery fire caused the withdrawal of ICRC personnel manning the checkpoints.
Omanthai and Puliyankulam checkpoints remained closed since 23rd stranding thousands of civilians crossing the key entry-exit point between the rebel territory and government controlled area.
Meanwhile, sources from Wanni said that a scarcity of food is beginning to prevail in the region. A number of patients seeking further treatment from the Vavuniya hospital lagged in Kilinochchi hospital behind the borders while hospital sources said that 63 discharged patients are in Vavuniya hospital as they could not go back to uncleared areas.
The ICRC had discussions with the Tamil Tigers and the government past few days to reopen the checkpoints. They seek assurance of safety for their officials to reopen the checkpoints. Continued LTTE mortar and artillery fire caused the withdrawal of ICRC personnel manning the checkpoints.
Tamil Tiger Rebels Recruit Fighters in Indian Refugee Camps
May 28 (Bloomberg) -- The Liberation Tigers of Tamil Eelam rebel group is recruiting fighters, including children, from among refugees living in camps in India's Tamil Nadu state, Sri Lanka's Defense Ministry said.
``It is believed that the LTTE terrorist outfit has infiltrated the Tamil Nadu refugee camps in the guise of displaced and asylum seekers,'' the ministry said on its Web site. LTTE operatives are trying to persuade families to ``get the youngsters to return'' and boost recruitment.
The LTTE hasn't commented on the Defense Ministry statement. It has said it is taking steps to return any minors in its ranks to their families.
More than 16,000 people have fled across the Palk Strait to Tamil Nadu to escape the fighting in Sri Lanka since January 2006, the United Nations said last November. An estimated 60,000 Sri Lankans are in camps in the state that lies about a two-hour boat ride from the South Asian island nation.
The LTTE and a breakaway faction known as the Karuna group are continuing to forcibly recruit people, including children, Unicef, the UN Children's Fund, said in March. By the end of January, 6,006 children had been recorded as abducted by the Tamil Tigers during the conflict with 1,710 of them still being held. Registered abductions of children by the Karuna group were 235 with 169 still being held, it said.
The splinter group takes its name from Colonel Karuna, a former LTTE commander in the island's east, who in March 2004 broke away from the main faction in the north. The Tamil Tigers say the government is supporting Karuna, an allegation the military denies.
``It is believed that the LTTE terrorist outfit has infiltrated the Tamil Nadu refugee camps in the guise of displaced and asylum seekers,'' the ministry said on its Web site. LTTE operatives are trying to persuade families to ``get the youngsters to return'' and boost recruitment.
The LTTE hasn't commented on the Defense Ministry statement. It has said it is taking steps to return any minors in its ranks to their families.
More than 16,000 people have fled across the Palk Strait to Tamil Nadu to escape the fighting in Sri Lanka since January 2006, the United Nations said last November. An estimated 60,000 Sri Lankans are in camps in the state that lies about a two-hour boat ride from the South Asian island nation.
The LTTE and a breakaway faction known as the Karuna group are continuing to forcibly recruit people, including children, Unicef, the UN Children's Fund, said in March. By the end of January, 6,006 children had been recorded as abducted by the Tamil Tigers during the conflict with 1,710 of them still being held. Registered abductions of children by the Karuna group were 235 with 169 still being held, it said.
The splinter group takes its name from Colonel Karuna, a former LTTE commander in the island's east, who in March 2004 broke away from the main faction in the north. The Tamil Tigers say the government is supporting Karuna, an allegation the military denies.
Death Toll rises to 8 in the Terror bomb blast - Rathmalana
Death toll of the Rathmalana bomb blast has risen to eight as one of the Special Task Force (STF) Personnel succumbed to his injuries at the National Hospital Colombo last night (28).
Earlier, seven civilians, four males and three females died immediately after the indiscriminate bomb attack carried out by the LTTE terrorists at Rathmalana, in the Colombo suburb last evening. 36 people including five STF personnel sustained injuries in the incident.
The bomb, which had been planted under the roof of a wayside shop, was exploded around 5:40 p.m. targeting the civilians using Colombo-Gall main road. A police truck carrying STF personnel was too caught in the explosion. STF officials said that there were nine police commandos in truck at the time of the explosion. Six civilian vehicles were also badly damaged in the incident. Bags, shoes and slippers of the victims were seen strewn on the road.
The Police truck had been moving from the STF Training School in Katukurunda to its camp in Gonahena, Kadawatha when the explosion occurred.
Military officials said the terrorists have clearly targeted the civilians in guise of attacking a military target as the bomb was timed with the office crowd returning home after work. Military Spokesman Brigadier Prasad Samarasinghe said that the bomb might be a claymore mine triggered using a remote control device. The shop where the bomb was placed had been closed for more than 1 1/2 years and some repairs had been effected to it a few days ago.
Brigadier Samarasinghe requested all citizens to be vigilant on their surroundings at all times and to inform any suspicious activity to the security forces immediately as possible. He said that the support of civilians is vital for preventing such unfortunate incidents.
Meanwhile, President Mahinda Rajapaksa condemning the attack said that the LTTE was trying to achieve its narrow objectives through such cowardly attacks at innocent civilians. In a statement, the President expressed his condolence to the families of those who died in the attack and wished speedy recovery for the injured.
President Rajapaksa further pointed out that the LTTE is floundering to prop up communalism in the south to disrupt the humanitarian operations undertaken by the security forces in the North and East. He added that the aim of the operations carried out by the security forces is to liberate the people living under terror clutches and to safeguard their democratic rights.
The LTTE has been fighting against SL government since 1983 for a separate mono ethnic homeland for the Tamils living in the Island. The main strategy of the outfit in pursuing its objectives has been killing innocent civilians in indiscriminate attacks without claiming responsibility for any of its deeds. During last two decades, the LTTE has killed tens of thousands civilians in its bomb attacks and ethnic cleansing raids at Sinhalese and Muslim villages. However, the outfit's propaganda machinery has been effective enough to mislead the international community and to find sufficient funds to further its terror campaign.
Earlier, seven civilians, four males and three females died immediately after the indiscriminate bomb attack carried out by the LTTE terrorists at Rathmalana, in the Colombo suburb last evening. 36 people including five STF personnel sustained injuries in the incident.
The bomb, which had been planted under the roof of a wayside shop, was exploded around 5:40 p.m. targeting the civilians using Colombo-Gall main road. A police truck carrying STF personnel was too caught in the explosion. STF officials said that there were nine police commandos in truck at the time of the explosion. Six civilian vehicles were also badly damaged in the incident. Bags, shoes and slippers of the victims were seen strewn on the road.
The Police truck had been moving from the STF Training School in Katukurunda to its camp in Gonahena, Kadawatha when the explosion occurred.
Military officials said the terrorists have clearly targeted the civilians in guise of attacking a military target as the bomb was timed with the office crowd returning home after work. Military Spokesman Brigadier Prasad Samarasinghe said that the bomb might be a claymore mine triggered using a remote control device. The shop where the bomb was placed had been closed for more than 1 1/2 years and some repairs had been effected to it a few days ago.
Brigadier Samarasinghe requested all citizens to be vigilant on their surroundings at all times and to inform any suspicious activity to the security forces immediately as possible. He said that the support of civilians is vital for preventing such unfortunate incidents.
Meanwhile, President Mahinda Rajapaksa condemning the attack said that the LTTE was trying to achieve its narrow objectives through such cowardly attacks at innocent civilians. In a statement, the President expressed his condolence to the families of those who died in the attack and wished speedy recovery for the injured.
President Rajapaksa further pointed out that the LTTE is floundering to prop up communalism in the south to disrupt the humanitarian operations undertaken by the security forces in the North and East. He added that the aim of the operations carried out by the security forces is to liberate the people living under terror clutches and to safeguard their democratic rights.
The LTTE has been fighting against SL government since 1983 for a separate mono ethnic homeland for the Tamils living in the Island. The main strategy of the outfit in pursuing its objectives has been killing innocent civilians in indiscriminate attacks without claiming responsibility for any of its deeds. During last two decades, the LTTE has killed tens of thousands civilians in its bomb attacks and ethnic cleansing raids at Sinhalese and Muslim villages. However, the outfit's propaganda machinery has been effective enough to mislead the international community and to find sufficient funds to further its terror campaign.
Two LTTE cadres Killed; two claymore mines uncovered- Weli Oya and Jaffna
SL army troops skirmished with a group of LTTE terrorists in the Athawatunuweva area in Weli-Oya this afternoon (28). The troops were fired up on by the LTTE terrorists, while conducting a foot patrol. The terrorists have withdrawn in the face of the army retaliation.
Subsequently, radio communication among the LTTE cadres has revealed that two LTTE cadres were killed and two others were injured in the attack. One army soldiers also suffered minor injuries.
Separately, at Kodikamam in Jaffna, army troops found two claymore mines each weighing 10 Kgs on a civilian tip off this morning (28). One of the mines was found hidden in a thicket while the other was found inside an abandon building.
Subsequently, radio communication among the LTTE cadres has revealed that two LTTE cadres were killed and two others were injured in the attack. One army soldiers also suffered minor injuries.
Separately, at Kodikamam in Jaffna, army troops found two claymore mines each weighing 10 Kgs on a civilian tip off this morning (28). One of the mines was found hidden in a thicket while the other was found inside an abandon building.
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