The LTTE delegation led by its Political Wing Leader, S. P. Tamilselvan arrived in Sri Lanka following the Tigers' Paris confab last week. The Tiger team was then airlifted to Kilinochchi by SLAF helicopter

• Underworld figure confesses

Thilanga - the contractor?

By Frederica Jansz

An underworld gang leader has in a sensational confession stated that Chairman, Sri Lanka Telecom and President, Board of Control for Cricket in Sri Lanka, Thilanga Sumathipala planned and financed certain contract killings, including three assassination attempts on the Editor of The Sunday Leader newspaper.

Mahinda Godage alias Bada Mahinda has in a signed confession stated that Sumathipala planned and financed certain contract killings through underworld kingpin Dhammika Amarasinghe alias Dhammika Perera.

Mahinda was a classmate of Dhammika Amarasinghe and worked alongside the feared gangster for a number of years until his own arrest eight months ago. Dhammika too surrendered to police early this year and is at present in remand custody wanted for nearly 50 murders.

In his confession, Mahinda alleges that Sumathipala planned and financed three assassination attempts on  Editor-in-Chief of The Sunday Leader newspaper, Lasantha Wickrematunge which included a shooting incident on Wickrematunge's home at Nugegoda in 1998.

In addition, according to Mahinda, Sumathipala planned and paid for the notorious underworld figure Baddegana Sanjeewa, formerly a member of the Presidential Security Division (PSD), to also be murdered.

Baddegana Sanjeewa was killed on November 2, 2001, preceding the December 2001 general election. Mahinda has confessed that the killing was carried out by Dhammika Perera and another underworld figure known as Gala alias Udaya Kumara. He claims that Sumathipala paid Dhammika Rs. 90 lakhs for executing this murder.

Sumathipala when questioned denied any involvement with Dhammika or any other underworld figure, categorically denying his involvement in the assassination attempts on Lasantha Wickrematunge.

A high level police investigation presently being carried out by senior sleuths attached to the Criminal Investigations Department (CID) however has found evidence that Sumathipala had repeatedly telephoned Dhammika Perera while the latter was in remand prison on his mobile telephone. A breakdown of the gangster's mobile phone bill is evidence of this allegation. (See pages 12, 13 for full story)

Bada Mahinda meanwhile is expected to make a full confession in open court on September 27.

CBK double deals media again

President Chandrika Kumaratunga has locked horns with the media once more backtracking on an assurance to allocate a government owned building to house the Press Complaints Commission and a media training institute for journalists.

Plans to establish a television, radio, cinema and media training institute that would include a Press Complaints Commission was first mooted in 1998 by the Free Media Movement, the Editors' Guild and the Publishers Association.

Extensive discussions were carried out by the tripartite group with the then People's Alliance government and foreign donor agencies.

A structural plan of action indicated that the Press Complaints Commission and the media training institute would be funded by Norwegian and Swedish donor agencies for an initial period of three years. Thereafter the Publishers Association decided it would absorb the full cost of the progr- amme.

However, no sooner an action plan had been finalised, former Minister Mangala Samaraweera told donors the government was not willing to support the programme. Since approval was required from the External Resources Department in view of foreign funding, the entire programme had to be shelved following Samaraweera's refusal.

 With the change of government in December 2001, the proposal was once more reintroduced and senior journalists met with Prime Minister Ranil Wickremesinghe who indicated he was fully supportive of the initiative.

The Premier however maintained the government was not in a position to financially sponsor the programme but agreed to allocate a government owned building for the training institute and Press Complaints Commission to be established. Following further discussions, the PM agreed to allocate the building which presently houses the Sri Lanka Television Training Institute (SLTTI).  SLTTI has reportedly been running at a huge loss and has been totally mismanaged.

While these discussions were taking place, the Sri Lanka Press Institute which was established serves as the umbrella organisation which will manage the Press Complaints Commission and the training institute.

Final discussions were completed one year ago and the Mass Communications Ministry made arrangements to take over SLTTI in May this year in order to establish the media training institute.

Secretary, Mass Communications Ministry, Kumar Abeysinghe on March 10 wrote to the Director, SLTTI indicating the government's decision to allocate the building for the proposed media training institute and Press Complaints Commission and set out a proposed plan of action which included a voluntary severance scheme for the existing employees as well as absorbing some of the staff to the Media Ministry.

SLTTI is under the purview of President Kumaratunga but following an appeal make via Presidential Advisor, Lakshman Kadirgamar, President Kumaratunga had verbally agreed to transfer SLTTI to come under the purview of the Mass Communications Ministry.

However Kumaratunga, for reasons best known to herself, last week wrote a letter to the Media Ministry stating she is not agreeable to the transfer or SLTTI building being utilised for the purposes of a Press Complaints Commission and media training institute.

It is believed that one of the reasons behind the President's decision is the fact that Dushani Peiris, director, SLTTI is the daughter-in-law of media secretary attached to the Presidential Secretariat, Janadasa Peiris.

Dushani Peiris nee Bulumulla has no qualifications for the post of director, SLTTI, but was appointed due to her family connections with Janadasa Peiris who remains a loyalist of President Kumaratunga.

The President has cited various other reasons for her sudden decision which is completely contrary to her original position and promise to ensure the building is allocated for the purpose of a media training institute.

Kofi Annan arrives in October

United Nations General Secretary  Kofi Annan will arrive in Sri Lanka on a two day official visit in October.

He is expected to arrive in Sri Lanka on October 10 and will also be visiting India.

The UN General Secretary is also scheduled to address parliament either on Friday, October 10 or Saturday, October 11.

It is also learnt that Annan will have separate meetings with President Chandrika Kumaratunga and Prime Minister Ranil Wickremesinghe.

Labour Minister Mahinda Samarasinghe will be the minister in attendance during the UN General Secretary's Sri Lankan leg of the tour.

Complaints pile up at Bribery commission

An estimated 1000 complaints from the public on bribery or corruption have not been attended to by the commission to Investigate Allegations of Bribery or Corruption following the void created by the demise of one of the commissioners.

According to director general of the Commission, Piya- sena Ranasinghe nearly 35 indictments that also include charge sheets have also not been filed in courts due to this lacuna.

The commission became a 'white elephant' after justice T.N.Abeweera passed away in February this year. Since then the vacancy has not been filled.

Ranasinghe says the failure to file action in courts against those who have already been interdicted from their places of employment is unfair by them and added that the government should take serious note of this.

He also said on a daily basis the commission receives five to six complaints from various places but added that the commission is unable to take any serious action against the offenders.

"We are still carrying out the old cases. New cases are untouched. We get a lot of complaints about the accumulation of wealth and other acts of corruption involving public figures. But we cannot do anything about it," he told The Sunday Leader.

He said public officials take advantage of this lacuna in the commission and continue to engage in bribery. "This is bad for the country. This paves the way for more and more corruption," he pointed out.

MPs to visit Malaysia on study tour

Fourteen members of parliament have been selected to participate in a study tour to Malaysia from September 13 to 20.

The extensive programme is aimed at giving the touring MPs an insight into the Malaysian agricultural sector and rural development.

The entire tour is organised utilising private funds, according to Labour Minister, Mahinda Samarasinghe who is organising the tour.

'I resigned on my own' - Castelino

Former President, Colombo Swimming Club (CSC), Victor Castelino last week said that he tendered his resignation to the Colombo Swimming Club (CSC) on his own volition on March 29.

He also told The Sunday Leader that he was elected unanimously for the post of president, CSC.

"I tendered my resignation together with my committee of my own accord, the purpose being to provide an opportunity for a new team to experience managing a social club" Castelino said.

According to Castelino the committee and general membership had not quantified the cost of the projects at the meeting. However the total cost of the projects did not exceed Rs. 13 million. Furthermore he has said the projects were approved by the membership unanimously at the previous AGM held in March 2002.

"The contractor who undertook the kitchen project in 2000/2001 delayed in submitting the final bills by over six months. On submission of the bill amounting to Rs. 3.2 million, Rs. 1 million was deducted towards contractual obligations. As such the amount to be provided for is understated by 2.2 million and was not provided in the previous year due to the delay in submission of the final bills" Castelino said.

According to Castelino there is no report or reference made for Rs 400,000 either in the audit report or in the sub committee report.

Castelino went on to say that during his period at the CSC the membership rose from 800 to 1425 and profitability from under Rs.3 million to Rs.13 million among others.

Commenting on his tenure at the buying office, Castelino said his office is not responsible for invoicing and as such him having overinvoiced is incorrect.

"All payments for purchases and receipts for export proceeds are the direct responsibility of Sri Lankan manufacturers and as such I have not caused a loss of foreign exchange to the country" Castelino said.

He also said the decision of this commercial practice was the responsibility of his associate and therefore as the head of the team his conscience forced him to resign from his post at the buying office as regional vice president.

Ministers refute CBK's claim

Three senior cabinet ministers refuted President Chandrika Kumaratunga's charge that foul language was used on her during cabinet meetings.

President Kumaratunga told a large gathering last week during the 52nd Sri Lanka Freedom Party (SLFP) convention that three ministers use foul language during cabinet meetings and that Prime Minister Ranil Wickremesinghe only 'laughs' at them without taking any action against those who abuse her.

Education Minister, Dr.Kar- unasena Kodituwakku said that no cabinet minister has ever spoken to the President in language uncommon to  society. He said he has missed only a few meetings and in all the meetings he had participated, in cabinet ministers had used proper language to express themselves.

However he agreed that there had been heated arguments during cabinet meetings but denied any claim by the President that cabinet ministers used 'foul' language on her at any given time.

"I have no doubt about it. I think only President Kum- aratunga could answer to her own charges and not any cabinet minister," he said.

Meanwhile Chief Government Whip and Labour Minister, Mahinda Samarasinghe said he was certain that no cabinet minister ever spoke to President Kumaratunga using foul language as stated by the President. "She can point her finger at those who have used such language," he challenged her.

He said the President made this remark at the SLFP convention to create a wrong impression of the UNP government and there was "no truth whatsoever" in what the President uttered.

He also said that the first person who would have stopped the ministers from using such 'foul' language against the head of state would have been  the Prime Minister himself. "The Prime Minister is not going to tolerate such nonsense. He will be the first person to take action against anybody behaving in such a manner," he asserted.

He also said there was also no truth in the President's claim that the Prime Minister was laughing while cabinet ministers used 'foul language' on the President.

Trade and Consumer Affairs Minister, Ravi Karunanayake said "it is an absolute lie. There is no truth to it at all. To my knowledge no cabinet minister had ever spoken to President Kumaratunga in 'foul language' as stated by her," he said.

Demand to resummon parliament

The main opposition has decided to demand Speaker Joseph Michael Perera resummon parliament immediately to discuss the situation in Trincomalee, where it is said the LTTE is making elaborate plans to encircle the town.

Addressing a press conference in Colombo, PA Parliamentarian Mangala Samar- aweera said there is a serious security threat in Trincomalee and that parliament should be recommenced to discuss this issue.

He said that the army and the navy had seen around 150 LTTE cadres clearing the jungle area in Anandhapura that is situated on the Trinc- omalee -Habarana road.

The opposition has also charged that the LTTE constructed 13 camps since the signing of the ceasefire agreement with the government. According to the opposition the LTTE has established camps at Illankandai, Sambur, Kattaiparichan, Koonithivu, Navalady, Sinnakinya, Kan- dalkadu and Kurangupanjan.

Sihala Urumaya chief Tilak Karunaratne blamed President Chandrika Kuma- ratunga for not taking any action on this matter. "She is the head of defence. Why cannot she use her powers and do something? She is also conniving with the government and trying to ignore this grave matter," he charged.

He said if this issue is ignored, the LTTE would not only encircle Trincomalee town but also take control of vital installations like the China Bay Naval Base.

Meanwhile Sri Lanka Monitoring Mission (SLMM) Spokesperson, Agnes Braga- dottir said the Mission has no information to the effect that the LTTE has put up new camps.

Pachyderms continue to be killed despite appeals

By Risidra Mendis 

Despite repeated appeals to the residents not to harm elephants in national parks, they continue to kill them. The latest figures show that four elephants have been killed within just two weeks.

However according to local and foreign visitors visiting the Yala National park two weeks ago, three dead elephants were spotted at Nimalawewa Aramaya Senasana, Mahaseela and the Ondatjee areas within the park.  

Speaking to The Sunday Leader, Director, Environmental Ministry, Ranjith Eriyagama said the death of a male elephant was due to a viral infection. The other two animals, a male and a female had died due to trap gun injuries on their legs. 

"This is the autopsy report given by the park veterinary surgeon. However we have sent samples to the Peradeniya University to confirm this report" Eriyagama said.

According to Eriyagama there is a severe drought and shortage of food within the Yala park. As a result the elephants come out of the jungle and go into the chena cultivations nearby in search of food and water.

Eriyagama went on to say that as a precautionary measure  Environment Minister Rukman Senanayake has ordered the immediate building of an electric fence along the Nimalawa Sanctuary to prevent the animals from wandering to human populated areas. Work on the electric fence is expected to be completed by September 15.

"At present the park officials are using bowsers to fill up the waterholes within the park. The park will be closed from September 15 to October15" Eriyagama said.

SLMC urges action against unlicenced
foreign doctors practicing in SL

A significant number of foreign medical doctors practicing in various private medical institutions in Sri Lankan without the authorisation of the Sri Lanka Medical Council (SLMC) has irked the council.

The Sunday Leader reliably learns a couple of hundreds of foreign medical doctors are currently engaged in practicing in Sri Lanka. It is also learnt that despite repeated appeals made to the Health Ministry by the SLMC no action in this regard has yet been taken.

The SLMC on the other hand which has no legal powers to prevent these doctors from practicing in Sri Lanka without its license is 'helpless.'

 Vice President, SLMC,  Dr. Ananda Samarasekara says the SLMC has requested the government to amend the medical ordinance in order for the council to get more powers so that it could call for the names of such medical doctors practicing illegally in Sri Lanka and take appropriate action against them.

He says the powers to arrest such doctors are vested with the police upon receiving complaints. "But unfortunately no one makes any complaints against these doctors," he told The Sunday Leader.

He says the medical ordinance should be amended to take action against medical doctors who are working in Sri Lanka illegally and to take legal action against those who employ them in the country.

He also suggested that the proposed Nursing Home Act should be taken up in parliament and be made a law so that the government will have a grip over illegal medical practitioners.

Dr. Samarasekara explained that the country might have to face serious consequences as a result of letting foreign doctors practice in Sri Lanka without proper authority. Firstly he said it is illegal to practice in another foreign country without a proper licence. Secondly he pointed out this method prevents the SLMC from ensuring  that those doctors who are practicing in Sri Lanka have adequate skills and knowledge to treat the Sri Lankan patients. Finally he said this prevents  holding anybody responsible if there was a mishap in the process of carrying out  treatment. "For instance if somebody is killed or dies due to negligence of such foreign doctors practicing without proper licence, nobody will be held responsible," he said.

He emphasised that the government should take adequate measures to take note of this 'dangerous' trend in the country and enact proper legislation to curb the problem.

He says every Sri Lankan citizen who qualifies as a medical doctor abroad is expected to sit for Act 16 (of 1965) examination in the country to be eligible to practice in Sri Lanka.

However a foreign medical doctor who is willing to practice in Sri Lanka he says is not required to sit for this examination but instead is compelled to obtain licence from the SLMC on the recommendation of the director general of health, the health secretary or from a dean of a medical faculty.

He is of the view that this at present is not taking place in Sri Lanka. "We Sri Lankans are faced with more danger by not acting responsibly. It is the fault of the Ministry and the government," he charged.

IGP's tenure to be extended

By Dilrukshi Handunnetti

Inspector General of Police T.E. Anandarajah's tenure is to be extended by an year, according to Presidential Secretariat sources.

Anandarajah completes 60 years on October 14.

Meanwhile, it is learned that the Police Commission  is looking into the potential suitability and seniority of four Senior DIGs.  They are Gamini Randeniya, Indra de Silva, Jayatissa Herath and Chandra Fernando. 

Authoritative sources told The Sunday Leader  the  IGP 's services would be extended following a Presidential recommendation which is to be forwarded to the  Police Commission.

However, the commission claims that it has no responsibility in granting service extensions to police officers.

Sources claim that the President is keen to extend Anandarajah's tenure. A member of the Constitutional Council said that the President should take a decision in consultation with the Constitutional Council and not otherwise.

Committee for salary anomalies

Education Minister Dr.Karunasena Kodituwakku last week said the arbitration committee that would be appointed by the Labour Commissioner is expected to permanently put an end to the problems faced by the non-academic staff of the universities.

Last week the Labour Commissioner was directed to appoint this committee to find a solution to the conflict that existed between the technical and non-technical staff of the universities.

The Minister said that the arbitration committee that is to be appointed is expected to submit a detailed report of the problems and recommended solutions to the government within two months. He also pointed out that the conflict between these two categories arose after a misunderstanding that was caused by the University Grants Commission (UGC) regarding the salary revision of the non-technical staff of the universities.

Tamil MPs awaiting Tamilselvan's invitation

Liberation Tigers of Tamil Eelam (LTTE) Political Wing Leader, S.P.Tamilselvan will meet members of the Tamil National Alliance (TNA) after meeting with LTTE Leader V.Pirapaharan.

Tamilselvan has indicated to some Tamil politicians that after his arrival from Paris, he prefers to meet Tamil MPs after consultation with the LTTE Leader to share what was discussed in Paris.

Members of the TNA said that they requested from Tamilselvan an appointment to discuss the interim administration proposals prepared by him during his visit to Paris.

"We would be in a position to comment about the interim administration proposals only after meeting him," they said.

Illegal sand mining continues despite ban

Despite a ban on sand mining in the Vadamarachchi coastal area, it is learnt several persons are engaged in removing sand violating the temporary ban imposed.

The Point Pedro Magistrate K.Ariyanayagam last week ordered the confiscation of two vehicles with sand excavated from the Vadamaradchi coastal area violating the temporary ban, legal sources said.

According to sources the Magistrate made the order when the Point Pedro police produced the vehicles without registration documents sources said.

The removal of coastal sand is allowed only with permission from the local authority concerned and environmental officials.

"Because of the temporary ban, the price of a lorry load of sand has gone up to Rs. 12,000. As such several influential persons are engaged in removing sand," sources said

According to court sources the illegal transportation of sand came to light when two vehicles of a convoy transporting sand broke down midway last Tuesday. The police took into custody the broken down vehicles along with the sand and produced in courts.

Trinco English teachers protest

Temporary English teachers in Trincomalee are up in arms against the government's stand not to make them permanent.

Last week the activities of the North East Provincial Ministry of Education and the Provincial Department of Education located at Orr's Hill in Trincomalee, came to a standstill after hundreds of part time English teachers launched a fasting campaign.

Tamil National Alliance Parliamentarians Selvam Adaikalanathan, G.Krishnapillai and M.K.Sivajilingam participated at the picketing along with the part time English teachers.

Picketers blocked all the entrances to the Education Department and the Education Ministry.

TELO Parliamentarian Adaikalanathan addressing the gathering said that this matter would be taken up for discussion at the proposed meeting with the Prime Minister  scheduled for tomorrow, September 8.

TULF General Secretary and Trincomalee District MP, R.Sampanthan said he will submit a memorandum to the Prime Minister and education minister during next week's talks with valid reasons that they should be granted permanency.

Meanwhile the fasting teachers announced at the end of the meeting that they were calling off the one day picketing but would continue their fasting on a rotational basis until their demands were met.

New laws to ban religious propagation ?

Lawmakers in Sri Lanka are expected to consider legislation to make it illegal for non-Buddhists to spread their faith, according to an international watchdog group.

In recent years, decisions by the country's Supreme Court have undermined the freedom to promote one's religion, according to the Evangelical Alliance of Sri Lanka.

In August, the court ruled against the incorporation of a Roman Catholic ministry, saying that while the country's constitution allows citizens to practice their religion, it does not guarantee the right to propagate religion. Similar decisions refusing incorporation were made against other ministries in Sri Lanka.

Sri Lanka's constitution guarantees Buddhism supremacy.  Buddha Sasana and Justice Minister W. J. M. Lokubandara has said he will introduce an anti-conversion bill in parliament. Christian organisations in Sri Lanka are concerned the recent court decisions will set a precedent for enforcing the proposed anti-conversion bill, the Oklahoma-based watchdog group said.

Colombo's shanties increasing

The steady increase of shanty dwellers in Colombo city has become a matter of concern for the government.

According to Colombo District Parliamentarian Mano Ganeshan currently an estimated 60,000 families  are illegally living in Colombo, whose future he says is bleak.

He says while the increasing number of shanty dwellers is becoming an ugly sight it also poses danger to society. "Most of these people are used by the underworld thugs to carry out their nefarious activities. Also they are used for drug trafficking," Ganeshan said.

According to him most of them have migrated to Colombo from the hill country as the new estate management companies managing the estates have failed to grant them jobs. He also says he foresees more unemployed people from the plantations coming to Colombo in future.

"Migration to the city is a common phenomenon in any developing country. But the government should address its mind to this issue and try to find a way out.

"I tried to raise funds to construct a fully fledged Tamil technical college for the school drop-outs  in the plantation sector so that they could obtain knowledge to be employed, but the government failed to help me," he said.

He said the shanty dwellers could turn out to be more dangerous if the government fails to take necessary action forthwith.

International Day of Journalists Solidarity

The Sri Lanka Press Club has organised a seminar to mark  International Journalists Solidarity Day to commemorate the 60th death anniversary of journalist Julius Puchik.

The commemorative day falls tomorrow, September 8.  Puchik was assassinated on September 8, 1943. The theme of the seminar will be Peace and Media Freedom.

The Press Club states in a statement; "Every year September 8 is the International Day of Journalists Solidarity. This day is being observed in the memory of a great victory over German Nazi fascism in the battle of Kursk. It is observed as the sad demise of a courageous journalist who was sentenced to death and after killing him  his head was hanged. The Prague born Czechoslovak journalist died for the rights of the people."

Cabinet approved navy's cannon purchase
- Marapone

Defence Minister Tilak Marapone has said that purchase of weapons for the Naval Fast Attack Craft  was subjected to his examination and was followed by presenting a cabinet paper in this regard.

In a statement he has said that this was approved by the Cabinet Sub Committee on Budget and Tenders and finally by  cabinet itself.

"The proposal was not the purchase of a complete weapon system but the upgrading of the existing 15 Israeli manufactured Fire Control Systems already fitted on 15 of our Fast Attack Crafts, by replacing the existing 23 mm cannons with 30 mm cannons and modifying the rest of the system to accommodate this change of cannon," he has stated.

He has said that his attention has been drawn to a controversy given publicity in the media, surrounding the purchase of weapons for the Naval Fast Attack Craft. The main allegation he says seems to be that whilst a weapon called Bushmaster is available to be purchased at a much cheaper rate, the navy is about to purchase instead a weapon at approximately three times this price.

"This is absolutely incorrect. The prices compared are the cost of a Bushmaster cannon with the cost of a cannon including the cost of integration of the cannon to an existing Israeli Fire Control System. (Weapon system consisting of an electro optical device, the mount containing the gyro and computer system and the cannon)," he has said.

He has stated that in the first place, this upgrade can only be attended to by the Israeli government owned company who are the manufacturers of this Fire Control System adding that the cannon could be of any make, but the installation of the cannon and the upgrade of the Fire Control System consequent to a change of the cannon can only be done by this Israeli company.

"The technical know how and the accessories necessary for this exercise is available only with this Israeli company (being the manufacturers of this system) and the government of Sri Lanka, at the time of the purchase of these systems, has signed an agreement with this company preventing any other party modifying or upgrading the systems.

"Therefore, when the navy wished to have the systems upgraded by replacing the existing 23 mm cannon with a 30mm cannon (to get a better range), the Israeli government was requested to submit offers for this purpose. They submitted three offers using three different makes of 30 mm cannon including the Bushmaster cannon," he has stated.

The Minister has further stated that according to the Israeli offer, the total cost of the upgrade using the Bushmaster  cannon was around US $ 824,000.00, using a Swiss made Oerlikon cannon was US $ 724,000.00 and with a Russian cannon US $ 553,000.00 per Fire Control System. "The upgrade using the Russian cannon was rejected by the evaluation committee as it involved a deck modification (at a further cost to be borne by the navy) and the Oerilikon was chosen being the cheaper," he has explained.

"Therefore it is absolutely incorrect to state that the cheaper  Bushmaster was rejected in favour of a more expensive cannon. The  Bushmaster  suppliers did later make an offer to supply the cannon at US $ 228,472.00 per cannon, but this was the price for the cannon alone and does not include the cost of the upgrade to the system which, as I said earlier, could be executed only by the Israeli company which manufactured the Fire Control System to which this cannon is to be fitted. The Israeli company had already quoted US $ 824,000.00 if it is to upgrade this system using a  Bushmaster  cannon," he has added.

Breathing made easy for asthmatics

By Hemamala Wickramage

Offering relief to an estimated one million asthma sufferers in Sri Lanka, Consultant Physician Dr. Anil Goonetilleke has come up with an alternative to the practice of popping pills.  As a doctor desperately seeking his own cure from bronchial asthma, Dr. Goonetilleke has invented an alternative for the current practice of taking pills which he claims is totally ineffective in treating the disease.

After seven years of research, he came up with an inhaler capsule which won him the coveted Presidential Award for Inventors in 2001. He believes this was the first time that a pharmaceutical product has won this award.

According to research findings by the UK Thoracic Society, all asthma sufferers should be given inhaler treatment. "Inhaler treatment is the gold standard for acute asthma attack sufferers," says Dr. Goonetilleke. Unfortunately for many local patients the illness is treated orally with medicines like Prednisolone as inhaler treatment is not available in government sector hospitals.

 "Unlike inhaler treatment which poses  no risk of side effects, the prevalent method of treatment subjects patients to a number of complications.  Having been through the difficulties himself, Dr. Goonetilleke says: "I was seriously bent upon finding an effective solution and making inhalers affordable."

"Being an asthmatic myself, I have seen what asthma sufferers go through and I didn't want to stop until a solution was found," he says.

According to Dr. Goonetilleke the illness is a serious cause for concern.  However, not much attention has been paid to making inhaler treatment accessible to all sufferers. He says that the illness is multi-factorial. Increased air pollution and other factors associated with urbanised 21 Century lifestyles have resulted in an alarming escalation of asthma and related illnesses.

A study by Sri Lanka Chest Physicians, ISSAC Phase III Study,  the very first of its kind and an ongoing study - has revealed asthma to be  increasingly prevalent amongst children. "It is as high as 15% to 20%," says Dr. Goonetilleke.

Asthma has also been found as the number one cause for hospital admissions in the country with 1999-2000 Health Bulletin statistics indicating as much as 375, 000 people admitted. "Given the enormity of the problem it is very unfortunate that sufferers are not given proper treatment. Only tablets are given to patients where inhaler treatment is known to be the most effective," he observes.

The other side of the coin is an estimated US$ 4 million per year in foreign exchange is spent on inhaler treatment by those who can afford it. "These are private sector patients. Even for them the inhaler treatment is a costly affair," says Dr. Goonetilleke.  Inhalers could cost up to Rs. 1,600 per dose. Once the new inhaler capsule is released to the market Dr. Goonetilleke believes that some of this money could be saved. "The raw material would be imported for the manufacture but the value addition done here is so big that it could be made available at an affordable price for the masses. With hope for local asthma sufferers on the horizon perhaps people with this chronic illness can soon start breathing easily.

•  Ideal habitat for endemic species

Kurulu-kele - the sanctuary by the city

By Marianne David

The Kurulu-kele area of the Kegalle Sanctuary is a small area in Kegalle, which despite its size, is home to a large variety of flora and fauna. The rare plant species Entada Pusaetha or pus-wela also grows in this forest area, one of which has reached the girth of 72 inches and has now fallen.

After walking, crouching and stumbling through the forest in the continuous rain for a while, we were met with an amazing sight - the fallen pus-wela, which is huge and looks like the trunk of a tree. The pus-wela however is still living and the fallen section has been fenced in and supports have been erected.

Despite its relatively small size, Kurulu-kele seems an ideal habitat for several endemic species. Fifty one nationally and four globally threatened species of flora and fauna have been recorded in the area.

Situated in close proximity to the Kegalle town, the Kurulu-kele area started off as a 280 acre block of land designated as the Kegalle Sanctuary, but has now dwindled down to a mere 10% of its previous size. A Buddhist mediation centre is also situated within its confines.

Home to globally threatened species

Kurulu-kele contains 190 species of flora, 34 of which are endemic and 249 species of fauna, some of which are rare, endangered and even globally threatened states the report titled Biological Diversity And Conservation Strategy - Kurulu-kele Area Of The Kegalle Sanctuary published by the Sri Lanka Environment Exploration Society (SLEES) after a study conducted from 1995 to 1997.

The faunae population ranges from microscopic insects to mammalian species. There are five species of land snails and two aquatic snails (five endemic), 81 butterfly species (five endemic), 11 amphibian species (four endemic), 11 tetrapod reptile species (four endemic) and 21 serpantoid reptile species (four endemic) of which seven are nationally threatened and one, the rock python, is globally threatened.

There are 92 bird species out of which 10 are endemic to Sri Lanka and five are nationally threatened. The three-toed kingfisher, described as a rare, beautiful and nationally threatened species, is also found here, states the SLEES report.

Twenty two species of mammals have been recorded in Kurulu-kele. The small flying squirrel, otter, slender loris, mouse deer, Indian fishing cat and otter (lutra lutra) are nationally threatened. The Indian fishing cat and otter (lutra lutra) are globally threatened as well.

There are no permanent streams in Kurulu-kele, with small temporary streams flowing through during the rainy season.

The SLEES study identified threats to the sanctuary due to the over-exploitation of resources. These include extraction of medicinal plants, felling of trees for fuel wood, encroachment, illegal trapping of animals and chena cultivation.

For the villagers, the forest is mainly seen as a source of firewood and medicinal plants, states the SLEES report. There are 31 plants species of medicinal value in the forest of which 25 are important.

Fence

The collection of firewood has decreased after the construction of a fence by the Forest Conservation Department, which is responsible for the management of the sanctuary. Encroachment on the Kurulu-kele area was also halted after the construction of the fence.

In 1993, the department proposed that the area be maintained as a 'man and biosphere' reserve. Along with SLEES, the department also undertook studies to collect information on the area.

"Villagers sometimes hunt for porcupine and hare in the forest and also collect firewood," said Wipula Chandrasekara, a member of SLEES, who showed us our way around the forest.

"The SLEES conducted a campaign to rid the area of polythene left behind by visitors on August 11 and an NGO named SARDA is now involved in the protection of the Kurulu-kele area," said Chandrasekara.

SLEES has also taken several steps to prevent further degradation of the forest by the distribution of energy efficient wood burning ovens to people who depend on the forest for firewood requirements and educating school children and the public on the importance of the Kegalle Sanctuary.

Rich in biodiversity, the Kurulu-kele area is also unique due to its closeness to a major town. The SLEES survey revealed that of the residents in the area, 77.5% feel it is important to protect the forest and the sanctuary.

However, the respondents have also stated that they feel the conservation programmes launched so far have failed to make a visible impact and the conservation of the area should receive high government priority.

Can turtle conservationists be charged?

By Risidra Mendis

Survival of the fittest is the name of the game. But for the turtle, an endangered species, humans - but not all - may threaten its survival.

According to the Fauna and Flora Protection Ordinance, the rearing, keeping or breeding of turtles is illegal. But there are the lawbreakers like Kamal Edirisinghe and Dilshan Weerapperuma who break the law in the interest of the turtle, to ensure their conservation.

Two lads

Dilshan and Kamal, two self-confessed nature lovers are breaking the law to do what they think is best for the conservation of turtles. And from what could be seen, it has turned out to be a successful venture.

Kamal Edirisinghe was once walking on the Mt. Lavinia beach when he came across the nesting place of an Olive Ridley turtle. Disregarding the law that prevented him taking the turtle home, Edirisinghe and Weerapperuma thereafter took it upon themselves to protect the eggs the turtle laid until the hatchings were born.

"The Olive Ridley is considered the smallest of the turtle family. It also turned out to be one of the rare species, out the five species found in Sri Lanka," says Edirisinghe.

He sadly adds that the human greed to consume turtle eggs and meat had added to the drastically declining turtle population in the country.

Out of danger

Together, the young men successfully managed to protect 109 eggs from potential danger. Out of these eggs, 100 hatchings were born and the duo, so proud of their achievement, released them to the sea about a month ago.

"The second batch had 137 eggs out of which 107 hatchlings were born. Some of the baby turtles were released again in the night" says Edirisinghe.

Dr. Tharaka Pradad, a veterinary surgeon attached to the Department of Wildlife speaking to The Sunday Leader denied any knowledge about an instance where anyone has been prosecuted for violating the law with regard to turtle breeding.

"As far as the authorities are concerned, if hatchlings are released to the sea within three days of their birth, there should be no cause for prosecution, says Dr. Prasad. The problem arises only if hatchlings are kept for more than three days, as there could be a possible loss of their natural instinct of swimming in the sea.

The law does not come into effect with regard to one or two people protecting the species and releasing them to their natural habitat", he noted.

•  Getambe Temple pinnacle gem robbery

Devotees turn to faith as police draw a blank

By Shezna Shums

It was the dead of night as the shadows of the surrounding trees fell on the chaitya.  Feeling bold, one robber climbed on the back of his accomplice and reached for the precious pinnacle gem. The marks he left on one side of the chaitya were still visible when we visited the Getambe Rajopavanaramaya in Peradeniya.

The pinnacle gem has been missing since late August and todate, it is an mystery where the authorities have failed to find any lead.

Precious gem

Speaking to The Sunday Leader Ven. Kappetiyagoda Siri Wimala Thero said:  "The pinnacle stone was a precious gem worth well over Rs. 500,000." All he wants is the gem to be returned to the temple.

Explaining the history of the temple, Ven. Siri Wimala Thero said that the temple was first built in 1958. In 1962, a precious stone was gifted to be used as the pinnacle stone.

"On any one day the temple will be visited by at least 300 pilgrims. People believe in this place and we have a chaitya without a pinnacle stone now" he said, sounding sad.

According to the priest what was stolen was not the gem, but the cultural value attached to the temple.

" Can you imagine a chaitya sans its pinnacle gem?" he questioned.

Also speaking to The Sunday Leader, Upali Attapatu, a temple worker said that part of the problem was that the temple was not properly lit up in the night. Yet the temple gates are kept open for the pilgrims to come. "When the robbery took place, it was dark and as shadows too fall on one side of the chaitya, the thieves found it easy to achieve their target."

Strong beliefs

Like all pious villagers do, Atapattu is convinced that the stone would soon be returned. " Nobody can keep a temple stone," he said, with conviction.

While the beliefs may be high, the authorities have come up with nothing.  When asked, the Peradeniya police said that nothing has emerged from their inquiry.

A sathyakriya has been held at the temple premises last week, praying for the return of the gem. And the morale seems to be if authorities fail, at least faith might deliver.

SPM crisis remains unresolved

By Mandana Ismail Abeywickrema 

While the crisis situation affecting a leading girls' school in Colombo continues to affect the school's administration, the Education Ministry is yet to take action against the principal despite parents and teachers collectively protesting against what is considered as her 'unprincipled behaviour.'

Some parents and teachers earlier took the battle to the streets protesting against the principal. Adding to the woes, the present situation at St. Paul's Girls' School, Milagiriya (SPM) has split the teachers and students into anti and pro fractions.

Speaking to The Sunday Leader, Dr. M. G. M. Rizvie stated that the Education Ministry has yet not taken any firm action against the school principal. Dr. Rizvie asserts that the Education Minister, Karunasena Kodituwakku has so far refused to meet him alleging that Dr. Rizvie has made some 'unwanted' comments to the media.

"When a delegation wanted to meet the Minister, he accused me of making unwanted comments to the media and refused to meet me," he said. Dr. Rizvie added that the Minister has yet not called for a proper inquiry to be held saying that he has not received any of the letters sent by protesters requesting for a proper inquiry. "We have sent about five letters to the Minister and he says he has not received any such letter," Dr. Rizvie said.

Being rude

Two weeks back when several parents sought to make representations to the Education Minister, a personal assistant to the minister has directed them to the National Schools Director, P.T. H. P. Geeganage as the Minister was unavailable at that moment. According to Dr. Rizvie, only three parents were sent in and the director has ordered them out rudely. The director had even questioned the personal assistant as to why they were sent in.

Security officers at the Ministry have not allowed the parents to leave the Ministry premises. Following this,   the parents have then made an entry at the Thalangama police  station. Subsequently Ministry officials have alleged the delegation  threatened the National Schools Director.

Dr. Rizvie further explained that while no action has yet been taken against the principal, teachers who are against the principal have been recipients of various pamphlets defaming them. He added that although the principal has been summoned by the police in connection with several complaints lodged against her she has not gone for any inquiry.

Meanwhile, an active old girl of SPM said that the Education Ministry has not taken any proper action and has not given a proper hearing to their grievances. "Delegations keep trying to make the ministry listen to what they have to say, but so far it has been a case of knocking their heads against a wall," she said. According to the old girl, all they need is a fair hearing as the inquiry held earlier was one-sided  and in favour of the principal. "It is one sided and the other side is missing," she alleged.

One complaint so far

According to her, a delegation had sought to make representations to the Minister on Wednesday (3). The appointment had been at 2.30 p.m. and the Minister had walked  out without meeting them, despite their waiting. However, Education Minister Karunasena Kodithuwakku stated that the Ministry has  so far received only one complaint, which concerns the school canteen.

According to Kodithuwakku, the inquiry held subsequent to this complaint found everything to be in order and upheld that the principal has done the right thing. The canteen was earlier run by the OGA. As for letters sent by protesters, the Minister said that he has received many such letters, which were vague  allegations, adding that there was no direct reference to corruption within.

Minister Kodithuwakku further said that some parents and teachers were for the principal, while some were against, and the lack of evidence merited no inquiry.  "The principal is appointed by the Public Services Commission (PSC) and not by us. It is only when we have an inquiry and find fault could the  PSC take up the matter. Right now we have no proper complaint," the Minister said.

As for the principal using 'bad language' on students and teachers, the Minister said that he has not received any personal complaints on the matter.