By Camelia Nathaniel

Relaxing in the dining area

Not so long ago we lived in fear of being killed in a bomb attack, or amidst some form of terrorist activity. Parents did not travel in the same bus fearing that if terrorists were to explode the bus their children would lose both parents. Yet four years ago after 30 years of bloodshed, our valiant soldiers were able to end a three decade long war and make our motherland a safer place to live in. However it was not easy. It was an extraordinary achievement that our brave soldiers sacrificed much to accomplish.

While almost 120,000 soldiers have sacrificed their lives to free the motherland from the clutches of the brutal terrorists, about 300 service personnel were disabled and totally dependent on others now.

Many of them have sacrificed their eyes so that others can see the beauty of the world, they have sacrificed their hands and are today deprived of the pleasure of holding their loved ones so that we can be free to hold ours, and they have sacrificed their legs and are today wheelchair bound so that we can walk our children to school. Disabled, many of them cannot enjoy the peace for which they scarified so much. In order to ensure that the sacrifices of these brave personnel are never forgotten, the Mihindu Seth Medura in Attidiya was the first project under the Ministry of Defence.

An evening of music and song and Secretary of Defence Gotabhaya Rajapaksa during the presentation of special wheel chairs

The serene, picturesque location is designed to cater to the special needs of these men sine their needs are not such that can be fully provided for within the confines of a hospital or even at their homes. The concept of Mihindu Seth Medura is to establish a ‘Home Away Home’ for severely disabled war heroes, who require continuous care and assistance. In this special setting, their wellbeing is looked into and their dignity is restored whilst ensuring physical, spiritual and mental care with their family, the army and the society at large joining hands as equal partners.

The facility is on a land of 46 acres bordering by a bird sanctuary and the buildings comprise computer laboratory, library and psychotherapy unit.

The classes of creative works, mystery paintings, IT and Yoga provide opportunities for the occupants to improve their talents. The rooms have attached washrooms, TVs and other basic facilities and each occupant is provided with an assistant.

The Commandant of Mihindu Seth Medura, Col. Vajira Kariyawasam said the facility was equipped to cater to 50 patients. It now accommodates 50; five army officers, two navy personnel and 43 army soldiers. “Established on May 30, 2011 under the Secretary, Ministry of Defence and Urban Development (MOD&UD), it is managed and operated by the Sri Lanka Army with a special Board of Management nominated by the Secretary. The facility also aids to uplift its occupants’ psychological and spiritual well being. About 99% of the occupants were paralyzed and three are totally bedridden, but some have improved after the treatment.”

He added that after treatment and care at Mihindu Seth Medura some of the disabled personnel are able to even walk and perform minor tasks. “When the Pakistani tri-forces commander visited the facility he was really impressed with the facilities provided for our injured soldiers. He said that in his country the relevant authorities have not even identified how many of their soldiers are injured. He said that he has never seen this concept anywhere else in the world,” added Col. Kariyawasam.

According to him, a team of Indian doctors had visited the facility and identified five disabled soldiers paralysed due to spinal cord injuries, to conduct stem cell transplant surgery. “The doctors have agreed to perform the operation free of charge and the negotiations are under way, he said.

He further added that there are plans to conduct musical shows in the USA with 1st and 2nd winners of Rana Viru Real star contest, and build an ayurvedic centre at Mihindu Seth Medura.

One of the Army officers at the facility, 35-year-old Lieutenant Wanigasinghe, the father of a five-year-old son, reminiscing how he sustained injuries on that fateful day said “It was the November 20, 2008 in Kilalli near the lagoon. I served in the 5th Vijayaba infantry regiment and was assigned to destroy an enemy bunker located on high ground. We lost several soldiers in the operation. That fateful day, about 2 am I went crawling with several others on a path with electric mines to accomplish the task. We had to crawl removing the mines, and suddenly a blast occurred and I only felt my face heat up and when I touched my face I could feel it in pieces, next I realised that my right hand was in shreds. The only thought that crossed my mind at that point was not the pain of my injury, but of never being able to see my infant son”.

Even at that point Wanigasinghe had not realised his eyes were injured. “I felt that the whole area was dark and could only hear my comrades shouting to evacuate me saying that I was hit. I vaguely felt that I was being dragged away and put into a vehicle, and air lifted. While on the flight one of the other soldiers had seen my tag and realised that I was from his village and had informed my family,” he said.

Today Mihindu Seth Medura has accommodated him so that he would not be a burden on his family. “There isn’t much I can do now as I have lost both my eyes and also my right hand. I have severe scars on my face as well. My son could not understand at first my blindness and asked why I walked with a white cane. But now he says that he loves me because I keep looking for stuff on the road with a white cane while walking,” he said.

Thanks to facilities set up for injured war heroes, today he is recovering and learning to face life. “I am now learning to play the organ and function without much support. I visit home once a month to be with my family, and I am determined not to let this injury hinder my life. I have made this sacrifice for a noble cause and I am proud to have been able to be part of the liberation of my motherland,” he said with great pride and satisfaction.

Another brave young man who has sacrificed his tomorrow so that we could all enjoy the fruits of freedom is 25-year-old Lance Corporal A. Edirisinghe. He was injured in the Mannar area on April 2, 2008. Having partially lost hands and feet he is now wheelchair bound at the prime of his life. “I was injured in an attack in the Adampan area in Mannar while on a mission with six other soldiers. We were crawling toward the enemy line and I suddenly felt that I had been hit. At first I thought I was hit in the shoulder area by the mortar. I was in a daze for a moment and I wanted to tell my colleagues that I was injured, but the words did not come out. However after several attempts I managed to tell them that I was injured. By then I could feel my whole body going numb. I faintly heard one of my comrades shouting to evacuate me and felt them dragging me away by my head.”

He said that he had regained consciousness some time later when he heard his commanding officer’s voice. “He checked me, but as I was wearing the body armour he did not see my injuries and said that I had not been injured. However I had blacked out again and only regained consciousness at the hospital in Colombo. My stomach was bloated like a balloon and I felt that someone inserting a tube into my stomach. However I later found that I had sustained injuries to my spine and had lost the use of all my limbs. I could move my arm, but I cant move my fingers,” he lamented.

However the doctors have told Edirisinghe that he was improving and that he might be able to regain movement and use of his limbs to a point of being independent one day. “I joined the army because I loved it, I still love the army. If I was called to serve again I would never hesitate. I have not given up on a normal life yet and I am hopeful that someday soon, I will be able to walk freely and carry on with my life without depending on anyone,” said determined and hopeful Edirisinghe.

It is heart wrenching to see a young man like Thilina lying helpless on a bed, totally dependent on others. Had he not been injured he would have been an active young officer. Thirty-year-old Major Thilina Chandrakumara’s life has been restricted to a bed or wheelchair for the past five years. Explaining his life and traumatic experience that shattered all his dreams he said that he was the eldest in a family of three. “On the September 27, 2008 I was ordered to destroy an enemy strong point in Muhamalai. We had tried on several occasions but failed with many casualties. I engaged in reconnaissance for around four days prior to the assault. On the day of the assault I set off with 16 others about 1 am to attack at 6 am. However having noticed enemy movement around 5 am we decided to launch the attack. After about half hour of heavy assault we managed to creep into the enemy trench and destroy their bunker complex. I then gathered my troops and returned to our forward defence line. However on the right another eight man team was engaged in combat with the enemy, and I had lost communication with them. After sending my troops to our FDL I went forward to get the other team,” he said recollecting the horrific moments.

Unfortunately Major Thilina could not reach his comrades. “I could not get to them because I suddenly felt this severe pain in my neck. I just collapsed. I vaguely knew that they were dragging me away and I regained consciousness three weeks later in the ICU of the Colombo Army hospital, where I received treatment for the next 4 ½ months before I was transferred to Rana Viru Sevana in Ragama and then to Mihindu Seth Medura.”

He said he has suffered cervical fracture that made him a quadriplegic. He has no specific future plans and he despises people’s sympathy. “I did my duty toward my country, and joining the army was my dream since my childhood and I was prepared for the eventuality. I have no regrets and I don’t want people to feel sorry for me. My only mission now is to settle my brother and sister. In my condition I won’t fool myself into believing that I could have a normal life and future. If I had to do it all over again, I would not hesitate to take the same decisions,” said the determined Major.

These are only a few of the many brave soldiers who have sacrificed much and are paying the price for the freedom they gave us. It is our duty to remember them, and their sacrifice for you and me. Let us retell their tales, lest we forget, that all gave some, but some gave all.

Coordinator of the UNP’s trade union, the Jathika Sevaka Sangamaya, parliamentarian Ravi Karunanayake says that the strike action called by hundreds of trade unions on the 21st demanding the withdrawal of the electricity tariff hike would be a success since it is done by the people for the people. He observed that everybody is fully motivated in taking the message to the people and they would take to the streets until the government is defeated. “This government is trying to collect money from the people for inefficiency, incompetence, irregularities and corruption,” Karunanayake said, adding that the agitation campaign would continue until a good governance system is established in the country.

Following are excerpts of the interview:

Q: What role will the UNP and its trade unions play at the strike that has been called on the 21st?
A: The UNP is on the move and there’s no looking back. Radical changes for the party were mentioned on December 2, 2012 and we are now working according to it. With that we have awakened, thrown away our slumber and are moving forward. So whether it is the party or the JSS, every single person has to work now. All this was fully demonstrated in the protest that was held on the 15th and the strike that will take place on the 21st. We will show that a government that tries to steamroll their will on the people will not be allowed to do so.

Q: Do you believe that the nation-wide strike action would be a success?
A: It has to be a success. This is done by the people for the people. We are political parties interceding on the requirement of the people and coming out against the terror of the government that is justifying every illegal act they want to achieve for their ulterior motives. The electricity tariff hike is unwarranted, unfair and should be eliminated, not reduced.

Q: How does the UNP plan to continue with the campaign to get the electricity tariff hike withdrawn?
A: First of all, we have shed the unnecessary element of doubt that existed in some people and we have got them to realize of the necessity for change. Everybody is fully motivated in taking the message to the people and will take to the streets until this government is sent home. The issue over the electricity bill was a fantastic uniting factor where all different shades of political beliefs were made to work together to achieve a difficult task for the people.

Q: Will the UNP continue to struggle for people’s rights as a joint front with the JVP?
A: We have always been doing it. Our situation would have been looked at differently, but we have always been voicing our dissent against the government’s anti-people and anti-democratic actions. We will stand with anybody and everybody to protect this on behalf of the people. We have seen enough nonsense going on and now it is time to call for a stop.

Q: Governing party supporters have criticized the UNP saying it’s responsible for the current crisis at the CEB. How do you respond?
A: It is a baseless, misrepresented statement which is a convenient excuse to put the blame on the UNP. In 1995 when the UNP lost power and handed over the CEB, it had a Rs. 1,900 million reserve and was a highly profit making institution. From then up to now, the institution has lost Rs. 750 billion. Is this the fault of the UNP? It is the act of spineless people who cannot blame the Minister in-charge who conveniently wants to put the blame on the UNP. People like Wimal Weerawansa speak of economic mafias, economic hit men and mafias in ministries instead of saying what the cause of the problem is. At least Wimal Weerawansa is admitting to problems in the government.

Q: There’s also criticism over the joint protests by the UNP-JVP trade unions. What are your views?
A: It would only be the Cabinet and government stooges engaged in such actions because all opposition parties have one common agenda and that is to topple this undemocratic, unethical governance of the UPFA and to bring a decent good governance system in to the country.
So it is not surprising that the government would have its stooges acting in this manner because it infuriates them to see that parties they never through could work together are presently working together.

Q: The CEB has said that it wants a higher tariff hike than the current 16% increase. How do you see this development?
A: For the CEB even a 28% increase won’t be enough, or even a 280% increase for that matter. First of all, this is a mythical exercise of increase in expenditure. When fuel prices came down in the world, this government increased the local prices. So it has artificially increased the cost of production of the CEB. Effectively it should have come down with the decline in world fuel prices. As a result this entire process starts from a wrong notion. This government is trying to collect money from the people for inefficiency, incompetence, irregularities and corruption. Now the government is trying to place a massive loss on the people. The government is getting consumers to pay even for the people who don’t use electricity.

Q: Do you believe that the people could prevail in getting the government to withdraw the tariff hike?
A: I think the message is loud and clear but whether it would get through to the thick hide of the government is to be seen. There’s a financial problem and the government needs to rectify it. The grave irregularities that have gone on has created a huge economic burden on the two state banks – the People’s Bank and the Bank of Ceylon – due to the actions of the CEB and CPC. Even though the message will get communicated, whether they (government) will be able to come out of it is a problem since the IMF and the World Bank are pushing very hard calling on the government to remedy the current crisis if it needs money. These are dictates of the IMF and the World Bank the government is dancing to.

JVP politburo member and head of the National Trade Union Center (NTUC), K. D. Lalkantha says that the strike called on the 21st by the Coordinating Committee for a Joint Trade Union Alliance demanding the withdrawal of electricity tariff increase is a unique campaign where everyone could join. He observed that from putting up a black flag to staying away from activities like daily shopping and other chores, people can decide how they want to join the protest campaign on the 21st. “The government will not stop its unprogressive actions and it is only a broad public struggle that could help the current situation,” Lalkantha said. He added that the joint trade union alliance would continue with the struggle to bring victory to the people.

Following are excerpts of the interview:

Q: How prepared are the trade unions for the nation-wide strike on the 21st?
A: The decision to strike was taken by a group of trade unions including the JSS, NTUC, FUTA and Free Trade Zone (FTZ) unions. The Coordinating Committee for a Joint Trade Union Alliance decided on the strike and wrote a letter to the President on April 29 stating the demand of the trade unions. We said that the working people cannot bear the increased electricity tariffs and to bring back the prices to its formal position. We said other ways of addressing the CEB losses could be considered. We said that the increased electricity tariffs should be withdrawn by May 20 or the trade unions would call for a strike on the 21st. The President’s statement on May Day about the tariffs confused the people. However, on May 5 we wrote to the President saying that the so-called relief provided to the people is a lie and to withdraw the tariff increase without giving ‘relief.’
The NTUC trade unions in the public, private and estate sectors have taken steps to ensure that the strike on the 21st will be a success. We are prepared for the strike. Other trade unions have also taken similar steps. Trade unions that are not connected to us have also been asked to support the strike. Some have said they do not have time to prepare, which is their problem. We will stand by our decision and continue with the strike. The JVP and the UNP have expressed their support for the strike and the TNA said they would get back to us after discussing the matter. We have asked other political parties as well to support the strike. Farmers, three wheeler drivers, bus operators and lawyers have also agreed to support us. The Coordinating Committee has set up committees at district level to make the strike a success island wide.

Q: How do you see the people’s response towards the strike action?
A: Some have telephoned us and extended their support. No one has said anything against the strike. We have made a public request asking them not to use public transport or purchase anything from shops on the 21st and support the strike. A programme like this one has been initiated in order to enable the public also to participate in a national struggle. The JVP commenced a protest campaign carrying torches in Maharagama and it has now spread island wide. On April 24 the party started a campaign to sign a petition and to distribute leaflets. On May 15, trade unions, political parties and civil society held a protest march in Colombo. However, the public does not have the chance to join in most of these campaigns. Nevertheless, people could join the next action on the 21st. People can put up black flags as a mark of protest. Farmers can support by not taking their produce to the economic centers that day, three-wheeler drivers could stay away from work even for a few hours. It is a sacrifice. People can decide how they want to join the protest campaign on the 21st. We have given the leadership now and people have a responsibility to come forward.

Q: The UNP and the JVP seem to be on a joint struggle after many years. Will this continue in future struggles as well?
A: There have been lots of factories that have shut down since the government took over, but the mud slinging factory is hard at work. According to them, the strike on the 21st is a joint action by the JVP and the UNP. I categorically say that this is not an action by the JVP and the UNP. In fact this sort of action should not be limited to such a small area. The decision to strike was taken by the trade unions and it is a public struggle. We as trade unions share the right to speak to any one seeking their support for the public struggle. The UNP and the JVP cannot have any political alliances since the policies of the two parties are completely different. Even in the future, the JVP and the UNP will not join as political entities.

Q: There have been much criticisms by persons affiliated to the government that the JVP does not have any moral right to protest against the electricity tariffs after destroying assets of the CEB during the 1989 insurgency. How do you respond?
A: Let’s speak of what happened in 1987. J. R. Jayewardene’s pro-American foreign policy and the separatist agenda resulted in India invading Sri Lanka. People who speak of foreigners invading us don’t like to say that India also tried to invade us in the 1980s. The Indian air force forcibly entered Sri Lanka’s air space and it is an invasion. JR was then forced to sign an agreement by the Indians. India then brought its forces to the North and East of the country and Sri Lankan forces were limited to the South. JR gave official status to the Indian invasion. In 1818 and 1845 there were insurgencies against foreign invasions and it was the same in 1987. The insurgency was against the invasion and those who knelt before it. The JVP supported the political struggle and the armed struggle was carried out by the Deshapremi Jathika Vyaparaya.

State assets were attacked as part of the struggle to defeat the invasion and the ruler who supported it. They say that we burnt agrarian services centers, but at the time they were military camps behind the agrarian services board. It is similar to the attacks in the North where in some instances schools where LTTE cadres were housed were attacked. There’s nothing wrong in such attacks. Transformers were destroyed since they supplied power to the military camps. All these actions are justifiable when you look at the struggle. ID cards were collected due to security reasons. When the security forces started to surround villages to hunt down people, they could not arrest anyone without identification papers. When you look at history, heroes like Keppetipola and Weera Puran Appu have also attacked state assets. In 1988-89 transformers that powered military camps were destroyed but that cannot take away our right to speak of the CEB and the people’s rights.

Q: The trade unions have called for the withdrawal of the electricity tariff hike. How do you propose the CEB could overcome its current crisis?
A: There’s a clear solution. The government policy is to palm the losses on the people. It is wrong. The policy should be to make institutions efficient and reduce costs. If the government wants to give a good message to the people, it should stop immediately the using of public funds to pay for the electricity bills of government ministers’ houses. Secondly, agreements with the diesel plant owners that have caused these losses to the CEB should be cancelled. The CEB, people and investors should all get a fair treatment through new agreements. The government could go further and take over the private diesel power plants by paying compensation to the owners since the CEB has the know how to operate such plants. It is the problems with the private diesel power plants that have made the CEB purchase thermal power even when reservoirs are full. The government should also renovate the Sapugaskanda oil refinery and increase the capacity of oil refined in the country. This will reduce the spending of money to purchase refined fuel at higher costs. Also, a new refinery should be set up to meet the entire fuel requirement of the country. There would also be an added advantage of producing good quality fertilizer and agro-chemicals as by-products.

Q: The CEB Chairman has reportedly said that the current 16% increase in electricity tariffs is insufficient and that there needs to be a 28% hike. What are your views?
A: The people are now being given the dividends of the failed economic policies of the UNP, Chandrika Bandaranaike Kumaratunge and Mahinda Rajapaksa. It was decided in 1982 to set up a coal power plant but it was not implemented. Japan came forward in 1992 to build a coal plant for the country, but the government did not want it. When Ranil Wickremesinghe took over the government in 2001, the Japanese ambassador in Sri Lanka was summoned and asked to set up two thermal power plants instead. Ranil Wickremesinghe is also responsible for the current crisis. However, the agreements signed by the then government expired in 2007, but this government extended them. They said the power crisis would be resolved with the Norochcholai power plant, but instead an old power plant was imported and fixed causing constant breakdowns. We want to tell the rulers to make institutions efficient and get profits. The easiest way out is to increase tariffs and burden the people. This is an IMF proposal since they have called on the government to resolve the crisis. The current crisis is not a problem of the CEB alone. The devaluing of the rupee and wrong economic policies are all connected to it. The wastage on white elephants like the Mattala airport, the Sooriyawea stadium and the Hambantota port should be stopped.

Q: Do you believe that continuous agitation campaigns would result in the government withdrawing the tariff hike?
A: The government will not stop its unprogressive actions and it is only a broad public struggle that could help the current situation. Some will join the struggle on the 21st and some won’t. However, we will continue with the struggle even after the 21st and work towards getting the support of those who were not part of the struggle on the 21st. If we stop after the 21st, then there’s no way forward for the people. We will continue to struggle to bring victory to the people. Our responsibility is to give leadership to the people. Earlier people said there was no opposition in the country. The trade unions have now given a solution to the people’s problem, and it’s now up to the people to join the struggle.

Q: What action would be taken in the event the government ignored the demand?
A: A government cannot ignore the public. If the government ignores, that is because the public is silent. This struggle is a public struggle and not an individual struggle. We ask the people if they would do their part, if everyone does their part, this government can be defeated and we will prove it from this battle.

By Raisa Wickrematunge

Most people would like to micro-manage every detail of their first house – everything from the colour of the drapes to the rooms. Yet, let’s face it, building a home is no walk in the park these days, with ever rising prices, paperwork and contractor delays. Of late, Sri Lanka has been seeing a new trend, one which leads to the dramatic lowering of the cost factor – prefabricated homes.

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The New York Times quotes unnamed US officials as saying the missiles could be used to counter any potential future foreign military intervention in Syria.

Without confirming details, Russia’s foreign minister said Russian supplies did not break any international rules.
It comes amid growing alarm that chemical weapons may be being used in Syria, something US President Barack Obama has said would be “a red line”. Meanwhile efforts continue to arrange an international conference on Syria.

The United Nations Secretary General Ban Ki-moon met Mr. Lavrov in Sochi on Friday to discuss the plans for the conference, which would aim to bring together the Syrian opposition and members of President Bashar al-Assad’s government. At a news briefing, Mr Ban said it was important to “not lose momentum” on the drive towards holding a peace conference and dates for it were being “actively discussed”. Mr. Lavrov said a resolution could only be found through “an inclusive all-Syrian dialogue with participation of all Syrian forces, without any external intervention, as soon as possible”. Also on Friday, the UN’s refugee agency said more than 1.5m Syrians were now registered as refugees, with the true figure likely to be much higher.

“Refugees tell us the increased fighting and changing of control of towns and villages, in particular in conflict areas, results in more and more civilians deciding to leave,” UNHCR said in a statement.
(Courtesy: BBC)
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Pakistan Mosques Hit By Deadly Blasts

Two explosions in the Malakand region of north-west Pakistan have killed at least 13 people, officials say.
The bombs went off near two mosques in Bazdarra village, close to the tribal areas that border Afghanistan.

The Assistant Commissioner of Malakand, Abdullah Mashal said more than 30 people were injured in the blasts. He told the BBC that 15 of the injured were in a critical condition and being taken to hospitals in Mardan and Peshawar. An eyewitness, Shahid Ali, told the Associated Press news agency that the explosions came just as Friday prayers were starting.

“Many people are buried under the rubble,” he said. No-one has yet claimed responsibility for the attacks. Pakistanis voted in a general election on 11 May, with Nawaz Sharif of the Pakistan Muslim League set to become prime minister for a third time.
(Courtesy: BBC)
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West Bengal Class III Student Dies After Teacher Smashes His Head Against Wall

A nine-year-old student, whose teacher had dashed his head on wall for not doing his lessons, has died of injuries in hospital.
The class III student, Bapi Joardar, of Nirdheshkhali Shishu Shiksha Kendra in South24 Parganas district had his head dashed against a wall by lady teacher Champa Mondal on April 15 for not doing his lessons, police sources said on Friday.

The injured student was admitted to a hospital here from where he was referred to the National Medical College and Hospital in Kolkata where he died on Thursday night, the sources said. The teacher, who was in her early thirties and was with the school for about 3 to 4 years, was arrested on Friday, they added.
(Courtesy: Times of India)
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Obama Names New Acting IRS Chief

Daniel I. Werfel

President Obama appointed Daniel I. Werfel, the controller of the Office of Management and Budget, to be the acting commissioner of the Internal Revenue Service (IRS), the White House announced Thursday.

Mr. Werfel, who manages much of the day-to-day operations at the budget office, will replace Steven Miller, who was fired this week as the agency’s interim director in the scandal over its targeting of conservative groups.
The White House said in a statement that Mr. Werfel would begin his new job on Wednesday.

“Danny has proven an effective leader who serves with professionalism, integrity and skill,” Mr. Obama said in the statement. “The American people deserve to have the utmost confidence and trust in their government, and as we work to get to the bottom of what happened and restore confidence in the IRS, Danny has the experience and management ability necessary to lead the agency at this important time.”

Another top official at the IRS also announced his departure Thursday. Joseph H. Grant, the acting commissioner of the tax exempt and government entities division, said he would retire on June 3.

At the budget office, Mr. Werfel has been the administration’s point man on one of the thorniest political problems in the last six months: the across-the-board spending cuts known as sequestration.

As controller, Mr. Werfel is responsible for making sure that the departments and agencies of the federal government adhere to the sequestration law.

Now, the president is charging him with another difficult task: overseeing the IRS in the middle of a scandal. Republicans — and some Democrats — have made clear that they intend to hold numerous hearings over the next several months, and it will be Mr.
Werfel’s job to comply with their demands even as he keeps the agency running.

Mr. Werfel, 42, is a long time civil servant who has worked deep in bureaucracy, far from the political arena.
Before managing the implementation of the sequester, for instance, Mr. Werfel helped to implement the complicated American Recovery and Reinvestment Act, Mr. Obama’s stimulus legislation. The selection of such a technocrat — a well-liked one who also served in the George W. Bush administration, no less — seemed designed to pre-emptively defuse partisan criticism.

Josh Bolten, who served as Mr. Bush’s chief of staff and budget director, praised Mr. Werfel as a “smart choice” to help restore faith in the I.R.S. following the revelations that officials there targeted conservative groups.

“He was always, in my experience, very professional, careful, non-ideological,” Mr. Bolten said. “He’s not easily intimidated. He’s low ego. He’s just going to tell it straight like it is. It’s not that he’s bipartisan. He’s nonpartisan.”
Officials said Mr. Werfel had agreed to serve in the position until the end of the year.

The president then would have to name another acting commissioner or nominate someone to permanently lead the agency. That nomination would be subject to Senate confirmation.

(Courtesy: New York Times)

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UPA Should Declare Its PM Candidate First: BJP

BJP  said last Friday that the Congress-led UPA should declare its Prime Ministerial candidate first and whether Rahul Gandhi is a stakeholder for the top job or not. While insisting that BJP Parliamentary Board will take a decision regarding its PM candidate at an appropriate time BJP national general secretary and former Gujarat Home Minister Amit Shah said, since UPA was in power, it should first take a decision in this regard.

“I am a BJP worker. I don’t have any individual thinking. BJP Parliamentary Board will take a decision at the right time,” Shah said when asked whether the party will project Narendra Modi as its PM candidate.

“UPA is in power, let them first decide whether their prince (Rahul Gandhi) is a stakeholder for the top job or he will be the Prime Minister. Let UPA first decide, after that the Opposition’s case comes in question,” he said.

Stressing that the Congress will face defeat in the upcoming general elections, Shah said, “One thing I know is that elections will be between Congress and BJP, and Congress in its entire history, will get the lowest number of seats this time around.
(Courtesy: Times of India)

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US$ 1 Million Worth Jewels Stolen In Cannes

More than US$ 1 million worth of jewels due to be lent to movie stars at the Cannes film festival were stolen from a hotel room in the French Riviera town, a police source said.
The jewels were in the safe of the room rented by an employee of Chopard, a luxury jeweller, the source said on condition of anonymity.

The incident at the hotel in central Cannes took place on the night of Thursday to Friday as the festival got under way, drawing thousands of movie stars, film industry executives and journalists to the fabled resort.
(Courtesy: New York Times)

Attorney at Law and Central Committee member of the JVP, Sunil Watagala says that people have to use their civil rights to struggle. He observed that since the people have seen how the judiciary has been ignored, the option is for the people to struggle and agitate for their rights. “We want to request the Bar Association to intervene and study the matter to look at the kind of legal action that could be initiated,” Watagala added.

Following are excerpts of the interview:

Q: The electricity tariff issue has posed a great problem to the people. What legal action could be taken by the people?
A: Before speaking of legal action, it is important to say that the government’s actions are similar to a pickpocket where Rs. 1,000 has been robbed from the people and giving back Rs. 25 out of it. The government has stolen money surreptitiously from the public and is trying to publicly give back a paltry sum out of it. People are now facing the brunt of the government’s actions. The issue of the electricity bill is the latest one.

The President has said that he would give a concession to consumers who use up to 95 units in order to allow the consumers of 90 units to have an occasional party. However, the increase from 90 units to 91 units is Rs. 1,065. People using up to 60 units also face this problem. This time around, there were mass protests and the government was forced to take action. Despite the President’s statement, the Public Utilities Commission has said there are practical issues in implementing the President’s pledge. When the President said he would not increase electricity tariffs up to 60 units, the Public Utilities Commission said they could only look at not increasing up to 30 units and that they need to further study the matter.

I don’t think the people are going to tolerate these issues any further. If the government has acted against the Public Utilities Commission and the Electricity Act, there is no obstacle for the people to resort to legal action. We are looking at requesting the Bar Association of Sri Lanka to intervene in this matter. When the Bar Association’s president assumed office, he said that the association would intervene in national issues. The electricity tariff issue has now reached a national level. We want to request the Bar Association to intervene and study the matter to look at the kind of legal action that could be initiated. The Bar Association could help study the matter and take legal action on behalf of the people.

Q: Do you think that legal redress is the only solution to address the electricity tariff hike?
A: No. Looking at the past would give any one a clear impression of the outcome of legal action. The law is not carved in stone. The judiciary is expected to give a fair judgment based on natural justice. There was a court directive issued on local fuel prices. The court directed that fuel be sold at Rs. 100 per liter, but the rulers chose to ignore the verdict. The fuel prices were increased instead. People have less faith in the judiciary since the rulers are ignoring court verdicts. Nevertheless, necessary legal action has to be taken. A case where the legislature ignored the judiciary was when the Court of Appeal summoned the Speaker and legislature, the Speaker announced that the legislature did not have to heed court verdicts. The Speaker and the governing party members of the parliamentary select committee that heard the allegation against the Chief Justice refused to appear before court when the Court of Appeal judge ordered them to come before courts. When the rulers do not heed court verdicts, it becomes an issue about the rule of law and democracy in the country.

Q: There has been a Supreme Court verdict on electricity tariffs given on a case 2006. Can the government ignore a court verdict on electricity tariffs?
A: No, but it is the absurdity of the Constitution that is shown in these actions. The Constitution has placed one person above the law and the rest under it. The Constitution states that the President is exempted from any legal action. Clause 35 of the Constitution has placed one person above the law. It is the executive that gives orders to the Cabinet, which in turn orders the other institutions. Under the current system, it is the people who are defeated while the powerful politicians are powerful.

Q: How do you think the people could prevail in this issue?
A: People can win and people have shown how their power has won struggles. People have seen how the judiciary has been ignored. Therefore, people have to use their civil rights to struggle. When the government tried to introduce a pension scheme for the private sector to pilfer monies in public funds, the employees in Katunayake took to the streets and protested. In a similar manner, people protested against the electricity bill. When there are mass protests the rulers cannot ignore it. This gives hope that the people’s power could prevail. Therefore the only option is to struggle and agitate.
The government boasts of a two-thirds majority in parliament that has been constituted in an illegal manner. It does not reflect the mandate of the people. The two-thirds majority was made by giving perks and privileges to opposition MPs. People now know that the government is committing fraud. We have seen in other countries where leaders have ruled like in our country and how the people have ousted them. We call on the government to listen to the people.

Q: The government is reportedly looking at introducing a 19th Amendment to the Constitution. Do you see a necessity for such a move?
A: Not a Constitutional amendment, but the entire Constitution needs to be re-drafted. There have been 18 amendments passed to the Constitution. So many amendments were not introduced even in the US Constitution during a short period. All these amendments are aimed at continuing with the political power play of the rulers. The executive presidency is destroying the country.
Former President Chandrika Bandaranaike Kumaratunge said she would abolish the executive presidency and Mahinda Rajapaksa also said the same thing. It has now become a family rule, which is why the limit on the number of times a president could hold office was removed. The plan now is to ensure that the entire family holds on to power. The 18th Amendment is aimed at it. Usually when there’s a limit on the number of terms a president could hold office, people start looking at another person during the second term of a Presidency. But in this instance people are scared to support another person due to the fear of losing their perks and privileges. The 18th Amendment is a violation of democratic principles. Ven. Maduluwawe Sobitha Thero has drafted a Constitution abolishing the executive presidency. The UNP is also speaking of drafting a Constitution. A new Constitution should be based on protecting democracy and respecting the law. A discussion should be held with the people and the Constitution should be drafted with the people’s ideas. That is what is needed and it is a challenge before us to draft a new Constitution. The 1978 Constitution has contributed to destroying the country. People must work towards achieving a people’s Constitution.

Q: Do you feel that the government would address the issues faced by the country and people?
A: The government is clearly unable to resolve the issues faced by the country. The government’s actions during the Geneva sessions were a clear indication of this. When there’s a discussion on human rights violations and violations of the rule of law, there was an attack on the Uthayan newspaper. Media personnel and institutions have been attacked and killed. There is no freedom of expression. The issue of the Chief Justice is another instance.
In the Chief Justice’s issue, the Supreme Court and all other courts said the impeachment was illegal, but finally the legitimate Chief Justice was sent home. It showed that the country had failed. After all, the Chief Justice is the fourth citizen of the country. It is hard to believe that such a government could give any relief to the people on anything, leave alone the electricity bill. The government cannot face economic challenges. The development projects initiated in the country are not connected to the economic process. The government has failed with the economy, democracy and the rule of law.

Q: UNP has also spoken of drafting a new Constitution. How do you see this move?
A: They pushed the country into this situation in 1978. They introduced the Prevention of Terrorism Act (PTA) and attacked people’s democracy. I don’t think the UNP could bring a people friendly Constitution in place of the current Constitution. The UNP and the government are two sides of a coin. The government is now implementing the UNP’s Regaining Sri Lanka policies.
The main point is to privatize key sectors. The education sector is now being privatized. The country’s economy is based on the private sector. We are not against the private sector, but people’s rights have been suppressed. We cannot accept the UNP’s move to try and come to power through a new Constitution.
The open economy has shown its failures the world over. Economies that have given priority status to the private sector have failed. Even powerful countries like the US have been unable to pay their workers’ salaries. Socialism is now the option.
A new Constitution would have to focus on it.

By Camelia Nathaniel

Kilinochchi is at the A9 road, 100 km south-east of Jaffna in the Northern Province. It was most affected by the 30-year-long conflict in Sri Lanka with a floating population of 135,605. The conflict displaced many of them. Having lost many of their family members, they underwent severe trauma and they suffer still.

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UNP Badulla District parliamentarian Harin Fernando says that the government’s move to marginally reduce the electricity tariffs that were increased last month is yet another media gimmick done to divert people’s attention from the issue and to convince that the government is genuine in addressing the people’s issues. He observed that people should not endorse the government that promotes aimless development projects. “What people in this country can do is to stand up for their rights and demand,” Fernando said, adding that the UNP is always prepared to fight along with the people.

Following are excerpts of the interview:

Q: Do you believe that the government has actually provided relief to the people through the recent reduction in electricity tariffs?
A: Not at all! I would personally say that it was yet another media gimmick done to divert people’s attention from the issue and to convince that the government is genuine in trying to support the majority of the poverty stricken individuals in keeping their cost of living in some sort of control. However, it’s interesting to note that although the President on May Day stated that he would reduce the electricity tariffs, it has not been done. It is only the method of calculation that was changed. Therefore it only increased the price and also the slab of which over 60 units will be charged. As a result, a much higher price than was originally decided would be slapped on the consumer. Hence over two thirds of the general population will be subjected to very high electricity prices in the coming months. People are going to realize this situation sooner than later and the government would then have to face the people’s wrath.

Q: What action do you think the people could take to force proper relief from the government?
A: People in this county should force the government not to waste the general public’s funds for unwanted, so-called development projects without any destined aim. It is in fact a deep tragedy to see certain heads of the government living in luxury spending and wasting taxpayers’ monies to fulfill their personal fantasies. Therefore what people should not endorse is the government that promotes this kind of aimless development.

Q: Do you believe that a people’s action could prevail upon the government?
A: To an extent, but a government of this nature could care less for the people’s voice and that alone would bring about their downfall one day. The government will witness this situation when they are facing crunch time. The government can keep avoiding its voters for a while, especially when people vote them aimlessly to win a majority. The government after receiving a majority manipulated its way to distorting the people’s mandate to illegally make for themselves a two-thirds majority in parliament. Once that happens the chances the general public could get involved becomes minimal because it has absolute power to change the policies within the frame. Sadly once an overwhelming majority or power is given, the voters become helpless and have to remain till an election again to show their displeasure. What people in this country can do is to stand up for their rights and demand. However, any strong government feels vulnerable when people take to the streets because it can erode their image, which is the key to their success at elections.

Q: What role is the UNP playing in demanding a withdrawal of the electricity tariff hike?
A: We have currently organized a few demonstrations and supporting a few strikes as a joint opposition and from within the party, all parliamentarians, provincial council or and local government representatives have demanded the government to provide relief. As a party it’s very little we can achieve unless the general public understands the gravity of this situation. It’s a great disaster when it comes to people’s daily expenditure, the electricity tariff hike is going to cause enormous hardships for people since this will have a direct impact to all sectors. All that the UNP can do is to mobilize the people to stand against the unreasonable increase, which is done by the govenrment in order to cover debts and its mismanagement. I believe we the UNP have suggested and explained in various forums how the prices could be reduced and what has to be done. It is also up to the people to come out and join a common struggle to win their rights and relief. The UNP is resolute in its stance of standing by the people and providing them with the leadership to achieve their goals.

Q: There’s now talk of introducing a 19th Amendment to the Constitution. Do you think there’s currently a necessity for a Constitutional amendment?
A: No, it is very clear that the UNP has no faith in the government. This kind of exaggerated amendments are introduced to hoodwink the people to show its genuineness to solve matters. The UNP stance is for the government to first implement the 17 Amendment, which is of utmost necessity for this country, and it’s future. There is no need to introduce amendments when the existing amendments haven’t been even implemented.

Q: In the event the government is looking at a 19th Amendment, what areas do you think it should be focused on?
A: Purely focusing on national integration and reconciliation.  And most importantly, if there is any sincerity in the pledges given prior to election, abolish the executive presidency. Also establishing racial and religious harmony and thereby bringing in strict legal procedures to curtail such extremism.

Q: The UNP has spoken of drafting a new Constitution for the country. What made the UNP decide on such a move? What are the key areas that would be focused in this Constitution?
A: UNP, in my personal thinking, has realized our own mistake in the constitution we introduced. Therefore learning from the past the UNP is now in a better situation or a position to understand the need of the hour and for the future. The key to all is changing the executive presidency, which has caused immense damage to the beautiful nation, which all politicians have taken to their advantage. We need to have a head of state who is answerable to the people and who will be on check. We must remember that power corrupts and absolute power corrupts absolutely. We will also concentrate on a permanent solution to the still lingering ethnic issue that is still prevalent in the country. Also include clauses that ensure transparency in spending public funds.

Opposition leader Anwar Ibrahim offered a preview of the movement’s potential Wednesday when he rallied a huge display of citizen power in Kuala Lumpur estimated to number up to 100,000 people. Anwar says his opposition will push a nationwide campaign to dispute last Sunday’s election in which it won a majority of the popular vote but still lost to the 56-year-old government, which he accuses of massive electoral fraud.

Any move to overturn the result looks doomed to fail, with the opposition accusing the Election Commission and courts of being in the government’s pocket. But the drive could lead to instability in the multi-ethnic country if Anwar, who has battled the Barisan Nasional (National Front) government for 15 years, can deliver promised “proof” of fraud, said pollster Ibrahim Suffian.

“If the opposition can produce meaningful evidence of fraud, the government may fall into a crisis of legitimacy,” said Ibrahim, who runs independent opinion researchers Merdeka Centre. That would further squeeze Prime Minister Najib Razak, whose standing in the United Malays National Organisation (UMNO), the power behind Barisan, is less than clear.

Besides losing the popular vote, the coalition ceded a number of parliamentary seats, prompting speculation over whether Najib would face a leadership challenge in party elections by year-end. In much-analysed comments after the election, influential former hard-line leader Mahathir Mohamad expressed disappointment with Najib’s performance. “Of course, the people will question his capacity and his strategies,” Mahathir said, adding “the party may take action, as happened with Abdullah”.

He was referring to former premier Abdullah Badawi, who was dumped by UMNO following a weak 2008 election showing, in a party putsch spearheaded by Mahathir that brought Najib to power. Barisan, which is dominated by ethnic Malays, has controlled parliament for decades while a small and ineffectual opposition has largely looked on. But Barisan, accused of corruption and authoritarianism, suffered unprecedented losses in 2008 to its reform-minded rivals, prompting Najib to subsequently woo disaffected minorities in a bid to win back support.

That appears to have failed, with the nation’s economically powerful Chinese, who make up 25 per cent of Malaysia’s 28 million people, rejecting his government in unprecedented numbers Sunday. Najib poured fuel on the fire after the election by appearing to blame Chinese for his disappointing showing. “We are more polarised and fragmented than ever,” political scientist Faisal Hazis said, adding that Najib faced a “dilemma” in healing the divisions.

A key factor for the polarisation is Barisan’s long time use of race politics, and in particular, advantages given to Malays in business, education and other spheres. The policies irritate minorities and are blamed for a brain drain and curbing national competitiveness.

Najib has made limited reforms, but Faisal said only dumping the system outright was likely to win back voters including middle-class Malays who feel the policies mainly benefit a Malay elite. “Najib has lost their trust. Only a big gesture can win them back,” Faisal said.
Analysts said Najib also may need to head off questions about his legitimacy by addressing problems in the electoral system, which had already sparked massive demonstrations in recent years. Though Najib has called for an effort to heal the widening political and social schisms; analysts say that will be difficult as he must appease UMNO conservative forces who already have lashed out at voters who abandoned Barisan.

Such forces are more used to “retribution rather than reconciliation”, said Ibrahim. “This means reforms will have to take a back seat”.

Najib, however, is believed well-placed to ride out any leadership challenge, which analysts said would only play into the opposition’s hands. “If there was an attempt to challenge Najib, it could cause the government to collapse as Anwar is ready to pounce,” said Mustafa Ishak, politics head for the National Council of Professors.

UMNO parliament member Nur Jazlan Mohamed told AFP that Najib has already briefed coalition members on plans to refocus government resources on cities, where many of the most disaffected voters are, in a bid to win back support. (Channel News Asia)
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India To Commission Its First Supersonic Naval Fighter Squadron

India on Saturday will commission its first-ever squadron of naval supersonic fighters, the MiG-29K “air superiority” jets, which will eventually operate from the decks of aircraft carrier INS Vikramaditya (Admiral Gorshkov) as well as the indigenous aircraft carrier (IAC).

Defence minister A.K. Antony will do the honours at the ceremony at the naval airbase INS Hansa in Goa, which will also mark the diamond jubilee celebrations of the fleet’s “air arm” of the force. While celebrations are certainly in order, it also underlines the lack of long-term strategic planning and timely decision-making in the country.

The MiG-29Ks — the first 16 of the 45 fighters ordered from Russia for over US$2 billion will constitute the INSAS 303 “Black Panthers” squadron — began arriving in India a couple of years ago but the 44,570-tonne Gorshkov will be ready for delivery only by end-2013 after being refurbished in Russia for US$2.33 billion.

Similarly, the 40,000-tonne IAC being built at Cochin Shipyard will not be handed over to the Navy anytime before 2018, derailing the force’s long-standing ambition to operate two full-fledged carrier battle groups (CBGs) by 2015. The 65,000-tonne IAC-II, in turn, remains merely on the drawing board as of now. As earlier reported by TOI, India’s only solitary carrier, the 54-year-old INS Viraat, is currently out of action while undergoing yet another life-extension refit.

Moreover, it has only 11 Sea Harrier jump-jets left to operate from its deck, with no replacement of the fighters possible. All this when the recent Pentagon report on China’s growing military might holds Beijing is pursuing a robust carrier building programme after inducting its first carrier, the, the 65,000-tonne Liaoning, in September last year. “China is likely to build multiple aircraft carriers over the next decade,” it said.

China, of course, will take some years to master the highly-complex art of operating its J-15 fighters from a moving airfield on the high seas and then transforming the entire package into a potent offensive weapons platform. India, in contrast, has been in the business of operating “flattops” for five decades now, commissioning as it did its first carrier INS Vikrant with Sea Hawk jets way back in 1961.

It has long been realized that CBGs prowling on the high seas project power like nothing else on the globe. It’s no wonder that as part of its impending pivot towards Asia-Pacific, the US plans to deploy at least six of its 11 CBGs — each American carrier is over 94,000 tonne and capable of handling 80-90 fighters — in the region. Asia-Pacific has emerged as the new strategic theatre for rivalry between US and China, with India too jostling for space with the latter in the Indian Ocean region.

However, India will be able to deploy two potent CBGs only after 2018 when INS Vikramaditya and IAC are able to operate together. This, however, does not detract from the sheer capabilities of the MiG-29Ks.

With mid-air refuelling and an extended combat radius of operations as well as BVR (beyond visual range) and guided anti-ship missiles, MiG-29Ks will provide a “four-fold capability jump” over the Sea Harriers, say officers.

The MiG-29Ks, with a range of 1,300km and a service ceiling of 58,000-feet, are capable of STOBAR (short takeoff but arrested recovery) operations. They are armed with R-73 and RVV-AE guided air-to-air missiles, Kh-35E anti-ship missiles, KAB 500KR/OD TV guided bombs and S-8KOM rockets. (Times of India)

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Woman Pulled From Rubble In Bangladesh Factory Disaster

A woman has been rescued from the collapsed factory building in Bangladesh after 17 days. Local television stations broadcast live images of emergency service workers pulling the woman from the rubble.

However, the death toll from the tragedy has climbed to over 1000. It is believed that more bodies might still be trapped two weeks after the Rana Plaza complex accident occurred.

The disaster near the capital Dhaka is said to have been triggered when generators were started up during a blackout. Focus has been placed on Western retailers who use the impoverished country as a source of cheap goods. The garment industry worth almost €15 billion accounts for 80% of the South Asian country’s exports.

The Bangladeshi government has blamed the owners and builders of the eight story complex for using shoddy materials. The European Union has threatened punitive measures in order to press Dhaka to improve safety standards for the 4 million people who work in the garment industry. (Euro News)

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Syria Ready For UN To Investigate Chemical Arms

Syria has agreed to receive a United Nations team to investigate claims of the use of chemical weapons in the country’s conflict. That is according to its deputy Foreign Minister, Faisal Muqdad. The Syrian government first asked for the inquiry shortly after accusing opposition rebels of using chemical weapons at Khan al-Assal near Aleppo on March 23. Muqdad’s permission for the UN investigation comes after Israel reportedly targeted military sites near the capital Damascus. Meanwhile Syria mediator, Lakhdar Brahimi, stays on in his role which has prevented UN action to halt the two-year-old civil war. (Euro News)

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Nations Agree To New Chemical Ban, Export Controls

UN officials and delegates say more than 120 nations agreed to tighter controls on several chemicals and hazardous waste, including a gradual ban on a flame retardant and some new export requirements for other substances.

ut they say an effort to rein in use of construction material Chrysotile asbestos and a powerful herbicide, Paraquat, fell short at a two-week summit of delegates to three main international treaties.

The heads of two UN agencies and other officials told reporters Friday the summit was ending with agreement to phase-out the commonly used flame retardant hexabromocyclododecane, or HBCD, but exempted some uses in buildings.

The officials and delegates say the summit approved tighter requirements for disclosing information about exports of insecticide Azinphos-methyl, two flame retardants, PentaBDE and OctaBDE, and a fabric protector, PFOS. (Times of India)

UNP Colombo District parliamentarian Ravi Karunanayake says the government that promised subsidies and cuts in water and electricity bills is now playing with the future of the people. He noted that the UNP’s demand is nothing else but ensuring no increase in electricity tariffs. “We always said that there was no free meal and it is now evident that somebody has to pay for it and ultimately it is on the people,” Karunanayake said, adding that that it is now evident that this is a government of a few for the benefit of even a fewer people at the expense of the majority.

Following are excerpts of the interview:

Q: What is the UNP’s take on the government’s move to reduce the increased electricity tariffs?
A: This was in the offing since the last budget. It was part of the IMF’s conditions and in short it was aimed the restructuring of state owned enterprises. The losses of the state owned enterprises, especially the CEB and CPC have resulted in the balance sheets of state banks like the Bank of Ceylon and People’s Bank becoming delinquent since they have to fund these loss-making institutions. All these conditions resulted in the IMF rejecting a request made by the government. As at end March, the total public debt stood at Rs. 7,300 billion. The government has now decided to go back to the World Bank and IMF for funding. The UNP was very vocal, focused and determined to show that the government was lying through its teeth. Last year, the CEB loss was Rs. 135 billion and CPC was Rs. 88 billion after doctoring the accounts. The government increased the electricity prices in order to get IMF loans. The President as the head of the government and Cabinet increased the prices. The Rajapaksas and their lackeys approved this increase. The pressure that followed has now made the person who approved the increase to give a discount of 25%. It is similar to robbing Rs. 100 from a person and giving Rs. 25 back and asking the person to be content with it. There’s something more invidious in the matter. When the world oil prices are declining, the local market prices are increased. Out of the local fuel prices, 85% are various tax components. When the oil prices are high, the cost of production of the CEB also increases. The artificial increase in fuel results in high costs on electricity. The government has created a double whopper and is now passing its sins on the people. It is the corruption, wastage and over burdened economy that has resulted in the government burdening the people. Once the electricity prices are increased, the government is trying to make profits all over. Although the government has not increased the tariff between 1.60 units, the cost of living will see an overall increase.

Q: Is the UNP satisfied with the reduced electricity tariffs?
A: Absolutely not. We responsibly say that if the government hoodwinks the people, the UNP if elected to power tomorrow will bring down the price of a liter of oil to Rs. 90 and there would be a 43.5% across the board reduction in electricity prices. It would be an efficiency oriented price that would give decent returns to the government. There were eight hour power cuts in 2001 when the UNP took office, but we managed to address the situation and resolve the crisis. There should be an efficient delivery of promises.

Q: How do you think the government should address the issue of increasing losses of the CEB?
A: The government that promised subsidies and cuts in water and electricity bills is now playing with the future of the people. The government is trying to show that all losses are due to the subsidies. It has added subsidies as losses. We always said that there was no free meal and it is now evident that somebody has to pay for it and ultimately it is on the people. The government is now trying to show that the all price hikes are the price of development. All the armchair critics who supported the government have now awakened and have realised that it is no longer a Bollywood film anymore.

Q: Why do you think the government has failed to address the issue of losses in state institutions, especially the CEB?
A: Rs. 70 billion was invested in the Hambantota Port that does not have any ships calling at it, Rs. 41 billion was spent to build an airport in Mattala that has elephants crossing its tarmac, the Norochcholai power plant has experienced 21 breakdowns in two years and the electricity prices have increased, Rs. 98 billion was spent on the Southern Highway and one year later has incurred only losses. Then there’s SriLankan Airlines that incurs a Rs. 30 billion loss annually while its younger sister, Mihin Lanka loses Rs. 2 billion. All these endeavors have wasted taxpayers’ monies. All these show the gross duplication of capital expenditure. It is similar to a family that earns Rs. 50,000 spending Rs. 500,000. Then finding a way to bridge the deficit is a problem. This government is acting the same way. Amidst world economic chaos, Sri Lanka is coming out as a sore thumb by proving that the economy has become a disaster. This is what the UNP has continuously said. What is important is that it is the national economy.

Q: Will the UNP go ahead with the no-confidence motion against Power and Energy Minister Pavithra Wanniarachchi?
A: Absolutely. The motion was given at the end of the last parliamentary sessions. We stated that the government was on the wrong path of misleading the people. This was shown when Power and Energy Minister Pavithra Wanniarachchi in order to exonerate herself from any blame for the electricity tariff increase blamed her predecessor Champika Ranawaka for the hike. Ranawaka in turn denied and challenged Wanniararchchi to prove her statement. This clearly indicates that there is an attempt to mislead.

Q: Will the UNP continue with its campaign to demand a further reduction in electricity tariffs?
A: Our demand is nothing else but ensuring no increase in electricity tariffs. There would be no need for an increase if there’s no robbing, hedging, over staffing of state institutions and engineering mafia in electricity. The likes of Wimal Weerawansa who could remove the World Bank and IMF plug and couldn’t shut Ban Ki-moon’s mouth with his fast says there’s an economic mafia. Since he cannot blame the Finance Minister who is the President, he is trying to blame the ministry secretary. The government that removed the chief justice in 24 hours could easily remove a ministry secretary is there was such an issue. This government is running with the hare and hunting with the wolf and trying to pull wool over the public’s eyes.

Q: The increase in electricity tariffs saw many political forces fighting for a common cause. Will the UNP work towards making this a more formidable force to continue struggling for relief for the people?
A: We have never divorced the activity of fighting for people, but the people were glossed over by the government that they would be provided with subsidies from womb to tomb. Until this situation was proven wrong, we could not do anything. Every one waited for subsidies for the transport sector and fishermen, pension for farmers and reductions in water and electricity bills. Instead the education sector has been ruined and there’s no free health care. Where are our taxpayer’s monies being spent? They are spent on maintaining the Cabinet of ministers and on the duplication of capital expenditure. It is a lavish and vulgar display of wastage. Now we are willing and able jointly with the people to take to the final element of nothing less than a regime change.

Q: Opposition and UNP Leader Ranil Wickremesinghe has said that the time to plead with the government for relief has now ended. What does this mean for the UNP?
A: We have proven to the people that this is a government of a few for the benefit of even a fewer people at the expense of the majority. It is now time to work for the national interest and people’s interest. There needs to be a joint well organised people’s movement to protect the people’s interest. When the going gets tough, the tough get going.