ENB-11122007 Weli-Oya : Next front in Wanni battle
Tuesday, December 11, 2007Weli-Oya : Next front in Wanni battle
by Defencenet
(December, 11, Colombo, Sri Lanka Guardian)
(December, 11, Colombo, Sri Lanka Guardian)
Several small attack teams of the Sri Lanka Army (SLA) moved ahead of their defense lines in Weli-Oya (referred to as Manal-Aru by the tigers) to conduct a pre emptive strike on LTTE positions on the FDL, yesterday (11th) noon. This limited operation was aimed at dismantling LTTE defenses in Kokkuthiduwai region. At least 9 LTTE cadres have been killed during the operation and 4 SLA soldiers too have been wounded. As capturing land was not an objective of this operation, all SLA units have returned to their original positions. Spearheading the assaults in Weli Oya sector are soldiers of the 59th division. Newly raised 59th division is an offensive formation modeled after the 57th division and elite 53rd division.
LTTE previously reinforced this area fearing a mass scale army invasion into Wanni from Weli-Oya sector. The Army, instead of marching into the heavily fortified defenses in Weli Oya, opened the Mannar front to divert LTTE attention. Yesterday's limited operation shows the Army's intent to fight on multiple fronts. SLA are exploiting a weakness in LTTE outfit as their current manpower and ammunition shortage makes it difficult for them to fight on two different battlefronts. This fact was earlier revealed by former LTTE colonel Karuna Amman.
Weli-Oya sector holds bitter past memories for the LTTE; One of their previous attempts to overrun the area went terribly wrong when the army thwarted the operation with an extraordinary kill ratio of 1:250 . Nearly 500 LTTE bodies (majority of LTTE casualties being child soldiers) were scattered near the FDL when SLA forces commanded by Major General Janaka Perera halted the LTTE offensive losing merely 2 soldiers. However,one should not expect the same type of kill ratios to be achieved in a new offensive in Weli Oya area. Although the army has the upper hand, LTTE too has heavily fortified defense lines (in this case 3 of them), which are manned by experienced cadres. According to military intelligence, defenses of the area were personally inspected by LTTE leader himself just a few months ago.
Meanwhile LTTE's elite Charles Anthony regiment offered heavy resistance to SLA forces conducting operations near Mannar defense lines. Both parties have suffered losses in latest rounds of fighting with the bulk of them being LTTE casualties. So far the Charles Anthony regiment have launched several medium scale operations with the intent of recapturing lost ground. They however have so far had little or no success against SLA's Commando and Special Forces units in the frontline. Not only have the army been able to hold onto every inch of newly gained ground but they at one point stormed a Charles Anthony brigade bunker killing at least 6 cadres who were inside.
LTTE previously reinforced this area fearing a mass scale army invasion into Wanni from Weli-Oya sector. The Army, instead of marching into the heavily fortified defenses in Weli Oya, opened the Mannar front to divert LTTE attention. Yesterday's limited operation shows the Army's intent to fight on multiple fronts. SLA are exploiting a weakness in LTTE outfit as their current manpower and ammunition shortage makes it difficult for them to fight on two different battlefronts. This fact was earlier revealed by former LTTE colonel Karuna Amman.
Weli-Oya sector holds bitter past memories for the LTTE; One of their previous attempts to overrun the area went terribly wrong when the army thwarted the operation with an extraordinary kill ratio of 1:250 . Nearly 500 LTTE bodies (majority of LTTE casualties being child soldiers) were scattered near the FDL when SLA forces commanded by Major General Janaka Perera halted the LTTE offensive losing merely 2 soldiers. However,one should not expect the same type of kill ratios to be achieved in a new offensive in Weli Oya area. Although the army has the upper hand, LTTE too has heavily fortified defense lines (in this case 3 of them), which are manned by experienced cadres. According to military intelligence, defenses of the area were personally inspected by LTTE leader himself just a few months ago.
Meanwhile LTTE's elite Charles Anthony regiment offered heavy resistance to SLA forces conducting operations near Mannar defense lines. Both parties have suffered losses in latest rounds of fighting with the bulk of them being LTTE casualties. So far the Charles Anthony regiment have launched several medium scale operations with the intent of recapturing lost ground. They however have so far had little or no success against SLA's Commando and Special Forces units in the frontline. Not only have the army been able to hold onto every inch of newly gained ground but they at one point stormed a Charles Anthony brigade bunker killing at least 6 cadres who were inside.
Lanka seeks access to top LTTE agent in Indian custody
* Two previous requests for access denied
* UK funds for LTTE procurers in TN
* Accomplice in three previous missions had valid travel documents
* Smuggled in supplies among beedi consignment by Shamindra Ferdinando
Although India has overlooked previous requests for access to LTTE operatives in her custody on, what a senior official called, domestic political reasons, Sri Lanka is confident that a chance to question Jayakumar (34) alias Gowrishankar, a senior Sea Tiger in Indian custody wouldn’t be denied.
Jayakumar, believed to be one of the highest ranking LTTE operatives arrested in India after the Norwegian-arranged CFA came into operation in February, 2002, is widely believed to be a central figure in the LTTE arms procurement ring. Under interrogation, he has revealed the financial support received from the UK based LTTE organisations in support of the operations in Sri Lanka.
A resident of Valvettiturai, Jayakumar is believed to have joined Sea Tigers in 1995 and has some close relatives living at Thanjavur.
India didn’t allow SLN to question three LTTE operatives arrested along with two Indians on February 13, this year and six others, believed to be a special squad deployed for arms smuggling operations arrested by her Coast Guard on April 11. Although India signalled that it could arrange two Sri Lankan intelligence personnel to meet investigators who interrogated the suspects, it never materialised.
India also blew up the vessel seized in February, 27 nautical miles South West of point Calimere claiming that it carried about 2,000kgs of high explosives and posed a danger to Chennai port.
Eyebrows were raised when a section of the Indian officialdom claimed that the explosives laden boat was on a suicide mission on Kankesanturai port.
The Island learns that Sri Lanka has sought access to Jayakumar shortly after Indian Police revealed the arrest on Sunday.
Interrogation of the suspect taken at the parking lot of Chennai International Airport terminal on Saturday night revealed that he had received funds from a London based LTTE operative identified as Karuppiah to procure a large trawler. Investigators have recovered the boat at Mallipattinam in the coastal Thanjavur district. Jayakumar had entered India last March illegally.
An Indian identified as Ravikumar (42) and another LTTE operative James (46) alias Raja have been arrested along with Jayakumar.
The arrest was made as James was about to confirm his air ticket to return to Colombo. James, a resident of Mannar had travelled to India thrice this year on valid travel documents. Authoritative sources revealed that he had procured computer spare parts, swimming accessories (goggles and pads) and GPS (Global Positioning Systems) and had hidden them among a beedi consignment and smuggled it to the Vanni. The sources said that James had Indian Rs 478,290 to procure another trawler. The money has been confiscated. Chennai City Q Branch also recovered Sri Lankan Rs 4,140 and four cellular phones. He had last visited India in October.
An authoritative security official said that they haven’t come across a case in which an LTTE operative had acknowledged receiving money from a supporter based in the UK in support of procurement. He expressed the belief that India would give Sri Lankan intelligence services an opportunity to interrogate Jayakumar who had direct access to a top level UK based contact.
At least a section of the officialdom believes that the Central Government is sincere in its attempts to curb LTTE activity, particularly in Tamil Nadu.
The SLN attributed the attempt to purchase Indian boats to a severe shortage of large craft available for smuggling of urgently needed arms, ammunition and equipment to the Vanni and also to avoid further trouble in Tamil Nadu by seizing Indian vessel as in the case of Sri Krishna and at least three other trawlers sunk by the SLN while being commandeered by the LTTE. The Maldivian Coast Guard rescued the Indian Captain of Sri Krishna commandeered by the LTTE while the SLN, too, rescued an Indian late last year.
The SLAF has successfully targeted LTTE boat building facilities in the Vanni over the past two years.
Jayakumar, believed to be one of the highest ranking LTTE operatives arrested in India after the Norwegian-arranged CFA came into operation in February, 2002, is widely believed to be a central figure in the LTTE arms procurement ring. Under interrogation, he has revealed the financial support received from the UK based LTTE organisations in support of the operations in Sri Lanka.
A resident of Valvettiturai, Jayakumar is believed to have joined Sea Tigers in 1995 and has some close relatives living at Thanjavur.
India didn’t allow SLN to question three LTTE operatives arrested along with two Indians on February 13, this year and six others, believed to be a special squad deployed for arms smuggling operations arrested by her Coast Guard on April 11. Although India signalled that it could arrange two Sri Lankan intelligence personnel to meet investigators who interrogated the suspects, it never materialised.
India also blew up the vessel seized in February, 27 nautical miles South West of point Calimere claiming that it carried about 2,000kgs of high explosives and posed a danger to Chennai port.
Eyebrows were raised when a section of the Indian officialdom claimed that the explosives laden boat was on a suicide mission on Kankesanturai port.
The Island learns that Sri Lanka has sought access to Jayakumar shortly after Indian Police revealed the arrest on Sunday.
Interrogation of the suspect taken at the parking lot of Chennai International Airport terminal on Saturday night revealed that he had received funds from a London based LTTE operative identified as Karuppiah to procure a large trawler. Investigators have recovered the boat at Mallipattinam in the coastal Thanjavur district. Jayakumar had entered India last March illegally.
An Indian identified as Ravikumar (42) and another LTTE operative James (46) alias Raja have been arrested along with Jayakumar.
The arrest was made as James was about to confirm his air ticket to return to Colombo. James, a resident of Mannar had travelled to India thrice this year on valid travel documents. Authoritative sources revealed that he had procured computer spare parts, swimming accessories (goggles and pads) and GPS (Global Positioning Systems) and had hidden them among a beedi consignment and smuggled it to the Vanni. The sources said that James had Indian Rs 478,290 to procure another trawler. The money has been confiscated. Chennai City Q Branch also recovered Sri Lankan Rs 4,140 and four cellular phones. He had last visited India in October.
An authoritative security official said that they haven’t come across a case in which an LTTE operative had acknowledged receiving money from a supporter based in the UK in support of procurement. He expressed the belief that India would give Sri Lankan intelligence services an opportunity to interrogate Jayakumar who had direct access to a top level UK based contact.
At least a section of the officialdom believes that the Central Government is sincere in its attempts to curb LTTE activity, particularly in Tamil Nadu.
The SLN attributed the attempt to purchase Indian boats to a severe shortage of large craft available for smuggling of urgently needed arms, ammunition and equipment to the Vanni and also to avoid further trouble in Tamil Nadu by seizing Indian vessel as in the case of Sri Krishna and at least three other trawlers sunk by the SLN while being commandeered by the LTTE. The Maldivian Coast Guard rescued the Indian Captain of Sri Krishna commandeered by the LTTE while the SLN, too, rescued an Indian late last year.
The SLAF has successfully targeted LTTE boat building facilities in the Vanni over the past two years.
Joint Communiqué issued by Prime Minister of Japan Yasuo Fukuda and President of Sri Lanka Tuesday, 11 December 2007 The Japanese Prime Minister Yasuo Fukuda extending his good wishes to Sri Lanka, stated that it was the wish of Japan that Sri Lanka establishes peace in the near future and along with it the development of the country.
Peace and development should go hand in hand for a country to realize the full potential of its development and for this reason it was heartening that the rays of peace were descending on the country making it realize the essence of development, he said. He also expressed that he was happy to see a strong, reliable and far thinking visionary leadership in President Mahinda Rajapaksa. He further stated Japan would not hesitate to come to Sri Lanka’s continued assistance as a long standing friend of the country.
The Japanese Prime Minister stated that already large scale development projects were seeing the light of day in Sri Lanka and Japan was happy about the cooperation between the two countries in this context.
The visit of the Sri Lankan President to Japan he felt was a step forward in strengthening the friendly ties between the two countries, he further observed.
He emphasized that Japan focused its attention on world’s natural disasters and man made ones such as terrorism and said that Japan was committed to its elimination. He was happy that on matters of world peace Sri Lanka and Japan shared the same views.
Sri Lanka President Mahinda Rajapaksa thanked Japan for standing steadfastly by Sri Lanka on achieving peace and the development of the country.
Sri Lanka in its turn was rejecting full-scale war but was combating terrorism and was on the look out for a peaceful settlement to the existing conflict, he said.
Sri Lanka is a country that has always safe guarded Human Rights and will remain so in the future protecting democracy and human rights unreservedly, President Rajapaksa said.
Though official diplomatic relations were first established only in 1951, Sri Lanka and Japan have always maintained close religious and cultural links, he said. Through this visit to Japan these links have been further strengthened, mentioned the President.
The President also said that Sri Lanka hopes to advance technologically and appreciated the support and expertise extended by Japan. In addition Sri Lanka hopes cooperate with Japan on matters of mutual interest in the spheres of commerce and economic and social relations.
Japan Special Peace envoy Yashusi Akashi and Foreign Minister Rothitha Bogollagama were also present during the discussion.
Peace and development should go hand in hand for a country to realize the full potential of its development and for this reason it was heartening that the rays of peace were descending on the country making it realize the essence of development, he said. He also expressed that he was happy to see a strong, reliable and far thinking visionary leadership in President Mahinda Rajapaksa. He further stated Japan would not hesitate to come to Sri Lanka’s continued assistance as a long standing friend of the country.
The Japanese Prime Minister stated that already large scale development projects were seeing the light of day in Sri Lanka and Japan was happy about the cooperation between the two countries in this context.
The visit of the Sri Lankan President to Japan he felt was a step forward in strengthening the friendly ties between the two countries, he further observed.
He emphasized that Japan focused its attention on world’s natural disasters and man made ones such as terrorism and said that Japan was committed to its elimination. He was happy that on matters of world peace Sri Lanka and Japan shared the same views.
Sri Lanka President Mahinda Rajapaksa thanked Japan for standing steadfastly by Sri Lanka on achieving peace and the development of the country.
Sri Lanka in its turn was rejecting full-scale war but was combating terrorism and was on the look out for a peaceful settlement to the existing conflict, he said.
Sri Lanka is a country that has always safe guarded Human Rights and will remain so in the future protecting democracy and human rights unreservedly, President Rajapaksa said.
Though official diplomatic relations were first established only in 1951, Sri Lanka and Japan have always maintained close religious and cultural links, he said. Through this visit to Japan these links have been further strengthened, mentioned the President.
The President also said that Sri Lanka hopes to advance technologically and appreciated the support and expertise extended by Japan. In addition Sri Lanka hopes cooperate with Japan on matters of mutual interest in the spheres of commerce and economic and social relations.
Japan Special Peace envoy Yashusi Akashi and Foreign Minister Rothitha Bogollagama were also present during the discussion.
Sri Lanka says no truce ahead of future peace talks
Tue Dec 11, 2007 6:58am ESTTOKYO (Reuters) -
Sri Lanka's government is unwilling to observe a truce ahead of any peace talks with Tamil Tiger rebels, Foreign Minister Rohitha Bogollagama said on Tuesday.
There would be no point when previous ceasefires had been heavily breached by the rebels, the minister told a Tokyo news conference.
"We're always maintaining our position that we are ready to talk with the LTTE ... if they wish to indulge in a more reasonable approach," Bogollagama said.
The foreign minister and his president, Mahinda Rajapaksa, were in Tokyo for meetings with the Japanese government, a major donor to the war-torn country who this week offered to send a mediator to help get peace talks back on track.
Nearly 70,000 people have been killed in the conflict between the government and Tamil Tiger rebels, who seek an independent state in the north and east of the country. Fighting has intensified in recent months.
While the government has fared better than most expected in major ground fighting, few expect the military to be able to eradicate the rebels from the jungle.
Prospects for peace talks in the near future waned in November when the rebels' political wing leader and chief negotiator was killed in a government air strike.
Bogollagama said a cross-party committee was close to announcing a new plan to devolve power to Tamils and try to resolve the conflict.
Human rights organizations including Amnesty International criticized both rebels and government this month.
(Reporting by Yoko Kubota; editing by Roger Crabb)
There would be no point when previous ceasefires had been heavily breached by the rebels, the minister told a Tokyo news conference.
"We're always maintaining our position that we are ready to talk with the LTTE ... if they wish to indulge in a more reasonable approach," Bogollagama said.
The foreign minister and his president, Mahinda Rajapaksa, were in Tokyo for meetings with the Japanese government, a major donor to the war-torn country who this week offered to send a mediator to help get peace talks back on track.
Nearly 70,000 people have been killed in the conflict between the government and Tamil Tiger rebels, who seek an independent state in the north and east of the country. Fighting has intensified in recent months.
While the government has fared better than most expected in major ground fighting, few expect the military to be able to eradicate the rebels from the jungle.
Prospects for peace talks in the near future waned in November when the rebels' political wing leader and chief negotiator was killed in a government air strike.
Bogollagama said a cross-party committee was close to announcing a new plan to devolve power to Tamils and try to resolve the conflict.
Human rights organizations including Amnesty International criticized both rebels and government this month.
(Reporting by Yoko Kubota; editing by Roger Crabb)
LTTE fails to live up to the expectations of the int’l community - UK
The British government today accused the LTTE of failing to live up to the expectations of the international community but also asserted that their not saying that a political aspiration for Eelam is illegitimate. LTTE fails to live up to the expectations of the int’l community - UK
The British government today accused the LTTE of failing to live up to the expectations of the international community but also asserted that their not saying that a political aspiration for Eelam is illegitimate.
ENB- VavuniyaRNPS PICTURES OF THE YEAR 2007 - A police officer holds a pistol near the body of an unidentified ethnic Tamil in Vavuniya, about 220 km (138 miles) north of Colombo, March 12, 2007. About 58 civilians have been killed and 96 abducted or disappeared since January 2007, according to Vavuniya police and a Colombo Human Rights Officer.REUTERS/Stringer (SRI LANKA)
Sri Lanka maid's "forced confession" may still be used in death penalty appeal: AHRC11
December, 2007 10:53:00 Lanka Rates Writer:
An Asian human rights body expressed concern Tuesday that an allegedly coerced confession by a Sri Lankan domestic worker sentenced to death for murder in Saudi Arabia may still be used against her in an appeal of the verdict to a higher court.
Teenager Rizana Nafeek, accused of murdering a four-month old baby while working in a Saudi Arabian home, was sentenced to death by Saudi Arabia’s Dawadani court even though she protested her innocence.
The verdict was appealed to the country’s Appellate Court which began hearing her case on December 8.
“While the appeal is being heard there is still reason for concern as Saudi Arabian law places high value on confessions and whether the confession is obtained through duress does not become the subject matter of a separate inquiry,” said the Asian Human Rights Commission (AHRC) in a statement.
The Hong-Kong based organization said a confession obtained through duress is not regarded as inadmissible evidence under Saudi Arabian law.
Nafeek, who was 17 at the time of the alleged crime, was tortured by police to obtain a confession, the rights group charged.“Therefore there is still the possibility that this legal principle may be applied even at the appeal stage despite of there being no collaborative evidence of any sort to indicate that there was any intentional murder,” the organization said in its statement.
“There are many persons in Saudi Arabia itself who have made representation in favour of Rizana Nafeek in this case and have stated many principles within Shariah Law to the effect that under the circumstances of the present case there is good reason not to attach undue weight to the confession but that all the circumstances should be taken in their totality in dealing with the case,” it added.
Nafeek claims the death was accidental.
“She claimed that while she was trying to bottle feed the infant without any assistance from any adult, the child choked which resulted in the death,” the AHRC said.
“There was no intentional killing and she had only been working in the household for just a few days before the incident happened,” it added.
AHRC, which is helping finance her appeal, called on people to appeal to Saudi Arabian King Abdullah bin Abdul Aziz Al Saud for clemency and pardon.
Teenager Rizana Nafeek, accused of murdering a four-month old baby while working in a Saudi Arabian home, was sentenced to death by Saudi Arabia’s Dawadani court even though she protested her innocence.
The verdict was appealed to the country’s Appellate Court which began hearing her case on December 8.
“While the appeal is being heard there is still reason for concern as Saudi Arabian law places high value on confessions and whether the confession is obtained through duress does not become the subject matter of a separate inquiry,” said the Asian Human Rights Commission (AHRC) in a statement.
The Hong-Kong based organization said a confession obtained through duress is not regarded as inadmissible evidence under Saudi Arabian law.
Nafeek, who was 17 at the time of the alleged crime, was tortured by police to obtain a confession, the rights group charged.“Therefore there is still the possibility that this legal principle may be applied even at the appeal stage despite of there being no collaborative evidence of any sort to indicate that there was any intentional murder,” the organization said in its statement.
“There are many persons in Saudi Arabia itself who have made representation in favour of Rizana Nafeek in this case and have stated many principles within Shariah Law to the effect that under the circumstances of the present case there is good reason not to attach undue weight to the confession but that all the circumstances should be taken in their totality in dealing with the case,” it added.
Nafeek claims the death was accidental.
“She claimed that while she was trying to bottle feed the infant without any assistance from any adult, the child choked which resulted in the death,” the AHRC said.
“There was no intentional killing and she had only been working in the household for just a few days before the incident happened,” it added.
AHRC, which is helping finance her appeal, called on people to appeal to Saudi Arabian King Abdullah bin Abdul Aziz Al Saud for clemency and pardon.
Glass company opens Rs. 3.7 b new facility
Anjana Samarasinghe Ajay Piramal
The Ceylon Glass Company PLC (CGC) opened its new glass bottle manufacturing facility in Horana yesterday.
The total investment of the new facility is Rs. 3.7 billion. The company will increase its production capacity to cater to the local and international market.
Speaking at the opening ceremony CEO of CGC, Sanjay Tiwari said they will have five manufacturing lines for the new plant. One manufacturing line has already commenced operations and the other four lines too will commence production within a few weeks. This will enable the company to produce nearly 200 metric tonnes per day and the fifth manufacturing line will increase their production capacity to 250 metric tonnes per day.
The new plant will be equipped with the facility to manufacture colour bottles. With the commissioning of the new plant, the company's current production capacity for manufacturing colour bottles of different shapes would be more than doubled.
"The old plant in Ratmalana has been mothballed. With the commissioning of our new plant there will be employment generated to over 500 persons both directly as well as indirectly.
"We have signed a collective bargaining agreement with the Inter Company Union for the next three years, including the amicable relocation of people and I am pleased to say we enjoy a most cordial relationship with the Union" Tiwari said.
The new factory complex in HoranaPictures by Saliya Rupasinghe Chairman of the Piramal Enterprises, India Ajay Piramal said they acquired CGC because they are familiar with this sector and need to grow outside India.
This acquisition was very profitable for our company and it helped us with some acquisitions in other countries too.
"Only developed countries focused on specialised glass manufacturing but developing countries too have potential in this sector, he said.
Chairman of the CGC, Vijay Shah said there was excellent support from the trade unions for relocating the new facility in Horana.
"The world market for food and beverage glass is over US$ 12 billion and is growing at 12%, the Cosmetic and Perfume glass is US$ 1.9 billion US$ and growing at 5%, while the pharmaceutical glass market is around US$ 2 billion.
"Key markets for specialty food and drinks are the US and Europe which are forecast to be US$125 billion by 2009 with the Compounded Annual Growth Rate (CAGR) being 5%.
"We are already the sole supplier of blue bottles for a major brand of the world's second largest liquor company and we are currently exploring export opportunities in India, the Philippines, Mauritius, and Australia".
Shah said the domestic demand for glass containers too had grown, all of which were contributing factors that had made CGCL invest in the new production facility.
The total investment of the new facility is Rs. 3.7 billion. The company will increase its production capacity to cater to the local and international market.
Speaking at the opening ceremony CEO of CGC, Sanjay Tiwari said they will have five manufacturing lines for the new plant. One manufacturing line has already commenced operations and the other four lines too will commence production within a few weeks. This will enable the company to produce nearly 200 metric tonnes per day and the fifth manufacturing line will increase their production capacity to 250 metric tonnes per day.
The new plant will be equipped with the facility to manufacture colour bottles. With the commissioning of the new plant, the company's current production capacity for manufacturing colour bottles of different shapes would be more than doubled.
"The old plant in Ratmalana has been mothballed. With the commissioning of our new plant there will be employment generated to over 500 persons both directly as well as indirectly.
"We have signed a collective bargaining agreement with the Inter Company Union for the next three years, including the amicable relocation of people and I am pleased to say we enjoy a most cordial relationship with the Union" Tiwari said.
The new factory complex in HoranaPictures by Saliya Rupasinghe Chairman of the Piramal Enterprises, India Ajay Piramal said they acquired CGC because they are familiar with this sector and need to grow outside India.
This acquisition was very profitable for our company and it helped us with some acquisitions in other countries too.
"Only developed countries focused on specialised glass manufacturing but developing countries too have potential in this sector, he said.
Chairman of the CGC, Vijay Shah said there was excellent support from the trade unions for relocating the new facility in Horana.
"The world market for food and beverage glass is over US$ 12 billion and is growing at 12%, the Cosmetic and Perfume glass is US$ 1.9 billion US$ and growing at 5%, while the pharmaceutical glass market is around US$ 2 billion.
"Key markets for specialty food and drinks are the US and Europe which are forecast to be US$125 billion by 2009 with the Compounded Annual Growth Rate (CAGR) being 5%.
"We are already the sole supplier of blue bottles for a major brand of the world's second largest liquor company and we are currently exploring export opportunities in India, the Philippines, Mauritius, and Australia".
Shah said the domestic demand for glass containers too had grown, all of which were contributing factors that had made CGCL invest in the new production facility.
Ceylon Glass to raise Rs.750 m for expansion
Ceylon Glass Company yesterday announced plans further to raise Rs.750 million through a Rights Issue.
This was agreed upon at a meeting held on 8th October 2007, by the Board of Directors of Ceylon Glass Company PLC who had resolved to recommend to Shareholders a Rights Issue of five ordinary shares for every seven ordinary shares at a price of Rs.1.90 per share.
The new equity to be so raised will amount to approximately Rs.750 million and will be utilized to part finance the Company’s relocation and expansion project at Horana.
Following statutory approvals, an extraordinary general meeting will be convened to seek Shareholder approval for the proposed issue.
This will allow for the strong domestic demand for glass containers and the export business pipeline to revise and expand the scale and scope of the new project to include an advanced raw material processing facility and a fifth production line.
It would also enable the Company to scale-up to an enhanced capacity of 250 tons of glass per day as against the present 120 tons per day.
The Company would also have the flexibility to produce glass containers ranging in sizes from 50 ml to 2.5 litres in flint, amber and different shades of colours for the Pharmaceutical, Soft and Hard Liquor, Carbonated Drinks, Food and Beverages, Cosmetics and Perfume and Agrochemical industries.
The Company would also benefit from improved processing of the main raw material of silica sand. Ultimately, the project revision will enable Ceylon Glass Company to be better positioned to exploit domestic as well as export market opportunities.
This comes in the wake of Ceylon Glass exploring opportunities in India, the Philippines, Mauritius and Australia.
One product segment with great potential is the wine industry in India, which is experiencing substantial growth.
This comes amidst the growing worldwide demand for specialty glass containers creating opportunities for Ceylon Glass to enter the niche market for coloured glass containers. The Company is already the sole supplier of blue bottles for a major brand of the world’s second largest liquor producing company.The company recently also bagged the Gold Award under the Consumer Packing Category. This award was given to the Company in recognition of the development of the unique 750 millitres blue Antiquity liquor bottle. This bottle has been developed by the Company. Ceylon Glass is presently the only manufacturer in South East Asia who has the capability to produce this kind of coloured bottle.
Ceylon Glass Company yesterday announced plans further to raise Rs.750 million through a Rights Issue.
This was agreed upon at a meeting held on 8th October 2007, by the Board of Directors of Ceylon Glass Company PLC who had resolved to recommend to Shareholders a Rights Issue of five ordinary shares for every seven ordinary shares at a price of Rs.1.90 per share.
The new equity to be so raised will amount to approximately Rs.750 million and will be utilized to part finance the Company’s relocation and expansion project at Horana.
Following statutory approvals, an extraordinary general meeting will be convened to seek Shareholder approval for the proposed issue.
This will allow for the strong domestic demand for glass containers and the export business pipeline to revise and expand the scale and scope of the new project to include an advanced raw material processing facility and a fifth production line.
It would also enable the Company to scale-up to an enhanced capacity of 250 tons of glass per day as against the present 120 tons per day.
The Company would also have the flexibility to produce glass containers ranging in sizes from 50 ml to 2.5 litres in flint, amber and different shades of colours for the Pharmaceutical, Soft and Hard Liquor, Carbonated Drinks, Food and Beverages, Cosmetics and Perfume and Agrochemical industries.
The Company would also benefit from improved processing of the main raw material of silica sand. Ultimately, the project revision will enable Ceylon Glass Company to be better positioned to exploit domestic as well as export market opportunities.
This comes in the wake of Ceylon Glass exploring opportunities in India, the Philippines, Mauritius and Australia.
One product segment with great potential is the wine industry in India, which is experiencing substantial growth.
This comes amidst the growing worldwide demand for specialty glass containers creating opportunities for Ceylon Glass to enter the niche market for coloured glass containers. The Company is already the sole supplier of blue bottles for a major brand of the world’s second largest liquor producing company.The company recently also bagged the Gold Award under the Consumer Packing Category. This award was given to the Company in recognition of the development of the unique 750 millitres blue Antiquity liquor bottle. This bottle has been developed by the Company. Ceylon Glass is presently the only manufacturer in South East Asia who has the capability to produce this kind of coloured bottle.
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