SB to join SLFP, support President SB to join SLFP, support President

S.B. Dissanayake said a short while ago that he will join the SLFP and support President Mahinda Rajapaksa at the upcoming Presidential Elections to defeat Common Opposition candidate. He also added that he will contest the upcoming General Elections. Source by: Ada derana

Daily mirror:
UNP stalwart S.B Dissanayaka announced a short while ago that he has decided to join the ruling Sri Lanka Freedom Party (SLFP) to extend support to President Mahinda Rajapaksa at the upcoming Presidential elections. He said he reached the decision after being disappointed with the UNP.

S.B Dissanayaka said that he feels President Rajapaksa will win the elections and is the only candidate who can establish democracy and ensure peace prevails in the island.

He also said he will contest at the next General Election.

Presidential Election on January 26

The Department of Elections announced that the Presidential Elections will be held on the 26th of January 2010. Nominations will be accepted from December 17 2009 between 9 am and 11 am.

Sarath Fonseka hands over resignation – President’s Secretary

Chief of Defence Staff General Sarath Fonseka has handed over a letter to the president’s office requesting for his retirement from the position of Chief of Defence Staff, President’s Secretary Lalith Weeratunga told Ada Derana moments ago. Source By : ada derana

Bus topples in Badulla, 16 injured

Sixteen people were injured today morning when the bus they were traveling in skidded off the road and toppled neat the Soranathota School in Badulla. The injured were admitted to the Badulla Hospital. Hospital sources confirmed that most of the injured were school teachers. Source by: ada derana

The brave were rewarded and the weak sidelined, General Fonseka

October 13, 2009 02:21 pm

This may be the last occasion that he is addressing function of this nature, said Sri Lanka’s Chief of Defence Staff (CDS) and former Army Commander General Sarath Fonseka. CDS General Fonseka was addressing army personnel who accorded him a guard of honour at a function at Army Headquarters marking the 60^th Anniversary of the Sri Lanka Army (SLA). Speaking further he said that in the 60 year history of the SLA, the past three and a half were the most difficult and demanding years. He had rewarded those who were strong and brave and others who were weak and dissatisfied were sidelined, he said.

Wishing the SLA well, General Fonseka urged them to uphold the good work achieved by them in the recent past. “If you do not uphold the excellent reputation we have already gained, others will blame you for the failures,” the General said. Source By: ada derana

22 LTTE suspects on trial in Paris

Twenty two suspected LTTE cadres went on trial on Monday for running an extortion racket among Paris’s ethnic Tamil diaspora to fund the LTTE in Sri Lanka.

The defendants include Nadaraja Matinthiran, the alleged leader in Franceof the Liberation Tigers of Tamil Eelam (LTTE), which is accused of extorting some five million euros (S$10 million) from the country’s 75,000 Tamils. Also in the dock is a group called the Tamil Coordination Committee in France, believed to be a legal front for the LTTE, which has been listed as a terrorist organisation by the European Union since 2006.

Experts believe the Tamil Tigers exert a controlling influence over the political life of the 1.5-million-strong world Tamil diaspora, in many cases levying a ‘revolutionary tax’ based on household size and income.

Most of the Parissuspects were arrested in April 2007 and charged with criminal conspiracy to commit acts of terrorism, financing of terrorism or racketeering to finance terrorism.

Defence lawyer Gilles Piquois called at the outset for the case to be thrown out, arguing that the LTTE was not considered a terrorist organisation by the Sri Lankan government in 2007 when the charges were brought.

AFP

Total value of CSE crosses Rs. 1 trillion for the first time in its history

The total value (Market capitalization) of the Colombo Stock Exchange crossed Rs. 1 trillion level for the first time in its history today.Source By : Ada derana

UNP candidate held gun point, assaulted

UNP southern Provincial candidate Captain Udaya Dissanayake says he was held at gun point early this morning and assaulted allegedly by a group of UPFA supporters in Wellatota, Matara. He is now in hospital
Source By: Daily mirror

LTTE cadres not among boat people - Australian Govt.

Australian Home Affairs Minister Brendan O’Connor has rejected claims some Sri Lankan boat people detained on Christmas Island are former LTTE cadres who could pose a security risk. Sri Lanka’s high commissioner to Australia, Senaka Walgampaya, has spoken of his suspicions that former Liberation Tigers of Tamil Eelam (LTTE) rebels are among recent illegal boat arrivals. It has been claimed some of the recent arrivals raised suspicions because they had injuries consistent with having been involved in conflict, including shrapnel wounds.

“I have in fact informed (the Department of Immigration and Citizenship) also that there is a really strong possibility that the (LTTE) combatants, the LTTE cadres, will try to infiltrate, will try to come to Australia,” Mr Walgampaya told The Australian newspaper. Source By: Ada derana

The grievance letters collected from the people before elections by Sashindra Rajapakse found in garbage Bin

(Lanka-e-News, Sep.24, 2009, 7.35PM) The applications for jobs and the grievances letters collected by the Uva Provincial Council Chief Minister, Sashindra Rajapakse in the run up to the recent Uva province elections have been found thrown into a garbage heap near the Tourist Bungalow where he was staying during the election period.. Even a letter sent to him by the SLFP office Committee requesting false legs for a disabled soldier was also found in the garbage heap. Source by : lankaenews

Every match is tough, says Sri Lanka coach

Sri Lanka will be keen to cash in on England’s inconsistent form and boost their hopes of qualifying for the Champions Trophy semi-finals today.

Kumar Sangakkara’s Sri Lankans, having already beaten South Africa by 55 runs in their opening match of the four-team group, are closing in on qualification. In contrast, England go into the tournament after suffering a 6-1 defeat at the hands of defending champions Australiain their last home one-day series. But Sri Lankacoach Trevor Bayliss said Thursday his team needed to put in another impressive all-round performance as there would be no easy matches.

“We are very happy with the win the other day, but also realise that the three games in this group are all difficult,” said Bayliss.

“That series (England v Australia) has gone. I am sure they (England) will try to set the record straight here. They will be coming out as hard as they possibly can.

“We certainly won’t be taking any team lightly. We perform best when we concentrate on what we do best.”

Sri Lankan opener Tillakaratne Dilshan and unorthodox spinner Ajantha Mendis played big roles in their win over the hosts. While Dilshan hammered a century, Mendis grabbed three wickets with clever variations. Mendis will be playing against England for the first time. “Whoever plays him (Mendis) for the first time struggles a little bit and that could be an advantage. It does not matter how much you watch him on video. It’s one thing to pick the ball and another to hit it,” said Bayliss. “We are confident if he plays tomorrow he can bowl well. He has been with us for under two years and he has come a long way in a short time.

“Dilshan has been a big improver over the last couple of years. His promotion to the top where the ball comes on to the bat has helped him a lot. He is very positive and loves a challenge.” England coach Andy Flower expected his batsmen to deliver against Sri Lanka, who field quality spinners in Muttiah Muralitharan and Mendis. “It’s no secret we under-performed badly with the bat (against Australia). The batsmen got starts, but didn’t make big scores. Tomorrow is an opportunity to put that right,” said Flower.

“We all had our frustrations in that one-day series. We didn’t end the summer well. These guys now have an opportunity to play good cricket. I am looking forward to seeing how they perform under pressure.

“There is no team plan on how to play their spinners, but very much individual plans on how to play them. That is a good challenge.” Flower said they were happier playing Sri Lanka here than at Centurion as the pitch had pace and bounce.

“It turned a little here yesterday (in Pakistan-West Indies match), but the bounce and pace would suit us better. We don’t know about tomorrow’s pitch, but it will help the quicks for sure,” said the England coach.

“But we struggled to take wickets against Australia as well. It’s a great opportunity to change that.” New Zealand and South Africaare other teams in the group, with the top two making it to the semi-finals.

AFP

Cabinet reshuffle on the cards: Basil next Foreign Minister?

Speculation is rife in political circles since last evening that there is to be a Cabinet reshuffle shortly. Though when or whether it is to happen is being disputed, Senior Presidential Advisor Basil Rajapaksa is strongly tipped to take over as Foreign Minister, sources told Adaderana. While most favour Basil Rajapaksa taking over the post, a source close to the Foreign Ministry told Adaderana that this matter had come up at a dinner very recently and that the choice of Parliamentarian Rajapaksa, who is also the President’s younger brother, is no surprise. He pointed out the manner in which Basil Rajapaksa handled the delicate situation with our giant neighbour India at a crucial time when the war with the separatist Liberation Tigers of Tamil Eelam (LTTE) was at its heightand Sri Lanka was facing stiff international pressure to stop the onslaught and opt for negotiations. Ada derana

This country is haunted by a Dracula Govt.- Mangala

(Lanka-e-News, Sep.17, 2009, 8.05PM) SLFP (M) leader and M.P. Mangala Samaraweera addressing the media today (17) at the party Headquarters said , this country is now ruled by a Dracula Govt . which is nourishing and flourishing on blood. Speaking at length on the Govt.’s resuming of the death sentence , he stated ,this will never be implemented against the Govt. sponsored murderers. The govt. is trying to revive the death sentence While the country is raging with crimes in the country ,including murders, abductions, extortions and robberies , the Govt. is contemplating this in order to escape the countless and widespread accusations against the Govt.’s disgraceful incapacity to control them during the last four years. Under the guise of fighting the war and combating LTTE criminals , the Govt . used the infamous white Van to commit crimes on innocents. Showing the LTTE banner the Govt. shed blood of the people claiming that they are LTTE supporters. Giving the impression that the victims are dying at the hands of the underworld criminals , it indulged in crimes to maintain its popularity .In Parliament it was revealed 91 such persons were killed. Thye became victims of Mahinda’s blood shedding culture. Now, when the fragrance of blood is receding , the Dracula wants to introduce the death sentence . This is a Dracula’s Govt. , he pinpointed. To eliminate this dangerous crime wave , a concerted drive and action are needed. In most crimes , henchmen and supporters of govt. politicians are behind. The police and the Attorney General’s Dept . have been made to dance to Govt.’s dirty politics . No wonder all crimes remain unsolved . A case in point is the cold blooded murder of Lasantha Wickremetunge . MPs Raviraj. Maheswaran and Pararajasingham were killed in cold blood , but so far no arrests have been made , he lamented. Source by: lankaenews

Sangakkara okay with not being favourites

Kumar Sangakkara, the Sri Lanka captain, is comfortable with not being counted among the favourites for the Champions Trophy and said it would reduce pressure on them.

“It works in our favour not to be mentioned as favourites because we will be able to operate under the radar and there will not be too much attention given to us,” Sangakkara said. “Playing on such a great stage will automatically mean teams will be out to show and highlight what they can do, and it will be all about the handling of pressure.”

The favourites include the world’s top two ODI sides, South Africa and India, along with defending champions Australia.

However, Sangakkara said form would not be an issue when the teams took to the field. “Everyone in our team is confident, but our recent wins are not going to count for anything,” he said. “Everyone here is a professional unit and whether they have played recently or not won’t matter because you are always in training and up to the challenge of playing. It is nice to have had a bit of cricket, but the only advantage of that is that we have been competing under pressure.”

Sri Lanka, who finished runners-up at the World Twenty20 in June this year, are currently ranked third in ODIs, and with the good mix of fast bowlers and spinners in the squad, Sangakkara was optimistic about their chances in the tournament. “Fast bowling is now one of our main strengths,” he said. “We now have bowlers who can bowl at more than 140 km/h and they have the accuracy and firepower. Coupled with our spinners, Ajantha Mendis and Muttiah Muralitharan, it’s an exciting time for Sri Lankan cricket.”

Sri Lankawill face hosts South Africa,England and New Zealand in Group B of the tournament. Their first match, also the tournament opener, will be against South Africain Centurion on September 22. – (Cricinfo)

India committed to welfare of displaced Tamils in Lanka: PM

CHENNAI: Prime Minister Manmohan Singh has said India is committed to working on a ‘priority basis’ for the relief and rehabilitation of internally displaced Tamils in Sri Lanka and New Delhi has conveyed its concerns on the issue to the island government in “no uncertain terms.”

Minister Chandrasiri Gajadeera narrowly escapes

Non Cabinet Minister of Home Affairs Chandrasiri Gajadeera and six others including several Southern Provincial Councilors had a narrow escape when the vehicle they were traveling plunged into the Nilwala River this evening. Source by: Daily mirror

Millions worth Moonshine Seized

Over 5700 liters of illicit spirits (Kasippu) worth over Rs.3.4million which were to be distributed in Colombo and its suburbs during the Poya Day was averted when Wellampitiya Police conducted a raid in Meetotamulla area last night, Police Spokesman Senior DIG Nimal Mediwake said. Source by: Daily mirror

SLIIT student files FR claiming Rs. 100 million compensation

SLIIT student Nipuna Ramanayake has filed a Fundamental Rights petition with the Supreme Court claiming that he was inhumanely assaulted by the police.Nipuna has also claimed a compensation of Rs. 100 million as compensation while naming Senior Superintendent of Police Vass Gunawardena, twelve other police officers and the Inspector General of Police as respondents.

Nipuna Ramanayaka, a student of the Sri Lanka Institute of Information Technology (SLIIT) in Malabe was allegedly abducted and assaulted by officers attached to the CCD while SSP Gunawardena’s son Ravindu and wife Shyamali Priyadarshani were also allegedly involved in the incident. All of them are in remand custody.

Five of the 14 suspects involved in the alleged abduction and assault were identified yesterday (Sept. 2) during an identification parade held at the Kaduwela Magistrate’s court. Source by: ada derana

Wimal raps new US ambassador

NFF leader Wimal Weerawansa yesterday accused the newly appointed US ambassador for Sri Lanka, Patricia Butenis of being a primary figure behind making the Bangladesh political arena unstable. He also added that now Bangladesh has become a puppet of the United States. Source By: Ada derana

38,394 postal vote applications received

A total of 38,394 applications had been received by the closing day of August 28^th for postal voting from Galle, Matara and Hambantota Districts, election officials of the three districts said today. The numbers of eligible voters for postal voting will be announced on Friday after the processing of applications are complete.(SAJ) Source by :dailymirror

UVA PC Chief Minister assumes duties

Chief Minister of the Uva Province Shashindra Rajapaksa officially assumed duties this morning (August 26). A ceremony was held at the Uva Province Chief Minister’s office as Mr. Rajapaksa who polled the highest number of preference votes in the Moneragala district assumed duties as Chief Minister. He was sworn in as CM before President Mahinda Rajapaksa at the Presidential Secretariat on August 20. Source by: ada derana

S.B Dissanayaka on ‘HOT SEAT’

United National Party National Organizer and Opposition Leader of the Central Provincial Council S.B. Dissanayake speaks to the Daily Mirror on the upcoming Provincial Council elections, a possible imminent Presidential election and the leadership and elitist persona of the United National Party. Source by: daily mirror
VEDIO CLICK HERE

Nine policemen in Angulana murder case remanded

Nine policemen including one Inspector who were arrested in connection with the alleged murder of two youths in Angulana, were remanded until tomorrow by the Additional Magistrate of the Mount Lavinia court.

Mount Lavinia Additional Magistrate Harsha Setunga today had also severely reprimanded the suspects stating that they were expected to be the guardians of the law and not the perpetrators of it. Source by: Daily mirror

Two LTTE cadres killed in Thirimanei,Kalmunai

The Special Task Force last night attacked and killed two LTTE cadres in the Thirimanei Lagoon area near Kalmunai, Police Spokesman Senior DIG Nimal Mediwaka told Daily Mirror online. One T-56 weapon and ammunition had also reportedly been recovered at the site.Source by: Daily mirror

U.S. Senator Ted Kennedy dies of brain cancer

Massachusetts Sen. Edward Kennedy, the patriarch of the first family of Democratic politics, died Wednesday at his home in Hyannisport, Massachusetts, after a lengthy battle with brain cancer. He was 77. Source by: ada derana

Miss Venezuela- Miss Universe 2009

Miss Venezuela Stefania Fernandez celebrates onstage after winning the Miss Universe 2009 annual pageant at Atlantis on Paradise Island in the Bahamas August 23, 2009. REUTERS


Miss Venezuela Stefania Fernandez (L) who was named Miss Universe 2009 and Dayana Mendoza Miss. Universe 2008 also of Venezuela.
Source by : daily mirror

Lanka to open Mission in Eritrea to counter LTTE network

Sri Lanka is looking at the possibility of opening an embassy in Eritrea as part of measures to counter the LTTE’s international network which is said to be still active despite the arrest of the chief arms procurer of the Tigers Kumaran Pathmanathan alias KP, Foreign Ministry sources told Daily Mirror online.

Sri Lanka ranks second in Tests

After Australia losing the Ashes, South Africa has topped the ICC test ranking with Sri Lanka at the No.2 spot and India at third.

ICC Test Championship

23 Aug 2009
Team	Matches	Points	Rating
South Africa	30	3672	122
Sri Lanka	24	2852	119
India	28	3327	119
Australia	31	3600	116
England	39	4102	105
Pakistan	17	1424	84
New Zealand	22	1794	82
West Indies	25	1910	76
Bangladesh	19	255	13

Source cricinfo

Suspected Sri Lankan prostitution ring in Maldives nabbed

A Maldivian man and a Sri Lankan woman have been arrested in Maldives on suspicion of engaging in prostitution in a guest house in Male’. The Sri Lankan woman lives in a rented room in the guest house and two other Sri Lankan women, living in the same room, also collaborates in prostitution, Police said.

According to Maldives Police Services, the Maldivian man is 25 year old Ibrahim Ali of Hithaanuge / Ga Kondey and the expatriate woman is 27 year old Sri Lankan Sagaka Malakanthia.

The two people were arrested yesterday night in a raid conducted following a report from the public.

The Sri Lankan woman lives in a rented room in the guest house and two other Sri Lankan women, living in the same room, also collaborates in prostitution, Police said based on the information received in the investigation of the case.

The case is being investigated by Serious and Organized Crime Unit.

Miadhu News

Vaas Gunawardena’s son arrested

SSP Vaas Gunawardena’s son and nine others including police officers were arrested over the alleged assault on the IT student, Police told Ada Derana.

Sri Lankans most satisfied in Asia

Sri Lankans are the most satisfied with their lives, in Asia, a regional survey showed. In advertising firm Grey Group Asia Pacific’s study on consumer attitudes, it was found that 93% of Sri Lankans surveyed were satisfied with their lives. Source by : ada derana

Bolt shatters 100-meter world record

On a perfect night in Berlin, with a tailwind of one mile per hour, the Jamaican put his world record into the range of the superhuman, winning his first world title with a time of 9.58 seconds. That broke the record of 9.69 Bolt set at the 2008 Olympics. Source by : Ada derana

Floods reported from several areas of the island

Heavy rain which lashed several parts of the island since early last evening has resulted in some flooding, the Dissaster Management Centre said this morning. Among the areas affected includes the Galle, Matara, Kalutara and Ratnapura districts. Source by: Daily mirror

Two decomposed bodies found in Sapugaskanda

The decomposed bodies of two men, aged between 20 and 35, were found in Sapugaskanda, Biyagama today. According to the police the bodies of the two victims were partially eaten by insects and it was believed they died at least four days ago. Source by : daily mirror

K.P. makes startling disclosures of US –LTTE relations –Minister Yapa

(Lanka-e-News 12.Aug.2009 6.45PM) Minister Lakshman Yapa Abeywardena speaking to the media today (12 Jul) at the Ministry media Headquarters ,stated that the LTTE Organization under the campaign ‘ Tamils for Obama’ , has supported Barack Obama at the last Presidential elections in America. Further , they had also maintained cordial relations with the US State Secretary’s Dept. after the elections , according to disclosures made by K.P. alias Kumar Pathmanathan during the course of interrogation. In the arrest of LTTE leader Kumar Pathmanathan , the Govt. did not violate any international laws and there was no such need ; and the Govt. received support of the Int. community. If any more information is required , it can be obtained during the Defense media discussion, he added. Source by: lankaenews

Ajmal fined following Sangakkara incident

Pakistan pace bowler Saeed Ajmal has been fined 15% of his match fee by the International Cricket Council for his aggressive reaction after dismissing Sri Lanka batsman Kumar Sangakkara in the Twenty20 international in Colombo. Source by: ada derana

Clash at Angulana stops trains

Train services on the coastal line have been temporarily suspended following a clash between the residents around Angulana in Moratuwa and the police. Angulana Police Officer-in-Charge has been injured due to the clash. Residents in the area had been agitated after two bodies were found near the rail tracks in the area this morning. They had blamed the police for the incident and tension had prevailed earlier which had led to the clash, our reporter says. Source by: ada derana

US officials discuss Lankan situation with Tamil Diaspora

Assistant Secretary of State for South and Central Asian Affairs Robert Blake and U.S. Chargé d’Affaires in Sri Lanka James Moore met with members of the Tamil diaspora to discuss the humanitarian situation in Sri Lanka, the US Sate Department said in a release. Source by : daily mirror

US officials discuss Lankan situation with Tamil Diaspora

Assistant Secretary of State for South and Central Asian Affairs Robert Blake and U.S. Chargé d’Affaires in Sri Lanka James Moore met with members of the Tamil diaspora to discuss the humanitarian situation in Sri Lanka, the US Sate Department said in a release. Source by : daily mirror

Gotabaya in new Apollo board

Aug 12, 2009 (LBO) - The head of Sri Lanka's defence establishment, Gotabaya Rajapaksa, has been appointed to the board of Apollo hospital, a privately built hospital which is now controlled by a state-run insurer.

Rajapaksa, a brother of President Mahinda Rajapaksa, is the secretary to the defence ministry and seen as an architect of the military campaign that defeated the Tamil Tigers in May.

The Lanka Hospitals Corporation, which owns Apollo hospital, said in a stock exchange filing Rajapaksa became a director with the appointment of a new board representing its controlling shareholder Sri Lanka Insurance Corporation. Source by: daily mirror

No moral right to hold another Presidential election, JVP tells President

Mahinda Rajapaksa has no moral right to hold another Presidential election as he had already pledged to abolish the Presidency before his term ends, says the Janatha Vimukthi Peramuna (JVP). In a letter to President Mahinda Rajapaksa, JVP General Secretary Tilvin Silva states that the attempt to hold a Presidential election even when two more years of the term remains and casting aside the MoU signed with the JVP on behalf of the country and without any regard to the mandate he had already received tantamount to an unethical act that goes against the mandate. Source by: ada derana

Full Letter

Ready for the fight ( SL Vs PAK ) T20 Match

Sri Lankan cricket captain Kumar Sangakkara (L) and teammate Muttiah Muralitharan (R) look on during a practice session at the R Premadasa Stadium in Colombo on August 11, 2009. Sri Lanka will play Pakistan in a Twenty20 match on August 12, in the Sri Lankan capital. AFP PHOTO Source by: Daily mirror

All countries must join against terrorism - President

"Terrorism is not only a problem for Sri Lanka. It is also a problem for the whole world". ll these countries that have been fighting and talking against terrorism must get together and put a stop to this menace", said President Mahinda Rajapaksa in an interview with News X India.

Kumaran Pathmanathan alias KP's arrest last week was very important for Sri Lanka because he was the person who claims to be the new leader of the LTTE after the death of V. Prabhakaran, the President said.

He said the International Community must now help Sri Lanka to crack down on the international financing arm of the LTTE, and that the LTTE was still very active in some countries, especially in South-East Asian and European countries. In his interview President Rajapaksa reiterated his commitment to democracy and said that the solution to the national question in Sri Lanka should be a home grown one and not one that was based on suggestions from other countries. It should be a solution which can be agreed by all communities.
Source by: defence.lk

All countries must join against terrorism - President

"Terrorism is not only a problem for Sri Lanka. It is also a problem for the whole world". ll these countries that have been fighting and talking against terrorism must get together and put a stop to this menace", said President Mahinda Rajapaksa in an interview with News X India.

Kumaran Pathmanathan alias KP's arrest last week was very important for Sri Lanka because he was the person who claims to be the new leader of the LTTE after the death of V. Prabhakaran, the President said.

He said the International Community must now help Sri Lanka to crack down on the international financing arm of the LTTE, and that the LTTE was still very active in some countries, especially in South-East Asian and European countries. In his interview President Rajapaksa reiterated his commitment to democracy and said that the solution to the national question in Sri Lanka should be a home grown one and not one that was based on suggestions from other countries. It should be a solution which can be agreed by all communities.
Source by: defence.lk

Lakshman Kadirgamar: Man of unmatched diplomacy, stature and wit

Sri Lanka’s former Foreign Minister and eminent lawyer Lakshman Kadirgamar PC, was gunned down by an assassin on August 12, 2005. After a distinguished career as a lawyer and international humanitarian, he was appointed as Foreign Minister of Sri Lanka in 1994 by President Chandrika Bandaranaike Kumaratunga.

Himself an ethnic Tamil, he braved the Liberation Tigers of Tamil Eelam (LTTE) propaganda almost single handedly at various international fora. He achieved international prominence in this position due to his wide ranging condemnation of the LTTE – also called Tamil Tigers - and his efforts to have them banned internationally. He served until 2001, and then again from April 2004 until his assassination in August 2005, which was carried out by an LTTE terrorist sniper from across his residence at Wijerama Mawatha in Colombo.

Mr. Kadirgamar was conferred the title Sri Lankabhimanya by the State for his services rendered, among which was the proposal to the UN to make the Buddhist holy day, Vesak Day an international celebration day.

Born in Manipay, Jaffna, he spent his early childhood in the southern part of the island. An alumnus of Trinity College,Kandy, he captained the college first eleven cricket team in 1950 while also competing in the college athletic and rugby teams.

Lakshman was the brother of S.J.C. Kadirgamar Jr. QC, Rear Admiral Rajan Kadirgamar and Colonel Bai Kadirgamar.

Kadirgamar went on to study law at the University of Ceylon, from which he graduated with a Bachelor of Laws (LLB) (Honors) degree in 1953. He was the top student in the First Class at the Advocates Intermediate Examination in 1953. In 1954 he won the scholarship for the candidate placed first in the First Class at the Advocates Final Examination of the Ceylon Law College and was awarded prizes for the Law of Evidence and the Law of Persons and Property. He was admitted to the Ceylon Bar in 1955. Later, at Balliol College, Oxford, he received his B.Litt. degree. Kadirgamar, like several other Sri Lankans, was elected to serve as President of the Oxford Union.

Although he had never been actively involved in politics before and had never even addressed a political rally, he was selected as national list MP in 1994 on the People’s Alliance (PA) list for the General Elections. Following the victory of the PA, he was appointed Foreign Minister in the government of President Chandrika Bandaranaike Kumaratunga. After the defeat of the government in 2001, he became Special Adviser on Foreign Affairs to the President. Despite being a Tamil, he strongly supported the Bandaranaike government’s policy of not negotiating with the Tamil Tigers in northern Sri Lanka. He has also been critical of the Norwegian mediators in the period 2001 to 2004, claiming they were biased toward the Tamil Tigers.

Following the victory of the United People’s Freedom Alliance (UPFA) in the April 2, 2004 Sri Lankan legislative elections, he was mentioned as a candidate for Prime Minister of Sri Lanka, but on April 6 President Kumaratunga appointed Mahinda Rajapaksa to the post. Four days later, however, he became Foreign Minister again in the new cabinet.

During a BBC interview he was asked if he thought he was a traitor to the Tamil people since he was a minister in a Sinhalese-dominated government. In reply he said, “People who live in Sri Lanka are first and foremost Sri Lankans, then we have our race and religion, which is something given to us at birth. We have to live in Sri Lanka as Sri Lankans tolerating all races and religions.”

On a day like today, August 12, 2005, around 2300 hours, Kadirgamar was shot by an LTTE sniper in Colomboas he was getting out of the swimming pool at his private residence. Early reports indicate he was shot twice in the head, once in the neck, and once in the body. He was rushed to the National Hospital, where he was pronounced dead.

Lakshman Kadirgamar was also known for his combative and ready wit. When Shane Warne justified Australia’s decision to not play in Colomboduring the 1996 Cricket World Cup due to the terrorist threat by saying that he can be targeted by a drive-in bomber while he is shopping, Kadirgamar is reported to have said, “Shopping is for sissies.”

Kadirgamar had commented later, “There was a storm of protest in Australia. A TV interviewer asked me whether I had ever played cricket. I said I had played before he was born - without helmets and thigh guards, on matting wickets that were full of holes and stones, and I had my share of broken bones to show of it. My friend the Australian Foreign Minister was drawn into the fray. He phoned me. We decided to cool things down... When the whole episode was over I sent a bouquet of flowers to my Australian counterpart. Flowers are also for sissies…..”

Source by :ada derana