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SRCS tsunami housing project now in progress

The Saudi Red Crescent Society (SRCS) which pledged 1000 houses for the December 26, 2004 tsunami victims is now in the process of finalising agreements with the State Engineering Corporation (SEC) to commence construction of the houses in the Eastern and Southern provinces, Jamal M. H. Al Madani, Second Secretary of the S. Arabia Embassy in Colombo told the 'Daily News'. Work on renovation and rebuilding of 250 tsunami-devastated mosques will also start and will be completed once the initial assessment reports and estimates were finalised, he said.

Lands for the construction of houses under this programme have been identified in three places in the Eastern province and these lands will be procured soon, a local politician who is coordinating SRCS' post-tsunami humanitarian works told the 'Daily News'.

Fathima Razeema, the nine-month-old Sri Lankan baby with a rare congenital defect who received unlimited support from the Saudi government in February this year to correct her defect is now undergoing advanced medical treatment in Saudi Arabia and the Saudi government will bear all her medical expenses for one more year, the diplomat said.

The defect called 'Exomphalog' affects only 21 in a million. The initial medical expense of Rs. 3 lakhs at the Apollo Hospital, Colombo was also borne by his government, Madani said.

The office of the Saudi Red Crescent Society (SRCS) that was established in Colombo following the visit of SRCS President Dr. Abdul Rahman Al Sweilem in the immediate aftermath of the natural calamity is coordinating the relief and rehabilitation activities, Madani said.

Over the past 27 years, a total of 36 scholars from nine different countries have been awarded the King Faisal Internatinal Price for their outstanding accomplishments in the fields of Medicine, Science, Islamic Studies, Arabic Language and Literature and Service to Islam. The prizes are being awarded by the King Faisal Foundation (KFF), the Middle East's largest philanthropic organisation, with presentations received from a large number of nominees all over the world, he said, adding that the number of participants in this annual international event is growing.

There have been no presentations from Sri Lankan nominees so far and the KFF would welcome Sri Lankan participation, he said. The topics for the 2006 King Faisal International Prize are: Science - Mathematics, Medicine - Biology of Vascular Inflammation, Arabic Language and Literature - the Arabic Language in Modern Linguistics, Islamic Studies - The Origins of Islamic Jurisprudence.

50 Dead in Sri Lanka's Train Accident

Associated Press, Wed 27th Apr 09:35GMT. POLGAHAWELA, Sri Lanka (AP) - An intercity passenger train collided with a bus that tried to dash through a railroad crossing in northwestern Sri Lanka on Wednesday, killing at least 50 people and injuring 40 others, police said. But the local hospital put the death toll at 35.

The passenger bus, apparently racing another bus, slipped past a barrier and tried to cross a railroad track at Polgahawela, a small suburban town surrounded by rice and coconut farming villages. The area is about 50 miles northeast of Colombo.

The bus was reduced to a mangled heap of metal after it caught fire. There were opened suitcases with passengers' clothes strewn on the track and on the sides.

Police at the scene first reported that at least 50 people died when the bus and train collided, while 40 others were injured, 30 of them seriously, police spokesman Rienzie Perera said in Colombo. Some of the seriously wounded were being brought to National Hospital in Colombo, he said.

But Dr. Ananda Goonesekara, the director of the local hospital said 35 people have died. The National Hospital in Colombo said nine of the wounded, including a 4-year-old girl, were in critical condition.

All the victims were aboard the bus, which was dragged by the train for about 100 yards after the collision. The train driver was, however, admitted to the local hospital for unexplained reasons.

Railway employee, E.M. Jayaratna, who was on duty, said the automatic gate had closed as the train was approaching.

``There were other vehicles waiting, but this bus overtook them and came near the gate,'' he said. ``They thought they will manage to speedup and cross, but it did not happen,'' said Jayaratna.

``Our initial investigation suggests that two buses were competing with each other to reach Colombo faster,'' police spokesman Perera said.

A senior railway official said the barricade at the railroad crossing blocks only one lane _ one of more than 900 such crossings in Sri Lanka. Drivers often race through the open lanes to cross ahead of approaching trains, and accidents are common, but not of this magnitude.

``In this case the bus driver decided to pass using the right (open) side of the crossing,'' said G.R.P. Chandratilleke, the operating superintendent of the railways.

The train was traveling from the capital Colombo to the temple city of Kandy when the accident took place. The bus was on its way to Colombo from Dambulla.

Sri Lanka, an Indian Ocean island country of 19 million people, has a tiny railroad system established by British colonial rulers in 1865.

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Tsunami affected residential area - Maruthamunai

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The second term of most schools began yesterday. Here, girls at Ratnavali Balika MV, Borella, prepare to greet their teachers for the New Year

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Children shot and injured by LTTE in Batticaloa

Two children and a jail employee were reported injured when a LTTE cadre opened fire at the chief trustee of Aanaipanthi Chinna Pillaiyaar Temple in Batticaloa town, rebel sources claimed.

Mr. Mathiyalahan, the chief trustee of the Aanaipanthi Chinna Pillaiyaar temple and a well respected figure in Batticaloa who had stood firm against the human rights violation of Batticaloa people by LTTE was fatally wounded by the shooting, sources further stated.

NUA drops bombshell, Opposes proposed joint mechanism

The Government's main Muslim ally, National Unity Alliance dropped a bombshell when it too objected to the establishment of a joint mechanism. NUA Leader Ferial Ashraff emphasized to the Norwegian facilitators that she saw no reason for her community to sit together with the LTTE.

During a meeting with Norwegian Special Envoy Erik Solheim on Friday, Ms. Ashraff said there was no compelling reason for the Muslims to share a joint mechanism with the LTTE. She said if the structure was established, the LTTE would have the 'lion's share', and thus the Muslims would be placed in a precarious position in this mechanism.

"The LTTE has upto date failed to even extend its hand of goodwill to the evicted Northern Muslims, and thus it is very unlikely that the Muslims would be given its fair share in this mechanism," she is reported to have said.

Mrs. Ashraff, who is also a senior Cabinet Minister had informed Solheim and the Norwegian Ambassador Hans Brattskar that there was no need for a joint mechanism to ensure fair distribution of aid, etc. "We will continue to do our development work in our area, and they should do their work in their area," she said.

She had also emphasized that unlike the tsunami victims, the Muslims who were evicted by the LTTE from North face a much more uncertain situation. "At least the tsunami victims can build temporary huts in the same area where their houses had been, but the evicted Northern Muslims cannot do that because the LTTE does not allow them to come back to their homes," Ms. Ashraff had pointed out.

The NUA shock comes in the wake of a written assurance given by President Chandrika Kumaratunga that she would consult the Muslim community before finalising any deal on the proposed mechanism.

"I share your concern that the interest of Muslim people be taken into consideration on any proposed mechanism to coordinate post-tsunami relief and reconstruction. I will meet the Muslim Peace Secretariat prior to concluding any agreement on post-tsunami relief and reconstruction," the President said in the letter addressed to the Head of the Muslim Peace Secretariat Javid Yusuf, copies of which were sent to Minister Ferial Ashraff and SLMC Leader Rauff Hakeem.

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Doctors explore possibility of surgery for Siamese twins

The conjoined female twins born at De Zoysa Hospital, Colombo were transferred to the Lady Ridgeway Children's Hospital to explore the possibility of separating them, health authorities said.

Doctors say these twins are conjoined from the thorax and abdomen. "They are conjoined from the chest and tummy," added a medical officer.

These conjoined twins were born on April 21 at the De Zoysa Hospital, Colombo. The parents of these infants are Tharaka Sanjeewa and Priyadarshani Yapa from Mabima. Hospital authorities said consultant surgeon Ranjan Dias is treating these twins and exploring the possibility of surgery. Doctors claim that these infants will be required to remain at the hospital for the next six months for further treatment.

A hospital spokesman said the twins are now in good health and also that they are taking every possible measure to save the twins' lives.

Red Cross/Red Crescent continues to provide valuable support to tsunami affected people

Four months since the tsunami, Red Cross/Red Crescent Movement assistance to vulnerable families remains crucial.

Anti malaria campaign

At the request of the Ministry of Health, Sri Lanka Red Cross (SLRCS) and the International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies (Federation), in cooperation with the International Committee of Red Cross (ICRC), are distributing treated mosquito nets across Ampara district to tsunami affected and indirectly affected families, as part of a nation wide anti malaria campaign.

Ampara has one of the highest incidence rates of malaria in Sri Lanka, and bed nets, if used properly, provides simple but effective prevention against this deadly disease. "Malaria is not very hard to prevent if people have the basic information ... a mosquito net could save a life," said Jeff Chinn, Federation/American Red Cross relief team member.

As the rainy season approaches and the risk of vector borne diseases increases, distribution of mosquito nets becomes more essential. Since the tsunami struck, Sri Lanka Red Cross and the Federation have distributed over 66,000 nets in Galle, Matara, Hambantota and Ampara.

This distribution is just a small but vital part of the Red Cross/Red Crescent work that aims to improve the lives of vulnerable people in all areas of Sri Lanka. Post tsunami operation

Currently, post tsunami operations comprise a major part of this work. Support ranges from distributions of basic household items' - mosquito nets, bed sheets, kerosene stoves - to provision of shelter, health and psychosocial care and complex water purification and sanitation systems, and construction of houses and health facilities.

Over 4,000 Sri Lanka Red Cross (SLRCS) volunteers are working up and down the coastline, with support from international technical experts, to improve daily living conditions in the areas where the tsunami struck hardest.

SLRCS and the Federation's American Relief ERU have conducted distributions of basic household items for over 300,000 people in the south and south east of the country since the tsunami struck; the International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC) has delivered more than 35,000 family kits and thousands more clothes, blankets and lamps in the north and east.

More than 20 Red Cross/Red Crescent Societies from around the world are also active in Sri Lanka providing material and expertise to those affected by the disaster to help reestablish their livelihoods, and financial support for the relief operation has been received from a further 50 national societies.

Health support is also being offered to the affected population - the Red Cross Crescent Movement is supporting affected people through provision of first aid, hospital facilities, mobile clinics, psychosocial support and health education.

SLRCS and the Federation have undertaken to reconstruct, renovate, repair and equip 34 health facilities, including general, base, district and rural hospitals, central dispensaries and nurse training centres.

The RC/RC Movement is providing shelter to displaced families, and has distributed more than 50,000 tents, tarpaulins and plastic sheeting to families along the coastline. SLRCS, the Federation and other RC/RC Societies have committed to build 15,000 houses in Sri Lanka in Colombo, Galle, Matara, Hambantota, Ampara, Batticaloa, Trincomalee, Jaffna, Kilinochchi, Kalutara and Gampaha.

Water and sanitation systems have been repaired, upgraded and constructed in affected areas, and the RC/RC Movement is providing over 250,000 litres of clean drinking water daily in Ampara district alone.

The bigger picture

While relief efforts along the coastline continue, the RC/RC Movement focus remains on empowering vulnerable people across the country.

Long term SLRCS programs running in areas directly and indirectly affected by the tsunami include first aid, primary health care, HIV/AIDS prevention and community based disaster preparedness.

"Sri Lanka Red Cross was first on the scene providing post tsunami emergency help at the grassroots level," says Alasdair Gordon Gibson, head of the International Federation delegation in Sri Lanka. "We are providing broad based support that extends beyond tsunami affected areas and will strengthen vulnerable communities countryside.

International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies.

LTTE Abducted my Husband- IP Jeyaratnam's wife

Missing Police Inspector T. Jeyaratnam's wife, Sarala Jeyaratnam says that she has no doubts that the Liberation Tigers of Tamil Eelam (LTTE) had abducted her husband. . She told The Island Newspaper " I have no doubts about it. I am sure the LTTE did it. He was in LTTEÕs target list for nearly ten years for investigating their activites. Even my husbands older brother policeman T. Rajaratnam also was abducted and killed by the LTTE in Chavakachcheri ten years ago" Inspector Jeyaratnam attached to the Intelligence wing of the Mount-Lavinia police went missing on Wednesday, hours after returning from a dinner at the Mount-Lavinia hotel. His host, Mano a former PLOT member turned LTTE is suspected to be behind the abduction of the policeman.

Sarala Jeyaratnam says LTTE members and people connected to the LTTE had been threatening her husband for the past one and a half years, asking them to leave the police and leave the country. However, the Jeyaratnams had told them , they had no where to go and informed the police regarding the continuous threats they received. They had written to the then IGP Anandarajah and other IGPS, informed minister Douglas Devananda to help them leave the country through his connections with the President. Mrs Jeyaratnam says that no one helped them.

Jeyaratnam appealed to the government to speak to the LTTE and to Norwegian peace envoy Erik Solheim and get her husband released. She says " It is peace time and the government can help to find my husband. No government officials have spoken to us so far. They have done nothing so far. My little children (age 5 and 7) doesnÕt know their father is missing. He was a honest police officer who served the country for more than fifteen years" Missing IPs wife sas said when she made a complaint to the Sri Lanka Monitoring Mission (SLMM) the officials had told her that they will speak to the LTTE on the matter, but it was not possible for them to ask for Jeyaratnam's release because it was not within their mandate.

Mrs Jeyaratnam told The Island , though her husband had stopped investigations on the activities of the LTTE, the Tigers had continued to follow him and her husband knew the LTTE had followed him for nearly seven years. She says the suspect Mano who invited them for dinner at the Mount-Lavinia hotel also had gone missing and her efforts to call him on his mobile failed. Mano had promised to help her husband to get a job in London. She described the van they went to meet Mano as a white Toyota Dolphin with a blue border fitted with a hood rack.

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Prime Minister Mahinda Rajapakse meets Indian Prime Minister Manmohan Singh on the sidelines of the Asia Africa Summit in Jakarta. Picture by Sudath Silva

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This is one of the yarm pull out in Kattankudy today

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Heads of State from Asia and Africa pose for a group photo on the opening ceremony of the Asia Africa Summit 2005, in Jakarta 22 April 2005. A summit of Asian and African leaders opened in Jakarta on Friday gathering almost 50 heads of state from both continents


Muslims shut out from Joint Mechanism SLMC leader tells Solhiem

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Don't over step"- Hakeem Warns Monitors

Sri Lanka Muslim Congress (SLMC) leader Rauf Hakeem slammed the Sri Lanka Monitoring Mission (SLMM) for over stepping its mandate and making political statements which the party considered as injurious and harmful to the reputation of the Muslims in Sri Lanka. Hakeem said that the Batticaloa district SLMM monitor Steen Joergensen had told a weekend newspaper that he does not think it's a healthy sign if the Muslims practice their religion as extremist groups do and Joergensen had pointed out that various aspects of Muslim fundamentalism was mounting in the area.

The SLMM official also had said "According to recent disclosures there are indications that Muslims in the region are incited with extremist's views and aspects of fundamentalism. Since I came here last July, I have seen a clear increase of women being completely covered up. There are meanwhile large numbers of people being sent to Saudi Arabia to study the Quran in the orthodox way"

An angry Hakeem said "This is not the way the SLMM should act. Muslims feel that monitors are thoroughly impotent when it comes to ensuring that the ceasefire agreement between the government and the LTTE is adhered to and respected. They should first do their job. Not make politician statements" Hakeem said he complained to Erik Solheim and Norwegian Ambassador Hans Braktskar when he met them on Wednesday and the Norwegians had accepted his concerns and agreed to take the issue up with the monitoring mission.

President promises to consult Muslims

Amid concerns among the Muslims at being left out in the joint mechanism to coordinate post-tsunami relief and reconstruction, President Chandrika Bandaranaike Kumaratunga has written to the Muslim Peace Secretariat assuring to consult Muslim opinion before concluding any deal on the proposed mechanism.

"I share your concern that the interest of Muslim people be taken into consideration on any proposed mechanism to coordinate post-tsunami relief and reconstruction", the President said in the letter addressed to the Head of the Muslim Peace Secretariat Javid Yusuf with copies to Minister Ferial Ashraff and SLMC Leader Rauff Hakeem.

"I will meet Muslim Peace Secretariat prior to concluding any agreement on post-tsunami relief and reconstruction," she said in the letter.

Yusuf who was one time Sri Lanka's Ambassador to Saudi Arabia told the Sunday Observer that the Secretariat had not yet formulated any specific proposals on Muslim representation in the joint mechanism "because, we don't know what have been discussed between the government and the LTTE."

He, however, said the Muslim Peace Secretariat expected to raise its concern, when they meet the President.

He said he expected the meeting to be held soon after the President returns to the island.

"We are keen that the Muslims should be given the correct proportion of representation in the joint mechanism," he said.

He said the Muslim Peace Secretariat was satisfied with the representation of the three communities at the Apex body of the joint mechanism. The Apex body has three members each representing Sinhalese, Tamils and Muslims.

"Like that we want a fair representation at the regional level and district levels. Muslim concerns should be addressed," he said.

The proposed joint mechanism is a three tiered body with an apex body at the national level and local representation at the regional and district levels.

Yusuf said the Muslim Peace Secretariat had been in consultation with the Government Peace Secretariat, LTTE Peace Secretariat and the Norwegian peace facilitators.

Early this week, SLMC Leader Rauff Hakeem told visiting Norwegian peace envoy Erik Solheim that a joint mechanism on which Muslims had not been consulted, was unacceptable.

The Muslim Peace Secretariat was formed on December 15 last year based on a Memorandum of Understanding signed by the SLMC Leader Rauff Hakeem and NUA Leader Minister Ferial Ashraff. The Muslim Peace Secretariat aims to evolve a common position of the Muslims on the peace process.

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Mosques and Muslim Institutions Vice president handover the proposal behalf of the muslim communities

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Erick Solhiem Visisted in Kattankudy

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ICRC to carry on with tsunami aid in Lanka, Indonesia

THE International Committee of the Red Cross said yesterday it would continue to provide aid to victims of the recent tsunami and earthquakes in Indonesia and Sri Lanka until reconstruction efforts "produce results".

Although the ICRC will shift its focus back to humanitarian work related to the internal conflicts in Sri Lanka and the Indonesian province of Aceh, the Geneva-based agency said many quake victims still depended on emergency aid.

"Most tsunami survivors still live in difficult conditions," said Reto Meister, the organisation's delegate-general for Asia and the Pacific.

"Many of them have lost everything and they still depend on humanitarian aid to rebuild their lives," he added in a statement.

The international assistance operation in the areas around the Indian Ocean devastated by the earthquake and tsunami in December is moving away from emergency aid to recovery and reconstruction.

The ICRC said that "for the rest of 2005 it will go on endeavouring to bridge the gap until reconstruction begins producing results" in the two countries.

More than 220,000 people were killed in 12 countries and hundreds of thousands of others were left homeless by the deadly waves that were sparked by a huge undersea earthquake off the west coast of Indonesia.

Aceh and Sri Lanka suffered the most damage. - AFP

Education system in tsunami hit areas being revived - Mangala

SRI LANKA is now in the process of recovering from the massive devastation of December 26 which claimed over 31,000 innocent lives and destroyed more than a third of our idyllic coastline. The education system in the coastline was severely disrupted with 102 schools damaged with nearly 80,000 students affected and 78 schools were completely destroyed, Ports, Aviation Information and Media and Deputy Education Minister and Sri Lanka Representative to the Executive Board of UNESCO Mangala Samaraweera said.

Addressing the 171th session of the Executive Board of UNESCO last week, Minister Samaraweera said that the Government and the people of Sri Lanka were able to get the situation under control and reconstruction work began within four weeks of the disaster.

Welcoming the initiative taken by the Director General in preparing a comprehensive mapping and implementation plan of the current and future contributions of each partner in realising Education for All (EFA) at global, regional and national levels in keeping with the Dakar framework, the Minister said it was `very impressive'.

"Education has been recognised as a priority indispensable for human capacity development. Sri Lanka has taken steps to incorporate quality mechanisms in its policies in the education sector and other fields of competence," he said.

Paying tribute to the international community for its generosity in time of need, the Minister said that seven donor countries have undertaken repairs and reconstruction of all the schools and all the students affected have been allocated other schools so that their education can continue uninterrupted.

"It was most heartening to note that we were not alone in dealing with the aftermath of this terrible tragedy. We appreciate UNESCO's leading role in the establishment of a Tsunami Early Warning System in the Indian Ocean Region," he said.

Delivering his statement the Minister underscored the importance of UNESCO harmonising its priorities within the United Nations System to achieve maximum results for those most in need.

"Duplication of work within the United Nations system, especially considering that budgetary difficulties faced across the board is completely undesirable.

This not only dissipates valuable human and financial resources but also creates unnecessary confusion which could be easily avoided.

Therefore it is important that UNESCO clearly identifies the priorities based on the needs of the member states," he added. This organisation holds a unique position in the United Nations family due to its noble ideals, vision and purpose.

Sri Lanka, a member of this organisation since 1948 remains deeply committed to these ideals, vision and purpose and stands wiling to serve this organisation with all member states and the Director General, the Minister said.

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Tsunami News - today

To the aid of tsunami orphans of Hambantota

The public of Ikeda Town and other donors in the Prefecture of Gifu in Japan have committed a sum of Sri Lanka Rs. 650,000 to be spent for the welfare of tsunami affected orphans and their guardians in Hambantota.

This showering of generosity has been made possible due to the hard work put in by Zulfy Thajudeen and his friends of the NPO Organization - Hot Station Ikeda & Joho Station Ikeda, who left no stone unturned in their efforts to collect as much donations as possible from the residents of all parts of the Prefecture of Gifu.

Thajudeen who had been holidaying in Sri Lanka at the time of the tsunami was particularly struck by the pitiless plight of the children who had been caught up in the tsunami and had vowed to somehow do something to ameliorate their condition on his return to Japan. In his own words: "

..... Every time I look at my 1 1/2 year old son, I just can't help my heart bleeding for the thousands who lost their loved ones and children (our greatest treasure) whose lifelines for love and provision, their parents, were so unfairly yanked off their lives! As much as the lives of my family and I was spared, it dawned on me that it was my moral responsibility to contribute within my capacity in easing the misery of 'disaster affected children' and their parents struggling to make ends meet as a result of the disaster."

Actuated by this ambition, Thajudeen drummed up enough support amongst his Japanese friends to engage in a fund-raising campaign which resulted in this amount of money being collected.

15,468 temporary houses completed - TAP

The number of temporary housing units constructed to relocate tsunami affected families now staying in welfare centres in the eight districts has totalled 15,468 by April 15 according to the statistics gathered by the head office of the Transitional Accommodation Project (TAP) at Jawatte Road, Colombo.

Thus the project has achieved a progress of 75 percent of the targeted 30,000 temporary housing units expected to be completed by the end of May according to M. D. Mithraratne, Director of the Project.

Work on 7,856 more units are now in progress and is expected to be completed within the next few days. He said that some of the problems encountered in finding lands to construct these houses had been sorted out in many districts and the work on the balance houses is proceeding on target with the assistance of international agencies and non-governmental organisations.

The TAP has been launched on a directive of the President and implemented under the supervision and guidance of the Commissioner General of Essential Services, Tilak Ranaviraja to give much better temporary accommodation to the displaced families than at welfare centres until they are provided with permanent houses on which work has already been commenced by the Task Force for Reconstruction and Rehabilitation.

According to the statistics gathered the number of temporary housing units completed in the respective districts are as follows: Colombo 798, Kalutara 628, Galle 1968, Matara 1076, Hambantota 1229, Ampara 5442, Batticaloa 2892, Trincomalee 1436.

According to the specifications stipulated by the Government each such temporary housing unit should have two rooms with a minimum floor area of 200 square feet. The cost of each should not exceed Rs. 40,000.

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There is much symbolism in the fact that the American president's first foreign trip of his second term took him across the Atlantic, not to Britain,

Bush had dinner and talks not with Tony Blair, or Silvio Berlusconi, but with Jacques Chirac and Gerhard Schroeder, whom Washington rightly holds guilty for stripping its invasion of Iraq of the UN backing that would have lent it some legitimacy in the eyes of many.

but for all the buzz of excitement the visit has created in a Europe eager to let bygones be bygones, there is little hope of this revival of American diplomacy healing the ongoing transatlantic rift.
That a string of high-ranking American officials would make their way to Europe would have been virtually unthinkable two years ago. Neither would charm, courtesy and cheerfulness have been the adjectives one would have readily used to characterise the American state secretary, defence secretary or president. But in Europe the hawks were all dovish smiles, from Condoleezza Rice and Bush to Donald Rumsfeld. But much has happened since Rumsfeld sneered at Old Europe, or the founding countries of the European Union, for not falling in line behind the US-led invasion of Iraq. neo-conservative administration promised the world turned out to be absurdly long, arduous, costly and brutal. The "liberated" Iraqis did not greet their American "liberators" with roses as Richard Perle, a fellow hawk, had prophesied. Neither was imposing control over the conquered country a "cakewalk". And the threat of weapons of mass destruction was spectacularly exposed as a figment of the US administration's fertile imagination. In short, all Washington's calculations were found to be scandalously false, all its predictions unfounded. The "liberators" were not even given a chance to celebrate their victory over Saddam's wretched ragtag army. Daily mass demonstrations were soon followed by daily attacks that penetrated even the walls of the Green Zone fortress behind which American officials and their Iraqi sidekicks sheltered. Rather than the promised sweet smell of freedom, Iraqi cities reeked with the stench of death. Iraq was now a euphemism for anarchy, chaos, insecurity and carnage. America was mired in its biggest guerrilla war since Vietnam. As the US death toll mounted (topping 1500 according to US defence figures, albeit a mere footnote in comparison with the tens of thousands slaughtered Iraqis), so did the cost of maintaining the occupation (a staggering $156 billion). Struggling in the Iraqi quagmire, the US had no alternative but to turn to the United Nations and Europe for assistance, having denounced the one as "irrelevant" and the other as "old". Bush's return to Old Europe reflects in essence the limits of military power no matter how potent it may be. For all their grandeur and might, superpowers cannot dispense with allies and partners. The burden of the world is much too heavy to be borne by the American giant alone Bush's return to Old Europe's chilly embrace is not the result of a pang of conscience. It is a question of necessity not choice. But if the depth of its crisis in Iraq was the chief factor in dragging the neo-conservative team back to the international bodies it had turned its back on, it certainly was not the only one. Amidst growing resistance to US global dominance either on the part of the Chinese, who are steadily moving towards the accumulation and assertion of their economic and military power, or that of the Russians who recently announced the development of a new generation of strategic weapons, along with the gradual exhaustion of the overstretched American military force scattered in bases across an increasingly chaotic world, the US found itself unable to maintain its isolationist unilateralism and compelled to renew forsaken alliances. This must not, however, be taken as a sign that Washington's hawks have abandoned the fundamentals of their foreign agenda. Indeed, little appears to have changed about Bush's message except its tone. All he and his rightwing team have said since their visit to Europe indicates that they have not relinquished their commitment to a unipolar world order where the US enjoys unrivalled full-spectrum dominance unhampered by international laws and obligations. For the achievement of this end, the US had found it necessary to place itself outside the regime of international law through declaring the use of pre-emptive strikes as the basis of its 2002 National Security Strategy, thereby repudiating the system of absolute state sovereignty that governed international relations since 1648. Unipolarism remains the axis of US foreign strategy. The difference today is one of means not ends. Military power is now corroborated with the instrument of diplomacy. This is confirmed by the appointment of John Bolton as the US ambassador to the UN and nomination of Paul Wolfowitz as president of the World Bank, both staunch opponents of international institutions and fierce champions of American unilateralism. Bush's keynote speech of his European tour reflected the same obsession with the Middle East region, the cornerstone of the expansionist US foreign strategy. As he put it, "The future of our nations and the future of the Middle East are linked." This neo-imperialism is now pursued under the banner of emancipating the region from the iron grip of its despotic states, which, according to Bush, necessarily fall under one of two categories: "failed" or "rogue". The Europeans, better acquainted with the labyrinthine socio-political landscape of the region, thanks to their not-so-distant colonial past, are, however, not too enthusiastic about Bush's unbridled rhetoric of "spreading the untamed fire of freedom" to the region. If ignited, they fear, the flame of freedom might consume more than the despised Arab regimes. Despotic, outmoded, decadent and sclerotic as they are, these regimes dispose of an essential virtue: their proven talent for maintaining "stability", a euphemism for safeguarding foreign interests at the expense of their own populace. In the Middle East, democracy spells danger. Beneath the appearance of reconciliation and unity, the US and the old continent are set apart by a cluster of differences that stem from two irreconcilable visions of the shape and structure of the world order. The US does not see Europe as it would want to be seen, a partner in a multi-polar world, but as a useful bolster for its position in a unipolar world. Europe, with the exception of Britain still torn between the two continents, is actively seeking to strengthen its political and economic capabilities, which serves as a source of anxiety for the US in its quest for global hegemony. As David Frum, a former Bush speechwriter, put it, for the US, a united, internationally active Europe "raises important strategic questions". In the eve of Bush's visit to Europe, Schroeder declared to a Munich defence conference that Nato was no longer the main forum for transatlantic discourse. Insisting that the organisation undermines Europe's status as a partner to the US, he added: "The same applies to the dialogue between the European Union and the US, which in its current form does justice neither to the union's growing importance, nor to the new demands of transatlantic cooperation." A few days after Bush's conciliatory visit, the US Congress issued a blunt warning to the EU over its plans to lift its arms embargo on China imposed in 1989 after Tiananmen Square, with Richard Lugar, head of the Senate foreign relations committee, threatening to stop military technology sales to the EU. China's military spending, it must remembered, is increasing by double digits every year, to the extent that analysts predict that within 10 years it would overhaul Russia as the second-largest military power after the US. But Europe's involvement in China is a cause of concern to the US on an economic level too. Central banks, led by the People's Bank of China, are in fact financing about 75-85% of the US current account deficit (a gigantic $164.7bn), which is causing the Central Bank of China to suffer rising economic losses in view of the continuing devaluation of the dollar (a capital loss equivalent to 10% of Chinese GDP). In the climate of Chinese-European rapprochement, the US rightly fears that China may decide to move into the strong Euro as an alternative reserve currency, particularly since Europe is already a bigger market for Chinese goods than the US. This would spell trouble to the US, as an increasing number of central banks across the world are shifting from the dollar to the European single currency, making it harder for the US to finance its massive current account deficit. Even where the two appear to speak in harmony, as on the question of Syria's withdrawal from Lebanon, they remain committed to divergent agendas and strategies. To the Americans, wresting Lebanon from Syria is essential for the removal of Hizb Allah's political cover (which France has objected to including in the European list of terrorist organisations) as a prelude to its planned attack on the Iranian regime.

To the French, however, reclaiming Lebanon is part of France's ongoing struggle to regain its influence in its old colonies. Lebanon would be the foothold France needs to restore its declining Francophone project in the Middle East in the face of a rampant Anglo-SaxonismFar from obediently trailing the American giant, the world appears to be pressing in the opposite direction. The world order, as we knew it for over a decade, seems to be disintegrating into a multitude of powers, each striving to bolster its economic and political mechanisms, strengthen its military capabilities, and assert itself in the face of an avaricious American hyper power. What final shape this process of polarisation would assume we cannot foretell. What we do know, however, is that our world is moving towards greater resistance to American global hegemony, greater instability and greater chaos.

Soumayya Ghannoushi is a researcher in the history of ideas at the School of Oriental & African Studies, University of London.

U.S. Muslims angered by detention of teenage girls

Source: www.stuff.co.nz Muslims in the United States are angered by the detention of two local teenage girls on immigration charges, amid claims by the FBI that the girls pose “an imminent threat to security”. The two girls, both 16, one born in Bangladesh and one in Guinea, were being detained in federal custody at an immigration centre in Pennsylvania. While the U.S. authorities said the girls were only accused of immigration violations, and there are no other charges against them, the FBI alleged that they pose “an imminent threat to the security of the United States based on evidence that they plan to be suicide bombers". The two girls, who live in New York, were arrested on March 24. Neighbours, friends and classmates denied the FBI claims, describing them as “scary”. "This is part of a larger pattern, we feel, that targeted a lot of vulnerable and innocent people," said Adam Carroll of the Islamic Circle of North America, who was acting as a family spokesman for the girl from Bangladesh. "It is scary and it alarmed a lot of the community here. A lot of Muslims feel that there is a pattern of over-reaching and guilt by suspicion," he said. Both the Immigration and Customs Enforcement and the U.S. Attorney for the Eastern District in New York asserted that "It's an immigration case.” But the head of the Arab American Institute in Washington, DC., James Zogby, said that the “suicide bomber” allegations remain worrisome. "The fact that it's out there is troubling because we've seen that too many times," said Zogby. "We've seen the issue of leaks or suggestions and ... it creates a broader suspicion which almost always turns out to be bogus,” he added.

Todays Top Story

The Tiny Kids Montessori of South Kudahakapola, Ja-Ela held the Sinhala and Tamil New Year celebrations at the end of the school term. Here students participate in one of the contests.

All Island Qirath Competion Held

The annual All Island Qirath Competition organized by the SLMC's Central Committee of the Colombo District was held at Dar Us Salaam in Colombo today. The competition commenced with a short address by Barmuneer, and Imtiaz Muhsin the Secretary and Chairman of the Organizing Committee

A prominent feature of the competition was that over 500 applications were received from all over the Island. Competitors present were from Colombo, Samanthurai, Kattankudy, Weligama, Galle, Panadura, Malwana, Thihariya, Hunupitiya and Negombo. The competitions were held in the categories under 19, 16 and under 12 separately for Boys and for Girls.

The organizers pointed out that it is important that an effort is made to preserve and promote the salient religious and cultural features of the Muslim Community in Sri Lanka. Rauff Hakeem M.P. and Leader of the Sri Lanka Muslim Congress said in his address that Muslims in Sri Lanka should make shukoor to Allah Ta'ala for providing the Muslims with an environment where the practice of Islam was easy. Hakeem gave away the certificates to the winners of the Qirath competition.

Khalid

Australians contribute to housing project in Hambantota

Australian High Commissioner to Sri Lanka, Dr. Greg French, participated in the opening of the first 25 houses in a new housing project for the tsunami-affected in the Hambantota District, states a Australian High Commission Press release.

The Venerable Wattegama Dhammawasa Thera, President of the Tsunami Disaster Fund of the Sri Subodharama Sasana Seva Society and Sanghanayake for Australia, presided over the ceremony, which took place in Siribopura, Hambantota, on April 10. The Government Agent for Hambantota District M.A. Piyasena, also participated.

The Tsunami Disaster Fund project aims to build 100 houses for people from different communities affected by the disaster, in a range of locations.

The initiative is being implemented by the Sri Subodharama Sasana Seva Society, in collaboration with the Sri Lankaramaya Monastery in Brisbane, Australia.

"This project is a strong example of the excellent cooperation between Australians and Sri Lankans in responding to the tsunami crisis" the High Commissioner said.

"The tsunami has resulted in a groundswell of support from Australia. In addition to assistance provided through the Australian Federal and State Governments, Australian citizens have given generously to various public tsunami appeals, ranging from collections through temples to celebrity cricket matches. Many Australians are also working here in Sri Lanka to assist the tsunami response."

Australian public and private commitments to tsunami assistance in Sri Lanka are valued at over A$100 million.

Greek hospital ship leaves after rendering invaluable service

The Greek hospital ship 'Ocean Monarch' which arrived in Trincomalee on February 5 to render medical services to the people of Trincomalee affected by the tsunami left at 11.a.m. on Monday 28th March having been here for nearly two months.

Though the ship anchored at the Ashraff Jetty on February 5 medical services commenced on February 12 after permission was granted by International Ships and Ports Security (ISPA).

The hospital ships medical team consisted of 18 doctors, 25 nurses and 10 para-medical staff. Patients were directed from the General Hospital, Trincomalee.

Child patients who sought treatment at the floating hospital were given toys and sweets between 12th February and 23rd March. Patients had been treated to their satisfaction.

Deputy Chief of Mission, Iraklis Charmanidis of the Hellenic Aid Department of the Greek Ministry of Foreign Affairs wished to have close relationship between Greece and Sri Lanka for a better future.

Patients from distant places like Batticaloa, Jaffna and Matale too have sought treatment from this hospital. Dr. Manolis Anastasagis was in-charge of the medical team.

The 'Ocean Monarch' was a passenger ship which could accommodate 500 passengers. Among other facilities this ship was popular about the casino game. It was converted to a hospital ship two weeks before she was sent to Trincomalee.

Khalid

Australians contribute to housing project in Hambantota

Australian High Commissioner to Sri Lanka, Dr. Greg French, participated in the opening of the first 25 houses in a new housing project for the tsunami-affected in the Hambantota District, states a Australian High Commission Press release.

The Venerable Wattegama Dhammawasa Thera, President of the Tsunami Disaster Fund of the Sri Subodharama Sasana Seva Society and Sanghanayake for Australia, presided over the ceremony, which took place in Siribopura, Hambantota, on April 10. The Government Agent for Hambantota District M.A. Piyasena, also participated.

The Tsunami Disaster Fund project aims to build 100 houses for people from different communities affected by the disaster, in a range of locations.

The initiative is being implemented by the Sri Subodharama Sasana Seva Society, in collaboration with the Sri Lankaramaya Monastery in Brisbane, Australia.

"This project is a strong example of the excellent cooperation between Australians and Sri Lankans in responding to the tsunami crisis" the High Commissioner said.

"The tsunami has resulted in a groundswell of support from Australia. In addition to assistance provided through the Australian Federal and State Governments, Australian citizens have given generously to various public tsunami appeals, ranging from collections through temples to celebrity cricket matches. Many Australians are also working here in Sri Lanka to assist the tsunami response."

Australian public and private commitments to tsunami assistance in Sri Lanka are valued at over A$100 million.

Greek hospital ship leaves after rendering invaluable service

The Greek hospital ship 'Ocean Monarch' which arrived in Trincomalee on February 5 to render medical services to the people of Trincomalee affected by the tsunami left at 11.a.m. on Monday 28th March having been here for nearly two months.

Though the ship anchored at the Ashraff Jetty on February 5 medical services commenced on February 12 after permission was granted by International Ships and Ports Security (ISPA).

The hospital ships medical team consisted of 18 doctors, 25 nurses and 10 para-medical staff. Patients were directed from the General Hospital, Trincomalee.

Child patients who sought treatment at the floating hospital were given toys and sweets between 12th February and 23rd March. Patients had been treated to their satisfaction.

Deputy Chief of Mission, Iraklis Charmanidis of the Hellenic Aid Department of the Greek Ministry of Foreign Affairs wished to have close relationship between Greece and Sri Lanka for a better future.

Patients from distant places like Batticaloa, Jaffna and Matale too have sought treatment from this hospital. Dr. Manolis Anastasagis was in-charge of the medical team.

The 'Ocean Monarch' was a passenger ship which could accommodate 500 passengers. Among other facilities this ship was popular about the casino game. It was converted to a hospital ship two weeks before she was sent to Trincomalee.

Khalid

Norway's peace envoy arrives in Sri Lanka amid hopes for crucial tsunami aid deal

Norway's top peace envoy, Erik Solheim, arrived in Sri Lanka on Sunday to mediate a deal between the government and Tamil Tiger rebels on the distribution of aid to areas devastated by the Dec. 26 tsunami.

Solheim on Sunday visited Muslim refugees displaced by Sri Lanka's 19-year civil war, which killed more than 65,000 people. He was scheduled to travel to the restive eastern town of Batticaloa on Tuesday for talks with the Sri Lankan military, the Tigers and European cease-fire monitors, said Tom Knappskog, a Norwegian spokesman.

Norway has worked hard to secure a deal between the government and guerrillas to ensure that foreign aid reaches rebel-held northeastern areas ravaged by the Indian Ocean disaster, which killed more than 31,000 people in Sri Lanka.

Officials involved in the peace process said the parties were expected to move closer to an agreement, but it was unlikely to be finalized during Solheim's four-day visit.

President Chandrika Kumaratunga said last week the proposed joint mechanism to distribute aid would be the foundation of a final solution of the civil war. If a deal is reached between the two sides, it would be the first major collaboration since peace talks collapsed in April 2003.

Sri Lanka's eastern region has been engulfed in violence recently that has left dozens dead. The latest incident was the killing of a government official on Friday by suspected guerrillas. Truce monitors have warned that the violence could plunge the island back into war.

The Tamil Tigers have been fighting since 1983 to carve out an independent homeland in the Tamil-majority north and east. A Norway-brokered cease-fire took hold in 2002, but subsequent peace talks broke down a year later.

Solheim has played a pivotal role since 1998 in attempting to end Sri Lanka's conflict. However, efforts to revive the stalled peace talks have so far failed.

Khalid

Government’s main Muslim ally lashes out at Tamil National Alliance

he main Muslim ally of the Alliance Government has condemned Tamil National Alliance (TNA) Parliament Group Leader R. Sampanthan's recent statement that ‘Muslims have not earned the right to become party to a settlement in the peace process'. Deputy Leader of the National Unity Alliance M. Abul Kalam reacting to the TNA statement termed it as ‘illogical and unfair'. "If Mr. Sampanthan says that still the Muslim community has not earned the right to be a party to solution, what does he proposes? Does he suggest the Muslims to follow the footsteps of LTTE? We don't want to do that. That's why the SLMC was formed by late leader Mr. Ashraff to avoid Muslim militancy. We can't afford another armed conflict," the NUA deputy Leader stressed.

"The argument by the Tamil Parties and leaders that the Muslims have not earned the right to participate in the peace process and to become party to a negotiated settlement is unreasonable and un-acceptable.," Kalam said during a seminar organized by the Centre for Policy Alternatives recently. He also emphasized that the Tamil parties should stop paying lip service to the Muslim aspirations and whole heartedly work for accommodating Muslim factor in the peace process. It is only then a permanent peace could be achieved in Sri Lanka He reminded that during the 1987 Indo-Lanka peace accord and the Ceasefire Agreement signed in 2002 the Muslim aspirations were systematically marginalized. Muslims are at the receiving end prior and after the CFA and the same situation still continues. This was evident in Muttur and Valachchenai in 2003 and what has been happening in the last 2 months in Batticaloa and Polonnaruwa districts. "Mr. Sampanthan with his 22 MPs has a very good working relationship with the LTTE. I appeal to him on behalf of the Muslim community to use his good office to convince the LTTE to accommodate the Muslim community at all stages of the peace process, Mr. Kalam concluded," Kalam added.

Khalid

Today Top Story

A bhikku annoints a child in Colombo, 16 April 2005, as part of traditional New Year rituals.

Today top story

NEW YEAR WISHES

Wednesday, 13 April 2005 10:00 (GMT + 6.00)

German city of Fulda provides tsunami relief

Sine the fateful morning of tsunami two persons in the City of Fulda, near Frankfurt in Germany were thinking how to help the desperate people affected by the tsunami catastrophe, in Sri Lanka. Sumanasiri de Silva of Dodanduwa on the South coast of Sri Lanka has resided their for nearly 22 years living in Fulda since his arrival there in 1982.

Both Sumanasiri and his German born wife Nicole are known to Miss Becker who is the Secretary of the Government Agent of the City of Fulda. Through Becker they could meet the GA of the City to convene a high level discussion on implementing a mechanism of raising funds to provide relief assistance of the tsunami affected people in Sri Lanka.

Miss Becker revealed that there was a German national named Tobias Moretti attached to the Fire Brigade of the City of Fulda. Both Sumanasiri and Tobias were highly surprised to meet each other having equal interests in helping the tsunami affected people in Sri Lanka.

On 28th December 2004 Sumanasiri spoke to Tobias in the Fire Brigade over the phone and on the following day they met each other for further discussions on the issue of tsunami and its impact on the people of Sri Lanka. By then Tobias had already contacted the GA the Provincial Newspaper of Fulda the Red Cross, the Technical Rescue Organisation (THN).

Mayor of the City of Fulda Moeller, after studying the aims and objectives of this humanitarian project envisaged on providing relief assistance or the displaced communities of Sri Lanka agreed to extend his cooperation.

As the Mayor and the Fire Brigade of the City of Fulda had given green light in launching the fund raising during a day a sum of 5810 EURO could be collected. Since 28th December 2004, members of this project called 'Help South Asia', could be seen raising funds along the streets of the City of Fulda.

A German NGO named MALTESER which is also handling several humanitarian projects and relief assistance has been given the management of the funds raised by the members of Help South Asia which had already raised a fund of half a million euros.

MALTESER the German NGO had made arrangements to donate one fifth of the funds raised by Help South Asia for the tsunami affected communities in Thailand.

The balance of 52 million of rupees would be allocated for the relief assistance and out of that 19 million rupees would be utilized in the construction of an Orphanage in the Galle district and affiliated to it several other projects promoting Vocational Education, Languages and Computer Science would be started as continuous programmes specially for the benefit of the children living in tsunami affected areas.

Khalid

Let us join hands to rebuild the Motherland - President

The Sinhala and Tamil people of our country are closely knit by a common cultural heritage. Forgiving wrong and requesting forgiveness for wrong is a noble new year tradition our people have observed for a long time.

Therefore let us eschew all differences and join hands to rebuild our motherland, said President Chandrika Bandaranaike Kumaratunga in a message issued to mark the Sinhala and Tamil New Year.

"The tsunami disaster is like a silver lining among dark clouds. A situation where all Sinhala, Tamil, Buddhist, Christian, Hindu and Muslim Communities and faiths can work together is now emerging. If we can make the joint mechanism for providing relief to people in the North East a success it will be a fine foundation for finding a lasting solution to the national problem," President Kumaratunga said.

The message: "Today is New Year Day considered as the National New Year by the Tamils and Sinhalese alike. This is the common festival of the entire Sri Lankan people and truly our most delightful cultural festival.

However our people are celebrating New Year this time from a completely different environment than past years. Only three months have lapsed after the tsunami which was a natural disaster unprecedented in our history.

All this time we have been hearing about damage to lives and property caused by earthquakes, high tides and volcanic activity in other countries of the world and thinking how fortunate we have been. But on December 26, 2004 we too had to experience that unfortunate calamity. It caused the untimely death of nearly 40,000 of our brethren and damaged properties worth tens of millions of rupees.

That moment which grabbed away the expectations filled in our hearts and our loved ones has endowed us with a permanent agony. We understand the mental pressure and pain caused in you by it. Programs to relieve that pain have now been launched by places of religious worship, the government and other interested citizens.

Since Sri Lanka has been identified as a country falling within a region prone to natural disasters lately plans are now under way to set up a natural disaster early warning centre in Sri Lanka too. Apart from this elaborate plans to rehabilitate all people affected by the tsunami have been formulated and implemented within the last three months.

In this situation it is pointless for us to wallow in pain feel disgusted anymore. Therefore let us make the New Year which has dawned a year of resolve to rebuild the country and usher in peace and prosperity.

When we consider the New Year Day it is common to both Sinhala and Tamil people. This is neither a Sinhala New Year nor a Tamil New Year but a National New Year.

The Sinhala and Tamil people of our country are closely knit by a common cultural heritage. Forgiving wrong and requesting forgiveness for wrong is a noble new year tradition our people have observed for a long time. Therefore let us eschew all differences and join hands to rebuild our motherland.

The tsunami disaster is like a silver lining among dark clouds. A situation where all Sinhala, Tamil, Buddhist, Christian, Hindu and Muslim Communities and faiths can work together is now emerging. If we can make the joint mechanism for providing relief to people in the North East a success it will be a fine foundation for finding a lasting solution to the national problem.

Furthermore this new year is celebrated on the occasion of the first anniversary of the UPFA Government headed by me. The UPFA government which was elected to office last year giving a new strength and awakening to the dawn of New Year has now laid the foundation for a new socio-economic and cultural order where social justice will rule supreme.

Much more has to be done to take the country forward on that foundation.

I hope that the strength, courage and matured thinking needed for it will dawn on every one on this new year.

Wish you all a happy New Year."

Khalid

TODAY'S TOP STORY

New Year treat on Channel Eye

Power House is producing a special program on Sinhala and Tamil New Year Day. According to Anup Chandrasekharan, Director - Power House, the New Year is a day where apart from conducting religious rituals, the family would sit together and watch a good television program. He said in keeping with this, Power House has produced a special New Year program with popular Tamil actress Sneha answering questions from Sri Lankans. This one hour special program will be aired on Channel Eye on April 14 at 8 p.m. Sneha will share some of her special moments in her life to questions from Sri Lankans.

Take care of injuries from Avurudhu sports

Hospital authorities yesterday warned Avurudhu revellers to guard against injuries they may sustain in sports events connected to the festive season.

They stressed that organisers of traditional and non-traditional sports events should pay adequate attention to the safety of the participants.

Colombo National Hospital's Deputy Director (Accident Service) Dr. Anil Jasinghe said a significant number of victims are reported every year due to injuries related to Avurudhu sports events.

"Organisers should pay attention to the safety component before organising such events," he added suggesting that organisers could even appoint a separate committee for this.

Authorities should also warn people to be extra careful and not to drive under the influence of liquor during the festive season as it could kill or harm them.

Officials warned motorists against driving under the influence of liquor especially since April over the years had recorded the largest number of road fatalities.

A hospital survey earlier revealed that one Sri Lankan dies every 4.5 hours in road accidents. Around 75 per cent injured are aged between 20 - 50.

This is very troubling as most are breadwinners.

It has been revealed that 11 per cent of road accidents are due to drunken driving. Amongst the other factors are lack of body protection and poor experience resulting in defective judgement.

Authorities also caution people to be careful when lighting fire crackers during this season.

Khalid

SC directs CEA to formulate, implement Community Noise Level Standard

The Supreme Court recently directed the Central Environmental Authority to formulate and implement the Community Noise Level Standard as early as possible. The Bench comprised Chief Justice Sarath N. Silva PC and Justices Nimal Gamini Amaratunga and Saleem Marsoof PC.

The court made the direction following the submissions by Deputy Solicitor General Mrs. Bimba Thilakaratne who informed the court that the Central Environmental Authority (CEA) was in the process of formulating a Community Noise Level Standards to impose sound limits in urban and residential areas. The DSG submitted that the matter was of public importance since there were several cases pending before the court. However, she submitted, according to her instructions the formulation of the standards would take time.

The DSG further submitted that the standards had been already laid down in respect of the industrial noise could not be used in respect of community noise. She appeared for the added sixth respondent, the CEA in the fundamental rights application filed by five trustees of Weligama Jumma Mosque against the time limiting imposed by the Weligama Police in the use of loudspeakers in calls for prayers.

Senior State Counsel Indika Demuni de Silva for the second respondent ASP Weligama submitted that the permit had been issued to the petitioners was limited to three minutes each for the different sessions of calls for prayer and such limitations had been made in view of problems between mosques and complaints received by the public.

President's Counsel Ikram Mohamed for the petitioners submitted that if the call of prayer permit was increased from three minutes to five minutes for each session and the Jumma prayer for one hour with the period of call being at the usual level of volume and the continued period of prayer at reduced level of volume, the petitioners would be satisfied.

The Senior State Counsel submitted that she would obtain instructions from the second respondent whether such a scheme could be implemented and intimate the court on May 2 .

The case will be mentioned on May 2.

Khalid

Today top story

With the Sinhala and Tamil New Year drawing near, thousands flock to bus terminals in the Capital to travel to their villages for the festival. Here, a view of the Pettah Central Bus Stand.

Child Rehabilitation Centre for tsunami hit children

The Women's Empowerment and Social Welfare Ministry will set up a Child Rehabilitation Centre (CRC) at a cost of Rs. 10.5 million for the welfare of tsunami affected children of the North-East and South with the assistance of a U.K. based business venture, Matalan, a ministry spokesman said.

He said the CRC will be set up in a five acre land at Maduruketiya in the Moneragala district.

The foundation stone for the Centre was laid recently by Women's Empowerment and Social Welfare Minister Sumedha G. Jayasena and Director of Matalan, Jason Hargreaves.

The Centre which provides facilities to about 300 tsunami affected children will consist a fully fledged hostel, indoor sports auditorium, a swimming pool, a library, conference halls and other modern facilities.

Women's Empowerment and Social Welfare Ministry Secretary Sitha Rajapaksa, Uva Provincial Council Minister Dayaratne Bandara, Uva PC member Kumarasiri Ratnayake and several others were present at the foundation stone laying ceremony.

Khalid

More buses, trains for New Year

Thousands of people are flocking to their villages all over the country to celebrate the Sinhala and Tamil New Year, which dawns on April 14.

Transport authorities have bolstered services, anticipating a surge in demand over the holiday period. More buses and trains will be in operation to cater to the additional demand. Police are also planning for higher levels of private vehicular traffic.

Over 600 additional CTB and private buses have been deployed so far for the convenience of passengers during the festive season, transport authorities said.

National Transport Commission (NTC) Director Operations G. Perera told the Daily News that in the last two days alone around 400 additional buses have been sent to different parts of the country from Colombo under the special private bus service launched for the New Year.

"In addition to services commencing from Colombo, provincial transport authorities are deploying buses from areas like Katunayake, Kaduwela, Panadura and Avissawella. This has reduced the usual New Year congestion at the Pettah bus stands," he said.

He said that officials have been deployed in all main bus terminals to deploy buses according to the passenger demand while a special office has also been set up in Pettah to coordinate with commuters.

"Services to transport people back to Colombo after the New Year will start from April 16 from a number of areas including Matara, Tangalle, Gampaha, Kandy and Badulla," he added.

The Central Transport Board (CTB) said it has already deployed 270 buses in addition to the usual fleet to ensure a convenient ride for passengers going home for the New Year.

CTB Manager Operations C. Alahakoon told the Daily News that the highest number of buses has been sent to areas like Badulla, Ampara and Kandy.

"There is a significant drop in the number of passengers travelling South for the New Year this time, probably due to the tsunami disaster.

"This has lessened the usual crowding at Colombo bus terminals," he added.

Meanwhile, commuters travelling to certain areas have complained of over-charging by private bus operators.

NTC Director General M. Jeffrey said they have received eight -10 complaints of overcharging during the New Year service.

"We have summoned the alleged offenders before the Commission. Stern action including the cancellation of route permits will be taken if they are found guilty," he said.

Meanwhile, railway authorities have also boosted services over the New Year period. Railways Manager Operations P. Chandratilleke told the Daily News that under the program, more long distance trains will be deployed to different parts of the country.

Accordingly, special trains are to be deployed to Kandy, Badulla, Hatton, Matara, Galle, Vavuniya, Trincomalee, Anuradhapura, Batticaloa and Matale and back before and after the New Year for the convenience of commuters.

"Special services from Colombo commenced on April 8 from the Fort and Maradana railway stations. They will be available till April 12. The same service will be available for commuters to return to Colombo after the New Year," he said. The Department will also launch a special New Year train service from the Katunayake Free Trade Zone to Galle today.

Khalid

Muslims say TNA trying to force them out of Iqbal Nagar

Muslims in the Iqbal Nagar village in Trincomalee allege that the divisional Secretary of Kuchchaveli, backed by a leading TNA Member of Parliament, is making attempts to force them out and settle Tamils in the area by saying they were affected by Tsunami. They say that the divisional secretary is trying to disturb the ethnic proportions in the area by unlawful acts of this nature. Last week the divisional secretary had informed an NGO to clear the area to settle Tamils in the area However, when the Muslim villagers protested the NGO had backed out from the area.

Muslims in the area say that Tamils have more land available in the area for re-settlement while the Muslims have little over 100 acres in the area and that land is more important to them because most of them are fishermen and they need to live closer to the sea. Muslim villagers also say that Tamils in the area backed by the politicians had planned this encroachment long before the tsunami and they are trying to use tsunami to expedite and achieve their sinister objectives to upset the ethnic proportions in the east. .

Villagers also say that a certain politically motivated Tamil group had demarcated 250 acre area saying that it is for the development of the eastern university while only 50 acres were allocated for the eastern university and its further development. Muslim villagers say it is done with the intention of re-settling Tamils in the predominantly Muslim area. This act has deprived the Muslims the access to the beach, especially to the fisherman. The Divisional Secretary had also informed the Muslims in the area to prove their ownership within two days. Muslim villagers say they lived in the area for generations and they fled the area twice during the ethnic clashes in 1983 and 1990 and they were re-settled in the area when normalcy returned.

On Friday, SLMC leader Rauff Hakim wrote to the government agent, Trincomalee, G. Rodrigo saying that there is attempt to create communal disharmony through forcible settlement of alleged tsunami victims in the Iqbal Nagar Kuchchaveli GS division.

TODAY'S TOP STORY

It is the Avurudhu season and city pavements are the scenes of bustling activity with hawkers in a frenzied competition to sell their wares. Here young garment factory employees from the Katunayake FTZ look for a bargain during a round of last minute shopping before going to their villages for the Avurudhu.