Bomb Blast Vavuniya town short while ago
ஹந்து ஓவர் பிரபாகரன் டு இந்திய
16 years ago
News-Lanka,Best sri lankan news blog. Update immediately.latest news from Sri Lanka
4:10 PM
The police investigating a massive financial fraud committed by a person who called himself Deshamanya Sakvithi Ranasinghe Sir are in a dilemma over the action to be taken against Edwin Ariyadasa, a prominent media personality who had functioned as the joint director of S. R. Property Sharing Investment (Private) Limited, set up by the suspected conman.
With the help of Ariyadasa, one of Sakvithi’s employees had visited `Temple Trees’ where he had the opportunity being photographed with the President, the sources said.
Ariyadasa has received a monthly payment of Rs. 100,000 for promoting the business interests of the suspect. The sources said that under an agreement the suspect had with Rupavahini, he conducted English classes on the national channel (Sunday afternoon at 3.30 p.m.). The agreement with Rupavahini followed his agreement with TNL to air English classes, the sources said
Ariyadasa told The News-Lanka that he too was deceived by Sakvithi Sir. Responding to our queries, he said that he received a monthly payment of Rs. 100,000 inclusive of a range of allowances.
"But I was never part his financial dealings," he said, acknowledging that his name had been exploited to entice depositors.
Ariyadasa had joined Sakvithi in April last year on the invitation of Lanka Jayawardene who had been with the Agriculture Department for a long period. "We met on April 18, 2007," Ariyadasa said, adding that he had received appointment as the Programme Director of IT Management Solution which was primarily responsible for promoting Sakvithi’s English training package.
"Believe me, I am not thief," the respected media personality said when The News-Lanka asked him whether he was fully aware of the exploitation of his name to dupe thousands of people.
According to him, Sakvithi through his contacts in the Army and the Health Ministry had the opportunity to market his English training course at training facilities for nurses and army bases at Weli Oya, Maduru Oya, Galkulama, Galkiriyagama, Nelunkulama, Minneriya and Polonnaruwa and many other areas.
"Both officers and men brought course material priced at Rs. 3,000," Ariyadasa said, adding that Sakvithi had at least 100 employees based at his head office. "It was a big operation and people I am sure were tempted by unprecedented interests offered," he said.
Asked about his visit to Temple Trees with K. B. Kesara, an executive with Sakvithi’s group, Ariyadasa said that the President had invited him on December 3 last year to felicitate him on his birthday.
"Kesara offered to take me to Temple Trees and he accompanied me to the meeting with the President." Ariyadasa failed to explain how the Sakvithi executive who offered to drop him at Temple Trees had managed to gain entry without being invited.
Ariyadasa said that Sakvithi was a monster who deceived him and destroyed his image.
Police headquarters yesterday said that over 800 complaints had been received by Saturday. Police said they weren’t in a position to estimate the total amount of money collected by the fraudster as complaints were being received even now.
The total number of depositors could be over 4,100, police said on the basis of the documents recovered from Sakvithi’s office. But now every one know who is Ariyadasa
With the help of Ariyadasa, one of Sakvithi’s employees had visited `Temple Trees’ where he had the opportunity being photographed with the President, the sources said.
Ariyadasa has received a monthly payment of Rs. 100,000 for promoting the business interests of the suspect. The sources said that under an agreement the suspect had with Rupavahini, he conducted English classes on the national channel (Sunday afternoon at 3.30 p.m.). The agreement with Rupavahini followed his agreement with TNL to air English classes, the sources said
Ariyadasa told The News-Lanka that he too was deceived by Sakvithi Sir. Responding to our queries, he said that he received a monthly payment of Rs. 100,000 inclusive of a range of allowances.
"But I was never part his financial dealings," he said, acknowledging that his name had been exploited to entice depositors.
Ariyadasa had joined Sakvithi in April last year on the invitation of Lanka Jayawardene who had been with the Agriculture Department for a long period. "We met on April 18, 2007," Ariyadasa said, adding that he had received appointment as the Programme Director of IT Management Solution which was primarily responsible for promoting Sakvithi’s English training package.
"Believe me, I am not thief," the respected media personality said when The News-Lanka asked him whether he was fully aware of the exploitation of his name to dupe thousands of people.
According to him, Sakvithi through his contacts in the Army and the Health Ministry had the opportunity to market his English training course at training facilities for nurses and army bases at Weli Oya, Maduru Oya, Galkulama, Galkiriyagama, Nelunkulama, Minneriya and Polonnaruwa and many other areas.
"Both officers and men brought course material priced at Rs. 3,000," Ariyadasa said, adding that Sakvithi had at least 100 employees based at his head office. "It was a big operation and people I am sure were tempted by unprecedented interests offered," he said.
Asked about his visit to Temple Trees with K. B. Kesara, an executive with Sakvithi’s group, Ariyadasa said that the President had invited him on December 3 last year to felicitate him on his birthday.
"Kesara offered to take me to Temple Trees and he accompanied me to the meeting with the President." Ariyadasa failed to explain how the Sakvithi executive who offered to drop him at Temple Trees had managed to gain entry without being invited.
Ariyadasa said that Sakvithi was a monster who deceived him and destroyed his image.
Police headquarters yesterday said that over 800 complaints had been received by Saturday. Police said they weren’t in a position to estimate the total amount of money collected by the fraudster as complaints were being received even now.
The total number of depositors could be over 4,100, police said on the basis of the documents recovered from Sakvithi’s office. But now every one know who is Ariyadasa
3:25 PM
Presidential Advisor A.H.M. Azwer told The News-Lanka that the President will be giving considerable thought to pardoning Dissanayake, in deference to the request made by Asgiriya Chapter Mahanayake Ven. Udugama Sri Buddharakkitha Thera last Tuesday (16).
“The final decision lies in the hands of the President, therefore, we have to wait and see what steps the President will be taking once he gets back to the country, since it’s a very sensitive case as Dissanayake was found guilty of contempt of court, unlike committing some other wrong,” Azwer added.
Meanwhile, UNP Parliamentarian and leading party rebel Johnston Fernando, said the President might not pardon Dissanayake since he is one of the strongmen in the UNP.
“It’s unlikely that Dissanayake will be pardoned, as the President knows that Dissanayake will not hesitate to expose the misdeeds of the government. Therefore, Rajapaksa might let the chance go by, showing a totally different scenario to the request made by the Mahanayake Thera,” Fernando asserted.
Fernando also said that lack of such strong politicians of the calibre of Dissanayake in Parliament, is reflected in the massive amount of corruption practiced by those in power, “People like S.B. Dissanayake have the ability to expose corrupt Ministers and government officials and intelligently challenge any bill which only favours the government’s henchmen. Therefore, the President will not take a chance in pardoning him,” he added.
“The final decision lies in the hands of the President, therefore, we have to wait and see what steps the President will be taking once he gets back to the country, since it’s a very sensitive case as Dissanayake was found guilty of contempt of court, unlike committing some other wrong,” Azwer added.
Meanwhile, UNP Parliamentarian and leading party rebel Johnston Fernando, said the President might not pardon Dissanayake since he is one of the strongmen in the UNP.
“It’s unlikely that Dissanayake will be pardoned, as the President knows that Dissanayake will not hesitate to expose the misdeeds of the government. Therefore, Rajapaksa might let the chance go by, showing a totally different scenario to the request made by the Mahanayake Thera,” Fernando asserted.
Fernando also said that lack of such strong politicians of the calibre of Dissanayake in Parliament, is reflected in the massive amount of corruption practiced by those in power, “People like S.B. Dissanayake have the ability to expose corrupt Ministers and government officials and intelligently challenge any bill which only favours the government’s henchmen. Therefore, the President will not take a chance in pardoning him,” he added.
2:20 PM
According to Military sources, the bund cum trench, unlike other LTTE defence lines that the forces overran earlier, is a tried and tested defensive system used by both the Indian and Pakistani armies against each other. To halt the advancing Army, the Tigers have built this formidable trench line for miles facing the south, using heavy equipment taken from the INGOs, while the Army and the Air Force were busy concentrating on engaging the enemy in earlier operations, to regain territory in their then immediate front. It had been built, first laying mines on its approaches, then a trench had been cut, especially to prevent crossing of armour and the earth removed from this trench had been used to build a bund above it to a height of eight to 10 feet. Inside the bund are also a series of bunkers, from which vantage the Tigers are able to mow down the advancing Army and call in artillery support, with their clear view of the advancing forces.
In hindsight, it can now be said that, had the Air Force Unmanned Aerial Vehicles, had spotted the massive defence line being constructed in advance, and got the MI-24 attack helicopters or the jets, to take out the heavy machinery engaged in building the network, much of this misery could have been avoided. It is easy for us to say this from the safety and comfort of Colombo now, but for the valiant forces fighting the most ruthless outfit on earth, with limited resources, in the heat of so many operations in their immediate front, it would have eluded them. Besides, the Norwegian People’s Aid only reported the removal of their heavy machinery long after the Tigers had done it.
In hindsight, it can now be said that, had the Air Force Unmanned Aerial Vehicles, had spotted the massive defence line being constructed in advance, and got the MI-24 attack helicopters or the jets, to take out the heavy machinery engaged in building the network, much of this misery could have been avoided. It is easy for us to say this from the safety and comfort of Colombo now, but for the valiant forces fighting the most ruthless outfit on earth, with limited resources, in the heat of so many operations in their immediate front, it would have eluded them. Besides, the Norwegian People’s Aid only reported the removal of their heavy machinery long after the Tigers had done it.
8:53 AM
Sri Lanka Army Commander Lt. Gen. Sarath Fonseka said that Sri Lankan ground troops will attack Kilinochchi town from next week with the support of the Air Force.
Army Commander said this while addressing a book launch ceremony held at the National Library service board auditorium, in Colombo, yesterday.
He told the gatherings that at the moment troops were located four km from Kilinochchi town. He emphasized that after the capture of Kilinochchi, troops would search every nook and corner and eliminate terrorists.
“Once Kilinochchi is captured troops will advance towards Mullaitivu,” he said, adding that the morale and determination of the Sri Lanka troops was very high.
He made these comments when he and Air Force Commander Air Vice Marshal Roshan Goonetileke participated as chief guests at the launch of the 'Rivira' weekend Sinhala newspaper defence correspondent Tissa Ravindra’s third book titled "Battle in the Wanni."
The Air Force Commander addressed the audience and said the Air Force was receiving intelligence on the LTTE leader Prabhakaran’s hideouts.
Prabakaran change his location time to time but, one day we will bomb Prabhakaran’s bunker and destroy him and bring long lasting peace to Sri Lanka, Air Force Commander said.
He said further so far the Air Force has bombed and destroyed the LTTE’s military infrastructure and would continue bombing and destroying the Tiger military infrastructure.
Army Commander said this while addressing a book launch ceremony held at the National Library service board auditorium, in Colombo, yesterday.
He told the gatherings that at the moment troops were located four km from Kilinochchi town. He emphasized that after the capture of Kilinochchi, troops would search every nook and corner and eliminate terrorists.
“Once Kilinochchi is captured troops will advance towards Mullaitivu,” he said, adding that the morale and determination of the Sri Lanka troops was very high.
He made these comments when he and Air Force Commander Air Vice Marshal Roshan Goonetileke participated as chief guests at the launch of the 'Rivira' weekend Sinhala newspaper defence correspondent Tissa Ravindra’s third book titled "Battle in the Wanni."
The Air Force Commander addressed the audience and said the Air Force was receiving intelligence on the LTTE leader Prabhakaran’s hideouts.
Prabakaran change his location time to time but, one day we will bomb Prabhakaran’s bunker and destroy him and bring long lasting peace to Sri Lanka, Air Force Commander said.
He said further so far the Air Force has bombed and destroyed the LTTE’s military infrastructure and would continue bombing and destroying the Tiger military infrastructure.
7:55 AM
Vauniya GH treats civilians including refugees and the injured security personnel
Contrary to claims by the Health Ministry, the Vavuniya General Hospital was not equipped to meet the challenging task of providing health care to thousands of people seeking refuge in government-held areas, GMOA spokesperson Dr. Upul Gunasekera said yesterday.
In a brief interview with News-Lanka, an angry Gunasekera said the medical staff of the premier health institution in the region struck work for four hours from 8 a. m. to 12 noon yesterday to pressure the Health Ministry to ensure adequate transport facilities to doctors serving there. He said that there had not been a breakdown of emergency services and medical facilities provided to the army.
Vavuniya remains a key medical facility for the army fighting on the Vanni front.
Due to the recent Defence Ministry directive to prohibit private vehicles from operating between Medawachchiya and Vavuniya and termination of train services northwards beyond Medawachchiya, the medical staff attached to government hospitals at Vavuniya and Mannar had been provided with two vehicles for their convenience, he said. Under this scheme, the Health Ministry had agreed to provide both vehicles and fuel to maintain uninterrupted services.
Commending Defence Secretary Gotabhaya Rajapaksa for promptly facilitating the issue of a special pass for the medical staff to pass through the Medawachchiya checkpoint, Dr. Gunasekera accused the Health Ministry of turning a blind eye to their basic requirements.
Responding to our queries, he warned that unless the Health Ministry fully restored the transport services immediately, the GMOA would step up trade union action. "We’ll probably strike on Monday," he said, asserting it would be the responsibility of the government to ensure uninterrupted services at Vavuniya.
The official also accused the Health Ministry of failing to provide the required facilities to hospitals in the region even after President Mahinda Rajapaksa personally intervened on behalf of the army. He said the President had wanted the best possible care provided to army and police casualties but the Health Ministry and the Provincial administration had failed in their task.
He explained that the cold storage facilities at government hospitals at Vavuniya and Padaviya among other areas had been provided by the ICRC as pointed out by News-Lanka at a recent press conference chaired by Human Rights and Disaster Management Minister Mahinda Samarasinghe. The Health Ministry was discussing grandiose plans while conveniently forgetting the need to provide essential services and take urgent measures to meet any eventuality in view of the Vanni battle.
He warned an unprecedented health crisis unless urgent steps were taken to strengthen facilities at hospitals to meet any eventuality. "We are struggling to meet the health requirement of both civilians and the army," he said, expressing concern over the absence of a cohesive policy to meet the army’s growing demand for enhanced medical facilities.
A spokesperson for the Vavuniya branch of the GMOA accused the Medical Superintendent of the Vavuniya hospital and the Regional Director of Health Services of allocating space in the newly built OPD and clinic complex outside the original plan. He said the GMOA wanted the ministerial intervention to correct the situation immediately.
He alleged the ministry of turning a Nelsonian eye to the deteriorating situation in the face of a major influx of internally displaced persons from LTTE-held area.
A Health Ministry spokesman told News-Lanka that a high level delegation would be sent to Vavuniya today to discuss the entire gamut of issues and take corrective measures.
Dr. (Mrs) P. Pasupathyrajah, medical superintendent and Dr. M. Mahendran, Regional Director of Health Services, Vavuniya, in a letter to President of the Vavuniya branch of the GMOA had explained the efforts taken by them to restore transport services. While appealing them to call off their trade union action, the two officials had emphasised the importance of a joint effort to run the hospital. Responding to the criticism over allocation of the newly built OPD and clinic complex, they said that allocation was done immediately to accommodate the Defence Ministry request for a suitable location for an Army Ward.
Contrary to claims by the Health Ministry, the Vavuniya General Hospital was not equipped to meet the challenging task of providing health care to thousands of people seeking refuge in government-held areas, GMOA spokesperson Dr. Upul Gunasekera said yesterday.
In a brief interview with News-Lanka, an angry Gunasekera said the medical staff of the premier health institution in the region struck work for four hours from 8 a. m. to 12 noon yesterday to pressure the Health Ministry to ensure adequate transport facilities to doctors serving there. He said that there had not been a breakdown of emergency services and medical facilities provided to the army.
Vavuniya remains a key medical facility for the army fighting on the Vanni front.
Due to the recent Defence Ministry directive to prohibit private vehicles from operating between Medawachchiya and Vavuniya and termination of train services northwards beyond Medawachchiya, the medical staff attached to government hospitals at Vavuniya and Mannar had been provided with two vehicles for their convenience, he said. Under this scheme, the Health Ministry had agreed to provide both vehicles and fuel to maintain uninterrupted services.
Commending Defence Secretary Gotabhaya Rajapaksa for promptly facilitating the issue of a special pass for the medical staff to pass through the Medawachchiya checkpoint, Dr. Gunasekera accused the Health Ministry of turning a blind eye to their basic requirements.
Responding to our queries, he warned that unless the Health Ministry fully restored the transport services immediately, the GMOA would step up trade union action. "We’ll probably strike on Monday," he said, asserting it would be the responsibility of the government to ensure uninterrupted services at Vavuniya.
The official also accused the Health Ministry of failing to provide the required facilities to hospitals in the region even after President Mahinda Rajapaksa personally intervened on behalf of the army. He said the President had wanted the best possible care provided to army and police casualties but the Health Ministry and the Provincial administration had failed in their task.
He explained that the cold storage facilities at government hospitals at Vavuniya and Padaviya among other areas had been provided by the ICRC as pointed out by News-Lanka at a recent press conference chaired by Human Rights and Disaster Management Minister Mahinda Samarasinghe. The Health Ministry was discussing grandiose plans while conveniently forgetting the need to provide essential services and take urgent measures to meet any eventuality in view of the Vanni battle.
He warned an unprecedented health crisis unless urgent steps were taken to strengthen facilities at hospitals to meet any eventuality. "We are struggling to meet the health requirement of both civilians and the army," he said, expressing concern over the absence of a cohesive policy to meet the army’s growing demand for enhanced medical facilities.
A spokesperson for the Vavuniya branch of the GMOA accused the Medical Superintendent of the Vavuniya hospital and the Regional Director of Health Services of allocating space in the newly built OPD and clinic complex outside the original plan. He said the GMOA wanted the ministerial intervention to correct the situation immediately.
He alleged the ministry of turning a Nelsonian eye to the deteriorating situation in the face of a major influx of internally displaced persons from LTTE-held area.
A Health Ministry spokesman told News-Lanka that a high level delegation would be sent to Vavuniya today to discuss the entire gamut of issues and take corrective measures.
Dr. (Mrs) P. Pasupathyrajah, medical superintendent and Dr. M. Mahendran, Regional Director of Health Services, Vavuniya, in a letter to President of the Vavuniya branch of the GMOA had explained the efforts taken by them to restore transport services. While appealing them to call off their trade union action, the two officials had emphasised the importance of a joint effort to run the hospital. Responding to the criticism over allocation of the newly built OPD and clinic complex, they said that allocation was done immediately to accommodate the Defence Ministry request for a suitable location for an Army Ward.
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