Professor Channa Jayasumana says that the mythical history created by racists in Sri Lanka has led to violation of human right in all Sri Lankans.
The Tamil Vellalar leaders aspired to be the leaders of the country under the auspices of the British. In 1931 the British introduced universal franchise and the Vellalar leaders found that they could not become the leaders of Sri Lanka.”
Then they wanted to become the rulers of the Northern and Eastern Province. This was the beginning of the separatist movement,” the Sri Lankan academic said, addressing the 39th session of the UN Human Rights Council in Geneva on Tuesday (18).
Thus the Tamil separatist movement sprang up not because of any injustice to the Tamil speaking people but due to the fact that the Vellalar Tamils could not become leaders of the entire country, said Prof. Jayasumana, Executive Committee member of the World Patriotic Lankan Forum.
He stated that in 2009 the entire Tamil racist movement was defeated and there is nothing to talk further as the military solution given in Nandikadal is nothing but a political solution.
Studying genuine history shows there is no ethnic problem in Sri Lanka.”
Full speech made by Prof Channa Jayasumana as follows.
Mr. President,
The mythical history created by racists in Sri Lanka has led to violation of human right in all Sri Lankans. Scholars including Prof. Karthugesu Indrapala has pointed out that there were no permanent Tamil settlements in Sri Lanka before 13thcentury. When the Portuguese arrived in Sri Lanka the Sinhalese people were the majority in the Jaffna Peninsula as well in the rest of Sri Lanka. The Dutch who occupied the coastal areas of the country around 1650 brought the Vellalar Tamils from present Tamil Nadu for their tobacco plantation in Jaffna.
The English who occupied the country in 1815 gave preferences to the Vellalar Tamils. In 1833 when the Legislative Assembly was established, the British Governor appointed one Sinhala and one Tamil speaking person to represent the communities without any semblance to democracy ignoring that the Sinhalese constituted 75% of the population with a history of more than two thousand years and Tamil speaking people who constituted around 10% of the population with a history not going back to more than two hundred years.
The Tamil Vellalar leaders aspired to be the leaders of the country under the auspices of the British. In 1931 the British introduced universal franchise and the Vellalar leaders found that they could not become the leaders of Sri Lanka. Then they wanted to become the rulers of the Northern and Eastern Province. This was the beginning of the separatist movement. Thus the Tamil separatist movement sprang up not because of any injustice to the Tamil speaking people but due to the fact that the Vellalar Tamils could not become leaders of the entire country. In 2009 the entire Tamil racist movement was defeated and there is nothing to talk further as the military solution given in Nandikadal is nothing but a political solution. Studying genuine history shows there is no ethnic problem in Sri Lanka.
Sri Lanka has decided against giving control of Palaly Airport to India just days after the state-run Airport Authority of India made a move to develop it.
Sri Lankan civil aviation minister Nirmal Sripala De Silva told the parliament that the government had no intention of handing over the airport to Indian authorities.
He further said that the airport would be developed in partnership with the Tourism Development Fund and the Civil Aviation Authority.
His statement comes as the AAI, in a statement issued on Monday, said that it has signed an agreement with External Affairs Ministry for preparation of a Detailed Project Report for development of Palaly airport in Sri Lanka”. This would have been the first project for the AAI in the island nation.
Silva, in Parliament, junked the statement and said that not just Palaly, but the government had no intention of handing over Higurakgoda, Baticaloa, Koggala, Digana and Trincomlee airports to other countries and that all the airports would be developed as domestic airports.
AAI’s bid to develop the airport was being seen as a strategic move as Palaly is in Jaffna, a predominantly Tamil territory. It was also dubbed as a move to counter China’s growing presence in the region by developing critical infrastructure.
The handover of the Palaly airport is the latest in the issues that Sri Lanka and India face.
Last month, Silva had told Lankan parliament that the country’s government had asked the Airports Authority of India (AAI) to submit its business plan to operate the loss-making Mattala Rajapaksa International Airport.
However, De Silva’s Indian counterpart Jayant Sinha earlier told Parliament that there was no proposal under consideration for the AAI to buy a controlling stake in the airport. Sinha also clarified that there were no plans for the AAI to build a flying school and a maintenance, repair and overhaul unit at the airport.
However, the confusion refused to die down as just days later, the Ministry of External Affairs said New Delhi was considering Sri Lanka’s proposal.
Mr President please read the following statement in todays (CEYLON TODAY) and issue a statement I you have not then ask your Prime minister whether he has done it and ask him to tell the truth to the nation.
If both of you have independently, without the knowledge of the other, have not done it we presume this is a traitorous act by the said MP. Therefore we as citizens of this country would like to know what action your Government proposes to take against this treasonous statement by living LTTE proxy?
Tamils should fight to death against Sinhalara colonization – Sridharan
02:00 AM Sep 18 2018
Updated 16 hours ago
By Rasadi Gamage, Vavuniya Correspondent
The Tamil people must wage a war unto death against forcible colonization by the Sinhala people as well as the setting up of Buddhist temples in the North, said TNA Kilinochchi District MP S. Sridharan.
He was speaking at a programme, on 15 September, to commence a voluntary organization at village level in the North against forcible colonization and constructing of Buddhist temples. The first group was launched at Sridharan’s office in Kilinochchi.
He pointed out that a group, including Bhikkhus, who came to the Kurundumal village first, on the pretext of archeological development activities, installed a Buddhist statue and sought to build a Vihara, which was thwarted, because of the alertness of the ordinary people.
Already 480 acres of land for construction of the housing complex for the Sinhalese, another 50 acres for archeological activities and 10 acres have been allocated for a Buddhist temple, the MP lamented.
As all these land allocations have been made forcibly and unlawfully, the Tamil people of the areas have a right to protest against it, and vigilance should be maintained on the construction of Temples and the Buddha statues that are being installed in their areas, the MP told the voluntary committee members.
There is nothing wrong if the Tamils of the North take steps to protect their religious places and lands in the same way as the Sinhala Buddhists are taking steps to protect their Sri Dalada Maligawa in Kandy and the lands at Sigiriya, the MP pointed out.
We have lost so much interest in the game as we have lost confidence in the Sri Lankan squad. In fact writing or commenting about them itself is an absolute waste of time.
In the first game SL lost to Bangladesh. Around 260 runs was not a formidable task in modern day ODIs. Our bowlers did very well contain BD players with an enormous apitite to win, with or without HATHURUSINHE. It was the batsmen who crumbled, very early days definition of SL cricketers as Wooden Spooners, is still valid.
So the surgery for the next match should be looking at our batsmen, not bowlers.
The disgusting selectors omitted SURANGA LAKMAL, APONSO AND DILRUWAN PERERA. When there is a problem, you need to follow a certain sequence, such as :
Define the problem
Analyse the problem
Develop alternative solutions
Make a decision
Everyone knew the difficulty factor faced by the batsmen, but our selectors chopped the bowlers but retained the same bunch of batsmen with Shehan Jayasuriya, Dushmantha and Akila joining the team.
At the beginning of match against Afgan match, Angelow Mathews was visibly freightened, he said, We forget the past and JUST GO AND HAVE FUN”. Are you guys are paid to have fun? By looking at Angelow Mathews facial expressions at the commencement, I knew we do not have an aggressive leader and will lose the match.
In the past few years, Rangana Herath, Chandimal and Lakmal have delivered results, not Angelow. As Rangana is semi retired, Lakmal should take over for the world cup preparation, if Chandimal is constantly either sick or vulnerable to other adverse situations.
Minister de Silva along with other govt officials and residents at the construction site yesterday
There is no doubt that Sri Lanka should have more and more investors, paving the way for economic growth, but not at the cost of environment and its people. A country must have development that is sensitive to the concerns of its people. Therefore, the responsible authorities must strike a balance between environment and development.
The Daily Mirror on September 13 published an Expose’ titled ‘Nuisance next door’ quoting a group of residents in Off Buthgamuwa Road, Rajagiriya who stated that an Indian property developer, Iconic Developments Private Limited, was allegedly involving in the illegal filling of a marsh, forcibly using a private road and building an unauthorised bridge as the main access to the company’s new super-luxury condominium project named ‘Iconic Galaxy’.
Building a bridge across the canal
Although an official of the SLLRDC initially denied having given permission to construct a bridge, subsequent to residents providing a copy of a letter signed by GM of SLLRDC confirming that permission was granted for a bridge at the planning committee held on 7th Dec 2011, officials of SLLRDC admitted having granted approval for it. Residents questioned as to who approved the design of the bridge because what the developer is constructing is not a bridge, but a massive ramp; which stretched from one side of the canal right up to their building. This goes over the canal and canal reservation. It was further pointed out that if the design of the ramp was approved by SLLRDC, only residents of Iconic project would be able to use the bridge and that the residents’ right of way into the area and to cross the canal would be denied. Further it was pointed out that if this design had been approved, it would have effectively conceded the canal and canal reservation to a private Indian company. The minister mentioned that this had to be the only bridge of this kind in Sri Lanka.
When I read above article today , an incident which took place when I was Heading SLLRDC during President Premadasa related to Royal Park which was one of the first high-rise development put up by a Korean Company by the side of Lake drive in Rajagiriya.
Land was purchased from a person who was a supporter of the government at that time .Marshy Land was filled with no approval before I took the helm of the corporation.
Land owner started building a culvert without permission along the canal by Lake Drive. SLLRDC engineers have requested the land owner to stop building the culvert but the owner refused to budge.
I was told about the situation, which prompted me to visit the site to inspect. Owner’s relative who was at the site came to the car and I told him that they should not build the culvert with such a narrow span which may affect free flow of rain water
This person abused and threatened me and I hurriedly retreated and complain to Borella Police
ASP of the police contacted the owner to come police to be arrested for threatening a public officer.
Early morning next day I got a call around 4 am from the President himself who asked me about the incident and requested me to settle as he was a party supporter.
I conveyed the message to the then secretary of the ministry and contacted the police to ask him to apologize to me and settle the matter to avoid any repercussions from the President.
An inquiry was held in the ministry and the land owner was told to stop construction of the culvert and forced to build Bridge with a wider span.
Land owner did not stop at that and handed over s file full of allegations to the President accusing me of a stooge of Minister Athulathmudali whom I have never met at that time
I was called by the President who confronted me but after Secretary of Ministry none other than one of the finest civil servant Mr Aillaperuma intervened and explained to the President that the allegation was baseless.
Same person hang some banners against Athulathmudali and Gamini when they fell out with Premadasa .
After the demise of President Premadasa .Gamini and Athulathmudali re-joined the GOP under President DBW .
Same person hanged banners praising both rebel minsters afterwards.
This is the type of people in our resplendent island and what is happening in Buthgamuwa is of similar nature where the developer may have some connection to a politician other than the Minister who visited the site.
I will be surprised if the developer removes the culvert and build a proper bridge ever.
These clear and distinct provisions illustrate that the sovereignty of the People were to be exercised by separate and distinct organs of government namely, the Legislature and the Executive, both elected by the People. What the 20th Amendment hopes to achieve is to eliminate one of the distinct and separate organs of government elected by them to exercise their executive powers. What this amounts to is an assault on the sovereignty of the People and this has nothing to do with whether Article 4 is included in the list of Article 83 as an entrenched Article.
The JVP has presented to Parliament the 20th Amendment to the Constitution under provisions of a Private Member’s Bill. The primary objective of the 20th Amendment is to abolish the Office of an Executive President being elected by the People as stated in Article 4(b) of the 1978 Constitution. It is reported that several petitions have already being filed in the Supreme Court.
The ongoing debate is whether the 20th Amendment would require ONLY a 2/3 majority in Parliament for the amendment to become law, or whether it would require a 2/3 majority in Parliament as well as approval by the People at a referendum for it to become law. Another angle to the debate is whether some provisions in the 20th Amendment would require a 2/3 approval by Parliament as well as an approval by the People at a referendum, while other provisions would require ONLY a 2/3 approval by Parliament. The pertinent question in such an eventuality is whether the Constitution permits provisions in a Bill to be subjected to different standards, or whether the entire amendment should be subjected to one standard as in Article 120 wherein the ONLY determination for the Court is whether a Referendum is needed or not. .
Article 120 (a) states:
“In the case of a Bill described in its long title as being for the amendment of any provision of the Constitution, or for the repeal and replacement of the Constitution, the only question which the Supreme Court may determine is whether such Bill requires approval by the People at a referendum by virtue of the provisions of Article 83”.
The fact that the ONLY question that needs to be determined by the Supreme Court is whether a Bill to amend any provision in the Constitution requires approval by the People at a referendum was made crystal clear by Ranasinghe. J, during the petition filed against the 13th Amendment to the Constitution. Having stated that “The provisions of Clauses 154 G (2) (b) and (3) (b) of the Bill to amend the Constitution of Sri Lanka…require approval by the People at a Referendum by virtue of the provisions of Article 83” he went on to state:
“There is just one other matter to be referred to. Article 123 (2) of the Constitution provides that, where this Court ‘determines that a Bill or any provision thereof is inconsistent with the Constitution’, this Court ‘may’ also ‘specify the nature of the amendments which would make the Bill or such provision cease to be inconsistent’. I have considered whether such a statement should be made. In view, however, of the fact that the Reference requires the Court only to state whether a Referendum is required, the fact that it was also submitted at the hearing that the only jurisdiction the Court exercises in these proceedings is to determine, in terms of Proviso (a) of Article 120 of the Constitution, whether the Bill referred to requires the approval by the people at a Referendum…”
Having stated that in the case of an amendment to the Constitution, the ONLY determination for the Court is to determine whether a referendum is needed or not, Ranasinghe. J goes on to identify the particular provisions that require a referendum. Whether such incursions into constitution making amount to judicial transgressions into the domain of the Legislature as called for under separation of powers or not, the fact remains that the provisions of Article 120 have been violated. The hope is that petitions against the 20th Amendment would be addressed by the Court in strict conformance of the provisions of Article 120 and not compromised by provisions of Article 123.
ABOLISHING the EXECUTIVE PRESIDENCY
Perhaps, the expectation of the JVP when they presented the 20th Amendment was that Court would rule that a referendum would not be needed. Such assurances would obviously be based on expert legal opinion. Such opinions rely on the fact that Article 4 is not listed in Article 83 as an entrenched Article requiring a special majority of 2/3 approval of Parliament and an approval by the People at a referendum. This is a simplistic and mechanical approach which ignores the very foundations of the separation of powers on which the Constitution is based.
When the sovereign People of Sri Lanka accepted the 1978 Constitution they accepted the principle of separation of Legislative, Executive and Judicial powers. This concept is embodied in Article 3 that state:
“In the Republic of Sri Lanka sovereignty is in the People and is inalienable. Sovereignty includes the powers of government, fundamental rights and the franchise”.
Article 4 starts by stating: “The sovereignty of the People shall be exercised and enjoyed in the following manner”:
And 4 (a) states: “the legislative powers of the People shall be exercised by Parliament…” and 4(b) states: “the executive power of the People …shall be exercised by the President of the Republic elected by the People”.
These clear and distinct provisions illustrate that the sovereignty of the People were to be exercised by separate and distinct organs of government namely, the Legislature and the Executive, both elected by the People. What the 20th Amendment hopes to achieve is to eliminate one of the distinct and separate organs of government elected by them to exercise their executive powers. What this amounts to is an assault on the sovereignty of the People and this has nothing to do with whether Article 4 is included in the list of Article 83 as an entrenched Article.
As a matter of historical interest, the former Chief Justice, Sharvananda, C.J. in his determination during the hearing of the 13th Amendment stated:
“The Bill for the repeal and replacement of the 1972 Constitution included Article 4in the category of entrenched Articles. However when the Bill was passed, Parliament omitted Article 4 from the list of entrenched provisions”. This statement is incorrect because a reference to the Hansard of the day reveals that it was included with the rest in Article 83. What we see today is a sleight of hand by those responsible for the edited version.
Be that as it may, the issue at hand is that what is being attempted by the 20th Amendment is that it impacts on the sovereignty of the People because their expectation was that an Executive directly elected by them would be responsible for exercising their executive powers while their elected representatives in Parliament would exercise their Legislative powers. What is being attempted by the 20th Amendment is to transfer such powers to an individual to be elected by Parliament thereby impinging on the sovereignty of the People to elect their President.
Continuing, the former C.J. stated:
“Similarly, an amendment to Article 4 (b) can be enacted by providing for the exercise of the executive powers of the People by a President and a Vice President elected by the People. However, to the extent that a principle contained in Article 4 is contained or is a necessary corollary or concomitant of Article 3, a constitutional amendment inconsistent with such principle will require a Referendum in terms of Article 83, not because Article 4 is entrenched, but because it may impinge on Article 3. In our view, Article 4 is not independently entrenched but can be amended by a two third majority, since it is complementary to Article 3, provided such amendment does not impinge on Article 3”.
The fact that Article 4 is complementary to Article 3 was recognized by Court during the 19th Amendment to the Constitution when it stated:
“…the Court in the Nineteenth Amendment Determination came to the conclusion that the transfer, relinquishment or removal of power attributed to one organ of government to another organ or body would be inconsistent with Article 3 read with Article 4…Though Article 4 provides the form and manner of exercise of the sovereignty of the people the ultimate act of decision of his executive functions must be retained by the President”.
CONCLUSION
The 20th Amendment is an attempt for a President to exercise executive powers of the People together with “…the Cabinet of Ministers as provided for in the Constitution” as per Article 4 (i) in the amendment. This provision impacts on the sovereignty of the People because as stated in the determination relating to the 19th Amendment “So long as the President remains the Head of the Executive, the exercise of his powers remain supreme or sovereign in the executive field…”. The attempt by the amendment for the President to share executive powers with the Cabinet of Ministers would be to dilute the exclusive executive powers the People expected the President to exercise on their behalf. Such an amendment has to require the approval of the People at a referendum.
The 20th Amendment also attempts for Parliament to elect the President as per Article 30 (ii) of the amendment instead of by the People as in Article 30 (2) of the 19th Amendment. This amendment too impacts on the sovereignty of the People because it denies the opportunity for the People to elect a President of their choice. This would be a serious dilution of the sovereignty of the People for which the consent of the People would be required through a referendum.
These two amendments alone would require the approval by the People at a referendum because they both impact on the sovereignty of the People and the Courts have ruled (cited above) that whenever such instances occur it is imperative that a referendum is held. There may be other amendments in the 20th Amendment Bill that may not meet the threshold to require a referendum. This means that they could be passed by a 2/3 majority. However, Article 120 very specifically does not make such distinctions. What it states instead is “whether such Bill requires approval by the people at a Referendum”, meaning that if only certain amendments require a referendum the entire Bill should be subjected to a referendum.
This principle was violated by Ranasinghe. J. when he identified which provisions required a referendum, and which did not. A similar approach was adopted during the determinations relating to the 19th Amendment. Such practices amount to the Judiciary participating in constitution making; a task the Judiciary is not expected to undertake under separation of powers. Instead it is the responsibility of the Attorney General’s Dept. to advise the government which provisions in a Bill require a referendum and which do not. Expecting the Judiciary to fulfill such a function is a dereliction of duty. The expectation of the People is that the Courts would abide strictly by the provisions of the Constitution, particularly in respect of compliance with Article 120, and not drift into fields assigned to ordinary Bills that come under provisions of Article 123.
The material presented above addresses the constitutional aspects of the 20th Amendment. However, the political implications of abolishing the Executive Presidency would inevitably lead to political instability because both Legislative and Executive aspects of the sovereignty of the People would be addressed by elected Members of Parliament. Since electoral practices both current and what is proposed are not likely to return stable majority governments, it would be foolhardy to abolish the Executive branch which by its very nature of being elected by the People has the potential to be stable.
Dr. Bruce Greyson, a faculty member at the UVA Division of Perceptual Studies, presents his research on near-death experiences in the second half of this video. Prior to Dr. Greyson’s presentation, we hear author Jeff Olsen describing his own personal and profound near-death experience. The UVA DOPS faculty gathered to offer public lectures at the Boston Museum of Science on September 17th, 2016, as part of a special one day event, “Do We Survive Death? A Look at the Evidence”. This event was sponsored by Tracy Coen. The Division of Perceptual Studies (DOPS) is a research unit within the Department of Psychiatry and Neurobehavioral Sciences at the University of Virginia Health System. The research faculty of the Division are known internationally for their expertise and research integrity in the investigation of phenomena relevant to the nature of consciousness and its relationship to the physical world.
UPFA MPs, yesterday, demanded that DIG Nalaka Silva be arrested over an alleged plot to assassinate President Maithripala Sirisena and former Defence Secretary Gotabhaya Rajapaksa.
Provincial Councils and Local Government Deputy Minister Sriyani Wijewickrama called for the arrest of DIG Silva, sacking of incumbent IGP and conducting investigations into the alleged plot under a new IGP.
MEP leader Dinesh Gunawardena said that the entire country was shocked by the recent revelation of a plot to assassinated the President and the former Defence Secretary. “There is a serious allegation that the DIG was planning to secure the support of the underworld to kill the President and the former defence secretary. There are audio tapes of the conspiracy being circulated. The security authorities are very slow in conducting investigations into the conspiracy. Other countries must have been shocked to hear that police of this country were working hand in glove with underworld to carry out political assassinations. The President had promised media that there would be an investigation. We want to know whether the government will take action against the senior police officers concerned. If the president was assassinated, then the Prime Minister would the President as per the constitutional provisions. This is a serious situation.
Leader of the House Public Enterprise Development Minister Lakshman Kiriella: This statement is inimical to the investigations in progress. This is an attempt to interfere in the investigation. I am a lawyer. I understand the danger this statement can inflict on the investigations.
Law and Order Minister Ranjith Maddumabandara: Namal Kumara, addressing a press conference, alleged that he had audio tapes of DIG Nalaka Silva speaking of killing the President. The matter was reported to the Fort Magistrate. Court orders have been obtained to secure the video and audio records from media organisations of the event Namal Kumara making those allegations. The CID has obtained the mobile phone Namal Kumara had used to record the alleged conversations. DIG Nalaka Silva has been transferred from the Terrorist Investigations Division to the Information Technology Division of the police to facilitate investigations.
NFF leader Wimal Weerawansa: This issue raises many questions. Namal Kumara has stated that there was a link between police and the underworld in perpetuating crimes during the Sinhala-Muslim riots in Digana and Kandy. There are many other accusations of serious nature. The DIG should be arrested. We cannot believe that these investigations will be impartial.
Minister Madduma Bandara: We are conducting investigations. We have to consider the evidence. There will be actions on the basis of findings of investigations.
MP Dullas Alhapperuma: This plot has been hatched by the head of the Terrorist Investigations Division. The Government media does not publish anything of this incident. This is the worst ever accusation against the Police Department in its 152 year history.
Minister Madduma Bandara: The President is the first citizen of this country. We have provided necessary security to him. The other person alleged to have been under threat is not a citizen of this country, but we are ready to provide security to him.
MP Vasudeva Nanayakkara: We cannot ensure an impartial investigation under the incumbent IGP. The IGP has taken DIG Nalaka Silva to the Kelaniya temple for a Bodhi pooja to invoke blessings on the latter several minutes ago. That has been reported on news websites.
The Speaker: The Minister could look into that.
Minister Madduma Bandara: I do not know of Bodhi poojas. You can ask the Buddha Sasana minister about that.
UPFA MP Shehan Semasinghe: The DIG concerned has been transferred to the Information Technology Division. The IT Division plays a vital role in providing evidence to this investigation. Now the DIG could meddle with evidence.
UPFA MP Kanaka Herath: One of the sniper guns of the TID went missing last week. We have serious doubts about what happened to that gun and for what purpose it would be used.
Minister Madduma Bandara: If you submit that question in writing to me, I can ask for an investigation.
MP Mahindananda Aluthgamage: Namal Kumara should be given police protection. There are plans to send him abroad. We think that he will be sent abroad so that there will be no investigation.
Minister Madduma Bandara: If he asks for security we are ready to give him security.
MP Kanchana Wijesekera: The DIG should be produced before courts and his passport should be impounded.
Minister Madduma Bandara: We will inform the relevant authorities to do so.
UPFA MP Sisira Jayakody: MP Dinesh Gunawardena directed this question to the Prime Minister. The Prime Minister is there in the chamber. He will always find time to answer other questions. But he is silent today.
Prime Minister Ranil Wickremesinghe: When there is an investigation in progress, we cannot reveal everything jeopardising it. We are happy that you are very concerned of the safety and wellbeing of the President. But it was you who removed his security when he was the presidential candidate. Did you have the same concerns then? Our security forces are ready to provide security to Gotabhaya Rajapaksa if he has any threats. I know that there are crises in that party. Under such situation he may need security. You started this issue from the President and now you are talking of IGP. If the IGP is not suitable for the post, you can raise that issue.
Provincial Councils and Local Government Deputy Minister Sriyani Wijewickrama: This is a serious issue. The DIG should be interdicted and arrested if the investigations are to continue without his influence. The IGP should be removed and a new one should be appointed to ensure impartial investigations.
Speaker Jayasuriya: As soon as this was reported to me I discussed the matter with relevant authorities. I summoned the IGP yesterday and discussed the issue with him. I, too, have a responsibility to ensure the security, safety and wellbeing of the President and Gotabhaya Rajapaksa.
State Minister Sriyani Abeywickrame said yesterday TID’s DIG Nalaka Silva should be interdicted and arrested immediately over the alleged plot to kill President Maithripala Sirisena and former Defense Secretary Gotabhaya Rajapaksa.
She told parliament that it was a serious matter and added that when there was an allegation involving criminal activity, what was done first was to interdict and arrest the person.
She said they as government members, were not satisfied with the conduct of IGP Pujith Jayasundara.
“We request that the IGP be removed and investigations initiated under a new IGP,” she said.
US soldiers fought for democracy and the freedom of other nations. Yet in the course of military operations, they too committed war crimes. Most of them never followed up on, let alone punished.
In the wake of the Allies’ advance against Hitler’s tyranny, there were numerous atrocities committed by the victors, not only in the East. Apart from their medals, some American soldiers also kept a dark secret. GIs killed German prisoners of war and raped thousands of German women.
Estimates of the number of German victims vary widely, and are highly disputed among experts. Not least because they touch on a taboo, since for decades in Germany the subject had been considered as a potential strain on the relation between the Federal Republic of Germany and its Western Allies.
According to some historians there were several thousand sexual assaults by American soldiers in Bavaria alone when US forces liberated the region in April 1945. At some invasion beaches in Normandy, only every second Germnn POW survived. Often, the liberators – shocked by the sight of German atrocities – would fall into a spiral of violence. Very few of these crimes came under investigation by US military courts. Studies by the US War Department hinting at a comparatively high number of transgressions were classified secret.
WAR CRIMES OF THE LIBERATORS follows the deficiencies of discipline and military justice in the US Army using unpublished documents and moving statements by US soldiers as well as their victims.
President Maithripala Sirisena is in the attack mode. He has recalled Ambassador to Austria Priyani Wijesekera and several other embassy officials for not answering his calls. This has come close on the heels of his diatribe against the national carrier over the poor quality of cashew nuts he was served. Is he asserting himself to show that he is the boss? If only he had taken such stern action when the lid was blown off the first bond scam in 2015! He should have sacked the then Central Bank Governor Arjuna Mahendran promptly!
There are serious problems which warrant President Sirisena’s attention and time, on the economic front, where the yahapalana government is bungling big time. It is hoped that he will stop tilting at windmills and concentrate on what needs to be done urgently.
President Sirisena made a solemn pledge in the run-up to the last local government polls to take over economic management as the UNP had, he said, failed to handle the economy properly. But nothing of the sort happened and he apparently has no say in economic affairs at present. He cannot even have fuel price increases suspended. He is left with no alternative but to comply and complain.
It has been reported that the government is planning to relieve the Central Bank (CB) of the task of raising funds for the state coffers and entrust it to the Finance Ministry. What are the yahapalana worthies, who think they are the bee’s knees, up to?
But for the intrepid CB officials who had the courage to stand up to the corrupt politicians of the current regime, the bond scams would not have come to light. Unfortunately, some bad eggs in the garb of CB professionals brought their institution into disrepute; they sided with some yahapalana politicians who lined their pockets at the expense of the state banks and the Employee’s Provident Fund.
The CB professionals who stood on the side of the truth have incurred the wrath of the yahapalana politicians involved in the bond rackets. Are government politicians trying to remove such officials from their path so that they could put some crooked deals through again?
The government is running around like a headless chicken, unable to tackle economic problems which are legion; it must not be allowed to take over the functions that are best left to the CB professionals.
Meanwhile, the yahapalana government came to power, promising the people that they would have a lot of money in their pockets. That pledge is likely to be fulfilled in the near future. Money printing is said to continue apace with the rupee tumbling rapidly. At this rate, the day may not be far off when the people will have to use wheelbarrows to bring their salaries home. Or, they will have to spend all the money, on the way, to buy a loaf of bread each.
It is feared that another huge fuel price hike is in the pipeline thanks to the government’s secret pricing formula. The general price level is bound to increase again in such an eventuality and Citizen Silva will suffer another body blow.
President Sirisena told a group of media heads, the other day, that he also had misgivings about the pricing mechanism, which only caused fuel prices to soar. He, too, has not seen it. He ought to demand that he be at least shown the secret formula. Unless the Finance Ministry panjandrums carry out his order, he should give them marching orders.
One of the main reasons for the current economic mess is the huge election bribe the yahapalana leaders granted the state workers, in the form of a pay hike, in 2015, to capture power. The government has started throwing money around again in a bid to impress the electorate and, thereby, shore up its crumbling image, unable to face elections. This election-oriented spending spree will further aggravate the country’s economic woes
September 17, 2018, 11:07 pm
UPFA Kalutara District MP Rohitha Abeygunawardena, yesterday, said that people expected the IGP to behave better than MPs.
Abeygunawardena, flanked by Sri Lanka Podujana Peramuna (SLPP) Chairman Prof. G.L.Peiris and former JVP MP Siripala Amarasinghe, said so in response to The Island query at media briefing at the Nelum Mawatha Office of former President Mahinda Rajapaksa.
The Island raised the issue after Abeygunawardena alleged that IGP Pujith Jayasundera wasn’t suitable to continue in office following a spate of incidents involving him and recent derogatory statements directed at the Maha Sangha at a recent event in a government school. Abeygunawardena said that the Sirisena-Wickremesinghe administration couldn’t retain Jayasundera as the IGP in the wake of recent misconduct. The MP asserted that the IGP might have been under the influence of liquor as shown by private television stations recently. The MP insisted that the conduct of elected and appointed lawmakers and that of officials could not be compared.
Asked by The Island whether he as a lawmaker could compare the conduct of the IGP and members of parliament in the chamber where they behaved in most unruly manner, exchanged blows and in one instance harassed an MP Buddhist monk in a horrendous way when his party (UPFA) was in power, Abeygunawardena said that people’s representatives and law enforcement officers couldn’t be compared under any circumstances. According to Abeygunawardena, people’s representatives could be sent home by the electorate whereas the IGP should be dealt differently.
The Joint Opposition MP said that the uncivilized conduct on the part of the IGP could influence the entire police department. The Island sought an explanation from the MP whether he expected lawmakers to receive privileged status and be above law especially against the backdrop of his accusation made at the same media briefing that two members of the Sirisena-Wickremesinghe government sought a staggering USD 30 mn bribe from a foreign party.
Abeygunawardena insisted that law breaking lawmakers could be dealt only at elections. The IGP could not be expected to get away with such boorish behavior.
At the onset of his briefing, Abeygunawardena flayed the government for not promptly taking action against DIG Nalaka de Silva, in charge of the Terrorist Investigation Division (TID) now under probe for allegedly conspiring to assassinate President Maithripala Sirisena and former Defence Secretary Gotabhaya Rajapaksa. The revelation made by a civil society activist regarding the DIG’s project couldn’t be taken lightly and the government needed to take tangible measures in respect of the accusation.
Abeygunawardena asked what would have happened if such an allegation was directed against some other person.
The MP ridiculed the CID for requesting the IGP whose conduct, too, couldn’t be accepted under any circumstances, to transfer DIG Nalaka de Silva out of the TID. Later police headquarters announced the DIG under investigation was moved out to Information Technology unit.
Abeygunawardena claimed that the truth would never come out as long as the Sirisena-Wickremesinghe government remained in power
Prof. Peiris said that the government was paying the price for utilizing specialized units meant to curb terrorism to harass rivals.
Prof. Peiris pointed out how the government jeopardized national security by doing away with the Prevention of Terrorism Act (PTA) to appease a section of the international community and their local agents. The so-called anti-terrorism law proposed in place of the PTA was meant to protect the interests of those taken into custody on terrorism charges. The government sought to ensure the well-being of suspects by the inclusion of a line to place the responsibility of the safety and security of suspects on Magistrate.
The former External Affairs Minister also frowned on President Maithripala Sirisena’s recent declaration that he would propose suggestions in respect of Oct 2015 Geneva Resolution. The former Law Professor said that President Sirisena’s move was certainly not practical therefore nothing could be expected out of it. It would be the responsibility of relevant officials to advice the President, the former Minister said.
Indian Minister and animal rights activist Maneka Gandhi has written to Sri Lankan President Maithripala Sirisena requesting him to free elephant ‘Bandula’ from Dehiwala Zoo, the NDTV reported on Monday.
In her letter, Ms.Gandhi said many in Sri Lanka have reached out to her about the “plight of Bandula” who is in chains for last 67 years.
There were reports about bleeding wounds on Bandula’s limbs, due to heavy chains for years.
Sri Lanka is such a gentle and beautiful island. It seems out of character to treat the elephant this way. Send the elephant to the Ridiyagama National Park to live free,” Ms.Gandhi said.
The minister cited examples in India about how elephants are banned in zoos and the elephants look stressed when chained as they have the same sensitivities as humans.
Sri Lankan President Maithripala Maithripala Sirisena was criticised for the shock dismissal last week of his top envoy to Austria
Sri Lanka’s president on Monday justified his decision to sack six diplomats — including an ambassador — for not answering his phone calls, saying more would follow if the foreign service did not shape up.
Maithripala Sirisena was criticised for the shock dismissal last week of his top envoy to Austria and five other Vienna-based staff after his office tried unsuccessfully for hours to reach them by phone.
“I am being attacked ferociously over social media for recalling the entire embassy staff. Yes, I did that to send a powerful message to other embassies,” Sirisena told a public meeting in Colombo.
He said he ordered the sacking of ambassador Priyanee Wijesekera and five other staff to set an example.
Sirisena did not say why he needed to contact the embassy urgently, or why other avenues were not explored to reach the staffers.
The Sri Lankan embassy in Austria is accredited to UN bodies in Vienna, as well as Bosnia and Herzegovina, the Czech Republic, Serbia, Slovakia and Slovenia.
It was the second time in days that Sirisena has raised eyebrows.
Last week, he flew into a rage over nuts served aboard SriLankan Airlines, the island’s national carrier, saying they were unfit for animals.
“Returning from Kathmandu, I was served some cashews on board a SriLankan flight, but it was so bad even a dog wouldn’t eat it,” he said.
An airline spokesman said it had cleared its stock of cashews — only served in business class — and would change its Dubai-based supplier.
Afghanistan continued their rise in international cricket with an upset 91-run win over Sri Lanka in Abu Dhabi on Monday, knocking the former champions out of the Asia Cup.
Sri Lanka needed to win the Group B match to stay in the tournament but were outwitted by smart batting from Afghanistan who put up a fighting total of 249 all out at Sheikh Zayed Stadium.
The fighters then laid into Sri Lankan batting with spinner Rashid Khan (2-26), Mohammad Nabi (2-30) and Mujeeb Ur Rahman (2-32) sharing wickets as the five-time former winners were bowled out for 158 in 41.2 overs.
Sri Lanka did not help their cause with two run outs while skipper Angelo Mathews played a reckless shot off Nabi and was caught near the boundary for 22.
This becomes Afghanistan’s first-ever victory against Sri Lanka in three one-day internationals after losing in the Asia Cup 2014 and World Cup a year later.
Sri Lanka, who now have lost 30 of their 40 matches since January 2017, had lost to Bangladesh by 137 runs in Dubai on Saturday.
Bowled out for a paltry 124 against Bangladesh, Sri Lankan batting again failed miserably with only Upul Tharanga (36) and Thisara Perera (28) offering some fight.
Afghanistan were helped to 249 all out in their 50 overs with Rahmat Shah scoring 72 and Ihsanullah Janat shipping in with 45.
Shah struck five boundaries during his 90-ball knock and added 50 for the second wicket with Janat (45) after Afghanistan won the toss and opted to bat on a flat pitch.
Janat hit six boundaries in his 65-ball innings while his opening partner Mohammad Shahzad batted in his aggressive style, hitting a six and four boundaries in his 47-ball 34.
Rahmat then added another 80 runs for the fourth wicket with Hashmatullah Shahidi who made a sedate 52-ball 37.
For Sri Lanka seamer Thisara Perera took five for 55 and spinner Akila Dananjaya finished with two for 39.
Defending champions India, Pakistan and qualifier Hong Kong are placed in Group A.
Pakistan beat Hong Kong by eight wickets in Dubai on Sunday.
Top two teams from each group will qualify for the Super Four stages from where top two teams will play the final in Dubai on September 28.
India face Hong Kong in Dubai on Tuesday before their high profile match against Pakistan a day later at the same venue.
Tamil Nadu has communicated a list of 1215 boats for the fitment of transponders to Isro.
Chennai: The Union government has informed the Madras high court that through various mechanism, the government of Sri Lanka was impressed upon to treat Indian fishermen humanely when in detention and not to resort to violence under any circumstances while intercepting or apprehending Indian fishermen who have strayed into Sri Lankan waters.
Binoy George, deputy secretary (Sri Lanka) in the ministry of external affairs, stated this in his report filed in response to the petition filed by Fisherman Care, represented by its president LTA Peter Rayan.
A division bench comprising Justices S. Manikumar and Subramonium Prasad before whom the report was filed, directed the commander, Coast Guard or any other competent authority to be present in the court on September 19 to explain as to whether there could be any coast guard ship or navy ship providing communication for signal to the fishermen by way of transponders and to have a two way communication for the said boats to the coast guard or navy ship as the case may be.
Madras high court
The judge also directed Mohana Sundaram, additional director of animal husbandry, dairies and fishers, Tamil Nadu Government to submit a detailed technical knowhow as to how the transponders of boats and towers operate. He is also directed to submit a report as to whether fishermen of Nagapattinam to Rameswaran region for the present could be given transponders and VHF handsets, the judge added.
In his report, Binoy submitted that due to the close proximity of the territorial waters of India and Sri Lanka and presence of high density of fishing boats in the Palk bay area and the Gulf of Mannar, incidents of straying and crossing of the International Maritime Boundary Line (IMBL) by Indian fishermen occur frequently. These fishermen were apprehended and arrested by Sri Lankan navy under their Fisheries Acts for allegedly fishing in Sri Lankan waters following the ecologically unsustainable practice of bottom trawling. This has also been a long pending issue of conflict between fishermen of both the countries and a matter of concern for both the governments.
Government of India has taken steps for finding a sustainable solution for the issue through joint efforts from the countries and taking the state governments as well as fishermen into confidence to ensure effective implementation of the suggested measures, he added.
He said the Isro was requested to develop transponders for tracking movements of fishing vessels. ISRO and Indian Navy have installed a few transponders on fishing vessels on trial basis for tracking their movements. On successful implementation, it was proposed to install transponders on large scale mainly in fishing boats of states having close proximity of neighbouring countries, including Tamil Nadu so as to locate their movements and prevent cross border fishing activities.
Tamil Nadu has communicated a list of 1215 boats for the fitment of transponders to Isro. Further 245 upgraded units of transponders have been installed in the fishing boats from various coastal districts of TN, he added.
Sri Lanka is gradually asserting itself to tell the international community that solving the internal issues of the country and its citizens is our duty and responsibility, and although we expect and welcome the support of the world, we would find our own solutions at our own pace.
At the 73rd Session of the United Nations General Assembly on 25 September, President Maithripala Sirisena will announce a set of new proposals for consideration at the March 2019 Session of the United Nations Human Rights Council (UNHRC). He will also submit these proposals to UN Secretary-General António Guterres, as well as UN High Commissioner for Human Rights, Michelle Bachelet. The President expects to meet both of them in New York, in two weeks time.
Addressing Media Heads at the President’s House in Colombo last Friday, President Sirisena said that he would discuss his new proposals with Bachelet.
After assuming duties, Bachelet, in her first address in Geneva said, “Good governance is based on identifying and amending gaps in access to justice, dignity, and equality, so that all can live in more respectful and harmonious societies, and enjoy development that is more dynamic and sustainable.”
President Sirisena, in his media briefing last week, said the UN Human Rights High Commissioner’s recent statement on Sri Lanka was a balanced one.
Bachelet, a Chilian human rights activist, who was imprisoned during the dictatorial regime of President Pinochet, told the UNHRC about her deep commitment to human rights. In her speech, she briefly talked about Sri Lanka. “In Sri Lanka, although the authorities have moved too slowly towards meaningful implementation of the transitional justice agenda, the Office of Missing Persons has now begun consultations and institutional capacity-building to fulfil its mandate. We look to that Office to work quickly, to begin to provide answers to the families of the disappeared. Legislation establishing an Office for Reparations is also underway. More progress in advancing accountability and truth-seeking could have great weight in the long-term stability and prosperity of the Nation. Recurrent incidents of racist and inter-communal violence are disturbing, as are announced plans to resume use of the death penalty,” she said.
When a journalist pointed out that the new High Commissioner said the progress was slow in Sri Lanka, the President was quick to admit the process was slow, but steady. He pointed out that such vexed issues cannot be tackled quickly, as many sensitivities have to be balanced. In any country that faced prolonged conflicts, the solutions took a very long time, and Sri Lanka is no exception.
Pro-LTTE NGOs
President Sirisena further said that certain pro-LTTE non-governmental organizations (NGOs) are making various allegations regarding human rights violations. He stated that the Government was able to avoid Sri Lanka’s isolation in the UN Human Rights Council, which had prevailed before it came to power, and succeeded in fostering friendship.
The President said the proposals he will submit to the UN are aimed at solving issues and provide relief without causing harm to the pride of the security forces and safeguard independence, sovereignty, and national security. Furthermore, these proposals will facilitate harmonious solutions for remaining issues, with regard to alleged acts of both sides during the conflict.
There is positive recognition for the Sri Lankan armed forces internationally, as a disciplined Army, and that is evident from the fact that United Nations Peacekeeping Forces recruit increased number of Army personnel from Sri Lanka,” he pointed out.
The President will lead Sri Lanka’s delegation to the 73rd United Nations General Assembly (UNGA) in New York. The 73rd UNGA will begin on 18 September at UN Headquarters, New York, while the General Debate will be held from 25 September to 1 October. The President will address the 73rd Session of the high-level General Debate of the UN General Assembly at UN Headquarters in New York on 25 September.
Sri Lanka’s decision to submit a fresh set of proposals this year is indeed a fulfilment of a long felt need. Last September, addressing the 72nd Session of the United Nations General Assembly in New York, President Sirisena emphasized the Government was tackling issues, while we protect our independence and sovereignty.” He urged the international community to support the slow, but steady forward march to achieve our targets in order to find sustainable solutions for the allegations levelled against us.” It was a very clear message to the West, that we will not implement any of the clauses that could infringe on our sovereignty. “Some extremist groups are expecting a high speed. Some extremist groups want radical solutions.
However, as a country that has faced a three decade long war, where deep divisions have existed, I request the support of all of you to promote peace and fraternity, so that my beloved country and its people can rise from the current situation. That is why I emphasize that it is for a slow and a successful journey that we need the support,” he said.
At the same time, he pointed out that, “as a government, we are paying serious attention to the aforementioned allegations, and to find solutions to them as a matter of priority. Mainly, my government has performed well in terms of strengthening democracy and protecting human rights. I must mention here that the Government will continue to ensure their progress in the future.”
Domestic issues
The 73rd UNGA is an important occasion for the President to brief the international community about Sri Lanka’s domestic issues, and the imperative need for local solutions for them. This time, he will be able to explain his proposals to the international community and gain its support.
Sri Lanka has been a member of the United Nations for 63 years. Sri Lanka has always been a country that has respected its treaties and conventions, agreements and rules and regulations, while acting to improve these relations further. Now, all that Sri Lanka is asking for is the support of the international community to continue on a slow, but steady path to find a lasting solution that will ensure communal harmony, as well as the unity, independence, sovereignty, and territorial integrity of the country.
Former President Mahinda Rajapaksa says that the current government is implements the law targeting only one group.
While addressing a ceremony held in Rajanganaya yesterday (16), he said that the law in the Northern Province has fallen to ruins and that the police cannot enforce the law as required.
He points out that the high ranking officials of the police are behaving in a manner that ridicules monks and graduates.
Speaking further, Rajapaksa said that the present government is attacking his family members and supporters by establishing special courts and creating new laws and regulations.
The Vishwakarmapuja, which was observed on September 17, is not restricted to India but is observed in Sri Lanka, Bangladesh, Nepal and Bhutan. The puja closely follows the celebration of the Ganapati festival. In some places, it is performed the day after Diwali in October or November.
Vishwakarma puja or Kanya Sankranti is celebrated in the Indian states of Uttar Pradesh, Bihar and Jharkhand in North India; Karnataka in the south; and Assam, West Bengal Odisha and Tripura in the east, in honour of Vishwakarma – the celestial architect.
In Nepal, the Vishwakarma puja is celebrated on the first of the month of Ashoj according to the Nepali Bikram Sambat calendar.
A remarkable thing is that the Vishwakarma puja is performed invariably on September 17 while most traditional festivals across the Indian sub-continent follow a lunar calendar and the system of tithi or auspicious period, which change annually.
Vishwakarma idols of Bengal made of clay
The date of the Vishwakarma puja is based on the movement of the sun. It is observed when the sun transits from Singha (Leo) to Kanya (Virgo). September 17 is the last day of the traditional month of Bhadon (Bhadro in Bengali). However, this transit is not always fixed. It might vary by a day or two, at times.
The association with solar transit is not echoed in all oral traditions in other parts of India. Mention may be made here of the dialogue between Muni (sage) Kalhasti (an incarnation of Shiva), and a certain King Suvrata in a small Up Purana in South India. This does not mention any solar transit but places the community of Vishwakarma, and the various trades associated with him, in the higher echelons of traditional society.
This is echoed in the Vishwakarma Upanishad, and a few other works in praise of Vishwakarma. None of them associates the celebration with the solar transit to Virgo.
In India, Bhutan, Nepal and Bangladesh too, the Vishwakarma puja is observed as a celebration of creation. In all of these countries, Vishwakarma is worshipped in factories, by artisans, architects and engineers.
Over the years, the puja is associated with flying kites. Kite flying is seen as a harbinger of a festive season.
The Vishwakarma puja connects the India with its neighbours through various traditions. Similar celebrations, rites and rituals reverberate across India, Bangladesh, Sri Lanka, Nepal and Bhutan.
The Vishwakarma caste has mythological stories connecting the community to the deity. The community calls itself Vishwabrahmin. The community comprises five sub-groups: carpenter, blacksmiths, bronze smiths, goldsmiths and stonemasons.
In Nepal the Kami/Bishwakarma have a similar lore. This is an ethno-linguistic group. They are essentially blacksmiths and are credited for being the original makers of the famous Nepali drum, the Madol and the Nepali Kukri (knife). The Kukri which is a short curved knife used by the Gurkha troops. The community’s traditional dance, Maruni Nritya is also famous. The Kami/Biswakarmas are found in the mountainous regions of Sikkim and Darjeeling District of West Bengal also.
In Sri Lanka, oral traditions connect the origin of the Navandanna caste to Vishwakarma. Artisans, known locally as Vishwakarma, comprise Kannar (brass-workers), Kollar (blacksmiths), Tattar (goldsmiths), Tatchar (carpenters) and Kartatchar (sculptor).
Vishwakarma puja in Bengal
Oral traditions across South Asia also trace the connection with Vishwakarma. He finds mention in the Rig Veda as the creator, having eyes, faces, arms, feet and wings on every side.The description brings him close to Brahma. The world is said to have come out of Vishwakarma’s navel, which mirrors the story of Brahma giving birth to the universe.
The Yajur Veda portrayed him as the Prajapati. And the Atharva Veda mentions him as Pashupati. Later Puranas identify him as the Vedic Tvastar (artisan god or heavenly builder). As a creator, Shilpi Vishwakarma, is an architect who is credited to have built flying chariots and weapons for the Gods. He is regarded as the very essence of quality craftsmanship.
He is also credited with the creation of heaven (swarg) in the Satya Yuga, Lanka (the city of gold) in Tretayuga, the city of Dwarka in Dwapar Yuga and Hastinapur and Indraprastha in the Kali yuga. In Sri Lanka, the Mahavamsa of Theravada Buddhism mentions him as an architect.
Builder of Lanka
Oral traditions explain the association of Vishwakarma with the creation of Lanka. The story of Lanka is described in the Uttarakanda of Valmiki’s Ramayana, which says that Lanka was created by the celestial architect Vishwakarma for the Gods in heaven.
However, Lanka was seized by the Rakshasha brothers, Malyavan, Sumali and Mali. These three had obtained a boon of invincibility from Lord Brahma and had instructed the celestial architect to erect a mansion for us- resembling the mansion of Maheshwara (Shiva)”.
Accordingly, on the mountain Suvela, Vishwakarma constructed the city of Lanka with the fortress being between three mountain peaks known as the Trikuta mountains.This has been described as- having an area of thirty yojanas, and measuring a hundred in length, surrounded by a golden wall and furnished with golden gateways … having a strong wall and a moat, abounding in hundreds of golden edifices”.
The centre of the complex (which was finally occupied by Ravana) has been mentioned as a collection of several edifices that reached over one yojana (8 miles or 12.88 kms) in height, one yojana in length and half a yojana in breadth.
Colorful kites used as part of Vishwakarma puja
The three brothers, Malyavan, Sumali and Mali, ruled Lanka for many years. But when they invaded the heavens, the they were defeated by Lord Vishnu. Mali was killed and Sumali and Malyavan, along with their Rakshasha comrades, were driven out of Lanka.
After this, upon instructions from the sage Vishrava, Kubera, who was also the God of wealth, moved into Lanka and established the Yaksha kingdom. His capital was guarded by Rakshashas. However, it was not long before Kubera’s half-brother Ravana (son of Vishrava and Sumali’s daughter Kaikesi), fought with Kubera and took Lanka from him.
Though Ravana had usurped Lanka he was a benevolent ruler and Lanka flourished under him. He was a devout worshipper of Shiva, a great scholar and a maestro of a kind of Veena referred to as the Ravanhatta. In order to expand his kingdom- Ravana had proceeded on a series of campaigns conquering humans, celestials and demons.
Another oral tradition tells of a different beginning of Lanka. After Lord Shiva married Parvati, he instructed Vishwakarma to construct Lanka so that they might reside there. Vishwakarma constructed a palace made of gold. Ravana, who was a devout worshipper of Shiva, was invited for the Gihapravesh puja (housewarming ceremony).
After the completion of the rituals, Ravana was asked by Shiva to seek anything as a Dakshina, Ravana asked for the golden palace and the city itself, since he was overwhelmed by the grandeur of the place. Shiva was obliged to accede to Ravana’s wish, and Golden Lanka became Ravana’s palace.
