It is not everyone who can afford the luxury of celebrating their wedding at a five star hotel. This young, poor couple, K.W. Renuka from Ambalangoda and T.A. Rohitha from Rajanganaya, who came to Colombo for their marriage registration, had no money to celebrate their wedding and were seen at the Viharamahadevi Park, along with a few relatives, having lunch packets that were prepared at the bride’s house and water brought in the black plastic bag pictured. Afterwards, the couple distributed lunch packets to a few beggars.

Govt. will not compromise — Malik

By Frederica Jansz

The government has decided to present a resolution to parliament in November calling for a dissolution of parliament.  The government has decided to reject the possibility of any compromise with President  Chandrika Bandaranaike Kumaratunga in terms of the formula presented by the Supreme Court.

It is learnt the Supreme Court in its determination of the 19th Amendment had said it would require a two third parliamentary majority plus a referendum to prevent the President from dissolving parliament any time after one year.  The Supreme Court has however, offered a compromise by way of a solution by asserting that if the power of dissolution is limited to three years, then only a two third parliamentary majority will be required to prevent the President from dissolving parliament.

UNP Chairman, Malik Samarawickrema on Thursday (17) told Prime Minister Ranil Wickremesinghe that the party cannot accept such a compromise formula with the President, since it would lead to disastrous consequences both for the UNP and the government.  He had said the only option is a general election. 

Samarawickrema confirmed to The Sunday Leader that the possibility of a compromise on the basis of a three year formula was out of the question.

He said, “this is a formula the President suggested to me when I met her, which was rejected by me because it gave the President the power to dissolve parliament anytime after the year 2004, on her terms.”

Samarawickrema also pointed out that in this situation there is nothing to prevent the President from using her powers in other spheres to stifle the government in its programmes on economic reforms and development as has been evident by her past conduct and statements.

“We will do what is necessary to get parliament dissolved and seek a fresh mandate from the people. The possibility of cutting off funds for the President is also not ruled out if she decides not to dissolve parliament this year,” Samarawickrema said.

Meanwhile, Finance Minister and legal expert K. N. Choksy said that in terms of Article 70 of the constitution, if an election is held consequent to a dissolution of parliament before its six year term expires as is the case with the present parliament, the power of dissolution within the first year of that parliament vests with that parliament.

Choksy also said that sub paragraph (d) of Article 70 is not a condition that precludes such dissolution by this parliament.

He added that the control of public finance is vested in parliament and that if parliament decided not to approve finances for the office of president there is no other source from which finances for the president could be obtained.

Meantime, Speaker Joseph Michael Perera is expected to present to parliament on Tuesday, October 22, the decision of the Supreme Court with regard to the 18th and 19th Amendments.

Five new ministers

Prime Minister Ranil Wickremesinghe will this week recommend to the President the appointment of five new ministers. The ministers to be recommended for appointment to non-cabinet rank are Keheliya Rambukwella, Sarath Chandra Rajakaruna, Lakshman Yapa Abeywardena, Ranjith Maddumabandara and Hemakumara Nanayakkara.

The Prime Minister is also expected to appoint Minister Lakshman Seneviratne and at least two others to cabinet rank but is awaiting a resolution of the dispute in the Sri Lanka Muslim Congress before recommending these appointments to the President.

Probe reveals corruption on AirLanka deal

Investigations by the Commission to Investigate Allegations of Bribery and Corruption into the complaint on the privatisation of AirLanka (now known as SriLankan Airlines) has concluded that an offence of corruption which falls under the ambit of Section 70 of the Bribery Act has been committed.

 The complaint over the privatisation of AirLanka was lodged against President Chandrika Kumaratunga, cabinet ministers, PERC and the board directors of AirLanka at the time, by former UNP General Secretary and Assistant Leader, Gamini Atukorale.

It is learnt that the report on this matter had been submitted to the Director General, Bribery Commission, Piyasena Ranasinghe, by investigators in early August this year.

The investigators have focused primarily on the purchase of six Airbus aircraft at a cost of US$  120,732,275.80 each.

The inquiry has revealed that the Airbus agreement was signed on March 30, 1998 — the same day on which the order for six new aircraft was placed with Airbus Industrie.

Investigators have pointed out in their report that at the time of calling for bids to privatise AirLanka shares, the opportunity of purchasing Airbus aircraft was not afforded.  If it had been done the government would have had the opportunity of attracting a higher price for its shares other than that for which it was finally sold.

The report asserts this is an offence under Section 70 of the Bribery Act, which deals with corruption.

The report further states the privatisation agreement was signed on behalf of AirLanka by former Chairman D. H. S. Jayawardena and Director D. P. S.
Jayawardena, while
Dixon Nilaweera, Secretary, Finance Ministry at the time and Deputy Secretary Dr. P. B. Jayasundera had signed for the government.

The investigators have now sought the approval of the Director General of the Bribery Commission to record the statements of these four people.

PBOA plans to demand fare hike

By Shezna Shums

The Private Bus Owners Association (PBOA) has planned to demand a fare hike from the government following the fuel price hike last week.

General Secretary, PBOA, Rohan de Silva says his association is at present holding discussions with the National Transport Commission (NTC) to come to an agreement regarding the fare hike. The PBOA demands a fare hike of 15%.

According to Silva, a 15% increase was pledged by the government when the diesel price was raised to Rs. 30 in July this year. He says though the association made this demand, the government did not allow it to increase the fare. "Since the government appealed to us to run with the low price, we did it. But now we are in need of that fare hike," he said.

According to the fare policy of the NTC, bus owners cannot demand a hike for one whole year. However, the owners say they are entitled to this hike since the pledge given to them on a 15 % increase was made by the government prior to bringing this new policy.

"With the increase in fuel prices, the private bus operators now face an average loss of Rs. 150 to Rs. 200 a day. That works out to around Rs. 4000 to Rs. 5000 a month," he said.

De Silva says that the government should look into the welfare of the drivers and at the same time the cost of living should also be contained.

"However, negotiations are still underway as to how the private bus owners will adjust with this price hike in petroleum products," he added.

Property developer accused

A property developer has been accused of issuing a notice of eviction to the owner of an apartment after the said owner had made full payment for the apartment.

The Thurga Apartments Welfare Association President, E. Mahadevan says that the owners of these apartments are now undergoing severe hardship, as their developer is putting up unauthorised structures, in addition to threats that he would "push them out."

Mahadevan says the developer has not even given the deeds to the flat owners, even though the full amount for the apartments have been paid.

"Since I have taken on the developer on behalf of the residents, now he has served me with a 'quit notice' with effect from July 30, which I feel is very unfair," he said.

Meanwhile, the developer, S. Nittisingham has planned to institute legal action against Mahadevan in court.

NCC expresses concern over rising fuel and gas prices

The National Chamber of Commerce (NCC) has expressed concern over the recent hikes in the prices of fuel and gas.

The NCC has said that the latest hikes in fuel would have a cascading affect on other essential items and this would invariably put the consumers into hardship.

President, NCC, Chandra Embuldeniya told The Sunday Leader that the impact of the increase on consumer items on the public would be adverse, adding that the public could react negatively at any given time.

He said that this would also put industrialists into inconvenience, as the hike in fuel prices would also have a direct bearing on the cost of production.

"The fuel price hike would also result in industry fuel and furnace oil prices going up. This will definitely be a cause for concern for the industrialists who are already facing difficulty in keeping the prices of their produce low," he said.

Embuldeniya says that the SAARC countries should try and get together and buy fuel in bulk to have better bargaining power. "Even getting together with India will help in getting better bargaining power," he suggested.

He said this would be an added advantage in getting a better price for fuel, as buying in bulk gives this concession.

He said constant changes in petroleum prices would also affect the investments coming into the country as this instability in the cost of fuel and energy will make investors think twice before venturing in Sri Lanka.

Meanwhile, Chairman, National Farmers Alliance, Ratna Gamage says that all sectors of agriculture and tea production will be affected badly as a result of the increase in the prices of fuel.

He said many of these sectors have been modernised using tractors and machinery for their cultivation and with the increase in the prices of petrol and diesel the cost of production will definitely be affected.

However, the Consumer Affairs Ministry gave the public the assurance that prices of essential goods would not be increased though there has been an increase in the price of fuel due to world market conditions.

"We still have our stocks. Until our stocks are over, there would not be any increase," they said.

Govt. cost cutting

In a desperate attempt to cut down on cost, the government has taken a decision not to release funds for ministries and departments for the maintenance of their vehicles, a government circular has indicated.

Accordingly, those officials who have been using government vehicles have been encouraged to hire vehicles to meet their needs.

However, the circular does not point out as to what the government intends doing with the existing vehicles.

Cigarette prices increased

Prices of cigarettes have been upped by 50 cents. The announcement was made yesterday by the government. The price hike is with effect from midnight last Thursday (17).

Government sources said only the price of Bristol has not been increased. Accordingly, a Gold Leaf cigarette, which is commonly used in Sri Lanka, is now eight rupees.

No spokesman

The Institute of Valuers have said that they wish to dissociate themselves from a statement purported to be made by a 'senior spokesman' of the institute to The Sunday Leader in its issue of October 6, as they say they have not appointed a spokesman, senior or otherwise.

Murder charges against Mangala

Former Minister Mangala Samaraweera together with five members from the Ministerial Security Division (MSD) are to be charged with attempted murder and causing grievous bodily harm to eight youth at Akurana in the Matara District.

The Criminal Investigations Department (CID) is seeking indictment under Section 140 and 146 of the Penal Code against Samaraweera and his security for attempting to cause grievous body harm and murder eight youth at Maliyambedda in the Matara District last November.

The police have stated that there is evidence to prove that on the instructions of Mangala Samaraweera five security personnel attached to his personal security contingent had last November shot at and injured Maduranga Kaluaratchchi causing serious injuries to his person.

In addition, this group had also shot at and injured Pannila Gamage, Kiran Godage and Lasantha Sampath. The CID in its complaint has also sought to charge Samaraweera and five security officers under Section 32 of the Penal Code.

JVP optimistic of overthrowing govt.

The Janatha Vimukthi Peramuna (JVP) on Friday said that it was working with a wide coalition to overthrow the UNF government.

Gampaha District, Member of Parliament,  Vijitha Herath told The Sunday Leader that discussions have been continuing for the past two months not only with the PA, but with trade unions and civic organisations. "We haven't discussed this with only the PA," he said.

On the issue of why the JVP felt optimistic of toppling a government without going for an election, Herath said that it did not arise as discussions had not progressed that far. "No one knows as yet whether there will be elections or not." The JVP expressed its opposition last year when the UNP was working with disgruntled sections within the PA to wrest power.

Sri Lankan farmer awarded Y.S. Rao award

A Sri Lankan tea small holder has been awarded the 2002 Y.S. Rao Award at the 2002 World Food Day celebrations, organised by the Food and Agricultural Organisation (FAO) Asia Pacific office of the United Nations in Bangkok on October 14.

K.M. Opananda was among five selected outstanding farmers from the Asia Pacific region to receive the award from the Agriculture and Cooperatives Minister of Thailand, Sora-at Klinpratoom, during the 2002 WFD regional celebrations in Bangkok for their achievements and contributions to their countries.

The other awardees represented China, Palau, Thailand and Vietnam, a release from the Foreign Ministry said. Opananda is a tea small holder and owns a plantation in Gonawalapathana village in Nawalapitiya. A chemical engineer by profession, he gave up a lucrative overseas job to return to his farming roots nearly two decades ago.

He decided to work on a six hectare tea garden in the mid 1980s. Over the years, he has converted three-fifths of his low-yield seed based tea plantation into a more productive one, with a capacity of 100,000 vegetative propagated plants, the release stated.

A Sri Lankan tea small holder has been awarded the 2002 Y.S. Rao Award at the 2002 World Food Day celebrations, organised by the Food and Agricultural Organisation (FAO) Asia Pacific office of the United Nations in Bangkok on October 14.

K.M. Opananda was among five selected outstanding farmers from the Asia Pacific region to receive the award from the Agriculture and Cooperatives Minister of Thailand, Sora-at Klinpratoom, during the 2002 WFD regional celebrations in Bangkok for their achievements and contributions to their countries.

The other awardees represented China, Palau, Thailand and Vietnam, a release from the Foreign Ministry said. Opananda is a tea small holder and owns a plantation in Gonawalapathana village in Nawalapitiya. A chemical engineer by profession, he gave up a lucrative overseas job to return to his farming roots nearly two decades ago.

He decided to work on a six hectare tea garden in the mid 1980s. Over the years, he has converted three-fifths of his low-yield seed based tea plantation into a more productive one, with a capacity of 100,000 vegetative propagated plants, the release stated.

Prawn farmers face hardship

The Federation of Chambers of Commerce and Industry of Sri Lanka (FCCISL) has said that over 80% of the legitimate prawn farmers who are operating between the Chilaw and Puttalam lagoon are facing untold hardship due to severe environmental pollution. The pollution, the FCCISL says, has been caused by a handful of illegitimate prawn farmers who also operate in the same area.

The secretary of the Consortium for the Development of Aquaculture has appealed to the FCCISL to intervene into this issue in order to allay the fears of the legitimate prawn farmers, who he says incur heavy losses due to this.

The Sunday Leader learns that a handful of persons described as "illegitimate farmers," are engaged in unauthorised prawn farming, having overlooked the environmental damage to the lands that belong to those who have been engaged in prawn farming legally.

Delay in action will agravate power crisis - engineers

By Shezna Shums

The country's leading engineers have warned the government that undue delays in setting up the much needed energy power plants in the country would lead to serious setbacks in the future.

They have also attributed the high price consumers have to pay for electricity to the lack of power plants. They have said the rising cost is also due to attempts to have temporary energy.

President, Institute Of Engineers Sri Lanka (IESL) B. R. O. Fernando says that at the moment there are no power cuts because the country is getting 200 to 300 mega watts of rented power, adding that this is only temporary power. "There must be something permanent in the long run," he added.

He says the end result of having temporary power is that more and more will have to be paid for every unit of power that is supplied to the country by these energy producers, which is also for a limited period of time.

"Eventually their agreements will also end and after this the country will have to find new ways of supplying power to the people, or extend the agreements. If the country  has its own power plants  they will be more efficient and will last for at least 25 years," he said.

He said many plans to set up coal power plants had been shelved due to political pressure. He said due to similar pressure the locations of such plants have also been moved from place to place.

"The first coal plant has been moved from Trincomalee, Mawella and Norochcholai. Finally the coal plant was decided to be built in Trincomalee.

"The other problem when the construction of power plants are postponed is that the environment changes. In Trincomalee, when the feasibility was first done there were hardly any factories in the area but now there are. When plans are postponed for a long period of time another feasibility study will have to be done using up more time and money," he said.

He also accused many interested parties of bringing many of these power plants to a halt because of protests from various people and groups.

"This however does not help the economy or development of the country. This also results in using more rented power, which is  not long term. In Sri Lanka the energy tariff is one of the highest  in the region," he pointed out.

KMC ad causes a stir

Questions have been raised as to whether rounding up stray dogs and killing them is also to be privatised.

Recently animal rights activists raised objections to a newspaper advertisement by the Kotte Municipal Council (KMC) calling for tenders from private companies to round up stray dogs, kill them and bury them.

The activists told The Sunday Leader that delegating the responsibility of rounding up dogs to private companies by the local authorities is certainly not in accordance with the basic animal rights.

They further said the control of the stray dog population is a duty of the local authority based strictly on World Health Organisation (WHO) guidelines. They therefore pointed out any attempt to privatise this service would be a violation of the WHO regulation.

"Even the rabies programme  to kill stray dogs is strictly monitored by the authorities and the number of dogs to be killed is decided upon by them. Therefore, how can the municipality take a decision to call for tenders to kill an unlimited number of dogs with no explanation given to the public?" they questioned.

The said taking such a decision is ethically, morally and culturally wrong, adding such a decision cannot and should not happen in a predominantly Buddhist country like Sri Lanka.

However Commissioner, Kotte Municipal Council,  N. A.  Pushpakumara said such a decision cannot be taken by the municipality.

"We only advertised for a dog catcher since the present one has left our organisation and the rounding up of dogs has ceased for the moment. There was no tender calling for private companies in the newspaper  for the rounding up of dogs as said by these animal rights activists," Puspakumara said.

Uswatte to take EFL to task

By Risidra Mendis

A rift has arisen between Uswatte Marketing Services (Pvt.) Ltd., and the Environment Foundation Ltd., (EFL) after EFL had used the Uswatte logo in one of its propaganda leaflets that warns of the danger of genetically engineered food.

The rift has also led to Uswatte contemplating legal action against EFL if an agreement is not reached by the end of the month.

The sticker that was circulated around the country around three to four months back has resulted in Uswatte losing around Rs. 5 million per month. 

When The Sunday Leader spoke to Quintus Perera Managing Director, Uswatte Marketing Services (Pvt.) Ltd., Quintas Perera he said EFL had issued a sticker with the words  "genetically engineered food is a frightening experiment. You are the subject," with the logo of Uswatte.

The sticker, 3X5 inches in size has a picture of a girl eating some food out of a Tipi Tip packet with the Uswatte logo. However the Tipi Tip name has been deleted from the packet. According to Perera the sticker was pasted in most of the hospitals in the south and in the hill country thereby causing damage to the Uswatte name among the public.

"We are a local company that produces 100% natural products especially for children. Our company follows the quality standards of Snack Food Association of America and Snack Food Association of Europe. Therefore we cannot afford to get our name tarnished even by such a mistake," Perera said.

According to Perera he had offered to give Director,  EFL, Hemantha Withanage a rough visual to be modified and printed in order to rectify the mistake. However Withanage had turned down this offer. "EFL authorities  told me they can only amend the existing sticker. There are certain rules and regulations  governing food companies and EFL should have at least consulted us before running such a sticker," Perera said.

Uswatte holds over 80% market share of the snacks market as children consume it. But today Uswatte has made an appeal to the College of General Practitioners of Sri Lanka to come forward and protect natural food from the artificial and harmful products sold in the market.

According to  Sales Manager, Uswatte Marketing, Q. J. C. Fernando Sri Lanka  Customs charges 25% tax on natural flavour foods and 15% tax on artificial flavours. "This is the reason for mushroom companies to enter the market and produce low quality food items," Fernando said.

Speaking to The Sunday Leader, Chairman, EFL, Ravi Algama said he had no intention of accusing Uswatte of producing genetically modified foods. "One of our stickers carried a picture of a child eating out of a packet with a bird on the cover. However Uswatte says this bird is their logo and should not have been used," Algama said.

According to Algama they have told Uswatte they are willing to issue a  new sticker or a statement regarding the misunderstanding. However, Uswatte has said they want a sticker issued with their name saying they don't sell genetically modified foods.

"We as an environmental organisation cannot issue such a message because there is always the chance that any company can start producing genetically modified food tomorrow. Besides we cannot issue a sticker or a message from EFL referring to one company," Algama said.

Prompt action against illegal tender

LANDS Minister Dr. Rajitha Senaratne has directed his officials to re-evaluate a tender, calling for the supply of survey equipment for land tilling and related services by the Lands Ministry.

The Minister  told The Sunday Leader that when he found out there was a discrepancy in the awarding of the tender, he immediately ordered an inquiry and subsequently wanted it re-evaluated.

The Sunday Leader learns that the Technical Evaluation Committee (TEC) earlier recommended the awarding of the tender to Bhoomi-Tech, but the Chairman, Tender Board, Berty Buddhisena had finally decided to award the tender to Techno Equipment Suppliers (Pvt) Ltd. It is also alleged that the owner of Techno Equipment Suppliers (Pvt) Ltd, is a tenant of Buddhisena.

Meanwhile Bhoomi-Tech, in a letter to the Minister has said the tender has gone completely against the recommendations made by the TEC and appeals for justice.

CID arrests ex tea firm director

An ex-director of a tea company was last week arrested by the Criminal Investigations Department (CID) over an alleged fraud.

Tea industry sources say that this is the first time that a director of a tea company has ever been arrested over such a fraud.

According to informed sources the ex-director of HVA Lanka Exports (Pvt) Ltd, who is also presently functioning as a director of another tea company, was arrested by the CID on October 15.

The arrest was made at the Chamber of Commerce while the tea auction was in progress. The arrest was made following a complaint made by HVA Lanka alleging fraudulent transactions pertaining to tea sales carried out while the ex-director was a shareholder/director of the company.

The ex-director was released on  personal bail of Rs. 200,000. The case will be heard on January 22, 2003, sources from the trade said.

Tamil parties vow to strengthen PM's hand

While Tamil political parties are determined to strengthen the hands of Prime Minister Ranil Wickremesinghe in the event an election is held, they are however confused over the present political situation in the country.

They are not certain whether the government would hold an election. Though they say they would continue to support the UNF from their position as independent political parties, they point out an election at this juncture would be disastrous.

All Ceylon Tamil Congress (ACTC) Parliamentarian, A.Vinayagamoorthy said for the sake of achieving peace in the country, all sections of the country should come forward to support the UNF. He says peace could be achieved only through a stable government. "Therefore, we will continue to support the Premier, though we understand an election is going to cost the country a lot," he pointed out.

He further said this time if an election is held, there is a likelihood of more Tamils voting for the UNF especially from the north-east.

However Vinayagamoorthy said doubts  the UNF  receiving the required number of seats and the required support this time if an election is held, considering the escalating cost of living.

"We will contest independently but strengthen the UNF. Our main objective is to see a lasting peace in the country," he said.

Meanwhile Eelam Peoples' Democratic Party (EPDP)  Chief and former Rehabilitation Minister Douglas Devananda said he would continue to support the party in power. "We have always supported the UNF government from the very inception. The only problem that we have with the government is that it does not take a strong stand against the LTTE," he told The Sunday Leader.

Devananda pointed out that his party's  stance over the LTTE remains the same. "They are traitors. They continue to harass us. Even last week the Tigers abducted one of my party men," he said.

The forgotten warrior

By Marianne David

The way he walked into The Sunday Leader office, R.J. Edward appeared no different from scores of people seeking publicity. But the resemblance started and ended there.

Edward is among the best in his field in Asia - karate, and is a  bronze medal winner at the Asian Games. But, in the glow afforded  by the authorities to high-profile stars, Edward and his achievement got kicked to the sidelines. Hours before Edward spoke to The Sunday Leader, fellow medal winners at the games had been received at the airport with pomp and pageantry. The karate medal winner had sneaked in from South Korea days before.

This is the story of the forgotten warrior from Sri Lanka at the Asian Games. The story of a man who paid his way to get to Busan and win a medal, who then had to get out of the country because he could not afford the stay, and then had to wait till the big guns returned to Sri Lanka to be felicitated.

"The games were on October 11 and 12 but we left Sri Lanka only on October 8. We should have gone before but we couldn't because of the money problems. We had to spend about $ 60 each day."

Edward and his karate teammates flew to their destination via three flights and said that though they were very tired on arrival, they resumed training within two hours of landing.

The tatami, the special mat used for the competition and the clock on the score board were features they were not used to. Although the tatami is where they are supposed to fight, in Sri Lanka there is a tatami only at the Sugathadasa Stadium, says Edward. He says that the clock, which has to be watched while fighting is also something they are not used to.

"In Sri Lanka we fight without a tatami so we are not used to it. Our speed and balance changes on that."

For the 27-year-old Edward, karate is his chosen career. Regardless of what obstacles he faces and what sacrifices he has to make, he feels  it is all worth it because of the love he has for the sport.

His day is strenuous. The morning training session starts at nine and goes on till one in the afternoon. After that he conducts his classes, which he says is his family's sole source of income. Training is resumed at 7 in the evening, and goes on until 10 or 11 in the night. "It is the same everyday," says Edward, who has not received any sort of sponsorship.

The search for money and sponsors is the one thing that changes this schedule when an important meet is coming up, which also disrupts his training. "The last two months are spent more on finding money than training,  which affects performance." Edward says that even after they are chosen to take part in an international event, they still aren't sure whether they will attend or not due to money problems.

Edward first stepped into the world of karate thanks to his elder brother Alexander. "He was my first teacher."

From a young age Edward has taken part in a large number of championships - he has been the national champion thrice, the Central Province Champion four times, the Western Province Champion twice and a gold medal winner at the National Sports Festival in 2001. His brother was national champion thrice too.

"My parents are very encouraging and my wife is very helpful - she loves the sport. It is her cooperation that helps me to go forward."

Edward says his greatest achievement is winning this bronze medal and that even though he had to spend for all international events he has attended, it was all worth it because of the experience he gained.

Edward and his two brothers, though chosen, couldn't attend the World Championship in Brazil and the Singapore games due to the lack of funds. He says he once even sold his bike to collect money to attend a meet.

"If we have sponsors, it would be great. Otherwise, before every tournament, I have to work so hard to find funds." He adds that there are so many talented youth who are unable to prove their worth due to this problem.

Edward has taken part in open championships in India and won three gold medals on one occasion and two gold medals and one silver at the South Asian Karate Championship. These achievements are hardly known.

However, he says that even though he is unknown in Sri Lanka, and there was no appreciation each time he won, he still achieved his target, which was to win a medal at the Asian Games.

"When I got the medal I was so happy. If I could have won it without going through all these problems, I would have been so much happier."

He says before he started his fight that day, his coach told him "monawa wunath marenne ne." (whatever happens, you won't die) and to get a medal, words that Edward says gave him strength.

Even when he won and during his fight, Edward says that there was no local media present to take photographs of him so he asked a teammate to take shots from his camera instead.

Though he used to practice only with his brother, for the Asian Games, Edward trained for about eight months with a Japanese coach. "I expected the silver and I did my best there but due to some problems, I got a bronze.

He says that his coach really encouraged him and even took him to several places in Sri Lanka hoping to get a sponsorship and funds. Some of  his students' parents helped him he said.

"I want to thank Sensei Kagara, Jayasiri Perera, Clement Sensei and Lalith Sensei and also my teammates. They really encouraged me. Most of all, my brother Sensei Alexander who has been my strength through all this."

Edward says that when the athletes bring medals for the country things are done for them, but what he has done is not known. "Maybe that is why there is no national recognition. What I have done only I know. My idea is that if we keep bringing in the medals, something will be done in the karate field too."

Edward is presently training for the SAAF games and says his aim is to eventually win a gold medal at the Asian Games and that he will continue in karate and target going as high as he can, even though there was no great reaction when he arrived back in Sri Lanka.

"My hope is that the ministry will send a karate team to the next Olympics. My dream lies there, taking part in the Olympics."

New paint, same old shell

The Jaffna Library to those in Colombo is the symbol of peace, to those in the north, it is the exact opposite.

The newly painted fa‡ade of the library cannot hide the fact that to Tamils it is a symbol of their oppression. The library together with its invaluable collection of  97, 000 books was burnt to cinder during violence unleashed by goons from the south in 1981. The collection that included Ola manuscripts, was burnt down by marauding gangs who wanted to make a statement during the District Development Council election, opposed by radical Tamil elements.

With the peace negotiations of 1994 and thereafter the PA's 'war for peace campaign' the white library became a symbol of reconciliation, at least for those within the southern political power circle. While pounding the LTTE in Vanni, the PA government launched the brick and book campaign, ostensibly to rebuild the library and provide it with a fresh collection of books.

"We never received a single book nor a brick from that campaign,"   asserted S. Danabalasingham, who now heads one of the six branch libraries spread all over the peninsula.

According to Danabalasingham at the moment the six branches have a total collection of 88,000 books. Some of the books were received from overseas and through NGO help. The most prominent collection that was received by the Jaffna Library was the Peter Keunemann collection.

The old library is still not complete. Despite the new paint, work is still continuing inside, with workers hammering out the floor and electricity connections. So far Rs. 120 million has been spent on the reconstruction, and recently the new government allocated Rs. 50 million more.

"It will be ready by early next year," the supervisor overseeing the reconstruction work told The Sunday Leader. Now the reconstruction is done by a government agency, though when it first began it was given to a private contractor.

The private party ran for dear life, when in 1999 the LTTE began pounding security forces positions in return. The LTTE bombardment was not the only nervous episode survived by the reconstructed building. Early this year, speculation arose that the floor of the first floor was not strong enough to hold the weight of the books. But tests proved otherwise.

It would have been such a let down, especially to the publicity craving politicians from Colombo, if the rebuilt library could not hold the books.

Complete or not, the library is a mega hit among tourists from the south. The place has an added advantage - the environs around the building is where the most devastating damage can be seen. Some of the fiercest fighting took place around the library during the LTTE assault on the Jaffna Fort. If more 'spice' is needed to enliven the trip, the beheaded statue of Alfred Duraiappa is located just across the road. For obvious reasons no one has taken any effort to replace the missing head.

Duraiappa may be unacceptable, but his nemesis, Velupillai Prabhakaran is not. The library itself will have books outlining the Tiger history. The branches already do.

Bali bombs add to tourism woes

By Mandana Ismail Abeywickrema

The bomb blast in the popular tourist destination Bali, Indonesia, which claimed the lives of almost 200 tourists and civilians, has caused some worry in the local tourism industry.

While reports revealed cancellation of tours by many tourists to the region, Sri Lanka has not yet shown any sign of decrease or increase in the number of arrivals as a result. Apart from Bali, the situation in Kashmir and Iraq too could have adverse effects on the local tourism industry.

General Manager- Inbound Tours, Jetwing Travels, Terrence Fernando stated that they have not received any cancellations as yet, adding that there has been no sign of an increase in the numbers either. As for the notion that tourists once destined to Bali will now re-book to destinations like Mal‚ and Sri Lanka, it is still to be proven true. When asked whether the Bali blast would have any effect on the tourist flow to the country, Fernando stated that there would be an effect especially with  the situations in Kashmir, Iraq also being volatile.  As for the present, he said that things are normal adding that the country has been experiencing an increase in the tourist flow to the country for about two months now.

According to officials at Thomas Cook, they have not had any cancellations and they do not anticipate any either. So far, there has been no increase in the number as well. He went on to say that even with the Akkaraipattu disturbances, there have been no cancellations and therefore, tourist arrivals might not be hindered by the Bali blast.

Regional tourism heads, however, warned soon after the blasts that they would send high spending tourists back home. The Ceylon Tourist Board meanwhile could not comment on the country's tourist arrivals after the Bali blast as they have not received the necessary statistics as yet.