The Government recently outlawed employing under aged children to sell lotteries. But selling lottery tickets are not the only business children are used in. As the picture shows children are being used for hard manual labour that even adults would find difficult                                                                         Photo by Berty Mendis

• In the event of forming a government

JVP to share portfolios with SLFP

By Dilrukshi Handunnetti

The Janatha Vimukthi Peramuna (JVP) will accept portfolios in a future government they may form with the main opposition party, the Sri Lanka Freedom Party (SLFP).

Party General Secretary, Tilwin Silva told The Sunday Leader that the JVP had tried directing the People’s Alliance (PA) through a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) two years ago, but this time the JVP presence in the SLFP would make it “strong and decisive.”

An agreement between the two political parties is to be clinched this week.

“It means that we would be key players in any future government with the SLFP, and it means sharing responsibilities such as ministries and other things that come with it,” Silva said.

The JVP has held a series of discussions with the SLFP in the recent past and has decided to form an alliance “for peace and betterment of the country” shortly, as “the country’s sovereignty was at stake.”

“Much thought has gone into this decision and the United National Front (UNF) government has failed to deliver in all areas including the peace process, which is beneficial only to the LTTE. We want to save the sovereignty and territorial integrity of the country, and that requires us to work with other political parties within a broad alliance,” he said.

Silva however said that he was not certain about any other political parties willing to join forces with the new alliance yet, but promised “swift political action” that would benefit the people when the JVP-SLFP alliance is formed.

The JVP founder leader Rohana Wijeweera himself had an unofficial alliance with the United Front government of Sirimavo Bandaranaike in the ’70s in their attempt to capture political power.

The JVP that entered mainstream politics in June 1994 after the government lifted the ban on the party, quickly built itself to be the third political force in the country. In 2001 they signed a MoU with the People’s Alliance government to pressurise the administration to ease the burdens placed on the public, following which prices of several essential items were reduced.

“The first was an attempt to put a capitalist government back on a ‘socialist track’ to serve the people,” Silva said, explaining that this time around, the JVP would have considerable leverage in decision making.

President Kumaratunga who enjoys the exclusive constitutional power to dissolve parliament, it is learned is considering dissolution and has a common platform with the JVP. In this backdrop, Interior Minister John Amaratunga has placed an intelligence report before  cabinet detailing the activities of the JVP including its former militants being included in the party politburo,  including General Secretary Tilwin Silva and their network with trade unions, political parties and student bodies throughout the country.

Former judges petition against CJ

By Frederica Jansz

 Nine former judges from the high court, district court and magistrate’s court have petitioned Speaker Joseph Michael Perera seeking redress over their termination from the courts and victimisation by Chief Justice Sarath N. Silva.

The nine judges say that some of them were terminated during the last one year without any inquiry and others after pseudo inquiries that served prepared agendas. The petition was handed over to the Speaker last week.

The judges say that these cases in fact formed part of the basis of the impeachment motion presented to the Speaker by the UNP during its time in the opposition. Chief Justice Sarath Silva is the ex-officio Chairman of the Judicial Services Commission (JSC), which is in charge of appointments and disciplinary control of the judges (district judges and magistrates and transfer of high court judges).

The nine disgruntled former judges assert that ever since Silva became the Chief Justice and Chairman JSC, “he was personally instrumental in getting rid of judges towards whom he was ill disposed as the Attorney General or influenced by political personalities.”

They charge that the CJ has misused and abused his office to summarily dismiss some of the judges forthwith from service by threatening them that he would get them remanded or criminally prosecute them in courts.

The International Bar Association in 2001 compiled a report on allegations relating to the Chief Justice and after conducting an independent investigation, reiterated grave concern on the issue that judges had been removed from the bench by the Chief Justice without proper recourse to an inquiry or disciplinary hearing.

The nine judges say that some of the arbitrary and unlawful acts committed by the Chief Justice are: having issued circulars to judges threatening them with disciplinary action for not complying with his interference in court hearings; that Sarath Silva has resorted to disciplinary action against judges who have given judgments against the Attorney General's Department; that the Chief Justice has taken action against judges based on complaints made to him by politicians and wyers close to him; that he has victimised judges who made judicial orders that did not find favour with him; that Silva has maintained two lists of judges - one composed of his personal favourites and the other composed of those who were not.

The judges allege that the Chief Justice appoints his favourites to key positions irrespective of their seniority.

The nine complainants are, Mahanama Thilakaratne (Ex-High Court Judge), H. W. Liyanage. (Ex-District Judge), C. Hegoda. (Ex-District Judge), D. M. Siriwardhana (Ex-District Judge), S. P. Bandaranayake (Ex-District Judge), D. M. T. B. Dissanayake. (Ex-District Judge), S. W. Surendran (Ex-Magistrate), L. C. Costa (Ex-Magistrate) and Hiran Ekanayake (Ex-Magistrate).

First private zoo at Mirigama

Work on Sri Lanka’s first officially sanctioned private zoo is due to commence shortly at Bajjangoda, near Mirigama. Built on a 200-acre site, the new zoo will include a butterfly park and have both Sri Lankan and foreign animals on display. A novel aspect of the zoo will be a night safari, which will be among the first of its kind in the SAARC region. Another new feature will be accommodation facilities for tourists who will be given an opportunity to live among the animals, in a wild environment. For the first time in Sri Lanka, zoo animals will be maintained in large, open naturally-landscaped enclosures, rather than in cages as in the Dehiwala Zoo. This is said to be a concept that is endorsed by animal rights groups such as SPAR and Sathva Mithra.

The novel BoI approved concept is the brainchild of veteran zoologist and former director of Zoological Gardens, Dr. Lyn de Alwis, who later went on to establish the famous zoo at Changi, in Singapore.

Dr. de Alwis, who has also served as director, Wildlife Conservation and special advisor to the President on wildlife, is widely acknowledged to be one of the best zoo designers in the world. 

The project involves a total investment of almost US$ 2 million, much of which will come from overseas.

The project is promoted locally by Biopark Developers Ltd., who expect the new zoo will attract over 600,000 visitors currently patronising the national zoos each year, both at Dehiwala and at Pinnawela.

The developers have predicted that the Bajjangoda Zoo will be among the best in Asia. Competition from the new zoo is also expected to help raise the standard of the Dehiwala zoo.

 Prisoners to continue hunger strike

By Shezna Shums

Prisoners staging a hunger strike have rejected a plea from a government delegation headed by Peace Secretariat Chief Bernard Gunatilleke, to give up their fast.

Gunatilleke visited the Kalutara prison along with the Mannar Bishop and the legal advisor to the Peace Secretariat where 58 inmates have been on a hunger strike since March 1. The delegation has requested the strikers to give up their fast promising that a decision would be taken within 10 days. But the prisoners The Sunday Leader learns have refused to agree to this plea.

Those on the hunger strike are those arrested during the Eelam war and were suspected of having links with the Liberation Tigers of Tamil Eelam (LTTE).

They are mostly from the Northern Province and are  demanding that they be transferred to their native areas.

They also demand that their cases be heard in northern courts instead of being heard in the Colombo courts.

There are over 200 inmates in the Kalutara prison and 58 are on a hunger strike says Commissioner of Prisons Upali Dharmabandu. He says all 58 inmates are LTTE suspects held in remand.

In a move to ease the tension and to look into the plight of the prisoners, the Bishop of Mannar Rt.Rev Rayappu Joseph along with Bernard Gunatilleke and Legal Advisor to the Peace Secretariat Harsha Fernando held talks with the prisoners last Friday.

According to Assistant Prison Superintendent Kalutara, S. Boteju they are awaiting a report from this delegation in order to take action.

Meanwhile, Political Wing Leader of the LTTE S.P. Thamilchelvan in a television interview last week said he saw no reason to hold these persons accused of having LTTE links. He said it was 'wrong' and 'unfair' for the government to continue to treat these men as LTTE suspects when the peace process is going on.

He also said the action of the government could not be justified at a time when the LTTE itself is involved in holding peace negotiations with the government.

Is justice blind?

Sri Lanka's chief justice and the judicial system came under scathing attack from Dato Param Cumaraswamy, the UN special rapporteur who at a press conference in Colombo recently said he was "shocked" and "stunned" by Sri Lanka's Chief Justice Sarath Silva hearing a case against himself.

Cumaraswamy was referring to a case where the Supreme Court, on February 6, decided to jail for one year a human rights activist, Anthony Fernando who challenged Sarath Silva for sitting on the bench to hear a case where the Chief Justice himself had been named as a respondent.

Describing the case as being "bizarre", Cumaraswamy said that he was not interested in dealing with the merits of the case but stated, " the question here is to find out whether it is proper for the Chief Justice after having been made a party to a case to sit on the panel and adjudicate in the matter."

Shortly after Anthony Fernando was jailed he was beaten up by prison guards and has been in hospital since then. Cumaraswamy said he visited the victim in hospital and that Fernando had been chained to his bed.

Hitting out at the Sri Lanka Bar Association, Cumaraswamy said, "I want the Bar Association of Sri Lanka to wake up, have the courage to take up the cause of this man without demanding guarantees that they will be not he hauled up for contempt of court."

He added that people go to courts for justice, not for injustice and that his main concern was not only the independence of the judiciary but also the accountability of the judges.

No change in SLMC team

There will not be any change in the Sri Lanka Muslim Congress (SLMC) delegation for the next round of talks to be held in Japan beginning March 18, highly placed government sources said.

Sources said that the government is not keen to bring in any changes as demanded by a section of the Muslim community.

Sources said the same team headed by Ports Minister Rauf Hakeem will be participating at the next round of talks as well.

B.C. Perera to report on CEB

Power and Energy Minister Karu Jayasuriya last Friday appointed a high powered independent committee headed by former treasury secretary and chairman of the 1995 salaries commission, B.C.Perera, to inquire into and submit a report on the promotions and salary anomalies of the electrical, technical and civil superintendents of the Ceylon Electricity Board (CEB).

The Minister appointed Ronnie Weerakoon, one time Sri Lanka Tea Board chairman and Kuda Banda Warnasuriya who was the director special projects of the Mahaweli Authority as the other members of the committee.

The Minister advised the committee to study the grievances submitted by the trade unions of the electrical, technical and civil superintendents of the CEB with regard to their salary anomalies, service promotions and other demands and forward recommendations within 60 days.

Ravi wants SLT to reconsider tariff hike

Minister of Commerce and Consumer Affairs Ravi Karunanayake has requested Sri Lanka Telecom (SLT) Chairman Thilanga Sumathipala to reconsider his decision to increase call charges by 250%.

Minister Ravi Karunanayake accused SLT of placing an unbearable burden on the consumer adding that the proposed increase is even worse than the price increase of Shell gas.

The Minister also adds that when such increases are contemplated the interest of the consumers should be uppermost in the chairman's mind.

The Minister further states that the intention of forming SLT was to facilitate competition and provide adequate and affordable services. The Minister views the present decision to jack up tariffs as 'unfortunate and unfair'.

In a letter addressed to the SLT Chairman the Minister has stated that the cost of telecommunication services has been decreasing internationally but unfortunately tariff rates in Sri Lanka have gone up sharply over the last few years and the consumer has had to face much hardship.

The Minister also states that any further increase cannot be justified under any circumstances.

The Minister adds that in a competitive market the land telephone charges should remain at a  stable and reasonable level and reduction in tariffs of both local as well as international calls would be advisable.

Fire engine for Kalumunai

The Japanese government has gifted a fire engine worth Rs. 4 million to the Kalmunai Municipal Council.

The donation was made to mark 50 years of friendship between Sri Lanka and Japan.

Ports Minister Rauf Hakeem asked for a fire engine after the computer unit in the South Eastern University was devastated by fire recently. The donation was made on the instructions of Prime Minister Ranil Wickremesinghe. The fire engine was handed over to the Ports Minister by Foreign Minister Tyronne Fernando last Friday.

Shipping tender grounded

A tender called last month by the Rehabilitation, Refugees and Resettlement Ministry for a vessel to ship military items to the north has been stalled following a directive by the Premier that such tenders must be handled only by the relevant ministry.

Recently the Ceylon Shipping Corporation and its Chairman, M. J. M. Muzammil cried foul, alleging that the Rehabilitation Ministry had altered tender specifications to suit a competitor.

The Sunday Leader discovered that tender specifications had indeed been altered, effectively preventing the CPC owned ship the Lanka Muditha from winning the contract.

Prime Minister Ranil Wickremesinghe has since ordered all tenders to be handled only by the relevant ministry and in this case since the items to be shipped to the north are for the military only, the tender would be handled by the Defence Ministry.

Defence Secretary, Austin Fernando said that Rehabilitation Ministry Secretary, A. Jeyaratnam has already informed him that this tender would no longer be handled by Rehabilitation Minister Dr. Jayalath Jayawardena  and his Ministry. Fernando, however, asserted that since the tender had already been called for and bids evaluated the Defence Ministry did not have sufficient time to call for a fresh tender. The present contract with the Ceylon Shipping Corporation has already expired.

He said the cargo would continue to be carried by the CPC's Lanka Muditha until  the Defence Ministry is in a position to call for fresh tenders.

Fernando meanwhile asserted that the government is not in a position to favour Chairman of Master Divers A. Wickremanayake. Wickremanayake insists he should not be deprived of carrying cargo to the north, since he did so at the height of the war and at the invitation of President Chandrika Kumaratunga.

Wickremanayake told The Sunday Leader that "tender or no tender I have been a true patriot and my contribution towards ensuring that goods were carried to the north at the worst of times should not be forgotten.  The government must ensure that my business is not compromised."  Wickremanayake's bid for this tender has been the highest. 

Austin Fernando ruled out any possibility of the government granting any special concessions to Master Divers.  "We will continue to call for tenders and award them to the best bidder," he said.

1400 women die daily in childbirth - UNICEF

A study conducted by UNICEF has revealed that around 1400 women die each day from causes related to childbirth - 99 per cent of them from developing countries.

More women die from the complications resulting from childbirth in developing countries than from any other cause, UNICEF said last week, calling the figures "a shameful record of discrimination and apathy toward women and their rights."   International Women's Day was celebrated yesterday around the world.

 "On this International Women's Day, we're speaking for the girls and women who aren't alive to tell their stories, and for their orphaned children. We're speaking for the girls and women who are fighting for their lives right now, for those shut out from education, and for the millions who are exploited or discriminated against.

"We're here to say that in this era, no woman should have to struggle for equality and respect. No woman should have to shoulder the disadvantage of being denied an education. And no girl or woman should die in the process of giving birth," the report issued by UNICEF stated.

Maternal mortality rates alone do not reveal the full scale of the tragedy. For every woman who dies from complications related to childbirth, approximately 30 more suffer injuries, infections, and disabilities which are usually untreated and  not spoken of. An estimated 300 million women today - or a quarter of the women in the developing world - have sustained serious and long lasting  problems during pregnancy and childbirth.

Dog eats dog

A conflict has arisen between animal rights activists and the Colombo Municipal Council over the growing number of stray dogs seen in Colombo City.

Municipal council members pointed out that they have to answer to the public about the eradication of stray dogs although there has not been an order given to them by the municipality in this regard.

The Sunday Leader learns that Colombo Mayor Prasanna Gunawardena along with animal rights activists, are personally involved in safeguarding the lives of canines although the public is against this.

While the conflict between these two parties is on, Interior Minister John Amaratunga has said he would order the law enforcement authorities to shoot stray dogs that threaten the lives of the public.

Journalists?

The media units attached to various ministries are apparently misusing the right to hold media accreditation cards.

Even computer operators are now using the cards that are specifically meant for media personnel.

The Sunday Leader is in possession of an accreditation card application form where a web designer attached to the Ministry of Rehabilitation and Resettlement has applied for a media card. Jeyasingam Godwin Thusyantha's application form has been approved by Director Media, Ministry of Rehabilitation M.S.Satheesh Kumar.

The form approved by Satheesh Kumar is one that is meant for the journalists of print and electronic media.

Some progress under MoU - PAFFREL

The Peoples Alliance for Free and Fair Elections (PAFFREL) has said in a report on the peace process, that although the preamble to the ceasefire agreement states that the overall objective is to find a solution to the ongoing ethnic conflict in Sri Lanka, the agreement itself seeks to implement confidence building measures as indicated in Articles 1-4.

"The agreement does not indicate the political issues to be addressed in order to find a political solution to the ethnic conflict," states PAFFREL's Situation Report on the signing of the ceasefire agreement on 22 February 2002, which was issued last Friday (7).

The report states that the implementation of the ceasefire agreement can be assessed under three headings-violations,  implementation of obligation's of parties to the agreement, and settlements reached outside the agreement.

The report critically notes  that violations of the ceasefire agreement take place even after 11 months since the signing of the agreement and but adds that military operations referred to in Article 1 of the ceasefire agreement have ceased almost totally.

"But acts such as abduction and assassination of government security forces have been reported, both in and outside the north east. Security forces have expressed concern over the disappearance and abduction of personnel attached to the intelligence units of the armed forces," the report states.

It has pointed out that hostile acts against the civilian population, such as abduction, extortion and harassment have continued in varying degrees over the 11 month period, despite assurances given by the LTTE to the Sri Lanka Monitoring Mission and human rights organisations operating in Sri Lanka.

"The cessation of such acts is important for restoring normalcy to all inhabitants of Sri Lanka, and to promote human rights. Many instances of LTTE cadres moving about carrying arms and transporting military equipment in vehicles and boats have been reported.

"Instances of harassment by the LTTE of some Tamil parties such as EPDP, EPRLF and PLOTE engaged in legitimate political activities, have been reported, even though the LTTE itself has been allowed to engage in political activities in government controlled areas," the report further states.

"Some EPDP party offices and EPDP controlled pradeshiya sabha buildings have been reported to be damaged," it added.

The report  has also pointed out that the UNF government on its part, has met most of the obligations in the ceasefire agreement. It notes that security forces have vacated all schools and religious places where army camps had been located and set up camps at alternate sites.

"The government has allowed the unimpeded flow of non-military goods to and from LTTE dominated areas with the exception of certain specified items. Most checkpoints in government controlled areas, and in the south have been removed, to facilitate the flow of goods and the movement of civilians.

"All main roads, including the Kandy-Jaffna road have been opened. Most fishing restrictions have been removed. LTTE members have been allowed to enter government controlled areas for the purpose of political work.

"Since the signing of the ceasefire agreement, the government has refrained from conducting military operations and arrests under the Prevention of Terrorism Act. Arrests are now made only in accordance with the Criminal Procedure Code.

"The Tamil armed groups have been disarmed. Harassment of civilians by the security forces has been minimised. Those found guilty are charged and punished," the report prepared by PAFFREL observed.

It also said that the LTTE has met some obligations fully and some obligations in varying degrees of compliance. It has noted that there is total cessation of military action  in the north-east and the south, except some incidents of abduction referred to under 'violations.'

"The LTTE has cooperated with the government in reopening main roads and reducing check points. Unarmed government troops have been allowed unlimited passage between Jaffna and Vavuniya using the A9 road. The flow of non military goods to and from LTTE controlled areas has been allowed without unnecessary restrictions. The LTTE has also co-operated with the SLMM and other monitoring committees.

"The LTTE, however, failed to meet its obligations in the area of hostile acts against the civilian population. Incidents of abduction, child recruitment extortion, taxing, and harassment have been reported.

"Abuse of the right to political work in government controlled areas, granted to the LTTE, has been reported at times,"  the report further observes.

Jeyaraj issues ultimatum

Peoples's  Alliance parliamentarian and former Parliamentary Affairs Minister Jeyaraj Fernandopulle has vowed to take up his case regarding being asked to leave the High Court hearing the Udathalawinna case by a presiding judge, in parliament, if the chief justice fails to reply his letter to him outlining the  course of action against the judge.

The member of parliament, who is also an attorney at law, was ordered to leave the court on February 18, when he went to attend the Udathalawinna case.

The reason cited by the judge who wanted Fernandopulle out of the court was that he was not attired properly while occupying the bar table meant for lawyers.

The case was presided over  by a three-bench jury under the chairmanship of Justice Eric Basnayake.  According to information received the judge was only acting according to suggestions made by Justice Sunil Rajapakse who was also on the bench. The third judge was Deepali Wijesundera.

Citing section 8 of the gazette, Fernandopulle says "attorneys at law appearing in the Supreme Court and the Court of Appeal shall also wear a black gown." He says there is no law that a lawyer who goes to attend a case and occupies the bar table has to wear a gown.

In a hard hitting letter addressed to the Chief Justice, Fernandopulle has said that in terms of the 'Attire of judges and attorneys at law rules 1978,' published in the extraordinary gazette No. ¬ of 7/9/1978, the attire for attorneys at law other than  women attorneys at law shall be black coat and dark or white trousers and black tie, or white national costume or black, sherwani with dark or white trousers.

"According to article 8 of the said rules, attorneys at law appearing in the Supreme Court and Court of Appeal shall also wear a black gown," he has said.

He has further stated; "Although the rules specifically refer to the attire that should be worn by the judges of the High Court (see Article 3.5 of the said rules) no reference is made regarding the necessity of wearing a cloak in the High Court by an attorney at law."

He has further stated in his letter that the comments of the said judge at the trial at bar were made in the presence of the members of the profession, law students, more than 10 members of parliament, the press and the public and that such comments have caused him grave pain of mind and humiliation.

"The above comments which were not warranted in law would adversely affect me in my future political career," he has said.

Fernandopulle, who says he has appeared in more than 20,000 cases told The Sunday Leader, that if he fails to receive a positive answer from the chief justice, he would take up this matter in parliament shortly.

Consider detainees - Bishop

Bishop of Mannar, Rt. Rev. Rayappu Joseph, has said in a statement that the launching of a hunger strike by Tamil political detainees in the Kalutara prison would disrupt the ongoing peace process. Release of detainees in prisons should be taken up at the negotiating table, he has stated.

According to the Bishop, the release of detainees and the repeal of the Prevention of Terrorism Act should be taken up at the negotiations between the LTTE and the government.

No bridge please

MDMK General Secretary M. Vaiko, has written to Indian Prime Minister Atal Behari Vajpayee not to concede to the Sri Lankan government's proposal to construct a bridge between Rameswaram and Thalaimannar, in place of the Sethu Samudram project.

"I understand that the government of India is planning to make an initial survey about this project proposed by Sri Lanka. If such a bridge is planned, scuttling the wider scope of Sethu canal, it will be a grave injustice to the people of Tamil Nadu," he has said in his letter.

First meeting of new sub committee

The first meeting of the Sub-committee for the Welfare and Rehabilitation of War Affected Women and Children took place in Kilinochchi on Wednesday and Thursday at the Peace Secretariat of the LTTE, sources said.

Participating in the meeting presided over by Dr. Astrid Heiberg, was Kjeresti Tromsdel, an official from the Norwegian Embassy in Colombo, five representatives of the government of Sri Lanka and five representatives of the LTTE.

Dr.Kumari Jayawardena, a specialist in human rights and women's rights, Dr.Deepika Udagama, Professor of Law at Colombo University, Kumudini Samuel, human rights advocate, Faizoon Zakariya, and Dr.Fazeela Riyas, medical doctor from Batticaloa represented the government.

Indian fishermen detained

An estimated 76 fishermen from the Ramanathapuram coast in the Indian state of Tamil Nadu were detained by the Sri Lankan government last Monday night.

Just 13 of them were released late Tuesday. Their boats are still in Sri Lankan custody, according to informed sources.

Sri Lanka lifted a ban imposed in 1983 on fishing in its northern waters after the Norway-brokered peace agreement was reached between the government and the LTTE.

Last week's  incident was reportedly the fourth clash this year. In January the Sri Lanka Navy arrested 36 Indian fishermen.

Rajitha requests Thonda's assistance

Lands Minister Dr. Rajitha Senaratne has requested financial assistance from Housing and Estate Infrastructure Minister Arumugam Thondaman to set up a library for the children in the plantation sector.

Minister Senaratne in a letter addressed to the Housing Minister has said that he is prepared to allocate a suitable plot of land from the Kalutara district for the purpose, and all the guidelines to complete the project.

He has further said that the mayor of Kalutara has also given his consent to provide the location, and to maintain the library at the expense of the municipal council.

"Tamil politicians in the Kalutara District have made representations to me regarding the necessity of a library for the children of the plantation sector. They highlighted to me the need specially of Tamil students wanting to pursue higher studies. I shall be very thankful if you could provide a financial component from your allocation meant to develop estate infrastructure," the letter stated.

Gold for Srilankan

SriLankan Airlines has won three SLIM awards at the recent advertising awards. The airline won three gold medals for the best print media ad, best corporate advertising, and the best point of sale material, a release said.

The airline also won a gold medal for social responsibility and public service and a bronze for their button campaign for cargo.

"Our corporate objective has been to establish the airline as a top and international carrier. We have been working towards this with a series of image building advertising, both above and below the line. The calendar has always been a premium give-away for the airline. This year's calendar is a classic example of such corporate image building," the Airline's Advertising Manager, Priya Epitawela has stated in the release.

In memory of Richard

A prize is to be awarded in memory of journalist, writer and human rights activist the late Richard de Zoysa.

According to Ajith Saravanamuttu, the settler of the fund, the 'Richard de Zosya Prize', will be a substantial cash award of approximately Rs. 30,000 and is to be awarded annually from this year to a student of the upper school of S. Thomas' College, of which Richard was a distinguished student.

This is being awarded in accordance with the last wish of Richard's late mother, Dr. Mrs. Manorani Saravanamuttu.

New plan eases congestion

By Risidra Mendis

The traffic congestion on Galle Road that vexed civilians and vehicle owners finally seems to be easing. With the introduction of a pilot project last week by the Highways Ministry with the assistance of the traffic police, vehicle and bus operators and commuters now find it more convenient to travel during rush hours.

Speaking to The Sunday Leader, a lady who travels from Panadura to Colombo 2 said on a normal day it took her one hour and ten minutes to complete the journey. However, two days back she arrived in her office in Colombo 2 within an hour.

According to commuters using the Galle Road, the worst congested areas were Bambalapitiya to Kollupitiya and Mount Lavinia to Wellawatte. However, traffic started  moving smoothly during peak hours after the implementation of the plan that restricts the parking of vehicles by the roadside during rush-hour.

“It took me half an hour to get from Bambalapitiya to Kollupitiya on a week day. But on Thursday, I arrived at office within 15 minutes,” Nalika Seneviratne said. However, between 5.00 and 6.00 p.m. traffic congestion was still evident.

Meanwhile, van drivers using the Galle Road had mixed feelings regarding the new plan. Commenting on the flow of traffic, one driver said that it was relatively smooth. He however thought it was unreasonable for the traffic police to prevent people from parking even for five minutes by the road.

“Sometimes I have to park miles away just to buy a small item from a shop on Galle Road. Therefore, I feel the traffic police should give us a grace period of at least five minutes — that can’t really hurt anybody,” the driver said.

Meanwhile, another company driver said it was only fair to apply the same rule to everybody. “Others are inconvenienced just like us. So we shouldn’t be complaining since this project was implemented while taking into consideration the welfare of all parties.”         

A communique issued by police headquarters said that as part of the pilot project, parking on the seaside from 7.00 a.m. to 12 noon and on the landside from 12 noon to 7 p.m. in areas covering the Galle Face roundabout up to the Maliban junction in Ratmalana and from Duplication Road to the Liberty roundabout in Colpetty will be strictly prohibited.

According to SI Janaka Senadheera, the pilot project is showing good signs of easing the traffic congestion in Colombo. “We believe that many road accidents will be prevented by such a move. Right now it is the pedestrians and push cyclists who suffer the most,” Senadheera said.

No change in accidents in last two years

According to statistics maintained at the traffic police headquarters, an estimated 8,398 accidents have taken place in 2002. The figure for 2001 was 8,386.

The number of deaths due to road accidents by buses in 2001 was 430 and in 2002 it was 398. The number of grievous accidents by buses in 2001 was 631, while in 2002 it added upto 696.

According to SI Senadheera, the number of non grievous accidents by buses in 2001 was 1,768 and in 2002 it numbered 2,104. Vehicles damaged in accidents with no loss to human life was reported as 5,557 in 2001 and 5,200 in 2002.

The private bus offences recorded for 2002 were 2,382 for dangerous driving, 411 for drunk driving, 4,375 for pedestrian crossing violations and 23,895 for licence violations.

Meanwhile, 17,658 cases were reported for speeding violations and 37,593 for road rules violations. Smoke emission violations numbered 1,090 while other minor offences totalled 4,532,000.

Women’s Day dampens anti-war cry

By Mandana Ismail Abeywickrema

Women’s Day which fell yesterday (Saturday) dampened the anti war demonstration organised by the Alliance for the Protection of Natural Resources and Human Rights (APNRHR) against the anticipated US led attack on Iraq.

APNRHR is an alliance of 100 organisations and unions. Trade unions of privatised institutions hold membership in this alliance.

According to Secretary, Movement for National Land and Agricultural Reforms, Sarath Fernando, representatives from the fisheries sector, plantation, farming, etc. were expected to take part in the anti war demonstration. He explained that this anti war demonstration was part of the global protest organised against an imminent war on Iraq.

Fernando observed that they expected at least 2,000 demonstrators, but the fact that Saturday, March 8 happened to be International Women’s Day had reduced the number of people participating in the demonstration. However, he added that the demonstration received a good response with inquiries coming in from outstation areas like Badulla and Kurunegala.

The demonstration, according to Fernando did not receive funds from anyone and was not funded by any embassy. He went on to say that Sri Lankans too have a right to take part in global activities adding that a US led attack on Iraq is unjustifiable. “According to international laws, a country can only use weapons against another country in self-defence. So far, Iraq has not tried to attack the US and how can the US try to disarm another country using similar weapons of mass destruction and armed forces,” Fernando questioned.

The protest also did not receive much support from political parties quite used to organising such protests themselves. The JVP usually does not lend support to protest campaigns organised by the Alliance since rival trade unions hold membership with them.

Nevertheless, the JVP and the SLFP will come together tomorrow to hold a joint rally against the government. The last time the JVP took to the streets it brought 45,000 protesters into Colombo leaving it virtually sieged by protesters and security personnel. 

Yesterday’s anti-war demonstration is the second such global protest. The first was held on February 15 and was considered the largest protest in history.

• Cricket World Cup

War minus the shooting

By Dilrukshi Handunnetti

New Delhi was still cool at the tail end of a bitter winter, but North India was fever pitch with excitement as February drew to a close. The cricket fever was on an all time high with the Indian team doing well at the World Cup being played in South Africa, and the most crucial game for the Indians turned out to be the one against Pakistan.

The intensity was too much. On the eve of February 28, a hassled looking Indian Skipper Saurav Ganguly appeared on national television with a plea of sorts. “Tomorrow we are playing Pakistan, and it is not a war, but a simple game of cricket.”

Ganguly knew what he was talking about. The stakes were high in a country that plays good cricket (match fixing notwithstanding) and the national interest is such that each time India played, it became an unofficial holiday.

Ganguly would prefer it to be a simple game, but in the sub-continent cricket is war minus the shooting.

This obsession and passion in the entire sub continent perhaps is seen at its best and worst in India itself. Nowhere would you find so much celebration for a simple victory. No where else would you get the kind of anger turned into violence targeting players, their property and families so that the stressed out captain himself has to appeal for sanity.

“I would risk anything, give up anything to see us defeat Pakistan,” said an impassioned senior executive of the Taj Palace Hotel. His enthusiasm seemed contagious. With feverish intensity, they remained glued to television sets, in pin drop silence as Pakistan scored an imposing 273 runs. The game of cricket obviously transcended all barriers and brought the young, old and the lame together — this Indian passion for the British game is nothing short of a religion.

Of course, playing Pakistan was crucial and the feeling was, ‘never mind the World Cup, India needed to beat Pakistan.’ An ancient political grudge that runs back to partition — Mohamed Ali Jinnah’s creation of Pakistan. So playing with Pakistan was much more than a game, it was political warfare sans the bloodshed.

The bloodshed part came in, as Ganguly and his boys knew well, in the aftermath of defeat. That, the players would not risk. A win was mandatory for both countries for the political intensity of the match made it a life and death issue. A defeat put much at stake. It was just a week before that Ganguly’s house was attacked and Rahul Dravid’s car was smashed. Such is the passion this ‘gentleman’s’ game evokes in the Indian psyche.

March 1 was the predictable unofficial holiday. The Delhi streets, congested and polluted with over three million vehicles were deserted. People stayed indoors, glued to television sets and munching popcorn and candy.

The few of us who differed, thought this was an ideal opportunity for shopping at the bazaars. It was. One could bargain at ease because the vendor is eager to go home. As the day wore by, they were keener to close shop, so one could actually purchase a Rs. 200 pair of shorts for half its price.

The Delhi pubs had propped up large tele screens, and the executives who dropped by for a coffee remained glued, thumping on tables as saucers and cups rattled. At the restaurants, ladies sat quietly eating until Tendulkar hit a single — a single mind you and there would be uproarious applause, thumps and diners would stand up and cheer.

What a game, what passion! Interestingly, this national obsession went far beyond playing cricket, it had much to do with playing against Pakistan. Many thought it was premature to expect the World Cup itself, but defeating Pakistan seemed a matter of national pride.

“Lose to anyone, but not to Pakistan” most said. Former Pakistan skipper Imran Khan now turned politician was visiting Delhi as the crucial match was being played. “Strange indeed, we are so passionate about playing against each other. More strange is the fact that we only meet on a cricket pitch,” he noted.

The Indian victory saved the day finally, and definitely saved invaluable property of the players. Crackers were lit, plates laden with sweets were brought to the streets. Hugs, kisses followed as if everyone had some stake in the game. It was celebration time and this, Indians do in grand style. Ganguly would rather bask in the afterglow than worry about the ‘what might have beens.’

But the targeting of Muslims, the abuse and the un-sportsmanship that followed led one Indian national daily, a newspaper which took pride in advocating that India should play Pakistan whenever possible to ease the political tension to finally note: “ If a game leads to these barbaric ends, let’s never play against Pakistan.”

Agro-economy beset by poverty — study

By Shezna Shums

Poverty in rural areas dependent on agriculture is far higher when compared to other parts of the island, a recent study has revealed. 

Agriculture is considered one of the sectors that has the highest potential for growth and development.

More than 70% of Sri Lanka’s rural population relies on agriculture for their livelihood. However, the study conducted by the Mahbub ul Haq Development Centre in collaboration with an UN agency states that the Sri Lanka’s farmers’ incomes are not adequate when compared with the cost of living and production costs.

It adds that for more than two decades, Sri Lanka’s agricultural sector has performed below its average capacity.

During the last decade, the local agriculture sector has grown only 2%, which indicates that the national export capabilities of the country are under pressure, in turn affecting export earnings.

The agriculture sector contributes only  20% to the gross exports although it is the main sector that can help uplift the rural economy.

The study further states that with farmers’ incomes becoming less, the credit burden in rural areas tends to increase rural poverty and thus pushes a quarter of the country’s population below the poverty line.

Although paddy is the main crop grown by 70% of Sri Lanka’s farmers, this only meets 90% of the domestic requirement. However, the farmers’ income keeps reducing as production costs keep going up.

The study has also shown the intensity of agriculture on farming land has reduced by 18% during the period 1990 to 1997. When farmers find that agriculture yields less profits, the land is divided and used for other purposes and not for agricultural purposes. Farmers also divide their land to give to their children, thus dividing existing land further.

There is a surplus of labour in Sri Lanka and the cost of machines are high and the only machine used by most farmers is the tractor. Thus, intensive farming is not possible, which in turn does not give the optimum output. Adding to this is the theory that it is not economical to buy sophisticated machines for small pieces of land. The fact that only 1% of total Gross Domestic Product (GDP) is spent on research and development on agriculture shows that this sector’s potential is not being tapped.

“Income generated from agriculture is recorded as the lowest occupational income category in the country,” states the study.

The study further states that very little has been done in parallel industries to help the rural economy.

State sponsored programmes have put up garment factories in the rural areas to improve employment opportunities. However, rural sector investments for rural infrastructure development have been restricted due to budgetary constraints of the government.

“The private sector investment flows to the rural areas have also been limited,” the study further states