The Australian opposition on Monday rejected calls to bring a boatload of asylum seekers to Australia despite increasing concern for their welfare.
Almost 250 Sri Lankan asylum seekers have refused to leave their boat moored off the Indonesian coast since arriving there in October for fear they will have to wait years to be resettled.
Refugee advocates and Tamil groups staged a protest outside the Australian embassy in Jakarta on Monday, demanding the Australian government resolve the stand-off.
The Australian government, which asked Indonesia to intercept the vessel, has been urged to take responsibility for the boatload following the death of one of the asylum seekers on Christmas Eve.
Despite the tension, the coalition would not support bringing the group to Australia, Opposition Immigration spokesman Scott Morrison told the Australian Associated Press.
"This only highlights the special deal that was done for the Oceanic Viking," he said.
That group of asylum seekers were lured off their boat after the federal government made various assurances they would be processed quickly.
The latest interception of 17 asylum seekers on their way to Australia on Boxing Day was another sign the government was failing to deter people smugglers, Morrison added.
An offspring of Sri Lanka’s ‘royal family’ has bought a building worth US$6 -7 million from Manhattan in New York. This has been revealed to ‘Lanka Irida’ by Sri Lankans living in the US.
– The Sri Lankan General Sarath Fonseka who led troops to victory, defeating Tamil separatists after decades of war, was replaced on the advice of Indian Prime Minister Dr Manmohan Singh, who conveyed to Sri Lankan leadership that he had received credible intelligence about the possible coup against the Sri Lankan government. Well-placed sources in Colombo disclosed to The Nation on Monday that after the annihilation of Liberation Tigers of Tamil Eelam (LTTE), on the night of 21/22 May 2009, Indian Prime Minister Manmohan Singh called Sri Lankan leadership on telephone and discussed matters in the contest of intelligence. Indian Prime Minister warned that intelligence reports indicated that democratic institutions in Sri Lanka were under threat from Sri Lanka Army (SLA). “SLA and General Fonseka have become too powerful. The situation is dangerous as it sometimes happened in Pakistan and Bangladesh, where military got control of democratic institutions,” the sources revealed while quoting the conversation that took place between Indian PM and Sri Lankan leader. Above all, Indian Prime Minister also advised the Sri Lankan political leadership that they must act swiftly and order changes in senior leadership of Armed forces. It is quite obvious that India was not happy with Sri Lanka’s unprecedented victory that could lead to peace and domestic stability; thus denying India’s leverage in Sri Lanka’s internal affairs. India was also displeased with Sri Lankan leadership for the killing of large number of Tamils during the war and for not fully implementing the 13th amendment that meant grant of autonomy to Tamils in the North and East. It seemed a well thought-out strategy that was carefully crafted by Indian Intelligence Agency RAW in Colombo and New Delhi to steal away the rejoicings of Sri Lankan nation in the aftermath of a grand victory against LTTE. Reportedly, during the course of ground operations, General Fonseka had ignored President’s concerns on different occasions. Indians cashed on the opportunity and created an unfounded fear among the President who got scared and made abrupt changes in Army’s leadership, without realising the consequences in the process.
S.B. Dissanayake said a short while ago that he will join the SLFP and support President Mahinda Rajapaksa at the upcoming Presidential Elections to defeat Common Opposition candidate. He also added that he will contest the upcoming General Elections.
JVP MP Anura Kumara Dissanayaka addressing a press conference a short while ago said that General Sarath Fonseka has been invited to be the Common Candidate of the opposition for the upcoming Presidential elections. He added the General will contest neither from the UNF nor the JVP but from an independent political party. He further added the General possessed all the qualities and qualifications that a Presidential nominee should have. 
The common candidate Gen. Sarath Fonseka speaking at the UNP special convention yesterday (05), said, my ambition in entering politics is, like how I won the war against the worst terrorist outfit in the world , I want to wage war against corruption, lawlessness and fulfill promises I make; restore and strengthen Democracy, and wipe out family rule.
Gen. Fonseka stated this before milling crowds and loud applause at the special UNP convention which was held yesterday at the Welisara Nawaloka playground.
The convention began after the opposition and UNP leader Ranil Wickremesinghe introduced Gen . Fonseka as the common Presidential candidate on stage amidst undying applause and cheers which greeted him from the massive crowds.
Gen. Fonseka who commenced his speech after acknowledging their tremendous applause and cheers, and saying ‘ayubowan ‘ in traditional style said, this is the third occasion he came on a political stage. While he had one and half years more in service for retirement and he was pampered with 600 soldiers and 25 vehicles and had great prospects at the top, he abandoned all these comforts and prospects ,and retired from the Army to start a new life for the sake of the people and the country.
Referring to the war victory , he said the credit for the victory belongs to all citizens of the country . He could go ahead on the victorious march because of the support extended by all without exception ,and specially those thousands and thousands of youths who joined the Forces . I can never forget that assistance they rendered to me. I will always remember that with great reverence. The war victory credit cannot be claimed by those boastful elements who are emptily waxing eloquent , or by any single individual, he added .
Like how I won the war , it is now my ambition to fulfill the promises I am giving now in the same way as I fulfilled the promise I gave then during the war. To eradicate corruption , lawlessness and restore Democracy , media freedom ,peace and justice in the country . To wipe out family rule , family corruption , build the hopes of the future generation and create a climate where all can feel free to discuss and resolve issues. These are my promises and this is the political environment I am hoping to establish , he asserted.
I have honored the promise I gave to the country. I did not enter politics to nourish and enrich my family. I am not aspiring to amass wealth and become richer than the richest family in Asia or to build my personal future .Of course there are all falsehoods and fabricated stories being woven round me by idlers and liars . I will prove every one of them as untrue. While they are having all the squalor and stench in their backyard , they are trying to sling mud at others. Who are these daylight robbers ? You will be able to see who are true and who are the rogues very soon, the General observed.
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General Sarath Fonseka opened his political office in
source by dailymirro
Kurunegala District UNP MP Akila Viraj Kariyawasam stated, the helicopter accident at Madalkumbara Buttala on 27th November which claimed four lives including the Pilot Rohan Gunaratne was not an accident as the latter had complained there was a technical defect in the Helicopter.He can say with responsibility that this Helicopter which was sent on instructions from the top echelons of the Govt. for the President s foundation stone laying ceremony for the new airport was defective, Akila added.
Akila Viraj addressing the media yrerstarday at Colombo said, Rohan Gunaratne on the day of the accident has on his phone when speaking to his fiancee at about 10.34 a.m. from Kurunegala had related this defect to her. Both phones of his and hers are in the name of Rohan Gunaratne. Hence. if the phones are examined this would be revealed, Akila pointed out.Akila questioned on whose instructions a Helicopter with a Technical defect was dispatched in connection with a function attended by the President,? he asked.
see this our next president................
The war heroes memorial that was in Tangalle town was dismantled yesterday (24th) the day after the presidential election was announced. The gazette announcing the presidential election was issued at midnight on the 23rd.
see this sri lankan MADE president Story....................
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It was the third IMF sale of gold in a month as the Washington-based institution, the world's third-largest official holder of the precious metal, seeks to reduce its dependence on lending revenue and bolster its finances amid the global economic crisis. The IMF said the sale to the Central Bank of Sri Lanka was based on the market prices prevailing Monday. On November 2, the IMF sold 200 tonnes of gold to India's central bank for 6.7 billion dollars, then sold two tonnes of gold to Mauritius on November 16 for 71.7 million dollars. The IMF executive board approved in September the sale of 403.3 tonnes of gold. The fund, which currently holds roughly 3,000 tonnes of gold, is the third-largest official holder of the precious metal after the United States and Germany. The IMF said it would sell gold directly to central banks and other official holders for an initial period before selling the remaining amount on the open markets "in a phased manner over time |
WASHINGTON (AFP) – The International Monetary Fund said Wednesday it had sold 10 tonnes of gold to Sri Lanka's central bank for 375 million dollars, as part of a restructuring of IMF financial resources.
| The Military Police last night had attempted to remove from the possession of recently retired Chief of Defence Staff (CDS) General Sarath Fonseka a number of vehicles and security personnel provided to him by the army, sources in the Generals Office told Daily Mirror online. However after having spoken to the General the Military Police had left the premises of his official residence without carrying out their intended action. “The General explained to them his need for security and the Military Police stated that they regretted having to carry out their orders from above, despite their solidarity to the General,” sources in the |
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| President Mahinda Rajapaksa has emphasised to the party leaders in the alliance, that as a Government which had fulfilled the aims of the people, they can on go before them at any time and the Government succeeded in discharging a massive part of the work vested in it for six years, within four years. The President addressing the party leaders at Temple Trees yesterday, opined that a majority had requested for a Presidential poll. Today, they are requesting for power as he was confident of permanent peace and a developed country which can compete in the world. As such, in a democratic country, it is only through a poll that politics in the country should be changed. Democracy should be safeguarded. The Government succeeded in liberating the motherland from terrorism. The President pointed out at this meeting that all progressive forces should unite to strengthen the programme of building the country which had been liberated. Also, the President was confident that all these progressive forces would discharge their duties and responsibilities properly |
The gazette notification announcing the holding of the Presidential elections next year is now being printed by the government printer, sources at the government printer told Daily Mirror online a short while ago. The gazette will later be sent to the Commissioner of Elections.
COLOMBO, Nov 20 (Reuters) - Sarath Fonseka, who quit as Sri Lanka's top general after the end of a 25-year war, has said he plans now to fight for democracy and human rights, fuelling speculation he will soon announce his candidacy for the presidency
He said on Monday he would announce his decision on entering politics this week.
Here are some questions and answers on Fonseka:
WHO IS SARATH FONSEKA?
A soldier from 1970, Fonseka was the army commander who spearheaded victory over the Tamil Tiger rebels. Known for his volatile temper and win-at-all-costs attitude on the battlefield, Fonseka was nearly killed in April 2006 by a Tiger suicide bomber, but returned three months later to launch a 34-month campaign that defeated the rebels.
WHY DID HE RESIGN?
Fonseka in his resignation letter accused President Mahinda Rajapaksa of sidelining him despite his contribution to the victory, and of sullying the army's reputation by falsely alerting India that a coup plot was afoot in October.
WHY THE SPECULATION HE WILL CHALLENGE RAJAPAKSA?
He has recently spoken out on democracy, human rights, and media freedom, areas in which the opposition and Western nations say the administration of Rajapaksa has done too little. Both the Marxist Janatha Vimukthi Peremuna and pro-business United National Party have said they have spoken to him and are ready to adopt him as their common candidate to defeat Rajapaksa. Fonseka has not responded to this yet.
WHY IS HE DELAYING HIS ANNOUNCEMENT?
Analysts say Fonseka wants Rajapaksa first to announce the date of a presidential poll which the government has said is due by April. The president on Sunday dodged the date announcement, in what analysts saw as a tactic to buy time until the Fonseka flap settles down.
CAN FONSEKA TAKE VOTES FROM RAJAPAKSA?
Fonseka has at least as much claim as Rajapaksa to credit for victory in the war, a key factor in the incumbent's popularity.
WHAT ABOUT THE ECONOMY?
If Fonseka enters the presidential race, economists expect Rajapaksa to spend more to woo voters with public-sector wage hikes, subsidies and new state jobs. Rajapaksa has already promised public sector pay increases from January. But implementing this will be very difficult due to strings attached to a $2.6 billion loan from the International Monetary Fund (IMF). If Rajapaksa decides to cancel the IMF loan, investor confidence in the $40 billion economy will be badly dented. (Editing by Andrew Roche)
Who is The Sri lankan next president?
General Sarath Fonseka has been confirmed as the United National Front’s common Presidential candidate, United National Party Deputy General Secretary Lakshman Kiriella told heppuwa news a short while ago.
November 23, 2009 12:35 pm
President Mahinda Rajapaksa stressed that an environment has been created where the women could lead respectable lives. He said the service provided by the women cannot be measured although it is not written in the books. Women are making a large contribution to the Gross National Product of the country. On one side, they are providing a service that cannot be measured in monitory terms.
The President made these observations at the Prize Giving of the Swarnamali Balika Vidyalaya in Anuradhapura.
According to belief our behaviours, virtues and ideas are shaped by our mothers. He noted that it is the mother who brings the knowledge of our ancient heritage from generation to generation. This responsibility is transferred to the daughters.
The message they carry forward from generation to generation about our national heritage is of utmost importance.
He said that he is seeking the participation of the entire population of women to create a proud generation which is educated and disciplined. Ministers Tissa Karaliyadde, S.M. Chandrasena, Duminda Dissanayake, W.B. Ekenayake, Governor of the North Central Province Karunaratne Divulgane, Chief Minister of the North Central Province Berty Premalal Dissanayake, the Principal of the school, the staff and a large number of students were present.
| Party leaders of the United People Freedom Alliance (UPFA) are currently at a meeting with President Mahinda Rajapaksa over the upcoming elections, senior government Minister D.M Jayaratna told Daily Mirror online a short while ago. Another government Minister, when contacted by Daily Mirror online, also confirmed that he had been asked to attend a meeting with the President this morning. President Mahinda Rajapaksa is scheduled to gazette a notification this evening calling for a Presidential election early next year.
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 President Mahinda Rajapaksa has appointed Air Chief Roshan Gunathilleke to perform the duties and functions of the office of the Chief of Defence Staff, Secretary to the President Lalith Werathunga told www.news.lkMr. Gunathileke has been given the new appointment in addition to his current post as the Sri Lanka Air Force Chief. |
Speaking further the Leader of the JVP said Mr. Rohana Wijeweera took steps to transform the society that had been forced people to be born like humans but die as dogs to a society where people are born, live and die as humans. He said there are now millions who have rallied and resolved to fulfill what Mr. Rohana Wijeweera started but could not complete.
“We are no one’s prop. We have never propped anyone in our history nor would we prop anyone in the future as well. However, we would get the services of anyone who is competent for any particular assignment. Without leaving the circle we are in, we could jump the triangle. Comrade Rohana Wijeweera has taught us the method.
Mr. J.R. Jayawardene had a habit of asking “What’s ‘Rohan’ doing about it?” when ever there was an issue in the country. JR went to bed and woke up thinking of what ‘Rohan’ was doing. JR called Comrade Rohana Wijeweera ‘Rohan.’
There is no SLFP party now. Where is the hand symbol? Where are its members? Now they are going to have a summit; this is a pseudo summit.
Now the UNP states they would not devolve power; they accept unitary state. This is good. However, they should be behind us. We don’t mind anyone coming behind us. For, we don’t garland either of them. Now they say they would abolish executive presidency in six months. I would like to tell Mr. Ranil Wickremasinghe that it is too early. For anything you do, Mr. Wickremasinghe, you should come to power. However, the UNP can never come to power. They have committed a lot of crimes. They should make a self criticism in front of the country first,” added Mr. Amarasinghe.
General Secretary of the JVP Tilvin Silva said Mr. Mahinda Rajapaske would be brought down from the caretaker of the country to its watcher. He further said, “Where was Mr. Mahinda Rajapakse two months ago? He was enjoying his royalty. Now this has changed. The JVP mediated to change this. There is crisis in the ‘palace.’ Now Mr. Mahinda Rajapakse says he is not the king but the caretaker. We are prepared to make his the watcher. The JVP is prepared to use the crises within the government to bring victories to the masses and the country; we are prepared to take difficult decision and implement them to achieve this. The government we have is one that sees conspiracies when unemployed graduates take to the streets asking for jobs. This government is scared of a little breeze. It sees it as a cyclone as the government is so unstable.
Now Mr. Mahinda Rajapakse is scared that he would lose power and wants to strengthen it. This government is preparing to abolish democracy to strengthen their power. We would never allow that. We would not allow them to take that path. We are prepared to make use of any mechanism to defeat such an attempt.
Mr. Dulles Alahappepurma had said that the JVP was a great party and they had not forgotten what the JVP had done. However, those same dirty mouths depreciated us earlier. Within two months the mouths that used to upbraid us have been made to call our party great. This means we have been correct throughout.
The time has come to change the rotation system of changing governments. Time has come to establish a people’s administration instead of a nepotistic rule. Our country needs a new social change. Hence, we should defeat depreciations by the enemies and march forward. The world aspired by our heroes including Comrade Rohana Wijeweera should be built. Let’s rally to achieve this noble goal.”
A large crowd was present. The ceremony was made colourful with a concert of ‘songs of Liberation’
Sri Lanka's armed forces chief Gen Sarath Fonseka has resigned from his post just months after helping secure the defeat of the Tamil Tiger rebels. Gen Fonseka is reportedly considering challenging President Mahinda Rajapaksa in an election to be held before April. He is due to make a speech shortly. The resignation was swiftly accepted by the president, a political source told the BBC on condition of anonymity. Speculation of a rift between the two men has been rife in recent months. The BBC's Charles Haviland in Colombo says the general has been in talks with Sri Lanka's opposition coalition about the possibility of his running for president against Mr Rajapaksa. Opposition politicians say that resigning from his post as army chief would clear the way for him to stand as a presidential candidate. But in an interview with BBC Tamil, Gen Fonseka would not be drawn on reports he might enter the presidential race. "I am retiring. That's all I can say at the moment," he said. Sinhalese nationalist Two months after leading the army to victory in the civil war, Gen Fonseka was promoted from army chief to armed forces chief, a new position viewed as largely ceremonial. He was widely reported to be unhappy at this. \orrespondents say the general has a reputation as a strong Sinhalese nationalist.He told BBC Tamil that "wiping out the LTTE [Liberation Tigers of Tamil Eelam]" was the crowning achievement of his 40-year military career. In a Canadian newspaper interview last year he was quoted as saying that "this country belongs to the [majority] Sinhalese" although minorities must also be treated "like our people". Both the government and Gen Fonseka have denied rumours of differences between him and the civilian leadership
This student is the first to die in Sri Lanka from new influenza after the first H1N1 patient was found in Sri Lanka in June this year states the Ministry of Health. The dead student’s parents are doctors serving in government hospitals in Kandy District.
The student had been suffering from lung infections from his childhood and after he contacted H1N1 he had found it difficult to breath. When he was admitted to Kandy Hospital in a critical stage the blood tests done on him had not revealed he had contacted H1N1. However, a second test done at Borella had confirmed he had been suffering from H1N1.
