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News Archive for Jan 2012

India’s Plans for Sri Lanka post-LTTE
 Shenali Waduge
We cannot deny the historical links shared between Sri Lanka and India. We cannot also forget decades of India’s aggression camouflaged by diplomatic niceties with post-war observing an India totally in denial of its own links & support of LTTE terrorism. So much so that India’s concern is none other than the Tamil civilians of the north and east and a steady flow of Indian “assistance” to be “taken” without argument. A Government that politically & militarily defeated terrorism should not need to fear “influences” for a nation backs any Government that does not compromise the territorial... -Full Story-
(LankaWeb - 31/01/12)

GCE A/L-2011 results need urgent review
By Prof. R. P. Gunawardane Indiana State University, USA
(Formerly Secretary, Ministry of Education and Higher Education, Secretary, Higher Education and IT Development, Chairman, National Education Commission, Senior Professor & Dean, Faculty of Science, University of Peradeniya)  http://www.island.lk/index.php?page_cat=article-details&page=article-details&code_title=43853  I have watched with great pain of mind the events and developments that took place after the release of the results of GCE A/L Examination held in 2011. Many errors and omissions in the results have been reported and a presidential committee was appointed to look into this matter. The report of this committee has now been submitted to the President.... -Full Story-
(LankaWeb - 31/01/12)

“Responsibility to Protect: Asian-African Perspectives” by Hon Rauff Hakeem, Minister of Justice of the Democratic Socialist Republic of Sri Lanka and President of the Asian-African Legal Consultative Organization, Tuesday, 24th January 2012 at Indian Council of World Affairs (ICWA)
Media Release-Sri Lanka Embassy Paris
Professor Upendra Baxi, the Chairman of today’s meeting,  Your Excellencies, the Ambassadors/High Commissioners of Member States of AALCO, Ambassador Sudhir T Devare, Director General of Indian Council of World Affairs, Excellency Prof Dr Rahmat Mohamad, Secretary-General of AALCO, Distinguished Invitees, Ladies and Gentlemen.  At the outset, I wish to express my esteemed appreciation for the Indian Council of World Affairs for inviting me to address you at this prestigious venue of Sapru House. I would also like to express my profound gratitude to Prof Rahmat Mohamad, Secretary-General of AALCO for inviting me to... -Full Story-
(LankaWeb - 31/01/12)

Time ripe for an all-inclusive Sri Lanka
 Nimal Fernando
 Over the past two years, there have been detailed and factual analyses of the Sri Lankan situation by such well-informed writers as H.L.D. Mahindapala, Gomin Dayasri, Philip Fernando, Charles S. Perera, Dayan Jayatilleka,  Shenali Waduge, Kumar Moses,  Dilrook Kannangara, Malinda Seneviratne and many, many more ... The single factor underpinning all their efforts has been the national interest and the integrity of the nation. Now, as the nation prepares to mark yet another Independence Day, a question that begs to be asked is: Why is there no demand for more urgency in relegating all this to the... -Full Story-
(LankaWeb - 31/01/12)

Louise Arbour and ICG Reports
Asoka Weerasinghe Kings Grove Crescent . Gloucester . Ontario . K1J 6G1.Canada
31 January 2012 Hon. John Baird, MP., PC,  Canada’s Minister of Foreign Affairs, House of Commons, Ottawa His Excellency  Bruce Levy, Canadian High Commissioner to Sri Lanka, Colombo Sri Lanka. Dear John and Bruce: Re.  Sri Lanka heading towards harassment by Western nations at the UNHRC Meetings in Geneva in March 2012. The concocted Reports on Sri Lanka that are coming out like multiplying vermin, by self-appointed Human Rights ‘Policing’ Organizations like AI, ICG, HRW, and UNHRC,  accusing that democratic island nation of Human Rights violations, War... -Full Story-
(LankaWeb - 31/01/12)

Buddhism and Darwin’s Theory of Evolution
By D. Amarasiri Weeraratne
 It was over a hundred years ago that Darwin presented his theory of Biological Evolution. This epoch-making and far reaching discovery undermined the foundation of religion in the West. Christian priests in England were alarmed and took the offensive against Darwin and his “Theory of Evolution”. Darwin faced all such ill informed and fanatical attacks with courage and calmness. Attempts to silence him with money also failed.  The fanatical attacks were spearheaded by Archbishop Wilberforce. His contention was that if Evolution was true, then the story of the Creation given in the Bible was false.... -Full Story-
(LankaWeb - 31/01/12)

TNA SPOKESMAN ATTEMPTS " ARM TWISTING"
Susantha Wijesinghe.
  I see in the Island Newspaper a report, that the ' TNA, insists that POLICE POWERS, LAND POWERS, and FINANCE POWERS be a prerequisite for the party to sit on the Parliamentary Select Committee to HAMMER out a ' final solution' for Devolution Discussions ' You can HAMMER OUT as much as possible, but you will get none on your platter.   I started laughing so much, that I could not avoid passing flatus, from the exit of my oesophagus. The very suggestion is so very hilarious.   Let me tell you, TNA Spokesman Premachandran,  at the... -Full Story-
(LankaWeb - 31/01/12)

13A and 13P - The Bane of a Two Thirds Majority
Dilrook Kannangara
Whenever Sri Lanka ruling party had a two thirds majority, India comes begging trying to impose its demands. Given the extreme unpopularity of Indian demands, which are often racist, there is no likelihood of any cooperation between the ruling party and the opposition. Only a two thirds majority of the ruling party can make dirty Indian demands happen.   Giving UPFA a two thirds majority has multiple problems. Severe abuse of power by the government from Angoda to Tangalle and right throughout the country was seen in the last one and a half years. Victims of these... -Full Story-
(LankaWeb - 30/01/12)

Is Sri Lanka's hard won sovereignty being surrendered to the IMF and other money lenders?
Ajit Randeniya
A couple of recent reports from Sri Lanka give rise to concerns that the treasured national sovereignty gained in May 2009 by eliminating the menaces of terrorism and war is being squandered through the careless or incompetent actions of certain members of cabinet and top bureaucrats. The first of such reports refers to the presence in the country of a delegation representing the International Monetary Fund (IMF), holding ‘discussions’ with the Central Bank (CB) on the issue of a sum of US$ 800 million yet to be drawn of the IMF’s US$ 2.6 billion Standby Arrangement... -Full Story-
(LankaWeb - 30/01/12)

Bashing Sri Lanka’s Peace - Pro LTTE Diaspora Do Not Give Up Using Foreign Media To Bash Sri Lanka.
A Sri Lankan American in the Washington Area.
Response to an article appearing in the Washington Post of January 12, 2012 in the Style Section pages C1 and C4 titled “Unpeaceful Coexistence” witha reference to Sri Lanka among other countries.The link to the original article appears below. http://www.washingtonpost.com/todays_paper?dt=2012-01-12&bk=C&pg=1 By A Sri Lankan American in the Washington Area Submitted to the Washington Post on January 27, 2012. This response is being submitted to the Washington Post one of the largest newspapers in the nation’s capital.  However, Washington Post and particularly the journalist Emily Wax has a history of relying only... -Full Story-
(LankaWeb - 30/01/12)

Canada's John Baird speaks of Sri Lanka at the Royal Commonwealth Society, UK
Asoka Weerasinghe Kings Grove Crescent . Gloucester . Ontario . K1J 6G1 Canada
30 January 2012 Hon. John Baird, MP, PC. ,  Canada’s Minister of Foreign Affair, House of Commons, Ottawa. Dear John: I have just read in Colombo Telegraph the news item, Canadian Foreign Minister Strikes Again – This Time In London Against Sri Lanka. John you got my goat and I am seething. You are obviously in your element when you get on your High Horse and try your Nepean Song and Jig when you comment on Sri Lanka.  Stop being so God damn arrogant, so... -Full Story-
(LankaWeb - 30/01/12)

Stsatements on Sri Lanka At Royal Commonwealth Society, London Jan. 23,2012
Ira de Silva London,  Canada
Hon. John Baird Minister of Foreign Affairs House of Commons Ottawa, Canada   Dear Sir:     I refer to the biased, factually incorrect comments you made in London at the Royal Commonwealth Society meeting on Jan.23,2012. I read them in the Colombo Telegraph today.   It is stated that you said you are aware of reports "on the issue of high military presence in the north of Sri Lanka and the continuing human rights issues faced by the Tamil minority community there" and that as a government you will not shy away from... -Full Story-
(LankaWeb - 30/01/12)

Laughter the best medicine
Dr.Tilak Fenando
Following my column last Monday about ‘home style in London’ I thought of adding one more into the array due to some feedback requests. These stories are not fabrications but out of true to life incidents over a period of time. Hilarious these may sound, but equally it demonstrates on individual ingenuity and how some have come out of the woods in certain tricky situations. There is a golden rule which implies that one’s shortcomings, inexperience or problems should not be focused and criticized. But is there anything wrong in looking at the funny side of a... -Full Story-
(LankaWeb - 30/01/12)

President denies promising India to go beyond 13-A All political party leaders to be consulted on national question
By Ravi Ladduwahetty Courtesy The Island 
President Mahinda Rajapaksa yesterday denied that he ever told India he would go beyond the 13th Amendment to the Constitution as a solution to the ethnic problem. Responding to a question at a breakfast meeting with heads of print and electronic media yesterday at Temple Trees whether he had promised India to go beyond the 13th Amendment, the President said: "Oh, No! How can I make promises like that? I have referred the issue to Parliament. I have nominated government representatives to the PSC. But unfortunately, neither the UNP nor the JVP... -Full Story-
(LankaWeb - 30/01/12)

Defence Secretary Gotabhaya Rajapaksa rejects testimony attributed to unnamed Gen.Reveals US attempt to bribe serving officer
by Shamindra Ferdinando Courtesy The Island 
Defence Secretary Gotabhaya Rajapaksa yesterday said that none of the Majors General directly involved in eelam war IV had made a testimony to any US lawyer, in New York in 2010, alleging extrajudicial killings of civilians, surrendering LTTE cadres and dissident journalists during eelam war IV."Those directly involved in the campaign are still in service. They’ll never betray the country for personal benefit," Defence Secretary Rajapaksa told The Island. He was responding to a report by Emmanuel Stoakes posted on www.truth-out.org on Sunday (Jan.29). The Defence Secretary said that the government expected... -Full Story-
(LankaWeb - 30/01/12)

BBC Hard Talk – National Anthem in Tamil?
Selva Gnanam Melbourne, Australia
In his 9 part series(made 2010) BBC ‘Hard Talk’ host Stephen Sackur looks at the Sri Lankan government's child soldier rehabilitation programme (parts 7-9)  He talks to the programme director, teachers ..... and to the teenagers themselves, about their horrific experiences and new lives. The programme, he says, poses a troubling question – “Should the victorious Sri Lankan military be responsible for the rehabilitation of traumatised and vulnerable Tamil teenagers?" He always stresses the point that the people engaged in this whole operation are “Singhalese” and the overall control is still with the “victorious Sri... -Full Story-
(LankaWeb - 30/01/12)

OPEN LETTER TO GOVERNMENT OF SRI LANKA -SAY “NO” TO INTERNATIONAL MEDIATION
By Stanley Perera, Melbourne 
Seperatist, Racist and Terrorist TNA are asking for International Mediation to win their racist, separatist and terrorist demands.  TNA are also nominating anti GoSL USA. First and foremost writer wishes to remind the GoSL of the difficulties it experienced with the International Community, UNO, UNESCO,R2P and numerous other International Organisations including AI, NGOO and INGOO with their support for their Seperatist EELAM STATE.  How much of pressure that the GoSL had to face in the past 27 years is no secret to the Sri Lankans who love their country.  GoSL must bear in mind that... -Full Story-
(LankaWeb - 30/01/12)

Journey To The Edge Of The Universe - National Geographic 720p.Part 1/7
... -Full Story- (youtube.com - 30/01/12)

Sampanthan and TNA MPs with their pants down
By Charles.S.Perera
Sampanthan and the TNA MPs ever since they were elected to the Parliament  have done nothing constructive for the benefit of the  Tamil people of the North and East.  While the Government had carried out intensive development projects, Sampanthan and his TNA MPs had been away travelling  around the world  complaining to different Governments about the failure of the Government of Sri Lanka  to devolve  political power to the people of the North and East.. The Tamil people are not unaware of this, and the TNA MPs are not a popular bunch.  I give below what some... -Full Story-
(LankaWeb - 29/01/12)

Buddhists under Threat in South Korea
By Choe Sang-Hun
http://unethicalconversionwatch.org/ SEOUL — At Jogye Temple, normally an island of Buddhist serenity, plainclothes officers have staked out the exits, waiting to grab any fugitives who venture out. Camped out on the temple grounds are the leaders of fierce anti-government protests who have been charged with instigating violence. They have come to the temple seeking political sanctuary, not spiritual uplift. One top government official has branded them "Satans." As a gong echoes through the neighborhood of office towers in central Seoul, afternoon worshipers arriving at the temple – home to the largest Buddhist order in South Korea... -Full Story-
(LankaWeb - 29/01/12)

Misspoken, Mistaken, and Misunderstood 13th Plus?
By Gomin Dayasri
 The recent utterances attributed to the Government display its indecisiveness on the 13th Amendment and its incapacity to rectify a miscommunication, which caused a misinterpretation that led to a misunderstanding.  The selection of a faulty phrase in the course of a discussion was pounced on by the Indian Foreign Minister Krishnan to carry home an offering that sounded sweet to India. Not that he replayed it mischievously- the words and phrases amounted to indeed what he heard and repeated. But that was not what the President truly meant.  The difference lies in the oft- repeated 13th... -Full Story-
(LankaWeb - 29/01/12)

ISLAM and the advent of latter day Messiah.
By A. Abdul aziz.
 The articles appeared in lanakweb on 14th and 19th January 2012, clearly indicated Jesus’ post-crucifixion journey to Kashmir and his natural death over there as well as the advent of another person in the spirit of Jesus – similarities between them were also discussed. Here, I want to elaborate in depth what the religious scriptures say about this latter day Messiah, for the benefit of the readers.  When we study the Bible, there are many prophecies concerning to the second advent of Jesus. These prophecies not only give the details of the signs related to... -Full Story-
(LankaWeb - 29/01/12)

THE SECRET BEHIND LAND & POLICE POWERS
By Stanley Perera, Melbourne
The TNA are fighting tooth and nail to win the Separatist, Terrorist’s and Racist demands of LAND AND POLICE POWERS WITH DEVOLUTION OF POWER that was fully enjoyed by the North and East during the past 30 years of LTTE TAMIL TIGER TERRORISTS RULE. TNA representatives are only surviving TERROR GANG who were appointed by TERROR CHIEF Prabakaran who are responsible for all the terrorist activities conducted by the LTTE including the killing of 600 police men at point blank range. Killing of 70,000 civilians and child conscription.  TNA are fully responsible for all the... -Full Story-
(LankaWeb - 29/01/12)

Let’s eat and drink but where is the limit?
Dr Hector Perera   London
 Holidays came fast, faster than I thought; my thoughts turn not only to gifts and holidays but more importantly, foods and drinks. When I say holidays, for me, there is no better place other than back homeSri Lanka.  Actually I need a tonne of baggage allowance in the plane to take something for everyone but how much do I get? Although I am a Buddhist, any festival is also the time of year where most of us get together in groups, be it friends or family, to share in celebration just for eating, a little drink... -Full Story-
(LankaWeb - 29/01/12)

Branding The “War on Terror“ Global Power Relationships Shift as Competition for Resources Intensifies
Lars Schall interviews Pepe Escobar
"Consortium News " -- Mr. Escobar, given your experience in that field, what would you highlight as the most crucial misunderstanding held by the general public related to the so called “War on Terror”? Pepe Escobar: This is the cover story for a “Clash of Civilizations“ and an undercover cold war that maybe becomes a hot war between the U.S. and the two strategic competitors, China and Russia. They couldn’t go directly against any of these two BRICS members. [BRICS is an organization of emerging economies consisting of Brazil, Russia, India, China and South... -Full Story-
(informationclearinghouse.info - 29/01/12)

Is the Jaffna Tamil leadership fit to handle increased powers?
H. L. D. Mahindapala
 In April 2008 when the Security Forces were inching their way up the western coast and advancing towards the Madhu Church -- a sanctuary of the Catholic Church for the Tiger "boys" -- Bishop Joseph Ryappah, the prominent LTTE agent in the Catholic Church, did the unthinkable: he hijacked the statue of Holy Mary at Madhu and took it to Theavanpiddi, 70 miles away from Madhu into Tiger territory. He committed this anti-Christian act because the power devolved to the bishopric of Mannar allowed him to violate the fundamental rights of all Catholics to share the holy... -Full Story-
(LankaWeb - 29/01/12)

Branding Sri Lanka: Thinking Sri Lankan
 Shenali Waduge
When Sri Lanka united to celebrate the defeat of 30 years of terror, the world ridiculed the way people of all ethnic groups and political parties joined the jubilation to celebrate freedom from terror. The world told Sri Lanka not to indulge in “triumphalism” and people were made to feel it was wrong to celebrate the end of terrorism. Thus, a golden opportunity that brought people together was crushed decisively. It is clear that most of these “reconciliation” acronyms being used currently by outsourced parties supposedly working towards bringing the people of Lanka together has bigger motives... -Full Story-
(LankaWeb - 29/01/12)

Comments intended for Daily Mirror with ref. to news item"TNA welcomes international mediation for future negotiations "
Jay Ranaweera
Dear Editor LANKAWEB, Under the heading “TNA welcomes international mediation for future negotiations”, Daily Mirror carried the news item on the 28th January edition.My comments were the following which I would expect them to publish,but I have my doubts that Daily Mirror being a highly PARTIAL MEDIA SUPPORTIVE OF LTTE, will not publish this.As a PATRIOTIC SRI LANKAN, I present this to your site,being very OUTSPOKEN, to PUBLISH IF THIS IS GOOD FOR MAJORITY SRI LANKANS!!! _________________________________________________________________________   TNA still are in the same mentality of LTTE TERRORISTS.If the TNA MP's are Sri Lanka CITIZENS, they... -Full Story-
(LankaWeb - 29/01/12)

US toothless against Iran rock: Pentagon seeks new superbomb
RT
Having considered the toughness of the rock-hidden Iranian nuclear facilities, America’s Nutcracker military command has decided to save jaw and develop a new conventional superbomb, since the US still plans to do the job in Iran without nukes. ­Washington has once again reminded Tehran that it has the military capability to crack Iranian hard-target nuclear sites with conventional weapons, leaking to the Wall Street Journal plans to develop an even more effective bunker-buster bomb. The American military is no longer in love with the most powerful non-nuclear weapon it possesses, the Massive Ordnance Penetrator (MOP), a 13,600-kilogram mammoth capable... -Full Story-
(rt.com - 28/01/12)

Nigeria: Thrown into Chaos and a State of Civil War: The Role of the IMF
by F. William Engdahl
Nigeria, Africa’s most populous nation and its largest oil producer, is from all evidence being systematically thrown into chaos and a state of civil war. The recent surprise decision by the government of Goodluck Jonathan to abruptly lift subsidies on imported gasoline and other fuel has a far more sinister background than mere corruption and the Washington-based International Monetary Fund (IMF) is playing a key role. China appears to be the likely loser along with Nigeria’s population. The recent strikes protesting the government’s abrupt elimination of gasoline and other fuel subsidies, that brought Nigeria briefly... -Full Story-
(globalresearch.ca - 28/01/12)

‘Hurt Iran, and don’t stop hurting Russia’
RT
Blasting Iran with new sanctions won’t stop the west from working with Iranian energy companies if the stakes are high enough, it seems. UK lobbyists have ensured that BP and others can continue a multibillion dollar gas project vying with Russia. ­A political balancing act was needed to protect investment into Azerbaijan’s Shah Deniz natural gas field, where BP works with Iran. The second stage of this project operated by British Petroleum worth $20 billion is meant to decrease Europeans’ dependence on Russian fuel, reports the Wall Street Journal. "There is broad-based consensus in the House and Senate... -Full Story-
(rt.com - 28/01/12)

The Iranian oil embargo blowback
By Pepe Escobar
If the sorry parade of European poodles - or what analyst Chris Floyd delightfully dubbed Europuppies - had any understanding of Persian culture, they would have known that blowback for their declaration of economic war in the form of an Iranian oil embargo would be nothing short of heavy metal. Better yet; death metal. The Majlis (Iranian parliament) will discuss this Sunday, in an open section, whether to cancel right away all oil exports to any European country that approved the embargo - according to Emad Hosseini, the rapporteur of the Majlis Energy Committee.... -Full Story-
(atimes.com - 28/01/12)

Will China help out the West in Sudan?Page 1 of 2
By Peter Lee
China, which purchases much of the oil from East Africa and provides investment and armaments to the Sudanese government in return, has suffered abuse and derision for its engagement with Khartoum. But perhaps only China has the deep pockets and appetite for risk to buy the world's way out of its Sudan problem: a problem created largely by Western fecklessness. Sudan and newly independent South Sudan are sliding towards war because these are two countries that hate each other; because Sudan lost 75% of its oil fields when the South split off; and the... -Full Story-
(atimes.com - 28/01/12)

Growing elite opposition to strike on Iran
By Jim Lobe
WASHINGTON - Like the imminent prospect of one's hanging, to paraphrase the 18th century British essayist Dr (Samuel) Johnson, the suddenly looming possibility of war can concentrate the mind wonderfully. If that aphorism didn't apply in the run-up to the United States invasion of Iraq nearly 10 years ago, it appears to be the case now for key sectors of the US foreign-policy elite - notably, liberal hawks who supported the Iraq war - with regard to the sharp rise in tensions between Iran and both the US and Israel earlier this month.... -Full Story-
(atimes.com - 28/01/12)

Russia rejects new draft resolution on Syria
RT
Russia has opposed the new Arab-European draft resolution on Syria presented by Morocco in the UN Security Council on Friday. Russia’s ambassador to the UN says it will continue to search for ways to end the ongoing bloodshed there. As RT’s Marina Portnaya reports from New York, Russia’s ambassador to the UN, Vitaly Churkin, expressed “deep” disappointment with the draft, indicating that he does not believe that the international community should impose an outside solution on the Syrian conflict. He also rejected the idea of an arms embargo or the use of force being imposed on Syria.... -Full Story-
(rt.com - 28/01/12)

A senior official in the Defence Ministry speaks of Sri Lanka's Tamil separatist conflict
Asoka Weerasinghe  Kings Grove Crescent. Gloucester. Ontario. K1J 6G1 Canada
26 January 2012 Hon. Peter MacKay, MP, PC, Minister of National Defence, House of Commons, Ottawa Dear Peter MacKay: Re: A senior official in Defence Minister Peter MacKay’s office told The Canadian Press …The LTTE had fought for an independent Tamil homeland since 1983. This is amazing stuff coming out of your office.  How wrong you guys are.  If you don’t know then you ask, and you will find out.  Kindly pass this to that senior staff member, that he could use me, a Sinhalese, as a quick fact... -Full Story-
(LankaWeb - 27/01/12)

No Justification For Marsh's Removal, Not Even Plausible Credentials Of His Replacement, As The Principle Is All Wrong. Decent Cricket Involves Integrity And In Dumping Him There Was None!
Howzatt! By Doosra Sammy
January 27th 2012  Sorry to disillussion you ! Mr Dharmasiri, Sri Lanka Cricket Board Chief or anyone else who tries to justify the decision to remove Mr.Geoff Marsh but it was simply a misguided and classless decision to terminate his services particularly after the historic Test win and the 3-2 ODI series which despite Sri Lanka losing did show a lot of promise in the team which quite visibly was the influence of the coach and the responses he got from the players under very difficult circumstances in South Africa and for this reason alone... -Full Story-
(LankaWeb - 27/01/12)

OPEN LETTER TO KEHELIYA RAMBUKWELLA, ARE YOU FROTHING MAD?
By Stanley Perera, Melbourne
My dear Minister, From time to time you are making press releases antoganising the majority population who sacrificed their loved ones in that 27 years of war against those separatist, racists and terrorists demands. 70,000 lives were lost.  President Premadasa was killed.  Truck loads of politicians were killed.  Please go before a mirror and ask yourself a question :WHY DID THOSE PEOPLE SACRIFICE THEIR LIVES?  The answer is very clear to you.  If you are refusing to accept the answer, let me tell you loud and clear “PATRIOTIC SRI LANKANS FOUGHT A WAR WITH SEPERATIST,... -Full Story-
(LankaWeb - 27/01/12)

Australian PM escorted out of building amid protest
CNN
Sydney (CNN) -- Security officers dragged Australian Prime Minister Julia Gillard out of a Canberra restaurant Thursday after an angry mob of protesters surrounded the building during a luncheon ceremony, police said. Gillard and federal opposition leader Tony Abbott were taken out of the building after a group of between 50 and 100 protesters from a nearby ceremony gathered around the building, bashing windows and brandishing sticks and rocks, according to federal police. The prime minister was presenting medals to emergency service workers during an Australia Day celebration. In a nearby venue, a spontaneous protest erupted with an Aboriginal... -Full Story-
(edition.cnn.com - 27/01/12)

Scots defy Cameron on vote for breakaway
John Burns and Alan Cowell
SCOTTISH First Minister Alex Salmond has taken a formal step towards an independence referendum that the government hopes will secure a mandate for withdrawal from the United Kingdom within five years. Mr Salmond's plan for the independence vote, including a date for the ballot, June 24, 2014, set the stage for what some in Britain describe as a high-stakes constitutional poker game pitting Mr Salmond against British Prime Minister David Cameron. Mr Cameron insists only the British Parliament has the legal power to approve a referendum on the potential break-up of the union... -Full Story-
(theage.com.au - 27/01/12)

Activists to fight UN bid
ACTIVISTS uniting around the 40th anniversary of the Aboriginal tent embassy have vowed to wage an international campaign against Australia's bid for a seat on the United Nations Security Council if the Gillard government does not meet its demands for indigenous sovereignty. The campaign is being spearheaded by Michael Anderson, 60, the only one of the four men who started the tent embassy who remains alive today. Hundreds of people from across Australia have converged on Canberra this week to commemorate the embassy, which was born as a response to the McMahon government's refusal to acknowledge land rights.... -Full Story- (theage.com.au - 27/01/12)

Medical aid group wraps up work over torture in Libyan prisons
RT
International medical aid group Medecins Sans Frontieres is suspending its mission in the prisons of the Libyan city of Misrata, claiming detainees are being repeatedly tortured and denied urgent medical help. The Geneva-based NGO has been working in the city since April 2011 and say they have treated a total of 115 detainees, suffering from torture-related wounds. The organization says it has reported all such cases to Misrata authorities demanding an immediate stop to any form of ill treatment of prisoners. But nothing has changed. “No concrete action has been taken,” said the organization’s general director Christopher Stokes. “Instead,... -Full Story-
(rt.com - 27/01/12)

Tortured freedom: Libya’s new rulers resort to old tactics
RT
Despite the changes sweeping Libya, violence and bloodshed have not stopped. In shocking revelations, military and security forces stand accused of torturing detainees to death. Rights groups say Libya's new rulers have not addressed the problem. ­Amnesty International says in recent weeks, it met with detainees in Tripoli, Misrata and Gharyan who showed visible signs of torture – open wounds to the head, limbs, back and other parts of the body. "Several detainees have died after being subjected to torture in Libya in recent weeks and months amid widespread torture and ill-treatment of suspected pro-Gaddafi fighters and loyalists," Amnesty... -Full Story-
(rt.com - 27/01/12)

Western-backed resolution on Syria doomed?
RT
The UN Security Council is due to consider a new resolution on Syria, which demands that the country’s authorities step down. Russia however has stated that the draft offered by the West and the Arab League has no chance of being passed as it is. ­"The UN Security Council will meet in closed consultations this Friday 3:00 pm in New York to discuss steps to take on the situation in Syria," France's UN mission Twitter page informed. The draft resolution was reportedly proposed by France and supported by the United States, the UK, Portugal, Germany and the Arab countries.... -Full Story-
(rt.com - 27/01/12)

Is a Dharmishta society rooted in indigenous religious values the necessary basis for social progress in Sri Lanka?
R Chandrasoma
In a recent review of Mr S L Gunasekara’s book on nepotism and other sins widely prevalent in Sri Lanka, the renowned author Mr Gunadasa Amerasekara makes an impassioned plea for a return to the norms and practices of the Lanka of historic times when religion (Buddhism )dominated the lives of its its exemplary citizens. There is a widespread belief among the religious that we are living in a ‘Kali Yuga’ or Age of Vice that precedes the Eastern version of Armageddon. It is the favourite theme of religious preachers who unctuously warn sinners that the day... -Full Story-
(LankaWeb - 26/01/12)

Sri Lanka is not to be Divided
Shenali Waduge
When a Government with a 2/3 majority in Parliament dodges making a decision on an issue that clearly demands prompt and clear deliberation, it calls for answers from that Government. A fault of all previous Governments has been to make promises that it cannot keep ignoring the desires of the country mass populace. The reality remains that any Government is only the custodian of governance. It is voted into power not to function to the dictates of foreign nations or to lobby minority parties that have no voice or to promise devolution of the country. All Governments... -Full Story-
(LankaWeb - 26/01/12)

AS WE SPEAK, THE WORLD WAR III IS BEING TRIGGERED
Mahinda Weerasinghe
That famous Chinese greeting ‘May you live in exciting times’ may perhaps be fulfilled for you this year. For the world war III is about to be unlashed.  War of words which is being exchanged between Iranand the West, over Tehran's nuclear ambitions has reached ‘a boiling point’ and bound to spill over anytime soon. So a thermonuclear war may be just a ‘hop step and a jump’ away. Indeed a holy war against the "evil empire” was issued by US President Ronald Reagan on March 8, 1985. Back then the "evil empire” was theSoviet Union, as... -Full Story-
(LankaWeb - 26/01/12)

TNA NOT ONLY CAN COMPLAIN TO INDIAN BROTHERS BUT ALSO REQUEST CITIZENSHIP TO BE BACK IN TAMILNADU
Shripal Nishshanka Fernando
The reminiscent of terrorism shall also be wiped out! These TNA terrorists are threatening the Sri Lankan government by boycotting its agendas and trying to revive their heinous and coward terrorist tasks by hiding to the democratic forms. As TNA is planning to visit Indiato complain of Sri Lankan government policies regarding the 13th Amendment,  and they are requested honourably hereby to stay for good in TamilNadu or anywhere inIndia without returning back toSri Lanka as their dreams will never ever come true. President Rajapaksa and the Sri Lankan government shall take care of these terrorist... -Full Story-
(LankaWeb - 26/01/12)

NO WAR CRIMES FOR US FOR HADITHA MASSACRE January 24, 2012
Alastair Reynard
A US marine who admitted charges linked to the killing of 24 unarmed Iraqi civilians in 2005 should face no time in detention, a judge has recommended. Sgt Frank Wuterich faced a maximum of three months after admitting dereliction of duty in a plea deal. He was one of eight marines charged over the killings at Haditha. The charges against six were dropped or dismissed, and one was acquitted. Prosecutors had argued that on the day of the killings Wuterich lost control after seeing a friend blown apart by a bomb, before leading the soldiers under his... -Full Story-
(LankaWeb - 26/01/12)

Contributing towards the Veterans
By: Shenali Waduge
The only permanent thing about life is that it is impermanent. At some point in time we all age & become elders. We are today enjoying the fruits of freedom as a result of the sacrifices made by our war heroes. Many have paid the supreme sacrifice, others remain injured and feeble. Amongst them are the old veterans some of whom find themselves alone as circumstances have not been in their favor. As a nation we can never forget the sacrifices of our war heroes be they dead, alive, injured or old. It was to pay... -Full Story-
(LankaWeb - 26/01/12)

Your story on armed men visiting students
Aloysius Hettiarachchi, Brunei
Dear Editor, Your story on Sunday Times has given an unnecessary length of details regarding the issue. It is very clear that some foreign hands are behind this so called agitation by students. What is their real problem at this time. The JVPers including Somavansa Amarasinhe were instrumental in the annihilation of more than 60000 sinhala youths in 1987 era. They have found that they do not have chance to gain powere and are resorting to create problems that could lead to a similar situation and even endanger very existence of Sinhala nation. Please do... -Full Story-
(LankaWeb - 26/01/12)

Replacing The Skipper Justified But Axing The Coach For A Relatively Unknown Replacement Defies Logic.
Top Spin By Suni January 26th 2012
 While Tillekeratne Dilshan's resignation from the captaincy of all formats of Sri Lankan cricket comes as no surprise the news of an impemding axing of Coach Geoff Marsh certainly is. It seems harsh on someone whose task was not only daunting but faced many hurdles from various perspectives including political interference and considering what the team accomplished in South Africa under his direction after a spate of international losses he should have been acolladed as overall, given the huge odds against them the Lankans fought hard for a 2-1 Test  series and a 3-2 ODI series which... -Full Story-
(LankaWeb - 26/01/12)

“Humanism is the closest we can get to a universal good” – Ambassador Dayan Jayatilleka at Russian Centre in Paris
MEDIA RELEASE– Ambassador Dayan Jayatilleka at Russian Centre in Paris
 Ambassador Dayan Jayatilleka participated as a panelist at the international conference on “21st Century, Towards the New Humanism” on 23rd January 2012 at the Russian Centre for Science and Culture. The event gathered dignitaries as well as Russian and French scholars and researchers.   The initiative was organized by the Permanent Mission of the Russian Federation to UNESCO, the Federal Agency for the Commonwealth of Independent States, Compatriots Living Abroad and for International Humanitarian Cooperation Mission Rossotrudničestvo in France, and the Russian Centre for Science and Culture. The event took... -Full Story-
(LankaWeb - 26/01/12)

The gift of sight: The country that exports its eyes to the world
Associated Press Reporter
At 10:25 a.m., a dark brown eye was removed from a man whose lids had closed for the last time. Five hours later, the orb was staring up at the ceiling from a stainless steel tray in an operating room with two blind patients — both waiting to give it a second life. S.P.D. Siriwardana, 63, remained still under a white sheet as the surgeon delicately replaced the cornea that had gone bad in his right eye following a cataract surgery. Across the room, patient A.K. Premathilake, 32, waited for the sclera, the white of the eye,... -Full Story-
(dailymail.co.uk - 26/01/12)

CANADA’S FOREIGN MINISTER CALLS ON HEAD OF AHMADIYYA MUSLIM JAMAAT IN LONDON
By A. Abdul Aziz, Press Secretary, Ahmadiyya Muslim Jama’at, Sri Lanka.
   According to our Press Department, U.K., on Tuesday (24th January 2012), Canada’s Foreign Minister, John Baird MP, visited the World Head of the Ahmadiyya Muslim Community (Jama’at), Hadhrat Mirza Masroor Ahmad at the Fazl Mosque in London. His Excellency, Gordon Campbell, the Canadian High Commissioner to the UK and other members of staff were also present at the meeting which lasted around forty minutes.  During the meeting, the Foreign Minister mentioned how the Canadian Government was in the process of setting up an ‘Office of Religious Freedom’ and... -Full Story-
(LankaWeb - 26/01/12)

How to avoid heart disease: brush your teeth, say scientists
By. A. Abdul Aziz.
 PARIS (AFP) -- Here's another reason to brush your teeth: poor dental hygiene boosts the risk of heart attacks and strokes, a pair of studies reported.  Heart disease is the number one killer worldwide, claiming upward of 17 million lives every year, according to the World Health Organization.  Smoking, obesity and high cholesterol are the most common culprits, but the new research shows that neglected gums can be added to the list.  "" We now recognize that bacterial infections are an independent risk factor for heart diseases,"" said Howard Jenkins of the University of Bristol... -Full Story-
(LankaWeb - 26/01/12)

No Need to be Shocked
Hameed Abdul Karim
 The media is awash with the pictures of US marines urinating on dead Taliban fighters and commentators and anchor personnel use the word ‘shocking’ to describe this stomach turning act of  US barbarism. But judging by past exposures of Americans’ cruelty and sadism from My Lai in Vietnam to Nicaragua in South America to Abu Graib in Iraq this should not come as shock or surprise.   What can you say of a nation that has been at war with one country or another for the last hundred years at least, killing millions, maiming many more and... -Full Story-
(LankaWeb - 24/01/12)

Libyans reject ‘hijacked’ revolution?
RT
Violent clashes between supporters of the new and old regimes have been seen in cities across Libya. The successful regrouping and attacks by former regime loyalists has raised fears that another civil war might take place in the country. ­Fighters loyal to late Libyan leader Muammar Gaddafi have clashed with revolutionary forces in the former regime stronghold of Bani Walid on Monday, taking control of the city in the process. At least five NTC troops were killed and 30 others injured in the violence. There is a lot of disquiet in every corner of Libya at the moment, as... -Full Story-
(rt.com - 24/01/12)

Concerns over prices as EU oil embargo to come into force
RT
Experts are cautious about a new embargo of Iranian oil, as it could lead to significant oil prices raise in a long term, but short-term consequences are likely to be modest. ­“There’re no significant changes on the market right now”, says Sergey Vakhrameev from the Metropol invest company. The embargo will take full force in five months, on July 1. “In the long-term it would depend on the situation, if Iran would block the Straits of Hormuz, prices would be up to $130-140, if a war begins they would jump to $200”, says Mr Vakhrameev. “Oil prices are excessive... -Full Story-
(rt.com - 24/01/12)

Sanctions dodge: India to pay gold for Iran oil, China may follow
RT
India has reportedly agreed to pay Tehran in gold for the oil it buys, in a move aimed at protecting Delhi from US-sanctions targeting countries who trade with Iran. China, another buyer of Iranian oil, may follow Delhi’s lead. The report, by the Israeli-based news website DEBKAfile, states that Iran and India are negotiating backup alternatives with China and Russia, should the US and EU find a way to block the gold payment mechanism. Delhi’s move is seen as surprising, as earlier India and Iran said they would switch to yen and rupees. China, another major importer of Iranian... -Full Story-
(rt.com - 24/01/12)

Documentary: Life of the Buddha
Filmed by David Grubin, Narrated by Richard Gere, The Buddhist Channel, Jan 23, 2012
This documentary is made by filmmaker David Grubin and narrated by Richard Gere. It tells the story of the Buddha's life, a journey especially relevant to our own bewildering times of violent change and spiritual confusion. It features the work of some of the world's greatest artists and sculptors, who across two millennia, have depicted the Buddha's life in art rich in beauty and complexity. Hear insights into the ancient narrative by contemporary Buddhists, including Pulitzer Prize winning poet W.S. Merwin and His Holiness the... -Full Story-
(buddhistchannel.tv - 23/01/12)

For the Restoration of the Dharma
By Gunadasa Amarasekera-Courtesy The Island 
What prompted me to write this short piece is a thought that crossed my mind on reading SL Gunasekara’s Lore of the Law and Other Memories, which I thought was worthy of being shared with its readers. Before elaborating on it I wish to express my appreciation of the noble task undertaken by SL Gunasekara in producing this work. It is a heroic attempt on the part of a sincere soul, who is overwhelmed by anguish and anger by the gradual collapse of the moral and ethical foundation of our society which most... -Full Story-
(LankaWeb - 23/01/12)

What Sri Lanka has given Tamils but will not give the Eelaamists
shenali waduge
These are the 24 prohibitions advocated by the Vellalars of Sri Lanka upon their own people. Caste amongst Tamils is extremely rigid. Many Tamils today are oblivious to the real facts that the Kallathoniy's are the one's ruling from overseas!   1. Males forbidden from wearing upper garments. 2. “Verti” should not hand below ankle 3. Men forbidden to wear “shalvei” on shoulder 4. Females forbidden from wearing upper garment. 5. Females forbidden from wearing “thaavani” sari potta 6. They were forbidden from traveling unnecessarily on roads/public places. When walking along permitted paths they had to... -Full Story-
(LankaWeb - 23/01/12)

Sri Lanka Confounds The Critics Who Never Gave Them A Chance And Proves Them Wrong.
Top Spin By Suni January 23 2012
Before the Sri Lanka Tour of South Africa the barrage of criticism and ridicule  that a team of South African commentators, coaches and broadcasters alike heaped on the Sri Lankan squad citing team disunity and faulty management etc and scoffed at the chances of Sri Lanka standing upto their champions the Proteas not giving them a dog's chance in hell must be remembered. It was presumed by this motley crew that they will be crushed in South Africa on their local turf and the curators of the grounds in all probabilities went a step further to assure this in... -Full Story-
(LankaWeb - 23/01/12)

The Saronged king in his castle
Dr.Tilak Fernando
To find subject matter to entice a readership is not an easy task. To a greater extent readers ‘feed- backs’ go a long way in helping a columnist to make the writing easier. Having studied, worked and lived in London I have come across many individuals, faced several situations and experienced and learnt a lot by intermingling particularly with our own kind in Britain. Such experiences and stories could at times be hilarious, now and again serious and few are original and innovative. Most of them are by far the most interesting to relate in lighter vein.... -Full Story-
(LankaWeb - 23/01/12)

Indian Buddhist leader Dr. B.R. Ambedkar deserves to be honoured with a commemorative Postage Stamp in Sri Lanka
Senaka Weeraratna
As a leading Buddhist country in the world, the Buddhists of this country should seriously consider requesting the Government of Sri Lanka to issue a commemorative postage stamp in honour of Dr. B.R. Ambedkar, for the great work he has done for his people and the cause of Buddhism in India.  There are 250 Million Dalits in India which is virtually 1/4th of the Indian Population.  Sri Lanka should befriend these people.  Buddhism can cement ties between Indian Dalits and Sri Lanka.  Mayawati, the Chief Minister of Uttar Pradesh, is a staunch Buddhist. She heads the Bahujan... -Full Story-
(LankaWeb - 23/01/12)

Iran 'definitely' closing Strait of Hormuz over EU oil embargo
RT
Tensions in the Gulf could reach a breaking point as a senior Iranian official said Iran would “definitely” close the Strait of Hormuz if an EU oil embargo disrupted the export of crude oil. Mohammad Kossari, deputy head of parliament's foreign affairs and national security committee, issued the warning in respone to a decision by the European Union on Monday to impose an oil embargo on Iran over the country’s alleged nuclear weapons program. “The pressure of sanctions is designed to try and make sure that Iran takes seriously our request to come to the table,” EU foreign policy... -Full Story-
(rt.com - 23/01/12)

Pro-Gaddafi forces capture Bani Walid, 5 NTC troops killed - report
RT
Fighters loyal to late Libyan leader Muammar Gaddafi have clashed with revolutionary forces in the former-regime stronghold of Bani Walid, taking control of the city in the process. The head of Libya’s National Transitional Council Mustafa Abdel Jalil today warned of the threat of another civil war. At least five NTC troops were killed and 30 others injured in the violence, Interfax reports. M’barek al-Fotmani, a local official, says the pro-Gaddafi rebels who seized control of Bani Walid were using heavy weaponry including 106mm anti-tank weapons.... -Full Story-
(rt.com - 23/01/12)

No ! not again. We have had enough of the 13th Amendment .
By Charles.S.Perera
What is the necessity to broach the 13 th Amendment once again, when people are beginning to forget about it,  and  has begun to live as a free people without Indian interference into their well earned peace  ? It all began again with the visit of the Indian External Minister Mr.S.M.Krishna,  who our External Affairs Minister Prof. G.L.Pieries paying him a homage  raised him to the status of a relative of the people of Sri Lanka. The  Minister Pr. G.L.Peries has said of the visit of the  Indian Minister of External Affairs Mr.S.M.Krishna that the « ......the... -Full Story-
(LankaWeb - 22/01/12)

The early Church never celebrated Christmas – An explanation.
By A. Abdul Aziz.
 This is in reference an article titled above (Sunday Times – PLUS – 25.12.2011 by Rev. Brian D. Blacker), in which the writer indirectly accept the birth of Jesus Christ did not take place in December 25. Instead, he keeps on mentioning the celebration of Christmas. In open words we can say Jesus did not born on December 25. In support of this view, let me elaborate further for the benefit of the readers.  Was Jesus (Prophet Isa – alaihissalam - peace be on him) born on December 25th? According to the Holy Qur’an, the... -Full Story-
(LankaWeb - 22/01/12)

GAMMANPILA & HANDUNNETTI SLAM INDIA-INDIANS NEVER LISTEN
By Stanley Perera-Melbourne
Udaya Gammanpila and Handunnetti say India must refrain from enforcing its might on its neighbour Sri Lanka. India must change its behavioural attitude and learn to respect the territorial integrity of Sri Lanka. In the past Pakistan and China pointed their fingers at India when India interfered in to the internal affairs of Sri Lanka. Visiting Indian politicians have made it a habit to conduct lectures to GoSL. Indian High Commissioners Dixit and Nirupama Rao treated Sri Lanka as the seventh state of India. Then there was uproar in Sri Lanka against Indian bullying. This pattern... -Full Story-
(LankaWeb - 22/01/12)

Visit of Canadian Parliamentarian Delegation to Sri Lanka to assess the post- conflict Reconciliation and Development situation in Sri Lanka (8th to 11th January 2012).
Asoka Weerasinghe  Kings Grove Crescent . Gloucester . Ontario . K1J 6G1 Canada
21 January 2012 Chungen Leung, MP, Canadian Parliamentary Secretary for Immigration and Multiculturalism Joe Daniel, MP, Conservative Member of Parliament for Don Valley East, Ontario  Marlene Gallyot, Special Assistant to Joe Daniel for his to Sri Lanka Dear Chungen, Joe and Marlene: Re: Visit of Canadian Parliamentarian Delegation to Sri Lanka to assess the post- conflict Reconciliation and Development situation in Sri Lanka (8th to 11th January 2012). I came across by chance the media release of your visit to Sri Lanka which renewed my faith... -Full Story-
(LankaWeb - 21/01/12)

CHANDRA WICKRAMASINGHE SAYS BILLIONS OF ALIEN PLANETS DISCOVERED IMPLY LIFE EVERYWHERE
By Walter Jayawardhana reporting from Los Angeles
Professor Chandra Wickramasinghe said the latest discoveries reported last week implying the existence of hundreds of billions of alien planets has an intimate connection with his theory that life is exceedingly commonplace in the universe. Now Director of a new research Centre studying all aspects of Life in the Universe, the Buckingham Center for Astrobiology, Professor Wickramasinghe wrote in the online Journal of Cosmology that the new discoveries connect in an important way with recent work published in Volume 16 of the Journal of Cosmology in which it is argued that evidence... -Full Story-
(LankaWeb - 21/01/12)

Acceptance of a donation from an organization supportive of LTTE terrorism by AI Canada
Ranjith Soysa
Attn Mr Alex Neve-AI Canada Dear Mr Neve Kindly go through the attached letter from WAPS on the above subject and please let us have your response as AI is recognized as an organization encouraging the protection of Human Rights of individuals as well as groups. The acceptance of the donation by the IA tends to prove that AI's anti Sri Lanka campaigns are manipulated marketing gimmicks to please the funding sources. It is a well known fact that the LTTE fronts and others who are associated with this terrorist organization have amassed millions of dollars by... -Full Story-
(LankaWeb - 21/01/12)

U.S. STUDENTS ARRIVE IN SRI LANKA FOR ENVIRONMENTAL STUDIES
Embassy of Sri Lanka  Washington DC  -Press Release 
Iowa students “thrilled to be” in Sri Lanka to study biological and plant science  WASHINGTON -- A group of American students and professors from the University of Dubuque in Iowa arrived in Sri Lanka recently as environmental tourists, taking part in a curriculum that includes a two-week field course in Sri Lanka. The visit is part of an effort to broaden educational exchanges between Sri Lanka and the United States which in turn will lead to an expansion of research opportunities for students in both countries. Diversity and global learning have... -Full Story-
(LankaWeb - 21/01/12)

Exclusive: Long Lane church to be transformed into a mosque
Halesowen News »News »
Halesowen’s Long Lane Methodist Church has been bought by local Muslims and will open as a fully functioning mosque and community centre in March. The Ahmadiyya Muslim Association, which runs the School Street mosque in Cradley Heath, bought the property for £460,000 and are spending tens of thousands more transforming the old church.... -Full Story-
(halesowennews.co.uk - 21/01/12)

McDonald's to expose everything about its chemical food in Russia
Pravda
Consumer rights' advocates filed a lawsuit against McDonald's fast food chain in Russia. The lawsuit was filed at Moscow's Tverskoy Court. The plaintiffs intend to oblige the company to indicate the complete list of ingredients on packaging, rather than the content of protein, fat and carbohydrates. Representatives of the Consumer Rights Protection Society claim that concealing the content of products the company violates the status of the retail outlet of finished products, not to mention the fact that it misleads consumers. According to experts, the range of milkshakes, which the chain sells, can not be referred to as "milk"... -Full Story-
(english.pravda.ru - 21/01/12)

Enemy at the gates? Libyans storm NTC headquarters
RT
Some 200 Libyan protesters stormed the headquarters of the country’s transitional government on Saturday in a show of frustration with the slow pace of national reform. But will their calls for post-Gaddafi transparency fall on deaf ears? ­Two weeks of protests in the city of Benghazi – the heart of the uprising against Muammar Gaddafi last February – came to a head when protestors used grenades to blow the gates off the National Transitional Council (NTC) compound housing the interim government. The protesters, who demand a meeting with the country’s interim leaders, shouted through the windows at NTC members... -Full Story-
(rt.com - 21/01/12)

The Wisdom and the Mind—Believe in Yourself
Article  No 12 Buddhism, the Religion of Wisdom: Buddhism is a religion of wisdom, in which knowledge and self-reliance are predominantly emphasized.  Buddhists are taught to rely on themselves and not external powers, gods, or materialism for liberation and happiness.  Buddhism offers realities, explanations and a path, and practical strategies for life with great relevance to our lives.  In addition to facilitating calming our minds and the body through meditation, Buddhist teachings give us specific, well­–laid-out path of discipline and ways for the remediation of problematic or maladaptive behaviours and emotional responses.  There are no limits in what the... -Full Story- (LankaWeb - 21/01/12)

Australian Ambassador's Crime
By Sybil
The Editor WA Today. I refer to your 'senior' correspondent Daniel Flitton's great 'newsworthy' article on Ms. Kathy Klugman's 'controversial' appointment (http://www.watoday.com.au/national/controversial-diplomat-snares-gillard-role-20120118-1q6kl.html). Perhaps, Daniel did not know that there were two Australian women who played a significant role in Sri Lanka recently. The first, an Aussie nurse, Adele, married to a Tamil Tiger leader went and lived in Sri Lanka. She put in a great effort to train and make Tamil women into walking bombs and trained Tamil girls on how to commit suicide by biting on a cyanide capsule which she ceremoniously put around the necks... -Full Story-
(LankaWeb - 20/01/12)

Problems in devolving powers to the provinces
Haris de Silva-Courtesy The Island 
TNA Parlimentarians on the proposed devolution of powers to Provincial Councils I wish to refer to the imbroglio between the GoSL (Government of Sri Lanka) and the TNA (Tamil National Alliance) on the proposed devolution of powers to Provincial Councils. It has apparently got stuck on a sticky wicket on the question of devolving Police and Land powers. They are not new or recent demands on the part of Tamil politicians. The present demand for Police and Land powers for Provincial Councils is based on the 13th Amendment to the 1978 Constitution passed in... -Full Story-
(LankaWeb - 20/01/12)

Dr Ambedkar Liberating his People in India
Watch this film clip. Excellent!
Renouncing Hinduism and Embracing Buddhism for Founding a Casteless Society! He is the person who wrote the costitution of India. Dr. Babasaheb Ambedkar converted to Buddhism on 14th October 1956, along with 500,000 followers. His conversion to Buddhism is still guidance for the masses in India to emancipate from the Caste Slavery towards establishing a caste-less society! It was the greatest event for Buddhism in India for many hundreds of years. Former untouchables felt that they were free. Free from Hinduism, free from the caste system.... -Full Story-
(youtube.com - 20/01/12)

Family bandyism by S.L.Gunasekara - Great Factual Read!-Posted on January 18th, 2012
Prof. Hudson McLean
 I enjoy reading articles by S.L. Gunasekara. They are well written, factual, good Thomian English of a successful PC.   As one reader pointed out, SL, you forgot Premadasa period and his budding dynasty, in the form of Sajith.   I have known Premadasa during his terms as a MMC at Colombo Municipal Council, and met him several times both as President and prior to that as Prime Minister. In fact I made several donations in cash to support his housing programme.  Also remember Sajith wagging his tongue out-of-place in the UK and getting chucked-out.  ... -Full Story-
(LankaWeb - 19/01/12)

Sinhala people always gave into others, allowing others to profit from what really belongs to them.
By Charles.S.Perera
Sinhala people has always given into others and accommodated them through their inherent kindness, fair play and  sense of justice.  Today they are the ones that suffer most.  The English  Colonialists came to power sitting on the back of the Sinhala people, and once in power they dropped them, taking into confidence the Tamils and the Moors brought from abroad.  If a Sinhala speaks for the rights of the Sinhala, many would be those who will treat him as a racist, chauvinist or a Sinhala supremacist. It is time that the  Sinhala should no  more feel... -Full Story-
(LankaWeb - 19/01/12)

The Suicidal 13th Amendment: No and Never!
Janaka Yagirala
The 13th Amendment (13A) was forced upon us by India. It has caused enough trouble and waste. Billions of taxpayer's rupees are squandered every year to keep these white elephant Provincial Councils afloat. A province in Sri Lanka is minuscule compared to a typical US state or Chinese province but for each province we have a laughable post known as a “governor” thanks again to the 13A. The best thing for Sri Lanka is to abolish the cancerous 13A altogether the same way our war heroes rid our motherland of the LTTE pestilence (also created by India!).... -Full Story-
(LankaWeb - 19/01/12)

India-Sri Lanka, security concerns…………….
Ranjith Soysa
In a recent statement,India’s External Affairs Minister, S.M Krishna had emphasised on the inter-dependence of  the security ofIndiaandSri Lanka. The Minister’s statement is welcome and it is our hope thatIndiawill consider to re-visit the infamous Indo-Sri Lanka agreement forced on sovereignSri Lankain 1987.  The agreement provided a road map for the de-construction ofSri Lankaignoring the strong historical , political and demographic facts. Further,Sri Lanka’s internal security is being challenged by the Tamil separatist forces inSri Lankawho continue to seek redress by referring to the accord and lodging their racist appeals withIndiaand the Tamilnadu  extremists.   If India is... -Full Story-
(LankaWeb - 19/01/12)

Misuse of Canada Postal services
Asoka Weerasinghe Kings Grove Crescent . Gloucester . Ontario . K1J 6G1 Canada
19 January 2012 Hon. Stephen Fletcher, MP, Minister of  State (Transport), House of Commons, Ottawa Dear Minister Fletcher: Re: Misuse of Canada Post Services by the Tamil Youth Organization   Thanks for your letter of January 9 in response to my complaint about the Misuse of Canada Post Services by the Tamil Youth Organization.  I am responding to your request for my personal postal address now, since I have just returned from a holiday overseas. Catching up with my mail I now gather that it has... -Full Story-
(LankaWeb - 19/01/12)

Scrap the Duckworth Lewis Method -The Inveterate Spoiler and Ruminant of Limited Over Cricket !!
Howzatt! By  Doosra Sammy
January 20th 2012  Never before does the term " Borne of the mindset of a pair archaic British pomposities" retrieved from a sporting satire skit become more applicable than when considering, " from the sublime to the ridiculous" aspect of the Duckworth / Lewis Method which when put into perspective causes more harm to the game of limited over cricket than the intended good ! And it is often painfully visible when a downpour ruins the chances of a winning team who are often robbed of a certain victory because the ICC... -Full Story-
(LankaWeb - 19/01/12)

Similarities between Jesus and Ahmad – adjoined.
By I. Ahmad
 The above article (LW – 14.1.2012) clearly indicates the advent of another person in the spirit of Jesus Christ as his second advent. There is no mention about the post-crucifixion event of Jesus and it is important to highlight the hidden history of Jesus. There are historical records which support Jesus’ post-crucifixion journey to Kashmir.  While in Palestine Jesus had given sufficient indications, though in parables as was his habit, that in the future he would have to leave Palestine for another country. As he was moving away from Palestine, the question arose, as to where... -Full Story-
(LankaWeb - 19/01/12)

How the Media Manipulates the World into War
An eye-opener:
As the US and Iranian governments escalate tensions in the already volatile Straits of Hormuz, and China and Russia begin openly questioning Washington's interference in their internal politics, the world remains on a knife-edge of military tension. Far from being a dispassionate observer of these developments, however, the media has in fact been central to increasing those tensions and preparing the public to expect a military confrontation. But as the online media rises to displace the traditional forms by which the public forms its understanding of the world, many are now beginning to see first hand how... -Full Story-
(LankaWeb - 19/01/12)

ප‍්‍රවෘත්ති නිවේදනයයි
විද්‍යාපීඨ ආචාර්ය මණ්ඩල සාමාජිකයන් කැලණිය විශ්වවිද්‍යාලය
කැලණිය විශ්වවිද්‍යාලයෙහි විද්‍යා පීඨයේ පීඨාධිපතිවරයා ලෙස ඡ්‍යේෂ්ඨ මහාචාර්ය ඞීගඞීගඑස්ග කුලතුංග මහතා තේරී පත්වීම අභියෝගයට ලක් කරමින් කැලණිය විශ්වවිද්‍යාලයේ උද්භිද විද්‍යා අධ්‍යයන අංශයෙහි මහාචාර්යවරියක් විසින් අභියාචනා අධිකරණයට පෙත්සමක් යොමු කිරීම පිළිබඳව පසුගියදා මුද්‍රිත මාධ්‍ය කිහිපයකම වාර්තා පල වී තිබිණිග සමහර පුවත්පත් එම සිදුවීම වාර්තා කොට තිබූ ආකාරය සහ යොදා තිබූ ශීර්ෂපාඨ අනුව තේරී පත්වීම අසාධාරණ අත්තනෝමතික හා නීත්‍යානුකූල නොවන පත්වීමක් ලෙසත් ජේ්‍යෂ්ඨ මහාචාර්ය කුලතුංග මහතා එම තනතුරට නුසුදුසු අයකු ලෙසත් සාමාන්‍ය මහජනයා තුල හැග’ීමක් ඇතිවිය හැකි හෙයින් මෙම සිදුවීම පිළිබඳව නිවැරදි තොරතුරු ඉදිරිපත් කිරීම යෝග්‍ය බව කැලණිය විශ්වවිද්‍යාලයේ විද්‍යාපීඨයේ ආචාර්යවරු ලෙස අපි අදහස් කලෙමුග... -Full Story-
(LankaWeb - 19/01/12)

IS SAMPANTHAN THE MODERN DAY KEWATTAYA?-HISTORY REPEATS ITSELF
By Stanley Perera from Melbourne
R.Sampanthan says the government delegation didn’t show up for the meeting yesterday. Those who studied Sinhalese literature in the late 1950s must remember “Ummanga Jatakaya” in which Kewattaya inviting Bosathano to a debate.  Bosathano deliberately delayed and kept Kewattaya waiting for a very long time until Kewattaya’s neck elongated to the length of a cock bird in a paddy field.  Kewattaya was the enemy to Bosathano.  In the modern day Kewattaya is reborn as R.Sampanthan who is an enemy to the peace loving Sri Lankans.  So the present day Kewattaya is the enemy to... -Full Story-
(LankaWeb - 19/01/12)

Iran subs poised to torpedo US warships in Gulf
RT
An Iranian commander has warned that Tehran is on full alert in case of enemy threats, and has the best submarines in the world ready to “ambush and hit enemy vessels, especially US Aircraft carriers, from the seabed throughout the Persian Gulf.” ­Lieutenant Commander of the Iranian Army's Self-Sufficiency Jihad Rear Admiral Farhad Amiri hailed the Iranian submarines as “the best electronic diesel vessels in the world, noiseless and able to easily evade detection as they are equipped with sonar-evading technology," the country’s semi-state Fars news agency reported. The Iranian military official said the vessels can fire missiles and... -Full Story-
(rt.com - 19/01/12)

Pentagon 'prepared': US set for Operation Iranian Freedom?
RT
Washington is prepared to engage in war over the Strait of Hormuz at any moment, the Pentagon says. Some observers say the dangerous move is being viewed as a far from worst-case scenario in America, especially by its hawks. ­American troops in the Persian Gulf region do not require any build-up for a possible military conflict with Iran, Defense Secretary Leon Panetta said Wednesday. "We are not making any special steps at this point in order to deal with the situation. Why? Because, frankly, we are fully prepared to deal with that situation now," Panetta explained.... -Full Story-
(rt.com - 19/01/12)

Expansion of Presidential Duties
Prof. Hudson McLean
 The recent Presidential Decree of enforcing a minimum US$100.00/night/room for incoming foreign tourists have antoganized many foreign tourists. Many have compared this un-Democratic Decree to the old Soviet system, and to Cuba.  This certainly is a negative backword, self-defeating move by the President, who might look at other serious affairs of governing the country.   Hotel Rates should be left alone and should be flexible on a Supply & Demand as dictated by the market forces.   Criminality is on the rise. And Bribery & Corruption is rampant as ever before. Tamil LTTE rump is on... -Full Story-
(LankaWeb - 18/01/12)

Family bandyism
by S L Gunasekara Courtesy The Island 
January 17, 2012, 6:00 pm Our late colonial masters, the British, have an institutionalized system of ‘family bandyism’. Their Head of State will always be from one family. When the mother Elizabeth dies it will be her eldest son or failing him his eldest son or failing a son, a daughter who will succeed to the job of Head of State with all the allowances and perquisites that go with it at the expense of the people of the United Kingdom. They however make no bones about what they do. They... -Full Story-
(LankaWeb - 18/01/12)

The karawala-mallun of addressing citizenship anomalies
Written by Malinda Seneviratne
There is a number that scrambles the number 13. That number is 54, and, worse, it is a number that references an increasing trend, leading to further scrambling. Yes, I am talking about the 13th Amendment to the constitution, with ‘54’ referring to the percentage of Tamils living outside the so-called traditional homelands of the Tamils.   Thus, quite apart from the untenable nature of posturing in terms of history that can be substantiated, the territorial fixations regarding resolving for citizenship anomalies seem utterly silly for demographic reasons. I am yet to see... -Full Story-
(LankaWeb - 18/01/12)

Thirteen minus not thirteen plus
By Nalin de Silva Courtesy The Island 
The thirteenth amendment was forced on us by India following the infamous Indo Sri Lanka Accord, without considering the historical, cultural and geographical background and the Sinhala opinion. India for a long time had acted without listening to the Sinhala majority, without even taking into consideration the importance of Sri Lanka in respect of security of the subcontinent. Delhi listened only to Tamil Nadu, which had ulterior motives and hence to the Tamil Vellala leaders until non Vellala Prabhakaran appeared in the picture. As far as India was concerned there was... -Full Story-
(LankaWeb - 18/01/12)

'Oil plot': US embargo on Iran targets Europe?
RT
Tehran believes that Washington is trying to deal a blow to debt-ridden Europe by forcing it to join its embargo on Iranian oil imports. Doing so would be “suicidal” for Europe, Iran says. On Tuesday, Iran’s Foreign Ministry spokesman Ramin Mehmanparast said the US wanted to drag Europe into joining the sanctions imposed in December because it would make the EU less competitive, reports the Iranian TV channel, Press TV. The diplomat called on Europeans not to act as America’s client and instead to pursue their own interests in the conflict.... -Full Story-
(rt.com - 18/01/12)

'Attack on Iran won't be an easy walk' - Lavrov
RT
During his annual news conference, Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov described the scenario Russia and the global community could face if things in the Middle East, especially in Iran, get out of hand. Addressing what is certainly the most worrisome development on the global stage, Lavrov spoke at length on the standoff involving Iran, which faces deepening sanctions, as well as the threat of military attack, over its nuclear energy program. The Russian Foreign Minister did not mince his words when he spoke about the “grave” consequences of a military strike against Iran. "As for the chances that this disaster... -Full Story-
(rt.com - 18/01/12)

Eelaam Homeland struggle was to hide Tamil Caste difference & unify discontented Tamils
 Shenali Waduge
In understanding the nature of Sri Lanka’s conflict it is important to not only understand the nature of the Tamil caste & class system but analyze how intricately absorbed it is into the social, political, economical, religous hierarchy of how Tamils live or rather should live. The “ethnic” tag was introduced simply to sideline the divisions existing between Tamils & showcase a united front locally & internationally. Using “ethnic discrimination” by Sinhalese against Tamils was a perfect theme & perfect reason to start a conflict. The conflict enabled higher caste Tamils to keep a hold on lower... -Full Story-
(LankaWeb - 17/01/12)

Logically And Militarily The Tamil Tigers Will NEVER Resurge In Sri Lanka If Proper Measures Are Set In Place. Yet The Dangerous Rhetoric Of Some Sympathisers From Within, Continue In Abandon Needing A Response.
LankaWeb Weekly Editorial
January 16th 2012  In the fancy words of some, laced with quotes from musings of bygone literary elites to moot, it has been suggested that the Hon. Gotabhaya Rajapaksa has predicted that "the dead Tiger might arise!" But it might also be asked with a bit of tongue in cheek ~ "Where? Not in Sri Lanka surely ! and no more than a caution by the Hon Defence Secretary perhaps whose own musing at times are hinged to his broadminded sense of satire given his intellect of a very high elevation and his own perception of... -Full Story-
(LankaWeb - 17/01/12)

'An appeal to the Tamil community' - some comments
P.A.Samaraweera, Australia
68 eminent Tamil citizens published a letter in The Island of 6th Jan. titled, 'An appeal to the Tamil community...' Their main point was the eviction of nearly 80,000 Muslims from the North and East by the LTTE in Oct. 1990. The signatories are critical of the govt for not supporting their settlement and for bureaucratic hostility. This obviously is an observation to get the support of the Muslims. They have not condemned the LTTE for this eviction.   The letter refers to inter-ethnic reconciliation between the Muslims and the Tamils. However, the Sinhalese had also been evicted from... -Full Story-
(LankaWeb - 17/01/12)

HELPLESS CHRISTIANS OF INDIA
PROFESSOR ALI SUKHANVER
Throughout the world, Pope Benedict XVI is recognized as a symbol of kind heartedness, affection and love for humanity not only by his followers but also by a great number of Muslims. People rank him as a beacon of compassion and sympathy for the whole of humanity.  In his traditional beginning-of-the-year address to diplomats at the Vatican he said, 'In many countries Christians are deprived of fundamental rights and sidelined from public life; they endure violent attacks against their churches and their homes.” He urged greater religious tolerance around the world and said referring to the... -Full Story-
(LankaWeb - 17/01/12)

ආචාර්ය එන්. එල්. ඒ.. කරුණාරත්න මහතාගේ ආරාධනාව
චන්ද්‍රසේන පණ්ඩිතගේ විසිනි.
ශ්‍රී ජයවර්ධනපුර විශ්වවිද්‍යාලයේ උපකුලපති ධුරයට දෙවැනි වරටත් පත්වී සිටින ආචාර්ය එන්. එල්. ඒ.. කරුණාරත්න මහතා විසින් මෙම වෙබ් අඩවියේ පල කරන ලද ලිපිය, මෙරට ජනතාවට විශාල පණිවුඩයක් ගෙන දෙන්නකි. අප පලමුව ඒ මහතා ගෙනහැර පාන කරුණු තුලින් අපට දැනෙන දේ සම්බ්නධව සාකච්ඡා කරමු. එතුමාට අනුව එතුමාගේ පලමු ධූර කාලයේදී, කල වැදගත්ම කර්ත්‍යයක් වන්නේ විශ්ව විද්‍යාලය තුලදී නිදහස් අධ්‍යාපනය ලබීමට සුදුසු පරිසරයක් ගොඩනැංවීමයි. විශ්ව විද්‍යලයක් තුල නිදහසේ අධ්‍යාපනයක් කිරීමට සුදුසු වාතාවරණයක් නොතිබූ බව ඒ තුලින් පිලිගන්නේ මෙරට විශ්ව විද්‍යාලයක් පාලනය කරන උප කුලපතිතුමෙකු බැවින් අප ඒ කරුණ සම්බන්ධව වඩාත් සංවේදී විය යුතුය. පාසලක පාලනයක් යටතේ හැදෙන දරුවෙකු, ... -Full Story-
(LankaWeb - 16/01/12)

Is silence always golden?
Dr.Tilak Fernando
Sex education is regarded as a formal instruction on topics linking human sexuality such as anatomy, reproduction, intercourse, abstinence, contraception and numerous human sexual behaviour enwrapping emotional relations and rights and responsibilities. Customary avenues for sex education are parents, school programmes and public health campaigns. When someone automatically gets attracted physically to another, the process is known as human sexuality. It may take place with the opposite sex, same sex or both. In whatever form it takes place, sure it is bound to have an impact on theological, legal, philosophical and/ or moral aspects. Various theories put... -Full Story-
(LankaWeb - 16/01/12)

Fear and loathing in Central Asia: Will US go to war with Iran?
RT
As sparks fly dangerously close to the powder keg of US-Iranian relations, speculation is rife and rumors are spreading like wildfire. Will there be a war? Who wants it? And what will happen to this very lucrative region? Google the words “Iran”, “USA” and “war” and you get over 140 million hits. Many believe the possibility of a military conflict between the two is not even a question of “if”, but a question of “when”. And there is definitely enough evidence around to lend support to these beliefs. Let’s break it down. Will there be a war? According to... -Full Story-
(rt.com - 16/01/12)

Over a barrel: UK pushes Iran oil ban, military action on table
RT
The military showdown in the Persian Gulf seems even more inevitable, with the UK foreign secretary not ruling out military action against Iran. Applying even more pressure to the country, Europe may ban Iranian oil imports by the end of the month. ­The UK will continue to pursue a diplomatic solution to bringing Iran to the negotiating table, although, according to the UK Foreign Secretary William Hague, his country has not “ruled out any option, or supporting any option.” “We believe all options should be on the table, that is part of the pressure on Iran, but we are... -Full Story-
(rt.com - 16/01/12)

An appeal to the Sinhala community
(Following the appeal to the Tamil community made by the Group of 68) As senior citizens (belonging to the majority Sinhala community) who have lived through decades of communal strife and dissension, which ultimately ended up in a bloody war that led this country to near destruction, we welcome the initiative taken by a group of 68 Tamil citizens to appeal to "all ethnic communities of Sri Lanka" to re-examine and re-evaluate the past to be able to reconfigure their collective future [The Island, 6th January, 2012]. It may be noted that we deliberately avoid the use of the word... -Full Story- (The Island - 16/01/12)

Inside U.S. War Prisons: The Torture Investigation
Attorney General Eric Holder has asked a federal prosecutor to examine whether CIA interrogations of suspected terrorists were illegal, the Justice Department has announced.... -Full Story- (edition.cnn.com - 16/01/12)

Egypt's transition to democracy grows messier
Reform leader Mohammed ElBaradei's surprise pullout from the presidential race has laid bare the messiness of Egypt's transition to democracy with less than six months left for the ruling generals to hand over power. In less than two weeks on Jan. 25, Egyptians will mark a year since the start of the popular uprising that forced Hosni Mubarak out of office. But there is no longer much talk about the revolution's lofty goals of bringing democracy, freedom and social justice... -Full Story- (foxnews.com - 16/01/12)

Disappeared Tamils Were Asylum Seekers Who Never Made it to the Other End
- Kumar Moses
Here is Proof! It was always the practice of Tamil nationalists to put whatever blame for their misfortunes on the government and the majority. They call it ‘Tamil-only Grievances’. Everyone has grievances but they want the government to only concentrate on Tamil grievances ignoring others’ grievances. Unable to prove 40,000 deaths, they allege a large number of Tamils "disappeared" during the war. Some of them argue that it even continues to this date. As usual, they put the blame on the government for these disappearances! Absurd stories of white vans, grease devils and other mythical concocted... -Full Story-
(LankaWeb - 15/01/12)

Is The Empire Losing its Grip?
Hameed Abdul Karim
In recent times the US Empire has taken quite a few body blows. Gone are the days when Henry Kissinger and Ronald Reagan reigned supreme in tandem with their cousins across the pond. The heady days of the Bush doctrine of ‘either you are with us or with them’ are fast vanishing whilst Barack Obama grapples with the crises left behind by the neocons and creating new ones for himself and his successors. There seems to be no way out for the empire unless it decides to extend its war on terrorism to Iran and unleash... -Full Story-
(LankaWeb - 15/01/12)

Syrian opposition: Dying for foreign intervention?
RT
Using the ‘Libyan scenario’ as their template for regime change, the Syrian opposition is provoking a humanitarian crisis in the country in order to win foreign intervention, Russia says. Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov said it appears that Syria's armed opposition is attempting to trigger a humanitarian catastrophe in order to justify foreign military intervention in the Syrian conflict. "It seems to me that, beyond any doubt, the goal is to provoke a humanitarian catastrophe and create an excuse to demand foreign intervention in this conflict," Lavrov said at a press conference after talks with Algerian Foreign Minister Murad Medelci... -Full Story-
(rt.com - 15/01/12)

USA today, tomorrow the world
Pravda
Adolph Hitler made a famous proclamation to his followers. He said to them, "Today all Germany is ours, tomorrow the world!" In the exact same fashion, American leadership follows in his footsteps. However, it was George Bush who said, "You're either with us or against us!" Now this was purposely interpreted wrong to refer to the fake, contrived war against terrorism, but what he really meant is "either do what we want and what we tell you or we will destroy you." This is today's American empire.... -Full Story-
(english.pravda.ru - 15/01/12)

Syria’s trouble: Civilian death toll continues to climb
RT
A French journalist has been killed and several others wounded in the city of Homs, while covering an anti-government rally. The violence comes hours after President Bashar al-Assad addressed the nation for the second time in less than 24 hours. The 41-year French cameraman, Gilles Jacquier, died after a shell exploded near a group of journalists. Some unconfirmed reports say that another eight people also died in the attack, which was condemned by the Arab League observers currently in the country, as well as by the French government. Militants in Homs have blamed Assad’s government for the violence.... -Full Story-
(rt.com - 15/01/12)

Tamil taxidermists stuff Tiger skins with stamps
H. L. D. Mahindapala
 The Tamil separatist movement is littered all the way, from the peak of the resolution passed in Vadukoddai (1976) to its lowest depths in Nandikadal (2008), with attention-getting stunts. These stunts and strategies scored heavily on propaganda. But in real terms their stunts and strategies failed to achieve any of their political goals. Some even boomeranged on them like the stamps issued in France. All their stunts and strategies have been expensive in human costs. Their investments in stunts, strategies and most importantly in violence have taken them at best into exile and at worst... -Full Story-
(LankaWeb - 14/01/12)

Governments of 2005 & 2010: Differ like Sugar & Spice?
By Gomin Dayasri
 With the extinct of the LTTE and the country becomingsafe and secure,pinnacle point was reached in the modern history of Sri Lanka at the end of the first term of office of the President - no more was the need to hark back to pages of history in search of glory days. The President and the Government were assured of another term. Opposition looked feeble having tilted towards the LTTE.  Gratitude contributed to a 2/3 majority in Parliament and the President enhanced his majority immensely in his second term in office in 2010. Constituents crossed traditional... -Full Story-
(LankaWeb - 14/01/12)

Is there a ‘National Question’ that must be addressed as a prerequisite for social advancement in Sri Lanka?
R Chandrasoma
Peoples of all nations on Planet Earth live precariously and face many challenges. The rising cost of energy amd the alarming depletion of natural resources endanger all and in this sense are ‘National Questions’ for peoples across the world. The ‘national question’ raised by a section of the Tamil Intelligentsia and their bourgeois counterparts among the denationalized Sinhalese is in an altogether different class. It is the belief that the leading minority (The Tamils) have been deeply wounded in their amour proper after their recent defeats and setbacks and that a reconciliation of some kind is a... -Full Story-
(LankaWeb - 14/01/12)

An Outsider’s View—15, Romney reveals Republican strategy in 2012 bid to oust President Obama
By Shelton A. Gunaratne-Professor of mass communications emeritus, Minnesota State University Moorhead
The next two primaries—South Carolina on Jan. 21 and Florida on Jan. 31—would most likely confirm Mitt Romney as the surefire candidate of the Republican Party for the U.S. presidency. Romney’s New Hampshire primary victory speech gave us a peek into the major themes, carefully crafted by his PR team that he would reiterate in his presidential election campaign against the incumbent President Barak Obama, the Democratic Party candidate. Romney, 64, a multimillionaire businessman with a net worth of between $190 million and $250 million held in... -Full Story-
(LankaWeb - 14/01/12)

The Renovation of Das Buddhistische Haus ( Nord Berliner Newspaper)
Senaka Weeraratna
The Nord Berliner newspaper in Germany has carried a News  Report on the renovation of Das Buddhistische Haus (Berlin Vihara) on the 5th of January, 2012. The Report ( in German) with text and photographs is appended below.    Das Buddhistische Haus is owned and maintained by the German Dharmaduta Society which was founded by Asoka Weeraratna (later known as Ven. Mitirigala Dhammanisanthi) in 1952.    Asoka Weeraratna on behalf of the then Trustees of the German Dharmaduta Society ( which comprised Dudley Senanayake ( former Prime Minister of Sri Lanka) Henry Amarasuriya, Dr. P.B.... -Full Story-
(LankaWeb - 14/01/12)

The US-Iran economic war
By Pepe Escobar
NEW YORK - Here's a crash course on how to further wreck the global economy. A key amendment to the National Defense Authorization Act signed by United States President Barack Obama on the last day of 2011 - when no one was paying attention - imposes sanctions on any countries or companies that buy Iranian oil and pay for it through Iran's central bank. Starting this summer, anybody who does it is prevented from doing business with the US. This amendment - for all practical purposes a declaration of economic war - was brought to you... -Full Story-
(atimes.com - 14/01/12)

Obama drags Middle East baggage to Asia
By Peter Lee
The signature event in United States-Chinese relations last week was not the anti-climactic release of the US Defense Strategic Review, which re-emphasized the Barack Obama administration's widely touted ambitions to perform a strategic pirouette from the Middle East to East Asia. It was the murder of another Iranian nuclear scientist in Tehran. The assassination of Mostafa Ahmadi Roshan by forces unknown serves as a message that the Obama administration will find it difficult to reinvent itself as the savior of Asian peace and prosperity; instead, the United States will find itself reprising its dreary and... -Full Story-
(atimes.com - 14/01/12)

Iran ‘has evidence’ CIA masterminded nuke scientist murder
RT
Iran has sent two “letters of condemnation” in the wake of Wednesday’s killing of yet another Iranian nuclear scientist. Tehran is demanding a response from Washington and London for the attack, which was “guided” by the CIA and “assisted” by MI6. ­"We have reliable documents and evidence that this terrorist act was planned, guided and supported by the CIA," the Iranian foreign ministry said in a rare letter handed to the Swiss ambassador in Tehran, according to state television. The Swiss Embassy has represented the USA in Iran since ties between the two countries were severed shortly after the... -Full Story-
(rt.com - 14/01/12)

Any conflict on Iran is a direct threat to Russia’s security – Rogozin
RT
The escalating conflict around Iran should be contained by common effort, otherwise the promising Arab Spring will grow into a “scorching Arab Summer,” says Dmitry Rogozin, Russia’s former envoy to NATO. ­“Iran is our close neighbor, just south of the Caucasus. Should anything happen to Iran, should Iran get drawn into any political or military hardships, this will be a direct threat to our national security,” stressed Rogozin. Dmitry Rogozin, who served as Russia’s special envoy to NATO in 2008-2011, was appointed deputy prime minister by Vladimir Putin in December. On Friday he was bidding farewell to his NATO... -Full Story-
(rt.com - 14/01/12)

Iran has pay back in mind
By Kaveh L Afrasiabi
PALO ALTO, California - Despite a strong pitch by Iran, the United Nations has failed to condemn the latest assassination of an Iranian nuclear scientist, thus sending a bad signal about the UN's determination to fight global terrorism and to condemn all acts of terrorism even-handedly. Instead of a swift and decisive response to the letter by Iran's ambassador to the UN, Mohammad Khazaee, to UN Secretary General Ban Ki-moon, the 15 members of the UN Security Council and the president of the UN General Assembly, requesting the UN's condemnation of the terror of scientist... -Full Story-
(atimes.com - 14/01/12)

Tag Wrestling in Sri Lanka Theatre - President Mahinda Rajapaksa vs Domestic/External Teams
Prof. Hudson McLean
Having noted the  civilised, constructive, balanced, 25 responses until 13.01.2012, by the LankaWeb Readers to my article-; Flickering Fire of LTTE-TNA-Eelam & Explosions of Sinhala Terrorism. Bring Back the Death Penalty! Posted on January 9th, 2012 the Readership mainly supporters of the President Mahinda Rajapaksa supporters and sympathisers, offer various dimensions to the current political situation in Sri Lanka. By looks of things to come, Sri Lanka may have another opportunity to entertain the World with a series of Tag Wrestling encounters. Watching Tag Wrestling is great entertainment for the wrestlers and specially for the audience.... -Full Story-
(LankaWeb - 13/01/12)

Sunday Leader journalist Uvindu Kurukulasuriya’s Rajapakse dynasty probe, and qualification saga.
By Charles.S.Perera
Sunday Leader is more an anti  National Sri Lankan news sheet , notoriously  scandalizing the President and the Government of Sri Lanka stooging to the anti Sri Lankan West.  It is one news paper of its kind known for its distasteful journalism aired as investigative journalism which had damaged the image of Sri Lanka  in the world by false reporting.  Its editor Lasantha Wickramathunga was hoisted as an investigating journalist, and an Editorial prepared by the journalists of the paper after his murder was published as written by him before his murder.  Strangely though it was... -Full Story-
(LankaWeb - 13/01/12)

Bullying Sri Lanka while US/NATO crimes go unpunished
Shenali Waduge
That the US, UK, EU, Canada & similar nations join in tandem to bring allegation after allegation against Sri Lanka is something we as citizens should not be surprised over while politicians need to realize that it is their follies & inactions that allow a continuous barrage of accusations. Yet, if crimes against humanity is the buzz word then investigations must begin in a chronological fashion starting with those committed by US/NATO forces since their occupations have been in violation of international treaties & to date remain without valid proof.  We are all aware why powerful nations... -Full Story-
(LankaWeb - 13/01/12)

Similarities between Jesus and Ahmad
By A. Abdul Aziz.
 The prophecy of the advent of Messiah, son of Mary in the later days found in the traditions (sayings of Holy Prophet of Islam) is interpreted as the coming of a person similar to Jesus Christ, peace be on him, in his character and qualities. It has been proved when we go though those traditions that Founder of the Ahmadiyya Muslim Community in Islam Hazrat Mirza Ghulam Ahmad of Qadian (1835 – 1908) was sent as the second advent of Jesus in accordance with the prophecies of the Bible and other scriptures.  Jesus appeared looking... -Full Story-
(LankaWeb - 13/01/12)

Life of Tariq Aziz hangs in the balance
by Felicity Arbuthnot
"plastic turkeys" just as FAKE as western "freedom and democracy"Tariq Aziz, Whose Life Hangs in the Balance: "We are all victims of Britain and America. They killed our country." "In the United States today, the Declaration of Independence hangs on schoolroom walls, but foreign policy follows Machiavelli." (Howard Zinn, 1922-2010.) On 5th December, the first day of the solemn, predominantly Shi'a Muslim marking of Ashura - the martyrdom of Hussein, the Prophet's Grand son in 680 AD - in a statement few of the main stream media thought worthy of mention, Saad Al Muttalibi, a Minister, ironically,... -Full Story-
(english.pravda.ru - 13/01/12)

NATO used its forces to the maximum to take Tripoli
Pravda
13.01.2012 Italy's L'Espresso daily publication wrote that NATO's special forces played the key role when taking Tripoli, the capital of Libya. A participant of the operation shared his impressions with the publication. According to the author of the article, the man, whose story the newspaper published, was struggling with the butchers of Muammar Gaddafi, foreign snipers and killers, who had come to Libya from all over the world. According to him, all of them came to Tripoli to make money by aiming their guns at rebellious people.... -Full Story-
(english.pravda.ru - 13/01/12)

Secret intel report leaked: US in Afghan dead end
RT
The latest US intelligence report concludes the war against the Taliban has reached an impasse, with the Taliban remaining committed to taking back Afghanistan by force as soon as NATO troops leave the country. Two current and one former US official speaking on condition of anonymity told AP the intelligence community’s take on the war is that the Taliban may only be paying lip service to peace talks with NATO and Afghan government. The classified Afghan National Intelligence Estimate (NIE) declares the war at a stalemate, with NATO security gains far outweighed by corruption at all levels of Afghan... -Full Story-
(rt.com - 13/01/12)

CNN contributor salutes Marines for urinating on dead Afghans (AUDIO)
RT
The video of American marines urinating on the corpses of Afghan civilians has prompted worldwide outrage, condemnation from the White House and the opening of a federal investigation. CNN's Dana Loesch thinks the whole thing is pretty cool, though. Loesch, the 33-year-old CNN contributor hired last year to offer political analysis for the coming election, is already giving the network their money's worth. Speaking during her own syndicated radio program on Thursday, Loesch discussed the just-surfaced video that shows four Marines urinating on the corpses of slain Afghans, presumed to be civilians. Her own insight seems to be a... -Full Story-
(rt.com - 13/01/12)

Iran scientist murder: Revenge killing call, CIA-Mossad blamed
RT
The news of the killing of Iran’s senior nuclear scientist immediately gripped the country’s media, with some appealing for revenge attacks against targets in Israel and the United states. ­Mostafa Ahmadi-Roshan, 32, was killed Wednesday by a magnetic bomb placed on his car by a motorcyclist in the capital Tehran. Iranian state-run media were quick to point the finger at Israel and the United States. Iranian officials expressed their deepening anger and outrage at both countries, with media sources close to the country’s supreme leader, Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, such as the Kayhan newspaper, going as far as signaling that... -Full Story-
(rt.com - 13/01/12)

Sri Lanka Reduced To 3rd Ever Lowest Score At Paarl And Demolished By South Africa!! What Happened?
Top Spin By Suni
January 11th 2012 Sri Lanka cricket fans in all probabilities were left with a sick feeing in their stomachs as Sri Lanka was steamrolled by the Proteas in clinical fashion today! I certainly was watching them in disbelief, crumbling against the South African's at the picturesque Paarl grounds on a wicket which looked perfect for batting albeit a bit bouncy and hard where the Saffies had previously topped 300 taking first lease and to the Lankans with their seemingly powerful batting array it must have appeared gettable which was even observed by some in the commentary box but not to... -Full Story-
(LankaWeb - 13/01/12)

China firm may increase Colombo port stake
China Merchant Holdings (International) and state-run Sri Lanka Ports Authority may buy parts of a 30 per cent stake in a container terminal project at Colombo port held by private listed Aitken Spence, a media report said. China Merchants is already the dominant partner with a 55 per cent stake and the SLPA has a 15 per cent stake.... -Full Story- (cargonewsasia.com - 12/01/12)

'Marines urinating on Taliban' video scandal sparks outrage
RT
US and Afghan officials have condemned a video purportedly showing US Marines urinating on the bodies of slain Taliban fighters. Though the Taliban says the “brutal” acts will not derail peace talks, the damage to the US mission may be irreversible. ­A statement released by Afghan President Hamid Karzai Thursday called the act “completely inhumane” and demanded the US military punish the marines responsible, the Associated Press reports.... -Full Story-
(rt.com - 12/01/12)

The Catholic Church as the backbone of the international LTTE resurgence.
By Mario Perera, Kadawata
In a recent comment I made to a lead article appearing in Lankaweb, I expressed the above opinion. A commentator labelled it as ‘NONSENSE’ and that such a thing could NEVER be. I have spoken about this issue more at length in my book: The kingdom, the glory and the power. This short write-up is a clarification. The Catholic hierarchy is a monolithic structure. The declaration of Christ to Peter, the first pope already indicates it in unambiguous terms: Thou art Peter and on this rock I will build my church. The gates of hell... -Full Story-
(LankaWeb - 11/01/12)

Visual Evidence II: Torture Images on Channel 4 … and Weiss
By Michael Roberts
 [Professor Michael Roberts was trained in history and social sciences at Peradeniya University, Sri Lanka and was also a Rhodes Scholar. His PhD work on agrarian policy took him into intellectual history as well as economic history and political economy. While Professor Roberts can be described as a historical anthropologist, all his work engages the political relations of power but also straddles the disciplines of Politics, Sociology, Anthropology and History. In addition to his work for the Australian Broadcasting Corporation, Professor Roberts is a well-known political commentator in Sri Lanka. He also published a number of... -Full Story-
(LankaWeb - 11/01/12)

The most tragic thing in the world is a sick doctor
Written by Malinda Seneviratne
One day, more than ten years ago, I saw three blind men assaulting a man outside the Fort Railway Station. They were screaming at the victim. Apparently the three men were lottery sellers retailing dreams at the station. The ‘victim’ had robbed one of them. The robbed had recognised robber, several months later, by footstep, or so we were told. The ‘victim’, silently took the mauling. The robbed were trying gouge his eyes out. The police intervened; bundled them all into a vehicle and took them away. Petty theft. Petty assault. Not the first. Not... -Full Story-
(LankaWeb - 11/01/12)

කෙමරූජ් භිෂණය 5
වෛද්‍ය රුවන් එම් ජයතුංග
 අන්ධ ගායකයා Kong Nay wo අද දිනයේ හඳුන්වන්නේ කම්පුචියානු  චාල්ස් වශයෙනි. කුඩා කාලයේදී වසූරිය වැළඳීම නිසා ඔහුගේ දෙනෙත් අන්ධවිය. ජීවිතය අඳුරු වුවද ඔහු එළිය දුටුවේ සංගීතයෙනි. ගායනයට හා වාදනයට තිබූ දක‍ෂතාවය නිසා Kong Nay නැවත ජිවිතය තුළට පිවිසියේය. 1975 දී ඔහු ඇතුළු ඔහුගේ පවුලේ සාමාජිකයන් වහල් ශ්‍රමිකයන් ලෙස ග්‍රාමීය ප්‍රදේශකරා පිටුවහල් කරනු ලැබීය. කලාකරුවන්ට කෙමරුජ්වරු යටතේ හිස් අහිමි වුවද ණදබට භ්හ මරා නොදමා ඔහුගෙන් ප්‍රචාරක වැඩ ගැනීමට ඔව්හු තීරණය කළහ. කම්පුචියානු ජන ගී හෝ විදෙස් ගීත ගැයීම හෝ වාදනය කිරීම තහනම් වූ අතර, ඔහුට තිබුණේ කෙමරුජ්වරුනගේ යසෝරාවය පිළිබඳ ගීත ගැයීමටය. පක්ෂ රැස්වීම් වලදී ඔහු පොල්පොට්... -Full Story-
(LankaWeb - 11/01/12)

No Divine Intervention in Cricket
Citizen K
Sri Lanka was humiliated in South Africa. Watching the match was painful to a Sri Lankan fan. It is about time questions were raised about the reasons for this shocking performance. Some of our cricketers seem to think that making the sign of the cross in the middle of the pitch is all that is needed to win matches. Obviously this action seems to cast an evil spell on the whole team.  I watched the match in a restaurant along with some English friends. Even they were embarrassed about this superstitious action. White man who converted  the... -Full Story-
(LankaWeb - 11/01/12)

Terrorist attacks in Iran: Who is to blame?
Pravda
Israel, the United States of America and the United Kingdom have been blamed for the latest terrorist attack in Iran. Given the recent involvement of the US-UK axis with terrorist elements in Libya, would this really surprise anyone and what authority do these countries now have to speak about terrorism? Sources in the Iranian government lay the blame for the recent spate of terrorist attacks in the Islamic Republic of Iran squarely at the feet of Israel, the United States of America and the United Kingdom. Given the recent involvement of the US-UK axis with terrorist elements in Libya,... -Full Story-
(english.pravda.ru - 11/01/12)

United Kingdom falls apart like house of cards
Pravda
Scotland may eventually become an independent state. The referendum about the country's separation from Great Britain is to take place in two years. Scotland deserves the right for independent existence like no other "separatist" region of Europe. British Prime Minister David Cameron has recently stated that one should not shelve the voting. The referendum should be held not later than in the autumn of 2013. If the process takes too long, it will affect the economic condition of Scotland, because business needs to know the political future of the region. Other political figures of Great Britain support Cameron's opinion... -Full Story-
(english.pravda.ru - 11/01/12)

‘Don’t exaggerate case against Iran’ – Russia
RT
While expressing concern over Tehran’s reluctance to comply with demands set down by the international community, Moscow is also telling foreign powers that Iran’s military and nuclear prowess should not be blown out of proportion. ­Following a 10-day naval exercise last week in the strategic Strait of Hormuz, Iran’s Revolutionary Guard test-fired two missiles. This apparently excited some foreign powers, especially the United States and Israel. Russia, however, put the situation into perspective, reminding that the Islamic Republic lacks the technical expertise to build long-range ballistic missiles. "Iran does not have the technology to make medium or long-range ballistic... -Full Story-
(rt.com - 11/01/12)

The Legacy of Hon Philip Gunawardena
By Garvin Karunaratne, former SLAS
  It was a very sad day in 1959 when the phones buzzed with the news that our Leader Hon Philip Gunawardena had left the Cabinet.   We  officers were all lost. We all had high hopes of creating a revolution in agricultural production. All hopes were dashed. But gradually it dawned on us  that though our Leader had left, he had created and left behind for us the framework development infrastructure that was required for us to get activated.  We had only to continue to work for the Common Masses instead of mourning.... -Full Story-
(LankaWeb - 10/01/12)

An Outsider’s View—14-A government of wealthy by wealthy for wealthy is ‘hypocrisy,’ not democracy in Lincoln sense
By Shelton A. Gunaratne Professor of mass communications emeritus, Minnesota State University Moorhead
 Despite the impressive facade of grassroots democracy conveyed to the world at large by the system of caucuses and primaries in the United States, I see the operational dynamics of American representative democracy as a vitiation of how President Abraham Lincoln defined the term in the famous Gettysburg address in 1863—a government of the people, by the people and for the people. The stark truth is that the contemporary form of democracy in the United States is a government of the wealthy, by the wealthy and... -Full Story-
(LankaWeb - 10/01/12)

Remembering Hon. Philip Gunawardena
By Garvin Karunaratne, former SLAS,.
 The year 1956 marks a watershed  in Sri Lankan politics. That was the year when the Mahajana Eksath Peramuna, the coalition of the Sri Lanka Freedom Party led by Hon SWRD Bandaranayake and the Viplavakari Lanka Samasamaja Party of Hon. Philip Gunawardena scored a massive victory, ushering the day of the Common Man.   Entering the service of the Government as an Assistant Commissioner for Development of Agricultural Marketing in August 1955,  I was just groping in the dark depths of administration when Hon Philip Gunawardena took charge as the Minister for Agriculture,... -Full Story-
(LankaWeb - 10/01/12)

The Lumpenbourgeoisie (Kalusuddhas) of Sri Lanka and their despair at the recent turn of events in their motherland.
R Chandrasoma
In the heyday of Marxism the pejorative term lumpenbourgeoisie was used for the upper-class and affluent natives who collaborated with the colonial overlord in the suppression of indigenous populations and in the installation of an exploitative system that cared nought for the welfare of the common people. The lumpenbourgeoisie gloried in the fact that they had shed their native ways and adopted the language and mores of the conquering race. Not surprisingly, they spurned all things that symbolized the native heritage. In some Latin American countries this process – called creolization – led to a denationalized group... -Full Story-
(LankaWeb - 09/01/12)

"President Barack Obama's problems come from his own Administrqation"
By Charles.S.Perera
President Barack Obama has problems with his own staff , the State Secretary Hillary Clinton stepping out of protocol to visit Chief Ministers of India like  Jayalalitha of TamilNadu a very immature politician without any concept about foreign relations, to discuss the Internal Affairs of Sri Lanka a Sovereign State in the region, instead of  officially meeting with the  President of Sri Lanka  himself, to discuss any matters USA wants to clarify. President Barrack Obama also has a problem with his  Assistant  Secretary of State for South and Central Asian Affairs Robert Orris Blake, who interferes into... -Full Story-
(LankaWeb - 09/01/12)

Flickering Fire of LTTE-TNA-Eelam & Explosions of Sinhala Terrorism. Bring Back the Death Penalty!
Prof. Hudson McLean
Whilst the news of yester-year on the annihilation of LTTE Terrorism refuses to disappear, but flickering as highlighted by-; Why can’t the Government take a bold step and put an end to this never ending quarrel by these bankrupt communal Tamil politicians over a separate autonomous de-facto-EELAM in the North and East, before it goes again out of control? Dr. Sudath Gunasekara President, Senior Citizens Movement Mahanuwara 4.1.2012 Danger Signs We Ignored for 105 Years are Ominously Back on the Horizon - Kumar Moses Ban Tamil National Alliance By Charles. S. Perera the resurgence of... -Full Story-
(LankaWeb - 09/01/12)

Thuggery Within The Framework Of A Democratic Nation? The Perpetrators Need To Be Brought To Book!
Insight By Sunil Kumar
January 8th  2012 There is no room for  the tolerance of thuggery and criminality in the offices of power in any capacity of the Administration of a Democratic Nation and an affront to the title  Socialist Democratic Republic  if some of its members choose to indulge in it, given the actions of some within the ruling party as well as the opposition who seem to think that being in public office is carte blanche to resort to lawlesness and social disobedience at times even within the precincts of the Parliament while in session. These types, it may be said... -Full Story-
(LankaWeb - 09/01/12)

Ranil won but where is the leader?
H. L. D. Mahindapala
 Not only the polls but the intra-party tensions and divisions in the UNP clearly indicate that Ranil Wickremesinghe, the elected leader not yet fully accepted by the entire Party, is paying for the political sins of his immediate past. To begin with, he never recovered from the folly of his signing in 2002 the Ceasefire Agreement with Velupillai Prabhakaran, the other loser. Then he committed the unpardonable blunder of running down the forces advancing to defeat Prabhakaran. To make matters worse, when Thoppigala fell in the East, he ridiculed it as only a piece of... -Full Story-
(LankaWeb - 08/01/12)

What Sri Lanka has given Tamils but will not give the Eelaamists
Shenali Waduge
It is apparent that inspite of the elimination of the LTTE that the sole obstacle to reconciliation remains the inability to differentiate between what the Tamils have or do not have and what the Eelaamists desire and aspire but will not be given. Therefore, it is important that those proclaiming to forward proposals for future peace must first determine if Tamils have been marginalized throughout Sri Lanka and how far the aspirations of the Eelaamists have become jumbled into these demands giving rise to the confusion to find any solution. In so far as determining rights denied... -Full Story-
(LankaWeb - 08/01/12)

Open Short Letter to Honorable Secretary of State Hillary Clinton. Anyone Can Issue a personalized US Postal Service stamp if they pay the amount required, but the stamp depict A Tamil Terrorist who was killed by a grenade thrown by a rivalry between two opposing Terrorist groups.
Kithsiri Athulathmudali, Florida, USA
As a Sinhala American, I am presenting this logical reasoning; because I am astonished to see such a stamp immortalizing a Tamil Terrorist whose terrorist organization, LTTE is proscribed by the CIA. Since any one can pay and get a US postal stamp printed, will it be acceptable if Ben Laden, One Eyed Mullah Osman, or Khalid Sheik Mohamed’s photo is on a US postal stamp? Certainly not; if someone does pay and get such a stamp printed, then FBI is bound to question that person, and will probably be prosecuted for participating in terrorist... -Full Story-
(LankaWeb - 08/01/12)

Quality of University Education
 Prof. N . A. de S. Amaratunga
There had been several letters in The Island on the subject of university education written by erudite scholars. In this brief note I would attempt to present another aspect of this problem. There was a time when the objective of university education was to train a person for life. Now the aim of university education it seems is to train a person for a job. In fact the employability of the product appears to be the main criterion for assessment of the quality of university education. Times have changed it appears and... -Full Story-
(LankaWeb - 08/01/12)

Why can’t the Government take a bold step and put an end to this never ending quarrel by these bankrupt communal Tamil politicians over a separate autonomous de-facto-EELAM in the North and East, before it goes again out of control?
Dr. Sudath Gunasekara President, Senior Citizens Movement Mahanuwara 4.1.2012
                       Although we have defeated the 30 year old LTTE curse, once again the agitation for a de-facto EEAM in the North and the East by the communal Tamil politicians appear to be raising its ugly head as the TNA and its allies are clamouring for land and police powers to the PCC and their agitation for a re-merger of the North and East. As its latest move the TNA has threatened to resort to civil disobedience movements if the government fails to devolve police and land powers to the... -Full Story-
(LankaWeb - 07/01/12)

Cloak and dagger Republican primary fight in New Hampshire
By Philip Fernando in Los Angeles
Deepened fissures in the US Republican Party, particularly among evangelical and economic conservatives portend a vicious do or die electoral battle in New Hampshire next Tuesday, the very first Primary election meant to pick a nominee to face President Obama.  The leading contender Mitt Romney would without doubt face five challengers besieging him with a vengeance—a blood-splattered political butchery rarely seen in any US primary. The probability of uniting under a single viable candidate to oust President Obama seem a far cry judging by the mere 8-vote margin of victory Romney had in... -Full Story-
(LankaWeb - 05/01/12)

Danger Signs We Ignored for 105 Years are Ominously Back on the Horizon
- Kumar Moses
There are thousands of issues that take the attention of the citizenry everyday. However, national security cannot be pushed to the backburner. Tamil Elamists are on the march again. Tamil intellectuals, priests, academics, lawyers, teachers, doctors and various other ‘front-end’ service providers who constantly interact with thousands of people have demanded from the TNA that it sticks to its guns of Tamil racism. They have warned TNA against “giving into” government pressure and dropping Tamil nationalist demands including a Tamil Nation for 85 million Tamils around the world. http://www.tamilnet.com/img/publish/2011/12/English_Translation_of_Memo_to_TNA.pdf Readers are requested to read the... -Full Story-
(LankaWeb - 05/01/12)

Addressing Some Shameful Behaviour By The South Africans And Captaincy Issues Towards Correcting Sri Lanka's Cricketing woes
Howzatt! By Doosra Sammy
January 5th 2012  The Durban win obviously  appears to be a flash in the pan where the woes of  the Sri Lankan Cricketers are beginning to seem insurmountable as they teeter towards a second humiliating defeat. Not only do they have to put up with the intimidations of wimps like Steyn and Philander who don't seem to know the meaning of the term gentlemanly cricket but also reflect in all probabilities their upbringing and the backgrounds they probably come from in how they conduct themselves on the cricket field at times, deplorable at best. They seem to bring to... -Full Story-
(LankaWeb - 05/01/12)

Ban Tamil National Alliance
By Charles. S. Perera
TNA is neither  acting in the interest of Sri Lanka, nor that of the Tamils who voted for TNA. The TNA Parliamentarians  have their own Agenda and they are exploiting the poor Tamil people by whipping up their sentimental attachment towards   their own Tamilness , making promises of a separate Tamil identity. That is all what they give to the Tamil people in return for their votes . Sampanthan and his  TNA cohorts are not interested in the welfare of the Tamil people as it is evident from what they had been doing from the... -Full Story-
(LankaWeb - 04/01/12)

Misuse of Canaa Post sevices by the Tamil Youtyh Organization
Asoka Weerasinghe Kings Grove Crescent . Gloucester . Ontario . Canada
 3 January 2012 Hon. Denis Lebel, PC., MP Minister of Transport and Minister in charge for Canada Post Corporation House of Commons Ottawa, Ontario Dear Minister  Denis Lebel: Re: Misuse of Canada Post Service by Tamil Youth Organization - sympathizers of the  Liberation Tigers of Tamil Eelam (LTTE) aka Tamil Tigers No doubt, by now, you have read the letters of protest by the non-Tamil  Sri Lankan-Canadian community, about the personalized postage stamp that has been produced for the above organization, annoying, harming and forging... -Full Story-
(LankaWeb - 04/01/12)

Understanding Ven. Nagarjuna
Prof. N. A. de S. Amaratunga
Ven. Nagarjuna was one of the most distinguished Indian Buddhist philosophers. His treatise on “Sunyathava” or emptiness which he claims is not a philosophy but which appears to be a negation of the various interpretations by the various schools of Buddhism on subjects such as Thatagatha, self, infinite world etc. makes him one of the greatest analytical and original thinkers of the world. His method of analysis and logic has influenced both Eastern and Western thinkers. Several books have been written on his major work; “Mulamadhyamikakarika”, some in praise but some critical calling... -Full Story-
(LankaWeb - 04/01/12)

Islam as Enemy
Hameed Abdul Karim
‘…. Islam will prevail because it has a major competitive advantage: It is not afraid of death’ -  George   Soros * The Western powers have always needed enemies to force their agendas down the throats of different nations at various times in history. With the end of colonialism, however, the U.S. spurred by its imperial mindset, has taken over the role of ‘civilising’ the former colonies, with the full backing of France, Canada, Germany, Italy, Spain and the UK which now are, for all intents and purposes, U.S. satellite states. Enemy number one has always been ‘Islam’.... -Full Story-
(LankaWeb - 04/01/12)

OPEN LETTER TO NIMAL SIRIPALA DE SILVA AND KEHELIYA RAMBUKWELLA GOSL NEED TWO THIRD MAJORITY
Stanley Perera from Melbourne.
My dear Honourable Ministers, Honourable Ministers made a press release expressing your willingness to discuss with the TNA parasites on the Tamil issues of re-merger of the North and East and police and land powers to the North and East. The statement stirred up the hornet’s nest.  You are insulting the 70,000 people who sacrificed their lives to save the motherland against the separatism.  You politicians are alive and well to-day because of the Sri Lankans who fought against the Terrorists monster who waged a war to set up a Tamil EElam State in the... -Full Story-
(LankaWeb - 04/01/12)

The media has a responsibility
By Dr. Mrs. Mareena Thaha Reffai
Our newspapers are preoccupied with three matters – crimes, politicians and film actors – all mean bad news. Whenever you open the newspapers today, all what you read is about thefts, murders, crimes and misdeeds by the  politicians. When one keeps reading these crimes day in day out, one tends to get accustomed and desensitized to these crimes. On one hand when one is tempted to  do a wrong  thing, it does not feel  so horrible and the perpetrator feels as if it is the commonly done thing and that he can easily... -Full Story-
(LankaWeb - 04/01/12)

Motorists on the second lane at junctions
By Dr. Mrs. Mareena Thaha Reffai
The motorists at the Dehiwela traffic lights at the Hospital road junction have an irritating habit of driving up to the junction on Galle road on the lane next to the fast lane and stopping, waiting to turn off into the hospital road. The others hoping to go forward come behind them and get stuck unable to go forward. The traffic cops totally ignore this in spite of furious tooting from the motorists. The Wellawathe traffic cops have come up with a simple solution for these miscreants. They place the traffic cones next... -Full Story-
(LankaWeb - 04/01/12)

China to build South Asia's tallest tower in Sri Lanka
Xinhua
COLOMBO - China-funded South Asia's tallest and world's 19th tower is to begin construction in the capital of Sri Lanka on January 20, an official said on Wednesday. "The Lotus Tower" is to be built with $104.3 million financial support of China's Export-Import Bank of China while construction is to be done by a Chinese conglomerate comprising China National Electronics Import and Export Corporation and Aerospace Long-March International Trade Co. Ltd using the design drawn by a local university, said Anusha Pelpita, director general of the Telecommunication Regulatory Commission. "The tower will facilitate for 20 service providers in... -Full Story-
(LankaWeb - 04/01/12)

මාගේ ආදරණීය දරුවනි-ආචාර්ය එන්.එල්.ඒ.කරුණාරත්න උපකුලපති ශ්‍රී ජයවර්ධනපුර විශ්වවිද්‍යාලය.
ආචාර්ය එන්.එල්.ඒ.කරුණාරත්න
මම ශ්‍රී ජයවර්ධනපුර විශ්වවිද්‍යාලයේ උපකුලපති ධුරයට දෙවැනි වරටත් පත්වී සිටින මේ මොහොතේ, නව අධ්‍යයන වර්ෂයේ ඔබගේ අධ්‍යාපන කටයුතු සර්වප්‍රකාරයෙන් සාර්ථක වේවා යි හද පත්ලෙන්ම ශුභ ප්‍රාර්ථනා කරමි. අප විශ්වවිද්‍යාලයේ අධ්‍යයන අනධ්‍යයන කාර්ය මණ්‌ඩලයේ සහයෝගයෙන් මාගේ ප්‍රථම ධුර කාලය තුළදී ඔබට විශ්වවිද්‍යාලය තුළ නිදහසේ අධ්‍යාපනය ලැබීමට සුදුසු පරිසරයක්‌ ගොඩනැඟීමට හැකි වීම පිළිබඳ මම උදක්‌ම සතුටු වෙමි. මෙම කාලය පුරාම එක්‌ දිනක්‌ හෝ විශ්වවිද්‍යාලය වසා දැමීමට ඉඩ නොදී ඔබගේ වටිනා කාලය අපතේ යැමට ඉඩ නොදී ක්‍රියා කරන්නට ලැබීම අප ලැබූ ජයග්‍රහණයකි. උපාධිය ලබා ගන්නා දිනය මාස ගණනකින් හෝ වසර ගණනකින් දිග්ගැස්‌සෙන්නට ඉඩ දී ඔබගේ අනාගතය අඳුරු වන්නට ඉඩ නොදීමේ... -Full Story-
(LankaWeb - 04/01/12)

Killing the Goose that Lays the Golden Egg – The Tangalle Incident of Continued Violence by UPFA Politicians
Dilrook Kannangara
When it happened in Angoda, the main culprit (a ruling UPFA MP who is a close associate of the Rajapaksha family) got away despite the fact that the victim was a presidential advisor. UPFA is not alone in the steady decent to criminalisation. The UNP leader is accused of torture, murder and war crimes in his direct involvement in the Batalanda Torture Chamber Incident of 1989. In addition a recent charge sheet by a section of UNP MPs including Rosy Senananayaka, Buddhika Pathirana, Dunesh Gankanda, Imtiyaz Markar, Chandra Gankanda, Shiral Lakthilaka, Bandulal Bandarigoda, Lakshman Lanarolle cited... -Full Story-
(LankaWeb - 03/01/12)

Time for Introspection
MahamahaRaja
For a Buddhist nation, news emanating from Sri Lanka contains an awful lot of violence. And I don’t mean the recently concluded war on terror, which was a noble cause and virtuously won. What I’m talking about is a longstanding problem, because even before the Tamil insurrection, there was bloodshed on the island. Opening university access to the Sri Lankan peasantry may go down in history as one of the worst decisions any government of any nation has ever made. Doing this was supposed to achieve many worthwhile objectives. First, it would win votes at the next election.... -Full Story-
(LankaWeb - 03/01/12)

“PERSONALISED” TIGER STAMPS, NOT IN ANY WAY OFFICIAL; LA POSTE APOLOGISES FOR MISTAKE
MEDIA RELEASE-Embassy of Sri Lanka Paris
With regard to stamps originating in France, bearing various symbols representing the LTTE, a terrorist organization listed as such by the EU, the Embassy of Sri Lanka in Paris wishes to make the following statement: The Embassy of Sri Lanka has been in communication with La Poste which is the issuing authority for official stamps, with regard to the matter of stamps bearing the symbols of an organization which was responsible for many atrocities that are well known by the world community. The Embassy wishes to inform the Sri Lankan public that... -Full Story-
(LankaWeb - 03/01/12)

THE SHORT-SIGHTED CONSPIRATORS
PROFESSOR ALI SUKHANVER
If remained unsolved and unresolved, the memo-gate issue may prove fatally catastrophic and lethally disastrous for the hard-earned and ever-dreamed democratic system in Pakistan. Though time will decide whether this issue is a conspiracy against democracy or an evil plot against the military institutions of Pakistan but one thing is very much clear that some of our own people are playing as a tool in the hands of the conspirators. Thanks to God Almighty, we are blessed with a very honest bold and independent judiciary which is looking into the matter and the whole of nation... -Full Story-
(LankaWeb - 03/01/12)

MUSLIM LEADER CALLS FOR PRAYER AGAINST EXTREMISM AND OPPRESSION
  By A. Abdul Aziz
“Lack of justice leading to increased terrorism and sectarianism” –Hadhrat Mirza Masroor Ahmad The International Annual Convention (Jalsa Salana) of the Ahmadiyya Muslim Jama’at in India concluded on 28 th December 2011 in Qadian with a powerful and faith inspiring address by the World Head of the community, Hadhrat Mirza Masroor Ahmad, who addressed the event from the Baitul Futuh Mosque in London via satellite. The convention attracted over 17,000 people from around the world including Sri Lanka, whilst over 4,000 gathered in London for the concluding session. Hadhrat Mirza Masroor Ahmad began... -Full Story-
(LankaWeb - 03/01/12)

" STEP FORWARD AS A RESURGENT NATION " says His Excellency, The President.
Susantha Wijesinghe
 Dear  Your Excellency !!    Your New Year message to the Nation, under the above caption, is very inspirational, and reflective of your firm resolve, of your future endeavours for Sri Lanka, in the year 2012 and beyond. My good wishes to you would be symbolic of the thoughts of all  Sri Lankans, towards building the Nation with great dignity. It is your belief that the progress envisaged would be expedited by forging a political tradition, based on new thinking.  Certainly YES, that is every Sri Lankans wish.  "  Old order changeth, yielding place to new "   This vision has to be... -Full Story-
(LankaWeb - 02/01/12)

LTTE arm funds Amnesty Int’l
The Nation, December 25, 2011
The world’s self-proclaimed human rights watchdog – Amnesty International (AI), was now being bought over by the pro-LTTE organisations in Canada, reports from Toronto said. The Canadian Tamil Congress (CTC), an ardent supporter of the LTTE, has now completed collecting a first grant of US $50, 000 for AI. This grant has been confirmed by Alex Neve, Secretary General of Amnesty International in Canada. The pro-LTTE CTC kicked off collecting funds for AI from last September, organising a Canadian Tamil Walk-A-Thon at Thomson Memorial Park, Scarborough. AI has been aware of how the pro-LTTE... -Full Story-
(LankaWeb - 02/01/12)

LTTE Human Right Violations and War Crimes against North East Muslims
by M.I.M. Mohideen
Before the Ceasefire Agreement of 22nd February 2002With the increased activities of the Tamil militants in the early part of 1985, the animosity and resentment of the Tamils towards the North East Muslims took a more acrimonious turn. Consequent to it, numerous incidents of extortions of money, robbing jewellry and other valuables at gun point, and threat to co-operate with the separatist movement took place.The breaking point came when the Tamil terrorists tried, in the course of robbing a rich Muslim trader, to take his daughter as hostage in Akkaraipattu, a predominant Muslim Town, in the Ampara... -Full Story-
(LankaWeb - 02/01/12)

2012 - year of significance
Dr.Tilak Fernando
The time has flown so quickly that yet another year has gone by and a new one has emerged. The year 2012 in this respect is going to be somewhat special to the whole world as everyone will be looking at the new year with eagerness and caution as there have been speculation to say that the world is in its final leg and it would come to an end at the end of December! Such theories have been consolidated offering evidence from ‘Bible Code’, ‘Peak Oil’, Numerology and various other prophesies. One of the outstanding... -Full Story-
(LankaWeb - 02/01/12)

Horrible belief
By Dr. Mrs. Mareena Thaha Reffai
There are more than 2500 Differently abled children in Dehiwela – Mt. lavinia area and most of them cannot afford to pay the private school fees.  Most of the parents need counseling to train them to handle the children.  Actually there are many facilities available to them from the social service department. But there should be an institute to help them to obtain them. We, Almuslimaath, a social service organization  are looking for a building to be rented out to establish a school for the disabled children. However when I called a prospective owner of a house advertised in the... -Full Story-
(LankaWeb - 02/01/12)

The Computer Society of Sri Lanka (CSSL) unveiled the strategy for 2012
PRESS RELEASE
The Annual General Meeting of the Computer Society of Sri Lanka (CSSL) was recently held at the Cinnamon Grand Hotel and the new executive council for the year 2012 was elected. The CSSL was established in 1976 in Sri Lanka by a group of dedicated professionals for the purpose of promoting Information and Communication Technology (ICT) and professionalism among those engaged in this field, and to maintain the highest professional standards among the ICT fraternity. It is a not-for-profit body. CSSL has played this role for over 35 years now and is considered the apex body... -Full Story-
(LankaWeb - 02/01/12)

Having Resolved The Greatest Problem Of Terrorism The Administration Cannot Afford Losing Its Merits Through Military And Ruling Party Excesses Which Cannot Be Shoved Under The Carpet.
LankaWeb Weekly Editorial January 2nd 2012
The Victory Party of the LTTE defeat is long over, The UPFA rules supreme with a two third majority in parliament but the world most unfortunately seems to be seeing a picture not of complete magnanimity, peace, harmony  and graciousness by the ruling party but mere shades of it as a few opportunist ruling party goondas, some army deserters as well as certain high profile incumbents seem to rule the roost  with thuggery, murder, mayhem and traces of the old 'Apey Anduwa" syndrome which was prevalent during the SWRD/Sirimavo Era  and seems to... -Full Story-
(LankaWeb - 02/01/12)

An Outsider’s View—13-Iowa Caucuses begin nomination of contenders for U.S. president
By Shelton A. Gunaratne Professor of mass communications emeritus, Minnesota State University Moorhead.
The first electoral event of the presidential election year 2012 will be the Iowa Caucuses scheduled for Tuesday, Jan. 3. These caucuses illustrate how American democracy begins at the grass-roots level even though a large number of people do not take advantage of the opportunities the caucuses provide. Although Rep. Michelle Bachmann, R-Minn., topped the Ames Straw Poll in Iowa on Aug 13 with 4,823 votes, she has dropped her standing in the polls so much that the Iowa Caucasus are most likely to dash her... -Full Story-
(LankaWeb - 02/01/12)

Sri Lanka Tourist Package - Hotel Rates, Visa Tax, Sex, Violence, Return flight in a Coffin.
Prof. Hudson McLean
Government officials and Ruling Party members of the government getting involved in violence, leading to throat-slitting of a British tourist, raping his Russian partner has hit the headlines in many Western and Russian media. High on the heels, the "Big-empty headed" officials not only slam an electronic Entry Visa, which apparently does not function, but on top of that intoduces a mandatory minimum Hotel Room Rate of US$100-;/day on the tourists. These are definitely counter-productive measures to development of tourism. The Hotel rates should be left at the discretion of the operators to follow a market... -Full Story-
(LankaWeb - 01/01/12)

Science and Buddhism – a rejoinder to the views of Dr N A de S Amaratunga
R Chandrasoma
There cannot be any doubt that the early religious thinkers of India pioneered the use of argumentative strategies in religious discourse – often subtle and challenging – at a time when the rest of the world adopted religious views based on anticipations of the divine and the preternatural. Their arguments had a certain quaint rigour – even if the logic was was convoluted and strange. The art of what is best called ‘logic-chopping’ was harnessed to ease the task of defeating opposing views on matters metaphysical and religious. Where Dr Amaratunga goes astray is in his attempt... -Full Story-
(LankaWeb - 01/01/12)

URGENT NEED FOR WIN-WIN MOVES TO WIN THE DAY
Nimal Fernando
More than a little time has been devoted to the year that was about who is going to own the twenty-first century. If these myriad discussions, policy sessions, group huddles or walk-in-the-palk chit-chats were based solely on old-fashioned competition on a level playing field, it would fit snugly in with someone's utopian dream of a perfect world. Alas, if utopia is for, well, dreamers; perfect worlds are for galactic searchers of the masochistic kind. So let's cut to the chase here and agree that in the (real) geopolitical world, whenworld leaders (those who actually are in that... -Full Story-
(LankaWeb - 01/01/12)

Extremists Tamil Politicians, the LTTE Diaspora and Separatist Church men should be held accountable for future Tamil Violence
Media Release - December 2011- SPUR (Society for Peace, Unity and Human Rights for Sri Lanka Inc) PO Box 4066, Mulgrave, VIC 3170, Australia
The Society for Peace, Unity and Human Rights for Sri Lanka (SPUR) notes with regret that some Tamil leaders, ecclesiastical and lay, who paved the path for the failed politics of Tamil violence, based on the disastrous Vadukoddai Resolution which declared war on May 14, 1976, are attempting to drive the Jaffna Tamils, through devious ideological perversions, into bloody conflict once again. Our most serious concern is that those who were responsible for the launching,... -Full Story-
(LankaWeb - 01/01/12)

Scrap the Thesawalamei Law that is Discriminative, Racist and Outdated
Dilrook Kannangara 
Not every Sri Lankan is equal before the law at the moment. Those who have the option of governed by the Thesawalamei Law have far more rights than others. The only remaining law in the entire world that legitimises caste discrimination is the Thesawalamei Law of Sri Lanka! It is a matter of shame on all Sri Lankans for keeping this highly discriminative law that glorifies caste divisions when the whole world is against it. Before major constitutional and legal changes are made for the purpose of reconciliation, simple yet highly effective available means should be used.... -Full Story-
(LankaWeb - 01/01/12)

An Outsider’s View—12-The ideological metamorphosis of Republicans and Democrats
By Shelton A. Gunaratne-Professor of mass communications emeritus, Minnesota State University Moorhead
By the mid-19th century, the controversy over slavery and the rights of slave owners had split the Democratic Party into Northern and Southern factions and given rise to a third party (Constitutional Unity, comprising former Southern Whigs and Know Nothings), each of which put forth candidates to contest the crucial 1860 presidential election. This controversy became the focal point of the campaign. Abraham Lincoln, the first Republican president of the United States (1861-1865), won the election with outright majorities in enough of the free states and an Electoral College... -Full Story-
(LankaWeb - 01/01/12)

Should the new Leader of the UNP Ranil Wickramasinghe continue on his own trodden path, or be a Sri Lankan democrat and stop stooging to West ?
By Charles. S. Perera
Ranil Wickramasinghe is the unchallenged leader of the UNP and by virtue  the unchallenged leader of the Opposition in the Parliament . After  the victory over his opponent, Karu Jayasuria -a politician of unreliable political honesty, Sajith Premadasa, who talks but has not enough guts to take the leadership of the party, and the rest of the ambitious elements  who have no definite  idea  as to  the direction in which the UNP should move, except  Rosy Senanayke   who has more leader ship qualities  than the other rebel Party members put together, the President Mahinda  Rajapakse... -Full Story-
(LankaWeb - 01/01/12)

Cricket victory and divine intervention
Citizen K
Sri Lankan cricket lovers are indeed rightly elated at the fantastic performance of the team in the second Test in Durban South Africa. However I would like to bring to the attention of the cricket authorities, actions by some cricketers which bring the game into disrepute and also ridicule the country. A group of Catholic and Christian players have got into the habit of making the sign of the cross in the middle of the pitch when they are called to bowl or bat.Over the years we had seen on odd occasions a cricketer making this ridiculous... -Full Story-
(LankaWeb - 01/01/12)


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