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99year lease of Hambantota Port to Chinese

SEE PAGE 9

Congratulations toVernon Udugampola OBE

Vernon recently received his award for services toHumanitarian Aid, particularly in Sri Lanka and the

UK. Please see page 8.

Lord Naseby sends detailed evidence to United Nationsincluding Gash despatchesLord Naseby wishes to state the following with regardto the response attributed to the British HighCommission in Colombo following a query raised bythe Sri Lankan newspaper 'The Island', published on6 December 2017 under the headline 'Naseby's calldoesn't reflect UK's stand- HC'.The resolution 30/1 entitled 'Promoting reconciliation,accountability and human rights in Sri Lanka'emphasized the need for truth-seeking, amongothers, as an important element in the overall questto promote reconciliation, accountability and humanrights in Sri Lanka. The UK government was one ofthe initiators and a co-sponsor of the resolution. Thedespatches by Col Anton Gash, the former defenceattaché of the British High Commission, constitutesan important element in the process of truth-seekingand should be of interest to all those who genuinelyseek a clear picture of what happened during the finalstages of the conflict in Sri Lanka. It is thereforedisappointing that the British High Commission failsto acknowledge the importance of the despatches ofits own former defence attaché and the insight that isprovided by his communications with the British

Government.While not expressly stated so in the resolution, thosewho have closely followed events in Sri Lanka afterthe end of the conflict would agree that the basis forthe successive resolutions on Sri Lanka at the UNHuman Rights Council stemmed from the allegationsof war crimes and crimes against humanity (and insome quarters 'genocide') said to have beencommitted by the Sri Lankan armed forces and the LTTE. Especially, the Report of the UN SecretaryGeneral's Panel of Experts on Accountability in SriLanka, commonly known as the 'Darusman Report',alleged that 'a number of credible sources haveestimated that there could have been as many as40,000 civilian deaths' (para 137), mostly as a resultof indiscriminate shelling by the Sri Lankan military.Therefore, the number of civilians killed forms a veryimportant element in truth-seeking especially whenthe difference is over 30,000.While Lord Naseby does not take issue with thoseadvocating reconciliation and accountability in SriLanka including the need to anyinvestigateallegations of human rights violations,... SEE P8

by Saman Indrajith(Island.lk) - Prime Minister Ranil Wickremesinghereceived a cheque of US$ 300 million as an advancepayment from the China Merchant Group Limited whichwill now manage and operate the Hambantota Port.The ceremony to hand of the cheque was held atparliamentary complex yesterday under the patronageof Prime Minister Ranil Wickremesinghe. Severalministers, Chinese Ambassador to Sri Lanka Yi Xianlingand the officials of the China Merchant Group attendedthe ceremony.The US$ 300 million is considered to be the largestforeign payment received after a lapse of four decadesand the money will be deposited in a special fixeddeposit account and will add to the country’s foreign

reserves , he said.,The Prime Minister said next would be the establishmentof the Ruhuna Industrial Development Corporationthrough which the Ruhuna area would be developed intoan industrial zone and hundreds of factories would beset up.Among these will be an oil refinery, an LNG facility, adockyard and cement factory, he said."Negotiations for these have already started. The landfor these projects will be identified by the RuhunuaDevelopment Authority," he said.The Prime Minister said that the country is on its way tobeing the hub of the Indian Ocean."Sri Lanka is part of the modern maritime silk route. Wehave three ports, one in Colombo, one in the south at

Hambantota and one in the east in Trincomalee".The Prime Minister added that thousands of dollars willbe received in the future. This will release the people’sdebt burden without leaving any for the present andfuture generations to pay off. The intention of theGovernment is to create a better country for the futuregeneration which would enable them to move forwardwithout any fear.

Prime Minister Ranil Wickremesinghe accepting the cheque for US$ 300 million as anadvance paymentfrom Chinese Ambassador to Sri Lanka, Yi Xianling, on behalf China Merchant Group Limited which will

now manage and operate the Hambantota Port. Looking on is Minister Malik Samarawickrama. Thepresentation of the cheque was held at the parliamentary complex.

Rex Clementine reporting from Dharamsala(Island.lk) - Fast bowler Suranga Lakmal overcamesickness and a stunning M. S. Dhoni to end Sri Lanka’sfrustrating losing streak in ODI cricket this year at thepicturesque Dharamsala yesterday. Sri Lanka’s seven-wicket win is their first ODI victory since July this yearending a 12-match losing streak.Having required a supply of oxygen and injection dueto Delhi’s poisonous smog, Lakmal skipped training on

Saturday as he was repeatedly vomiting and was adoubtful starter for the first game. But he put thedisappointments behind and bowled one of the mostprobing spells by a Sri Lankan fast bowler in thehistory.In helpful conditions, Lakmal barely touched 135kmph,but more importantly, swung the ball to good effect toreduce India to 29 for seven. Such was his stamina,that he bowled his ten overs on the trot;... SEE P27

Sri Lanka win 1st ODI

ISSUE 1358NEWSLANKA 14 DECEMBER - 2017PAGE 02

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Jaffna Grade 5 Exam achievers felicitated(dailynews.lk) Security Force Headquarters -Jaffna (SFHQ-J) recently appreciatedachievements, made by students in the recent

Grade 5 Scholarship examination in a specialceremony that awarded more financial grants fortheir higher studies.

In the SFHQ-Jceremony twoscholarships wereawarded to those whoachieved best results

in the recent examination for their further studies.SFHQ-J sponsored those scholarships, togetherwith a stock of special gifts for those achievers.Islandwide Grade 5 Scholarship examinationresults confirmed that a large number of Jaffnastudents became well qualified in the recent exam.Annathika Udayakumar from St. John BoscoCollege, Jaffna who was ranked 17th at island

ranks with 194 marks (First place in Tamil mediumin Jaffna district) and Maythree Rei from St. BoscoCollege, Jaffna and Padeesvaran Abhishik fromMadagal Vignesvara Vidyalaya who secured 18thplace in all island ranks (2nd places in Tamilmedium in Jaffna District) with 193 marksrespectively.

Jaffna Security Forces Commander, Major General Darshana Hettiarachchi gifted school bags, stationeries and booksand mementos to the students in appreciation of their outstanding achievements.Principals and teachers of respective

schools along with parents of students look on.

Sunil ShanthaKalutara(dailynews.lk) Over 1,320 persons of 355 familieshave been housed at 13 locations in the Kalutaradistrict, as a result of the inclement weather andthe recent depression.Over sixty one thousand and one hundred eightyeight (61,188) persons belonging to 15,729families in 603 Grama Niladhari Divisions in theKalutara district were affected due to the adverse

weather and gusty winds that engulfed theWestern coast.Kalutara District Disaster Management Co-ordinator Col. Prasad Jayasinghe told the DailyNews that 35 persons were injured while minordamages occured to 3,870 houses with 11,364houses being partly damaged and 495 houseswere completely damaged.

Albert Moses of Mind Your Language famelaid to rest

(dailynews.lk) Sri Lankan born actor AlbertMoses who became famous for his characterRanjeet Singh, a Sikh from Punjab ('ATHOUSAND APOLOGIES') in the ITV sitcomMind Your Language died in London September15. He was 79.The remains of Albert Moses will be buried atSt.Andrew's Church in his native Gampola today.Moses, who was based in the United Kingdombegan his acting career in the 1960s in Indiawhere he acted in several films. From India, hemoved to Africa where he undertook work ondocumentaries.Albert Moses has been involved with the film andtelevision industry for over 30 years starting inIndia where he acted in 7 films.In the UK, Albert has been involved in a greatnumber of diverse projects, several of whichwere ventures filmed around the globe.In his younger days, Albert's specialties as anactor included: fencing, dancing, singing, motor-cycle stunts, karate and judo. He is fluent inEnglish, Arabic, Tamil, Sinhalese, moderateGerman and Sanskrit. One of Albert's popularthemes was playing the double of Clarke Gable.

He has played in film,television and theatricalproductions with manyrespected actorsincluding: Kirk Douglas,Oliver Reed, Sir JohnGielgud, Roger Moore,Michael Caine, SeanConnery, CharlesDance, KennethWilliams, Benny Hill, TimPiggott Smith, PamelaStevenson, Diana Rigg and many others.During his extensive career, he has also workedwith many internationally renowned directorsincluding John Landis, John Houston, RobCohen and Alan Parker. He did prominent rolesin many theatre productions such as Freeway atNational Theatre Phædra Britannica with DameDiana Rigg. Long March to Jerusalem at WatfordTheatre are few of the many.He starred in movies such as The Man WhoWould Be King - A John Houston film with SeanConnery, Michael Caine and ChristopherPlummer, The Spy Who Loved Me - James Bond

Movie with Roger Moore, StandUp Virgin Soldiers - EMI, CarryOn Emmanuelle - as an Indiandoctor, The Little Drummer Girl -EMI, The Awakening - ColumbiaPictures, An American WerewolfIn London - John Landis Movie,The Great Quest - with OliverReed, Pink Floyd, The Wall -Alan Parker Film, Octopussy -James Bond Movie (asSaddrudin - undercover Britishagent in India), Jungle Book II -Walt Disney, East Is East -Channel Four Films, Scandalous- with Sir John Gielguld andPamela Stevenson.

Ranjeet Singh

The Mind Your Language cast.

Kalutara displaced housed in 13 locations

By Malaka Rodrigo(sundaytimes.lk) Reports that swarms of whatwere initially mistakenly identified asvenomous sea snakes had got caught infishing nets in the east coast, had manypuzzled and others worried with rumoursspreading of an impending tsunami. Butscientists have categorically said they arenot sea snakes but a species of marine eel.These creatures had got caught in areasincluding Batticaloa, Kalladi and Nawalady.They were reported as having slender

bodies with the largest specimen being aboutfour feet long.

They are marine eels, not sea snakes

(sundaytimes.lk)The 16th ColomboScout Group,S.Thomas’ College,Mount Lavinia,felicitated adistinguished oldboy JanaprithFernando, the firstSri Lankan to beelected to theWorld ScoutCommittee of 12members whichconsists of 169member countrieswith a membershipof 42 million.The event was heldat the College MainHall on December5 with theparticipation of theWarden, Rev Marc Billimoria, member of Board

of Governors, Senaka De Fonseka, AssistantChief Commissioner SLSA Wathsala

Wijewickrama, AvanthiFernando,Chaplains, Headmasters,teachers, parents, scouts andCubs. The Warden, JanaprithFernando and others addressed thegathering.Cub scouts who won the Gold Starin 2017 were presented theircertificates and a plaque waspresented to Janaprith Fernando bythe scouts to mark this remarkableachievement by a Thomian.

First Lankan to be elected to WorldScout Committee

Death toll 420

By Dilanthi Jayamanne(island.lk) Director General Health Services, Dr.Anil Jasinghe yesterday disclosed that the totalnumber of dengue cases recorded from Januaryto December 12 this year had reached acolossal 177,423 while the dengue death toll forthe whole year was 420.From January to December last year the numberof dengue patients was 55,150 and the death toll83.The highest number of dengue cases (41,121)was recorded in July this year. While last yearthe highest number (10,715) was also during thesame month.The statistics given by the Epidemiological unitwebsite show a reduction in numbers during themonths of August, September, and October andNovember. The number of dengue patients

declined from 22,270 in August to 8459 inNovember. During the corresponding period lastyear the total number of dengue cases was12,944.The highest number of dengue cases this yearwas reported from Colombo (32,941) Gampaha(30,605), followed by Kandy (13,616), Ratnapura(10,921), Kurunegala (10,792), Kalutara (10,356)and Kegalle (9285). Last year the highestnumbers were recorded in Colombo (16,767),Gampaha (7173), Kandy (4063), Ratnapura(3130) Galle (3086) and Kurunegala (2556).The total number of dengue cases recorded fromNorth and East this year was 18,000. Last yearthe North and East recorded 4,611 denguecases. The Districts of Jaffna, Batticaloa andTrincomalee recorded 5,268, 5,095 and 4,855respectively.

Shocking 177,423 dengue cases so far this year

ISSUE 1358 NEWSLANKA 14 DECEMBER - 2017 PAGE 03


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Ruzaik Farook(dailynews.lk) The Conference of Sri LankanMalays (COSLAM) launched a book RacingAgainst the Odds Dynamics of Identity Formationof Sri Lankan Malays, at the J.R. JayawardeneCentre in Colombo, recently. The author of thebook, South Eastern University Sociology SeniorLecturer Dr. A. Rameez said that thebook is useful for the Malay Communityin Sri Lanka, and that he alsoappreciates many Malay organizationscontributing to various events.COSLAM President Attorney-at-Law T. K.Azoor said in his welcome speech thatthere needs to be a representative for theMalay Community, in the Parliament,requesting Muslim Congress LeaderMinister Rauff Hakeem to consider it inthe future. He pointed out that the MalayCommunity in Sri Lanka currently facesmany problems.Chief guest Malaysian HighCommissioner to Sri Lanka Wan ZaidiWan Abdullah,Urban Development,Water Supply and Drainage Minister

Rauff Hakeem, and Kelaniya Teaching UniversityEnglish Language Senior Lecturer Dr. RomolaRassool also addresses thegathering.Independent Television Network formerDirector Hashim Omar received the first copy ofthe book from the Malaysian High Commissionerat the ceremony.

Independent Television Network former Director HashimOmar receiving the first copy of the book from chief guest

Malaysian High Commissioner to Sri Lanka Wan ZaidiWan Abdullah. Picture by Ruzaik Farook

75th anniversary of the Peradeniya University

(dailynews.lk) A statue of Sir Ivor Jennings was unveiled to mark the 75th anniversary of thePeradeniya University with the participation of Sir Jennings’ granddaughter Rebecca Caine, her

husband William Thimothy Richards, Emeritus Professor K.N.O. Dharmadasa, PeradeniyaUniversity Vice Chancellor Professor Upul Dissanayake and Deputy Vice Chancellor ProfessorLakshman Jayaweera. Sir Ivor Jennings was the founding father of the Peradeniya University

and was its first Vice Chancellor.

Nearly half of them from the South(island.lk) Sixty law students passed out ofthe Jaffna University on Friday (Dec 8).Twenty four of them were from the South.The eighth batch of the Department of Law,University of Jaffna included the highestnumber of students from the South.The first five batches hadn’t includedstudents from the South though the Jaffnapeninsula was under government controlsince 1995.The 33rd General Convocation of Universityof Jaffna was held at the Kailasapillai hall.

Some of the students from the South (L-R) Sajini Nissanka,Rajalingam Abilashini, Dilhara Gunathilaka, Dhanushka

Elpitiya, Rochelle Ariyawansa.

Help this poorcancer patient

(island.lk) The sun virtually seton the life of S. K. S. P. Kurera(45) the day he fell badly illand was diagnosed withcancer of the esophagus.After prolonged treatment, hehas now recovered to someextent, but doesn’t have thefinancial strength to purchasethe costly medicinesprescribed to keep him alive.He worked as an electrician,but had to give up his job as his illness cruellyintervened to derail life. His wife looks afterhim, but without a regular income, keeping thehome fires burning has become a bitter battle.Under these distressing circumstances,finding the money to buy the patient’s drugshas become an infinite struggle. Anyassistance to ease this poor man’s sufferingwill be a blessing.Financial contributions can be credited toSavings a/c No. 79757922, Bank of Ceylonbranch at Bopitiya in Pamunugama.The address is No. 555, Colombo Road,Uswetakeiyawa, Kandana.Mobile: 077-5370723.

COSLAM launches book for Lankan Malays

A.Rafeek(49) from Dehiwela is suffering fromend stage renal disease. He needs to undergoa Renal transplant as definitive treatment andis now receiving treatment from NephrologistDr.Arjuna Marasingha at the Kalobowila

Hospital.He is a father of two who needs to find akidney donor. His blood type “O+”. Any kinddonour can contact the following TelephoneNumbers-0778335979 or 0774236703.

Kidney donor needed

Sixty law students pass out from Jaffna Uni

Ven. Galagedera Pannananda Thera passes away(sundaytimes.lk) The lastsurviving Sri Lankan- bornBuddhist monk, whoadministered the panchaseela to Dr. B. R. Ambedkar,independent India’s first LawMinister and architect of thecountry’s Constitution, at amass rally at Lucknow onOctober 14, 1954, the MostVenerable GalagederaPannananda Thera haspassed away in Lucknow.His funeral will take placenext Sunday (December 17)with full State honoursconferred by the CentralGovernment of India and theState Government of UttarPradesh in recognition of themonk’s long service toBuddhism in India.

Religious dignitaries among others paying respects to the remainsof Most Venerable Galagedera Pannananda Thera

(ft.lk) Lantern BeachCollection has been awardedthe coveted World LuxuryHotel Awards for LuxuryPrivate Villa in the Countryand Luxury Beach Hotel inthe region.The World Luxury HotelAwards are accepted as thepinnacle of achievement forluxury hotels worldwide.These awards wereestablished as a celebrationof ultimate achievement inservice excellence. It is aboutrewarding and congratulatinghotels that have excelled beyond the normal call ofduty.The World Luxury Hotel Awards accounts for allcategories in the luxury hotel industry. Awardwinners set the benchmark for luxury hotels on theglobal front in achieving recognition for exceptional

service.Serendib Leisure Management Ltd. ChiefOperating Officer Shantha Kurumbalapitiya added,“We are honoured to be awarded as the bestluxury private villa in Sri Lanka and the best luxurybeach hotel in the region at the 2017 World Luxury

Hotel Awards. These accolades aretestimonial to the unmatched location of thehotel and the services and facilities we offerour valuable guest.”The Lantern collection was conceptualisedwith the desire to create a beach getawayfor travellers who appreciate an intimatevacation that captures the essence of therenowned Sri Lankan beaches. The team atLantern consists of a diverse and extensivegroup of world citizens who seek to create atouching, unique and personalisedexperience for both individuals and familiesalike. From design to service, the villa chainincluding the Lantern Boutique Hotel,Ubuntu by Lantern and Luxury Villas, Riso &Amour contain 23 rooms in total, all within ashort stroll along the Mirissa beach.

Lantern Beach Collection(ft.lk) Sri Lanka has topped the NationalGeographic Traveller UK’s coolest destinationslist for 2018.The popular magazine’s upcomingJanuary/February 2018 edition features 18destinations which are set to make it big in2018. The magazine reveals the coolesthaunts, the hippest hangouts, the bucket listbreaks and the enthralling escapes.Ranking Sri Lanka as the number one, themagazine states: If any country offers a betterall-round travel experience than Sri Lanka,

then it’s hiding its light under a very sizablebushel. Beach lovers can pick from a host ofpicture-postcard spots on the Indian Oceancoast.If culture’s your thing, you’ll be falling overUNESCO-listed historical sites, from mound-like Buddhist stupas — or dagobas — datingback thousands of years, to royal capitals,cave temples and colonial fortresses. Timeyour visit with a Buddhist celebration, such asVesak, and join festival crowds throngingstreets decorated with lanterns.

Sri Lanka tops National Geographic Traveller’scoolest destinations for 2018


Crimes Accidents&Sajin Vass fined

Rs.1,000(dailymirror.lk) Former MP Sajinde Vass Gunawardena was finedRs.1,000 by the Colombo ChiefMagistrate’s Court today for notdeclaring his assets during theyears 2011 and 2012.Additional Magistrate AruniAttygala fined Mr. Gunawardenaover the case filed by the Bribery Commission. Theformer MP pleaded guilty to the charges. (YoshithaPerera)

Raviraj murder appealre-fixed

Lakmal Sooriyagoda(dailynews.lk) The appealfiled by the wife of slainTNA Jaffna district MPNadaraja Raviraj, wasyesterday re-fixed forsupport on February 16,

by the Court of Appeal.Mrs. Raviraj is challenging the Colombo HighCourt’s judgment to release the five accused,including three Navy intelligence officers, in theRaviraj murder caseCourt of Appeal Judge, Justice KumuduniWickremesinghe re-fixed the matter for supportsince the Bench was not properly constituted.The aggrieved party, Sashikala Raviraj, wife of theslain MP filed this appeal seeking an order to setaside the verdict of the Colombo High Court datedDecember 23, 2016, to acquit and release allaccused from the case. On December 23, 2016,three Navy intelligence officers and two others,accused in the Raviraj murder, were acquitted andreleased from the case after they were found notguilty by jury trial.

Journalist attackedin Mullaitivu

One assailant faces citizen’s arrest(island.lk) A journalist was attacked in Mullaitivuon Friday night, the Tamil Guardian reports.Three people on a motorcycle attempted toblock the journalist, Subramaniam Baskaran,while he was riding his motorcycle in thePandiankulam area of Mankulam in Mullaitivu.Although Baskaran attempted to swerve andescape, the assailants continued to chase afterhim on their motorcycle, which he noted did nothave a registration plate.Baskaran sustained injuries to his head and arm.After managing to flee, Baskaran sought refugein a three-wheeler park at the Mankulam junctionOne of the attackers was caught by locals whohad given chase and was handed over to police.Mankulam police are investigating the attack.

Bomb threat on flight:Sri Lankan pleads guilty(dailymirror.lk) A SriLankan man whothreatened to set off abomb onboard a flight fromMelbourne is facing amaximum 20 years' jailafter pleading guilty toattempting to take controlof an aircraft, the ABC News reported today.Manodh Marks, 25, forced Malaysia Airlinesflight MH128 to Kuala Lumpur to turn backshortly after take-off when he tried to enter thecockpit while screaming that he had a bomb.The catering student was overpowered bypassengers who tied him up with belts until theflight landed at Melbourne Airport in June.

(ft.lk) The Colombo High Court yesterdayacquitted Skills Development andVocational Training State MinisterPalitha Range Bandara of allcharges filed against him.Deputy Solicitor General BimalRatnayake, appearing on behalf ofthe Attorney General, told the courtthat a settlement had beenreached between the prosecutionand the defendant.Therefore, the Deputy SolicitorGeneral requested court to grant permission towithdraw the indictment.

The complainant in the case, a businessmannamed Dinesh Ratnayake, hasagreed to the State’s request andtherefore Colombo High CourtJudge A.A.R. Heiyanthuduwagranted permission to withdraw thecomplaint and released MinisterBandara.The Minister was accused ofmisappropriating Rs. 5.4 millionfrom a businessman promising tohand over the licence for his luxury

vehicle to the businessmen after five years.

State Minister Palitha Range Bandaraacquitted of all charges

(dailynews.lk) The nine suspects arrested oncharges of killing the tusker Galagamuwe ‘DalaPoottuwa’ were remanded till December 26 bythe Mahawa Magistrate, today.Among the nine suspects currently detained inconnection with the incident are three GramaNiladhari’s.The Magistrate also rejected a request to bringthe tusks and the elephant pearls currently in the

custody of courts to Colombo for investigations.The killing of the tusker came to light when twoelephant tusks were seized at Polpithigama inNikawewa by officers of the Panadura WalanaVice Squad recently.The seizing of the two tusks and six elephantpearls (Gaja Muthu) shed light into thedisappearance of the tusker ‘Dala Poottuwa’ inGalgamuwa as a search for the tusker carried

out by wildlife officials had drawn a blank.There had been no trace of the elephantsince it was last seen on the banks of theHerathgama Wewa in Moragollagama onOctober 16.The tusker had lost vision in both eyesand had some debility on its left hind leg.Wildlife officials and the Police laterarrested the nine suspects afterinterrogating the persons arrested inconnection with the detections of thetusks.They also found the carcass of the tuskerin the jungle.

Tusker killers

(dailymirror.lk) Hatton Magistrate T. Saravanarajayesterday ordered the Maskeliya Police to arrestJeevan Thondaman, the son of CWC GeneralSecretary and Parliamentarian ArumugamThondaman and produce him in courts regardingan alleged attack on a National Union ofWorkers’ (NUW) supporter who had participatedin a funeral in Maskeliya.Police earlier arrested four CWC suspects whohad surrendered to the Police over this incidentand produced them in courts. The HattonMagistrate ordered that the case be taken upagain on April 4 while releasing the four suspectsincluding the CWC Vice President and Central

Provincial Council Minister M. Rameshwaran oncash bail.The others who were released on bail wereWellayan Dinesh, M. Pichchamoorthy and S.Baskaran.Maskeliya Police told the Magistrate that anothersuspect named Jeevan Thondaman was to bearrested and hence these suspects be remandedtill December 13. However the lawyers whoappeared for the suspects said this complainthad been made with an ulterior motive andrequested that they be released on bail. (RanjithRajapakse)

Thondaman son

Please help Ruwani(sundaytimes.lk) The parents of an eleven-year-oldgirl with a deformity in her legs, are appealing forassistance to help in their daughter’s education asshe has shown an aptitude for studies and isinterested in music too.The principal Mr Nawaratne can be contacted on07186 14156

(dailymirror.lk) Excited Catholics and many otherswere seen rushing into St. Anne’s Church inWattala to get a glimpse of a picture of JesusChrist, where droplets of sweat were seenemerging from the forehead of the image of the

blessed Saviour in what seemed to be a modernday miracle.Parish Priest of St. Anne’s Church, Wattala, Rev.Fr. Sanjeev Mendis, said the watery dropletssimilar to that of sweat had been flowing from the

picture since Octoberthis year. “The picturewas brought to SriLanka by a group ofpriests who came here12 years ago fromChalakkudi in India.The priests haddistributed severalpictures to theCatholics of the areawho had attended theprayer sessions.However thetear-like droplets hadbeen flowing from onepicture which was kept

in the house of a woman named NiromiAmarasinghe,” Fr. Mendis said. He said thepicture was brought to the church after thesupernatural occurrence continued.Niromi said she had witnessed the dropletscoming from the forehead of the picture of Christfrom time to time. “I noticed the changes andshowed it to my mother as well and then wedecided to inform the parish priest about it. Wewere advised to bring the picture to the church forit to be examined,” she said.“We had family problems for some time and thesesubsided since the miracle began. I haveexperienced some strange feelings which are hardto explain ever since this miracle began. I feel thatChrist is alive,” she added.However, Fr. Mendis said it is difficult to make anyconclusion at the movement. “There may be ascientific explanation for it but I don’t know howanyone could prove it,” Fr. Mendis said. (YohanPerera)

Crowds flock to Wattala Church to witness 'miraculous' sight

Fishers who left Mirissa end up in Teheran(ceylontoday.lk) An Iranian vessel hasmanaged to rescue, after much effort, fiveLankan fishermen, who had gone to seafrom the Mirissa harbour, after they hadbeen swept away by the maelstrom whichimpacted Sri Lanka, and subsequentlytook them safely to Teheran.The boat on which the fishermen hadbeen at sea, on 29 November, hadtoppled near the Maldivian Maritimezone. It was when the fishermen wereswimming in the Indian Ocean that, aftera two hour rescue operation, the Iranian vesselwhich was travelling the same waters managed torescue the five fishermen.The crew on board the vessel had provided theLankans with medical treatment and food and

drink, one of the fishermen, Mendis said. Thevessel had, following a five-day voyage nearedIran. The five had later been handed over to theSri Lankan Ambassador to Iran, Dr. M.S.M. Aniff.They are scheduled to arrive in Sri Lanka today(8).


Help him(dailynews.lk) W. Asoka Tillakaratne ofPussatota, Weligepola has beensuffering from loss of vision on botheyes for nearly 13 years following amotor accident. He says whilereceiving treatment for loss of vision,he was struck by a debility in both legs.His sister is also suffering from a hearing debility andthe mother who looked after him also passed away.The family is in dire financial straits since the father issick and bedridden. He says his monthly medical billsamounted to nearly Rs. 5,000 which he could ill afforddue to the family's financial plight.He requests philanthropists and the public to assist hiscause by sending whatever financial contributionspossible to meet his monthly expenditure on treatment.All contributions should be remitted to account no. 245-2001-2005-6034 at the Peoples Bank, Godakawelabranch.His contact numbers are 0719966935 and0775574253.

Kotelawala DefenceUniversity

The General Convocation 2017 of the General SirJohn Kotelawala Defence University was held at tehBMICH under the patronage of President MaithripalaSirisena. Picture shows a graduand receiving anaward for the Best Performance at the Master ofScience in Management Degree Programme.Defence

SecretaryKapilaWaidyarathna and TriForcesCommanderswere alsopresent.Picture by

Lankan American lawyerBy Ronak D. Desai(sundaytimes.lk) In a banner year for South AsianAmericans successfully seeking public office, superlawyer and former Deputy Attorney General ofMaryland Thiru Vignarajah is running to be the topprosecutor in America’s deadliest city, his hometownof Baltimore. Vignarajah has staked his candidacy ona pair of ambitious promises: bring Baltimore’s recordmurder rates to “record lows at record speed” andcreate the “most transparent, progressive prosecutor’s

office inAmericanhistory.” Ifelected,Vignarajahwouldmakehistoryandbecomethecountry’sfirst South

(sundayobserver.lk) Dec 5: The Queen’s YoungLeaders program has announced that BhagyaWijayawardane from Sri Lanka has been chosenas one of the final ever Queen’s Young LeadersAward winners in recognition of the lead she istaking in her community to change lives.The prestigious Awards program, now in itsfourth and final year, celebrates exceptionalyoung people aged 18 to 29 from across the

Commonwealth and the work they areundertaking to improve lives across a diverserange of issues, from supporting people livingwith mental health problems, helping children toreceive a quality education, to promoting genderequality.Bhagya will now join the Queen’s Young Leadersnetwork of 240 Award winners, a uniquecommunity of influential change-makers, who

represent all 52Commonwealth countries.The winners announcedtoday will receive their Awardfrom Her Majesty The Queenat a special ceremony atBuckingham Palace inLondon, UK, next year.

Royal honour for Bhagya Wijayawardane

Former Maryland Deputy AttorneyThiru Vignarajah is seeking to become

Baltimore City's top prosecutor.

Lord NasebyCONT FROM P1... Lord Naseby does take issue with those inauthority be they the UK government or any otherGovernment as well as the UN and particularlythe UN High Commissioner for Human Rightsand the Human Rights Council in Geneva if theyappear to be ignoring the above context behindthe resolution as well as circumvent thesignificance of the insight provided by Col. AntonGash which corroborate a large number of othersources that confirm a casualty figure of around7,000-8,000 (of which about 20% were LTTEcadres who are said to have thrown away theiruniforms resulting in Tamil civilian casualties ofabout 6,500).Lord Naseby is concerned that the principles ofnatural justice are possibly being disregarded asthe Gash Despatches reveal that Britishauthorities knew that the estimates propagatedby the Darusman Report were based on flawedinformation. The FCO had this information at theirdisposal to disprove some of the DarusmanReport's contentions, especially to counter thatthe estimated casualty figures could not havebeen as high as 40,000. Almost every westernmedia report to this day, continues to quote thishigh estimate of 40,000 for war casualties,without questioning its reliability, whilst failing tomention the numerous other independentassessments, from sources who were present onthe ground in Sri Lanka during 2009, thatconsistently point to an estimated death toll in theregion of 7,000- 8,000. In its search for the truth,it would seem morally improper that UK shouldhave allowed the Darusman Report to have beenused without contention and facilitatedsubsequent resolutions on Sri Lanka to havebeen formulated using estimates that starklycontradicted Britain's own evidence. After notdisclosing its own military attaché's evidence tothe Human Rights Commission, the FCO thentook the unhelpful step of attempting to suppressthis information when Lord Naseby sought aFreedom of Information request. Britain's motivesin playing a prominent role in seeking andencouraging UNHRC Resolutions on Sri Lankasince 2009 that sought to establish the truthregarding allegations of Human Rights violations,

whilst at the same time effectively prohibiting itsown relevant information from being consideredby the Human Rights Commission, may need tobe called into question. Lord Naseby fought forthe full disclosure of the Gash Despatches, yetthis was not finally granted as the InformationCommission Tribunal sided with the FCO, whichinsisted on heavy redactions being maintained.Nevertheless the redacted Gash Despatches doprovide an invaluable insight.Lord Naseby acknowledges that the death of anycivilians is deeply regrettable however, it is notedthat this was an armed conflict between ademocratically elected government and a terroristoutfit, the Tamil Tigers, who were proscribed byleading nations including most of thosesupporting the resolution. It is inevitable thatarmed conflicts create casualties, made worse inthis case by 300,000 Tamil civilians being herdedinto a war zone against their will by the TamilTigers. In effect, this was a mass hostagesituation and the Sri Lankan armed forces tookaction to release the Tamil civilians. Despite thisevidence, the casualties remained remarkablylow. Moreover, there is nothing from the UK'sown defence specialist, who was allowed accessto the theatres of the conflict in 2009, whichindicates that Sri Lanka's security forces weredirected by their government to break theprinciples of conducting operations in a way thatwas beyond the bounds of military necessity, northat Sri Lanka's armed forces did not take duediligence to avoid civilian casualties byconducting their operations with regard fordistinction and proportionality. The Britishgovernment should acknowledge the evidence oftheir own military attaché whilst continuing towholeheartedly support the UN Resolution incollaboration with Sri Lanka to secure a long termsustainable peace for all communities on theisland.Therefore, lord Naseby wishes to reiterate thatthe context is vital to any possible war crimeprosecution that may arise and 40,000 or morecivilian deaths could be tantamount to genocideand/or crimes against humanity if proven that itwas part of government policy to do so. However,a casualty figure of 6,500 is a totally differentscale beyond the scope of such atrocities, whileacknowledging that there may have been certainindividual incidents that may perhaps constitute

to be a violation of the Geneva Conventions.It should be noted that at no stage has lordNaseby attempted to claim that the GashDespatches show that the civilian casualties were"trivial" or that these matters should not beinvestigated. On the contrary, in common withmost observers and other nations who supportedthe resolution, Lord Naseby urges Sri Lanka'sauthorities to honour their commitments to theUN Human Rights Council by conducting credibleinvestigations and where there are incidents thattheir security forces may have committed allegedviolations, then the appropriate due processes ofjustice should follow.It is against this background that lord Naseby lastweek forwarded a full set of papers consisting of:the Hansard transcript of the debate he initiatedin the House of lords on October 12th, the entirecopies of the heavily redacted pages of ColGash's despatches, in itself only available afternearly 3 years of persistent challenging of the UKForeign & Commonwealth Office, hisinterpretation of the un-redacted parts and thesubstantial corroborative evidence from manyother sources. These were all sent to theSecretary General of the United Nations, AntonioGuterres; the Human Rights team at the UNHRCin Geneva, namely the High Commissioner,Prince Zeid Ra'ad AI Hussein and the nine UNSpecial Procedures mandate holders, each ofwhom have visited Sri Lanka in their officialcapacity. They all received a personal letter fromLord Naseby outlining the key issue of the hugelymisleading figure in the Darusman Report of40,000 Tamil civilians killed whereas the truth isabout 6,500 and seeking their support for acorrection.Lord Naseby makes it quite clear that he shallpursue every organisation and the personsinvolved to ensure that the Darusman Reportfigure on civilian casualties is publicly amendedto reflect that the truth about an estimated 6,500Tamil civilians who died at the end of the SriLanka conflict. Truth must and will win outhowever inconvenient that may be to theauthorities.A guiding light for lord Naseby in all this has beena quote attributed to be by Mahatma Gandhi:“First They Ignore You, Then They Laugh at You,Then They Attack You, Then You Win”

Mr. Vernon Udugampola, the Chairman of SylviaRelief Foundation, who is 78 years old, but youngat heart, recently received the OBE from HM,Queen Elizabet.He has engaged in humanitarian work for morethan twenty five years in UK and other parts ofthe World. The registered charity is small in termsof size but great in terms of its name, all due todedication of Mr Udugampola who uses his ownpersonnel funds making all things possible.His sole aim is to participate in activities that helpto build the spirit of community, consideringhumanity as a whole one entity. Even at thisretiring age, he works full time in the city as anAdministrative Officer but his weekends are fullydedicated to various charitable activities.School days and studiesMr Udugampola had a distinguished careerduring his school days with a number ofprestigious prizes and certificates to his name.Apart from running, he was also an exceptionalswimmer. In 1959, he won the Bronze andsubsequently, went on to win the Silver and theSilver Cross for Life Saving from the RoyalCollege of Life Saving Society of UK. Amongstthe collection of his medals and trophies markinghis accomplishments during his school time,there is a photograph of him receiving the best allround swimming trophy in 1960.He obtained BA honours from Open University inUK and studied half way for a MA.Sportsman and charity workHe has successfully completed marathonsaround the world, London, New York, Paris,Hamburg, Carpi and Rotterdam. In addition to full

marathons, he completed hundreds of halfmarathons just to get that extra for his cause.He is always proud about the contributions hemakes assiduously for the wellbeing of others.He participates in ten kilometres and halfmarathons on the assumption that the entry feegoes to local charity.CHARITIES IN UKThese are some of the great causes hesupported over the years by monthly directdebit mandates to help communities in the UK.Cancer Research UK since it was originallyknown as Imperial Cancer Research Fund in1999.Save the Children UK.Gt. Ormond Street Hospital for Children UK.Lynda Jackson Macmillan Centre -Mt. VernonHospital, Northwood UK.British Heart Foundation UK and became aCORE Supporter.His own religious Institution in UK.Macmillan Cancer SupportDiabetics UKEver since his wife was initially diagnosed withbreast cancer sixteen years ago, he has beencontributing monthly to British Cancer Research.His wife was treated at Lynda Jackson MacmillanCentre but sadly passed away recently. Thisbereavement inspired him to raise funds forLynda Jackson Macmillan Centre.Through his perseverance, commitment torelentless fund raising activities, he managed toprovide a few life-saving chemotherapy machinesto the children's ward in Maharagama ColomboCancer Hospital. The machine saved thousands

of lives, without these, many would have sufferedfighting for very limited resources in the hospital.DISASTERSThis is one of the aims of Sylvia InternationalRelief Foundation. During disaster such asTsunami, many lives were lost and many wereorphaned in Sri Lanka. In one orphanage, in avillage called Agunaclopalessa, down south of SriLanka, less fortunate area at that time, its roofand floor collapsed. He co-ordinated with a localcharity Caring Hands of Sri Lanka and restored

(Contd: on P22)

Vernon Udugampola receives OBE


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Three NFF leadersjoin SLFP

(dailynews.lk) The National Freedom Front(NFF), led by Wimal Weerawansa MP todayplunged into deeper crisis with WeerakumaraDissanayake MP, the Deputy leader of theparty and NFF national organizer PiyasiriWijenayake joining the Sri Lanka FreedomParty (SLFP). They were joined by NFFProvincial Councilor MP P.B. Kumara. Thethree members obtained the SLFPmembership from President MaithripalaSirisena, a short while ago.Several leaders of the Weerawansa led NFFvacated the party in recent times.

Local governmentbodies

(dailynews.lk) Accepting of nominations for 93Local government bodies began today. Thedeadline for accepting nominations is 12noon, December 14, the ElectionsCommission said.The 93 Local Government bodies includeseven Municipal Councils, 18 Urban Councilsand 68 Pradeshiya Sabhas.

TNA splitBy Shamindra Ferdinando(island.lk) The four-party Tamil National Alliance(TNA) has split again ahead of the forthcominglocal government polls. The Eelam People’sRevolutionary Liberation Front (EPRLF) has quitthe coalition to form a new alliance with the TamilUnited Liberation Front (TULF).In the run-up to 2004 parliamentary polls, theLTTE forced the TULF out of the TNA over TULFChief V. Anandasangaree’s refusal to toe its line.Anandasangaree yesterday told The Island thatcandidates would be fielded under the TULFsymbol, Rising Sun.The main constituent of the TNA, the IllankaiThamil Arasu Kadchi (ITAK) has reached a freshagreement with the People’s LiberationOrganization of Tamil Eelam (PLOTE) and theTamil Eelam Liberation Organization (TELO) tofield candidates under its House symbol.Jaffna District MP Mavai Senathiraja (ITAK),Vanni District MP Selvam Adaikkalanathan(TELO) and Vanni District MP DharmalinghamSiddarthan (PLOTE) have finalized theagreement on Saturday (Dec 9) in the wake ofthe EPRLF quitting the Alliance.The TNA parliamentary group comprises 16members, including two National List nominees.A senior spokesperson for the TNA told TheIsland that MPs Senathiraja, Adaikkalanathanand Siddarthan had resolved all issues pertaining

to local governmentpolls. The TNAofficial said that theparty was confidentof the wholeheartedsupport of theNorth and the Eastelectorates.Anandasangareesaid he was thefounder member ofthe TNA in late2001. "When the LTTE realized, I wouldn’t danceto its tune, I was forced out to pave the way forthe ITAK to take command," Anandasangareesaid.Having recognized the LTTE as the solerepresentative of the Tamils, the TNA engineeredUNP leader Ranil Wickremesinghe’s defeat atNovember 2005 presidential poll at the behest ofthe Tigers by depriving him of the northern vote,in January 2010, the TNA threw its weight behindthe war winning Army Chief General SarathFonseka after having accused his Army ofmassacring civilians then the TNA backedMaithripala Sirisena, who functioned as theActing Defence Minister in the last week of thewar.The previous government brought the war to asuccessful conclusion on May 19, 2009.

Anandasangaree Mavai

Sandasen Marasinghe and Camelia Nathaniel(dailynews.lk) The budget proposal for fiscalyear 2018 was passed with a majority of 99votes in Parliament on Saturday evening.The Third Reading of the Budget proposal whichwas presented by Finance and Mass MediaMinister Mangala Samaraweera on November 9received 155 votes in favour and 56 against.The members of UNP, the SLFP faction sittingwith the Government, TNA members, CWC andEPDP voted in favour while the Joint Opposition

and the JVP voted against the Budget proposal.The Second Reading of the Budget wascontinued from November 10 to 16. The SecondReading of the Budget was passed by majorityof 93 votes. It received 151 votes in favour and58 against. The Third Reading debate of theBudget proposal which commenced onNovember 17 continued until December 9(Saturday).Following the passing of the Budget, fireworks litup the sky above Colombo and suburbs.

Budget 2018 passed with majority

(island.lk) The All Ceylon Makkal Congress(ACMC), which is part of the incumbentadministration, has formed a new political allianceahead of forthcoming Local Government (LG)polls.Announcing the formation of the new alliance,ACMC Leader and Minister of Industry andCommerce Rishad Bathiudeen told the media inColombo yesterday that the ACMC led by him andthe United Peace Alliance led by Basheer SeguDawood MP were joining to form the UnitedPeople’s Alliance (UPA), which would contest inEastern Province.The symbol of UPA is the peacock and its

Chairperson is M.T.Hassan Ali, formerSecretary General ofSLMC and the presentSecretary of UnitedPeace Alliance. Ali, is aformer Parliamentarian.Three years ago onDecember 22, 2014, theACMC Leader and the Industry and CommerceMinister Bathiudeen left the Rajapaksaadministration and threw in its lot with OppositionCommon Candidate Maithripala Sirisena.

New Muslim Alliance to shake up politicsin the community

(dailymirror.lk) Sri Lanka has acceded to theOptional Protocol to the Convention AgainstTorture and Other Cruel, Inhuman or DegradingTreatment or Punishment on December 5, 2017and it will enter into force for Sri Lanka onJanuary 4, 2018, a UN document stated.This was announced by the United NationsSecretary-General, acting in his capacity asdepository.The Convention against Torture and other Cruel,Inhuman or Degrading Treatment or Punishmentwas signed by Sri Lanka in 1984 and theprovisions of the Convention were enforced in1994 by the existing law of this country.

But, the government did not sign the 15-year oldOptional Protocol under the Convention.On November 14, this year, the proposal madeby foreign affairs minister Thilak Marapana, forSri Lanka to sign the Optional Protocol under thesaid Convention demonstrating the sincerity andthe determination of the Government to combatTorture and to co-operate with the National andInternational mechanism for the purpose ofcompliance, for the regular inspection of theplaces of detention and to take necessary actionto improve the welfare of the persons detainedon Judicial Orders or otherwise, was approvedby the Cabinet.

Sri Lanka accedes to the Optional Protocol

(sundaytimes.lk) Sri Lanka has reaffirmed itsposition that Jerusalem should be the sharedcapital of Israel and Palestine and said thecountry’s embassy in Tel Aviv will not be shifted.On Wednesday, the United States’ PresidentDonald Trump recognised Jerusalem as Israel’s

capital and announced plans to relocate the USembassy there. But Sri Lanka would not followsuit, the Foreign Affairs Ministry said in a writtenresponse to the question as to whether SriLanka’s stance had also changed.

Lankan embassy will remain in Tel Aviv

By Yusuf Ariff(adaderana.lk) Former President MahindaRajapaksa says that the strength of the JointOpposition will not decrease due to certainindividuals leaving the coalition.He stated that the reasoncertain members areleaving is because they areunable to share electorates.“It is the same when (weare) in power and the samewhen in the opposition.Anyone is free to leave andanyone is free to come(join),” he said.He made these remarks inresponse to questions from reporters, regardingcertain politicians quitting the JO, after a meetingwith the Mahanayaka of the Ramanna MahaNikaya Most Venerable Napana Premasiri Theroat the Hurikaduwa Sri Widyasagara Piriven MulaMaha Viharaya today (11).Rajapaksa further said that all the “thieves” whowere in his government have gone to theincumbent government. “That is how it is,

according to them.”When asked about allegations of a “deal”between him and the Prime Minister, he said thatthis accusation is being made by those in thegovernment who have actually made such deals.

“I have no deal with RanilWickremesinghe. I can’tmake any deal becausethat is what we are saying;leave the government andRanil and then we willaccept,” he said.“Who is responsible forselling state resources,delaying elections, therising cost of living?”

Rajapaksa said that when the governmentclaims that they have developed the country andachieved things no other government hasmanaged to do, it reminds him of the “Emperor’sNew Clothes”.He stressed that the Joint Opposition has noproblem with joining with the Sri Lanka FreedomParty (SLFP) and that the only issue is with thegovernment.

By Sanchith Karunaratna(adaderana.lk) The Tamil Ealam LiberationOrganization (TELO) stated that all nominees forthe Local Government election from the northernand eastern provinces will be represented by the‘house’ symbol or the symbol that will be used bythe Tamil National Alliance.MP Selvam Adaikalanathan of the VanniElectoral District made the above declaration as

a representative of TELO. He stated that theparty arrived at this decision following a meetingthat was held with the leader of the Illankai TamilArasu Kachchi (ITAK) Mavai Senathirajah.Leader of the People’s Liberation Organization(PLOTE) of Tamil Eelam DharmalingamSiddarthan also took part at the meeting whereall three political parties made a collectivedecision to join with the TNA.

I have no ‘deal’ with Ranil – Mahinda

TELO, ITAK and PLOTE join with TNA for LG polls

(dailymirror.lk) The 'hand symbol' of the SriLanka Freedom Party (SLFP) will appear on theballot paper for the first time since 1991 at theupcoming local government elections, partyofficials said yesterday.Minister Mahinda Amaraweera told Daily Mirrorthe SLFP would field candidates under the handsymbol in some areas and the betel leaf symbol

of the United People’s Freedom Alliance (UPFA)in other areas.He said the last time the the SLFP contested onits own was in 1991.“I contested the 1991 elections to the TangalleUrban Council on the SLFP ticket and waselected mayor,” the minister said. (KelumBandara)

Hand symbol for SLFP; betel leaf for UPFA

(colombopage.com) Sri Lanka's Railway tradeunions have decided to end their seven-day longtrain strike following discussions with the cabinetsub-committee appointed yesterday by thePresident to look into their problems.The discussion between the striking unions andthe four-member cabinet subcommittee was heldthis morning at the Ministry of Special Projects atSethsiripaya, Battaramulla.President Maithripala Sirisena, considering theinconvenience placed on the students sitting forthe GCE Ordinary Level examination and thepublic, appointed the cabinet sub-committeeyesterday to promptly resolve the issues of thetrade unions and end the strike.The cabinet sub-committee appointed under the

chairmanship of Minister Dr. Sarath Amunugamaincluded ministers Dr. Rajitha Senaratne, RanjithMadduma Bandara and Akila Viraj Kariyawasam.The strike commenced midnight of December6th and continued for a seventh day todayseverely inconveniencing the commuters astalks between the railway union leaders and theadministration held last week failed to reach asolution.President Sirisena Friday (8th) issued anextraordinary gazette announcing the railwayservice as an essential service.The striking workers were warned that if they donot report to work before midnight yesterday,they will be considered as vacated the service.

Sri Lanka Railway strike ends


Sri Lanka says will take years to healpost war wounds

(colombogazette.com) TheGovernment says althoughthe war is over it will takeyears to heal the wounds,and it will take persistentefforts to sustain and securethe gains that Sri Lanka hasalready made.Finance and Media MinisterMangala Samaraweera saidthat the Government has thewill and determination toface these challengesincluding gender-basedviolence, and promoting andprotecting human rights forall, while working towardsachieving equitable andinclusive economicdevelopment.“Yet, Government alonecannot achieve all this,” hesaid.Samaraweera made thesecomments while attending the Franco-GermanHuman Rights Award Ceremony held at theresidence of the German Ambassador to SriLanka, Jörn Rohde.The Franco German Prize for Human Rights andthe Rule of Law will be awarded for the secondtime since its inception. It is granted to personswho show significant engagement in the protectionand the promotion of human rights and the rule oflaw.The French and the German Embassies inColombo announced earlier this year that Ms.Shreen Abdul Saroor, a human rights defenderspecialising on women’s rights and empowermentand engaged in reconciliation work betweendisplaced Muslim and Tamil communities wasselected.“I hope that the work that Shreen has done, and

continues to do, will inspire more young peopleand more men and women to be engaged, andstand up for the rights of all. I wish you thestrength to keep doing the great work that you aredoing, and to keep on fighting the good fight. I takethis opportunity to thank the Governments ofFrance and Germany for their joint initiative torecognise the work of human rights activists. As Iunderstand, 15 persons have been chosenglobally this year as winners of this prestigiousFranco German Prizefor Human Rights and theRule of Law,” Samaraweera said.He noted that being the leading Members in theEuropean Union, Germany and France havebecome vanguard of universal human values.He said their active interest encourages others tostrengthen efforts in preserving the commonuniversal values at this time of populism andintegration. (Colombo Gazette)

(colombogazette.com) The Tamil National Alliance(TNA) says it is confident of winning the LocalGovernment (LG) elections in the North and Eastdespite a major split in the alliance.TNA spokesman and Parliamentarian M.A.Sumanthiran said that three political parties willcontest the LG elections together on behalf of theTNA under the Illangai Thamil Arasu Katchi.He said the Illangai Thamil Arasu Katchi willcontest under the “house” symbol at the LGelections next year.Sumanthiran said the decision was taken at ameeting held in Vavuniya over the weekend.

He noted that while the EPRLhas decided to contest theelection with the TULF, it is partof democracy.The TNA Parliamentarian alsosaid that some former LTTEmembers have extended supportto the TNA while a few othershave formed their own political party.Sumanthiran said that just because some peopleleave the TNA and contest with others it does notmean the other political parties will win theelections. (Colombo Gazette)

(colombogazette.com) The Muslim Council of SriLanka has noted with serious concern and rejectsthe declaration by US President Donald Trumpthat Jerusalem should be made the capital ofIsrael.In a letter to Trump, copied to the US Ambassadorin Sri Lanka, the Muslim Council of Sri Lanka saidthat the decision and announcement by Trump willhave very severe repercussions in Palestine, theArab world and the Muslims across the globe.“This is a totally illegitimate and ill-adviseddecision, which contradicts international laws andresolutions, and violates the sanctity of the holycity of Jerusalem. This is a declaration of waragainst the entire global Muslim population. AllPalestinians, Arabs and Muslims will resist thisacross the world. We are certain the majority ofpeople in the USA and the peoples of the free

world too will not condone your unilateral illegaldecision. Both Muslims and Christians revere BaitAl-Muqaddes also known as the Al Aqsa Mosque,the third most important mosque and the sacredcity of Jerusalem. It is also in Islamic history thatMuslims first turned towards its direction in prayer.It without a doubt should be the capital of freePalestine,” the letter said.The letter notes that the “ill advised move” servesas a blatant reminder to all Arabs and Muslimsincluding all leaders of Islamic states that theUnited States recognizes the illegitimate Zionistoccupation only and undermines the right of thePalestinian people to live in peace in their ownhome, Palestine.“Your unilateral decision is seen as dangerousand provocative by everyone in the Muslim world,and is seen as a declaration of war against the

entire Muslimpopulation across theworld. We kindly urgeyou to reconsider yourdecision, and lead apeace process thatwill give the legitimaterights of thePalestinian peopleand bring peace tothe entire Middle Eastand the world. Wethank you for yourconsideration andlook forward to yourhelp in realizing thedreams of thePalestinian people tolive in peace anddignity,” the letteradded. (ColomboGazette)

Muslim Council

TNA confident of winning LG polls despite split

(colombogazette.co) AGovernment Ministertoday asserted that landand police powers mustbe devolved to theprovinces.State Minister VijayakalaMaheswaran toldParliament today that

while land and police powers have been given tothe provinces they are not implemented.She said that the new Constitution which is beingdiscussed must include devolution of powers tothe provinces, including land and police powers.The State Minister said that a political solution tothe national issue will also be reached through thenew Constitution. (Colombo Gazette)

Devolve powers - Minister

Zahrah Imtiaz(dailynews.lk) As leaders of the fourmain religions in the country convenedto discuss peace, President Sirisenaappealed to them to use their sermonsand influence to preach reconciliationand religious co-existence to theirrespective congregations.“Today, we are gathered here becausedeep down we know that we have aproblem in this country,” said PresidentMaithripala Sirisena addressing theReligious Coexistence Convention heldat the BMICH yesterday.The Convention sought to bring allcommunities together to promotepeace and religious coexistence in thecountry.“The ethnic and religious conflicts inthis country resulted in a 30-year war.The war was ended through a militarysolution. Our Forces were able todefeat a separatist terroristorganisation but we have not managedto defeat the beliefs that led to it,” thePresident said.“Though the idea of separatism has notbeen openly dealt within the country,”the President noted that this belief was very muchalive in international fora.“We all know that ideas and beliefs cannot bedefeated with arms. It can only be replaced with abetter, more positive belief”, he added.In order to accomplish this, he stressed on theneed to have dialogue and conventions such asthese. An educated society, will be able to choosethe right path and the more positive option throughdebate and discussion, believed the President.“I strongly believe that our local temples andreligious institutions do not preach conflict. Thereligious leaders always try to direct the people inthe right direction. All philosophies, be itBuddhism, Islam, Hinduism and Christianity, strivetry to correct society”, he said.But we now lack religious co-existence in oursociety and thus we need to address it, he added.“The main reasons why we have this situation issuspicion and fear created between variousreligious and ethnic groups”.The President stressed that the government wascommitted to promote religious coexistence. Allsocieties, he said have extremists in their midst-

but this is a minority.“The vision and direction of religious leaders isvery important to us in at this juncture. They cancalm society, bring in peace and direct them in theright path”.“We are seeking the advice of religious leaders inour development path,” said President Sirisenafurther.“The Government has formed national religiousco-existence organisations to deal with localconflicts. At the district level, these organizationswill function under the leadership of the DistrictSecretariat and bring together people of allreligious and ethnic groups to resolve issueswhich arise at the local level. This would also beextended to smaller groups being formed underthe divisional secretariat level,” the President said.The President was happy to note that whilst somewould ridicule the idea of reconciliation, themajority of people in the country today were awareof what reconciliation and co-existence is.“I am positive about our future, and let us all fulfilour duty, let us all commit to this,” said thePresident.“It is then that we can achieve; real and longlasting peace, where there will be no more war”.

A Religious Co-existence Convention organised by the NationalCo-existence Dialogue and Official Languages Ministry was held atthe BMICH yesterday under the patronage of President Maithripala

Sirisena. Mahanayake of the Amarapura Maha Nikaya Most Ven.Kotugoda Dhammawasa Thera, Lekakadhikari of the Malwatta

Chapter Ven. Pahamune Sumangala Thera, Lekakadhikari of theAsgiriya Chapter Ven. Medagama Dhammananda Thera,

Hindu,Christian and Islamic religious leaders and Ministers ManoGaneshan, Sarath Fonseka.

President tells religious leaders

Work for reconciliation andreligious co-existence

President Maithripala Sirisena declared open thenewly built multi-storey Specialist Centre at

Nawaloka Hospital, Colombo today (Dec. 12).The new center has been built at a cost of Rs. 5

billion to facilitate patients visitingthe hospital.The building is equipped with aspecialized Channeling Serviceunit and a car park. This multi-purpose building is built on thebasis of modern constructionconcepts and architecturalexcellence.The President who opened thebuilding by unveiling the plaquealso praised the long termworkers of the hospital for theirservices.Chairman of Nawaloka HospitalsJayantha Dharmadasa alsojoined this occasion.

Specialist Centre at Nawaloka Hospital


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(dailynews.lk) The IMF Executive Board completedthe third review of Sri Lanka’s Extended FundFacility arrangement which enables thedisbursement of US$ 251.4 million.While the authorities met fiscal targets andlegislated the income tax reform, furtherconsolidation is necessary, given Sri Lanka’s highdebt burden and large gross financing needs.Further buildup of international reserves undergreater exchange rate flexibility will help reduceSri Lanka’s external vulnerability.On December 6, 2017, the Executive Board of the

International Monetary Fund (IMF) completed thethird review of Sri Lanka’s economic performanceunder the program supported by a three-yearextended arrangement under the Extended FundFacility (EFF) arrangement. Completion of thereview enables the disbursement of the equivalentof SDR 177.774 million (about US$ 251.4 million),bringing total disbursements under thearrangement to the equivalent of SDR 537.456million (about US$ 759.9 million).Sri Lanka’s three-year extended arrangement wasapproved on June 3, 2016, in the amount of about

SDR 1.1 billion(US$1.45 billion, or185 percent of quotain the IMF at that timeof approval of thearrangement.The government’sreform program,supported by the IMF,aims to reduce thefiscal deficit, rebuildforeign exchangereserves, andintroduce a simpler,more equitable taxsystem to restoremacroeconomicstability and promoteinclusive growth.

IMF completes third review, approvesUS$ 251.4 million

(sundaytimes.lk) Chairman writes toemployees saying only two options left; attractpartner or restructureThe national carrier SriLankan Airlines facesclosure “in the larger interest of the country’seconomy” if “tangible and sustainable restructuringcannot be achieved,” its Chairman Ajit Dias haswarned. Pointing out that the airlines’ principallenders, the two state-run banks, are at a “risksituation,” he has said in a message to allSriLankan employees that there were only twooptions.One was to restructure the company in such a way

“as to attract an equity partner.” The other, he hassaid, is to “carry-out the restructuring in a mannerthat the airline can manage its own affairs withoutGovernment funding if finding a partner fails.” Sofar, the airline has been unsuccessful inpersuading partner airlines or other entities toinvest. They have backed out after studying thefinancial status. Both the Bank of Ceylon and thePeople’s Bank have been issuing guarantees toSriLankan to the tune of billions of rupees to raiseloans. This is besides huge loans obtained fromthem. They remain unpaid.

Sinolanka ordered to pay Rs. 1.3 billionas damages

By Namini Wijedasa(sundaytimes.lk) A Singapore-based arbitrationtribunal has ordered SinoLanka Hotels and Spa(Pvt) Ltd–a subsidiary of Canwill Holdings (Pvt)Ltd of which the shareholders are Sri LankaInsurance Corporation, Litro Gas Lanka Ltd andthe Employees’ Provident Fund–to pay Euros7.432 million (Rs 1.3 billion) in damages to anItalian company for the 2015 termination of an

interior decoration contract for Grand Hyatt,Colombo.The failure of SinoLanka to comply with thearbitration order has now resulted in InternaContract Spa, the Italian company, petitioning theColombo High Court for relief. Last week, theCourt issued notice on SinoLanka, pursuant to thecompany failing to satisfy the arbitral award.

Debt-ridden SriLankan Airlines faces closure

(ft.lk) Ceylon City Hotel inColombo, Sri Lanka baggedtwo awards at the recentlyconcluded World LuxuryHotel Awards held in St.Moritz, Switzerland. CeylonCity Hotel has been namedas winners in twocategories, Luxury CityHotel and Luxury FamilyHotel in Sri Lanka.World Luxury Hotel Awardsis the pinnacle ofrecognition ofaccomplishment by a hotelin the luxury hospitality industry, offeringrecognition to hotels for earning the respect ofguests and industry players alike, by awardinghotels, as voted for by the public, in over 60categories.This is the second consecutive year Ceylon CityHotel has been named as awinner by World Luxury HotelAwards after previously winningthe award in 2016.Ceylon City Hotel situated inBambalapitiya, Colombo is oneof the ideal choices for businessand leisure travellers. CeylonCity Hotel comprises of 3 roomscategories namely Junior Suite,Deluxe and Standard rooms andall rooms consist of King SizeBeds, Mini Bar, 32 LCD TV withsatellite connection, aircondition, spacious sofa, coffeetable, TV table, dressing tableand hospitality tray with teacoffee making facilities.In addition to these facilitiesCeylon City also has 24-hour room service, veryspacious restaurant that also can be used forspecial occasions, conference hall and a veryunique eye catching lobby and a coffee shop.Speaking about the award Ceylon City HotelManaging Director Ulfath Uwais said, “This awardhas been very special to us. Winning it for twoconsecutive years shows that we have been

maintain or have exceeded our previous level ofservice and quality of stay for our guests. This iseven more special as this year we have receivedtwo awards. We have been named as Luxury CityHotel & Luxury Family Hotel. I would like to thankour guests, staff and most importantly our

Chairman A.L.M. Uwais who hasbeen a tremendous support andencouragement for us toachieve our success.”Setting the basis for serviceindustry standards around theglobe, the World Luxury HotelAwards provides truerecognition to luxury hotels andresorts in their relevantcategories during its annualvoting phase. “Over 300,000votes were tallied this year fromtravellers and guests of theseluxury establishments during thevoting phase. It is because ofthis that our winners are herethis evening, because they offersomething extra special to their

guests that satisfies their travel desires,” saysWorld Luxury Hotel Awards Brand ManagerMichelle Snyman.Ceylon City Hotel has been recipient of manyawards in the past and recently Ceylon City Hotelwas also named as ‘Best Budget 3- Star Hotel forSouth Asia by Hotel for the Year Awards for year2016.

Ceylon City HotelBy Duruthu Edirimuni Chandrasekera(sundaytimes.lk) John Keells Holdings PLC(JKH), Sri Lanka’s largest listed conglomerate,

will see some significantchanges at the top in thenext 12 months including theexpected ascension ofKrishan Balendra as the newgroup chairman.Company sources said thatwhile Mr. Balendra aschairman-designate hasbeen announced internally, itwas unclear whether hewould take over the positionof Deputy Chairman with theretirement of AjitGunewardene, currentDeputy Chairman in end2017.The sources said that anannouncement on the deputychairman’s position onwhether it would becontinued or not is widelyexpected in coming weeks.It would be a historicoccasion where a father andson has and would (soon)assume this top position. KenBalendra was the first SriLankan and iconic chairmanof JKH for 10 years, recentlyreleasing a book on hiscorporate life.While Mr. Gunewardenesteps down this month, JKHchairman SusanthaRatnayake, appointed inJanuary 2006 and takingover from Vivendra

Linthotawala, steps downin December 2018. Theimpending retirements ofMr. Ratnayake and Mr.Gunewardene wereannounced in November2016 with the companyalso detailing itssuccession plan throughthe entry of KrishanBalendra and GihanCooray as executivedirectors in the samemonth.The current board comprises SusanthaRatnayake (Chairman/CEO), Ajit Gunewardene(Deputy Chairman), Ronnie Peiris (GroupFinance Director), Krishan Balendra and GihanCooray (both Executive Directors) and Messrs.Nihal Fonseka, Premila Perera, Dr. HansWijayasuriya, Ashroff Omar and Amal Cabraal(all Non-Executive Directors).The changes also see Ronnie Peiris, wholaunched his book “Tough journey; Greatdestination” at the Cinnamon Grand on Thursdaybefore a high-profile audience including JKHdirectors, retiring from the company and hisposition being filled by Mr. Cooray.With the retirement of two directors as atDecember 2017, these board positions areexpected to be filled by two senior managementstaff.A top official told the Business Times that thegroup has, over the years, developed a largepool of young, talented individuals and that thedepth of leadership augurs well for the group’sfuture.At present Mr. Balendra is the President of theLeisure Industry Group at the company and isalso the Chairman of Nations Trust Bank PLC.

Krishan Balendra

Changing of the guard at John Keells

SusanthaRatnayake

Ajit Gunewardene

Ronnie Peiris

(ft.lk) President Maithripala Sirisenapresents the Sri Lankan Entrepreneur

of the Year 2017 National PlatinumAward Extra Large Category to JATHoldings Managing Director Aelian

Gunawardene at the awards ceremonyof the annual competition organised by

the Federation of Chambers ofCommerce and Industry (FCCISL)yesterday at the BMICH - Pic by

Sameera Wijesinghe

JAT’s Aelian wins Entrepreneur of the Year Award

(sundaytimes.lk) Sri Lankan professionalP.M.N. Bandara has received the ‘Member ofLogohu’ award from the Governor General ofPapua New Guinea Grand Chief Sir BobDadae at the investiture ceremony held atthe Government House in PNG recently.Mr. Bandara is a Senior Lecturer inAccounting and Head of Accounting Divisionof the University of Papua New Guinea. Theaward, he said in a note to the BusinessTimes, has been awarded for his contributionto higher education particularly accountingprofession and accounting education in PNGduring the last 16 years.

Sri Lanka’s Panditha Bandara honouredin Papua New Guinea


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By Michelle Alles(thesundayleader.lk) They say travel broadensthe mind, but if you can’t take a long trip, that’sfine. A weekend at this luxury boutique hotelmight be all you need for that mind-broadeningtravel experience. Placedamong the Top 3 on theTripAdvisor list, thesurroundings make for apeaceful and relaxing timeaway from the bustle of the city,if a break is what you’ve beencraving.Just 10 minutes away from thetown of Kandy, lies the lap ofluxury with staff to pamper yourevery need, delicious cuisine,breath-taking views and muchmore. This luxury boutiquehotel, known as The ElephantStables is nestled on a little hill,and provides the perfectweekend getaway destinationfor tourists and even local travellers seeking theultimate luxurious experience.The colonial bungalow was previously the homeof Sir CudahRatwatte, the patriarch of the island’sleading aristocratic family.Many elephants wereonce housed in the gardens of his old plantation,hence the name ‘The Elephant Stables’. It is saidthat the stones making up the wallsurrounding theproperty had been carried and set in place by thepachyderms.The rooms are classy and tastefully furnished in alovely blend of Colonial and modern styles,featuring the cream of interior design in thecountry. It’s tempting to get cosy among thedowny pillows and deliciously warm sheets, butyou might want to take a dip in the pool or enjoy adrink seated under a canopy on the lawn first.The room categories consist of Pepper,Lemongrass,Saffron, Citronella and Vanilla whichare located on the upper floor of the property andprovide delightful views of the garden, pool andthe misty Knuckles Mountains in the distance.TheCottage Suite is nothing short of delightful;standing in the garden overlooking the back lawnand the pool, this is the perfect choice for a family

of 4 that require a substantial amount of space.You will feel like a queen that’s just alighted fromher palanquinwhen you are escorted into theLuxury Tent, a 915 sq. ft. tented suite which is thelargest permanent tented structure in Sri Lanka

and one of the largest tented bedrooms in theentire world. The fully air conditioned tent ispartitioned with curtainsthat separate the livingand dining areas from the master bedroom with alarge 4 poster bed as well as a second bedroomwith two single 4 poster beds.A beautifulbathroom with polished cement walls has beenbuilt inside the tent.Sir David Lean Bungalow is the jewel in thecrown of The Elephant Stables with a 7 starrating. Located about 4 km away from the mainhotel on top of a ridge at Anniewatte with amagnificent view, it is hard not to feel like you’rebeing taken back in time as you step into one ofthe most important colonial bungalows in Kandy.The bungalow is steeped in history, being thelocation for the filming of major scenes of SirDavid Lean’s epic wartime masterpiece ‘TheBridge on the River Kwai’ in 1957. The interior ofthe bungalow is full of extremely rare andbeautiful antique furniture including collectionsthat were made especially for Queen Elizabeth’sstate visit in 1954 to Ceylon, as it was knownback then.Avail yourself of the exclusive privatechef to provide deliciousmeals for you, or feel free

to sample the variety ofcuisines on offer at themain hotel withcomplimentary transportprovided.Prepare yourself for ajourney of gastronomicdelights as the chef atThe Elephant Stablesmore than excels indeliveringmouth-wateringfare.English, Continentalor the traditional SriLankan breakfast isserved to start your day.Sightseeing in Kandy canget pretty busy, so thehotel staff keeps that inmind and aims to serve aquick, yet appetizinglunch that includespastas, sandwiches and salads. If you happen toorder the Thai Red Curry with noodles, I suggestyou choose beef as the meat is really tender andcooked to perfection. Their dessert menuincludesa scrumptious Chocolate Lava Cake and aselection of homemade ice cream which is quitetempting, even if you’re feeling stuffed.Tea is served with a selection of scones, cakes

and pastries along with a pot of freshly brewedCeylon tea. Sunsets on the property are justglorious and just sitting on the lawn and taking inall the natural beauty around you brings a feeling

of tranquillity like no other. Ranil Samarasooriya,CEO of The Elephant Stables, definitely knowsguests’ deluxe holiday requirements. The hotelhas been running for the past 6 years and haswon the TripAdvisor Excellence Awardconsecutively for the past 3 years.The lobby is a lovely place to relaxin beforedinner if the weather is rainy, but if the sky isclear, seat yourself under the stars and enjoy a 3

course dinner menu, which always includesa Sri Lankan rice and curry option.Anotherset menu offers an optional Asian Fusion orWestern dining selection and special meals(Halal, gluten-free or vegetarian, etc.) areavailable on request.The Elephant Stables offer day excursionsfrom Kandy to places of interest, such as theCultural Triangle and the tea estates of theHill Country. The more adventurous guestscan try White Water Rafting at Kithulgala ortrekking in the Knuckles mountains.Unlikemany luxury boutique hotels in Sri Lanka,The Elephant Stables welcomes familiesand promises a fantastic vacation

experience for travellers of all ages. For moredetails, contact them on +94 112 821515 or [email protected] or visithttp://elephantstables.com/

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Ishara Jayawardane(dailynews.lk) The Gypsies are the Kings of Baila.They, have given Baila a Sri Lankan identity. Theirsongs such as ‘Linda Langa Sangamaya’,‘Nona Mage Sudu None’, ‘Lunu Dehi’,‘Kurumitto’, ‘Oye Ojaye’, ‘Piti KotapanNone’, and ‘Signore” have become someof the best loved songs in Sri Lanka.Melodies features Sunil Perera of theGypsies who spoke to us about the Bailasensation – the Gypsies.Perera believes in a force beyond hiscontrol. A force that he simply describesas a ‘blessing’.“We have always had dreams, but Ibelieve the success we have achieved isdue to blessings. You may have greattalent but without blessings you will notbe able to have a stellar career as we thegypsies have had. I believe 100 percentthat to be in the limelight, you need to haveblessings,” said Perera.Sunil and his brother, Piyal are the only two

surviving members of the original line up. His otherbrothers left in the mid 70’s and have got involvedin other business activities. Due to marriage somehad to leave. They are involved in different lines

altogether. In 1969, as soon as he left school,Perera joined the Gypsies.“When I could not continue with my higher studies,

there was no other option because Ihad to find something I could do.Then my father backed me up fromthere on, because it was he whoencouraged us. My father alwayssupported us,” said Perera.Perera insists whatever success heand his band have experienced, isagain because of the blessings hehas received. He says you need notdo much to achieve that blessing.

His father taught them what to do, but Pererabelieves that the blessing needs to be sustained soone can continue in life.“Signore’, ‘Oye Ojaye’, ‘Kurumitto’ and ‘Luni Dehi’

were memorable songs that made atremendous impact on our career andgave us an identity but youcan’t really pin point anysong that really made ourname. So the Gypsies wereidentified with certain songs.Before doing our originalsongs we did cover versionsof other artistes like WesternArtistes – Elvis Presley, EltonJohn and Beatles. But lateron we realized theimportance of Sri Lankanmusic to create an identityfor ourselves. That was thebreakthrough we had with

Sinhala music. We are where we arebecause of the original versions,”explained Perera.Perera pointed that Baila is a funoriented rhythm and here in Sri Lankapeople love partying. Baila has thattypical party type rhythm that peopleare looking for. That is why Baila isvery popular.“We are coming out with some new songs and wehave many songs in store. So people can listenand enjoy these songs. We are looking forward tothese songs. When you have a unique idea to

write a song, the lyrics will automatically come toyou. You have to have a base. ChandradasaFernando is our main lyrics writer,” added PereraWhen it comes to other artistes Perera enjoyslistening to Rookantha, Clarence Wijewardene andlyrics writer Ajantha Ranasinghe. Of course

Gypsies have put out manyalbums.“We do a lot of dinner dances,so you can’t be playing Baila allthe time, because Baila isexclusively for a certainaudience. There is otherWestern Music we are involvedin. My message to a young guyor girl who wants to enter themusic industry is to try andcreate something instead ofdoing cover versions. Createsomething different to what theothers are doing. Then you canget somewhere,” stated Perera.Perera also commented on thepresent situation of the country.“I feel there is a lot that needsto be done. All communitiesmust come together and thereshould be that love factor. Wemust love each otherregardless of whichever

community we come from. As Sri Lankans we areone. We all have equal rights. If we think like that,this country will go far. We must bind allcommunities together,” advised Perera.

Baila beats!

The Dubai Charity Association has laid thefoundation stone for the Sheikh Zayed Bin SultanAl Nahyan Village in Sri Lanka, the EmiratesNews Agency reported.The village, located in Al Manar area, north of SriLanka, is planned to accommodate 50 houses forunderprivileged families, a mosque for more than270 worshippers, and a school with anoccupancy capacity of 240 students.In addition, the village will have an electric pump,

a 2,000-litre water tank, a four-room medicalfacility and four water wells, which will be drilledat a total cost of AED1.825 million. This will becarried out in collaboration with the Sri Lankangovernment and a Sri Lankan company, whichwill be in charge of the execution.The project, which is aimed at providingdisadvantaged Muslim families in the Asiancountry with basic life requirements, adds to theUAE track record of charity achievements and

gives prominence to the noble humanitarian roleof late Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan inensuring social security and solidarity betweendifferent segments of society.The foundation stone was laid by a delegation ofthe association, which included Ahmed Mesmar,Secretary-General, and Hussein Abdul RaheemGargash, Deputy Chairman, in the presence ofthe UAE Ambassador to Sri Lanka, AbdulHameed Abdul Fattah Kazim.

Foundation stone laid for Sheikh Zayed Village in Sri Lanka

Devians of different vintages celebrated the 26thAnniversary of the Past Pupils' Association onSaturday 25th November 2017. The event broughttogether dispersed Devians who had left MotherLanka and were working in various sectors in theUK. As the guests ladies in their brightly colouredsarees and gents in their dinner suits - gatheredoutside the Empire Suite sipping the welcomedrink, they renewed oldacquaintances and made newfriends. When everyone wascalled to dinner, Dr HarshiBoralessa, a longstanding memberof the PPA, navigated the gueststhrough the night with herexperienced compering. VicePresident, Ms ChandaniRanatunga, welcomed the guestswith much elegance, draped in a celestial bluesaree adorned with sequins. After sumptuousstarters, the guests enjoyed an Asian buffet. Theycould not have expected a better start to a nightfull of fun and friendship. Some had travelledmiles to be at the event and they enjoyed themoments as the night's programme unfolded.President Dr Malathie Peiris thanked thecommittee members for their support throughout

the year and remindedthe large gathering atthe Holiday Inn(Wembley) of the maingoal of the night -raising funds forscholarships whichfunded Devians inneed, struggling tocomplete universityeducation, back homein Sri Lanka. She alsomentioned the annualsponsored walk whichraised funds for a SriLankan charity; LittleHearts was thechosen project thisyear. After her speechMalathie opened thedance with her husband Mr WasanthaHiddalarachchi who supported her presidencyduring the year. Music by Sky High, equally adeptat playing western and eastern music, started withthe slow waltz but made everyone rock to thebeats of the bailas. When the vibrant rhythmswere played, even the non-Sri Lankans deserted

their tables and took to the dance floor. The nightlived up to its expectations as the generous friendsand families dipped into their pockets to buy raffletickets to enhance the donations. The goldensaree of the raffle organiser, Mrs RukiWijayasinghe was perfectly coordinated with thegold wrapping paper of the prizes. Guests enjoyedmore dancing before winding down with the

anthems: School Song, Sri Lankan NationalAnthem and the British National Anthem. MrsKarunaseeli Somasiri, had the last word as shethanked the band, hotel staff and the guests andinvited them to be part of next year's dinner-dance.

Dr Shihan de SilvaDevi Balika PPA (UK)

Photography by Karunaseeli Somasiri


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Devi Balika's Dinner Dance: A Night of True Elegance and Style


By Tarini Pilapitiya(sundaytimes.lk) Christina Peiris was all smilesas she gracefully glided downthe stage to join the top 16semifinalists at the 66th MissUniverse pageant held in LasVegas (USA) on November 26.Crowned Miss Universe SriLanka earlier in October,Christina spoke to the SundayTimes on her way back fromLas Vegas, elated by hersuccess – one of the few SriLankan contestants to make itthis far on the Miss Universestage since Maureen Hingertwas adjudged runner-up in1955.When pageant host SteveHarvey announced Sri Lankaas one of the top 16, Christinarecalls her initial shock athearing her name.2017 was her first attempt atentering a beauty pageant! “Ipurely wanted to gain a once-in- a-lifetime opportunity andexperience,” she says.“I believe that the mostimportant thing aboutrepresenting my country was tobe the best advocate and rolemodel to the youth who were looking up to me,”

she says. “I wanted to inspire and uplift womenand everyone around the world. It’s important to

want the best not only foryourself but everyonearound you.”The Miss Universe tagline“confidently beautiful”resonates deeply withChristina. “Being confidentin your own skin, colour,race and shape is whatexerts beauty. To be contentwith the person you’vebecome and who you striveto be – that’s whatconfidently beautiful meansto me,” she says.Determined not to loseherself in the glitz and glamof pageantry Christinastates, “I didn’t take on thepressure of being theperfect candidate – I simplywanted to be myselfthroughout the competitionand I think that’s what madethe experience a whole loteasier.” Even in herintroductions, theannouncers never failed tomention Christina as ananimal lover and cat

collector – with a growing family

to represent SriLanka as Miss Universe – not an easy feat.She received much assistance from “Stretch n

Tone’s” Krishani George who helped her getinto shape for the international pageant and LouChing Wong, who successfully made this “flatshoe” enthusiast more confident “walking inhigh heels”.Although the Kamil Group sponsored herdazzling evening gown, which she wore in thefinal pageant, Christina designed her owncocktail dresses and the red sleeveless numbershe wore for the preliminary competition. “I thinkone thing that kept me motivated was howmuch effort my family and I had put in topreparing for the pageant,” she states – herfamily, her biggest supporters were her pillars ofstrength throughout.Post Miss Universe Christina will be taking timeto focus on her “main goal”growing X.TINA. Shealso hopes to work and speak about the lack ofsupport given to the disabled in the country inthe near future.

of eight cats to

date.Christina who is gratefulfor the support receivedfrom her family, socialmedia followers and theSri Lankan public standsfirm in her belief in theimportance of getting SriLankans more involved inthe voting system forevents of this nature. “Imissed a spot in the top10 by over 50 votes whichis converted to pointslater,” she says. “It’simportant to support yourcountry and I’m foreverthankful to everyone whodid.”It’s been an amazingjourney for the girl whoalways dreamed big –even at the tender age ofseven she had hopes ofgetting into the field offashion designing. Fastforward to 16 years laterand this 23-year-oldphilanthropist is now a fashion designer andtravel blogger of Loveplate.blog – where shepromotes tourism in Sri Lanka through reviewsof hotels, restaurant/cafes and products.A former student at the Academy of Design(AOD) Christina has her humanitarian clothingbrand “X.TINA”, where a percentage of theprofits earned is donated to cancer careservices at the National Cancer Hospital inMaharagama.Adding another notch onto her belt ofachievement as Miss Universe Sri Lanka,Christina says candidly- “I never really sawmyself as a beauty queen and I still don’t.”With only a month prior to her crowning andthree weeks after to prepare for the pageantChristina had to be ready

Among the top 16 on the big stage:Christina at the pageant seen withthe winner Miss South Africa Demi-Leigh Nel- Peters. Pic courtesy AFP

Her biggest supporters: Celebrating with her family and friends

Text and Pix: I. L. M.Rizan AddalaichenaiCentral Cor(sundayobserver.lk) TheTamil Literary Forum ofAkkaraipattu MuslimCentral College(National School)conducted the TamilLiterary Festival-2017 inthe Athaullah CollegeAuditorium recently.The College TamilLiterary ForumPresident M.Y. Sathir Ahamed organized the eventunder the guidance and supervision of theAkkaraipattu Muslim Central College (NationalSchool) Principal, U.L.M. Mansoor.

Akkaraipattu Zonal Education DirectorA.M.Rahmathullah was the chief guest.A special souvenir, ‘Theem Polil’ was released tomark the occasion, which was carried inprocession with the Pallakku’ to the stage by the

students.Akkaraipattu ZonalEducation Office AssistantEducation Director (Tamil)M.I.M. Haniffa was sashedwith a golden shawl andmemento by the guests.The Deputy EducationDirectors (Sammanthurai)A.S. Ahamed Kiyas,(Akkaraipattu) A.G. Fasmil,Veteran PoetsKalaboosana, AasukaviAnpudeen, KalaboosanaPalamunai Farook, peopleof the area and staff werepresent.The Tamil Literary Forumpresented the special awardand several achievers werehonoured. Prizes andmementoes for achieverswere distributed by theguests.

AKKARAIPATTU CENTRAL COLLEGE

(ft.lk) Pioneering business magazine LMD hasannounced that its ‘Sri Lankan Of The Year’ for2017 is actress and entrepreneur JacquelineFernandez. The magazine pays tribute to the

Bollywood superstar, whomit says “has brought arefreshing breath of fresh airamid the pollution we’re

accustomed to dealingwith”.“We can now claim aBollywood superstarwho has not only risento A-list status in a relatively short time butalso highlighted Sri Lanka’s better sidethrough activities that seek to give back to anation she calls home,” the leading monthlysays. Fernandez has put Sri Lanka on theglobal map on many occasions, LMD notes,and she is “a true ambassador for her country– be it through cinema, global brands, localcuisine, worthy business interests orcharitable causes”.Showbiz icon...“In a world where the rich and famous oftenfail to sustain a clean record, JacquelineFernandez’s name has remained untarnished.She has all the makings of being a role modelfor young Sri Lankans, and others who havecome to know and see her,” it concludes.LMD’s 23rd ‘Sri Lankan Of The Year’ joins thecompany of the island’s most eminent citizensover the years, a number of whom have hadtheir names etched in the annals of thenation’s history. For the full story, log ontoLMD’s website (www.LMD.lk).The print version of the magazine, itspublisher Media Services says, will bereleased to leading bookstores andsupermarkets tomorrow.

“I never really saw myself as a beauty queen and I still don’t”

Showbiz icon wins LMD’s ‘Sri LankanOf The Year’ award

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The BBC are planning on making a seriesexploring food from South Asia, through thecommunities that cook it here in the UK and oneepisode is will focus on Sri Lankan cuisine and thecommunities within the London region.They are looking to find great personalities andcooks within the Sri Lankan communityand are really interested in getting toknow more about the thriving Sri Lankancommunity, what are the goodrestaurants, characters and busiestcommunities?They would like to hear from restaurants within thearea who are cooking great Sri Lankan food orpeople making incredible snacks or desserts.They are also planning to feature food that centresaround celebrations – marriages, birthdays,

religious ceremonies, ect.They are looking for great cooks who arepassionate about food, who their presenter canmeet and cook with.They would like to find cooks within the home whocan teach their presenter about the key

ingredients within their cuisine and showher how they cook a dish that’s importantto them.So if you feel that you are the right sortof person, know of some great cooks,

know great Sri Lankan restaurants, caterers,ect…get in touch with Newslanka.They are trying to find a celebration, aroundJanuary, ideally between 22-28th.Send us your contact details and what you canoffer to the programme to:- [email protected]

Are you a great Cook or know someone who is?


Amagi Aria, Negombo’s ‘hidden secret’By Marianne David(ft.lk) A serene hideaway in the bustling city ofNegombo, Amagi Aria is a well-hidden secret thatis certain to surprise and delight.Walking into the property, one is greeted byexpansive views of the Negombo lagoon andenveloped in such serenity, it’s hard to believesuch a quiet and inviting place exists in the heart ofNegombo and in such close proximity to Colombo.The recent upgrading of the property by holdingcompany Amagi Hotels has resulted in not just anew name for the former Amagi Lagoon, but awhole new wing anda refreshinglymodern look, alongwith an impressivefine dining seafoodrestaurant – Moyã –that is easily one ofthe best seafooddining options in theisland.The drive here fromthe airport is lessthan 10 minuteswhile it takes onlysome 45 minutes toget here fromColombo, making itthe ideal impromptugetaway. It’s alsoperfect for thosewho want to indulgein some superbseafood on a whim,given the easyaccess. Trust me onthis, Moyã is mostcertainly worth thedrive!The attractive dayoffers make Amagi Aria extra inviting, ideal forfamilies and groups that need a short break, whilethe many dining offers and entertainment make it agreat place to be.

The property was formerly known as AmagiLagoon Resort and Spa and comprised 21standard rooms, a restaurant, a bar and a banquethall. The new Amagi Aria boasts a brand newseven-storey wing comprising 43 tastefullydesigned deluxe rooms and four luxury suites

along with 21 standard rooms complete withmodern amenities and stunning views.I stayed in an Aria Sunset suite, which waselegantly appointed, featuring gorgeous views ofthe lagoon, all modern amenities, and luxuriouscomfort. The private balcony with its own Jacuzziand captivating views was the perfect place tounwind.“When somebody comes in, they don’t expect sucha gorgeous location that is so serene. The serenitywe offer is unique. Hence the tagline ‘Negombo’shidden secret,’” explained Amagi Aria GeneralManager Marketing and Operations Renuke

Coswatte. “We are no longer Amagi Lagoon, weare now Amagi Aria, denoting an everlasting songthat resonates to its highest note.”Seated on the Lawn Deck where we were servedan elegant high tea, Coswatte outlined theproperty’s many exciting plans, especially thosethat are being lined up for the holiday season, andits dining options.

If you’re a seafood fanatic, look no further thanAmagi Aria’s new seafood restaurant Moyã.

Named with the Sinhalese term forwhere the lagoon meets the sea,Moyã serves up seafood that isabsolutely divine and is open daily fordinner from 7 p.m. to 11 p.m.Located atop the new wing of AmagiAria, the restaurant has a beautifulsetting with understated décor and iswrapped in floor-to-ceiling windows,offering panoramic views of theNegombo lagoon. It features insideand outdoor dining areas, a livekitchen, seafood display and bar, and

the menu has all kindsof seafood specialties,from lobster, crab andmussels to prawn,squid and salmon.From the food I triedout at Moyã, the CrazyCrab with FriedCashew and SaffronRice was an absolutefeast, featuring a hugeportion of crab thatwas perfectlyprepared, while theCeylon Black PepperCrusted Yellow FinTuna Tataki and SpicyAsian Coconut Soupwere a great start tothe meal.“Moyã offers a seafoodexperience that issuperior to anythingelse in the vicinity. Weare seven floors abovesea level, withfantastic 180 degreeviews and overlooking

the lagoon. You feel like you are ontop of the world at Moyã,” saidCoswatte – and he’s right. Dininghere is an amazing experience.Explaining how they source theirseafood, Coswatte said: “OurChairman is the largest seafoodexporter to the Maldives so we havethe freshest catch daily at Moyã.”The food is supported by a fantasticbeverage line-up, featuring 30 to 40listed wine labels along with aspecially created list of cocktails.In December the restaurant isshowcasing a market concept, whereyou can select your seafood andhave it prepared according to yourwishes.There’s a great line-up of starters onthe menu – from sashimi to oystersand the famous hot butter calamari –while mains comprise variedpreparations of crab, prawns andlobster to Singapore-style fish head curry, andmixed seafood platters. Moyã also boasts somelovely desserts.The all-day dining restaurant here is TheCatamaran Restaurant, which features cuisinesfrom around the world. For private diningexperiences, the Tree House can accommodateup to 15 guests and The Pontoon canaccommodate up to 20 guests. Drinks and dinnercan also be enjoyed on the Lawn Deck, where youcan watch spectacular sunsets over the lagoon.Speaking about the food offering, Coswatte said:“The food here is equal to the food in any of thetop class properties in Negombo and in Colombo.How we differentiate is by giving more value to ourguests. Our rates are much more reasonable andour ambience is fantastic, coupled with theentertainment on offer. We have plenty of parking,location and accessibility is great.”

The day offer focuses on the entire family andguests can enjoy splashing in the pool and take inthe stunning views, while unwinding with theirfamilies. The package consists of a welcomedrink, a complimentary soft drink or a beer,afternoon tea or coffee with a piece of cake, abuffet with international and local food including asalad corner and desserts, priced at Rs. 2,500 nettper person. Groups of 10 and more get a room forchanging purposes. The day offer is from 10 a.m.to 5:30 p.m.The property had added even more value inDecember targeting school holidays with abouncing castle, face painting and kiddies’activities such as art classes. Guests can also

enjoy boat rides on the lagoon.“In December we are focusing on families and kids.We hope to start swimming classes and an AriaMothers’ Club. As for weekend activities, we willcontinue with the day outing due to the fantasticresponse,” said Coswatte.In terms of entertainment, Coswatte outlined: “OnThursdays a three-piece local band plays somefantastic local music, on Fridays there is asaxophonist, and on Saturday there’s ShamanRanaweera, an extremely talented and versatileartist.”Many new offers are on for the season, especiallyon Thursdays, Fridays and Saturdays. On all threedays Amagi Aria features live entertainment in theevening while it has a happy hour daily.Sri Lankan night is on Saturdays and serves uphoppers, roti, pittu and many more local favouritesat The Catamaran from 7 p.m. to 10:30 p.m. at Rs.1,450 per person.Chinese night on Sundays serves up six Chinesedishes, salads and dessert at The Catamaran from7 p.m. to 11 p.m. at Rs. 1,450 per person.The Bigger Burger Bonanza is on Fridays, offeringsucculent gourmet burgers and fresh salads, at Rs.799 per person.

Amagi Aria caters to weddings, corporate andprivate events via its versatile venues that can beset up to suit individual needs.The Banquet Hall consists of a unique two-tiersetting with contemporary design, while theexpansive lagoon-front Lawn Deck boasts abreathtaking backdrop for any occasion. Otherfacilities include a swimming pool, a kids’ pool anda spa.

Brand new look

Dining at Amagi Aria

Ongoing promotions

Versatile venues

(colombogazette.com) Cinnamon Island Weddingsin association with SriLankan Airlines is set topromote Sri Lanka as an idyllic destination forweddings and honeymooners – Cinnamon Hotels& Resorts takes the charge and initiates theworld’s largest online wedding competition.The campaign was launched earlier this month atthe World Travel Mart, UK as a competitionoffering a lucky couple an once-in-a-lifetimeopportunity to have their dream wedding in thetropical paradise of Sri Lanka, with all expensescovered by Cinnamon Hotels & Resorts andSriLankan Airlines.From a breathtaking beach-side wedding, to aregal traditional ceremony infused with culturalflair, the winning couple will be able to put togetherthe event of their dreams and say I do amidstfamily and friends.As at now, statistics showcase the weddingindustry as a growing market which generates anannual revenue of over USD 28B with 3-6 milliontrips taking place annually. Inspired by luxurious,once-in-a-lifetime trip opportunities, couples arewilling to spend significantly more for their

weddings and honeymoons than for ordinaryholidays. Changing norms and consumerpreferences have also contributed to the growth inthis sector, such as the desire for guaranteedbeautiful weather, the trend to have a memorablewedding in a unique location, and the appeal ofthe convenience offered through destinationwedding packages.Having identified the potential of this new segmentfor destination promotion, Cinnamon Hotels &Resorts has partnered with a series ofstakeholders including national carrier SriLankanAirlines, UK-based tour-operator Kouni, weddingand honeymoon online magazines You and YourWedding & Hitched.co.uk along with award-winning UK wedding photographer David Stanburyand the UK’s largest wedding magazine Confetti.Commenting on the campaign, SivaRamachandran, Chief Commercial Officer forSriLankan Airlines stated: “The wedding tourismindustry is a high potential market that is on arapid growth trajectory as travel trends show thatmore and more travellers are leaning towardsromantic destination weddings. This campaign

introduces a newproduct for Sri Lanka,which allows thedestination to exploit thepotential of growth in thismarket and helps toshowcase Sri Lanka’soffering as a vibrant,beautiful and captivatingdestination forweddings.”To compete for the grandprize, participants needto register online bysending across animage, written piece or aone-minute video clipthat creatively anduniquely describes whythey should be thewinners of the CinnamonIsland Weddingscompetition.

The grand prizewill offer thelucky couplebusiness classair tickets and 48economy classtickets for theirfamily andfriends, courtesyof SriLankanAirlines, end-to-endtransportationcovered in SriLanka, full boardaccommodationat 4 and 5 starCinnamonresorts in SriLanka, aweddingreceptioncomplete withdécor,entertainment, bridal attire provided by BuddhiBatiks and Hameedia, a 5-karat sapphire ringembed with diamonds provided by Sifani Jewellersand an exotic location to host the wedding.Photography for the entire wedding will be byDavid Stanbury, award-winning weddingphotographer in the UK. The wedding will beplanned by professional Wedding Planners,Magical Moments The couple will also have anopportunity to explore more of Sri Lanka’s diversitywith a 7 nights honeymoon package courtesy ofCinnamon Hotels & Resorts.Commenting on the initiative, Dileep Mudadeniya– Head of Brand Marketing, Cinnamon Hotels &Resorts stated: “Cinnamon Island Weddings is anovel online concept that will help to createimmense hype and excitement around Sri Lankaand strengthen the island’s position as a world-class wedding destination. We have collaboratedwith the national carrier SriLankan Airlines to offera once-in-a-lifetime prize that we anticipate willgenerate the desired interest for this new productvertical.”

The competition will be judged by a globallyrecognized and celebrated panel of experts from across-section of fields and industries, includingaward winning photographer David Stanbury,globally acclaimed travel bloggers Dave & Deb ofPlanet D, renowned singer Alston Koch, along withrepresentatives from Kuoni UK, SriLankan Airlinesand Cinnamon Hotels & Resorts.With its rich natural and historical heritage,beautiful landscapes, vibrant culture andtrademark warmth and hospitality, Sri Lanka iswell-poised to serve as a top-tier location fordestination weddings. Its ample greenery, beautifulsunlit shores, impressive biodiversity, coupled withits ever-present tropical charm distinguishes SriLanka as a highly desirable location for couples tocelebrate the most important chapter of their lovestories, as well as the ideal destination to enjoyunforgettable romantic getaways.Cinnamon Island Weddings in association withSriLankan Airlines is partnered by Hameedia andBuddhi Batiks as Clothing partners, SifaniJewellers as Jewellery partner and MagicalMoments as the exclusive Wedding planner.


Largest online wedding competition launched in Sri Lanka

Vernonfrom P8the premises of this orphanage with his personalfunds without using funds of our charity. With thisthe children were able to resume their lives, eventhe little they had.2001 - Tsunami RespondedHe sent more than £500.00 worth of immediaterequirements through charity Caring Hands of SriLanka.2004 - Continued with aftermath of Tsunami andCancer Research.2006 - Responded to appeal made by Save theChildren when Earthquake struck in Java inIndonesia.22010 - Haiti Disaster in January through BritishRed Cross. Death toll was over 160,000.2013 - Typhoon Haiyan destruction in Philippinethrough British Red Cross.2014 - He ran three 10ks in various cities andraised funds for following:- British HeartFoundation UK, Muscular Dystrophy CampaignCambridge UK, Lynda Jackson Macmillan CentreNorthwood UK.2015 - He successfully completed 2015 VirginLondon Marathon in memory of his wife andproudly raised via Virgin money & Giving.com tofollowing charities:- Cancer Research UK -£1,500.00, Lynda Jackson Macmillan Centre UK -£1,500.00Responded to Nepal Earth Quake disaster andfunds were remitted through Save the Children UK,British Red Cross and Action Aid and ConcernWorldwide, who are the partners of DisasterEmergency Committee.Apart from previously mentioned monthly directdebit mandates to above institutions, he is anactive supporter of Diabetics and Foot and MouthPainters Artists.He really enjoys annual calendar of Foot andMouth Painters. They never forget his generosityand continue with communications over manyyears. Last year his mother in law passed away ata small Hospital close to Colombo. This was justten miles away from Colombo, capital of Sri Lankaand he was dejected to find lack of basic facilitiesin this hospital. After attending the funeral hispriority was to install a few toilets and to provide

fans, nebulizers and a wheel chair to this hospital.His goal is to cover wide range of unfortunateevents such as natural disasters, under privileged,the sick, education of deprived children and manythat affect us human beings all around the world.Education, Sponsorship and other welfare workAt present Mr. Udugampola sponsors three lessfortunate children in Sri Lanka and a family of threechildren in Cambodia for their education andlooking after their welfare. He has set up threedirect debit mandates through his old bank accountin Sri Lanka and sends sufficient funds to maintainthe account for these purposes. They are fromremote areas with less facilitates for English thanurban children. These children are all under 12years of age and two of them responded to him.Hopefully with his support, these children will getbetter education and come out of poverty in future.He added Cambodia to his list after his recent visitto the Country. He listened to the pathetic situationof his tuck-tuck driver's plea and visited his homewhich is built on slits and learned that their kitchenis under water for half of the year. When it goesunder water, they have to set up the kitchenupstairs in the sleeping area.The driver of the tuck-tuck was fortunate enough tomeet him for he offered his help to educate histhree children and started sending funds regularlyfrom his own funds without using the charity funds.His tireless and continuous efforts help the sickand the poor in Sri Lanka. Three years ago hedonated a very special wheel chair to a disabledchild when he visited a disable hospital. Thisenabled the child to attend the school and enterinto the community at large, without this, his lifewould have been a struggle for years, confined tohis home.Religious WorkHe regularly contributions to a Buddhist temple inin Sri Lanka, in the village he grew up with hisfamily. His personal donations made in memory ofhis parents had made a prominent difference tothis temple. As mentioned above, he also has beencontributing to his religious institution in the UKmore than thirty years. This enables the spirit ofBuddhist values to sustain in a world wherereligions are at a decline and violence in rise.Alma MarterHe was President of his Alma Mater, Richmond

College OBA in UK for several years. The schoolwas a British Missionary School established 135years ago and continue to be one of the leadingschools in Sri Lanka. He was Vice President andPresident for a number of years. The funds raisedin the UK via various activities goes directly tosupport the poor children in school and to improvethe standard of the school by new technology andfacilities.OWN COMMUNITY AND OBLIGATIONSHe is also the Chairman of one of his owncommunity societies known as Laksith Foundationwhich is a non-religions and non-politicalorganisation. His house functions as office formeetings of these societies. No doubt he willcontinue with this great work until his strengthwould carry him. This society helps the people inthe community to help each other in times of need,to assist in long term, illnesses, old age andsupport to the families during death.He is very proud admirer of the Royal Family. Heconsiders it was great honour and privilege to meetThe Queen twice in his life. In the later part of 1981The Queen visited Sri Lanka while he was inProtocol Department of Ministry of Foreign Affairs

and he was highly involved in preparation work.At the end of the tour his name too wasrecommended by the British High Commission inSri Lanka to be honoured and he was honouredwith a photograph of the royal wedding.He had another opportunity meet the Queen at theBuckingham Place as a member of entourage ofHigh Commissioner of Sri Lanka when HighCommissioner presented his credentialrepresenting the country as attaché administrationof the Sri Lanka High Commission in 1982. Now helooks forward to meeting her again in some othercapacity if he luck permits.He belongs to children of Thatcher's who believesminimal interference of State but strong, Church orreligion in moderation, rewards efforts, free market,reduce government interference and the Monarch.Raising funds and use of his personal funds wherenecessary for these noble causes demonstrateshis concern about the community at large as wellas the community once he belonged, Sri Lanka,UK and beyond. His contribution and thecommitment to the communities in multiple fieldsare astounding. He is considered to be a luminaryin various fields of life.

(island.lk) Sri Lanka Friday named ChandikaHathurusingha as their new head coach with themission of ending the national team’s crisis run ininternational cricket.The Sri Lankan resigned in October asBangladesh’s coach after guidingthe national team through their mostsuccessful period in his three yearsin charge, masterminding Test winsover England and Australia.He takes over a side that washammered in Tests by India in homeand away series this year and hasplayed poorly in one-day games.Sri Lanka Cricket (SLC) saidHathurusingha, 49, will take over the national sidefrom December 20. That means he will takecharge of the team for the T20 games that endtheir current tour in India.The Sri Lanka post has been vacant since SouthAfrican Graham Ford quit in June. Nic Pothas has

been the interim coach.Under Hathurusingha, Bangladesh made rapidstrides in world cricket, reaching the semi-finals ofthe Champions Trophy tournament in England thisyear. He was only criticised after Bangladesh’s

recent tour of South Africa, wherethe team failed to register a singlewin.His contract with the BangladeshCricket Board was supposed to rununtil the 2019 World Cup andreportedly made him one of thehighest-paid cricket coaches, on$40,000 a month.Hathurusingha, a batsman, played

26 Tests and 35 one-day internationals for SriLanka before becoming the team’s assistantcoach under Trevor Bayliss, a job he lost in 2010.He went on to coach New South Wales inAustralia before moving to Bangladesh in May2014.

Hathurusingha named Sri Lanka cricket coach


Dr. Asoka Bandarage(island.lk) This essay is written in celebration of thecentenary of my alma mater, Visakha Vidyalaya,the renowned Buddhist girls’ school in Colombo,founded by Mrs. Jeramias Dias and named afterthe chief female benefactor of the Buddha.The Buddha remarked, "Visakha stands outforemost among my women lay supporters… of theOrder."1 The generosity (dana) of royal andwealthy patrons such as Visakha andAnathapindika, the Buddha’s chief male laydisciple, contributed greatly to the preservation andspread of the Buddha’s teachings (Dhamma) overthe centuries. In light of contemporary debatesover such concerns as the ethics of wealth and theroles of women, it is inspiring to reflect upon thelife of Visakha, the great Dhamma practitioner whowas the Buddha’s chief benefactress.Visakha was born into a wealthy family in theMaghada kingdom and grew up in Saketa, a lovelycity built by her father near Savatthi, located in theKosala kingdom. In Savatthi, she married into afamily of great wealth. In addition to her riches,Visakha was renowned for her beauty, charm,poise, and physical strength. She possessed thefive maidenly attributes of beauty – exquisite hair,teeth, skin, youth, and form – that her husbandPunnavaddhana had required of his bride. Aftermarriage, Visakha gave birth to ten sons and tendaughters, who in turn gave birth to a great manygrandchildren and great grandchildren.Visakha was an exemplary wife and mother, and acompassionate caretaker of animals. She was alsoa person of wisdom, kindness, generosity, andother attributes of inner beauty. Though she livedin a patriarchal society, Visakha maintained herown independent business and was known for hermanagerial and communication skills. Among all ofVisakha’s virtues, most noteworthy was herdevotion and support for the Buddha and thesangha – the monastic community of monks(bhikkhus) and nuns (bhikkhunis).Visakha first met the Buddha, listened to histeachings, and entered the path of the Dhammawhen she was just seven years old. From then on,until her death at the age of 120, she used herwealth and talents to tirelessly and generouslyserve the sangha. Visakha’s father-in-law Migara

was a devout disciple of the Niganthas, a sect ofnaked ascetics. The story of how she convincedhim to accept the Buddha’s teachings attest to hersense of humor, intelligence, and audacity.One day, a Buddhist monk came to Migara’sdoorstep as he was eating out of a golden bowland Migara refused to offer him any food.Embarrassed, Visakha said to the monk, "Pass by,Venerable Sir, my father-in-law eats stale food."The enraged Migara demanded an explanation. Inher calm voice, Visakha explained that Migara waseating the benefits of his past good deeds withoutdoing anything to accrue further merit. Visakhaalso said that, given her unshakeable faith in theteachings of the Buddha, she did not feelcomfortable living in a house where monks werenot welcome. If shedid not get permissionto invite the monks tothe house, she wouldleave.Reluctantly, Migaraagreed to invite theBuddha and themonks to a meal at hishouse. When he heardthe Buddha’sdiscourse at the end ofthe meal, Migaraentered the Dhammapath. He expressedgratitude to hisdaughter-in-law forhelping give birth to his spiritual liberation anddeclared that henceforth Visakha would be like amother to him. Thus, Visakha came to be knownas Mother Visakha or Migaramata, the mother ofMigara. In time, she built the magnificentPubbarama (Eastern Monastery) and donated it tothe sangha. The monastery came to be known asMigaramatupasada, the terraced abode of Migara’smother.Visakha always tended vigilantly to the well-beingof the sangha, attending to the needs of bothmonks and nuns. She requested the Buddha togrant her eight boons. As long as she lived, shewished to give robes to monks during the rainyseason, rice gruel to the monks daily, meals to

monks who entered Savatthi, meals to monks wholeft the city, meals to sick monks, medicine for sickmonks, meals for monks tending the sick, andclothes for nuns to wear while bathing. TheBuddha granted Visakha these eight boons whenshe disclosed her pure intention. Her request wasnot motivated by self-promotion. Instead, shewished to develop the five spiritual faculties(pancha indriya) – faith, energy, mindfulness,concentration, and wisdom – and the seven factorsof enlightenment (sapta bhojanga) – mindfulness,keen investigation, energy, joy, tranquility,concentration, and equanimity.As the leading female disciple of the Buddha,Visakha played an influential role in activitiespertaining to the sangha. A number of monastic

precepts werepromulgated due toher intervention. Forexample, shequestioned thosemonks who refused toordain novices duringthe rainy season. Shetold the Buddha, "TheDhamma is timeless.There is no time whenthe Dhamma cannotbe followed."Thereafter, theBuddha allowedordination during therainy season. Visakha

played a especially important role in managing thebhikkhuni sangha. Sometimes the Buddha allowedher to settle disputes among the nuns. Someprecepts for the nuns were set forth on her advice.The story of how Pubbarama came to be built isfascinating. One day, while Visakha was listeningto a Dhamma discourse at Jetavana Monastery,built by Anathapindika in Savatthi, she set aside avaluable jeweled cloak that was part of her bridaljewelry and forgot it there. When she discoveredthe loss, she refused to take it back and insteadsought to auction it off to raise money to supportthe sangha. When she could not find anyone in thewhole of Savatthi with the means to buy herexpensive cloak, worth some 90 million pieces of

gold, Visakha bought it back herself. With thatmoney and an additional 180 million, she boughtland and built Pubbarama at the eastern gate ofSavatthi. The building had two floors, with 500rooms on each floor, and a pinnacle of solid gold atthe top that could hold 60 water pots. It is said thatthe building was very tastefully furnished andcompletely carpeted. Pubbarama was donated tothe sangha in the 31st year after the Buddha’sawakening.On the day that Visakha dedicated Pubbarama tothe sangha, she circumambulated the monasterywith her children and grandchildren, singingelatedly. Seeing this unusual behavior, somemonks asked the Buddha whether Visakha hadlost her mind. The Buddha responded that Visakhahad not lost her mind; she was simply recitingsome verses of exultation over the fulfillment of heraspirations in past and present existences. TheBuddha then spoke a verse extolling the merits ofputting one’s resources and abilities to good use.This well-known verse is known as "VisakhaVatthu":Just as from a collection of flowers many garlandscan be made by an expert florist, so also, withwealth, faith, and generosity, one who is subject tobirth and death can do much good.2Pubbarama is mentioned frequently in theBuddhist texts. The Buddha spent many rainyseasons there during the last 25 years of his lifeand delivered many important discourses. In theAgganna Sutta, which was delivered to twobrahmins, the Buddha refuted caste ideology. Heexplained how humans became bound to thewheel of samsara life after life and how thepractice of Dhamma, which is universal, allowsanyone from the four castes to attainenlightenment. It was also at Pubbarama that theBuddha gave permission for the patimokkha, thebasic code of conduct for the sangha, to be recitedin his absence.One full-moon night, while the Buddha wasresiding at Pubharama and the kaumudi white lilywas in bloom, the Buddha delivered theAnapanasati Sutta to a vast community of silentmonks. In this discourse, which is central to theBuddha’s teaching of meditation,

(Contd: on P24)

Visakha: The Chief Female Benefactor of the Buddha

AMARASINGHE - C.P.ANANDAPPA - RANJANANANDAPPA - RANJAN BALARAJAH -SOUNTHARY - 1290 - 818, Danforth Road,Scarborough Ont. M1J 3L9, Canada.ARIYAWANSA - DAYANI - No. 163/76, VimukthiMawatha, Pittugala, MalabeCARVALHO - THERESE.COL (Rtd) NIRIELLA - W.H. - 60/8, PetersonLane, Wellawatte, Colombo 06.DAMBADENIYA DINENDRA PADMINI. - No.72/A, Malwatta Rd., Asgiriya, GampahaDANDENIYAGE VANITHA CHANDRASIRI DESILVA - 133/3, Pagoda Road, Pita Kotte.DASANAYAKE - Mrs. D.M. - “Rathsara”,Hirana, PanaduraDE SARAM - NAOMI IRIS.DE SILVA - MARIE.DE ZILVA - NEVILLE MICHAELDIAS - SHELTON PETER - 120/1, De SoysaRoad, Rawatawatta, MoratuwaDIYAGO - DON WILFRED

DR. ARTHUR PERERA - No. 26/2, 2nd Lane,Wickramasinghepura, BattaramullaDR. ARTHUR PERERA (Former Secretary -No. 26/2, 2nd Lane, Wickramasinghepura,BattaramullaFERNANDO - GLENICE.FERNANDO - HUGH - 108, WattarantannePassage, KandyFERNANDO - SANATH (C.S.L.) - No. 17,Watarappala Road, Mount Lavinia.GUNASEKARA - HARIPRIYAIndatissa - Nalini, - No 20, 1st Lane,Epitamulla Road, Pita Kotte.JAYAWARDHANA - AUSTIN - 12 KuruppuRoad, off Cotta Road, Colombo-8.JOSEPH - NORMAN - 109/2, Lake Crescent,Attidiya, Dehiwala.JOSEPH ANTHONIPILLAIKALUBOWILA - ANANDA. - No. 35, ReverendDharmaratne Mawatha, Madiwela (close toRahula Vidyalaya).LIYANAGE - S.C (nee SAMARASINGHE) - 5/6,

2nd Lane, Egodawatta Road, BoralesgamuwaMIRCHANDANI - RUKMA (nee SHAMDASANI)NESIAH - ANITA (JEEVIE).PEIRIS - PAUL EDMUND - 122/A, ParattaRoad, KeselwattePERERA - A.G.L. - LAKSHMAN - No. 16, JayaMawatha, (off Dehiwela - Maharagama Road),BoralesgamuwaPERERA - MARIE THERESE CAROLE (neeJAYAMANNE).RANASINGHE - THAKSHAN KUMARA GAMINIRATNAYAKE - DULEEPSHANMUGALINGAM - DR. KANDIAH.SHANMUGANATHAN - RAJAH. - 11, SabrinaGrove, Plumpton NSW 2761.WEERARATNE - LUKE REMEGIUSWICKRAMARATNE - CHANDRAATHUKORALA - No. 186/F/14, FreezoneTerrace Yabaraluwa North, Malwana.WIJEYERATNE - SHIMALIE (nee PERERA)

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Visakhafrom P23he explained mindfulness of breathing in detail:O bhikkhus, the full awareness of breathing, ifdeveloped and practiced continuously, will berewarding and bring great advantages. It will leadto success in practicing the Four Establishments ofMindfulness. If the method of the FourEstablishments of Mindfulness is developed andpracticed continuously, it will lead to success in thepractice of the Seven Factors of Awaking. TheSeven Factors of Awakening, if developed andpracticed continuously, will give rise tounderstanding and liberation of the mind.3Over time, due to a confluence of factors, Buddhistteachings and culture disappeared from India.These factors included internal dissension, loss ofpatronage from the royalty and wealthy donorssuch as Visakha and Anathapindika, the revival ofBrahmanism, and Muslim invasions. Like mostother Buddhist monasteries and sacred sites,Pubbarama was destroyed. Thanks to the pillarsbuilt by Emperor Asoka in 3 BC, importantBuddhist sites throughout the Indian subcontinentcan still be identified.

The ruins of Pubbarama and the stupa that housesMother Visakha’s ashes are yet to be excavated.Ironically, today what now marks Pubbarama, thesite where the Buddha spoke out against casteideology and taughtmindfulness ofbreathing, is a brokenAsokan pillar in theshape of a Shivalingam, worshiped byHindu villagers.Appreciation andrespect for Visakha’scontribution to humanspiritual advancementcalls for the excavationand restoration ofPubbarama by theIndian authorities, withthe support of theinternational Buddhistcommunity.Sakyadhita(InternationalAssociation of BuddhistWomen) Newsletter

1. Anguttara Nikaya 1, chap.14.2. Dhammapada, verse 53.3. Anapanasati Sutta, Majjhima Nikaya 118.

Gemini(the Twins) 21st May - 20th June

Cancer(the Crab) 21st June - 20th July

Leo(the Lion) 21st July - 19th / 22nd Aug

Virgo(the Virgin) 20th / 23rd Aug - 22nd Sept

Libra(the Scale) 23rd Sept - 22nd Oct

Scorpio(the Scorpion) 23rd Oct - 21st Nov

Sagittarius(the Archer) 22nd Nov - 20th Dec

Capricorn(the Goat) 21st Dec - 20th Jan

Aquarius(the Water Carrier) 21st Jan -19th Feb

Pisces(the Fishes) 20th Feb - 20th March

Aries(the Ram) 21st March-20th April

Taurus(the Bull) 21st April - 20th May





































You will meet new romantic partners through the companyyou keep. You can easily impress others with your generousnature. You are best to keep your money tied up in a safeand secure place. Hassles with close friends or family willput a damper on your day. Your lucky day Friday.

Use your creative flair. Try to be honest when dealing withyour mate. You can evade the issue as usual by beingaffectionate, fun loving, and far too active for your lover tocatch on. Don't get involved in other people's private doings.Your lucky day Monday.

Don't let your partner get away with spending too much of yourmoney. Relationships will be erratic this week. Be on your bestbehavior. Don't let friends convince you that you shouldcontribute to something you don't believe in.Your lucky day Friday.

Speak of your future goals, intentions, and commitments.Try to be considerate in your personal obligations.Remember that no one can walk through your door if there'ssomeone standing in the doorway. Your partner will blowsituations out of proportion. Your lucky day Monday.

Your talents might just be discovered. Your uncanny insightwill help you make the right choices. You should take goodcare of your health; get lots of rest. Your personal secretsmay be revealed if you let coworkers in on your familydilemmas. Your lucky day Thursday.

Be careful not to get roped into uncertain joint financialdeals. Pleasure trips will turn out to be better thananticipated. You can do well on stage or behind the scenes,the choice is yours. Don't be afraid to speak in defense ofothers. Your lucky day Sunday.

Risky ventures may turn in your favor. Throw yourself intoyour profession. You'll find it easy to charm members of theopposite sex this week. Do not travel unless absolutelynecessary. Be careful.Your lucky day Thursday.

Consider making residential changes; either moves orrenovations could payoff. Use your better judgment before yousign up for a costly venture. Travel will be favorable. Resistoverspending on luxury items. Don't rely on others to handlethe workload. Your lucky day Saturday.

You can't always have your own way. If you're feelinguncertain, spend some time alone and reevaluate yourmotives as well as your needs. Your romantic inclinationshould lead to a committed relation ship. You should socializewith clients of your industry if possible. Your lucky day Monday.

Try looking into new ways to make extra money. You willenjoy interaction with others this week. Authority figures maybe less than accommodating if you have done somethingdeceitful. You have two choices; Get out on your own, orbend to your mate's whims. Your lucky day Wednesday.

Property deals look good. You might find that the extra cashwill come in handy when an opportunity to invest comesalong. Those who have been too demanding should be putin their place or out to pasture. Don't be too eager to dismisssomeone who works under you. Your lucky day Saturday.

Get ready to discover love, passion, and the desire to enjoyall that life has to offer. Use your added discipline to getwhat you want. You may want to talk to your boss aboutyour future goals. Be sure that you lay your cards on thetable. Your lucky day Sunday.

Sports gear distributedin Kuchchaveli

(Text and Picture by:I.L.M.RIZAN(dailynews.lk) Sports gear was distributed toWorrier Sports Club in Kuchchaveli recently. Theceremony was held at the Kuchchaveli DivisionalSecretariat. The sports gear was handed over bychief guest on this occasion Former EasternProvincial Councilor R.M.Anver.The Worrier Sports Club, Kuchchaveli officialsreceiving the donation at a ceremony. FormerKuchchaveli Pradeshiya Sabha Member AashikMohamed and Kuchcheveli DivisionalSecretariat officials were also present at theevent.

Army beat Police 32-18

CHILAW MARIANS CCBEAT NCC

Hindu Colombo beatLyceum Nugegoda

SL Army beat Police comprehensively 32-18 intheir Dialog Inter-club Rugby encounter held inColombo yesterday. Army scored 4 tries, 3conversions and 2 penalties while Police scored 3tries and a penalty. Here is an exiting moment inthe match. (Pic by Kamal Wanniarachchi)

(sundayobserver.lk) Sri Lanka left-arm spinnerMalinda Pushpakumara took a match bag of eightwickets to bring Chilaw Marians CC a two-day winover NCC by 94 runs in their SLC Premier Leagueinter-club cricket tournament (Tier ‘A’) matchplayed at FTZ Katunayake yesterday.For NCC Lasith Embuldeniya took a match bag of10 wickets for 123 runs. Hashan Dumindu (CCC)scored an unbeaten 168 runs against BloomfieldCC at Havelock Park. Primosh Perera (MoorsSC), Irosh Samarasooriya (Moors SC), Yohan deSilva (Sri Lanka Ports Authority CC) and PethumNissanka (Baduraliya CC) made centuries on daytwo.Openers of Moors SC Primosh Perera (142) andIrosh Samarasooriya (111) shared a 266-runpartnership for the first wicket against SaracensSC at Braybrooke Place. Ports Authority CC are

leading on first innings against BRC at BRC andTamil Union lead Baduraliya CC also on firstinnings at Surrey ground Maggona.

(dailynews.lk) Hindu College Colombo beatLyceum International School Nugegoda by 86runs in their fixture of the ‘Singer Cup’ Under 19inter Schools Cricket tournament played at S. deS. Jayasinghe public ground Dehiwala onThursday.

Havelocks in close winover CR & FC

by Saveen Tharinda(island.lk) Havelock SC registered a close 35-30win over CR & FC in their Dialog Rugby League2017/18 match played at the Longden Place,Colombo yesterday.After leading 19-13 at half-time, Havelockmanaged to withhold a strong CR & FCresurgence in the second half. The visitors,Havelock SC, collected their points through fivetries, two conversions and two penalty kicks whilethe home team scored two converted tries, onepenalty-try and three penalty kicks.


Canoe Ocean Racing Asian and WorldChampionships(sundaytimes.lk) Sri Lanka achieved a double featin canoeing at the Canoe Ocean Racing Asian andWorld Championships held in Hong Kong fromNovember 17 to 19. Sri Lanka was represented bytwo individuals —Chathura VishwajithJayaratne, who won arare gold medal andDanuna Tillakaratne,who successfullycompleted a coachingand judging course —simultaneously to themain event.Jayaratne’s achievementwas significant from thepoint of view of the sport,as he managed to outsmart 55 top renownedathletes to claim the goldmedal in the AsianCanoe Ocean RacingChampionship, whichwas held on November17. This was the veryfirst occasion where a SriLankan has won a goldmedal in canoeing,representing the country.Jayaratne competed in the Men’s Open category,while completing his Ocean Course of 23kimometres in 2 hours, 3 minutes and 51 seconds.From 56 athletes from across Asia, Jayaratnecame on top, while Shun Shirahata of Japanclaimed the silver medal. The bronze medal waswon by Yanjun Chen of China.“I was ready for this race. I knew the course fromprevious years, even if the different weatherconditions can make a real difference. My intention

was to stay calm and try to have fun in the waves ifthere were any. I chose not think about the endresult at all but to instead to focus on onechallenge at a time. The race was 23 kilometres; itwas like a marathon,” a jubilant Jayaratne stated.“At the start, I was placed around the 40th position,

but by sevenkilometres, I wasaround the sixth inthe lot. After a reallyslow start, Igradually moved upto let my confidencegrow accordingly. Asmy confidence grew,I moved up thepositions towardsthe end of the race.My focus was to findcomfort, steadypace, stability andeasy breathing tomove up. This ideaof being in a comfortzone stayed with meuntil the end.Comfort in the effort,in my opinion iswhat brought methis medal,” hefurther explained.

Following his feat at the Asian Championship,Jayaratne went in to the World Championship in ahigh morale two days later. However, heaccomplished what could be termed as a majorstride in Sri Lanka canoeing by placing 36thamong over 240 top world renowned athletes.Besides Jayaratne’s key achievement, Tillakaratne,who represented the National Association forCanoeing and Kayaking in Sri Lanka (NACKSL),as the Team Manager, was able to successfully

complete an InternationalCanoe Ocean Racing CoachingCourse, as well as anInternational Canoe OceanRacing International Judge’sCourse. Like Jayaratne,Tillakaratne becomes the firstSri Lankan to obtain thesequalifications in canoeing.“The tour was highlysuccessful, with the highlightbeing Sri Lanka winning its firstAsian Level Gold medal incanoeing. Our athlete,Chathura (Jayaratne) is a verypromising prospect, and iscurrently being trained inSingapore by a top internationalcoach. He requires our supportin the future for further training,equipment, and to coverparticipation costs ofinternational competitions,”Tillakaratne explained about theHong Kong venture.Jayaratne is currently based in Singapore, wherehe trains under Denes Szaszak, a top CanoeOcean Racing Coach from Hungary. The currentassistant coach of Singapore, Szaszak, who isproud of Jayaratne’s achievement, recommendshim for further training. The coach feels thatJayaratne genuinely has the potential to perform atworld level.“The achievement of Chatura Jayaratne in winningthe gold at the Asian Ocean CanoeChampionships, is yet another discipline and isanother feather in the cap for NACKSL. He beatcompetitors from large countries such as Chinaand Japan, who are deemed to be better endowedthan us. All credit must go to Chathura and hisHungarian coach, Denes (Szaszak). If not for their

commitment, we could not have attained theseheights in the field of Ocean Kayaking. I must alsothank our present team comprising CommodorePriyantha Perera – the Secretary General, Supemde Silva – the Treasurer and the Head CoachesMihin Amarasinghe and Danuna Tillekaratne andtheir assistants, for their unstinting volunteeringefforts in promoting the sport in Sri Lanka,” anoverwhelmed Prithi Perera, the President ofNACKSL stated.Jayaratne, a past student of D. S. SenanayakeCollege and Royal College Colombo, was awardeda scholarship to the Singapore Polytechnic in 2003and has been based in Singapore ever since. Hefirst took up to Dragon Boat Racing and OutriggerCanoeing before making his debut in OceanCanoeing in 2016.

The feats of history making Chathura and Danuna

Danuna (L) and Chathura (R) in Hong Kong

Chathura about to take the waters

By Susil Premalal(sundaytimes.lk) “Sri Lanka can forge ahead incross-country events. This was evident whenschool level children, both boys and girls, won theTeam Championships at the Third Asian SchoolsCross-Country Championships in Hong Kong.Officials should take the opportunity to develop theevent,” said Susantha Fernando, the coach ofWalala A. Ratnayake Central College.According to sports regulations of the EducationMinistry, under 14 girls and boys can take part inthe 100 metres events only. But in other countries,there are several athletic events for them toparticipate in such as the 800 metres, 1500 metresand 5000 metres.Susantha Fernando suggests that short distanceand cross-country events should be included inunder 13, 14 and 15 events. He suggests stagingschool level cross-country races to witness toplevel races.The Sports Ministry went out of the way to obtainair-tickets for the team, but little assistance wasgiven by the Education Ministry, according toparents. Even the visa fees had to be borne by theparents.The Sri Lanka Schools Junior Cross Countryteams (boys’ and girls’) won the Third AsianSchools Junior Cross Country Championships,held in Hong Kong on December 4..Nine Asian countries participated in the event.China ended as the runners-up in the Boys’

section with Indonesia taking third place.In the Girls’ section, Thailand were second withHong Kong third.From Sri Lanka, six boys and six girls took part inthe cross country race.Chamani Herath, Jayanthi Kanekeratne andPrasanthi Ratnayake of Walala Ratnayake MMV,occupied first second and third places in the girls’cross-country.In the boys’ race, Chamidu Madusanka ofRandiwel MV Kegalle took third place.The positions won by the girls’ team:(1) ChaminiHerath (Walala Ratnyake MMV); (2) JayanthiKanekeratne (Walala Ratnayake); (3) PrasanthiRatnayake (Walala Ratnayake); (4) SubashaniPremaratne (Walala Ratnayake); (7) GihantiJayasinghe (Walala Ratnayake) and (17) HasanthiMadumali (Sujatha Balika Matara).The positionswon by the boys’ team: (3) Chamindu MadusankaRatnayake (Randiwela MV Kegalle); (4) HarshaKarunaratne (Walala Ratnayake); (6) SithumSanjaya Denzil (Walala Ratnayake); (8)Dhammika Wijesuriya (Randiwela MV Kegalle);(15) Pradeep Kumara (Walala Ratnayake);(19)Kavishka Eranga (Bandaranayke MV Kalutara).Team Championship (Boys’) – Champions SriLanka; Runnres-up: China. Third Place: Indonesia.Team Championship (Girls’) – Champions SriLanka; Runners-up: Thailand; Third Place: HongKong.

NATIONAL KARATE CHAMPIONSHIP 2017The 42nd Sri Lanka NationalKarate Championship 2017was held at the SugathadasaIndoor Stadium with theparticipation of the Kata andthe Kumite. Back row (fromleft): Sheyani Kaushalya (Silverand Bronze medals), DulshanWeeratunga (Silver medal),Iresha de Silva (Silver medal),Jayani Basnayake (Bronzemedal). Front row: JananiSandunika (Gold medal), ChiefInstructor, Shihan Kaluarachchi(Black Belt 4), Coach: SenseiVishmitha Dassanayake (BlackBelt 3).

Bernard Perera(sundayobserver.lk)Eight Youth Paraathletes from SriLanka left the Islandyesterday toparticipate at thethird edition of theAsian Youth ParaGames to be held inDubai from Dec. 10to 14. Para Athletesfrom Sri Lanka arebilled to compete inathletics andswimming during theGames. The Lankanteam comprises offive boys and three girls.Youth below the age of 20 from 40 countriesare billed to compete in ten sports disciplinesat this year’s Games. Events included for thisyear’s games Boxing, Goal ball, Archery,Chess, Badminton, 10 Pin bowling, Installing aLift and Table Tennis, Athletic and Swimming.Sri Lanka’s Yoshitha Prabath (T-54 category)who competed at second Asian Youth Gamesheld in Malaysia in 2013 won three bronzemedals for Javelin Throw,100m and Putt shot.The Sri Lankan contingent comprises of the

following members P.W. Pradeep Somasiri (T-46 category 200 m, 400 m), UD YoshithaPrabath (T-54 Javelin throw, disc, m.100),A.L.I.B. Liyanage (T-46 100 m, 200 m, longjump), Ayesha Damayanthi (T-42 shot putt,javelin, discus), Rasanjali Anupama (MRI. 400m, 1500 m, long jump) , KA Nirosha Dilhani(25-inch category 100 m, discus, shot putt),Naveed Rahim (100 S. 44th rat free, butterflyand backstroke) Nazar Mohamed (100m,200m, Long Jump)

ASIAN YOUTH PARA GAMES

Hafiz Marikar(dailynews.lk) Trinity College held their annual endof term sports awards ceremony yesterday at theCollege hallThe recipients of the prestigious awards were:˜Swimming Lion Mindya Jayasinghe and ˜FootballLion Dinura Ediriweera. This is the highest awardin the sporting field at Trinity College.

There were also colours awarded to SivansesanYohan, Sewdbashitha Senanayake, ReshaneMadena for boxing, Lachitha Kulatunga (cadeting),Lohan Gunaratne (chess), Visal Rajapakse(swimming) and Kevin Gamage (weightlifting).These awards were presented by the PrincipalAndrew Fowler-Watt.

Trinity awards Lions to Jayasinghe, Ediriweera

Lanka’s cross-country future is bright –Susantha Fernando

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Dilwin Mendis(dailynews.lk) The Coloursawarding ceremony of Princeof Wales’ College Moratuwafor the years 2014, 2015 and2016 was held recently atthe College Main hall. The

chief Guest was the StateMinister of Finance EranWickramaratne and theguest of honour was adistinguished and a veryloyal Cambrian KishuGomes.

Kishu Gomes is handing overthe Trophies to the respectivesportsmen. (From left) Kusal

Mendis 2014, RavinduTheekshana 2015 and

Sithuara Sithumina (2016).Also in the picture is the

Principal Kusala Fernando.Picture by Dilwin Mendis.

Colours Award ceremonyof Prince of Wales


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Special Puja to Commemoratelate

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1st ODICONT FROM P1... a feat never seen since the heydays ofChaminda Vaas.After completing his quota, Lakmal was fielding atfine-leg and started vomiting and withdrew to thedressing room. There he had vomited severalmore times and had to be treated by thedoctors. Lakmal was named Man of the Matchand he remains under observation.Former captain Angelo Mathews showed whatSri Lanka have been lacking all these monthsas he was handy with the ball sending fiveaccurate overs, two of which were maidens. Heprovided the breakthrough dismissing ShikharDhawan for a duck. The new-ball bowlers werewell backed up by Nuwan Pradeep, who on hisreturn to international cricket, finished with twowickets.When the score was 29 for seven, Sri Lankawere threatening to bowl out India for thelowest total ever in ODI cricket. The lowestever total in ODIs is 35 runs recorded byZimbabwe against Sri Lanka while India’slowest is 55, also against Sri Lanka. But Dhoni,a man who has been a thorn in the SriLankans’ flesh ever since his debut againstthem in 2005 in Madras, stood firm again.Dhoni averages 38 in Tests and 51 in ODIs, butagainst Sri Lanka, he averages 49 in Tests and66 in ODIs. The manner in which he battedwith the tail was a master class. He added 41runs for the eighth-wicket with Kuldeep Yadav(19), and 17 and 25runs respectively forthe ninth and tenth-wickets before beinglast man out for a wellcompiled 65. Theformer Indian skippersmashed ten foursand two sixes.Sri Lanka were notlooking too good at 19for two with DanushkaGunathilaka andLahiru Thirimannebeing dismissedcheaply. The runchase would havebeen a struggle asUpul Tharanga wasdismissed for 11 whenhe was caught byDinesh Karthik at slip,

but television replays showed that Jasprit Bumrahhad overstepped.Tharnaga went on to top-score with 49 runs off 46deliveries with ten fours. After his dismissal,Mathews and Niroshan Dickwella added anunfinished 49-run stand for the fourth-wicket toguide Sri Lanka to victory with more than 29 oversto spare.


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(dailynews.lk) Dr. GerardNimal Lucas was the soleparticipant from Sri Lanka atthe Forza InternationalVeterans Cup Table TennisTournament held at the Dr.Shyama Prasad MukherjeeIndoor Stadium, Taleigao,Goa, India from 2nd to 6thDecember 2017.Playing in the over-70 Men’s

Team Event, Dr. Lucas, partnered by 2 IndianPlayers (Dr. Sainath Iyer and Najmi Kinkhabwala)won Gold Medals. In the Team Event Dr. Lucaswas unbeaten in both the Singles and Doubles(partner Najmi Kinkhabwala).In the over-70 Men’s Singles Event, Dr. Lucasreached the final and lost to a Russian Player,Zakris Khandadia in an enthralling five setter, thefinal scores being 11-7, 13-11, 7-11, 6-11, 11-13. Inthe Singles Events, instead of medals, trophieswere awarded.

Dr. Lucas wins Gold in India

(sundaytimes.lk) Rahula College Matara afterconceding a big first inning lead to LyceumInternational School Wattala fought their way backto record an outright win by two wickets in theirUnder-19 Inter-School Cricket encounterconcluded at Uyanwatte Stadium in Matarayesterday.The second day’s play saw Lyceum IS resumingfrom their second innings on their overnight scoreof 12 for no loss was bundled out for a paltry 71runs.Rahula College after being shot outfor 51 runs in the first inning was leftwith the daunting task of chasing ascore of 172 runs for victory. Somesensible batting by Yuraj Chalakaand Charith Sagara helped themreach the required target with ease.An unbeaten half ton by Dulaj Silvahelped St. Sebastian’s dominateday one against Nalanda in theirmatch played at Campbell Place. St.Sebastian’s taking first lease of thewicket made a modest score of 182and had Nalanda struggling on 58for 4. The match will be continuedtoday.Under-19 CricketAt Matara: Rahula Matara beatLyceum Wattala by 2 wicketsLyceum IS Wattala 151 (HasithaGunasiri 29: Sasith Maduranga 5 for28) and (12/0 overnight) 71 (SajithaRajapakse 4 for 31, Charith Sagara3 for 11)Rahula Matara 51 (Gayan

Ratnayake 3 for 8, Imantha Fernando 3 for 12,Theeraka Ranatunga 3 for 16) and 172 for 8 (YurajChalaka 44, Charith Sagara 32 n.o)At Campbell Place:St. Sebastian’s Moratuwa 182 (Tashik Perera 43,Gihan Senanayake 22, Dulaj Silva 58 n.o.:Chamindu Wijesinghe 5 for 42, Raveen de Silva 3for 51)Nalanda 58 for 4 (Dinendra Kasthuriaarachchi 19:Praveen Cooray 2 for 16)

Rahula fight back to record outright win

By M. Shamil Amit

Sri Lanka U19 Squad:

(sundaytimes.lk) Richmond College Galleallrounder Kamindu Mendis has been selected tolead the Sri Lanka U19 side for the forthcomingICC U19 Youth World Cupscheduled to be played fromJanuary 13 to February 3 2018in New Zealand.Mendis will be the secondsuccessive player fromRichmond to lead the Sri LankaU19 side following histeammate Charith Asalankawho led the 2016 Sri Lanka U19side at the 2016 ICC YouthWorld Cup which was held inBangladesh.Mendis will have St Joseph’sallrounder Jehan Daniel as hisdeputy and the squad includes12 of the players who played atthe recently concluded Asia U19Cup played in Malaysia.In fact Mendis and Daniel arethe only two players from the 15member squad that has beennamed to have played at theICC U19 Youth World Cup last year.According to sources the 15 member squad alongwith the standby players will undergo training inPallekelle over the next few days under the headcoach Roy Dias.

Sri Lanka are placed in Group D along withPakistan, reigning U19 Asia cup championsAfghanistan and Ireland.

(subject to approval fromthe Minister of Sports) —Kamindu Mendis (Captain –Richmond), Jehan Daniel (Vice-Captain – St. Joseph’sColombo), Hasitha Boyagoda(Trinity), Thisaru RashmikaDilshan (Trinity), KrishanSanjula (De MazenodKandana), Kalana Perera (S.Thomas’ Mt Lavinia), DananjayaLakshan (Richmond), PraveenJayawickrama (St. Sebastian’sMoratuwa), Nuwanidu Fernando(St. Sebastian’s Moratuwa),Ashen Bandara (St. AloysiusGalle), Hareen Buddhila (St.Aloysius Galle), Nipun Malinga(Mahinda Galle), NipunDananjaya (St. Joseph VazWennappuwa), NishanMadushka (Moratu MV),Santhush Gunathilaka (St.Peter’s Colombo).Stand by

Players: Vishva Chathuranga (Prince of WalesMoratuwa), Ravindu Sanjana (St. Aloysius Galle),Randeer Ranasinghe (St. Anne’s, Kurunegala),Ayana Siriwardana (Isipathana Colombo), ThilanPrashan (St. Servatius’ College, Matara).

Richmond College skipper KaminduMendis has been the man in form

Kamindu to lead Sri Lanka U19s

By Akhry Ameen(sundaytimes.lk) TheSri Lankansynchronizedswimming contingentreturned with medalwinning performancesat the 12th SingaporeNational SynchronizedSwimmingChampionships heldrecently.The swimmers won atotal of three silvermedals and fourbronze medals in the16-18 years and Openage groups in theinternational categoryof the three-daycompetition held from 24th to 26th November atthe OCBC Aquatic Centre in Singapore.Medals were won by Bulani Perera (Silver) andHimashi Ranasinghe (Bronze) in the 16-18 yearsSolo event; Tharudini Ekneligoda and HimashiRanasinghe (Silver), and Jerusha Perera andShenaya Mendis (Bronze) in the 16-18 years Duetevent; Shiyanka de Silva (Bronze) in the OpenSolo event;Jerusha Pereraand ShenayaMendis (Silver)and TharudiniEkneligoda andHimashiRanasinghe(Bronze) in theOpen Duetevent.A total of 16swimmersrepresented SriLanka AquaticSports Union(SLASU) at thispopular regionalcompetition comprising 12 other clubs anddevelopmental teams from Singapore, Malaysia,Indonesia and New Zealand.Synchronized Swimming is a relatively youngsport among the aquatic disciplines in Sri Lankapracticed amongst a limited number of schools.Officials of the SLASU hailed the participation andperformance as a success considering that thefocus of participation is developmental and toexpose local swimmers and coaches to otherexperienced teams in the region in order to

enhance their outlook and skills. Almost all of theswimmers were competitively ranked in the middleorder and above amongst the competition in theirrespective events.The team comprised Bulani Perera, Anarkali DeSilva, Sathinji Senanayake, and IhansaRanasinghe from Visakha Vidyalaya; JerushaPerera, Shiyanka De Silva, Shenaya Mendis,Renata Melvani, Anika Ratnayake, Rivinka De

Silva andTharini Pererafrom LadiesCollege;TharudiniEkneligoda,HimashiRanasinghe,YalindeePremaratne andDiyana Pererafrom MusaeusCollege; andSansala Pererafrom St.Bridget’sConvent.Three coaches

Sanjule Wickramage, Dehara Katipearachchi andRovini Illukumbura along with NayanaKatipearachchi (Manager) and Apsara Bandara(Lady Chaperone) accompanied the competitorsas team officials.Synchronized Swimming has seen a surge inparticipation in the recent years amongst the localschools with an average of 75 swimmers takingpart annually in the Levels grading competitionheld twice a year.

Lankan Synchro swimmers excelat 12th Singapore Nationals

The Lankan swimmers in Singapore

By Susil Premalal(sundaytimes.lk) Unconquered Renown SC took astep closer to their desired goal when they beatSolid SC, Anuradhapura by 3 goals to 2 goals intheir Dialog Champions League FootballTournament match played at the Kelaniya FootballComplex. At half time the lads from Anuradhapuraled at 1-0.In the first half the scoring was done by A.

Amaradasa who beat the Renown Defence in thetenth minute. But two goals by M.C.M. Rifnaz andJob Michael in the 47 and 48 minutes respectivelybrought Renown into the lead. However in the 60thminute S. Judesuvan scored again for Solid toequal the score at 2 all. However in the 78th minuteRifnaz booted his second goal for the day to keepRenown’s aspirations alive.So far Renown—the table leaders have played 15

matches and won 12and drawn three andhave accumulated a totalof 39 points. During thenext two weeks, they aredown play Air Force andColombo FC to completetheir tally of games.In the other gameswhich were playedyesterday Crystal Palacebeat Moragasmulla FC5-2 at Moragasmulla,Blue Star beat Navy FC1-0 at Kalutara,Negombo Youth beatJava Lane 2-0 at CityLeague Grounds whileNew Youngs heldColombo FC 0-0 atWennappuwa andMatara City held SuperSun 1 all Matara.


High Commission of the Democratic Socialist Republic of Sri Lanka

Qualifications:

Citizenship / Visa:

Age limit:

Experience:

High Commissioner, Sri Lanka High Commission, 13 Hyde parkGardens, London. W2 2LU on or before 10 January 2018.

High CommissionerSri Lanka High Commission - London

Job VacancyApplications are called from candidates to fill a vacancy for a ConfidentialSecretary / Clerk Assistant on a locally recruited basis at the High Commission.Recruitment will initially be for a period of one year subject yo terms andconditions of the said post.

* General Certificate of Education (GCE) Advance Level (A/L) and or equivalent.* Qualifications / experience in Secretarial work.* Proficiency in English and Sinhala or Tamil languages.* Computer literacy.* Typing of at least 40 words per minuet.

Should be a British Citizen or should hold a valid visa foremployment in the UK.

Should not be less than 18 years and not more than 50 years of ageon the closing date for the application.

Minimum of 06 months experience.Those interested can forward self-prepared application along with a briefresume, copies of passport / valid visa, evidence of education / work experienceto the

to be receivedOnly short listed applicants will be called for an interview.Canvassing in any form will be disqualification.

Unbeaten Renown keep matching forward


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Navy clinch Emirates Dubai 7sOpen Women Netball

The Emirates Airline Dubai Sevens OpenWomen’s Netball Championship 2017 washeld in United Arab Emirates from 30November to 02 December. Representingthe country, the netball teams of the SriLanka Navy and Western Province tookpart in the tournament in which sevenmore teams from England, Australia,South Africa and United Arab Emiratescompeted.Sri Lanka Navy netball players performedexceptionally well throughout thetournament that spanned three days andgot qualified for the finals. In the finals, theNavy encountered the Lucky Voice Fusionand beat them comprehensively by 22points to 15, bringing much credit to theSri Lanka Navy and the country.The Navy netball team was representedby 12 members who were well supportedby the Chairperson of Navy Netball Pool,Surgeon Captain Nayana Wijedoru, HeadCoach Mrs. Sumitha Alwis and AssistantCoach, Mr. Buddhika Suriyabandara.

(TOP) SL Navy lasses in action in UAE. Theybrought credit to the motherland by

clinching the coveted Netball Sevens title.(Pix courtesy SL Navy)

(BOTTOM) SL Navy beat Lucky Voice Fusion22-15 to win the Emirates Airline Dubai

Sevens Open Women’s NetballChampionship 2017, held in UAE from Nov.30 to Dec. 2. Teams from England, Australia,

South Africa and UAE took part in theChampionship.

(dailynews.lk) Sri Lanka captain DineshChandimal has entered the top ten in the ICC Testbatting rankings for the first time in his career.Chandimal gained eight places to take ninthposition after finishing the series with 366 runs.All-rounder AngeloMathews has moved upseven places to 23rdposition after scoring 111 inthe first innings whileDhananjaya de Silva’smatch-saving 119 in thesecond innings has liftedhim nine places to 47thposition.India captain Virat Kohlihas moved up three placesto grab second positionamong batsmen in theMRF Tyres ICC Test Player Rankings, afterregistering his career-best score in the third andfinal Test against Sri Lanka, which ended in a drawin New Delhi on Wednesday.Kohli’s first-innings knock of 243 was followed with50 as he finished with 610 runs in the series,which India won 1-0. Kohli, who slammed back-to-back double-centuries and recorded three-figurescores in three consecutive matches, started theseries in sixth position but has leapfrogged David

Warner, Cheteshwar Pujara, Kane Williamson andJoe Root after the stupendous run which saw himaverage 152.50.Though 45 points separate him from Australiacaptain Steve Smith, Kohli would be eyeing the

chance of reaching thezenith in all three formatssince he is the current No.1 in ODIs and T20Is. Smiththough has been in adifferent league and lastweek reached 941 points,the joint fifth-highest interms of the highest pointstally in batting history inTests. Smith is now on 938points while Kohli is on 893points.Former Australia captain

Ricky Ponting is the only batsman to have been atthe top in all three formats at the same time – inDecember-January 2005-06, while his compatriotMatthew Hayden is the other batsman to havetopped all three formats.In the MRF Tyres ICC Test Team Rankings, Indiahas lost one point but remains well ahead of SouthAfrica at the top of the rankings, while Sri Lankaremains on its pre-series tally of 94 points in sixthplace.

Sri Lanka retains 6th position despite series loss

Chandimal enters top 10of Test batting rankings

(sundayobserver.lk) The Stubbs Shield winningRoyal boxing team which also emerged NationalSchool Games Boxing Champions, will make ashort tour of Germany starting this week.The tour is organized by the Amateur BoxingAssociation of Sri Lanka. The Godfather of SriLanka boxing Dian Gomes has worked tirelessly toreward the champion Royal team with internationalexposure, along with Royal Group of 82.This season's undisputed boxing champions in thelocal Schools arena will participate At the Svanlange international Boxing meet to be worked offfrom December 14 to 17 in Schwerin, Germany.

Top emerging boxers from around 25 countries,including Norway, France, German, Lithuania,Netherland, Kazakastan, Mongolia, Denmark,Poland and Belarus will box for honors at theChampionship. Royal boxers competing in theirrespective weight classes are R. A. Althaf (49kg),M.M.A. Ahamed (52 kg), H.V.D. Hettiaracchi(56 kg), K.K.K.C.Piyasinghe (60 Kg)They will be accompanied by Head Coach AbdullaIbunu while the team manager Aubrey Peiris,master-in charge M.A.M. Riyaz and Asst. teammanager K.A.L Amarasekera.

CHAMPION ROYAL BOXERS

(sundaytimes.lk)Spinning all-rounderJeewan Mendis hasbeen named in the20-man squadselected for thethree-match T20series against India.The series will beplayed after the ODIseries which beginstoday in

Dharamsala. Sri Lanka has named a full strengthsquad, having sent a depleted side to Pakistanafter several first choice Sri Lankan cricketersrefused to tour Lahore for the final T20.Mendis, 34, last played a T20 international in2013 but it’s not sure whether the formerThomian cricketer would make it to the finalsquad of 15.The team captain by Thisara Perera will also seethe return of Lasith Malinga who has been aspent force in recent months. With his impactdiminishing, the selectors have not considered

Malinga for the 50-over format in recentmonths.Apart from seamerSuranga Lakmal, allthe players in thecurrent limited oversquad are among the20-man squad alongwith Dasun Shanaka,Isuru Udana andVishwa Fernando.Kusal Mendis did notmake it to the 20-man squad. A poorouting againstPakistan saw himbeing axed from theTest and ODI teamsas well. The team willbe pruned down to15 later.

Jeewan Mendis back in contention


Rex Clementine reporting from Dharamsala(island.lk) Sri Lanka’s Head Coach Nic Pothashas seen some tough times this year. Pushedinto the job after the sudden stepping down of hismentor Graham Ford, Pothas was given the jobin July this year. In the five-month period sincethen, Sri Lanka were whitewashed twice in ODIcricket and once in Test cricket and there seemsto be light at the end of the tunnel.Sri Lanka did well in the recent Test series goingdown 1-0 to India and started off the ODI serieswell by comprehensively winning the first gameby seven wickets."We have had guys in this team who have gonethrough the processes. We have obviously trieda lot of people and we are getting closer andcloser to a formula which, we think, will besuccessful for us in the future. We are in a nice

place. We have built this team up nicely and wecan now hand it to the new coach (ChandikaHathurusinha) and he can run with it," the formerSouth African wicketkeeper-batsman toldjournalists.Sri Lanka did well to bowl out India for 112 andthen reached the target with 29 overs to spare."Yes it is a good place to be in the dressingroom. We enjoyed the win. We haven’t had a lotof success in white-ball cricket in recent times.We are in a position now where things are quitesettled. Players understand their roles. We useda bit of strategy and very pleased with the waythings worked out for us today," Pothas went onto say.On a pitch where there was a plenty ofassistance for seam bowlers, Sri Lanka reducedIndia to 29 for seven before M. S. Dhoni fought

back. "I don’t think it was rocket science readingthat pitch. It had to be said that the toss wasmassive in the game. Thisara Perera is my Manof the Match for calling it right."Fast bowler Suranga Lakmal has come up withsome special efforts on this tour. He bowledexceptionally well in Calcutta to finish with sevenwickets and again in Dharamsala where hebowled his ten overs on the trot."Look, Suranga is a World Class bowler. If yougive him the conditions that suit him, (it) doesn’tmatter to whom he bowls, he is always going tomake life difficult (for batsmen). In his career sofar he has had the joy of bowling on flat, drywickets. You give him some greenery, he will bebrilliant. In South Africa at the start of this year,he was superb again. He is a class performerand a great guy to have in the team."

TEST SERIES REVIEW

Is the Test series the making for Sri Lanka?Sa’adi Thawfeeq

(dailynews.lk) DELHI, Saturday – Having sufferedan ignominious 3-0 whitewash at home againstIndia, Sri Lanka somewhat improved on that recordto hold the number one ranked Test side to a 1-0margin when the two sides met for the second timein three months in back to back series.The timing of the series so quickly did not seem agood advertisement for cricket in India and it wasexpressed in no uncertain terms by their captainVirat Kohli who called for the Board of Control forCricket in India (BCCI) to give his players somebreathing space when scheduling internationalcricket fixtures.In fact this Test series was originally scheduled totake place in around March next year but Sri LankaCricket wanted to celebrate the country’s 70th yearof Independence with a tri-series named theNidahas Trophy involving India and Bangladesh inMarch and thus the tour was brought forward toDecember cramping the Indian internationalschedule.However as interim coach Nic Pothas pointed

playing back to back Test series with the top side inthe world (despite the poor results) wasadvantageous to the struggling Sri Lanka side as itwould only improve their performances individuallyand as a team.“I think these two series back to back against Indiais going to be the making for Sri Lanka. When youplay against quality teams under pressure, youbecome better,” Pothas said after the rain-hit firstTest of the series ended in a draw at EdenGardens, Kolkata.India with the tour of South Africa in January inmind prepared a green track at Kolkata for the firsttime that nearly proved their undoing as Sri Lankawith their limited bowling resources ran throughtheir powerful batting to put them out for 172 andthen gain a first innings lead of 122. However Indiafought back in the second inning via a century fromtheir captain to put the pressure back on Sri Lankawho managed to hold onto a draw at 75/7.Having got the scare of their lives the pitchesprepared for the next two Tests at Nagpur andDelhi hardly came close to the Kolkata track. Alltalks of making pitches to prepare for South Africawere thrown out of the window as India resorted totracks that were more suitable to their spinnersRavichandran Ashwin and Ravindra Jadeja. Thesetwo top ranked spinners took 13 wickets betweenthem at Nagpur to fashion out India’s biggest Testwin by an innings and 239 runs. At the same timethe margin of defeat was also Sri Lanka largest intheir history.In this Test the ghosts of Sri Lanka’s battingdebacle in the three Tests at home where theywere whitewashed returned as they were bundledout for substandard totals of 205 and 166. Onlyskipper Dinesh Chandimal stood out scoring twinfifties but as former captain Angelo Mathews hadpointed out on an earlier occasion one cannot winTest matches scoring fifties, but at least one or twobatsmen must make it big by scoring hundreds.Mathews as the senior batsman in the team wasunder pressure to deliver. Coming to the third andfinal Test at Delhi he had scored justone fifty in four innings – hardly theinspiration for the rest of the side.Sri Lanka had a few problems intheir batting to sort out – the openerswere not seeing the new ball off andthe middle order was gettingexposed to the fast bowlers whowere still fresh and bowling their firstspells. There was also the crucial no.3 spot where Lahiru Thirimannegiven another opportunity to seal itfailed miserably scoring 90 runs infour innings.The situation required a few changesto the batting order for the final Testat Delhi and Sri Lanka who had gonewith a 6-5 combination for the firsttwo Tests decided to strengthen theirbatting which had been their baneand opted for an extra batsman atthe expense of an all-rounder Dasun Shanaka whohad played in the first two Tests.Sri Lanka capped Roshen Silva who had been aheavy scorer in domestic competitions and was inthe Test squads for the series against Pakistan andIndia without getting a break. They also gave theno. 3 spot to Dhananjaya de Silva who had gainedselection along with Silva for this series followingtheir good performances for Sri Lanka A on theirtour to West Indies.These two batsmen starred in helping Sri Lanka to

an honourable draw in the third Test at Delhidespite the nasty experience of having to inhalepolluted air, after India had set them a dauntingtarget of 410 to chase. De Silva batting fluentlyand at times showing glimpses of arguably thebest batsman produced by Sri Lanka Aravinda deSilva in his stroke play went onto complete afighting century before he was forced to retire hurtwith glute tightness in his left leg when he andRoshen Silva were carrying Sri Lanka towardssafety.If India thought that they had an opening with DeSilva’s retirement to get to the rest of the Lankanbatting they were in for a surprise for Silvashowing great reserves of concentration and skillalong with Niroshan Dickwella batted out the restof the overs to ensure a draw.Silva after a third-ball duck in the first innings to thestart of his Test career went onto score a defiant 74not out to join a small band of Lankan cricketerswho had been dismissed for a duck and scored afifty in the second innings on their debut – RoyDias, Athula Samarasekara and DimuthKarunaratne.Silva was to relate later thatit was the experience ofplaying in the ‘A’ series inthe Caribbean that stoodhim and Dhananjaya deSiva in good stead duringtough times against India.“No one saw that WestIndies series. But that wasa massive challenge. It wasas tough as India.Dhananjaya was superb inthat series. First match wewere beaten. There weretwo pacies who werebowling at 145kmph andone guy was bowling at140kmph. There were twogood spinners as well. The

challenge therewas huge. You can’t simplyexplain. I think the three knocksthat I played in West Indieshelped me to get a spot here.”said Silva.This was the fighting spirit thatwas lacking in the Lankanbatting and it was given aninjection by the captainChandimal who set an exampleto the rest of the batters with amonumental knock of 164 ineight minutes under eight hoursin the first innings that enabledSri Lanka to avoid the follow-onand force India to bat again.Chandimal didn’t put a footwrong during that innings and itinspired his former captain

Mathews to come out of his poor run of scores witha long overdue Test century after two years.Mathews was fortunate during his knock but hedeserved every bit of luck to see him through to hiscentury that would have lifted a heavy load off hisshoulders.Sri Lanka managed to dismiss Kohli cheaply onlyonce in the first innings of the series for a rareduck at Kolkata, after that the Indian skipper was inhis element reeling off an unbeaten century in thesecond innings and following it up with back to

double centuries and a fifty to boot. He wascertainly in a different league compared to the restof his team mates and it was no surprise when hewalked away with the Man of the Series award witha handsome aggregate of 610 at a Bradmanesqueaverage of 152.50.Although Sri Lanka’s main bowler Rangana Herathdidn’t make much of an impression in the first two

Tests he played picking up only asolitary wicket for 115 runs, his fitnessis something that Sri Lanka will have tomonitor very closely. He is not gettingany younger at 39 and it is the secondtime in successive Test series thatHerath has been forced out of a Testwith back stiffness.Asanka Gurusinha the Lankan cricketmanager said that Herath used to getthe stiffness whenever he tries to bowla bit quicker than he usually does. Thepitch at Nagpur required that kind ofeffort because it was slow and Herathsent down 39 overs as India racked up610-6.Off-spinner Dilruwan Perera has beenHerath’s spin partner for quite anumber of years but he too is on thewrong side of 35 and although fit how

long he will continue is a matter of conjecture. Inthe circumstances Sri Lanka are trying to groomLakshan Sandakan the left-armer who bowlschinaman. Sandakan can become a match winnerprovided he is consistent with his lines and lengthswhich he will have to work hard at. MuthiahMuralitharan was such a great spinner for SriLanka because he could bowl almost all six balls inone spot. There is also the uncapped 27-year-oldright-arm leg-spinner Jeffrey Vandersay and left-arm spinner Malinda Pushpakumara who brokeinto the Test circuit in August against India at theage of 30.On the fast bowling side Sri Lanka are well servedwith a battery of fast-medium bowlers headed bySuranga Lakmal, Lahiru Gamage, NuwanPradeep, Vishwa Fernando, DushmanthaChameera, Lahiru Kumara and Dasun Shanaka.The return of Kusal Perera and Asela Gunaratnefrom injuries and with Kusal Mendis waiting on thewings to make a comeback after rectifying hisbatting mistakes, the return of Dhananjaya de Silvaand the introduction to Test cricket of youngSadeera Samarawickrama and Roshen Silva notforgetting Kaushal Silva the Lankan batting line-upis not only going to be exciting but very competitivefor places which is the success of any internationalteam. Chandika Hathurusinhga has timed hisarrival as head coach to perfection.

Dhananjaya de Silva century oncomeback to Test cricket.

Virat Kohli Man of the Serieswith 610 runs.

Dinesh Chandimal inspirational captaincyand top batter for Sri Lanka.

Team built up nicely for new coach to run the show – PothasArmy beat Police 32-18(island.lk) SL Army beat Police comprehensively32-18 in their Dialog Inter-club Rugby encounterheld in Colombo yesterday. Army scored 4 tries, 3conversions and 2 penalties while Police scored 3tries and a penalty. Here is an exiting moment inthe match. (Pic by Kamal Wanniarachchi)

Sri Lanka Cricket torelaunch Sri Lanka

Premier League(island.lk) Sri Lanka Cricket will relaunch thedefunct Sri Lanka Premier League next year, TheIsland learns. The franchise based T20tournament will take place in August, it is learnt.SLC had written to Board of Control for Cricket inIndia in a bid to release Indian players.

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