Heavy fights in Chiraddikulama: 25 corpses of LTTE uncovered

Scores of LTTE cadres were reported killed and 25 bodies recovered after fighting brokeout between troops and LTTE in general area Chiraddikulama ahead of the Vavuniya defences yesterday (June 26), since 6p.m.

According to available information LTTE have received heavy damages as LTTE battle formations were said beaten in the military push launched by the 57 Division soldiers.

Meanwhile, 25 LTTE bodies were recovered by the troops who were engaged in search and clearing operations while consolidating the newly established defences, security sources said.

Troops have also uncovered 20, T-56 assault riffles, 01x 12.7mm anti-air craft machinegun , 02x RPG launchers and 01x Light machinegun, MCNS sources said.

Illegal use of Diplomatic Passport :Two Foreign Secretaries in Sri Lanka?

According to information received by 'Lanka E News' and the subsequent investigations carried out revealed that Mr. H.M.G.S. Palihakkara has been illegally using a diplomatic passport pretending to be the Foreign Secretary of Sri Lanka. Passport bearing number 1943366 has been issued to Mr. Hewa Matara Gamage Siripala Palihakkara on 19 th October 2004 with the designation stated as 'Foreign Secretary of Sri Lanka' He was the Foreign Secretary from 2004 till end of 2006 and was entitled to a diplomatic passport. In November 2006 he went on leave prior to retirement. The usual practice would have been for Mr. Plihakkara to surrender his diplomatic passport and obtain a normal passport.

On 12 th January 2007 Dr Palitha Kohona was appointed as the Foreign Secretary and from that day onwards Mr. Siripala Palihakkara didn't have a legal or a moral right to continue using his Diplomatic Passport with the designation 'Foreign Secretary of Sri Lanka.'

It is obvious that he has continued to use the Diplomatic Passport for his personal benefit thereby bringing the government service, the foreign Ministry and the present Foreign Secretary into ridicule.

'Lanka E News' was able to confirm with the Department of emigration in May 2008 that the passport bearing number D1943366 was not cancelled and the designation remains as Foreign Secretary of Sri Lanka.

In may airports the authorities do not scrutinize Diplomatic passport holders like the normal passport holders. Further in some airports there are special counters to attend to Diplomatic Passport holders. As his passport gives the designation as Foreign Secretary there is always the possibility that he is given special treatment at foreign airports. E news investigations revealed that Mr. Palihakkara traveled to Japan in mid 2007 and to the USA in the latter part of 2007.

We understands that Mr. Palihakkara is designated to go as the Permanent Representative to the UN in New York. E News also understands that his only child is domiciled in the USA. The Government should carefully consider whether a person who illegally used a Diplomatic Passport and willfully committed a very serious offence is suitable to represent the country. Infact in the backdrop of Karuna Amman going to the UK using a Diplomatic Passport and the subsequent bad publicity it is upto the government to ensure that this matter is fully investigated and justice is meted out.

Bhikkus tear gassed under Mahinda Rajapakse regime

Riot police dispersed a demonstration of student Bhikkus of Buddha Sravaka University who were proceeding to Temple Trees today (26) afternoon.

The demonstration had been organized to protest some reasons including the closure of the university and arresting a student monk.

Police blocked the demonstration of the monks at Piththala junction, Kollupitiya. Tear gas and water cannons were used for dispersing the monks.

Later, the Bhikkus gathered near the roundabout near Public Library and continued to stay there blocking traffic.

Riot police arrived in the scene, announced the monks through loudspeakers to disperse and attacked the protestors with tear gas and water cannons. A baton charge was also launched.

Several monks were seen fallen on the ground. Several Bhikkus were seen snatched from the neck, dragged into police jeeps and taken away.

CIA Applies Interrogation Methods on Terrorists when other Techniques don’t work

"CIA’s terrorist interrogation program, lawful and effective, was born of necessity. As President Bush told the nation in September 2006, the Agency (CIA) applied its methods of questioning when other techniques did not work and when a captured terrorist 'had more information that could save innocent lives.' Unlike traditional law enforcement, the CIA’s chief objective in interrogations is not forensics on past events, but actionable, forward-looking intelligence." The 'Asian Tribune' quotes the above paragraph from a message sent by CIA Director Michael Hayden on February 13 this year to CIA employees.

CBK's land deal 'corrupt'

Chief Justice Sarath Silva made the observation as a petition against selling 32 acres near the parliament, in Jayawardhanapaura, Kotte, to Asia Pacific Golf company.

The land was sold to the company during President Chandrika Bandaranaike Kumaratunga’s tenure for Rs. 320 a perch, the court was informed.