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Karunaratne denies monk's charges

JATHIKA Hela Urumaya (JHU) Leader, Tilak Karunaratne has denied charges made by Ven. Kathaluwe Rathanaseeha Thero who was mysteriously kidnapped prior to the Speaker's election on April 22, that he was forced to resign from parliament.

The monk last week filed a civil suit in the Colombo District court charging that he was kidnapped and forced to resign from parliament.

He complained that the move by the JHU to appoint another monk, Ven. Akmeemana Dayaratne Thero to take his seat in parliament was illegal and asked for an order to declare his resignation letter null and void as he was forced to sign it.

Meanwhile, Karunaratne said the monk's utterances had no 'meaning' and added they were not 'true'.

He said the clergy has made several statements to the media regarding his abduction and added that all statements were contradictory to each other. "So one cannot come to the conclusion that the monk says the correct thing. It is most unfortunate," he said.

He said the monks now are under threat by the Janatha Vimukthi Peramuna (JVP) and added that they are being dictated to by the JVP. "Everything is happening according to the way JVP wants," he said.

Poster menace again

By Shehan Moses  

CHAIRMAN, People's Action for Free and Fair Elections (PAFFREL), Kingsley Rodrigo said that police action to remove posters and banners of candidates for the upcoming local polls is ineffective.

Countering this allegation, Police Chief, Indra De Silva said that due to the large number of candidates contesting the upcoming provincial elections, the police is finding it difficult to remove each and every poster on the road.

"We are finding it difficult since most of the candidates repeatedly paste posters, even though the police removes them. For example, districts like Colombo has over 500 candidates and when almost all of them put up posters it is difficult for the police force to deal with it," he said.

He said though the police removed posters every morning the supporters of candidates repasted the posters in the evening.

Bill to prevent domestic violence

By Shezna Shums 

A bill aimed at preventing domestic violence is to be presented to parliament shortly by the Justice Ministry, Ministry officials said.

The bill provides for the issuing of a protective order from court to prevent an aggressor from harming persons within defined relationships and within the home environment or even outside.

However this bill does not seek to introduce new criminal offences or to punish persons for criminal offences but seeks to protect persons from harm and abuse by members of the household, officials said.

Through the introduction of the bill, protection orders can be obtained under the following categories: physical abuse, criminal intimidation, extortion and emotional abuse which are defined as a pattern of cruel, inhumane, degrading or humiliating conduct of a serious nature towards an aggrieved person.

An applicant can be a spouse, ex spouse, partner, a parent or relative who is subject to abuse by the person identified in the bill as a 'relevant person.'

However an application can also be made on behalf of the aggrieved person or an officer recognised by the National Child Protection Authority (NCPA) or if there is a child involved then by the guardian, officials said.

Once a protection order is received the court procedure to be followed envisages the making of an Interim Protection Order (IPO) in the first instance as the immediate relief and the holding of an inquiry thereafter to determine whether a protection order should be issued.

The court is compelled to immediately consider such an applicant in order to determine if a protection order is needed for the affected person.  The IPO can then be obtained immediately even if a copy of the application has not been served on the perpetrator or even without a hearing.

This protection order will be issued only after the court looks into the application and after affording the respondent an opportunity to show cause why the order should not be issued.

In making this protection order the court is required to take into account "the need to prevent the commission of any act of domestic violence and the need to ensure the safety of the aggrieved person," Ministry officials said.

Such an order will then restrain the aggressor from committing or causing another act of domestic violence, in order for the respondent to be safe from the aggressor. The protection order is a civil remedy and will have no bearing on the guilt of the aggressor in relation to any offence.

The order will be active for 12 months and can also be extended, amended, varied or even revoked on the application by either party after a hearing.

However, while this act is in operation, the aggressor shall not be able to enter the aggrieved person's residence nor will the aggressor be allowed to follow the aggrieved person around.

Further, if the court sees need it can make additional orders to provide immediate safety, health and welfare to the aggrieved person or the aggressor and will also be required to have regard to the needs of the aggrieved person, the children if any and any hardships that may be caused to the respondents or other matters the court may recognise.

However, in the event of failure to comply with the order the respondent is liable after conviction by the Magistrate's Court to be punished with a fine less than Rs. 10,000 and with either simple or rigorous imprisonment of a maximum of one year.

The issue of the protection order will have no bearing on the normal criminal law justification. Therefore, once an offence is committed, the normal criminal justice process in respect of prosecution and punishment may continue, while similarly any remedy that a person may have to file a civil suite remains unaffected, officials said.

First ever information centre on waterfalls

For the first time in the world the non-profit scientific body, Lanka Council on Water Falls (LCWF) initiated the first National Information Centre on Waterfalls last Thursday.

According to a statement from the LCWF Coordinator, Niroshana Peiris, the aim of this centre is to give correct data about waterfalls to the public.

This is the only organisation to conduct active workshops on waterfalls using systematic work plans, latest technology, international expertise and advice, he said.

The LCWF has employed a trained officer to work at this centre and hopes to train more staff to work at the organisation, he added. The LCWF also plans to start the proposed Waterfalls Diploma course from June 19 this year.

"Very soon information on waterfalls will be available by telephone hotline under phase 11, during this year," Peiris said.

Nadesan's murder: Cops clueless 

The police still does not have a clue as to those responsible for the killing of veteran Tamil journalist Iyadurai Nadesan last week.

Spokesperson, Sri Lanka Monitoring Mission (SLMM), Disa Sinnboga said the SLMM is carrying out its own investigation over this killing. "The SLMM last Wednesday met with several LTTE representatives and this was a topic that was also discussed," Sinnboga said.

Meanwhile, speaking to The Sunday Leader, Military Spokesperson, Colonel Sumedha Perera said the situation in the north and east of the country is calm now. According to him, since the signing of the MoU between the government and the LTTE, there has been a total of 49 killings in the north and east.

Furthermore, army statistics show 10 cases where persons were abducted and then killed. Perera said the number of abducted persons stands at 19, while the number of attempted abductions is 13.

The figure of abducted and released persons is 24 and two individuals have surrendered to the LTTE. These figures have been recorded after thorough investigation and inquiries conducted  by the military.

Lankan workers in Saudi Arabia to stay on 

Chairman, Foreign Employment Bureau (FEB), Karunasena Hettiarachchi says the bureau has no intention of repatriating migrant workers from Saudi Arabia after two Sri Lankans were killed following a terrorist atack.

Hettiarachchi said migrant workers proceed to foreign countries on their own wish and therefore the government has no plan to bring them down even though they had to face problems. "If they want they can come on their own," he said. He said the government would step in to repatriate migrant workers only if war is declared in a particular country.

Battle continues over proposed 
reintroduction of Railway Department

By Shehan Moses  

Former Railway Authority Chairman, P.H. Manatunga says if the present government plans to reconvert the existing Railway Authority into a department, it should be done through parliament after obtaining a two thirds majority.

The government recently said it would make every effort to change the present Railway Authority and reintroduce the department once again as workers continued to protest against the formation of the authority. However, Manatunga says it would be impossible for the government to bring any changes to the existing Railway Authority.

"It would be practically impossible for the government to abolish the Railway Authority. The only way the Railway Authority could be abolished is through a bill in parliament," he said.

He said that given the minority status of the United People's Freedom Alliance (UPFA) in parliament, it would be difficult for the UPFA to obtain the necessary support for the implementation of the Railway Department.

He pointed out that the reason the United National Front (UNF) established the Railway Authority was to reduce the massive losses incurred from the operations of the Railway Department and to provide a better service to the commuters.

"However, since there were a series of strikes followed by the dissolution of parliament within a short period it was impossible for the Railway Authority to show satisfactory performance," said Manatunga.

He said that the government should try to study the pattern of the Railway Authority and the possible performance in the future instead of bringing back the loss-making Railway Department. "If the government tries to reconvert the authority into a department it would incur in my view heavy losses once again," he said.

Meanwhile, General Secretary, All Ceylon Railway Workers Union, Sumathipala Manawadu believes the government would demolish the Railway Authority in the months to come. "The UPFA promised us that they would abolish the Railway Authority during their election campaign," he said.

According to Manawadu, the union would hold discussions with the Transport Minister regarding this matter some time next week. However, he said they presently have no intention to carry out any trade union action. "We do not want to pressurise the government at this stage since it has been in power only for a couple of months," he said.

However, he warns that if this government does not keep up to its promises the union would resort to trade union action. "If they are unable to pass the bill in parliament, the government should take action to revert the Railway Authority through a collective decision by the cabinet of ministers," Manawadu said.

Hoteliers call for aggressive promotion of Sri Lanka overseas 

Leading hoteliers have called upon the Tourist Board and the Tourism Ministry to enhance off shore promotional activities with a view to increasing tourist arrivals to the island thereby achieving the set target for 2004.

A hotelier of a leading hotel in Colombo told The Sunday Leader that Sri Lanka's tourism is poorly marketed overseas and added this does not attract tourists to visit Sri Lanka.

"We need to promote Sri Lanka as a leading tourist destination in order to compete with other countries such as Thailand and Hong Kong. Therefore we need to enhance the promotional activities that we carry out at present in order to be more competitive," he said.

Additional Secretary, Tourism Ministry, George Michael told The Sunday Leader that President Kumaratunga has appointed a task force following the formation of the UPFA government to study the tourism industry of Sri Lanka and formulate future plans to be implemented. Board of Investment Chairman (BOI) Lalith De Mel heads the task force. "Promotion of Sri Lanka as a leading tourism destination would certainly be a prime task of this force," said Michael.

However, he stressed there may not be any major changes of the present policies of the Ministry.

According to Michael, under the supervision of the Ministry, the Ceylon Tourist Board (CTB) is presently carrying out promotional activities to promote tourism globally.

"Under our supervision the CTB is carrying out a PR and promotional campaign of Sri Lankan tourism in 10 countries through Rateys Ltd., Singapore," he said.

•  Spotlight on Tangalle police

An attempt to suppress assault case involving JVP MP's b-i-1?

By Ranee Mohamed 

Is the Tangalle police attempting to suppress a case involving the brother-in-law of JVP's newly appointed Deputy Minister of Fisheries Nihal Galappati due to political pressure?

A nurse is reportedly suffering from severe pain after being bitten by the brother in law of a JVP MP. The nurse who is in her late 30s was allegedly  sexually molested by the suspect and has been transferred to the main Tangalle hospital from the quiet Nakulugamuwa hospital where the created a furore. This mother of three, unable to control her anguish, said she was very frightened of being involved in this incident and is unaware of any speedy action being taken, adding that the incident has caused her grave physical and mental harm.

The incident occurred when JVP MP Nihal Galappati and his wife (a doctor at the Nakulugamuwa hospital) set off to Colombo to accept the portfolio of deputy minister of fisheries. The wife's brother however, occupied the doctor's quarters allocated to Galappati's wife.

Break-in

"When there was no one around he had allegedly broken into the room of a nurse  and sexually abused her. She was seriously injured in the incident and is still wearing a plaster on the side of  her face," said a friend from the Nakulugamuwa hospital.

"I was fast asleep in my room when a stranger broke the window and entered the room. He was a thin man and he told me that if I screamed he will squeeze my neck. I was so frightened at seeing this stranger that I involuntarily let out a scream  and then he squeezed my mouth and my neck....This incident has caused me great physical harm and mental anguish," said the nurse who underwent treatment at the Tangalle District hospital for two days following the incident.

"This incident is an insult to the whole nursing profession. I was molested when I was on duty.  It is a great insult to me. I have not done wrong to anyone. We are an innocent family and now we are in the limelight. This incident has caused great anguish to my family too," said this nurse.

"There is a frenzy here as this woman is innocent. She is accompanied to this hospital everyday by her husband and this is the last thing that they imagined would happen to her in the hospital premises itself," said a friend of the victim.

Political pressure

A complaint has been made at the Tangalle police station. "But there seems to be much pressure on her and her immediate family to withdraw the complaint," said a hospital source. In the police complaint the midwife makes special mention of the painful bite that the politician's brother-in-law took off her cheek.

"The plaster makes her easily identifiable and hospital employees are furious about the incident though people at the top are trying to throw a blanket over it. It is reported that some members of the JVP have threatened this nurse and her family and she is very frightened. We want the offenders to be punished," said a minor employee of the Nakulugamuwa hospital.

"I am an innocent woman with three children. My children have to go to school. Why did this happen to me when I have not wronged anyone?" asked the nurse in tears. "I have never seen the man and in my entry I have mentioned that I have not seen him but can identify him if I see him again. I hear that they have cooked up a story that he is having an affair with me and that is why he bit my cheek. I am a married woman and this incident has caused me great mental trauma. I wish there was some authority to which I can appeal. I really do not know what is happening because after I lodged the complaint in the police station I was not called for an inquiry. But police officers in plain clothes visited me in hospital and asked me whether I will be able to identify the man if I saw him. I did see him again at these quarters and I informed the police," said the nurse from her home in Tangalle.

"I could no longer work in that hospital after the incident. Everyone was talking about it and I could not face anyone. The plaster made me easily identifiable and people were pointing me out," she said.

The Sunday Leader reliably learns that the sister of the accused (Galappati's wife) and the accused himself had come in search of this nurse to beg her forgiveness. It is also learnt that those who visited her had said "if this gets to parliament, they will have to swallow poison."

The Sunday Leader tried to contact Nihal Galappati since Thursday morning, but he could not be reached.  Tangalle police sources said that a complaint had been filed on April 23 and that the accused was to appear in court. The case no. was given as BR240/04.

•  Public increasingly susceptible to epidemic

Dengue death toll on the increase

By Jamila Najmuddin 

The Sri Lankan public appears to be more susceptible to the rapidly spreading dengue epidemic with 20 dengue related deaths and some 3,000 cases being reported so far.

In addition, the Epidemiology Unit of the Health Ministry claims that this year has seen an increase in the number of viral diseases and dysentery cases as well.

Since 1989, Sri Lanka has been experiencing an increasing trend in dengue fever and dengue hemorrhagic fever and this year already 3,634 suspected cases of both have been reported.

Speaking to The Sunday Leader, Medical Officer, Epidemiology Unit, Dr. Hasitha Tissera said that already 20 dengue-related deaths have been reported islandwide with the death toll likely to increase.

"There is no special treatment and no cure for dengue. The only way that deaths could be prevented is to educate the public on how to combat the disease and to go for quick treatment," Tissera said.

"Dengue usually occurs like any other flu and has many symptoms such as red spots on the skin, bleeding from the nose, gums or ears, frequent vomiting and even vomiting blood. Then, black stools, drowsiness, constant eye irritations, teary eyes, abdominal pains, excessive thirst, pale, cold clammy skin and difficulty in breathing are the other symptoms associated. If any such symptoms are experienced, people should immediately consult a physician or go to the nearest hospital," Tissera said.

According to him, the Aedas mosquito that feeds on a virus-infected body spreads dengue.

"These mosquitoes remain indoors, inside closets, under the furniture and other dark places. It rests where it is cool and shady. The mosquito is active during daytime. People should wear clothes that considerably cover the body and use mosquito nets even when resting during the day. Mosquito repellents should also be used," stressed Tissera.

He said hospitals were overflowing with dengue patients due to the unprecedented increase in the number of detections.

"As we have limited resources, we find it difficult to deal with the number of patients. Often, at least three patients have to share a bed, which is not good. To prevent this,  'screening' of patients should be done as much as possible at the clinic itself. For this, patients should rush when the initial symptoms appear," Tissera said.

According to statistics available at the Epidemiology Unit, 570 dengue cases were reported in the month of April and 1,088 cases in May. "This indicates that the numbers have doubled and are on the increase. Already 20 deaths have been reported. Five deaths have been reported from Colombo, three each in Gampaha and Kegalle. Two deaths have occurred in Kandy and Batticaloa with Galle, Trincomalee, Kurunegala, Puttalam and Anuradhapura adding one death each to the toll," says Tissera.

Dr. Jagath Amarasekara, speaking to The Sunday Leader said that there was also a tremendous increase in the number of dysentery cases islandwide as well. "Up to date, 2,387 cases have been reported this year with 597 cases being reported in May. Dysentery usually occurs during the rainy season. The main causes of this disease is the drinking of unclean water and eating unhygienic food," he said.

CMC saving Rs. 1 mn a month
through efficient garbage disposal

By Mandana Ismail Abeywickrema 

The Colombo Municipal Council (CMC) within a period of one and a half years has managed to reduce the cost involved in garbage disposal by Rs. 1 million per month.

The amount saved due to efficient means of garbage disposal will be in turn used to further expand projects to introduce cost effective, yet efficient methods to dispose the city's garbage.

Speaking to The Sunday Leader, Director (Engineering), Solid Waste Management Unit, CMC, Lalith Wickremarathne observed that Colombo is the only city that has managed to reduce the amount of garbage-disposed daily when compared to other cities in the region.

He explained that the CMC has managed to bring down the daily amount of garbage from 780 tonnes per day in 2002 to 600 tonnes in 2004.

Wickremarathne explained that the CMC has already introduced four projects for efficient garbage disposal.

The first project was introduced in the Borella area where 600 houses were given compost barrels under a pilot project. Under the project, people are advised to collect decomposable waste (organic) material in the barrel, which would then be turned into compost fertiliser.

Under the second project, 1,300 houses in Kirulapone were given three polysac bags for the collection of plastic, glass and paper waste products separately. Once products are thus classified, they are sent for recycling.

The same was done in the Torrington locality under the third project. Under the fourth, the CMC together with private companies handling garbage disposal in the city have introduced 'source separation' - separation of plastic, glass and paper material from organic waste. Under this scheme, 8,000 houses in the Colombo West were provided with three polysacs.

Explaining further, Wickremarathne said that the CMC has a programme where a special vehicle is dispatched to collect polythene and plastic from the Fort and Pettah areas in addition to routine garbage collection.

When asked whether source separation is done only at houses, Wickremarathne asserted that it happens at several stages - from the houses to the garbage collectors to those at the dumping yard.

However, he observed that the CMC is in the process of expanding its projects on efficient garbage disposal further as the pilot projects were well received by the public.

He enthused that people actually took the trouble to do the sorting out of garbage as requested.

Municipal Commissioner, Dr. Jayantha Liyanage said that Burns Environment Limited disposes the garbage collected under a 25-year contract with the CMC.

The garbage that is dumped at the Bloomendhal land is decomposed at Sedawatte.

Dr. Liyanage went on to say that the CMC has declared today, June 6, as Garbage Clearance Day to coincide with World Environment Week.

The intention, according to CMC officials is to minimise the amount of the city's daily garbage collection to 500 tonnes per day in two years.

•  New catering facility to be launched by 2005 in Katunayake

SriLankan to boost in-flight cuisine

By Dharisha Bastians  

With the long-term goal of being Asia's largest airline caterer, SriLankan Airlines Catering Services is to launch its new catering facility at Katunayake by 2005.

In a bid to boost in-flight cuisine, the catering service which is a fully owned subsidiary of SriLankan Airlines Ltd, will develop a brand new kitchen at Katunayake by September next year at an estimated US $25 million to triple the kitchen's current operational capacity, says CEO (Catering), SriLankan Airlines, Dilip Nijhawan.

The state-of-the-art flight kitchen will be housed in a four-storey building to be constructed on a five- acre plot of land in Katunayake, in close proximity to the Bandaranaike International Airport (BIA).

Nijhawan said the construction of the new facility will not interrupt daily operations and would maximise benefits and will be constructed by the Australian based Malaysian firm, Bovis Lend Lease.

SriLankan Catering's currently operational flight kitchen was built in the 1980s with a capacity for preparing just 4,500 meals per day. Today, the same kitchen prepares more than 9,000 meals daily for 17 international airlines, with a growth in demand of over 20 percent annually.

Presently the service is forced to turn down 25 percent of demand for catering due to insufficient capacity. With the new kitchen, SriLankan Catering will be able to prepare upto 13,000 meals per day and serve some 4.7 million meals per year.

Plans for the new facility had been in the pipeline for over four years now, Nijhawan said, adding that the "peculiar nature" of the aviation business led to the project being deferred till now.

With the airline's massive growth plan resulting in the addition of international destinations, SriLankan Catering expects meal demands too to grow steadily in the coming years.

"The new facility fits in beautifully to the expansion of the industry here," Nijhawan enthused. "In fact, it could not have come at a better time," he emphasised.

The catering service also operates a bar and restaurant at the BIA, another area the service intends revamping to meet growing passenger demands. Last year, SriLankan Catering became the first airline caterer in South and Southeast Asia to obtain the ISO 9001:2000 certification from SGS United Kingdom Ltd., for catering excellence onboard and at the airport restaurant.

SriLankan Catering also plans to strengthen its staff after the new kitchen is complete. Nijhawan said the service had recently upgraded its staff to 600 with numbers expected to grow with the completion of the new facility.

The airline, which suffered serious setbacks following the LTTE attack on the airport in July 2001, launched a massive campaign to revamp and restructure its services soon after. The catering expansion is expected to contribute a larger portion to the airline's revenue and enhance the quality of in-flight cuisine.

Uncleared areas a haven for stolen vehicles

By Shehan Moses  

The un-cleared areas in the north east are fast becoming a buyer's paradise for second hand luxury vehicles being available at rock bottom prices with many a stolen vehicle with southern registration finding its way there.

According to a survey by The Sunday Leader, these stolen luxury vehicles from the south are sold at prices ranging from Rs. 300,000 to Rs. 1 million.

According to Director, Colombo Crime Division (CCD), SSP Sarath Lugoda, a total of 55 vehicles have been "lifted" from January to April this year. In March alone, 20 have been stolen.

In one reported incident, an intercooler jeep worth Rs. 4 million and three T56 assault riffles were traded for a stunning Rs. 300, 000 at Chilaw last year. In another incident, culprits killed a millionaire gem businessmen to rob his super luxury jeep.

According to Lugoda, a man posing off as a genuine buyer robbed an unregistered car in Kandana two weeks ago. He said the sale of cars in uncleared areas is a growing trend as the ceasefire agreement and the re-opening of the A9 road collectively provide better access to the north east.

He emphasised that the CCD is doing its best to apprehend these criminals. "We have special squads operating within the Colombo city limits to capture offenders," he said.

However, most being well organised gangsters with established contacts with brokers and similar gangs in the north, apprehension has become a difficult task. "The criminals drive vehicles beyond Omanthai through the jungle routes to Medawachchiya to avoid check points. There is little or no chance of being detected since they carry false documents," said Lugoda.

"After a vehicle has been lifted, the gangs involved tend to purchase accident-damaged vehicles with open papers at relatively cheap prices. Number plates are swiftly changed and transfer papers are also prepared. They are later discarded as damaged vehicles to garages," he explained.

"The purchaser cannot easily ascertain whether he is buying a stolen or genuine vehicle. Even checking with the Registrar of Motor Vehicles (RMV) proves futile often, as stolen vehicles invariably bear the old number plates," Lugoda explained.

According to him, the areas near Castle Street and Asiri Hospital and the streets close to Bambalapitiya flats are the most "risky" areas where vehicle theft is concerned. However, he attributes the trend of car thefts to the negligence of car owners as well. "They are not bothered about vehicle safety as they park and provide opportunities for potential criminals," says Lugoda.

Accordingly, these people are equipped with a variety of keys and other tools useful for such operations. "It takes them only a couple of seconds to start a car with the aid of those keys," he adds.

Lugoda feels that criminals by now have "mastered the art," adding that some have their own garages to do the necessary 'fixing' such as changing the paint, number plates etc. Lugoda said the police is keeping a close eye on the movements of identified car lifters and request car owners themselves to be more vigilant to ensure the safety of their vehicles.

UWMP project improves living standards of farmers 

By Risidra Mendis 

The implementation of the Upper Watershed Management Project (UWMP) in the hill country initiated by the Environment and Natural Resources Ministry seven years ago has resulted in improving the living standards of farmers in the watershed areas with crop yield doubling.

The US$ 21.7 million project has three main components, namely the participatory rehabilitation and protection of forests, the promotion of conservation oriented farming systems and the capacity building and institutional strengthening - all of which have shown positive results, project evaluators claim.

The project, estimated at US$ 21.7 million, is collectively funded by the Asian Development Bank (ADB), the government of Sri Lanka and the project beneficiaries.

Speaking to The Sunday Leader, Project Director UWMP, D. P. Munaweera said the main characteristic of the project was to address the watershed management issues with a holistic and integrated approach which emphasises on the need for the rehabilitation and protection of natural resources while uplifting the living standards of the communities living adjacent to the critical watersheds.

According to Munaweera, some of the main problems that needed to be addressed were the lack of proper water management systems, the increased soil erosion in upper areas of the watersheds and the increased poverty in the areas due to high agriculture inputs and low productivity.

"In Hulankapolla, due to the limestone in the soil people cannot build houses. However, the land is ideal for cultivation. Our plan is to encourage villagers to cultivate on this land and to build houses in areas designated as 'safe,'" he added.

"Under this project, we have provided villagers with financial assistance to buy land and build their houses. Some villagers have already built their houses and are living in better conditions than before," said Munaweera.

Munaweera however added that villagers in Nelugaha, Dabare, Ekangapura, Palalpathane, Ratnayakepura and Ambaliyadda in the Walappne division, Malapola in the Uvathanne division, Hulankapolla in the Welimada division and Kadirasian and Uvatenna in the Haldemulla division need to be relocated due to the risk of landslides.

"We are in the process of finding suitable land for them," he explained.

Meanwhile, farmers who were instructed by UWMP officials how to apply proper conservation measures have succeeded in doubling their crop yield last year. "The annual income of farmer families prior to the UWMP project was much lower," according to officials.

"Farmers used more fertiliser and chemical pesticides to get a higher yield, but were unsuccessful. What they needed was to apply proper conservation measures in their farmland," says Munaweera.

According to him, successful farmers have earned up to Rs. 300,000 by the sale of crops. "However, potato farming in these areas need to improve," says Munaweera.

As a result of the ongoing UWMP, silting of the Rantambe reservoir has significantly reduced, officials claim. According to Munaweeera, the silt carried to the reservoir was about 150,000 metric tonnes.

"Now, only around 50,000 metric tonnes per annum comes in. The cost of cleaning of filters has also been significantly reduced," he said.

Card game that led to an ethnic riot

By Marianne David In Bulathsinhala 

An outbreak of violence in Bulathsinhala last week resulted in around 250 houses being destroyed and a number of villagers hospitalised with severe injuries. What began as a drunken brawl after a card game that took place two weeks ago between a Sinhalese man known as Chutta and a Tamil man named Ganesan erupted into a full blown ethnic riot when Sinhala and Tamil villagers began attacking each other.

According to villagers, men of both races had been playing cards two weeks before this incident. At the time Chutta had been drunk and upon losing, had started shouting in filth on the road. Ganesan had lost his temper and attacked him. Chutta was hospitalised and Ganesan remanded.

As revenge over the incident between Ganesan and Chutta, on May 30, a handful of Sinhalese villagers had attacked some Tamil men who were returning to their homes from a wedding and thrown stones at houses belonging to the Tamils. The Tamils had retaliated, and the violence escalated from thereon.

The next day, Monday, May 31, some of the Tamil men, fearing for their lives after the previous night's incident, had gone to the village monk to ask what should be done to resolve the problem. The monk had asked the men to return at seven in the evening to have a discussion with villagers from both parties.

By this time several separate incidents of Tamil and Sinhalese men getting into fights had also taken place and tempers were running high. The entire village was in an uproar, with Sinhalese men allegedly walking up and down the road that runs through the Millakanda Estate telling the Tamils that they would be attacked by four that evening and throwing stones at their houses.

"The monk asked us to come back by seven but during the day the Sinhalese men were threatening us. By three in the evening they started attacking our houses, breaking and damaging our things and setting them on fire. There were about 300 people," said Raja Kumar.

The attack

With the Tamils retaliating, a Sinhalese man who was badly injured had been taken around the village in a three-wheeler while he was bleeding, which fired up more villagers, who also joined in the attack. At the end of the day, with even the police unable to control the mob, not a single house belonging to Tamils was left untouched. Around 250 houses were damaged and not even a cooking utensil was left intact. Injured villagers were hospitalised at Nagoda, Horana, Bulathsinhala and Colombo.

The focal point of the attack was Ganesan's house, which was set on fire with his furniture and belongings completely destroyed. "Ganesan has left the village now but the villagers are asking for him," said Ganesan's father, M. Thangaiah.

However, both parties asserted that there have never been incidents of ethnic violence in the area before and this incident was a personal problem that went out of control. "If there were racial problems, we couldn't have built houses and lived here. It is a Sinhalese family that gave us food today. They are also scared. This is a problem between two groups, not between Sinhala and Tamil people," said Raja Kumar.

Said Upali Wijeratne, who lives a few houses away from Raja Kumar, "This is just a small incident that blew up, not a racial problem. Both the Tamils and the Sinhalese want to resolve this as soon as possible. We don't want to takes sides according to race."

By Tuesday, June 1, security had been placed around the area with even the STF called in and members of the police force present in and around the area. "Both sides are at fault and the people are angry so it is a big problem. At the time this incident took place the police came as soon as they were informed but the mob was too large to control," Wijeratne said.

However, a Tamil man said that while the police did arrive, they did not take any steps to stop the violence until all the houses were destroyed. "What's the point in the police just waiting until all our houses were attacked? They did not react in time," he said.

By Wednesday, June 2, however the problem was resolved to a great extent with members from both communities meeting along with politicians, Buddhist clergy and the police at the AGA's office.

"Ten of each side met at the AGA's office and issues from both sides were discussed. Peace has now been achieved and government funds have been promised as compensation," said Wijeratne.

Taking part in the discussion were Deputy Minister Kumar Welgama, former CWC MP R. Yogarajan, Sarath Ranawaka and Former Lands Minister Rajitha Senaratne.

"Right now food worth Rs. 250,000 is being distributed in the area and reconstruction will begin soon. Life is almost back to normal now and the people are back on the roads and going to work," Wijeratne said.

Committees appointed

Former Lands Minister Dr. Rajitha Senaratne told The Sunday Leader a decision was made to prevent similar incidents from taking place in Bulathsinhala again and two committees have been appointed to look into the grievances of the people.

"This is the first such incident in the area and it has been decided that such incidents should be avoided in the future. A committee comprising 10 members of both parties was appointed to look after their communities so that there won't be problems like this again. Another committee was appointed to meet regularly to take precautions and prevent problems on both sides," he said.

As for compensation, Senaratne said a list has been prepared and the AGA has been asked to obtain views from those affected as to whether they are satisfied with the arrangements made for compensation. "The damage has been estimated at Rs. 2.1 million. According to government regulations, compensation upto Rs. 75,000 each is given and about four cases exceed this amount," he said.

Senaratne had gone to Bulathsinhala with rations for the people and has also collected clothes to be distributed to those affected by the violence. He had visited the 12 people who were hospitalised in Kalutara including Pradeshiya Sabha Member Pon Ramalingam and the three people who were admitted to the Horana hospital, to discuss their grievances.

Fresh legislation to ease confusion on marriageable age

By Risidra Mendis 

The marriageable age for a female is to be raised to 18 through fresh legislation.

The Justice Ministry is to present to parliament amendments relating to the minimum age of marriage in the Marriage Registration Ordinance and the Kandyan Marriage and Divorce Act and also recognising adoptive relationship as prohibited degrees of marriage.

Under the Marriage Registration (Amendment) Act No. 18 of 1995 and the Kandyan Marriage and Divorce (Amendment) Act No. 19 of 1995, the age of marriage for a female was raised to 18 years. Prior to these amendments the minimum age of marriage under these two laws ranged from 12 to 16 years. However much confusion has reigned since the amending legislation.

Earlier it was said that the consent of a parent or competent authority is required for marriages of persons under 18 years of age. While these were relevant provisions prior to the 1995 amendments they became redundant after the increase in the minimum age of marriage to 18 years because a person under that age could not contract a valid marriage even with the consent of a parent or other authority.

The Justice Ministry says an anomalous situation thereby arose while both the Marriage Registration Ordinance and the Kandyan Marriage and Divorce Act clearly stated that no marriage contracted after the amendments shall be valid unless the parties are over 18 years of age, while there were also the provisions which stated that a person under 18 years can contract a marriage with the required consent.

The ministry officials quoting the proposals to be presented to parliament said it is this that prompted the ministry to draft fresh legislation.

"The confusion that prevailed was best demonstrated in the recent case of Gunaratnam vs the Registrar General (RG). In this case the RG refused to register a marriage where the girl was 14 years of age, although the parents of both parties consented to the marriage. The father of the girl filed action in the Court of Appeal challenging the refusal. The Court of Appeal held that in terms of the law no party under 18 years could contract a valid marriage in Sri Lanka even if there was parental consent and that parental consent to such a marriage was invalid due to the absolute prohibition to marriage.

According to the ministry officials, the main reasons for increasing the marriageable age of a female at the time was, to give effect to the provisions in the Women's Charter that 'the state shall enact legislation to specify 18 years as the minimum age of marriage,' to respond to representations made by members of the medical profession, who urged that the minimum age for marriage should be raised to 18 years for health reasons and to give full effect to the increase in the age of consent in relation to statutory rape, which was raised from 12 to 16 years by the Amendment to the Penal Code introduced in 1995.

It is learnt the repeal of Section 22 of the MRO and Section 8 of the KMDA would be consistent with the decision of the Court of Appeal and will give clarity to the legal position. Section 16 of the MRO and Section 5 of the KMDA Act deal with prohibited degrees of marriage.

 In 1995 the Penal Code was amended to recognise incest as an offence. Incestuous relationships for the purpose of the Penal Code also include adoptive relationships whereas under the marriage laws, adoptive relationships do not come within the prohibited degrees of marriage, officials stated.

"It is necessary for the incestuous relationships recognised under the Penal Code and the marriage laws to be similar. Therefore it is necessary that the MRO and the KMDA be amended to bring their provisions into conformity with the provisions in the Penal Code," they added.

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