ENB News 060807
Three killed in Sri Lanka as UN envoy begins visit
At least one soldier and two Tamil rebels were killed in Sri Lanka on Monday as a top UN rights official began a four-day visit to the embattled island, the defence ministry said.
The trooper died in a mine blast in the northern district of Vavuniya, the ministry said, adding that four soldiers were also wounded in another blast in the Jaffna peninsula, further north.
Security forces shot dead two Tiger rebels in the Jaffna peninsula Monday, the ministry added.
John Holmes, the under secretary general for humanitarian affairs and emergency relief coordinator, was due to discuss the island's deepening Tamil separatist conflict and the plight of civilians caught in the crossfire. He was to travel to the northern and eastern regions, officials here said.
Holmes was also attending a remembrance ceremony for 17 aid workers of the French charity ACF, or Action Against Hunger, killed a year ago by unidentified gunmen in the restive northeast.
The ceremony at the United Nations compound in Colombo was declared off limits for journalists without explanation.
However, local media reported pressure from the Sri Lankan government to keep the event low profile.
Nordic truce monitors have blamed government forces for those killings, a charge denied by the Sri Lankan authorities. Police investigations remain inconclusive.
Thousands have been killed in fighting between troops and the Liberation Tigers of Tamil Eelam since December 2005 despite a truce arranged and put into place by peace broker Norway in February 2002.
July 16th, 2007 - 08:54 (Posted By: SINHALAYA NEWS EDITOR (c))
Archeologist tells Ranil Thoppigala is very significant area to Lanka's history
(By Walter Jayawardhana)
Archeologist Medhananda Tells Ranil Thoppigala Area Was The Birthplace Of Suranimala And Many National Treasures Are Buried There
Archeologist Venerable Ellawela Medhananda, rejected the notion expressed by United National Party (UNP) leader Ranil Wickremesinghe that Thoppigala, just captured from the Liberation Tigers of Tamil Eelam (LTTE) is simply an insignificant jungle and said it is an area buried with archeological treasures very significant to Sri Lanka’s history including the birthplace of Suranimala, an ancient war hero who helped to liberate Sri Lanka from foreign yoke during the Anuradhapura civilization.
He said according to some of his own research one of the mountainous regions called Nelugala, close to Thoppigala in the area just taken over from the Tamil Tigers, has been identified as the birthplace of the ancient war hero Suranimala , whose heroic military efforts are vividly described in the epic historical chronicle called Maha Vamsa or Great Chronicle. The chronicle records historical chronology of the island nation from the 6th century BC to the 4th century AC.
Suranimala was a General of King Dutugemunu who reigned from 161 BC to 137 BC renowned for defeating the usurping King Elara of India who reined in Anuradhapura. Suranimala was among the most important warriors in the ancient war expedition to Anuradhapura from Ruhuna and the others were Nandimithra, Mahasona,Theraputtabhaya, Gotaimbara, Gotabhaya, Bharana, Vasabha, Velusumana and Pussadeva.
Archeologist Venerable Medhananda said, an ancient stone inscription found in Nelugala reveals that the village in Nelugala called Kottiwela settlement was the birthplace of Suranimala.
He said according to his research he has identified 114 abandoned ancient irrigation tanks in the area and only one has been restored so far. He said the only tank restored was built during erecting a dam across Maduru Oya which is able to supply water to 10,000 acres of farmland.
He said the ancient irrigation works in the area prove it was a granary of ancient Sri Lanka and it is not an insignificant jungle as some politicians attempted to indicate.
He said surrounding Thoppigala there are Motagala, Nelugala, Wesibendagala, Atubendagala and Keviligala and all are connected with Sri Lanka’s ancient civilization.
Venerable Ellawela Medhananda said there are very many ancient religious monuments still to be excavated in the area and people shouldn’t simply say that Thoppigala area is an insignificant jungle.
Venerable Ellawela Medhananda said this in an obvious reference to UNP leader Ranil Wickremesinghe who told a UNP propaganda meeting in Galle that the army has captured an insignificant jungle.
Venerable Medhananda said apart from the significance of the area as a strategic place to provide security to the Eastern Province it is definitely an important area where very many national treasures are still buried of our national heritage. (EOM) -Sinhalaya News
House approves $460B Pentagon budget
By ANDREW TAYLORAssociated Press WriterRelated Content
The House approved modest changes to President Bush's record Pentagon budget proposal early Sunday, but Democrats signaled plans to resume a more contentious debate over the Iraq war after the August recess.
The House's $459.6 billion version of the defense budget, approved on a 395-13 vote, would add money for equipment for the National Guard and Reserve, provide for 12,000 additional soldiers and Marines, and increase spending for defense health care and military housing.
The adjourned until after Labor Day minutes after the vote a little over an hour past midnight.
The White House criticized Democrats for cutting Bush's request and effectively transfering $3.5 billion of the money to domestic spending programs. It is likely the cuts will be restored this fall when Congress passes another wartime supplemental spending bill.
The administration has not threatened to veto the measure.
The measure does not include Bush's 2008 funding for the wars in Iraq and Afghanistan. Democrats say they want to consider that money in separate legislation in September. This approach would set the stage for a major clash over the war; Democrats are likely to try to impose conditions on the money.
Rep. John Murtha, D-Pa., a point man on military matters for Democrats, told reporters this past week that he backs only short-term extensions of war spending.
The massive military measure represents a nearly $40 billion increase over current levels. The Pentagon would get another several-billion-dollar budget increase through a companion measure covering military base construction and a recent round of base closures.
The defense legislation largely endorses Bush's plans for major weapons systems such as the next generation Joint Strike Fighter and the F-22 Raptor fighter jet, which has been beset by cost overruns.
The Democratic military budget would provide $8.5 billion for missile defense, about 4 percent less than requested by Bush but $1 billion more than current spending.
The Army's Future Combat System, a computerized system designed to transform the service's warfighting abilities, would absorb an 11 percent cut from Bush's request. It, too, has been plagued by cost overruns.
Those huge procurement costs are driving the Pentagon budget ever upward. Once war costs are added in, the total defense budget will be significantly higher than during the typical Cold War year, even after adjusting for inflation.
The measure would eliminate the $468 million requested to procure the Armed Reconnaissance Helicopter, whose per-unit cost has more than doubled. The helicopter recently crashed during test flights.
The bill would provide $2.2 billion to cover a 3.5 percent pay raise for service members. The administration objects and says its recommended 3 percent pay increase is sufficient.
The bill would boost substantially the money spent to oversee military contractors, including $24 million for the inspector general.
The measure provides money to build five ships - with a total cost of $3.7 billion - in addition to the seven requested by the Pentagon.
Murtha had prepared amendments to close the prison in Guantanamo Bay, Cuba, and require troops be fully trained and equipped before going to fight in Iraq. But facing the prospects of losing votes and inflaming partisan tensions, he withdrew them.
The bill contains a provision barring the establishment of permanent bases in Iraq.
Thirty super markets to be opened in Eastern Province
By Kelum Bandara
The government will establish 30 super-markets called ‘Co-op City’ in the Eastern Province at a cost of Rs.120 million within 60 days under the Rising of East programme to promote trade in the area.
Trade and Consumer Affairs Minister Bandula Gunawardane told the Daily Mirror yesterday that there would be 10 Co-op City supper markets in each of the three districts in the East.
Mr. Gunawardane said these trade centres would be established using money from the Co-operative Fund.
In addition, he said that the Co-operative Wholesale Establishment commonly known as Sathosa would open its major trade centre for the East in Ampara shortly.
“It will engage in wholesale and retail business activities purchasing locally produced agricultural items, milk and fish,” he said.
Five Ministers namely Karu Jayasuriya, Dr.Rajitha Senaratne, Susantha Punchinilame, Nimal Siripala de Silva and Mr. Gunawardane are currently in Ampara to co-ordinate various projects related to the development of the East.
MC behind Govt, says Minister
M.I. Farook, Batticaloa district group correspondent
BATTICALOA: The Sri Lanka Muslim Congress (SLMC) will not support any moves to weaken or topple the government, Local Government Minister Baseer Cegu Dawood said.
The SLMC will strive for permanent peace, democracy and national development, he said.
The Minister was speaking as chief guest at the prize giving of Al-Muneera Balika Maha Vidyalaya, Eravur. Principal M.J. Rafi-uddin presided. The Minister said the country’s political problem has seen a new trend.
The SLMC also has a strong policy to protect the Muslims’ rights and safeguard their self respect, he said.
“The SLMC has the responsibility to protect the Government. We work for the Government with mutual understanding”, he said.
All communities should be given equal rights to enjoy freedom, the Minister said.
Thondaman here and there
By Gamini Bandara Illangatilake in Maskeliya
CWC leader Arumugam Thondaman said yesterday that the party’s representatives in the Provincial Councils and other local bodies would continue to support the government despite the five Ministers and Deputies quitting the government last week.
Mr. Thondaman who was in Kotagala over the weekend said they did not have any intention of upsetting the balance of power in the Provincial Councils and local bodies.
The CWC has representatives in the Central, Uva and Sabaragamuwa Provincial Councils and a large number of local bodies in the Kandy and Nuwara Eliya districts.
At least one soldier and two Tamil rebels were killed in Sri Lanka on Monday as a top UN rights official began a four-day visit to the embattled island, the defence ministry said.
The trooper died in a mine blast in the northern district of Vavuniya, the ministry said, adding that four soldiers were also wounded in another blast in the Jaffna peninsula, further north.
Security forces shot dead two Tiger rebels in the Jaffna peninsula Monday, the ministry added.
John Holmes, the under secretary general for humanitarian affairs and emergency relief coordinator, was due to discuss the island's deepening Tamil separatist conflict and the plight of civilians caught in the crossfire. He was to travel to the northern and eastern regions, officials here said.
Holmes was also attending a remembrance ceremony for 17 aid workers of the French charity ACF, or Action Against Hunger, killed a year ago by unidentified gunmen in the restive northeast.
The ceremony at the United Nations compound in Colombo was declared off limits for journalists without explanation.
However, local media reported pressure from the Sri Lankan government to keep the event low profile.
Nordic truce monitors have blamed government forces for those killings, a charge denied by the Sri Lankan authorities. Police investigations remain inconclusive.
Thousands have been killed in fighting between troops and the Liberation Tigers of Tamil Eelam since December 2005 despite a truce arranged and put into place by peace broker Norway in February 2002.
July 16th, 2007 - 08:54 (Posted By: SINHALAYA NEWS EDITOR (c))
Archeologist tells Ranil Thoppigala is very significant area to Lanka's history(By Walter Jayawardhana)
Archeologist Medhananda Tells Ranil Thoppigala Area Was The Birthplace Of Suranimala And Many National Treasures Are Buried There
Archeologist Venerable Ellawela Medhananda, rejected the notion expressed by United National Party (UNP) leader Ranil Wickremesinghe that Thoppigala, just captured from the Liberation Tigers of Tamil Eelam (LTTE) is simply an insignificant jungle and said it is an area buried with archeological treasures very significant to Sri Lanka’s history including the birthplace of Suranimala, an ancient war hero who helped to liberate Sri Lanka from foreign yoke during the Anuradhapura civilization.
He said according to some of his own research one of the mountainous regions called Nelugala, close to Thoppigala in the area just taken over from the Tamil Tigers, has been identified as the birthplace of the ancient war hero Suranimala , whose heroic military efforts are vividly described in the epic historical chronicle called Maha Vamsa or Great Chronicle. The chronicle records historical chronology of the island nation from the 6th century BC to the 4th century AC.
Suranimala was a General of King Dutugemunu who reigned from 161 BC to 137 BC renowned for defeating the usurping King Elara of India who reined in Anuradhapura. Suranimala was among the most important warriors in the ancient war expedition to Anuradhapura from Ruhuna and the others were Nandimithra, Mahasona,Theraputtabhaya, Gotaimbara, Gotabhaya, Bharana, Vasabha, Velusumana and Pussadeva.
Archeologist Venerable Medhananda said, an ancient stone inscription found in Nelugala reveals that the village in Nelugala called Kottiwela settlement was the birthplace of Suranimala.
He said according to his research he has identified 114 abandoned ancient irrigation tanks in the area and only one has been restored so far. He said the only tank restored was built during erecting a dam across Maduru Oya which is able to supply water to 10,000 acres of farmland.
He said the ancient irrigation works in the area prove it was a granary of ancient Sri Lanka and it is not an insignificant jungle as some politicians attempted to indicate.
He said surrounding Thoppigala there are Motagala, Nelugala, Wesibendagala, Atubendagala and Keviligala and all are connected with Sri Lanka’s ancient civilization.
Venerable Ellawela Medhananda said there are very many ancient religious monuments still to be excavated in the area and people shouldn’t simply say that Thoppigala area is an insignificant jungle.
Venerable Ellawela Medhananda said this in an obvious reference to UNP leader Ranil Wickremesinghe who told a UNP propaganda meeting in Galle that the army has captured an insignificant jungle.
Venerable Medhananda said apart from the significance of the area as a strategic place to provide security to the Eastern Province it is definitely an important area where very many national treasures are still buried of our national heritage. (EOM) -Sinhalaya News
House approves $460B Pentagon budget
By ANDREW TAYLORAssociated Press WriterRelated Content
The House approved modest changes to President Bush's record Pentagon budget proposal early Sunday, but Democrats signaled plans to resume a more contentious debate over the Iraq war after the August recess.
The House's $459.6 billion version of the defense budget, approved on a 395-13 vote, would add money for equipment for the National Guard and Reserve, provide for 12,000 additional soldiers and Marines, and increase spending for defense health care and military housing.
The adjourned until after Labor Day minutes after the vote a little over an hour past midnight.
The White House criticized Democrats for cutting Bush's request and effectively transfering $3.5 billion of the money to domestic spending programs. It is likely the cuts will be restored this fall when Congress passes another wartime supplemental spending bill.
The administration has not threatened to veto the measure.
The measure does not include Bush's 2008 funding for the wars in Iraq and Afghanistan. Democrats say they want to consider that money in separate legislation in September. This approach would set the stage for a major clash over the war; Democrats are likely to try to impose conditions on the money.
Rep. John Murtha, D-Pa., a point man on military matters for Democrats, told reporters this past week that he backs only short-term extensions of war spending.
The massive military measure represents a nearly $40 billion increase over current levels. The Pentagon would get another several-billion-dollar budget increase through a companion measure covering military base construction and a recent round of base closures.
The defense legislation largely endorses Bush's plans for major weapons systems such as the next generation Joint Strike Fighter and the F-22 Raptor fighter jet, which has been beset by cost overruns.
The Democratic military budget would provide $8.5 billion for missile defense, about 4 percent less than requested by Bush but $1 billion more than current spending.
The Army's Future Combat System, a computerized system designed to transform the service's warfighting abilities, would absorb an 11 percent cut from Bush's request. It, too, has been plagued by cost overruns.
Those huge procurement costs are driving the Pentagon budget ever upward. Once war costs are added in, the total defense budget will be significantly higher than during the typical Cold War year, even after adjusting for inflation.
The measure would eliminate the $468 million requested to procure the Armed Reconnaissance Helicopter, whose per-unit cost has more than doubled. The helicopter recently crashed during test flights.
The bill would provide $2.2 billion to cover a 3.5 percent pay raise for service members. The administration objects and says its recommended 3 percent pay increase is sufficient.
The bill would boost substantially the money spent to oversee military contractors, including $24 million for the inspector general.
The measure provides money to build five ships - with a total cost of $3.7 billion - in addition to the seven requested by the Pentagon.
Murtha had prepared amendments to close the prison in Guantanamo Bay, Cuba, and require troops be fully trained and equipped before going to fight in Iraq. But facing the prospects of losing votes and inflaming partisan tensions, he withdrew them.
The bill contains a provision barring the establishment of permanent bases in Iraq.
Thirty super markets to be opened in Eastern Province
By Kelum Bandara
The government will establish 30 super-markets called ‘Co-op City’ in the Eastern Province at a cost of Rs.120 million within 60 days under the Rising of East programme to promote trade in the area.
Trade and Consumer Affairs Minister Bandula Gunawardane told the Daily Mirror yesterday that there would be 10 Co-op City supper markets in each of the three districts in the East.
Mr. Gunawardane said these trade centres would be established using money from the Co-operative Fund.
In addition, he said that the Co-operative Wholesale Establishment commonly known as Sathosa would open its major trade centre for the East in Ampara shortly.
“It will engage in wholesale and retail business activities purchasing locally produced agricultural items, milk and fish,” he said.
Five Ministers namely Karu Jayasuriya, Dr.Rajitha Senaratne, Susantha Punchinilame, Nimal Siripala de Silva and Mr. Gunawardane are currently in Ampara to co-ordinate various projects related to the development of the East.
MC behind Govt, says Minister
M.I. Farook, Batticaloa district group correspondent
BATTICALOA: The Sri Lanka Muslim Congress (SLMC) will not support any moves to weaken or topple the government, Local Government Minister Baseer Cegu Dawood said.
The SLMC will strive for permanent peace, democracy and national development, he said.
The Minister was speaking as chief guest at the prize giving of Al-Muneera Balika Maha Vidyalaya, Eravur. Principal M.J. Rafi-uddin presided. The Minister said the country’s political problem has seen a new trend.
The SLMC also has a strong policy to protect the Muslims’ rights and safeguard their self respect, he said.
“The SLMC has the responsibility to protect the Government. We work for the Government with mutual understanding”, he said.
All communities should be given equal rights to enjoy freedom, the Minister said.
Thondaman here and there
By Gamini Bandara Illangatilake in Maskeliya
CWC leader Arumugam Thondaman said yesterday that the party’s representatives in the Provincial Councils and other local bodies would continue to support the government despite the five Ministers and Deputies quitting the government last week.
Mr. Thondaman who was in Kotagala over the weekend said they did not have any intention of upsetting the balance of power in the Provincial Councils and local bodies.
The CWC has representatives in the Central, Uva and Sabaragamuwa Provincial Councils and a large number of local bodies in the Kandy and Nuwara Eliya districts.
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