Rest In Peace! Good Bye Sweet Prince!!
REST IN PEACE
LTTE terrorism should be ended either by negotiation or else by militarily means.
Minister Fernandopulle
Is UNP Getting Funded by Norway and USA in the Provincial Council Election? - Minister Fernandopulle
Sun, 2008-04-06 05:04 Colombo, 06 April, (Asiantribune.com):
We are winning the East Provincial Council Elections because the Tamils, Muslims and the Sinhalese people in the East are with us. They are grateful to Government for liberating them from the terrorist LTTE, said Minister Jeyaraj Fernandopulle. Furthermore, he added, this election has clearly shown the bankruptcy of the UNP. UNP did not have the guts to put forward any of their Party organizers and leading candidates in Trincomalee, Batticaloa
and Amparai. According to reliable information Robert Blake, US Ambassador in Colombo met Rauff Hakeem at the House of UNP stalwart Ravi Karunanayke’s
house. Also along with him Tore Hathrem, Norwegian Ambassador was also present at Ravi Karunanayake’s house. When Asian Tribune asked, Are they getting funded by Norway, and USA? Minister Jeyaraj Fernandopulle quipped, "That is the talk of the town.”
He added that the UNP has asked Rauff Hakeem to be the leader in the provincial council election and he has resigned his Parliament seat and contesting under UNP
symbol and that shows the bankruptcy of the UNP under the failed leadership.
Earlier Rauf Hakeem was one of the strongest opponents of the de-merger of the North and Eastern provinces. By contesting in the East Provincial Council election,
he has indicated very clearly that he has accepted the demerger of the North and East Provincial Councils. This clearly shows that he made a big somersault.
It is very clear that the LTTE is behind him in this election.
There is a talk that Norway has given millions to contest in this election. We learnt that Norway is financially helping the Sri Lanka Muslim Congress to contest in this
election. Norway is behind Rauff Hakeem and UNP. That is the talk of the town.
We know that Norway was upset about the Government abrogating the Ceasefire Agreement. Now Norway has planned to put forward a candidate against the
Government. That is why Norway is sponsoring Rauff Hakeem. This is the Talk of the town.
Is Norway financially supporting United National Party and Rauff Hakeem? – Asian Tribune.
Minister Jeyaraj Fernandopulle - According to news circulating here, Rauff Hakeem resigned his parliamentary seat to contest in the election at the request of
Norway and another powerful country?
When Asian Tribune asked to reveal the name of the powerful country, Minister Jeyaraj Fernandopulle said , United States of America, that is what everyone is
talking now.
According to reliable information Robert Blake, US Ambassador in Colombo met Rauff Hakeem at the House of UNP stalwart Ravi Karunanayke’s house. Also
along with him Tore Hathrem, Norwegian Ambassador was also present at Ravi Karunanayake’s house. They have met him at Ravi Karunanayke;s house at
Pelawatte, Battaramulla, near the Parliament.
Minister Jeyaraj Fernandopulle said that Rauf's decision to quit parliament came after that meeting with these two powerful ambassadors. That is the talk. He decided
to resign and contest in the UNP ticket as UNP was in a very bad wicket, because nobody talks about UNP in the Eastern province these days, especially in
Batticaloa and Trincomalee and nobody talks about UNP now. AS the UNP is fully aware that they are very unpopular the do not want to contest alone. That is why
they put forward Rauff Hakeem as their chief minister candidate.
Now in all the three districts UNP has put forward SLMC candidates as their leading candidate. In Batticaloa Basheer Segu Dawood , Amparai Hassan Ali, and in
Trincomalee Rauff Hakeem are the lead candidates of the UNP. It was very unfortunate not a single UNP MP or leader came for the handing over of the nomination
except Jayalath Jayawardhana at Batticaloa. This shows that UNP is completely forgotten in the Eastern province. That is why they have decided to cling on to Rauff
Hakeem and SLMC to save face, Minister Jeyaraj Fernandopulle said.
He further said, “We are winning the Provincial Council elections hands down. No doubt at all. Our leading candidate in Trincomalee is M.K.D.S Gunawardene who
was a Member of Parliament from Seruwilla in Kantalai in the Trincomalee district at present he is the PA Organizer, We have for Amparai district T. A. K.
Thevarapperuma, he was former member of Parliament and for Batticalao we have Sivanesathurai Chanthirakanthan alias Pillaiyan.
- Asian Tribune -
Jeyaraj no more
and Amparai. According to reliable information Robert Blake, US Ambassador in Colombo met Rauff Hakeem at the House of UNP stalwart Ravi Karunanayke’s
house. Also along with him Tore Hathrem, Norwegian Ambassador was also present at Ravi Karunanayake’s house. When Asian Tribune asked, Are they getting funded by Norway, and USA? Minister Jeyaraj Fernandopulle quipped, "That is the talk of the town.”
He added that the UNP has asked Rauff Hakeem to be the leader in the provincial council election and he has resigned his Parliament seat and contesting under UNP
symbol and that shows the bankruptcy of the UNP under the failed leadership.
Earlier Rauf Hakeem was one of the strongest opponents of the de-merger of the North and Eastern provinces. By contesting in the East Provincial Council election,
he has indicated very clearly that he has accepted the demerger of the North and East Provincial Councils. This clearly shows that he made a big somersault.
It is very clear that the LTTE is behind him in this election.
There is a talk that Norway has given millions to contest in this election. We learnt that Norway is financially helping the Sri Lanka Muslim Congress to contest in this
election. Norway is behind Rauff Hakeem and UNP. That is the talk of the town.
We know that Norway was upset about the Government abrogating the Ceasefire Agreement. Now Norway has planned to put forward a candidate against the
Government. That is why Norway is sponsoring Rauff Hakeem. This is the Talk of the town.
Is Norway financially supporting United National Party and Rauff Hakeem? – Asian Tribune.
Minister Jeyaraj Fernandopulle - According to news circulating here, Rauff Hakeem resigned his parliamentary seat to contest in the election at the request of
Norway and another powerful country?
When Asian Tribune asked to reveal the name of the powerful country, Minister Jeyaraj Fernandopulle said , United States of America, that is what everyone is
talking now.
According to reliable information Robert Blake, US Ambassador in Colombo met Rauff Hakeem at the House of UNP stalwart Ravi Karunanayke’s house. Also
along with him Tore Hathrem, Norwegian Ambassador was also present at Ravi Karunanayake’s house. They have met him at Ravi Karunanayke;s house at
Pelawatte, Battaramulla, near the Parliament.
Minister Jeyaraj Fernandopulle said that Rauf's decision to quit parliament came after that meeting with these two powerful ambassadors. That is the talk. He decided
to resign and contest in the UNP ticket as UNP was in a very bad wicket, because nobody talks about UNP in the Eastern province these days, especially in
Batticaloa and Trincomalee and nobody talks about UNP now. AS the UNP is fully aware that they are very unpopular the do not want to contest alone. That is why
they put forward Rauff Hakeem as their chief minister candidate.
Now in all the three districts UNP has put forward SLMC candidates as their leading candidate. In Batticaloa Basheer Segu Dawood , Amparai Hassan Ali, and in
Trincomalee Rauff Hakeem are the lead candidates of the UNP. It was very unfortunate not a single UNP MP or leader came for the handing over of the nomination
except Jayalath Jayawardhana at Batticaloa. This shows that UNP is completely forgotten in the Eastern province. That is why they have decided to cling on to Rauff
Hakeem and SLMC to save face, Minister Jeyaraj Fernandopulle said.
He further said, “We are winning the Provincial Council elections hands down. No doubt at all. Our leading candidate in Trincomalee is M.K.D.S Gunawardene who
was a Member of Parliament from Seruwilla in Kantalai in the Trincomalee district at present he is the PA Organizer, We have for Amparai district T. A. K.
Thevarapperuma, he was former member of Parliament and for Batticalao we have Sivanesathurai Chanthirakanthan alias Pillaiyan.
- Asian Tribune -
Jeyaraj no more
Sun, 2008-04-06 15:51 Sunil C. Perera in Colombo Colombo, 06 April, (Asiantribune.com):
Chief Organiser of the government and Minister of Highways Jeyaraj Fernandopulle was killed in an LTTE suicide bomb
attack this morning. The blast occurred at around 7.30 am while the Minister was at a marathon race in a Weliveriya.
Sources say the Minister arrived at the starting point of the Marathon to give the starting signal when the blast occurred. Police say the Minister was killed at the site
and 11 others have also been killed. 99 persons were injured in this morning’s blast.Image at the scene of the bomb blastHospital sources say 92 persons are receiving treatment at the Gampaha District Hospital. The condition of ten is critical. Three patients have been transferred to the
Ragama Hospital. Four others are receiving treatment at the Accident Ward of the Colombo National Hospital.
The post-mortem has been conducted on the Minister and preparations have been made to convey the body to Colombo. The bodies of seven persons have been
identified by their relatives. Marathon runner K.A. Karunarathne and National Athletic Coach Lakshman De Alwis are among those killed.
The office of Gampaha A.S.P. says the head believed to be that of the suicide bomber has been found. Police spokesman DIG N.K. Ilangakoon says special security
arrangements have been made centering the site of the blast and search operations are being conducted around Weliveriya. IGP Victor Perera toured the site of the
blast.
Minister Jeyaraj Fernandopulle was a father of two and aged 55 at the time of his assassination. He was born on 11th January 1953 and received his primary and
secondary education at Ave-Maria Convent and Maris Stella College in Negombo. Passing out from the Sri Lanka Law College, his legal career commenced in
1977.
In 1983 he was appointed as the Organizer in the electorate of Katana for the Sri Lanka Freedom Party. He was elected to Parliament from the Gampaha District in
1989. In 1994 he was elected as a Member of Parliament for the second time and was the Deputy Minister of Finance, Ethnic Affairs and National Integration. In
1997 he was appointed as the Minister of Plan Implementation and Parliamentary Affairs. In 2000 he was appointed the Minister of Civil Aviation, Tourism and
Christian Religion Affairs. In 2004 Minister Jeyaraj Fernandopulle was appointed the Minister of Trade and chief government whip of parliament.Image at the scene
of the blastThe late minister is renowned as a leader committed to enhance ethnic relations between Sinhalese, Tamils and Muslims. He is also noted as a Minister who
frequently kept in touch with the media regarding current developments. The late Minister gave his final comments to the SLBC at around 6.50 this morning regarding
the eastern provincial election while travelling to Weliveriya for the Marathon race.
In a message of condolence Minister of Information and Mass Media Anura Priyadarshana Yapa says the untimely demise of Minister ernandopulle creates a huge
void in the country’s political arena in addition to being a great loss to the country. The Minister appreciated the role played by the late Minister in solving the ethnic
issue and advancing the Sri Lanka Freedom Party. The Minister added that the need of this moment is to take forward the attempts of Minister Fernandopulle and
eradicate terrorism. The Presidential Secretariat says the final rites of Minister Jeyaraj Fernandopulle will be conducted with state honors. President Mahinda
Rajapakse has directed relevant units in this regard.
- Asian Tribune -
attack this morning. The blast occurred at around 7.30 am while the Minister was at a marathon race in a Weliveriya.
Sources say the Minister arrived at the starting point of the Marathon to give the starting signal when the blast occurred. Police say the Minister was killed at the site
and 11 others have also been killed. 99 persons were injured in this morning’s blast.Image at the scene of the bomb blastHospital sources say 92 persons are receiving treatment at the Gampaha District Hospital. The condition of ten is critical. Three patients have been transferred to the
Ragama Hospital. Four others are receiving treatment at the Accident Ward of the Colombo National Hospital.
The post-mortem has been conducted on the Minister and preparations have been made to convey the body to Colombo. The bodies of seven persons have been
identified by their relatives. Marathon runner K.A. Karunarathne and National Athletic Coach Lakshman De Alwis are among those killed.
The office of Gampaha A.S.P. says the head believed to be that of the suicide bomber has been found. Police spokesman DIG N.K. Ilangakoon says special security
arrangements have been made centering the site of the blast and search operations are being conducted around Weliveriya. IGP Victor Perera toured the site of the
blast.
Minister Jeyaraj Fernandopulle was a father of two and aged 55 at the time of his assassination. He was born on 11th January 1953 and received his primary and
secondary education at Ave-Maria Convent and Maris Stella College in Negombo. Passing out from the Sri Lanka Law College, his legal career commenced in
1977.
In 1983 he was appointed as the Organizer in the electorate of Katana for the Sri Lanka Freedom Party. He was elected to Parliament from the Gampaha District in
1989. In 1994 he was elected as a Member of Parliament for the second time and was the Deputy Minister of Finance, Ethnic Affairs and National Integration. In
1997 he was appointed as the Minister of Plan Implementation and Parliamentary Affairs. In 2000 he was appointed the Minister of Civil Aviation, Tourism and
Christian Religion Affairs. In 2004 Minister Jeyaraj Fernandopulle was appointed the Minister of Trade and chief government whip of parliament.Image at the scene
of the blastThe late minister is renowned as a leader committed to enhance ethnic relations between Sinhalese, Tamils and Muslims. He is also noted as a Minister who
frequently kept in touch with the media regarding current developments. The late Minister gave his final comments to the SLBC at around 6.50 this morning regarding
the eastern provincial election while travelling to Weliveriya for the Marathon race.
In a message of condolence Minister of Information and Mass Media Anura Priyadarshana Yapa says the untimely demise of Minister ernandopulle creates a huge
void in the country’s political arena in addition to being a great loss to the country. The Minister appreciated the role played by the late Minister in solving the ethnic
issue and advancing the Sri Lanka Freedom Party. The Minister added that the need of this moment is to take forward the attempts of Minister Fernandopulle and
eradicate terrorism. The Presidential Secretariat says the final rites of Minister Jeyaraj Fernandopulle will be conducted with state honors. President Mahinda
Rajapakse has directed relevant units in this regard.
- Asian Tribune -
Death Wishes of Jeyaraj Fernandopulle
Sun, 2008-04-06 14:28 By K.T.Rajasingham
1. To bring about peace and stability in the country2. Tamils should live with peace and honor in the country3. LTTE terrorism should be ended either by negotiation or else by militarily means.4. UPFA should win the East Provincial Council elections and Pillaiyan should become the chief MinisterJeyaraj Fernandopulle - A Martyr Asian Tribune was in touch with Minister Jeyaraj Fernandopulle. He used to call Asian Tribune almost every other day and discuss the political development in the country. Some conversations were off the record. Ony those meant for publication appeared in print. Asian Tribune recorded his interviews judiciously. The last time
Asian Tribune spoke with the late Minister was on Saturday (April 5th) around 9.30 PM, Sri Lanka time. He was talking about the trip he took to Trincomalee on the
3rd, to participate in the filing of the nomination papers of the UPFA in the provincial Council Elections.
His scintillating voice still reverberates in our ears. We played the recorded voice one more time; there was no words to describe our emotions. He is no more with
us.
When he came up with the two Ambassadors – US and Norway involved in talks with Rauff Hakeem, the Leader of the Sri Lanka Muslim Congress to contest in the
Provincial Council elections, we told him this is a very serious issue. He said that everyone in Colombo knew about it. We told that this is something new to our
readers.
One of our contributing editors, Philip Fernando who resides in Los Angeles, described it, "This is dynamite man.” Unfortunately our friend Jeyeraj Fernandopulle
succumbed to a bomb blast.
He also talked about his ministerial office and also about his Office of the Chief Government whip. He said that he is keeping some of his staff there because he was
sure that people would have taken copies of his communications to be distributed to the opposition. He said how badly he feels when one of his staff who was
introduced by him has let him and Asian Tribune down.
He said we are watching those quislings and would take appropriate action soon. However he said, “it felt as if a time bomb was ticking and someone would be
passing information on his movements to the LTTE.” He had a premonition.
He said he was requested by President Mahinda Rajapakse not to visit his offices on a regular basis, but to attend to his works from his residence.
So many things he narrated. His aim was to bring about peace and stability in the country.
He, as a Tamil was loved and respected by the People of Sri Lanka and everyone loved him except the LTTE and Velupillai Prabhakaran. They hate him because
that as a Tamil he voiced opposition to their so called parochial Tamil nationalism.
Jeyaraj Fernandopulle was a nationalist and never a communalist. He loved Sri Lanka and the Sri Lankans.
There was a move by Sri Lanka President to nominate him as the next Prime Minister in the anticipated Cabinet reshuffle.
A second Tamil who was considered for a Prime Minister position next to Lakshman Kadirgamar was targeted and killed. It was unfortunate according to him he had
felt that ticking dynamite reverberating in one of his offices who was suspected of passing information to the Tigers.
Whatever said and done Jeyaraj Fernandopulle, a Good politician, a Good leader, a Good Tamil, a Good Catholic, above all a Good human being – a gem of a
person is no more.
Goodbye sweet Prince!
May a host of angels sing thee to thy sleep!
Let your Aathma Santhi Adayaddum - Let your soul rest in peace!
- Asian Tribune -
1. To bring about peace and stability in the country2. Tamils should live with peace and honor in the country3. LTTE terrorism should be ended either by negotiation or else by militarily means.4. UPFA should win the East Provincial Council elections and Pillaiyan should become the chief MinisterJeyaraj Fernandopulle - A Martyr Asian Tribune was in touch with Minister Jeyaraj Fernandopulle. He used to call Asian Tribune almost every other day and discuss the political development in the country. Some conversations were off the record. Ony those meant for publication appeared in print. Asian Tribune recorded his interviews judiciously. The last time
Asian Tribune spoke with the late Minister was on Saturday (April 5th) around 9.30 PM, Sri Lanka time. He was talking about the trip he took to Trincomalee on the
3rd, to participate in the filing of the nomination papers of the UPFA in the provincial Council Elections.
His scintillating voice still reverberates in our ears. We played the recorded voice one more time; there was no words to describe our emotions. He is no more with
us.
When he came up with the two Ambassadors – US and Norway involved in talks with Rauff Hakeem, the Leader of the Sri Lanka Muslim Congress to contest in the
Provincial Council elections, we told him this is a very serious issue. He said that everyone in Colombo knew about it. We told that this is something new to our
readers.
One of our contributing editors, Philip Fernando who resides in Los Angeles, described it, "This is dynamite man.” Unfortunately our friend Jeyeraj Fernandopulle
succumbed to a bomb blast.
He also talked about his ministerial office and also about his Office of the Chief Government whip. He said that he is keeping some of his staff there because he was
sure that people would have taken copies of his communications to be distributed to the opposition. He said how badly he feels when one of his staff who was
introduced by him has let him and Asian Tribune down.
He said we are watching those quislings and would take appropriate action soon. However he said, “it felt as if a time bomb was ticking and someone would be
passing information on his movements to the LTTE.” He had a premonition.
He said he was requested by President Mahinda Rajapakse not to visit his offices on a regular basis, but to attend to his works from his residence.
So many things he narrated. His aim was to bring about peace and stability in the country.
He, as a Tamil was loved and respected by the People of Sri Lanka and everyone loved him except the LTTE and Velupillai Prabhakaran. They hate him because
that as a Tamil he voiced opposition to their so called parochial Tamil nationalism.
Jeyaraj Fernandopulle was a nationalist and never a communalist. He loved Sri Lanka and the Sri Lankans.
There was a move by Sri Lanka President to nominate him as the next Prime Minister in the anticipated Cabinet reshuffle.
A second Tamil who was considered for a Prime Minister position next to Lakshman Kadirgamar was targeted and killed. It was unfortunate according to him he had
felt that ticking dynamite reverberating in one of his offices who was suspected of passing information to the Tigers.
Whatever said and done Jeyaraj Fernandopulle, a Good politician, a Good leader, a Good Tamil, a Good Catholic, above all a Good human being – a gem of a
person is no more.
Goodbye sweet Prince!
May a host of angels sing thee to thy sleep!
Let your Aathma Santhi Adayaddum - Let your soul rest in peace!
- Asian Tribune -
Minister Fernandopulle Given Elite Police Unit and Warned of LTTE Targeting him
Sun, 2008-04-06 13:29 By Ruwan Weerakoon in Colombo Colombo, 06 April, (Asiantribune.com):
Military Intelligence had repeatedly informed Ministerial Security Division [MSD] that he was a high profile target of the
LTTE and warned of possible methods of assassination namely, by a suicide mission, sniper attack, food poison or RPG attack. In view of such extreme risk,
Defence Ministry provided the Minister with a police Elite Force. Would more vigilant measures prevented this suicide mission, is the question being asked now as
this incident is a serious set back for safeguarding the VIPs from suicide bombing.
Why did MSD not implement a closer protection security system to protect the minister, is the serious question.
A senior security officer said that the close protection of the Minister was not implemented. Also he alleged that Police as well as MSD didn’t do body checks of
those marathon runners who came to participate in the fateful event. He alleged it was thenegligence of MSD
LTTE terrorists have exploded a bomb targeting a road marathon organized in the Weliweriaya town around 7.30 this morning, where Minister of Highways and
Road Development Jeyaraj Fernandopulle, who was the chief guest. Minister along with many civilians were reportedly killed in the cowardly bomb attack.
According to latest reports received, at least 12 people were killed and over 90 injured in the explosion. K.A Karunarathne is also said to be among the dead who
was a former national and South Asian marathon gold medalist.
The bomb has exploded just before the Minister declared the start of the marathon at the Kanthi play ground, in Weliweriaya, corresponding with a 'Hindu-Sinhala"
New Year' event.
Meanwhile, Gampaha Division SSP Hector Darmasiri was also seriously injured and admitted to the General Hospital at Gampaha. The hospital sources, speaking to
said that over 90 people were admitted with serious injuries. 3 civilians were also admitted to the general hospital at Ragama and one was reported in critical
condition, according to Ragama hospital sources.
Minister Jeyaraj was a politician who was elected to Parliament from the Sri Lanka Freedom Party since 1983. A lawyer by profession, Minister Jeyraj was a fluent
speaker in Sinhalese, Tamil and English languages. Being a faithful catholic the Minister expressed his concerns over LTTE's occupation of scared Madhu church and
the removal of the Madhu statue.
During his career, Minister Jeyaraj has held the many ministerial portfolios including, the Minster of Catholic Affairs, Minister of Ethnic Concession and National
Unity, Minister of Port and Aviation, and Minister of Road Development. He was 55 years old and a father of two children.
- Asian Tribune -
Marathon massacre
LTTE and warned of possible methods of assassination namely, by a suicide mission, sniper attack, food poison or RPG attack. In view of such extreme risk,
Defence Ministry provided the Minister with a police Elite Force. Would more vigilant measures prevented this suicide mission, is the question being asked now as
this incident is a serious set back for safeguarding the VIPs from suicide bombing.
Why did MSD not implement a closer protection security system to protect the minister, is the serious question.
A senior security officer said that the close protection of the Minister was not implemented. Also he alleged that Police as well as MSD didn’t do body checks of
those marathon runners who came to participate in the fateful event. He alleged it was thenegligence of MSD
LTTE terrorists have exploded a bomb targeting a road marathon organized in the Weliweriaya town around 7.30 this morning, where Minister of Highways and
Road Development Jeyaraj Fernandopulle, who was the chief guest. Minister along with many civilians were reportedly killed in the cowardly bomb attack.
According to latest reports received, at least 12 people were killed and over 90 injured in the explosion. K.A Karunarathne is also said to be among the dead who
was a former national and South Asian marathon gold medalist.
The bomb has exploded just before the Minister declared the start of the marathon at the Kanthi play ground, in Weliweriaya, corresponding with a 'Hindu-Sinhala"
New Year' event.
Meanwhile, Gampaha Division SSP Hector Darmasiri was also seriously injured and admitted to the General Hospital at Gampaha. The hospital sources, speaking to
said that over 90 people were admitted with serious injuries. 3 civilians were also admitted to the general hospital at Ragama and one was reported in critical
condition, according to Ragama hospital sources.
Minister Jeyaraj was a politician who was elected to Parliament from the Sri Lanka Freedom Party since 1983. A lawyer by profession, Minister Jeyraj was a fluent
speaker in Sinhalese, Tamil and English languages. Being a faithful catholic the Minister expressed his concerns over LTTE's occupation of scared Madhu church and
the removal of the Madhu statue.
During his career, Minister Jeyaraj has held the many ministerial portfolios including, the Minster of Catholic Affairs, Minister of Ethnic Concession and National
Unity, Minister of Port and Aviation, and Minister of Road Development. He was 55 years old and a father of two children.
- Asian Tribune -
Marathon massacre
By Yohan Perera, Sandun A.Jayasekera and Senaka De Silva
Highways and Road Development Minister and Chief Government Whip Jeyaraj Fernandopulle and fourteen others were killed in a bomb explosion suspected to
have been activated by an LTTE suicide bomber who had penetrated the security cordon before the start of a marathon race organised by an athletic club in
Weliweriya yesterday morning.
National Athletic Coach, Lakshman de Alwis, Olympic Marathon runner, K.A. Karunaratne, CI C. Kannangara, Chief Personal Security Officer of Mr.
Fernandopulle of the MSD and Marathon runners, Mathes and Manju were among those who died.
Gampaha SSP Hector Dharmasiri suffered serious injury after the blast which occurred in the Weliweriya town on the new Kandy Road.
Gampaha Hospital official said 55 people had been admitted to the hospital and nine of them were in critical condition. Emergency surgery had been performed on
twelve admitted to the hospital by 11 a.m. yesterday.
Three victims were transferred to the Colombo National Hospital (CNH) and they were out of danger, Director, Hector Weerasinghe said.
A Kirindiwela police constable who was on duty at the marathon said no checks were conducted. And also the Minister had arrived with less security as it was a low
key event.
Minister Fernandopulle who was a prime target of the LTTE was to flag off the marathon race at 7 a.m. yesterday. But the start had to be postponed as he had
visited a nearby Buddhist temple.
Minister Fernandopulle had first arrived at the place around 6.30 a.m. but had gone off since the organisers had not been ready. Thereafter he had arrived around
7.15 a.m.
Soon after his arrival, the Minister was ushered to the stage erected on the side of the Kanthi Sports ground and delivered a short speech encouraging the marathon
participants.
Afterwards the organisers accompanied the Minister to the starting point of the marathon on the New Kandy Road and he was handed over the flag. Just as he was
about to flag off the marathon the explosion occurred throwing the place into chaos.
have been activated by an LTTE suicide bomber who had penetrated the security cordon before the start of a marathon race organised by an athletic club in
Weliweriya yesterday morning.
National Athletic Coach, Lakshman de Alwis, Olympic Marathon runner, K.A. Karunaratne, CI C. Kannangara, Chief Personal Security Officer of Mr.
Fernandopulle of the MSD and Marathon runners, Mathes and Manju were among those who died.
Gampaha SSP Hector Dharmasiri suffered serious injury after the blast which occurred in the Weliweriya town on the new Kandy Road.
Gampaha Hospital official said 55 people had been admitted to the hospital and nine of them were in critical condition. Emergency surgery had been performed on
twelve admitted to the hospital by 11 a.m. yesterday.
Three victims were transferred to the Colombo National Hospital (CNH) and they were out of danger, Director, Hector Weerasinghe said.
A Kirindiwela police constable who was on duty at the marathon said no checks were conducted. And also the Minister had arrived with less security as it was a low
key event.
Minister Fernandopulle who was a prime target of the LTTE was to flag off the marathon race at 7 a.m. yesterday. But the start had to be postponed as he had
visited a nearby Buddhist temple.
Minister Fernandopulle had first arrived at the place around 6.30 a.m. but had gone off since the organisers had not been ready. Thereafter he had arrived around
7.15 a.m.
Soon after his arrival, the Minister was ushered to the stage erected on the side of the Kanthi Sports ground and delivered a short speech encouraging the marathon
participants.
Afterwards the organisers accompanied the Minister to the starting point of the marathon on the New Kandy Road and he was handed over the flag. Just as he was
about to flag off the marathon the explosion occurred throwing the place into chaos.
United States condemns LTTE suicide attack in Weliweriya
Monday, April 7, 2008, 11:57 GMT, ColomboPage News Desk, Sri Lanka.
Apr 07, Colombo: While urging for a political solution to the conflict, the United States today strongly condemned yesterday's suicide attack at a marathon in
Weliweriya that killed Sri Lanka's Highway and Road Development Minister and 13 others including the national athletic coach and an Olympic runner.
Issuing a statement the US said Minister Fernandopulle was a friend and valued colleague for many Americans.
“The United States strongly condemns the terrorist attack on April 6 in Weliweriya, Gampaha District that claimed the life of Minister of Highways and Road
Development and Chief Government Whip Jeyaraj Fernandopulle. Also killed in this heinous attack were National Athletic Coach Lakshman de Alwis, well- known
marathon runner K.A. Karunaratne, and several other persons, while scores more were injured. Minister Fernandopulle was a friend and valued colleague for many
Americans. We offer our heartfelt condolences to the families and friends of the victims and to all Sri Lankans for this tragic loss.”
“The United States denounces this vicious and reprehensible terrorist attack on civilians in the strongest possible terms. Its perpetrators have achieved nothing other
than to cause further suffering among the people of Sri Lanka. Only a political solution, not continued violence, offers the way forward to end the country’s conflict,” it
said.
Why ignore the tips given by the foreign intelligence unit about approaching 2 Black Tigers to Jeyaraj?
(Lanka-e-news, 7th April 2008, 11.30pm) It is revealed by now that Minister Jeyaraj Fernandopulle was assassinated due to lack of security, provided by the
Special Task Force.
From last February, security of Minister Fernandopulle was transferred to STF from MSD as per request made by the Senior DIG, who is in charge of the MSD, to
the Commandant, STF.
MSD is a specially trained division for VIP security. When a VIP is scheduled to visit a certain place, MSD always have discussions with the Police Officers of the
area, prior to the visit of VIP, and make suitable security plans as per the discussions the Police and MSD had. This security arrangements are carrying on by MSD
until the VIP departs the place.
When Minister Jeyaraj arrived at Weliweriya yesterday, there were no such security arrangements. The opinion of most of the people is that STF is not a special
trained unit for VIP security like MSD.
In a situation like this, instead of taking the responsibility of yesterday's incident, STF, who provided security to the Minister, is now trying to put the blame on to the
Minister and his personal body guard saying that these two never listened to the security advises, and as a result of same, yesterday's incident was happened.
However, to reply STF, Minister and his personal body guard are no more as both of them were died yesterday (6th).
In the meantime, an important information was received by Lanka-e-news, ie: one of the foreign intelligent units have informed a Chief of the special intelligent unit in
Sri Lanka 14 days ago that 2 black tigers were approached the Minister. Further the foriegn intelligent unit has informed that as close friends of the Minsiter, they
were reached an important place of the Sri Lankan economy, and Chief of the special intelligent unit of Sri Lanka have advised the informant that necessary actions
are taking by them.
However, after the unfortunate incident of yesterday, this special intelligent unit says that their advices are pointless as they are not accepted by the VIP.
(This rare photograph shows how Minister Jeyaraj's body was lying after the bomb explosion
Apr 07, Colombo: While urging for a political solution to the conflict, the United States today strongly condemned yesterday's suicide attack at a marathon in
Weliweriya that killed Sri Lanka's Highway and Road Development Minister and 13 others including the national athletic coach and an Olympic runner.
Issuing a statement the US said Minister Fernandopulle was a friend and valued colleague for many Americans.
“The United States strongly condemns the terrorist attack on April 6 in Weliweriya, Gampaha District that claimed the life of Minister of Highways and Road
Development and Chief Government Whip Jeyaraj Fernandopulle. Also killed in this heinous attack were National Athletic Coach Lakshman de Alwis, well- known
marathon runner K.A. Karunaratne, and several other persons, while scores more were injured. Minister Fernandopulle was a friend and valued colleague for many
Americans. We offer our heartfelt condolences to the families and friends of the victims and to all Sri Lankans for this tragic loss.”
“The United States denounces this vicious and reprehensible terrorist attack on civilians in the strongest possible terms. Its perpetrators have achieved nothing other
than to cause further suffering among the people of Sri Lanka. Only a political solution, not continued violence, offers the way forward to end the country’s conflict,” it
said.
Why ignore the tips given by the foreign intelligence unit about approaching 2 Black Tigers to Jeyaraj?
(Lanka-e-news, 7th April 2008, 11.30pm) It is revealed by now that Minister Jeyaraj Fernandopulle was assassinated due to lack of security, provided by the
Special Task Force.
From last February, security of Minister Fernandopulle was transferred to STF from MSD as per request made by the Senior DIG, who is in charge of the MSD, to
the Commandant, STF.
MSD is a specially trained division for VIP security. When a VIP is scheduled to visit a certain place, MSD always have discussions with the Police Officers of the
area, prior to the visit of VIP, and make suitable security plans as per the discussions the Police and MSD had. This security arrangements are carrying on by MSD
until the VIP departs the place.
When Minister Jeyaraj arrived at Weliweriya yesterday, there were no such security arrangements. The opinion of most of the people is that STF is not a special
trained unit for VIP security like MSD.
In a situation like this, instead of taking the responsibility of yesterday's incident, STF, who provided security to the Minister, is now trying to put the blame on to the
Minister and his personal body guard saying that these two never listened to the security advises, and as a result of same, yesterday's incident was happened.
However, to reply STF, Minister and his personal body guard are no more as both of them were died yesterday (6th).
In the meantime, an important information was received by Lanka-e-news, ie: one of the foreign intelligent units have informed a Chief of the special intelligent unit in
Sri Lanka 14 days ago that 2 black tigers were approached the Minister. Further the foriegn intelligent unit has informed that as close friends of the Minsiter, they
were reached an important place of the Sri Lankan economy, and Chief of the special intelligent unit of Sri Lanka have advised the informant that necessary actions
are taking by them.
However, after the unfortunate incident of yesterday, this special intelligent unit says that their advices are pointless as they are not accepted by the VIP.
(This rare photograph shows how Minister Jeyaraj's body was lying after the bomb explosion
Bomber not a marathon runner - CID
Ranil WIJAYAPALA
COLOMBO: The CID teams investigating the suicide blast that killed Minister Jeyaraj Fernandopulle inWeliweriya ruled out the possibility that the male suicide
bomber had come there as a marathon runner.
“Investigations are still on to trace how the suicide cadre came to the place. Considering the nature of the blast it is extremely difficult for the suicide cadre to come
there as a marathon runner wearing a suicide kit,” an official of the Criminal Investigation Department told the Daily News on the condition of anonymity.
The investigators also believe that the head found at the scene belonged to the male suicide cadre as they found explosives in the body parts. “We believe it was the
head of the male suicide cadre since it had not been identified and moreover it contained explosives,” sources added.
A photograph of the head of the suicide cadre is to be released to the media to get public support to identify him.
Meanwhile, Police teams are investigating an identity card found from the scene reportedly with a Valachchenai address.
Investigators also believe the suicide cadre had easy access to the place as there were no strict security arrangements.
“The question of accessibility does not arise in this case since there were no strict security measures at the location,” sources added.
The CID teams are also closely scrutinising the video footage and photographs taken by journalists covering the event, to identify the suicide cadre.
According to CID sources it had deployed a full force of investigators to trace clues about the suicide cadre and how he had arrived at the scene.
COLOMBO: The CID teams investigating the suicide blast that killed Minister Jeyaraj Fernandopulle inWeliweriya ruled out the possibility that the male suicide
bomber had come there as a marathon runner.
“Investigations are still on to trace how the suicide cadre came to the place. Considering the nature of the blast it is extremely difficult for the suicide cadre to come
there as a marathon runner wearing a suicide kit,” an official of the Criminal Investigation Department told the Daily News on the condition of anonymity.
The investigators also believe that the head found at the scene belonged to the male suicide cadre as they found explosives in the body parts. “We believe it was the
head of the male suicide cadre since it had not been identified and moreover it contained explosives,” sources added.
A photograph of the head of the suicide cadre is to be released to the media to get public support to identify him.
Meanwhile, Police teams are investigating an identity card found from the scene reportedly with a Valachchenai address.
Investigators also believe the suicide cadre had easy access to the place as there were no strict security arrangements.
“The question of accessibility does not arise in this case since there were no strict security measures at the location,” sources added.
The CID teams are also closely scrutinising the video footage and photographs taken by journalists covering the event, to identify the suicide cadre.
According to CID sources it had deployed a full force of investigators to trace clues about the suicide cadre and how he had arrived at the scene.
Unite to Eliminate LTTE Terrorism
“Tamil Tiger Terrorists (LTTE) continue to assassinate democratically elected politicians in Sri Lanka. Whilst we urge President Rajapaksa's Government to use all
means at its disposal to eliminate the LTTE terrorism from Sri Lanka, we also have a strong message to a number of other actors with interest in Sri Lanka including
some treacherous NGO's dependent on LTTE's violence for their own existence.”__________________________
by Dr Dasarath Jayasuriya
(April 08, Victoria, Sri Lanka Guardian) We are emphatically condemns the Tamil Tiger Terrorist's brutal assassination of Jeyaraj Fernandopulle, the Minister of
Highways & Road Development in Sri Lanka. A devoted Catholic and a Tamil, the Hon Minister was the chief Government whip in the Parliament and at all times, an
exemplary practitioner of democratic virtues and values. The Minister worked tirelessly to unite all communities in Sri Lanka and to demonstrate especially to the
Tamil community, that their future was within a united Sri Lanka. He took a leadership role in demonstrating to the Tamil community that their future was not in a
despotic, racist Tamil Eelam that is designed to enslave them in perpetuity.
Late Minister Fernandopulle's commitment to promote inter-religious harmony and unity amongst the Tamil and Sinhala communities were on display even on the day
that the LTTE killed him. In the morning he had his breakfast at a near by Buddhist temple after visiting the chief monk Venerable Alubovila Dhammarathana.
Subsequently he visited the Fernandopulle Asapuwa, a Buddhist residence built using his own funds at Henagama. Although a strong practicing Catholic, Minister
Fernandopulle was well known for supporting Buddhist activities in and around his Kandana constituency.
Minister Fernandopulle has now paid with his life for embracing democracy and championing inter racial and inter religious harmony.
We are also condoles with the families of Sri Lanka's national athletics coach Lakshman de Alwis an Olympian and former Olympic marathon runner K.A.
Karunaratne who were among those killed in the suicide bomb attack on Sunday when they were participating in this sports cum cultural event.
Tamil Tiger Terrorists (LTTE) continue to assassinate democratically elected politicians in Sri Lanka. Whilst we urge President Rajapaksa's Government to use all
means at its disposal to eliminate the LTTE terrorism from Sri Lanka, we also have a strong message to a number of other actors with interest in Sri Lanka including
some treacherous NGO's dependent on LTTE's violence for their own existence.
We are urges the:
1. International community: to be forthright in their condemnation of this brutal act against democracy and refrain from releasing glib statements that condemn the
attack but avoid blaming the LTTE for dastardly acts. Nor would it be credible for requesting both parties to commit to peace talks when the LTTE continue to
attack civilians, assassinate democratically elected parliamentarians and destroy places of religious worship such as the sacred Madu Church. Instead they should help
Sri Lanka unconditionally to eradicate terrorism.
2. UNP opposition: not to treat the death of the Minister as an opportunity for political gain. Unite with the President to exterminate the perpetrators of this terror.
Questions were raised by the late Minster on Saturday whether the UNP in partnership with the LTTE friendly Muslim leader Hakeem was planning to remerge the
North and the East of Sri Lanka and carve a separate ethnic landmass for some communal minded Muslims in the East. The UNP owes it to the people of Sri Lanka
to dispel this thesis and the best way it can give currency is by emphatically condemning the LTTE and joining other parties to form a united front against LTTE
terrorism
3. INGO's and NGO's in Sri Lanka: to stop mollycoddling the LTTE and expose them for what they are by unreservedly condemning their actions. Some of these
NGO's such as the National Peace Council, International Alert and Centre for Policy Alternative are quick off the trigger to condemn the Government (or at times
even go to court) to garner support from their foreign donors. Often their condemnation of LTTE terrorism is glib, rarely identifying the perpetrator by name.
4. Sri Lankan Diaspora: must unite to act as one against terrorism and have an acute awareness of the parasitic anti national elements living amongst them but working
hand in glove with the LTTE. The Diaspora must work to expose these individuals who are working to destroy the sovereign Sri Lankan nation state by spreading
malicious half-truths
Minister Fernandopulle and 12 others including national figures associated with athletics are no more. Their families will be the ones who feel their loss greatest.
SPUR empathises with them at this time of national sorrow and sadness. Let us unite as one to defeat terrorism so that the loss of their lives will not be reduced to the
annals of history as a distant statistic.
(The Writer is the President of Society for Peace, Unity and Human Rights in Sri Lanka (SPUR) based in Victoria.)
- Sri Lanka Guardian
“Tamil Tiger Terrorists (LTTE) continue to assassinate democratically elected politicians in Sri Lanka. Whilst we urge President Rajapaksa's Government to use all
means at its disposal to eliminate the LTTE terrorism from Sri Lanka, we also have a strong message to a number of other actors with interest in Sri Lanka including
some treacherous NGO's dependent on LTTE's violence for their own existence.”__________________________
by Dr Dasarath Jayasuriya
(April 08, Victoria, Sri Lanka Guardian) We are emphatically condemns the Tamil Tiger Terrorist's brutal assassination of Jeyaraj Fernandopulle, the Minister of
Highways & Road Development in Sri Lanka. A devoted Catholic and a Tamil, the Hon Minister was the chief Government whip in the Parliament and at all times, an
exemplary practitioner of democratic virtues and values. The Minister worked tirelessly to unite all communities in Sri Lanka and to demonstrate especially to the
Tamil community, that their future was within a united Sri Lanka. He took a leadership role in demonstrating to the Tamil community that their future was not in a
despotic, racist Tamil Eelam that is designed to enslave them in perpetuity.
Late Minister Fernandopulle's commitment to promote inter-religious harmony and unity amongst the Tamil and Sinhala communities were on display even on the day
that the LTTE killed him. In the morning he had his breakfast at a near by Buddhist temple after visiting the chief monk Venerable Alubovila Dhammarathana.
Subsequently he visited the Fernandopulle Asapuwa, a Buddhist residence built using his own funds at Henagama. Although a strong practicing Catholic, Minister
Fernandopulle was well known for supporting Buddhist activities in and around his Kandana constituency.
Minister Fernandopulle has now paid with his life for embracing democracy and championing inter racial and inter religious harmony.
We are also condoles with the families of Sri Lanka's national athletics coach Lakshman de Alwis an Olympian and former Olympic marathon runner K.A.
Karunaratne who were among those killed in the suicide bomb attack on Sunday when they were participating in this sports cum cultural event.
Tamil Tiger Terrorists (LTTE) continue to assassinate democratically elected politicians in Sri Lanka. Whilst we urge President Rajapaksa's Government to use all
means at its disposal to eliminate the LTTE terrorism from Sri Lanka, we also have a strong message to a number of other actors with interest in Sri Lanka including
some treacherous NGO's dependent on LTTE's violence for their own existence.
We are urges the:
1. International community: to be forthright in their condemnation of this brutal act against democracy and refrain from releasing glib statements that condemn the
attack but avoid blaming the LTTE for dastardly acts. Nor would it be credible for requesting both parties to commit to peace talks when the LTTE continue to
attack civilians, assassinate democratically elected parliamentarians and destroy places of religious worship such as the sacred Madu Church. Instead they should help
Sri Lanka unconditionally to eradicate terrorism.
2. UNP opposition: not to treat the death of the Minister as an opportunity for political gain. Unite with the President to exterminate the perpetrators of this terror.
Questions were raised by the late Minster on Saturday whether the UNP in partnership with the LTTE friendly Muslim leader Hakeem was planning to remerge the
North and the East of Sri Lanka and carve a separate ethnic landmass for some communal minded Muslims in the East. The UNP owes it to the people of Sri Lanka
to dispel this thesis and the best way it can give currency is by emphatically condemning the LTTE and joining other parties to form a united front against LTTE
terrorism
3. INGO's and NGO's in Sri Lanka: to stop mollycoddling the LTTE and expose them for what they are by unreservedly condemning their actions. Some of these
NGO's such as the National Peace Council, International Alert and Centre for Policy Alternative are quick off the trigger to condemn the Government (or at times
even go to court) to garner support from their foreign donors. Often their condemnation of LTTE terrorism is glib, rarely identifying the perpetrator by name.
4. Sri Lankan Diaspora: must unite to act as one against terrorism and have an acute awareness of the parasitic anti national elements living amongst them but working
hand in glove with the LTTE. The Diaspora must work to expose these individuals who are working to destroy the sovereign Sri Lankan nation state by spreading
malicious half-truths
Minister Fernandopulle and 12 others including national figures associated with athletics are no more. Their families will be the ones who feel their loss greatest.
SPUR empathises with them at this time of national sorrow and sadness. Let us unite as one to defeat terrorism so that the loss of their lives will not be reduced to the
annals of history as a distant statistic.
(The Writer is the President of Society for Peace, Unity and Human Rights in Sri Lanka (SPUR) based in Victoria.)
- Sri Lanka Guardian
International community condemns attack COLOMBO:
A number of countries have condemned the LTTE suicide attack which claimed the lives of Minister Jeyaraj Fernandopulle and several others on
Sunday.
The United States Embassy denounced this vicious and reprehensible terrorist attack on civilians in the strongest possible terms. Its perpetrators have achieved
nothing other than to cause further suffering among the people of Sri Lanka. Only a political solution, not continued violence, offers the way forward to end the
country’s conflict, it said.
The Commissioner for External Relations and European Neighbourhood Policy, Benita Ferrero-Waldner on behalf of the European Commission on Sunday’s
terrorist attack in Sri Lanka stated “I am deeply shocked by Sunday’s heinous attack on Minister of Highways and Road Development Jeyaraj Fernandopulle near
Colombo.
I strongly condemn this suicide attack, which not only killed Minister Fernandopulle and 14 civilians but also injured many innocent bystanders.
The EU condemns all forms of terrorism and violence against civilians. The EU continues to believe that there can be no military solution to the conflict in Sri Lanka
and only a negotiated settlement can open the way for a lasting peace.”
Australia too condemned the suicide attack. “Australia condemns the suicide bombing near Colombo on April 6. The Australian Government sends its most sincere
condolences to Mr. Fernandopulle’s family and to the families of all those killed and injured in this terrible attack”.
“Australia remains concerned about the escalation of violence in Sri Lanka and condemns terrorism in all its forms. The use of terrorist methods by the Liberation
Tigers of Tamil Eelam (LTTE) is completely unacceptable”.
“Sri Lanka’s conflict cannot be resolved militarily. It is Australia’s firm view that a political settlement, developed in dialogue with all affected communities, is urgently
needed to bring lasting peace to the country. Australia encourages the Sri Lankan Government and all parties involved to redouble their efforts to develop realistic
proposals to support a political solution to the conflict”.
Sunday.
The United States Embassy denounced this vicious and reprehensible terrorist attack on civilians in the strongest possible terms. Its perpetrators have achieved
nothing other than to cause further suffering among the people of Sri Lanka. Only a political solution, not continued violence, offers the way forward to end the
country’s conflict, it said.
The Commissioner for External Relations and European Neighbourhood Policy, Benita Ferrero-Waldner on behalf of the European Commission on Sunday’s
terrorist attack in Sri Lanka stated “I am deeply shocked by Sunday’s heinous attack on Minister of Highways and Road Development Jeyaraj Fernandopulle near
Colombo.
I strongly condemn this suicide attack, which not only killed Minister Fernandopulle and 14 civilians but also injured many innocent bystanders.
The EU condemns all forms of terrorism and violence against civilians. The EU continues to believe that there can be no military solution to the conflict in Sri Lanka
and only a negotiated settlement can open the way for a lasting peace.”
Australia too condemned the suicide attack. “Australia condemns the suicide bombing near Colombo on April 6. The Australian Government sends its most sincere
condolences to Mr. Fernandopulle’s family and to the families of all those killed and injured in this terrible attack”.
“Australia remains concerned about the escalation of violence in Sri Lanka and condemns terrorism in all its forms. The use of terrorist methods by the Liberation
Tigers of Tamil Eelam (LTTE) is completely unacceptable”.
“Sri Lanka’s conflict cannot be resolved militarily. It is Australia’s firm view that a political settlement, developed in dialogue with all affected communities, is urgently
needed to bring lasting peace to the country. Australia encourages the Sri Lankan Government and all parties involved to redouble their efforts to develop realistic
proposals to support a political solution to the conflict”.
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