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With prices of essentials galloping, killings on the increase, and the peace process hopelessly stalemated, the plight of the nation has been captured in a novel hoarding by MTV Channel 1 News First which has come up all over the city. The hoarding depicts Sri Lanka burning with government leaders talking their way through it whilst senior members of the opposition are still to awake from their slumber -- Photo by Susantha Liyanawatte

  JVP Minister Lalkantha's call heeded

Strike to cripple schools in Nov.

By Mandana Ismail Abeywickrema 

Schools islandwide will be crippled when teacher trade unions launch a protest campaign between November 20-30.

The strike is to be launched by at least.....

More...

> LTTE wants talks on ISGA

> CBK, JVP allegations before Bribery Comm.

> Arjuna wants Thilanga's nomination probed

> JHU admits politics is tough business

> Bala to release new book

> National Law Conference next week

> Anandasangaree pleads for end to Tiger clashes

> Milk Powder prices to stay the same for now

> Assault of HR officers - four suspects identified

> New India-SL cable line for IDD calls

> The dark side of e-waste

> Disenfranchised voters demand NICs

> New rural telecom network

> Drivers association says protest political

> AIS encourages students to take up art and design

  JVP Minister Lalkantha's call heeded

Strike to cripple schools in Nov.

By Mandana Ismail Abeywickrema 

Schools islandwide will be crippled when teacher trade unions launch a protest campaign between November 20-30.

The strike is to be launched by at least 10 teacher trade unions demanding the rectification of their salary anomalies, streamlining teacher transfers and the loan schemes offered to them in addition to addressing the overdue promotions.

Todate 10 trade unions have agreed to jointly launch the protest campaign with an approximate membership of 60,000 to call on the government to heed their requests.

According to trade unionists, the number of teachers participating are bound to increase by next month when the protest  comes into full force.

Trade union sources noted that the protest would also focus on student rights with opposition to the school based assessment system, which is expected to form the thrust of national examinations in the future also to form part of the campaign.

Unions would also call for a national policy on the development of schools islandwide.

Responding to queries on the effects the strikes would have on students and the education system in the lead upto to the examinations, union sources said teachers should not be held responsible for the crippling of the education system as the blame would solely lie on the government for turning a blind eye to the problems faced by teachers in the country.

Explaining further, an activist pointed out that so far every government has not looked at the plight of the teachers and have ignored their requests, adding that when a protest is launched before an exam and it cripples the education system at least for a few days, everyone, including the government would open its eyes to see the problems faced by teachers.

He further charged that the country does not have a proper national policy for education, adding that any policy in the sector is changed by various governments when in power.

Speaking of salary anomalies, he pointed out that under the present structure, the anomalies range between Rs. 2,000 to Rs. 5,000.

Small and Rural Industries Minister K. D. Lalkantha addressing a gathering of teachers recently, while noting that the education sector was plagued with problems called upon the teachers to launch a strike on the eve of the examinations to have maximum impact and win their demands.

He also called on the teachers to demand a salary hike of at least Rs. 5,000. Speaking to The Sunday Leader, Lalkantha said he still agrees to the fact that the education sector in the country needs a facelift.

He went on to explain that for the government to notice the problems faced by any sector, people need to launch strong protest campaigns and in that context, teachers too need to seriously consider such an option to get people to listen to them.

The reason for the non-resolution of problems in the education sector, according to Lalkantha, was because the teachers have not been strong in their requests, adding that they have the right to do so to protect the sector from deteriorating.

As for the allegation that the JVP is now trying to target the schools with its politics, Lalkantha explained that the present school children also come from JVP families and as a result, they tend to discuss the political ideas in their houses with their friends.

However, Lalkantha pointed out that the JVP has always fought for the rights of students, adding that it is the JVP's efforts that have saved the education sector so far.

President Chandrika Kumaratunga who is also Education Minister last week reprimanded teachers, calling them cheats for compelling students to take tuition after school hours by not performing their duties during school hours.

Efforts made by The Sunday Leader to contact Education Ministry Secretary, Dr. Tara de Mel were unsuccessful and there was no relevant minister available for comment as the portfolio is held by President  Kumaratunga.

However, according to an Education Ministry official, if people have problems related to the education field, they could bring their grievances to the Ministry on its public day, which is Wednesday, and speak to the relevant officials.

As for not having a minister physically there to address issues related to the field, the official said that it was not a problem as everything is handled by an "efficient" secretary.

When asked whether the Ministry was aware of a protest campaign to be launched by the teachers' trade unions, he said that there are problems that need to be looked into, but the most important factor is to bring in practical solutions.

He further said that it is important for people to understand that schools are for children and their development and not mainly for the teachers.

LTTE wants talks on ISGA

The Liberation Tigers of Tamil Eelam (LTTE) have expressed their unwillingness to accept the Freedom Alliance government's counter proposals to the Interim Self Governing Authority (ISGA).

Cabinet spokesman Mangala Samaraweera Thursday announced that the government's counter proposals to the LTTE's ISGA draft have been finalised and will be sent to the Tigers next week.

However, the LTTE rejecting the government's 'counter proposal' said the Tigers would never sit at the table for any talks if such talks are not going to be based on the already submitted ISGA, adding there cannot be any other document countering the already forwarded ISGA.

The LTTE's view is that the government, led by President Chandrika Kumaratunga should first agree to resume the stalled negotiations based on the ISGA and then discuss amendments that may be included in the ISGA.

LTTE Media Coordinator,  Daya Master told The Sunday Leader that once the government and the LTTE decide to sit down for talks based on the ISGA, amendments and any changes could be made to the proposals during the negotiations. He maintained however that there cannot be another proposal to counter the ISGA and resume negotiations.

"What is this counter proposal about? We don't understand what these counter proposals are. We don't even believe in such proposals," he said.

While Minister Samaraweera told the news conference that the government would not at present disclose details of the counter-proposals, adding that it would be publicised after the proposals were sent to the LTTE, Daya Master said the organisation is not ever-ready to accept the so called 'counter proposals'.

"This is another farce to hoodwink the people and further delay the peace process," he said.

To an earlier statement made by Samaraweera that the government had done everything possible to bring the LTTE to the negotiating table, and that it was baffled by the LTTE's delay in agreeing to resume talks, Daya Master charged that Government Spokesman Mangala Samaraweera has no right to say that the LTTE has delayed the resumption of talks.

"We have from the very inception been calling the government for talks. It is the UPFA government that has been purposely delaying the process. Therefore I don't think any one has the right to blame the LTTE," he said.

Daya Master said the 'Chandrika administration' has always given excuses and delayed the process thereby causing frustration among the Tamils and added that it is the LTTE that has shown a keen interest to start negotiations.

CBK, JVP allegations before Bribery Comm.

The permanent commission investigating allegations of bribery and corruption last week received two complaints based on statements made by President Chandrika Kumaratunga and JVP's Agriculture Minister Anura Kumara Dissanayake.

The Sunday Leader learns the first complaint received was based on a statement made by Minister Dissanayake in Matale alleging corruption by "henchmen" of President Chandrika Kumaratunga with specific reference to highways projects under the purview of Prime Minister Mahinda Rajapakse and Deputy Minister of Marketing Development Siripala Gamlath and River Basin Development Minister Maithripala Sirisena's brother Nipuna Sirisena in respect to the control of rice distribution.

It is also learnt a second complaint was received on the cabinet paper submitted by President Kumaratunga on the JVP's 10,000 tank rehabilitation project wherein it was alleged there was a lack of transparency and a violation of financial guidelines set by the cabinet.

The complainant had pointed out that the President would not have made such a statement in a cabinet note unless there was evidence to substantiate her claim and has called upon the Bribery Commission to probe the issue.

Arjuna wants Thilanga's nomination probed

Industries, Tourism and Investment Promotion Deputy Minister Arjuna Ranatunga has told President Chandrika Kumaratunga that sending Thilanga Sumathipala to the ICC meeting in Lahore, Pakistan was a slur on the Sri Lankan government.

In a letter addressed to President Kumaratunga, Ranatunga has said, "Sumathipala has already tarnished the image of Sri Lanka Cricket. The entire country and the cricket world is aware of it. This appointment of Sumathipala to attend the ICC Board Meeting representing Sri Lanka is an insult and slur on the image of Sri Lanka. This will tarnish the image of Sri Lanka Cricket and the government of Sri Lanka."

Ranatunga has also detailed that Sumathipala was in remand prison for several months on charges of committing an offence under the country's Immigration and Emigration Act.

Sumathipala was alleged to have even used Cricket Board funds to pay for the air ticket of an underworld king pin, Dhammika Amarasinghe, to travel to England using a forged passport to witness the ICC World Cup matches.

Ranatunga in his letter points out that as a result of these charges, Sumathipala's passport was impounded and he was granted bail after many appeals made by him.

Ranatunga has copied this letter to Sports and Youth Affairs Minister, Jeewan Kumaratunga, Deputy Sports and Youth Affairs Minister, Sripathi Sooriyarachchi, President, Sri Lanka Cricket, President and CEO, ICC, presidents of all member countries of the ICC and to presidents of all Sri Lankan cricket clubs affiliated to Sri Lanka Cricket.

He has urged the President to initiate an inquiry on the circumstances of Sumathipala's nomination and take remedial steps to restore the image of the government and Sri Lanka Cricket.

JHU admits politics is tough business

The JHU last week admitted the party was finding the transition from a bhikku council to a political party difficult and problematic.

JHU Propaganda Secretary Ven. Athuraliye Rathana Thero admitted in an interview with our sister paper Irudina that the JHU has been plagued by internal squabbles and that the transition from a civic movment to a political party has not been without its own set of problems.

 "Within the next two months it will be clear where we are heading," he said. Admitting that they were new to politics he added, "we have had some problems in parliament as well."

Allaying fears that the JHU has entered the last lap in its political career, he said that the JHU would be taking some key decisions this coming Wednesday and that the plan was to launch a social mobilisation campaign.

Rathana Thero said that he believed Arumugam Thondaman crossed over to government ranks at the behest of the UNP. The JHU, the monk said was supporting the government conditionally on an issue-by-issue basis adding that the party expected support to influence far-reaching changes.

Bala to release new book

LTTE Chief Negotiator, Anton Balasingham is to release his book War And Peace shortly.

The 541 page book details the Tigers' armed struggle and the peace effort of the LTTE, according to the Tigers. The cover picture of the book depicts an LTTE cadre in front of an artillery gun. This is the first book to be released by Balasingham after the ceasefire agreement was signed between the LTTE and the Sri Lankan government in February 2002.

National Law Conference next week

The National Law Conference 2004, organised by the Continuing Legal Education and Seminars Committee of the Bar Association of Sri Lanka will be held at the Trans Asia Hotel from October 22 to 24.

The chief guest for the conference will be Chief Justice, Sarath N. Silva while the guest of honour will be Minister of Justice and Judicial Reform, John Seneviratne.

Registration will commence at 6.15 p.m. on October 22 which will be followed by the inauguration of the conference at 7 p.m.

The speakers participating at the conference include, President, Court of Appeal, Saleem Marsoof PC, Romesh De Silva PC, N.R. Gajendran FCA, Attorney-at law, Neomal Gunewardena, Judge of Supreme Court, Justice Raja Fernando, Deputy Solicitor General, Palitha Fernando, Shibly Aziz, PC, Attorneys-at-Law Nimmi Gunaratne,  Gotabaya Dasanayake, Manik Dias Amarathunge, K Kanag-Iswarn PC,  Attorneys-at-Law K Neelakandan,  S. L. Gunasekara, Sunil Cooray, Dr. D. M. Karunaratne, Dr. Harsha Cabraal, Ikram Mohamed and Nihal Jayamanne,PC.

Anandasangaree pleads for end to Tiger clashes

President, Tamil United Liberation Front, V. Anandasangaree in a letter to LTTE Leader Velupillai Pirapaharan last week urged the Tiger Leader to reach a compromise with former Eastern Commander Karuna, who defected from the organisation, in order to prevent the loss of valuable lives on both sides.

Stating his views on the LTTE's ISGA proposals, Anandasangaree questions: "How can we expect any government to agree to give majority representation for the LTTE in the ISGA? Whatever we demand the concerned parties must be in a position to concede."

"The Tamils, Muslims and Sinhalese who live in equal numbers in the Eastern Province will tend to oppose it and a demand of this nature will only increase the demand for the de-merger of the north east," he says, adding that the one and only option available for the LTTE, if they want a majority is to win over the minority members represented in the ISGA.

The letter emphasises that this demand will compel any government to dodge the issue and also deter the international community from interfering in Sri Lanka's problems.

Pointing out that the LTTE will have absolute control of the north and east through the ISGA as it will be the Chairperson/Chief Administrator for the entire region, Anandasangaree says that all assistants will also be LTTE members.

"Will the Tamils agree to an administration of this nature? Will the Muslims and the Sinhalese agree to a set up like this? And can any government survive after conceding this demand?" Anandasangaree queries.

He says that it is his opinion that the ISGA proposals have aggravated the problems of the Tamil people and have also diminished the hopes of an early settlement to the ethnic conflict.

Highlighting that what people want today is democratic rule, Anandasangaree also raises the issue of  elections, and requests that elections be held every five years of administration by the ISGA. According to the letter, if no settlement is reached within five years, an independent election commission appointed by the ISGA should conduct a free and fair election, but the TULF President also expresses his doubts as to whether this could ever happen.

Anandasangree charges that the ISGA was a move to bring the entire north and east under the control and subjugation of the LTTE and stresses that the only solution to solve the Sri Lankan problem is federalism. He also appeals to the LTTE Leader to use every opportunity available to win over the Muslims and the Sinhalese.

Milk powder prices to stay the same for now

By Shezna Shums 

The Consumer Affairs Authority (CAA) has only temporarily halted the increase in the price of milk powder.

According to Chairman, CAA, M. Mushin "This is only a temporary stop, until another application from the milk producers is received by the CAA."

"If and when another application is made for price hikes by the milk producers we will consider whether or not to allow the increase at that time," he stressed.

Last week, the companies requested that the CAA authorise the price increase of Lakspray, Nespray and Nido, owing to an increase in the world market prices as well as the depreciation of the rupee.

Mushin also told The Sunday Leader that to date no applications for price increases in relation to other essential items have been received by the CAA.

Assault of HR officers - four suspects identified 

By Shezna Shums 

The two Human Rights Commission officers who were physically assaulted by officers of the Jaffna police last Thursday identified four police officers involved in this assault.

At the identification parade last Thursday, 400 officers were brought in of whom 44 were suspects. However the HRC officials were able to identify only four persons.

It is also learnt that the officers were released on bail of Rs.15, 000.

According to Investigative Officer, HRC, M.B.Z.Ferooze following the outcome of the case that was filed in the Jaffna Magistrate Court by the Human Rights Commission's (HRC) Jaffna Regional Office, a decision will be made on whether or not to take this matter to the Supreme Court.

On September 27 two human rights officers and a United Nations volunteer were allegedly physically assaulted by Jaffna police officers when they entered the police barracks in order to carry out an investigation of a complaint that they had received.

Meanwhile last Friday, an inquiry took place at the HRC head office in Colombo where Ruwan Chandresekere and Ferooze gave statements to the police. Police officials present included IGP Chandra Fernando.

Speaking to The Sunday Leader, Ferooze stressed that they are continuing their work at the HRC office in Jaffna.

Last month's incident was the first time HRC officers had been prevented from carrying out their duties by the police.

An officer from the Jaffna Police explained to The Sunday Leader that the human rights officers were in fact given permission to enter the police barracks in order to carry out their investigations. However they were advised not to make a noise as some officers were asleep.

"But what happened was that first the HR officers entered the place, and seeing them, some police officers had not recognised them which eventually led to the chaos," he explained.

The day of the incident was also the first day of active duty for the United Nations volunteer at the Jaffna Regional Office. "This was his first day at the Janffna office with the HRC," said Regional Coordinator Jaffna, Human Rights Commission, Ruwan Chandres- ekere, who also added that the UN officer left for Colombo after the incident took place.

However according to the HRC Act, their officers should be allowed to enter any detention centre in any part of the country within 24 hours of a complaint.

After this assault the HRC made a complaint to the National Police Commission, Chandrasekere said.

New India-SL cable line for IDD calls

By Jamila Najmuddin 

A new telecommunication cable line jointly launched by India and Sri Lanka will further reduce the rates of IDD calls, said Posts and Telecommunications Minister, D.M. Jayaratne.

The Ministries of Post and Telecommunication of India and Sri Lanka launched the second global telecom cable line on Thursday, linking the two countries in order to get clear telecom coverage from all over the world.

Currently the only global telecom cable line which is available and used by all countries in order to access international calls is linked from the United States to the United Kingdom.

According to Minister Jayaratne, the cable line was launched at 10 a.m. in the telecom centres of both countries.

"Discussions were held between myself and the Indian Minister yesterday about the reduction of IDD call costs and the foreign exchange that would benefit both the countries through this cable line," Minister Jayaratne said.

He added that since Sri Lanka was now the centre for this cable line, the country would benefit 'tremendously' due to the foreign exchange coming into the country, as most countries would now be able to access clear telecom lines through this cable.

However, the Minister failed to mention as to how much of foreign exchange would benefit the country. "It is still too early to say how much the country would benefit," the Minister said.

According to the Jayaratne, the cost involved for launching this new telecom cable was US$ 7 million for Sri Lanka whereas India had spent double the amount.

The dark side of e-waste

By Shezna Shums 

Despite the fact that electronic waste (e-waste) can cause serious health as well as environmental problems, currently there is no systematic disposal system to collect such hazardous units dumped in an environmentally unsafe manner.

Electronic waste consists of washing machines, refrigerators, mobile phones, computers and other household electric appliances, and when such items are obsolete, usually the useful parts are taken out while the obsolete machine is dumped away.

However, it is possible that some of the hazardous chemicals may still be present in these obsolete items that have been dumped.

Director, Environmental Pollution Control, M. J. J. Fernando explained to The Sunday Leader that e-waste included printed circuit boards that could cause severe problems when dumped, as they contain lead, mercury and cadmium.

"When the e-waste is burnt, toxic fumes enter the atmosphere and when they are dumped into the water, it pollutes the biodiversity system," said Fernando.

Meanwhile Fernando pointed out that the life span of a computer has reduced from about five years to two years now, adding that the trend to import used, obsolete machines are on the increase.

However, the problem arises after about two years when the owners do away with their old computers and buy new ones thereby throwing away their old computers.

At the moment the Environment and Natural Resources Ministry is carrying out a study to find out the number of such imports entering the country.

When such e-waste is incinerated it poses big problems as these toxins may seep into the groundwater "Although this problem is not very significant, this is the start of a big environmental problem," said Fernando.

However, according to information, e-waste contains the witches brew of toxic substances such as lead and cadmium in circuit boards, lead oxide and cadmium in monitor cathode ray tubes, mercury in switches and flat screen monitors, cadmium in batteries, brominated flame retards in printed circuit boards, plastic casings, cables and PVC cable insulation that release highly toxic dioxins and furans when burned to retrieve copper from the wires.

One such metal can cause damage to the central and peripheral nervous system, blood system, kidney and reproductive system in humans. It is also stated that lead accumulates in the environment and has high acute and chronic effects on plants, animals and micro organisms.

Cadmium on the other hand also causes irreversible effects on human health and accumulates in the body, especially in the kidneys. Cadmium can be found in infrared detectors, semiconductor chips and cathode ray tubes.

Mercury too causes damage to various organs including the brain and kidneys as well as the foetus. Inorganic mercury spreads out in the water and transforms to methylated mercury after which it accumulates in living organisms and concentrates through the food chain, particularly in fish.

Mercury is present in thermostats, sensors, relays, switches, medical equipment and batteries.

Other chemicals that are harmful are hexavalent chromium, plastics including PVC, brominated flame retards, barium and beryllium.

Most of these can be found in computers, plastic housing and electronic equipment and can cause problems to the brains as well as to the vital organs of the body.

Disenfranchised voters demand NICs

By Jamila Najmuddin 

The Elections (Special Provisions) Bill, which was passed in parliament this month, making it compulsory for a voter to produce some form of identification, will disenfranchise 2.5 million people if an election is declared within the next one year.

With the Department of Registration of Persons introducing a new computerised method for the issuing of NICs, officials from the department claim that any eligible person applying for the NIC will not receive their cards for a period of one year due to this change in process.

Although, the bill was passed by the government without a vote, it was the opposition parties which finally had their way by getting their amendments included. Some of the amendments which were introduced by the opposition were that although the legislation would come into effect in one year, it would happen if and only if the Independent Elections Commission gives the greenlight by stating that every citizen eligible to exercise his/her franchise has been issued an identity card.

However, even though such amendments have been introduced, voters without ID cards have voiced concern that the Registration of Persons Department should take immediate steps to issue NICs or else they would be deprived of their voting rights if an election is declared within the next year.

According to Chairman, Department of Registration of Persons, P. B. Abeykone, there are currently 11.1 million NICs issued although the eligible figure for persons qualified for an NIC is 13.6 million.

"We are trying to introduce a new computerised method which is easier and faster. Through this method we will need to hire more employees and also get extra resources so that the process will be expedited," Abeykone said.

According to Abeykone, there are three types of people who are eligible to apply for the NIC - those seeking new IDs, those seeking repalcements for lost IDs and those who are applying for a corrected ID due to change of name, address or job.

Abeykone added that youngsters over the age of 18 years who are applying for the ID for the first time will have to forward their applications to the respective grama sevakas along with three photographs and birth certificate. "After the application has been forwarded with the necessary documents, the grama sevaka will send it to the department through the divisional secretariats for the issuing of the card," Abeykone said.

For those applying for the second time, Abeykone said that a police statement along with the photographs and birth certificate should be forwarded.

For those applying due to corrections, Abeykone said that they have to apply giving the corrected information along with the photographs and birth certificate.

New rural telecom network

The majority of people living in the rural areas of Sri Lanka have little or no access to even basic telecommunication facilities. This is primarily due to the high cost of constructing communication infrastructure in these areas coupled with the low estimated revenue from providing such services.

The Regional Telecommunications Networks (RTN) Project, coordinated by the Prime Minister's office and ICTA seeks to remedy this situation by providing a subsidy to service providers to construct telecommunications networks, and requiring them to provide mandatory services in the form of telephone, facsimile, internet access and e-mail to the rural population through a series of tele-centres known as Vishva Gnana Kendra (VGK), located in selected Grama Niladhari areas spread out within the designated RTN regions.

Initially the project will be implemented in two regions covering the south and the north-east of Sri Lanka.

The initial plan is to provide broadband connectivity to about a 100 VGKs in these two regions and ensure that the public is provided with access to ICT services and especially, that the students and the youth are afforded an opportunity to acquire computer literacy and thus be able to compete on an equitable basis with their counterparts in urban areas.

The south region includes the districts of Galle, Matara, Hambantota, Moneragala, Ratnapura and Badulla, while the north-east region covers the districts of Jaffna, Kilinochchi, Vavuniya, Mullaitivu, Trincomalee, Anuradhapura and Polonnaruwa. The aim is to provide IT facilities to about 30% of the population in the two regions.

The network is expected to be in place within a period of two years from the grant of a licence which will be consequent upon a competitive bidding process, which is scheduled to take place in mid 2005.

In view of the delay envisaged by this process, ICTA is hoping to provide connectivity to the VGKs by means of a satellite based solution, as an interim measure pending the completion of the construction of the permanent RTN network.

Drivers association says protest political

By Risidra Mendis 

The recent petrol price hikes has resulted in trishaw drivers expressing different opinions.

Despite trishaw drivers claiming that hires have reduced by 50% since the petrol price hikes, the protest staged by some trishaw drivers near the Lake House roundabout was criticised by members of The Joint Association of Threewheel Drivers (TJATD), who say this was a politically motivated protest.

Speaking to The Sunday Leader, Secretary, TJATD, L. Rohana Perera said their organisation was formed in protest of the Three Wheel Association draft put forward by the provincial councils.

"We are not a political organisation and have no plans to support any political party. The recent strike staged by three-wheeler drivers with regard to the petrol price hikes had nothing to do with our organisation. We heard that this was a pre-planned protest. Around 500 trishaws were brought from outstation areas for the protest" explained Perera.

According to Perera, members of the Colombo Three Wheeler Drivers Association (CTWDA) also participated in the protest.

Trishaw driver, Lionel Perera operates his three wheeler from Colombo. However according to Perera the recent protest staged by trishaw drivers was a planned one. "The CTWDA had nothing to do with this protest. It is true that petrol prices have gone up. However those who participated in the recent strike were paid to do so. We heard that these trishaw drivers were also offered a lunch packet each by the organisers. However we can't blame these trishaw drivers for participating in the demonstration," alleged Perera.

According to Perera, due to the recent petrol price hike many trishaw drivers have lost business. "I have no problem with hires as I have my regular customers. I charge them the old rate. However for new customers I charge a little extra" said Perera.

He went on to say that other trishaw drivers have increased their fares and as a result they are running at a loss. "If I didn't have business and I was offered money and a lunch packet to participate in a strike I would also do so" Perera added.

Perera stressed that there was no point in shouting about the petrol price hike as it is beyond the control of the Sri Lankan government. "But if the petrol prices in world go down, the Sri Lankan government should definitely bring down the local prices without making excuses" Perera said.

AIS encourages students to take up art and design

In order to encourage students to take up art and design as a subject in Sri Lanka, The Asian International School has introduced the subject to students sitting the O/L examination.

Speaking to The Sunday Leader, Senior Teacher, Art and Design, Nadine David said they had found that the Ordinary Level is an excellent way to introduce art and design to young ones. "This is because a credit pass is needed to enter any Art University in Australia and Singapore" explained David.

According to David, the Asian International School is a centre for Edexcel. "We have had excellent results in art and design. Our first student got the Edexcel Award in 2001 and in 2003 one of our students was among the top 10 in the world" says David.

The work of the students who excelled in art and design will be exhibited along with other students who will be taking the exam in 2004/2005.

"We provide two years training at our school for the students to take the Ordinary Level examination, as it is an exceedingly difficult exam. As part of the programme the final year students are taught the human figure from a life model" explained David.

David went on to say that this procedure is not followed in any other school. She also stressed that the drawings of the senior students too will be on display at the exhibition.

The Senior Art Exhibition will be held at the Asian International School on October 20, 21 and 22 from 1.15 pm onwards.