Murali starts new innings in India

Mathimalar Ramamurthy and Muttiah Muralitharan will enter matrimony at the Rani Meyyammai Hall at Egmore, Chennai this morning amidst a host of Indian and Sri Lankan invitees.


He has claimed the scalps of many top-class batsmen with his crafty deliveries, but he took some time to bowl a maiden over. Muttiah Muralitharan has finally found the perfect partner for his life's innings.

Muralitharan found her not on home turf, but in the sunny climes of neighbouring Chennai.

Mathimalar Ramamurthy and Muralitharan (above) will enter matrimony at the Rani Meyyammai Hall at Egmore, Chennai this morning amidst a host of Indian and Sri Lankan invitees.

Finance Minister Dr. Sarath Amunugama will be among the special invitees while former World Cup winning captain Deputy Tourism Minister Arjuna Ranatunga, who staunchly defended Muralitharan throughout the infamous chucking episodes in Australia and elsewhere, will sign as a witness. A number of team mates of Muralitharan, including Captain Marvan Atapattu, are also expected to attend. Several former Indian Test players and top politicians from Tamil Nadu will also grace the ceremony.

Murali's surgeon Dr. David Young is also among the invitees. A separate reception will be held at a leading hotel in Chennai tomorrow. Spin wizard Muralitharan is just behind Australian Shane Warne in the world bowling record stakes. Dr. Amunugama is due to meet top Indian leaders after the wedding.

Khalid

Tsunami early warning system - how it works

The writer on the 20km long coastal levee along the Fuji Coast of Japan constructed as a barrier for preventing tsunami from reaching the populated inner coastal region.

Tsunamis or earthquakes can be neither prevented nor predicted. An early warning system that can give sufficient hours of advance notice to coastal communities is a primary way of effective mitigation of this disaster.

Water level gauges are an essential element of a tsunami warning system. They can be used to confirm the generation of tsunami waves following an earthquake. To be effective for warning purposes, water level gauges should be located near the tsunami source region to get the most rapid confirmation of the event. Forecasting tsunamis requires adequate understanding of the phenomenon, good and quick collection of earthquake and sea level data and accurate and fast assessment and interpretation of data.

A tsunami warning centre such as that in operation around the Pacific ocean could have saved thousands of people who died in the Indian Ocean earthquake. Both Sri Lanka and India did not have such a facility mainly because large tsunamis were in the past extremely rare in the Indian Ocean.

In the Pacific Ocean a few tsunamis are reported in any given decade. Between 1975 and 1998 there have been at least eighteen (18) in the Pacific and the adjoining seas resulting in significant human casualties and damage to property. In countries like Japan or USA, people living in coastal areas of the Pacific Ocean where more than 90% of all tsunamis recorded have occurred in the past, are warned and taught to move away from coastal regions after a tsunamigenic earthquake. The Pacific Tsunami Warning Center (PTWC) operated by the US in Hawaii and supported by 26 member countries, including Australia, Canada, Chile, China, Japan, USA etc., has many seismic stations, water level reporting stations and dissemination points scattered in the Pacific Basin. Functioning of the system begins with the detection by any participating seismic laboratory of an earthquake of sufficient size to trigger alarms, set at the threshold value of 6.5 on the Richter Scale. PTWC collects seismic data, locates the earthquake and computes its magnitude. When reports from water level stations show that a tsunami has been generated posing a threat, a warning is transmitted to the relevant dissemination centres within shortest possible time.

Japan is located in the circum Pacific tectonic zone where seismic activity is extremely high. Japan being an island nation surrounded by sea is one of the most tsunami-prone countries in the world. Since 22,000 people died in the Sanriku Tsunami of 1896 and another 3000 in 1933, Japanese Meteorological Agency (JMA) has been in the forefront of providing tsunami warnings for more than 100 years.

Over the years, JMA has been able to reduce the target time of tsunami warning to just 3 minutes since 1994 by using state-of-the-art technology. JMA has improved its seismometer networks (numbering more than 180) and seismic data processing by getting rapid estimation of magnitude of earthquake and location and observing sea level changes using tidal data from more than 100 stations. Even the most modern computer will require much time to study tsunami generation and propagation. JMA has calculated tsunami generation and propagation for 100,000 different simulated cases and obtained estimated tsunami heights and arrival times which are stored as a database.

Essential elements
Minimal information required for tsunami warning constitutes time of origin, location, magnitude and depth of earthquake (hypocentre) and tidal data giving sea level rise. Principal components are the following:

* Network of seismic stations to observe seismic waves * Tidal stations to monitor sea level changes * Dedicated telephone lines to transmit observed data in real time * System to determine immediately the hypocentre and magnitude of the earthquake * Evaluation of possibility of generation of tsunami using sea level changes obtained from tidal stations via satellite * Communication network to disseminate warnings to mass media , local authorities, police and eventually to residents at risk.

Once the tsunami warning is rapidly communicated to people at risk they should be able to respond positively without panicking.

For smooth evacuation in potentially danger areas, prior to the event it is essential to (i) conduct awareness programmes about tsunamis (ii) prepare hazard maps giving previous heights of tsunamis (iii) identify evacuation routes and shelters and (iv) conduct evacuation drill practices periodically for schoolchildren and villagers at risk.

Continuous effort is essential for education and training since people tend to forget the dangers as probability of tsunami occurrence in the Indian Ocean countries particularly is low if old records are any indicator.

In the aftermath of the massive and disastrous tsunamigenic earthquake of 26/12 we have to learn from the long and successful post-tsunami experiences of the Pacific Rim countries and take appropriate steps to establish a tsunami warning facility in Sri Lanka / SAARC region and be prepared for any possible future threat from the Indian Ocean. It should be noted that the geological conditions of the occurrence of earthquakes in the Indian Ocean region are different from those in the Pacific Ocean. It is necessary to recognize the type of tsunami -local or distant or both - that could attack the countries in the region. If there is no risk from local tsunamis, it would be sufficient to establish a system to monitor a tsunami warning from a regional Tsunami Warning Center 24 hours a day and each country could determine its responsibility and initiative and decide if a warning should be issued or not.

Although research studies indicate that the probability of an immediate repetition of a tsunami is low from the same location of the earthquake, there is always the possibility of an earthquake from a different location.

Past records and years of earthquake research have shown that it is not yet possible to predict with precision the exact date and time of earthquakes even with modern equipment available in countries like USA and Japan. Present thinking is that an earthquake can happen anywhere anytime. Same is true for tsunamis. But with a tsunami warning system in place, most people will have time to evacuate to high ground or safe locations (e.g 3rd floor or above of nearby strong buildings- ideally reinforced concrete buildings) unless the earthquake occurred very close to the coast.
Since the minimum period required to give warnings about tsunamis currently is three minutes, it may be too late for residents of such coastal areas by the time they receive the warning.

Therefore they should run immediately to high ground if they feel a strong earthquake had occurred as judged by strong earth shaking and damage to houses. Even in countries like ours, until the tsunami warning system is established - which may take a considerable period of time- people living in coastal areas should be on high alert if they feel a strong earthquake and run to high ground or to 3rd floors or above (considering the height of the previous tsunami) of strongly built houses of the vicinity.

Awareness and education programmes are sometimes more effective than sophisticated and expensive warning systems.Such programmes also can save hundreds and thousands of human lives. In this regard it is essential that measures are taken to include Disaster Management and Mitigation as a subject in the school curriculum so that awareness programmes will continue without much effort.

(The writer was recently in Tokyo attending a Workshop on Tsunami Early Warning Systems and conducted field visits to tsunami preparedness facilities in Numazu City, Shizuura District).

Khalid

Kadirgamar at UN Human Rights Commission

Foreign Minister Lakshman Kadirgamar

SINCE its establishment in 1946, as a functional Commission of the ECOSOC, the Commission on Human Rights has continued to heed the voices and sentiments of the countless numbers of the aggrieved as well as the representations of almost all member and observer States of the United Nations. This attention and focus have had their negative and positive repercussions. On the positive side, the goal of promotion and protection of human rights is now both a cross-cutting and integrated item on the UN agenda. No State can be oblivious to its widening ramifications and consequences. In turn, this wider focus and attention has resulted in greater calls for the Commission on Human Rights to deliver on its mandate in an equitable and fair manner. In fact, such criticism has reached a stage where the credibility of the Commission on Human Rights is now at stake. This issue has no doubt gained the attention of Secretary General Kofi Annan as evidenced by the appointment of the High Level Panel on Threats, Challenges and Change which has now submitted its report.

The report of this High Level Panel appointed by the Secretary-General has proposed far-reaching structural changes in the Commission. Sri Lanka is of the view that these proposals merit careful consideration and that any reform should be pursued in a comprehensive and balanced manner, which should also lead to the strengthening and revitalization of the principal organs of the UN such as the General Assembly and ECOSOC.

I am addressing this Commission at a time when my government is making a concerted and determined effort to rebuild a nation faced with the calamitous event that occurred on 26 December 2004, just over two months ago, when fatal waves suddenly struck the southern and eastern coasts of Sri Lanka with unimaginable ferocity. It took away thousands of innocent lives and massively destroyed infrastructure along the coast.
The government moved into action within less than one hour and commenced the distribution of food and other relief items to the North, South, East and West, without any discrimination whatsoever.

The armed forces, the Police and the entire public service toiled unstintingly through day and night. Within a month detailed plans were formulated for a reconstruction programme - building houses, schools, hospitals, roads, railways, fisheries harbours, the power and telecommunications supply. The government apparatus for the distribution of supplies is effectively in place.

Soon after the tsunami struck our nation, the world came to our assistance in an unprecedented manner. Many Governments, the United Nations and other inter-governmental organisations, and non-governmental organisations have offered us considerable assistance in rebuilding our nation. We are also deeply touched by the magnificent expression of solidarity and generosity of the ordinary people from countries across the globe. This has given us much courage to face the arduous challenges posed by the tragedy of 26th December. It also gives us renewed hope in humanity. We have experienced the warmth of human feelings, the true spirit of humanity, across tens of thousands of miles, over numerous boundaries of ethnic and religious difference, at a time of terrible calamity and vulnerability. On this occasion, I would like to convey on behalf of my Government and the people of Sri Lanka our deep and abiding gratitude for every word of sympathy and encouragement and all the assistance we have received from across the globe. I sincerely thank the governments represented here for all that you have done to sustain us at a time of the deepest national tragedy for Sri Lanka.

As a member of the Commission on Human Rights, intermittently, for many years, Sri Lanka has participated in its work in a spirit of cooperation and with an unreserved commitment towards promoting and protecting human rights both nationally and internationally. This policy of Sri Lanka has been based on our national ethos derived from age-old traditions as well as our commitment to democracy and freedom. Successive elected Governments in my country have therefore recognized the promotion and protection of human rights not only as a constitutional obligation but also as a fundamental duty.

Sri Lanka has assiduously followed a tradition of close and constructive cooperation with the Commission on Human Rights in a spirit of openness and we are proud of our record in this regard. This tradition continued despite the armed conflict in my country, by regularly inviting special rapporteurs, working groups and treaty bodies to visit Sri Lanka. The national human rights protection system has been strengthened further to be in line with Sri Lanka's constitutional and international obligations as a party to 17 international human rights instruments including all seven major human rights conventions and treaties. A positive result of the close interaction between the Commission and our Government is the indication of the clear recognition and constant reiteration of human rights values, norms and standards by the judicial and legislative systems in our country. Recent judicial decisions of the Supreme Court have in fact expanded the scope of fundamental rights by reading international human rights covenants into domestic legislation.

It is our experience that international obligations when undertaken voluntarily serve to create the necessary thrust and enabling environment for the strengthening of the capacity of national mechanisms. The ratification of the UN Convention against Torture in January 1994 and accession to the Optional Protocol to the ICCPR in October 1997 at a time when the country was confronted with an extraordinary security situation arising out of terrorism, further demonstrated Sri Lanka's commitment to openness and accountability in the promotion and protection of human rights even under difficult circumstances.

There is a marked decrease in the allegations of violations of human rights communicated to the Government by special procedure mechanisms of the Commission on Human Rights.

The Government of Sri Lanka taking serious note of recent allegations regarding torture while in police custody has introduced short and long-term preventive mechanism to address the issue, in line with recommendations of treaty bodies. The Government of Sri Lanka condemns torture without any reservation. The Human Rights Commission of Sri Lanka has also adopted a zero tolerance policy on torture. Under domestic legislation torture is considered a serious crime which carries a minimum mandatory sentence of seven years rigorous imprisonment. The government looks forward to having a constructive dialogue with the Committee Against Torture when Sri Lanka's second periodic report is taken up for consideration.
The Attorney General has currently withdrawn one thousand indictments under the Prevention of Terrorism Act and over 300 persons who were held in preventive detention under the provisions of this Act have been released.

It is the expectation of the government that with the progress of the peace process and the consolidation of peace, the Prevention of Terrorism Act will become an obsolete piece of legislation. The government has also allowed the Emergency Regulations framed under the Public Security Ordinance to lapse in the light of the prevailing environment. The total effect of these measures is that any arrest, detention or investigation will be conducted only under the normal laws of the land.

Sri Lanka has established and strengthened a viable domestic institutional structure to provide redress to those aggrieved by alleged human rights violations, set high human rights standards and monitor situations. In this regard the Human Rights Commission of Sri Lanka which has a far-reaching mandate has investigative and advisory functions as well as a conciliatory and mediatory role.

The Supreme Court has also referred a large number of fundamental rights cases to the Commission for the purpose of inquiry and resolution. The Government of Sri Lanka has provided adequate resources to our Human Rights Commission to facilitate the effective discharge of its responsibilities. The government has also established human rights directorates in the three armed forces and the police which are functioning under the guidance of the respective commanders of the armed forces and the Inspector General of Police. The three forces and the police are also represented in the Inter-Ministerial Working Group on Human Right issues which has been set-up to monitor human rights violations and direct and supervise relevant authorities to take prompt action with regard to such violations.

Extreme poverty is one of the central challenges we face today in ensuring that globalisation becomes a positive force for all the world's people instead of leaving billions behind in squalor. The realisation of economic, social and cultural rights can provide a sustainable basis to address the root causes of poverty.

Sri Lanka's early success in achieving high standards of social development even for a comparatively poor country continues to receive international attention today. In September 2000, Sri Lanka together with other members of the United Nations committed itself to achieve a set of time-bound and measurable goals for combating poverty, hunger, disease, illiteracy, environmental degradation and discrimination against women. Sri Lanka today is well on its way to achieving the Millennium Development Goals through the involvement of a wide range of partners and stakeholders who have succeeded in creating a broad national ownership and awareness on these goals.

Sri Lanka remains in the forefront of the campaign to have the use of child soldiers condemned and banned worldwide. In 1997 I brought the question of child soldiers to the attention of the UN General Assembly by endorsing the findings of the Graca Machel Report of 1996.

Since that report the attention of the international community has been increasingly focused on the promotion and protection of the rights of children affected by armed conflict. Following the appointment of the Special Representative of the Secretary General, Mr. Olara Otunnu the plight of children affected by armed conflict received high priority at the United Nations. However the continuation of violations of the rights of concerned children, despite the concerted efforts of the international community has necessitated the Security Council taking a special interest in the matter.

The Liberation Tigers of Tamil Eelam has for many years been engaged in recruiting children for armed combat. This practice has to be viewed against the undertaking given by that entity to Mr. Olara Otunnu in 1998 and the signing of an Action Plan for Children Affected by War in July 2003 by the LTTE under the aegis of UNICEF. In that Action Plan the LTTE agreed to halt the recruitment of children and release all children within its ranks. Despite these solemn undertakings the group has continued the practice of recruiting thousands of children in most cases by force some of them as young as 11-years-old. Moreover the LTTE has engaged in re-recruiting those who had been released and even those who had escaped from training camps through threats, intimidation and physical attacks on the children as well as their family members. During 2004 more than 100 cases of new recruitments and re-recruitments were reported to UNICEF, a high percentage of them being girls. The LTTE has often carried out recruitment by force, abducting children while on their way to school or during religious festivities and beating families and teachers who resisted the seizure of children.

Against this background Sri Lanka has supported the recommendations of the recent report of the Secretary General submitted to the Security Council to be implemented against those who fail to cease the practice of recruiting child combatants. Sri Lanka is of the view that enforcement of these measures on a gradual scale will have a persuasive impact on all those who are deliberately violating the rights of children affected by armed conflict.

We are deeply committed to the continued implementation and consolidation of the Ceasefire Agreement between the Government and the LTTE and to take the peace process forward towards a logical conclusion while safeguarding the territorial integrity and sovereignty of our country.

President Kumaratunga in her address to the National Advisory Council for Peace and Reconciliation on October 4, 2004 said that the government was committed to do all that is required to persuade the LTTE to return to the negotiating table.

She added that any agreement to bring peace should be within the framework of a united Sri Lanka guaranteeing the sovereignty of the nation and the security of all its peoples.

Let me conclude by reiterating that the Government of Sri Lanka will continue to pursue its constructive engagement with the UN system and its Human Rights mechanisms. The delegation of Sri Lanka will actively seek to engage with all members of the Commission on Human Rights to narrow differences, reach consensus and to ensure that the current sessions will contribute to our common goal of promoting and protecting human rights.

Khalid