Archives for July 2017

SAITM institute that sells medical degrees would never be taken over by the government says the Minister of Health, Nutrition and Indigenous Medicine. Dr. Rajitha Senaratne.
The Minister said this at a press conference held in Kandy General Hospital on the 13th. At this press conference, the Minister also has expressed views about the discussion held between the GMOA and the Prime Minister recently.
Speaking about the discussion between the GMOA and the Prime Minister Dr. Senaratne has said the Prime Minister had given the consent for the discussion on a request by a heart specialist. At the discussion, the Prime Minister had put forward two conditions.
“The two conditions are the consent of the Minister of Health for the discussion and his participation. The GMOA agreed to the conditions and participated in the discussion.
The President and the General Secretary of the GMOA participated and the Prime Minister said personally attacking the Minister of Health based on the SAITM issue was wrong. The Minister was implementing the decisions of the government and he had gazetted the standards of health education.
The Prime Minister asked the representatives of the GMOA to have discussions with the Minister to solve issues. The discussion was held cordially and the chairmanship of the Sri Lanka Medical Council too was discussed. The GMOA proposed two names for the post of next chairman.
One is a former chairman and the other is a chairman of a private hospital. I will look into the matter and appoint a new chairman. According to the medical ordinance, the Minister of Health is authorised to appoint the chairman of the SLMC.”
At a media conference held after the discussion between the GMOA and the Prime Minister, the GMOA stated that the discussion ended on a positive note.

The JVP issuing a Statement on recent developments of USA and Cuba relations expresses its confidence that Cuban government and the people will not betray these long held noble principles and policies for want of short term economic gains in dealing with the USA. In its statement, the JVP expresses its solidarity with Cuba and its people and wishes that the relationship with the USA will mature based on mutual collaboration with due respect to sovereignty and independence of each nation.

The statement in full:

Statement on recent developments of USA-Cuba relations

Since 1960, the USA is maintaining a commercial, economic and financial embargo on Revolutionary Cuba with a number of legislations and various other interventions. Over these nearly six decades the embargo process had been extremely complicated and complex, inflicting huge embarrassment to citizens, government officials, academics and those who engage in trade in both countries. The adverse effects have not been limited to the two relevant parties only but to other countries and multinational corporations as well because the involvement of certain sanctions extends beyond the territories of the USA and Cuba.

Though this has gone on for decades, neither country has benefited, proving the futility of the embargo.

Over the years, the multifaceted embargo has been highly criticised and objected by almost all the countries except the USA and Israel at the UN General Assembly and at various other international platforms. Despite the embargo, Cuba could nurture greater solidarity and corporation worldwide in trade, international politics, science and culture.

In December 2014, taking a progressive step forward, former USA President Barak Obama and Cuban President Raul Castro commenced the process of re-establishing diplomatic relationships and lifting some travel and economic restrictions.

But, the present President of USA Donald Trump reversed some crucial policies of former President on 16^th of last month in Miami, in front of a gathering of veterans of the failed Bay of Pig invasion. Apparently, President Trump’s government is unilaterally trying to apply certain conditions on Cuba which could adversely affect Cuba’s sovereignty, independence and threaten economic and political principles which helped Cuban people and the Government to stand against all sorts of oppressions including that of imperialism. Cuba’s revolutionary principles defined its unique place in the international arena.

We are sure that, as already expressed by the Foreign Minister of Cuba, the Cuban government and the people will not betray these long held noble principles and policies for want of short term economic gains in dealing with the USA. We extend our solidarity as ever before to Cuba and hope that the relationship with the USA will mature based on mutual collaboration with due respect to sovereignty and independence of each nation.

Peoples’ Liberation Front (JVP) – Sri Lanka

09^th July 2017

The Colombo Chief Magistrate Lal Ranasinghe Bandara yesterday (14th) stated he would give the ruling on the objections raised by the defense against amending of charges in five corruption cases filed against former Minister Johnston Fernando and two others on 25th August.
The accused have been charged for causing a loss of Rs. 40 million losses to the Government by employing 153 employees of the Cooperative Wholesale Establishment (CWE) for work outside their normal duties. It is alleged the employees were deployed for election work.
Former Minister of Cooperatives and Internal Trade of Mahinda Rajapaksa government Johnston Fernando, former Chairman of CWE Ponnage Eraj Priyantha Fernando and former Director of CWE Khaja Mohammed Shakeer who are released on bail were present in Court.

The members of Uva – Wellassa Front to Protect People’s Rights and its convener of Samantha Vidyarathna are engaged in an awareness programme regarding the attempt by the government to hand over 62,500 acres of lands from Wellassa to Gazelle Ventures multinational company from Singapore on the pretext of cultivating sugar cane.
Continuing the campaign “Stop handing over lands for sugar cane cultivation” the Uva – Wellassa Front to Protect People’s Rights set up its branch at Mahiyangana – Kukulapola area yesterday (14th).
The convener of Uva – Wellassa Front to Protect People’s Rights Samantha Vidyarathna participated and Mr. Alahakone Bandara, a teacher at Kukulapola KV also addressed the participants.

Colombo District Court has issued a stay order preventing Abeyarama Temple at Narahenpita from engaging in political activities.
Colombo District Judge Sujeewa Nissanka issued the order today (14th) considering the case filed by Ven. Pathberiya Wimalagnana Thera.
The case was filed by Pathberiya Wimalagnana Thera in February, 2016 stating using the temple for political activities hindered religious observances by devotees.
After considering the submissions Colombo District Court ordered Ven. Muruththetuwe Ananda Thero to stop all political activities being carried out in the temple.
The case will be heard again on 20th November.

Neville Fernando Hospital, maintained by the owner of SAITM illegal medical degree selling institute at Malabe will be taken over by the government on Monday the 17th say reports.
The cabinet had decided to take over the Neville Fernando Hospital and hand it over to the Ministry of Health to be maintained as a teaching hospital and to appoint a board to administer the hospital.

The request made for years by the people of Kiwulawila Mudalik Kanda area to build a bridge at Bambaragala Ketakade that connects their villages and had been neglected by several administrations that ruled the country has now been fulfilled by the JVP.
The proposal to build the bridge, the first of the Rambuka ‘Dhiriya’ Citizens’ Society, could be made a reality with the contribution from Mr. Siripala, a JVP member in the area and a collection made by residents in the area.
The bridge had been an election promise during several elections and due to the inability to continue the deception further, a UNP candidate had left several reinforced culvert pipes stating he would build the bridge. The residents had to bear the expenses for the transport of the pipes and a resident who had participated in unloading the pipes had died when it had fallen on him. However, no one had come forward to build the bridge until now. A local politician has been accused of selling several culvert pipes brought to build the bridge.
In such a situation the National Organizer of the JVP Bimal Rathnayaka and Ratnapura District Organizer of the JVP Gamini Kumarasinghe laid the foundation stones on the 13th to build the bridge undertaken under the ‘Janabala Meheyuma’ programme of the JVP.
However, it is reported that authorities are attempting to obstruct the construction of the bridge.

 

The present Ranil – Maithri ‘yahapalana’ government protects new thieves as well was old thieves and the Anti-Corruption Committee Secretariat was closed down in a bid to stop investigations being carried out in connection with frauds and corruption committed by ministers of the previous regime as well as the present regime says the Information Secretary of the JVP Vijitha Herath.
He said this at a press conference held at the head office of the JVP at Pelawatta today (12th).
Speaking further Mr. Herath said, “People who defeated the corrupt Mahinda Rajapaksa regime expected the new government that boasted of ‘good governance’ would develop the country. The main reason for driving away the Rajapaksa regime was the rallying of masses against the fraudulent corrupt family rule that existed. This is why Mr. Maithripala Sirisena who contested as the ‘common’ candidate had to promise the masses at the presidential election that frauds, corruption and waste would be eradicated and an administration with good governance would be established. He had to present a manifesto including these promises at the election. He boasted on election stages that legal action would be taken against all fraudsters, not allow them to flee the country but would punish all of them. During the 100 day rule a programme called ‘A new country in 100 days’ was presented. According to this programme a special judiciary council was to be established by 5th February, 2015 to investigate large scale frauds and corruption. It was said that special courts would be established. However, after 2 ½ years these promises have become empty words. The so-called ‘yahapalana’ government too continues with frauds, corruption and waste.
On 27th February, 2015 the biggest Central Bank bond scam was committed. Despite stating corruption would be stopped this government has beaten the previous regime in carrying out corruption. Due to the request from the people the government had to establish the Anti-Corruption Committee Secretariat and the FCID. The main function of the Anti-Corruption Committee Secretariat was to accept complaints regarding large scale frauds and corruption and carry out initial investigations. It got the authority from a cabinet paper. It functioned under the Prime Minister’s office. It received a large number of complaints. It carried out an initial classification and directed the complaints to Commission to Investigate Allegations of Bribery or Corruption, FCID, the CID and other institutions. The institution for which the complaints should be sent was decided after they were classified under a deputy Solicitor General from the Auditor General’s Department. During the two year five month period initial investigations on 481 complaints on serious financial crimes, 547 complaints on frauds and irregularities and 120 other complaints were carried out. 258 complaints were referred to the FCID, 43 to the CID, 148 complaints were referred to the Commission to Investigate Allegations of Bribery or Corruption and 32 complaints were directly sent to the IGP for further investigation.
Lately, the President and cabinet ministers made various comments on the expenses of the Anti-Corruption Committee Secretariat. Media has reported so. Rajitha had said more than Rs. 400 million was spent but nothing had happened. Mr. Maithripala Sirisena said only people from his faction are being investigated and nothing was done about others. He said the Secretariat investigated on against Fouzie and Priyankara Jayaratne’s daughter. It is an erroneous statement. We made inquiries about the expenses of the Anti-Corruption Committee Secretariat. The total expense for two years and 5 months was Rs.31 million. However, media reported that Rs. 12 million a month was spent for the Secretariat. It was an opinion the government needed. The government took steps to create fabrications regarding the Anti-Corruption Committee Secretariat when investigations against ministers of the government were launched.
The Anti-Corruption Committee Secretariat investigated the complaints it received and took measures to take legal action. It took measures to get back the money that was defrauded. It took measures to take back Rs. 159 million to the government from CSN. Gotabhaya Rajapaksa spent public funds for the construction of D.A. Rajapaksa museum. Rs. 25 million had to be paid to the government after investigations began in connection with this fraud. The mansion and the land at Malwana built and bought by Basil Rajapaksa worth Rs. 300 million was taken over by the government. The Anti-Corruption Committee Secretariat for which Rs. 32 million was spent was able to take back money that was defrauded. Rajitha Senaratna should tell the country whether money spent for the Anti-Corruption Committee Secretariat is more than the money obtained after investigations. People like Basil, Namal and Wimal Weerawansa used political power for flights. As a result of investigations launched Rs.16 million had to be paid to the government. The government has gained more than Rs.500 million from the investigations carried out on a few complaints of fraud and corruption. There are many more investigations due. They money the government would get after these investigations could be billions.
The government that stated a special court would be established for investigation of frauds and corruption is carrying out a deception. The investigations regarding Fowzie and Priyankara Jaayaratna’s daughter that the President mentioned were carried out by the Commission to Investigate Allegations of Bribery or Corruption. They were not done by the Anti-Corruption Committee Secretariat. The likes of Rajitha Senaratna wanted to close down the Secretariat before investigations against them could be started. Officials know about telephone calls given to delay investigations. There are many complaints against ministers of the present government as well. Among them are ministers who were in the previous government and now are with Mr. Maithripala Sirisena. Why did the President took thieves of the previous regime on to his lap? There are ministers who have used Rs.30 million from Lanka Transform Ltd. that is accused of re-exporting areca for election campaigns. Mrs. Wickremesinghe of the Commission to Investigate Allegations of Bribery or Corruption was intimidated by Rajitha Senaratna. After she was removed there isn’t any talk about the Commission to Investigate Allegations of Bribery or Corruption. Rajitha Senaratna, who was the Minister of Fisheries in the previous government, gave Modara Fisheries Harbour for 25 years at the rate of Rs.125,000 a month when the 1 acre and 30 perch harbor could be leased out for Rs. 1.7 million a month. The loss incurred by the government was Rs. 470 million. When investigations are to be carried out in connection with such frauds the Anti-Corruption Committee Secretariat is closed down.
Also, President Maithripala Sirisena made a special statement in Galle regarding the Nilwala project fraud. He said Rs. 4011 million has been paid when the estimate for the Nilwala project was only Rs. 1037.5 million. This accusation was against Minister Nimal Siripala de Silva who was the minister in charge of the subject in Rajapaksa administration. Also, Minister Harrison’s transactions in Paddy Marketing Board have incurred a loss of Rs. 4000 million to the government. All in the SLFP and the UNP have been accused of frauds and corruption. Even Rohitha Bogollagama, who has been appointed as a governor has accusations of a hotel bill of Rs. 1.1 million and millions spent for his daughter’s birthday bash. A case is currently being heard regarding the matter. This government not only protects thieves but also gives positions to thieves. It is not the Anti-Corruption Committee Secretariat that is at fault.
Minister Ravi Karunanayaka has an accusation of incurring a loss of Rs. 2262 million to the government by illegally releasing 211 luxury vehicles. Mr. S.B. Dissanayaka who was the Minister of Higher education in Rajapaksa administration is accused of taking away very valuable furniture from a mansion gifted to Colombo University. Minister Akila Viraj is accused of recruiting labourers to schools without adhering to financial regulations. There is complaint filed by Mr. Range Bandara against Minister Anura Priyadarshana Yapa regarding a financial fraud.
As initial investigations have commenced regarding these complaints the cabinet decides to close down the Anti-Corruption Committee Secretariat. Also, the officials of the Secretariat are targeted with baseless accusations. These officials took part in the investigations despite there were threats to their lives. The government is attempting to put the blame on the officials to conceal its crimes.
Once the Anti-Corruption Committee Secretariat is closed down there wouldn’t be any place to file complaints against fraudsters of the government. Then the FCID would not be of any use. For, FCID has no authority to accept complaints. Complaints to be investigated by the FCID were referred to the Anti-Corruption Committee Secretariat to be sorted out and directed to the FCID. The government attempts to abolish FCID by closing down Anti-Corruption Committee Secretariat. The government breaks all the promises it made to protect old and new thieves. Previously, the family stole. Today, the partnership steals. The machinery to investigate frauds and corruption is made inactive by the government for it to spend billions to buy luxury vehicles and rent out buildings. The government has no money to get dustbins to schools. The garbage and dengue issues have intensified. The government has no answers for such issues. Fraud, corruption and waste have infested the society. The JVP would take every move to work against this situation. We call upon all citizens to rally with us.”

The Cabinet of Ministers that met yesterday (11th) decided to close down the Anti-Corruption Committee Secretariat.
The government that marked time despite the term of the Secretariat expired on 30th June, yesterday decided to close it down due to pressure targeted against it by several ministers say reports.
The Ministers who have been accused of frauds and corruption had been firm in closing down the Anti-Corruption Committee Secretariat. Some of the ministers who had been firm in closing down the Secretariat were Rajitha Senaratna, Anura Yapa, S.B. Dissanayaka, Dilan Perera, P. Harrison and Ravi Karunanayaka say sources.
It is said if the investigations launched by the Secretariat against these ministers were continued legal action would have to be taken against them and the objective behind the closing down of the Secretariat was to prevent such legal action from being taken against them.
There are accusations against Minister Rajitha Senaratna of defrauding millions when leasing Modara Fisheries Harbour. Investigations have shown that Minister Senaratna is guilty of corruption and legal action could be taken against him. It had been Minister Senaratna who had raised the loudest voice in demanding the closing down of the Secretariat.
Minister Anura Yapa, who has been accused of buying goods from CWE using funds from Ceylon Petroleum Corporation to be distributed as bribes for votes issued statements against the Anti-Corruption Committee Secretariat and the FCID from their inceptions and reiterated that the two institutes should be closed down. .
Mr. Dilan Perera, who is accused of defrauding funds of the Sri Lanka Bureau of Foreign Employment, has made a strong call to close down the Secretariat.
The first complaint against the bond scam in the Central bank had been made to FCID by the Anti-Corruption Committee Secretariat.
The Secretariat has also filed complaints against Minister P. Harrison in connection with frauds committed in Paddy Marketing Board.
With the closing down of the Anti-Corruption Committee Secretariat the functions of the FCID too would come to an end and the cabinet has decided to distribute the files being investigated among various units of the police department.
With this cabinet decision the government, ignoring the mandate given to it at the election in 2015, has begun its move to protect thieves.
The Anti-Corruption Committee Secretariat together with the FCID were established as police was unable to investigate serious financial frauds and the closing down of the two institutes is a move against the mandate given to the government say political analysts.