Tissa House - athletic champions

The annual Inter House Sports Meet of Kalutara Maha Vidyalaya was held at the school ground on January 30 with the participation of the chief guest Health Minister Dr. Rajitha Senaratne, Colombo Campus Senior Lecturer and old boy of the school Nadeeva Dilshan Wickramasinghe, Education Department Additional Secretary S. Janaka Sri Chandragubtha and the Kalutara Zonal Education Director Mrs. Priyani Mudalige.

Tissa House who collected 242 points emerged overall champions and Thilaka House became the runner-up with 236 points, Anura House scoring 218 was placed third and Sena House finished fourth with 208 points.

The awards and the champion trophy were presented by the chief guest Health Minister Dr. Rajitha Senaratne and the Principal H. Sarathchandra Silva.

Under 11 champion: Kavindu Kavinda - Anura House

Under 13 champion: 1. Vinindu Pehesara (Anura House), 2. Ravindu Dulanjaya (Sena House)

Under 15 champion: 1. Vimukthi Roshan (Tissa House), 2. Dusiru Navoth (Tissa House)

Under 17 Champion: Udith Shehan (Thilaka House)

Under 19 Champion: Kusal Prashasthi (Sena House)

Under 21 Champion: Nadun Nimsara (Sena House)

Annual Junior Section most successful player Vinindu Pehesara and the Annual Senior Section most successful player Sanjaya Dilakshan.

Procedure to remove Shirani B. biggest blow to judiciary - Ajith P. Perera

Deputy Chairman of Committees Chandrakumar Murugesu takes the Chair.

M.A. Sumanthiran (TNA): This adjournment motion would help us to erase the doubts in the minds of the people on the procedures followed in appointing the Chief Justice. It is the President who can appoint and remove the Chief Justice. However, before removal, there should be a Parliamentary Council appointed and a letter sent to the President by Parliament. It there is no such motion, then such appointment becomes null and void.

In the case of Dr. Shirani Bandaranayake, there was no motion to remove her from the post of Chief Justice. It was solely to appoint a PSC for the matter. The Speaker put to vote what was on the order paper. What is valid is what is mentioned in the order paper.

Otherwise, what would happen when we pass motions on the order paper and then later say that what was passed was something else. That should not happen.

On the other hand, the reinstatement of Dr. Shirani Bandaranayake was mentioned in the President’s 100 day programme. The people gave a clear mandate to carry out the 100 day programme.

The meeting of the Bar Association held recently, was attended by over 3,000 professionals. This was an unprecedented number, since the very appointment of de facto Chief Justice Mohan Peiris, the professionals in the legal system protested. We refused to accept him as the Chief Justice. We pointed out that the removal of Shirani Bandaranayake was sheer injustice. She was kept out by force. The entire civil society and lawyers praised the reinstatement of Shirani Bandaranayake. In reality she was not duly removed from office.

Wimal Weerawansa (UPFA): The arguments which the opposition members present now were even presented on the day of the passing of the motion. The Speaker then gave a clear verdict on that matter. So, these arguments are not valid. We have to adhere to the ruling of the Speaker.

It cannot be challenged by the Executive. If the impeachment had a defect, then the government could have redirected the matter to Parliament. It is not ethical to change the decision of Parliament by the Executive. If there had been a mistake in Parliament, it should have been corrected by Parliament itself. What we are objecting to is not the individual who is holding the position. We are objecting to the bad precedent set by the government. What the government did was unconstitutional. This is bad example.

Urban Development, Water Supply and Drainage Minister Rauf Hakeem: I was the Justice Minister when Mohan Peiris was holding the position of the Chief Justice. Therefore I am bound to make a speech that would not contradict the collective responsibility. When I was in the previous Cabinet, I could work closely with Leftist leaders like D.E.W. Gunasekara and Vasudeva Nanayakkara. They knew my candid opinion on that matter and I too was aware of their positions in that regard. There was no vacancy to appoint Mohan Peiris as the Chief Justice. The Executive is the appointing authority of the Chief Justice.

Now it is time for us to revisit the Latimer House principles. As the Chair to the Commonwealth Heads of Government, the President is bound to follow the Latimer House principles. The vacancy for the post of the Chief Justice only occurred with the retirement of Dr. Shirani Bandaranayake.

The revision of Standing Orders is necessary to ensure that this type of chaos does not happen in the future. There was no address to the President in the letter sent to him asking to remove Chief Justice Shirani Bandaranayake. Therefore, all that happened subsequently becomes null and void.

Vasudeva Nanayakkara (UPFA): I was against Mohan Peiris being appointed the Chief Justice. I even wrote letters to the Speaker asking not to do this appointment. If there had been an impeachment against Mohan Peiris, I would also be one of the witnesses. I speak no word on behalf of Mohan Peiris.

But I speak on behalf of the Parliament. The due process should be followed in removing a Chief Justice. What the Prime Minister says is a legal fiction. This opens doors to anarchy. This challenges the Supremacy of Parliament and people. I understand your problem. The Prime Minister does not have the majority support. Therefore, he cannot present a motion in Parliament with the expectation to pass it. Let us put this debate to vote. If he loses, then the Prime Minister should resign as he does not have the majority support.

Ajith Kumara (Independent): The rulers take the law into their hands. This was obvious at the previous impeachment of Dr. Shirani Bandaranayake. Even at this point, this fact is seen again.

There are attempts to arrest Kumar Gunaratnam. The government invited those who migrated due to political injustice and revenge to come back. Kumar Gunaratnam was one of them.

Foreign Affairs Deputy Minister Ajith P. Perera: The biggest blow to the judiciary happened due to the procedure taken to remove Shirani Bandaranayake. Parliamentary traditions and ethics were violated during this process. No doubt the Parliament should be Supreme. However under the existing circumstances there is no Supremacy to Parliament. We have to strengthen Parliament by executing the 100 day programme.

Even though Opposition Leader Nimal Siripala moved an adjournment motion today, he himself has given his consent to the appointment of K. Sripavan as the Chief Justice at the Parliamentary Council. The new appointment has been approved with consensus at the Parliamentary Council. So how can he object to the process now? There are two sides in the opposition. One led by Nimal Siripala de Silva, which is the legitimate one and other led by MP Dinesh Gunawardena. We only recognise the opposition led by Nimal Siripala de Silva.

Mohan Peiris came to the airport to welcome the Pope without an invitation. The opposition said it supports the 100 day program in which one pledge is to reinstate Shirani Bandaranayake in the office of Chief Justice.

Mohan Peiris heard the case against his wife and his brother-in-law. It is wrong. He had gone abroad more than 50 times during this period.

Chief Opposition Whip W.D.J. Seneviratne: The Supremacy of the Law has commenced to erode. The Wattala Pradeshiya Sabha chairman was assaulted recently. A no-confidence motion will be moved very soon against the Law and Peace Minister.

Today the matter is not the case of the wife is heard by the Chief Justice, he is a director of a company etc. But if the process of the removal of Mohan Peiris from office of the Chief Justice is correct or incorrect, the same argument was brought when the impeachment was being debated.

The Speaker then ruled out that the intentions of the motion is understood. He said that this motion is enough to include the motion in the order paper to move impeachment under sections 107(2) read with 107(3) of the constitution. But today after two years, the issue has been created by the fact Mohan Peiris was removed from the office.

The members in the government voted for the motion. Hundred and fifty five members voted in favour. Those who reinstated Shirani Bandaranayake in the office of the Chief Justice have misled the Executive.

R. Yogarajan takes the Chair.

Anura Priyadarshana Yapa (UPFA): Today we are not debating about persons, but of the Supremacy of Parliament which is affected and the Speaker’s decision has been challenged by this act.

The Committee was set up to inquire in the charges of Shirani Bandaranayake. The Counsels of Shirani Bandaranayake walked away and she was found guilty on three counts.

We have to discuss and come to a clear decision on this situation as future Parliaments or Executives could repeat the same.

The act of removal of Mohan Peiris is an irreparable damage caused to the Judiciary of our country.

DEW Gunasekara (UPFA): We have experience in three impeachments against Chief Justices. One was against Neville Samarakoone, Sarath N. Silva and Shirani Bandaranayake. Now this matter of the so-called removal by the President. However, it is miserable that the process is not applied to the removal of the 44th Chief Justice.

However, I state that the Supremacy of Parliament cannot be submerged by the incident related to reinstatement of Chief Justice 43 and removal of Chief Justice 44. The corrective measure should be taken by Parliament. The Executive cannot act arbitrarily.

Highways and Investment Promotion Deputy Minister Eran Wickramaratne: As per the resolution passed in connection of Shirani Bandaranayake, it was not addressed to the President and was not to remove her. So this process is flawed.

The Committee deprived natural justice of Chief Justice Shirani Bandaranayake. We struggled to this day to mete out justice to Shirani Bandaranayake.

Pradeep Kariyawasam, husband of Shirani Bandaranayake was appointed by the Finance Minister, the then President Mahinda Rajapaksa. It was done to control the Chief Justice. But it did not happen. The king’s fury sees no limit and acted against Chief Justice Shirani Bandaranayake.

However, a matter between the Executive and the Judiciary cannot be solved by the legislature.

However there is a new beginning for us now as an eminent and a most Senior Justice has been appointed to the office of the Chief Justice.

Professor Tissa Vitarana (UPFA): I clearly state we would corporate only with the progressive changes and proposals of the 100 day program. The removal of the Chief Justice by the President is a violation the Constitution, Parliamentary proceedings and sovereignty of Parliament and people, as the Executive, the President has arbitrarily taken the decision to dismiss Chief Justice 44. The 44th Chief Justice was duly appointed by the Executive President.

This removal is against the principal you were advocating of good governance and reducing the power of Executive.

Mahindananda Aluthgamage (UPFA): I condemn the behaviour of the Prime Minister on the day he made this statement. He threatened to imprison the opposition members.

Is it good governance? We promised to support the 100 day programme. But we can’t support and be assaulted.

Thilanga Sumathipala (UPFA): Although the President has the powers to appoint the Chief Justice he has not been vested powers to remove a Chief Justice.

We cannot accept what happened recently in connection with the office of the Chief Justice. This act has damaged the Supremacy of Parliament and challenges the Speaker’s powers.

Lalith Dissanayake (UPFA): The Prime Minister spoke of good governance.

The Deputy Chairman of Committees Murugesu Chandrakumar takes the Chair.

Lalith Dissanayake: The government cannot implement any of its proposals without the support of the Opposition. The chair of Chief Justice was polluted by reinstating Dr. Shirani Bandaranayake in the post, as there are proved charges against her. If the government had wanted to make her entitled to the pension, they could have done so by some other means. Taking revenge on us or our supporters is not good governance.

Justice Deputy Minister Sujeewa Senasinghe: We pledge to enforce law irrespective of political or party differences. The law will be equal to everybody. If the charges are proved the culprits will be punished. MP Tissa Attanayake has a charge on forging documents. Let the criminal law proceed properly.

I repeat that the motion passed on January 2011 did not indicate anything on the removal of the Chief Justice or any proved charge of her misconduct. The motion was merely to appoint a PSC. Therefore, the entire process is unconstitutional and against Standing Orders.

Therefore, we had to correct the mistake. President Maithripala Sirisena took the decision with his political maturity and expert legal advice with the pure intent of making a better tomorrow. We gave a chance to Mohan Peiris to settle the matter peacefully.

Mohan Peiris has many charges against him. He humiliated the judiciary. Our duty is to implement the law properly and we are dedicated towards it.

Dilan Perera (UPFA): MP Sujeewa Senasinghe said the fault was at the motion that was passed in Parliament. However, when the motion was before the House, some MPs pointed out the same issue and the Speaker suspended the House and came up with a ruling.

The motion was passed with a two thirds majority and the Speaker announced that the motion to remove Dr. Shirani Bandaranayake from the post of Chief Justice was passed. If Mohan Peiris was unsuitable to the post, the government should have used the due Parliamentary procedure. If Shirani Thilakawardena was the successor to Dr. Shirani Bandaranayake. I bet the government would not remove her in this way. The black marks on Mohan Peiris should not be applied to the post of the Chief Justice.

The removal of Mohan Peiris was a bad precedent as it would become a trend. We take up an important debate, but the Prime Minister is absent.

Justice Minister Wijedasa Rajapaksa: I thank the Opposition for asking a debate on this matter. We respect democracy and the right to express dissenting opinions. The Prime Minister could not attend the sittings today since several diplomats have called on him. However, he agreed to facilitate the debate as the opposition wanted an earlier date.

There had been defects in the procedure followed at the impeachment of ex-Chief Justice Shirani Bandaranayake. It was passed with heated debates. We started Parliament sittings this year with new hopes.

Let us unite and work for a better future of the country. It is our duty as policy makers to implement what is good for the country. Some opposition MP hurt our feelings today, but we endure them in the name of democracy. We are endeavouring to build a new political culture. Please do not disrupt this process.

The legal advice given to former President Mahinda Rajapaksa was flawed. The letter sent to the President on January 11, 2013 had a serious defect. Nowhere in it, had it being indicated that a resolution was passed to remove the Chief Justice.

It only asked to appoint a PSC. Therefore the supremacy of Parliament had not been challenged by the corrective measures that we had taken.

The letter to the President was written after the passing of resolution. Without a resolution to remove ex-Chief Justice Shirani Bandaranayake, the President cannot remove her. We have no personal favourations or grudges on Shirani Bandaranayake or Mohan Peiris. We wanted to correct the flaws in the legal procedure. We gave a chance to Mohan Peiris to take up a diplomatic post and retire honourably.

There are serious charges against Mohan Peiris. The entire administration of Law College was in chaos in the past years. The students came to meet me after I assumed duties and we solved most of those problems.

However, the judgements given by Mohan Peiris would not be affected in any manner as that provision is clearly mentioned in the Constitution itself. None of the Judgements will be invalid or null.

There were over 130 judges of courts at the welcome ceremony of Shirani Bandaranayake. This implies that the legal fraternity overwhelmingly welcomed the move by the government.

I will look into the complaint on threatening a judge. I was not aware about it. We have no political favourations in these kinds of issues.

I invite all Parliamentarians to unite to fulfill the aspirations of the people. Let us unite and implement the 100 day programme.

Opposition Leader Nimal Siripala de Silva: Even our ambition is to support your 100 day endeavour. However, when our party members are increasingly harassed, it becomes difficult for us to support.

Wijedasa Rajapaksa: I am sure that the President would not hesitate to take action against the offenders involved in those incidents.

Nimal Siripala de Silva: We have faith in the President. But the culprit involved in the Wattala Pradeshiya Sabha incident was given bail within 24 hours.

Wijedasa Rajapaksa: I admit that there had been a few unfortunate incidents. But we are dedicated to prevent this situation.

The House was adjourned till 1 pm on Thursday. 

Ministers, Opposition MPs locked in battle over ex CJ

The Parliament has the right to intervene and determine the status of Mr. Mohan Peiris who has made a statement that he is still the Chief Justice, said Mr. Dinesh Gunawardene, former Minster and Opposition MP. Said minister Gunawardene that either Parliament or the Courts have the right to summon Mr. Peiris and ask how it is that there are two Chief Justices in the country.

Foreign Affairs Minister Mangala Samaraweeran speaking on behalf of the government in Parliament recently stated that Mr. Mohan Peiris's statement about judicial independence is akin to a harlot advertising her chastity. Former Minister Gunawardene said the he believes Mr. Peiris is still Chief Justice. 

Survey to determine tsunami's impact on environment

Survey to determine tsunami's impact on environment A survey to determine the impact the tsunami may have had on our environment was recently launched by the Environment and Natural Resources Ministry with technical assistance from the United Nations Environment Programme. The survey is divided into two sectors - the Green sector and the Brown sector. The Green sector will cover natural eco-systems such as wetlands, natural parks, mangroves and beach-forest life while the Brown sector will cover emerging environmental pollution from debris, solid waste, chemicals released from factories and air pollution due to enhanced transport facilities. Work on these two sectors has already been started by special survey teams and the reports on the surveys are expected to be submitted soon. The Ministry's rehabilitation programme to restore the environment will be based on the recommendations of these surveys and will take a short and long-term basis. The programme will specially emphasise improving the living standards of those affected by the tsunami. Serious consideration has also been paid to natural forest plantations. The Government has decided to ensure a green belt of 100 metres inland on the Western Coast and 200 metres on the Eastern coast. The Ministry will work closely with other related Ministries and departments in this regard. The planting of marine vegetation on the shore-line has already started. ************ Cinderella goes on the boards Students practising for the pantomime Cinderella, as you have never seen it before! There are disco lights, a royal palace, a sparkling carriage and a job for you - joining in the banter and even taking part in some singing! But, where can you experience it all? At the pantomime, Cinderella, presented by the Junior School of the British School of Colombo. You need not be a theatre enthusiast; if you are someone who likes a lot of fun and laughter, pantomime is for you. "Enjoyed by all ages, a pantomime is full of laughs, tears and even a touch of romance! The audience is part of the play," say the organisers. Pantomime, a custom in England during the post-Christmas period, brings traditional stories to life. It is a fun way of retelling a story with men taking the roles of women and lots of audience participation. Here, a team of 60 students and five teachers from the Junior School have given life to Ella, the poor Cinderella as we all know, who is treated badly by her evil stepmother and stepsisters. Well, be at the Lionel Wendt Theatre on February 18 and 19, at 6.30 p.m. to make Ella's dreams come true! ************ Turtle conservation starts again The Turtle Conservation Project (TCP) has commenced its restoration work which was severely hampered by the tsunami waves, that devastated the southern coastline. The turtle hatcheries which were closely being monitored by the TCP, especially those on the Kosgoda beach, were affected to a large extent due to the destruction of the beach vegetation and also due to debris being swept on to the beach. TCP's work was also disrupted, as it lost three employees as well as many other staffers' houses and property. The project office along with research equipment were also destroyed. When restoration work gets under way, the TCP will focus on the need to scientifically improve the beach and coastal vegetation, as most of these areas provide breeding habitats to turtles. The attention of wildlife authorities has also been drawn by the TCP to the need to discourage illegal hatcheries. The need for privately owned hatcheries to be under the control of the Department of Wildlife Conservation and to be guided and scientifically monitored by expert turtle conservationists were also emphasised. Volunteers, while working on the restoration of the beaches, are now patrolling stretches of the beach which are mostly frequented by turtles. The tsunami's impact on the Rekawa beach, which also has turtle hatcheries, had been minimal, while the hatcheries along Bundala were saved by the undisturbed sand dunes in the area.

National Drug Policy - a timely need

National Drug Policy - a timely need

Recent news reports revealed that the Health Ministry will introduce a new national drug policy to the country.

When formulating a national drug policy the following needs are crucial: The number of drugs registered under one generic name should be limited so that drug procurement, regulation, dispensing and prescribing become less complicated and much cheaper, requiring less trained personnel.

Infrastructure required for quality assurance of drugs should be strengthened. Quality of the pharmaceuticals should be tested regularly even after introducing drugs to the market.

Role of the pharmacists should be changed from that of a vendor to a professional. Regularly updated drug information should be freely available to doctors and pharmacists.

This will not be a difficult task as the vision of pioneers like Professor Senaka Bible still lingers on in our hearts. Now is the time for all the stakeholders - doctors, government regulatory officials, pharmaceutical companies, pharmacists and consumers to start a dialogue.

Dr. Ruwan Chandana, Lecturer, Department of Pharmacology, Faculty of Medicine.

Stringent laws to prevent corruption of tsunami aid

The Government consider passing special laws immediately that impose stringent punishments for any individual or organisation that abuse the funds or goods assigned for the tsunami relief operation. This should be considered as top priority. It will also ensure the donors that measures are being taken to ensure aid is given to the beneficiaries and not into the pockets of corrupt individuals or officials.

While the laws of the land is in tact to prevent bribery and corruption, this special law relating to the tsunami disaster will be a message to any one who wishes to put his 'hand in the till'. There were reports of individual 'vultures' robbing victims of the disaster.

M. Ghouse, Colombo 6.

Value to be Sri Lankan - do you know?

What is the good of Sri Lankans singing fancy songs saying 'We are Sri Lankans, etc,' with reference to the recent tsunami disaster and Nimal Mendis composing songs in far away London, when the basics of decency and compassion are not observed in Ruhunu Childrens Home in Galle as reported by Jayantha Sri Nissanka? I was in Sri Lanka during the tsunami disaster and did some small things I could do to help as are all these compassionate doctors and others who are still staying on and helping.

If we are unable to offer material help then kindness and compassion towards victims, especially the children, must be shown. If the staff at this home cannot do this they have no right to call themselves Sri Lankans.

I urge the government, to hold an immediate inquiry. If the staff are at fault, it is far better that the running of the home is handed over to Buddhist or Christian clergy with a government grant. Let foreigners who want to do voluntary work be permitted to do so after clearance of their credentials.

Alan Jansen, Stockholm, Sweden.

Time to alleviate poverty

Time is now ripe for the State to embark on a poverty alleviation program simultaneously with tsunami relief activities. The existence of poverty at an alarming rate is worst compared to corruption, terrorism or even a tsunami.

The affluents among us should always be prepared to assist their poor kith and kin and also the immediate neighbours to the maximum, irrespective of cast and creed which was apparent in the generosity shown towards the known and unknown tsunami victims.

H.N. Wimeleratne, Wattala.

Caller Party Pays System is discriminating

Director General of the Telecommunication Regulatory Commission has announced a public hearing on caller party pays system.

He gives the impression that expert consultants have gone through everything and arrived at conclusions. If the normal subscribers have to pay a higher figure, to call a mobile subscriber in the country than an international call commonly made available then the experts should know better that the wisdom of the process is no better than that of the 'Mahadenamutta'.

This system came into being to eliminate the charges of incoming calls to mobile subscribers. If absurd conclusions are reached as a result of transferring the cost to the calling party, then the solution lies somewhere else. Therefore, the Public Hearing should go into the root of the matter instead of the tariff of the system.

I understand that a previous public hearing did not encourage this system. They maintained that the charges for incoming calls will reduce with time due to competition.

That conclusion has been proved correct. A new method has to be thought of eliminating the incoming charge for mobile subscribers without harassing the existing landline subscribers.

Fawzia Sherifdeen, Colombo 3.

Increase in animal slaughter

Poachers are caught, not with one deer skin, but over a dozen bundled together at a time. The flesh already sold. Now turtle killing is on the rise. It is a common news item how loads of cattle, including pregnant cows and little calves are stolen and the police, who are informed do nothing at all. Why it is so?

Serving turtle flesh, deer, birds' nests, etc. in restaurants, hotels and other eating houses should be made a punishable offence. Have frequent raids and impose heavy fines. All vehicles returning from 'pilgrimage' closer to our wildlife sanctuaries should be subject to relentless check.

Every hotel and restaurant should be compelled to have a board close to its eating area, listing the flesh that it is prohibited to serve, with mention of the heavy fines to the establishment and also to the customers found gorging on the forbidden dish.

Prema Ranawaka - Das, 
Moratuwa.

The Golden dream

The Constitutional and National Integration Minister D.E.W. Gunasekera in a public consultation on January 29 on the need to put the peace effort on track was able to gather political leaders, professionals, clergy, intellectuals, trade unionists, NGO's personnel and the general public to see how best the peace process could be activated.

Let us not miss this opportunity. Let us forget the past and think of the future, especially the younger generation.

The Government and the LTTE should have a change of attitude, adopt a new strategy, go off the beaten track, search for new pastures, talk about peace and harmony now, on a new basis that is the golden dream of all Sri Lankans, the young and the old.

J.T. Mirando, 
Negombo

A 'thank you' flag

We must design a flag which says 'thank you' to the foreign countries that helped us following the tsunami disaster. In addition it must contain the flags of the countries that helped us. In order to avoid any discrepancy between countries we must place the flags in an alphabetical order of the name of the country.

This flag must be placed in all Sri Lankan Embassies abroad and also in buildings, landmarks and where ever applicable in Sri Lanka.

In addition a 'thank you' stamp must be introduced by the Postal Department.

Patriotic Sri Lankan.

Jobs for 10,000 graduates under Tharuna Aruna program

Jobs for 10,000 graduates under Tharuna Aruna programby Ananda Kannangara A record number of 10,000 graduates will be absorbed into the private sector institutions within the next five years under a special job orientation program, initiated by the Tharuna Aruna Institute. The jobs will be provided under the "Tharua Aruna- 11" program which was officially launched by the Government on Wednesday under the supervision of Ministry of Skills Development, Vocational and Technical Education at the "Nipunatha Piyasa". According to the program each graduate will receive a comprehensive 12 months placement period on various fields, that would enhance the challenges in the private sector. The placed graduates will also receive minimum salary of Rs. 6000 per month. The graduates will also be given a training to improve their English language skills and in the field of Information Technology before being absorbed into the respective institutions. A new web site www.tharunaaruna.org was opened at the Tharuna Aruna Institute to enable private sector employers to register their organisations,so that they will be able to get prospective graduates who are oriented towards the private sector culture. Speaking on the occasion Minister Piyasena Gamage confirmed that nearly 2000 graduates will be granted jobs each year under this program and said that 156 private sector organisations have already offered 558 job placements. "All trained graduates will be given a letter of employment by the respective employers with a six month probation and a monthly remuneration of Rs. 6000 in keeping with the labour laws of the country" he added. He said that during the six months probation period the employers will have to train and mould the graduates to suit the requirements of their companies.

PM underlines significance of electrification

PM underlines significance of electrificationby Rohan Mathes Reporting from Badulla Prime Minister Mahinda Rajapakse stresses the need for infrastructure development and health services for the well-being of any rural area and the country in general. Quoting the great Soviet leader Lenin, who had stated that a new world evolves when the people and electricity are combined as electricity is the fountain of socialism, Rajapakse pointed out that electrification of villages generates new job opportunities, advancement in one's education and creates more rural industries. Addressing a public rally at Uva-paranagama in the Badulla district, after laying the foundation stone for a health centre and inaugurating an electrification scheme there yesterday the Premier said that for any village to develop, highway and electricity are vital. So is the provision of adequate health centres for a healthy living. "We are formulating systematic mechanisms using modern-technology for the provision of electricity at more affordable rates, to the consumer. However, as a responsible government, we will ensure that we would strike a balance between economic development and proper management of the natural resources of the country and its environment for a sustainable Sri Lanka", he noted. The Premier asserted that with a view to enhancing computer literacy in the Uva Province as well, he would arrange for an e-library there. He added that 'Raja Mawatha' the Badulla-Mahiyangana highway too, would be constructed soon.