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Lahugala nr. Arugam Bay

Published on 22/02/2008 in Blogs, From our own Correspondent, Money Matters, press coverage, Security & Safety and wild life. 0 Comments
Saving Elephants by Helping People, Sri Lanka

The Lahugala National Park at 1,500 hectares is one of Sri LankaA?a??a??s smallest national parks and is situated in the Ampara District and is supposed to have an elephant population of 300. The Ampara and Monaragala Districts of Sri Lanka cover 7,133 and 2,984 square kilometers respectively and are known as the Eastern Region and have 9 Protected Areas. Though a large number of Shipping nitrofurantoin elephants are supposed to be in this region there is sparse data on the actual number of elephants or the intensity of HEC.

The Sri Lanka Wildlife Conservation Society (SLWCS) with supporting partners is establishing a solar-powered electric fence to protect four villages situated along the southern boundary of the Lahugala National Park, which is at the center of the proposed study area.

This project will use participatory research methods to assess socio economic information of villagers and use direct and non-direct field research methods to estimate elephant populations and their range and behavior over temporal and spatial scales in the Eastern Region.

The anticipated outputs are:

  1. the construction of a 15-kiolometer solar powered electric fence with local community participation;
  2. resolution of human-elephant conflicts along the boundary of the Lahugala Kitulana National Park;
  3. the establishment of a critical elephant corridor connecting the Yala National Park to the Lahugala Kitulana National Park;
  4. the establishment of Managed Elephant Regions;
  5. reliable information on HEC;
  6. a better understanding of community perceptions in regard to HEC;
  7. a greater information base to develop effective and sustainable management strategies;
  8. a GIS mapping of distribution and HEC data to aid in management efforts; and

    9. How much depakote does it take to overdose

  9. proposals, maps, reports and recommendations for further project

    source:
    http://projectelephant.net/As_Saving20071a.php

Lahugala Help

Published on 22/02/2008 in Blogs, Money Matters and press coverage. 0 Comments

Cost of actonel without insurance

Australia grants Rs 5 million for rural development in Sri Lanka PDF Print Generic decadron E-mail

The Acting Australian High Commissioner, Dr Matthew Hyndes presented funds worth Rs 5 million to six local organisations under the Australian GovernmentA?a??a??s Direct Aid program (DAP) in a ceremony on 19 February. Speaking at the occasion Dr Hyndes emphasised that A?a??A?The High Commission takes great pride in the Direct Aid Program which allows us the opportunity to work with organisations such as the six organisations gathered today, each of which is working in their communities, in different parts of the country to assist disadvantaged peopleA?a??A?DAP projects have benefited female headed households, children, the disabled, the elderly and the rural poor, among others.

In this funding round, Dr Hyndes presented funds to Child Vision in Puttalam for the purchase and installation of physiotherapy equipment for a disabled childrenA?a??a??s clinic, The Voluntary Organisation for Vulnerable Community Development to support livelihood projects for 50 tsunami and conflict families in Trincomalee, WomenA?a??a??s Development Centre for a cattle management project for women headed households in Lahugala, Sith Sevana Mentally Handicapped ChildrenA?a??a??s Development Society for three classrooms for mentally handicapped children in Thanamalwila, WomenA?a??a??s Development Foundation for a cattle management project in a poor farming community in Anuradhapura and Samata Sarana for a livelihood project for 100 families in Mutwal.

http://www.srilanka.embassy.gov.au/clmb/DAP%2dpressr%2d080219.html

source:
http://www.tamilsydney.com/content/view/1151/37/

Rocco’s Blog “Musings”

Published on 21/02/2008 in Blogs, From our own Correspondent, people, press coverage, Security & Safety and the bay. 0 Comments

Arugam Bay 2007/2008 Musings

IA?a??a??m sitting in the restaurant at RoccoA?a??a??s admiring the gracefulness of the sea eagles flight, as they cruise looking for a fish to swoop down on. Contemplation on the year past and the year ahead, 2 months before the A?a??a??seasonA?a??a?? kicks off. Arugam Bay or ABay is operating in its normal lethargic hive of activity. Fishermen out to sea, hotelierA?a??a??s repairs & maintenance after the monsoon.Last season was a very quiet affair; some say the A?a??E?worstA?a??a?? yet, certainly the quietest since 2004.

Those that did visit enjoyed appreciative welcomes, shared in the relaxed atmosphere without hassle or danger. We had visitors from Europe, Dubai, UAE, Maldives and Australia.

Special mention to the Irish contingent; Magz & co for drinking us dry on a few occasions (bad planning, my fault) along with a future famous artist, Zayo. The painting outside room 4 adds to the style of Where can i buy motrin platinum Buy furosemide online RoccoA?a??a??s a complete contrast to the graffiti wall on the beach rooms (Banksy it ainA?a??a??t, although if he wants to pay us a visitA?a??A?A?a??A?.. Plenty of political material here for him!). I have resisted putting the room rate up on the soon to become an artists pilgrimage but will charge for photos once Zayo is a name all art buffs are talking about, funds will go to stocking the bar in case Magz & co descend on us again!

Once again the road A?a??E?curfewA?a??a?? is back, 6pm – 7am, the political situation has worsened, security is high, many more check points around the Island, Colombo especially.

I have spent time in Tangalle helping to open a scuba diving centre; www.tangalledivingcentre.com with my friend Rohana, Tangalle suffers in a similar way from lack of tourists as we do here Arugam Bay. Both effected by the political situation, closure of Yala and not being on the west coast.

Driving around I found it to be no different even with the extra checkpoints, foreigners treated with courtesy, papers checked a few A?a??A?which country?A?a??A? & A?a??A?whatA?a??a??s your nameA?a??A? A?a??A?you like Sri Lanka?A?a??A? A smile then on your way.

Living here is way different to visiting here; living here you are drawn into conversations about the politics, the conflict, peace coming, most are quite negative for the immediate future, optimistically we hope for a long peaceful future if only the powers that be on all sides would put the country and its people first.

This season? Who knows? Negumbo is packed; first time ever I had to look around for a bed as my normal haunts full?! Few venture outside of Negumbo to see the real Sri Lanka or Negumbo A?a??E?trapsA?a??a?? visitors with how dangerous the rest of the Island is, good propaganda & business sense in lean times but not so good for the country as a whole, me thinks.

For those that do venture Arugam Bay is still open, still considered safe, still the most relaxed natural place in Sri Lanka, little hard to get to, we like it that way, little basic compared to A?a??E?developedA?a??a?? areas, we like it that way too, most of all it has, surf, wild elephants, nature all around, quiet, relaxed, laid back, friendly, beach, sand, ocean, good food & plenty of places to stay, RoccoA?a??a??s first choice of course!

Steve A?a??A?The MuseA?a??A? Jones
Arugam Bay
East Coast
Sri Lanka
21/02/08

This entry was posted on Thursday, February 21st, 2008 at 3:04 am and is filed under Arugam-Bay-East-Coast-Sri Lanka-Blog, Arugam Bay-East Coast-Sri Lanka – Safety, Rocco’s Hotel – Arugam Bay-East-Coast-Sri-Lanka-Ramblin, Rocco’s Hotel – Arugam Bay-Esat-Coast-Sri-Lanka-Guest B, Rocco’s Hotel – Arugam Bay – Esat Coast – Sri Lanka – G. You can follow any responses to this entry through the RSS 2.0 feed. You can leave a response, or trackback from your own site.

source:
http://www.roccoshotel.com/blog/archives/17

Gullable Goats

Published on 19/02/2008 in Blogs, people, press coverage and Security & Safety. 0 Comments

OnA?a??A?Explosion in Colombo fort railway stationA?a??A? –
DN By kevin
Here is an answer to the land mines, seem to have learnt from the rebels. In 2005 I went to Bati and to Dutch Bar.Driving further south to Arugambay,we entered the rebel area, as it was the only way through to Arugambay.
I think the rebel area was about 10 miles long, on the left was the sea and on the right was flat parched land, where all cultivation was neglected, seems uninhabited of people.
What we all noticed was a whole herd of goats, over 500 and further down, a herd of cattle, with no human being attending to them. It was pathetic to see a such a neglected area of Sl.
The point I am making is; when I asked the security officer Cheap suprax medication Shipping probalan , who was with us, why these herds of goats and cattle was not attended, he said that the rebels have stolen these herds from the Muslim villages and kept there to attack the STF and other camps, with these poor animals are chased ahead to detonate the mines, surrounding the camps.
I go to SL very often and I spend most of my time in these areas, and one will agree as to how backward these terrorist areas are. Now you have one solution to the land mines.If it is legal or not, I donA?a??a??t know.
January 13, 2008 2:52 AM
This entry was posted on February 19, 2008 at 2:03 pm and is filed under Uncategorized. You can follow any responses to this entry through the RSS 2.0 feed. You can leave a response, or trackback from your own site.

source:
http://netwire.wordpress.com/2008/02/19/onexplosion-in-colombo-fort-railway-
station-dn-38/

Arugam Bay – Haputale

Published on 19/02/2008 in Blogs, From our own Correspondent, people, press coverage and the bay. 0 Comments
Hi,

beginning of 2005 and 2006 I travelled between Haputale and Arugam Bay to see what changed.

With some volunteers from Haputale and a truck full of vegetables we drove January 2005 to Pottuvil. Cause the refugees in the camps cooked all for themselve we packed them vegetables in family parcels, gave them to a camp near 3-mile-police-camp, took the rest with a canadian Navy boat to Arugam Bay and gave them to tent families. Some way with a soldier on our side.

I know by some internet forums about the worries of many people who got no contacts and were most interested to know whatA?A?s going on there. So I hope my informations will be a little help. Meanwhile most guesthouses and restaurants are re-opened, fishermen have hundreds of boots and life is going on better than before. But there are still many families sitting on ruins. People who have no rich friends and got no donations, or they do so to get more help? Difficult to understand whoA?A?s telling a story and who needs real help.

The eastcoast of Sri Lanka was hardly effected by Tsunami and help came only to places where locals have international or political friends or good contact to the radio, TV and newspapers. This was the time of us backpackers who know to accept simple comfort. No toilets. No drinking water. Polluted wells. No electricity. Not enough beds. But all of them, friends of Arugam Bay, came to help. Eye whitnesses reported me from 10 m high waves which swapped in the Bay from the left to the right like boiling water. Especially the south of Arugam Bay, the old fisher village Ulla with the first known surfer cabanas had lot of losts. And further down south to Yala Nationalpark I saw trees lying down, mangroves hanging like balls in the fields and broken fisher boats all around.

The partly destroyed brigde connecting Arugam Bay with Pottuvil town got reopened allready. The sandy road at the south of the bridge was wash away. The indian army attached there a new oneway bridge. All material they took from an old bridge somewhere inside the jungle. So long there were privat floods and the canadian Navy transporting people, goods and vehicles from one to the other side.

Cheap ampicillin drug Close to this bridge was the wellknown danish hotel A?a??A?StardustA?a??A?. The owner Per Godman died with some of his workers in the waves. His wife Merete reopened the hotel now in a smaller size. The beautifull open terrace, which looked like a big tent, was totally destroyed, also the kitchen, well and all cabanas. Only a closeby new house with some rooms is in use.

Email: sstarcom@eureka.lk + Homepage
Tel / Fax: +0094 (0) 632 248 191 + Tel: Buy zyprexa from canada +0094 (0) 77 90 67 841

Another guesthouse most famous to all surfers since many years was the A?a??A?SiripalaA?a??A? of Ramini which got totally destroyed. Everything was under water (same situation in 2006). Where there was before the family-house, three cabanas, a terrace, kitchen and another house with some guestrooms, there is now a lagune only. RaminiA?A?s family survid all this. I had many good days there and will always remember this special place. In 2006 I went to visit Ramini but she was out. Living now in a simple house somewhere in the dunes behind the school.

But the water did not stop behind this guesthouse. It ran a half kilometer inside against the school and wash it away. Nothing left. Good luck it was a holiday. All children were home and less fishermen on the sea. Some Italians tried to rebuild the school but came in conflict with authorities. A provisional school built by long open tents were given to the students. Also the german city Hamburg gave 18,750 Euro to rebuild the school.

RaminiA?A?s brother belongs the guesthouse A?a??A?ChutiA?A?s PlaceA?a??A? which got also effected but less cause itA?A?s closer to the the road. Chuti lost his wooden and stone Cabanas, fishing boat and equipment. His truck got damaged. Also his family survived. The family house is still there. In 2006 I saw him building new cabanas and his top restaurant looks quiet good with chairs, tables and fence made by wood. A highlight there is a rescue boat in the top of the restaurant.

The SVH A?a??A?Siam View HotelA?a??A? od Fred (red telefon cabines on the road) got wellknown to many people for uncomplicated help to all who asked for. They lost all their cabanas and the mainhouse stood little bit to the side now. The xmas opening of A?a??A?Bank of CeylonA?a??A? office will be later than exspected, the internet cafA?A? is already open.

After Tsunami the SVH owner Fred, his workers, friends and guests came from all around, stood for many days and weeks and gave a lot of help. Many collected donations were given to plenty neighbours to rebuild, buy tools, give food and for basic existence. His kitchen gave some tousand meals, food and water to all people, free telefon and internet for all users. This people have done a realy good job without any official help. This year the restaurant looks bigger and there is a big party hut on the beach. Also a big 7 m high cage for some monkeys of Wolfgang who is offering eco-tours in the jungle.

Email: arugambay@aol.com + Homepage
Tel: 0094-63-2248195 or Mobil Fred: 0094-773200-201 Somlak: -202 Wolfgang: -203

Lot of people survived only cause they found a save roof on A?a??A?ChutiA?A?s PlaceA?a??A? und A?a??A?SVHA?a??A?. I guess a problem of many victims were the all private grounds surrounding fences with barbwire which hold the people under water and they died in the higher and higher waves. ThatA?A?s what I miss from the past early 1991/2. There were no fences all around and easy walk between the houses down to the beach.

Also from A?a??A?RupaA?A?s PlaceA?a??A? and the old house (Upali) at the surfpoint was nothing left but in 2006 I saw them having new but simple cabanas.

Also “Sunrise” of Mohammed is running well and cheap for low budget travellers. Food is good and sweets are his favourite dish. This March I payed 150 Rs. only for single/bath. Only problem there was fungus under the bed. Maybe this why I got headache there?

With timber and metal sheets locals tried to build simple houses to accommodate the foreighn helpers and tourist who had to sleep in this heat and mosquitos somewhere on the roofs or share some of the less houses with lot of people. Arugam Bay had lot of friends this days, who came to help and sent lot of money. Finally Arugam Bay will be more beautifull than before. Except the lost souls. Some A?a??A?victimsA?a??A? there are quite clever and know well how to get help and fishing boats from NGOA?A?s they never owned before. In 2006 I got disappointed to see how many boats with modern hightech sonar equipment and best nets are lying there. Incredible to much for this area and maybe the death of the fishing.

The Temple Sastraweli further south in the jungle behind Elephant Rock looks much better now. The buddhist monks are back and cleaning the jungle. Slowly hided treasures came out. Old ruins, dagobas and up in the hills a giant of a rock with caves and ancient walls. Looks all like more than 2000 years old. To get there follow the beach one hour and pass 2 lagoones. 500 m right behind the big rock is a jungle road going to the temple. Cause tsunami washed away all trees you can see a part of the temple, a white pillar, from the beach side. Beware of Warans, Bears, Elephants and Crocodiles. There can be also rough currents in the lagoones. Safer by car you take the road down south about 5 km, pass a little river/bridge and turn left at the army camp. The road goes left hand around the army camp and makes finally a big turn left around to the temple. About 250 m meters behind the camp is a shortcut on the left hand to walk up to the giant rock and down to the temple.

Totally different was the north of Pottuvil. No camera teams, less help. Some times I drove down the eastcoast between Kalmunai, Akkairapattu (expensive), Tirrukuvil (temple damaged), Komari (ghoast town) and Pottuvil (many tent camps alongside the road). There is nothing of interest for tourists. Komari has nice, wide beaches but less houses and the YMCA looked empty. I think the people have other worries than to think about us. But some places the locals sound more aggressive cause they got disappointed not to get the same help like others. A well organisationed desinformation by some groups who follow their own interests.

My favorite, cause there is a better climate, good location and less mosquitos, is the new B&B guesthouse A?a??A?White Monkey – Dias RestA?a??A? near Haputale. On the Dambetenne Road 3 km east from town in the little village Thotulagala. Walk down the steps at km-post-3. It runs by the friendly tamil owner WSM Dias and his family (5 children and 5 dogs). ItA?A?s about 1500 m above sealevel, has a climate like summer in Europe and good local, spicy and vegetarian food. There is a new house with two big rooms, a 100 mA?A? roof terrace and a nice cottage with a mega-size panorama window. Saddled on a rock infront of a 700 m deep abyss visitors can join the sounds from the deep jungle and see the coastline in 70 km distance. ItA?A?s an excellant place surrounded, by a tea estate, for families or people looking for nature. They have international telefon, solar light and big watertanks (looks more like a swimming pool). Cost whitout breakfast only 500/700/900 for single, double or family. Meals between 1-2 Euro. Much better than others in Haputale town and sure a good adress in the future.

Email: mailvaganamdias@yahoo.com + Homepage
Tel: 0094-(0)57-5681027 Mobil: 071-2591361 or 072-4143534

Another place close by on the way to Haputale is the A?a??A?Kelburne EstateA?a??A?. A luxery place with excelant service, kolonial style, interesting visitors and acceptable prices. Bungalows can be rented only with all rooms and staff from Colombo office but itA?A?s worth to spend some tousand rupees to join this. I used to go there for a ice cooled beer, small-talks and newspaper. A surprise for me were there low prizes for beer.

Much cheaper than the A?a??A?Royal Top Inn RestA?a??A? at the railwail station where visitors have to say all drinks they bought are from outside, cause the owner has no alcohol license. And finally the guests have to pay overrated prices plus tax and service charges! My warning to all is check the menue card and prices before you do any order. Also check the final bill. There is always an additional win for the staff. A big negative for such a beautiful hotel.

Another interesting, colonial hotel is the A?a??A?QueensA?a??A? on the road to Bandarawela. They offer some rooms and a terrace in the top floor. Also a nice high hall decorated with wooden paneels and old furnitures. Worth to go there for a beer.

Since some days Haputale got his own homwpage with lot of photos and interesting informations for tourists and locals at www.haputale.de
My basic place to start help was always from Haputale were I felt more comfortable than somewhere on the coast. In my free time I made some tours around and found some interesting places. Opposite of the A?a??A?Dias RestA?a??A? Cottage is a 300-700 m deep falling rock. Very good to make photos at sunrise and sunset. God place for lovers or people who like to hear the wind. ItA?A?s like little WorldA?A?s End (15$) but doesnA?A?t cost a cent.

A one hour walk north up the hill above Thotulagala is a little Hindu “Surangamuni Kovil” (like temple/take off your shoes), from where you can see all of Haputale like a map. At clear nights and days also Adams Peak in the west and the north western highlands. Easy way just follow the top left side arround. Right behind the temple in the man-size bushes is an 80 meter footpath going to a cave. The entrance is a 5 m hole and only possible to get down with a rope or ladder. DonA?A?t worry about some small bates in the cave. But be carefully in case you like to explore the top of the cave. Rocks just lying together with soil and green in the corners. This soil wonA?A?t support you and there are 10 m holes down under.

All around in the hangs there are lot of house-size rocks lying aroung like a child lost his toys. A big adventure for children. Made me to feel young again when I was a scout and we had our tents between ruins of old castles somewhere in south Germany. Save area also for women and no pollution. Unbelievable this place is just some hours from hectic Colombo and offers so much.

9 km east from Haputale is the Dambetenne Tea Estate better known as Lipton. This tea factory was built by Sir Thomas Lipton in the year 1890. Visitors are welcome for a tour against some fees. They will show you all the works and machines from drying to rolling, hackling, sieving and grading.

Some kilometers right above is the highest mountain of this area. The 1950 m high “Lipton Seat”, from where people can have a brilliant view at clear days. Best time is early in the morning. From Dambetenne it takes about 90 minutes for fast walkers. Or 3 hours with children to walk up and down.

Shortly behind the former Lipton fabric, nearby a large yellow building, are some hundred old steps going up to a plattform. Follow the old stonemade way about 100 m to the white house of the tea pluckers, turn left and follow the sandy road to the car turn and further on a small, sleepy footpath to a viewpoint surrounded by a white wall. From here you can see the fabric from the top. Little bit on there are steps going 20 m down to an old, lonesome temple, called “Samimale Rock Temple”. There is bell to sign your visit. Behind the temple are other steps going up to where you started. Go back to the turn but walk down to the left through the tea between the trees. There is a shortcut going down to Pitaratmalie Estate, the only place is this area having a real, origin but privat forest. Romantic walk like Adams Peak.

North from the turn is a more than 100 m high red-white SLTV/Telecom tower you can see also from Bandarawela. ItA?A?s forbidden to make photos there but possible to walk tho the gate, have a tea or some water from a tap. To find it go back from the turn, pass the white house of the tea pluckers, turn next road left and than up the cement road.

Cause weather can change within minutes and shops are rare I recommend all to take enough food, water, rain dresses, a warm shirt and torch with you. Sometimes fog comes in secounds and view can be less than 20 m. Nights can be cool sometimes.

From the A?a??A?Dias RestA?a??A? itA?A?s a 40 minutes (slow) walk to Haputale. There are some good viewpoints and many ways inviting to walk through the tea. Trees growing on rocks and grey-white monkeys jumping around. Haputale is a little town but offers all need. Many shops, restaurants (guesthouses), bars, police station, public library, petrol stations, post office, busstop, railway station, a colonial hospital (no x-ray), internet, comunication, banks and many taxis and wheelers. Thursday most shops are closed. The new Fair is opposite the busstand or downroads after the railway cross.

ItA?A?s a one hour walk from Haputale to the Adisham Monestary. A shortcut from the railway station is to follow the railroad to the steps near Amarasinghe Guesthouse. Adisham is a nice old, colonial building like a little castle with a beautiful flower garden and lot of roses and some statues. Now it runs under monchs. They have a slaughtery there and sell jam, oil and honey to the visitors. Also they have a shop on the road between Haputale and Bandarawela.

Who likes to go for shopping, cheap internet (60 Rs./h) or fast photo service should go by train or bus to the next town Bandarawela. Also a day tour to Ella or Ohiya (WorldA?A?s End, Horton Plains, Baker Falls) is interesting. Or walk to Indulgashinna alongside the railroad and come back by the train. The trains are so loud that you will hear them right in time. Enough time to jump to the side and get some good photos or videos. Somewhere on the way is an old goods train fallen down by accident and a nice funny dog is living in a barrel right from the railroad. Long distances by train have also their charme special down to Kandy but take much more time than busses. For example Colombo: Bus 6 hours, train 9 hours.

You know to deal well and want to go long distance than hire a taxi for 15 rupees a kilometer and make a trip to Nuwara Eliya, Hatton (Adams Peak), Kandy, some beaches or Colombo airport. Daytours to Diyaluma Fall Koslanda, Baker Fall Horton Plains or Dunhinda Fall Badulla cost around 1500-3000 rupees. On the way to Badulla have a stop at Doha temple and find there an old, some meter high stone carving of Buddha.

Warning: I know from some taxis they take double money (8000 Rs/200km) for airport tours. Once a driver told me cause IA?A?m leaving the country they canA?A?t make more money from me so they do it on this last tour. This why and cause of my long legs, good view and toilet I prefer the first class panorama train which cost a quarter of the taxis. In Colombo I would recommend privat cabs you can order by phone. They were always in time, correct, save drivers and cheaper than the airport guys.

So, thatA?A?s it from my side. Hope you got some ideas.
Enjoy your trip to Sri Lanka.
Oliver

source:
http://boards.bootsnall.com/eve/forums/a/tpc/f/448097925/m/99300393316/inc/-1

Panama, Kumana

Published on 18/02/2008 in Ideas, Money Matters, people, press coverage and wild life. 0 Comments
SRI LANKA: War-affected forest community gets new lease of life

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Photo: Christine Jayasinghe/IRIN
War-displaced Rammalappu Dhanapala in his shrine in Panama, eastern Sri Lanka. His Padu community was evicted from the Kumana forest by government authorities who feared the area had been infiltrated by Tamil Tiger separatist rebels

PANAMA, 17 February 2008 (IRIN) – Every Friday people crowd into Rammalappu DhanapalaA?a??a??s yard, eager to hear the fortune tellerA?a??a??s prophecies and seek his advice on how to avert imminent disasters. A?a??A?I have supernatural powers given to me by my grandparents and my parents,A?a??A? he said, showing vials of potions that he dispenses to cure various ailments.

Carrying on a long family tradition, Dhanapala who lives in Panama village in Ampara District in eastern Sri Lanka, now offers his counsel in a newly-constructed shrine room filled with the scent of incense. Its brick walls are decorated with colourful pictures of the many gods he invokes.

What is unique about the fortune-tellerA?a??a??s operation is that a local community-based organisation, the Movement of Young Social Workers (MOYS), spent Rs. 60,000 (about US$530) – in funding given it by international non-governmental organisation ActionAid – to build him a bigger shrine room that would accommodate more clients. Since then, his clientele has doubled, bringing him Rs. 5,000-6,000 (about $50-$60) on a busy day.

MOYSA?a??a??s support for Dhanapala is only a small part of its support to the Padu community, traditionally considered as occupying one of the lower rungs of the caste hierarchy of the Sinhalese.

Uprooted

Interactive Sri Lanka map
highlighting Panama village

View larger version at Google Maps

The community was forcibly uprooted from the nearby Kumana forest 18 years ago by the police, when the government feared that rebels of the separatist Liberation Tigers of Tamil Eelam (LTTE) had infiltrated the area.

Brought to Panama under duress and left to fend for themselves, the once self-sufficient members of the Padu community found it difficult to adjust to a new way of life, particularly given their low caste. Thirteen families now live in Panama while others have made their home in nearby villages. Besides being displaced victims of the war, they also suffered human and material losses from the December 2004 tsunami.

The Padu community traces its history back to the islandA?a??a??s central Kandyan kingdom when their ancestors served high-caste aristocrats who rebelled against the British colonial rulers in the 19th century. When the noblemen fled a crackdown, they took their domestics with them to eastern Sri Lanka. The servants ended up living as a tightly knit, self-sufficient clan in the Kumana forest.

Supporting traditional livelihoods

In DhanapalaA?a??a??s case, said Nirosion Perera, chairman of MOYS, A?a??A?He has an unusual occupation and one of our aims is to encourage and support the traditional livelihoods of the Padu community. He is also quite successful at what he does, so we felt he deserved help to improve his standing in Panama.A?a??A?

MOYS is supporting others in the Padu community to improve their economic status so that the ensuing recognition will assist in their long-term integration with the largely upper caste Sinhala Buddhists who live in Panama.

Honey

DhanapalaA?a??a??s brother, R. Sugathapala, scours the forest to bring honey made by wild bees. The honey is highly prized in the village and beyond for being wholesome and nutritious and his A?a??E?KumanaA?a??a?? brand has now made a name for itself.

A?a??A?This is the first time we have got any help from any organisation,A?a??A? said Sugathapala, who used to barter the honey in exchange for goods his family needed. MOYS is helping Sugathapala acquire skills, including how to manage his business, as well as funding costs to start a small poultry farm that his wife will manage to give the family an additional income source.

MOYS also helps other members of the community by providing funding and technical expertise for livelihood projects such as growing seasonal crops of chillies, aubergines and millet, and for the `chenaA?a??a?? (post-slash and burn) cultivation.

But MOYS does not just assist the community in developing livelihoods and increasing incomes. A relationship has grown up between the agency and the community that enables it to advise residents on issues affecting their lives, including how to save sufficient money for emergencies and ways to ensure their kids get an education. A?a??A?We want to look into their health, improve their living standards, ensure their children go to school and assist their psycho-social development through giving them economic support,A?a??A? said Perera.

Perera pointed out that members of the community knew little of some aspects of modern life such as banking extra income for future investment, and banding together to promote their interests as a group. MOYS has helped them set up a rural bank and is organising them into a group so as to better defend its interests.

Few in school

Few children attend school because they cannot afford to buy books and other necessities, but also because of the social ostracism they face from their peers. A?a??A?People here donA?a??a??t want to have anything to do with the people from Kumana because of the problem of their caste,A?a??A? said Perera. A?a??A?By giving them a voice within the larger community, we want to help them gain acceptance.A?a??A?

While some of those who have been displaced by Sri LankaA?a??a??s protracted conflict may not want to return to their former homes, the Padu community longs to head back, not only to their open air abodes, but also to a simpler lifestyle.

cj/bj/cb
Theme(s): Buy himplasia dosage (IRIN) Conflict, (IRIN) Governance

source:
http://www.irinnews.org/report.aspx?ReportID=76768

Prayer times

Published on 17/02/2008 in Blogs, press coverage and services. 0 Comments

Okanda

Published on 17/02/2008 in Blogs, people and press coverage. 0 Comments

Saturday, February 16, 2008

An accident: Story

An accident
By Dibyajyoti Sarma

To sit alone near a crowded sea-shore like the one in Juhu can be quite a task. The solitude of the jungle has its own charm; the silence among the crowd is quite unnerving. It would have been different in Calcutta; IA?a??a??ve a routine there to ward of my loneliness. IA?a??a??m new in Bombay, a tourist and evenings are the bad times for a lone and poor tourist.
I pass time by looking at the crowed, especially a couple, standing near the approaching waves, the husband with his hands in the pocket of his trousers and the wife clutching the fluttering pallu of her sari by her left hand; I am especially looking at her. I donA?a??a??t know why.
A small boy selling small sea shell key chains accost me. Sir, take this bunch for forty rupees. I inform him that I donA?a??a??t have money. He asks me not to make jokes with him and tells me: sir, you are like my big brother, IA?a??a??ll give you the whole bunch for twenty rupees. Take it sir. Impressive marketing! I give it to the young chap. Does he go to school? I ask him. Yes, he answers.
Excuse me, Okan? The key chain seller nudges me; someoneA?a??a??s standing behind me, clutching the fluttering pallu of her sari by her left hand.
Excuse me, are you Okan, Okan Bhatt? I look at the woman. Yes, thatA?a??a??s me, and you?
Dada, IA?a??a??m Nila. DonA?a??a??t you remember?

Some things cannot be forgotten, but it is difficult to remember either. They try to cease the movement of time. They are like thorns in the garden of spring forgotten in the big fair of life, and one day when it pricks the sole of your chapped feetA?a??A?
I donA?a??a??t remember when I last saw Nila. The last time I went to her house, Machima prepared luchi and aloo bhaji, especially for me. And she cried. No, no, I forgot. I went to her place again for one last time. That evening too, Nila was not at home.
Machima opened the door. Seeing me she said sweetly, A?a??A?Come, come, IA?a??a??ve prepared khir today. I said I was in a hurry, just stopped by to say this: A?a??A?If you are sure, then let Nila marry him. I donA?a??a??t have any problem. IA?a??a??ll just disappear from her life. Let her be happy.A?a??A? Machima stood frozen on the threshold. She knew how much I loved Nila. She knew how much Nila loved me.
For many years I was even scared to think whatA?a??a??ll happen if I just bump into Nila some day. IA?a??a??d imagine, after seeing me sheA?a??a??ll break into tears, will call me names A?a??a?? coward, hypocriteA?a??A? will slash my hand with her long fingernails – nothing of that sort happened.
A?a??A?Okanda, after so many years,A?a??A? she cried. What are you doing here?A?a??A?
A?a??A?What are you doing here?A?a??A? I ask back. A?a??A?How did you recognize me? My appearance has changed a lot.A?a??A?
A?a??A?Of course, one can count the hair on your head. But is it possible to forget you?A?a??A?
I search for malice in her voice. There is none. It is the plain expression of a plain truth.
A?a??A?We live here, what else,A?a??A? she informed and called out to the man with his hands tucked in the pockets of his trousers. A?a??A?Rana, Adige asho, come hereA?a??A?A?a??A? Then she turns towards me and asks: A?a??A?WhoA?a??a??s with you?A?a??A?
None. I answer. I am alone.
A?a??A?Not married yet. Or ashamed to travel with your wife?A?a??a??
Before I could muster an answer, like an obedient student, her husband stands beside her. Nila introduces him to me. By the look of it, heA?a??a??s certainly one of those big corporate bosses: manicured nail, a wiseacre smile, and an unimaginative face.
She asks me what I was doing in Bombay. I mumble something. She talks about herself. SheA?a??a??s in Bombay for last two years with her husband. Next year they are moving to Australia. I feel like having a cigarette. I control myself. How Nila used to fight with me about my smoking habits. Finally I had to quit that small addiction of mine. It is a long time since I began smoking again. I look at her husband and smile. Does he smoke when sheA?a??a??s not around?
Once I thought I would never be able to face Nila again. And here she is, talking animatedly to me in a crowed beach, as if nothing had ever happened between us, as if she was not betrothed to me, as if she never told me that she could feel my breath inside her bones, as if we never planned our lives together.
ItA?a??a??s not meeting Nila, but the banality of the situation, the way she is responding to this sudden, strange meeting, the way she is blabbering, animatedly, the way her husband is grinning encouraginglyA?a??A?
Want to have some coffee? I ask and she answers, A?a??A?no, bhel.A?a??A? Her husband looks at her. Probably it hurts his ego. I join in some small talk with him. Just courtesy. Did Nila ever told her husband about me? If yes, just how much? Nila offers a plastic plate of Bhel to her husband and then one to me.
Nila enquires where am I am staying in Bombay. Then she asks tell me where you live in Calcutta these days. I will try to see you next time I am there. I look at her searchingly. Why she wants to see me again? Whatever was there between us is all over. I donA?a??a??t want to scratch all those wounds that are, thank god, healing. This, today evening was an accident. Nila shrugs her shoulders and says: A?a??A?Leave it. God knows when IA?a??a??ll go home again.A?a??A?

Am I jealous of Nila? Or am I angry with her? Bitch! Once she said, if she canA?a??a??t marry me, sheA?a??a??ll remain a spinster. And today, how sheA?a??a??s fluttering around her rich husband. As if she doesnA?a??a??t remember me at all.
And I? When people ask, I tell them, I got divorce before marriage. I donA?a??a??t have the courage to put my hands into burning fire again. People laugh, they pity me.
Perhaps Maya was right after all. Whatever was supposed to happen between you and her is already over. And it was your decision. But is it wise to destroy everything for that one decision? IA?a??a??m not asking you to forget Nila. But donA?a??a??t kill yourself with her memory. You can start your life all over again. With meA?a??A?
One day she too got married to someone else.
That decision was mine too.
It was a difficult time. Nila had already completed her graduation. Her family wanted her to get married soon. I was still struggling, doing odd jobs.
Machima said, son, why donA?a??a??t you two get married. YouA?a??a??ll get a good job one day. Nila too can find something for herself. And for the beginning, even NilaA?a??a??s father can help.
Those were depressing days. Those were the days of blunt ego. Nila cried. I screamed like mad: A?a??A?Marriage, marriage. Just get married and youA?a??a??ll see how all the love just vanishes like a smoke when thereA?a??a??s no money.
Leave that to me. IA?a??a??ll manage. She said.

Serving me some extra aloo bhaji, Machima informed. A proposal has come for Nila. A suitable boy. Good job and everything. I didnA?a??a??t know how to respond. Sitting beside me Machima said: We canA?a??a??t even say sheA?a??a??s engaged, can we?
That night I took the decision. Let Nila get married. ThatA?a??a??s better for her. ThereA?a??a??s no point spoiling her life with a futureless person like me.
And that morning, I removed everything from the garden of my desire, packed the sun in a black cloth and locked it inside a cupboard. I tried to stop the passing current with my fist. There was no option but to burn away into a heap of ash.

Room service comes at eight. Then whoA?a??a??s knocking at my door at six in the morning? Yesterday was a bad night. I didnA?a??a??t sleep a wink. I open the door, disturbed, irritated.
You? ItA?a??a??s Nila in front of me; a big polythene bag in her hand, water still dripping from her long flowing hair.
A?a??A?WouldnA?a??a??t you invite me inside?A?a??A? she asks. A?a??A?You are surprised, arenA?a??a??t you? She closes the door and sits on a chair. SheA?a??a??s wearing a cloud white sari. A?a??A?We werenA?a??a??t supposed to meet like this, isnA?a??a??t it?A?a??A?
It was an accident. I grin foolishly. If I were you, I would have just disappeared from the scene.
A?a??A?I know. You are cowardA?a??A?A?a??A?
Finally. Finally. I am prepared. After all these years, I have to face all her bickering.
A?a??A?But Okanda, I couldnA?a??a??t. All these years IA?a??a??ve been praying to god only for just one thing, that you are still alive, that I see you at least once. You just disappeared. How I tried to find any information about you.A?a??A?
Bending my head down, I listen. What is there for me to say?
A?a??A?I couldnA?a??a??t OkandaA?a??A? IA?a??A? IA?a??A? still love you.A?a??A?
No. Those are stories from the previous birth. I donA?a??a??t remember.
Would you like to have some tea? I ask.
A?a??A?No,A?a??A? she answers. A?a??A?I have to return back soon. I told Rana that I am visiting a temple.A?a??A?
Why? Why Nila has come to meet me? I canA?a??a??t ask.
A?a??A?Why didnA?a??a??t you get married, Okanda? Seems you tell people that you got divorce before marriage A?a??a?? do you tell them who filled for divorce?
Have you come to ask me this? Have you come to do the accounts?
A?a??A?You did all the accounting, didnA?a??a??t you? I had to accept you rulings. DonA?a??a??t think that you are the only one who failed. I lost too.A?a??A?
Then why have you come to meet me without telling your husband?
Without speaking a word Nila gets up and picks up the polythene bag. ItA?a??a??s filled with marigold flowers, my favourite. She spread the flowers on the bed.
What is all this drama, Nila?
A?a??A?Drama?A?a??A? she sits next to me on the bed and takes my hands between hers. (Oh, these hands!) Then she speaks softly: A?a??A?Drama? You played drama with me, Okanda. You just disappeared into the blue. CouldnA?a??a??t even trust me that much that I could love you without any money.
My hands are between hers. She smells of jasmine. What is there for me to say?
You are happy with your husband, arenA?a??a??t you?
Nila smiles. A dazzling smile. A?a??A?How easily you could ask, am I happy? Yes sir, I am very happy. Did I surprise you? I hope not. IA?a??a??m very happy with Rana. My husband is a good human being and he loves me. And heA?a??a??s rich. What more do you want from a husband anyway?
Her voice trails off. A?a??A?And suddenly amidst the luxury of my husbandA?a??a??s home I scream out in pain.A?a??A? She pulls my hand and puts it on her heaving bosom. A?a??A?ThereA?a??a??s a live wound thereA?a??A? sometimes it painsA?a??A? then I need youA?a??A?
A?a??A?IA?a??a??m still in love with you.A?a??A?
Nila. Nila. DonA?a??a??t speak a word. Please. IA?a??a??ve wrapped the sun with a black cloth. DonA?a??a??t uncover it.
Nila, it was not a good idea for you to meet me.
A?a??A?For one last time.A?a??A? She smiles. She gets up from the bed and stands before me. So, Mr Bhatt, since you had your divorce before marriage, how about honeymoon after divorce.
She pours her fingers through my unkempt hair. A?a??A?You know, finally, Rana and I have decided to have a baby. According to the doctor too, itA?a??a??s the right time.A?a??A?

The proximity between us recedes. And she whispers on my ear: A?a??A?Give me a baby. Give me a baby from your side.A?a??A?

posted by i write @ 10:11 PM

2 Comments:

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source:
http://writeriot.blogspot.com/2008/02/accident-story.html

Turmoil among Tamils

Published on 15/02/2008 in Blogs, people, press coverage and Security & Safety. 1 Comment

RefA?A?: HR039/PR/2008A?A?A?A?A?A?A?A?A?A?A?A?A?A?A?A?A?A?A?A?A?A?A?A?A?A?A?A?A?A?A?A?A?A?A?A?A?A?A?A?A?A?A?A?A?A?A?A?A?A?A?A?A?A?A?A? A?A?A?A?A?A?A?A?A?A?A?A?A?A?A?A?A?A?A?A?A?A?A?A?A?A?A?A?A?A?A?A?A?A?A?A?A?A?A?A?A?A?A?A?A?A?A?A?A?A?A?A?A?A?A?A?A?A?A?A?A?A?A?A?A?A?A?A?A?A?A?A?A?A?A?A?A?A?A?A?A?A?A?A?A?A?A?A?A?A?A?A?A?A? 14 February 2008

Sri lankan rulers deliberately create
Political turmoil among the Tamils

Who prevents MuslimsA?a??a?? resettlement in Jaffna?
A?A?
There is a long history of Internally Displaced People (IDPs) in Sri Lanka A?a??a?? it goes back to the post independence era, around 1956.

Soon after Sinhala rule was introduced in Ceylon, (present Sri Lanka), two communal riots were carried out by the Singhalese against the Tamils, masterminded by the respective governments of the day. A?A?These two riots in 1956 and 1958 made Tamils as refugees in the South of the island. Because the victims of these two riots, although refugees, had not crossed any internationally recognised borders, International bodies like the United Nations considered them to be Internally Displaced People (IDPs). Since 1956 there have been five communal riots carried out with a clear agenda of ethnic cleansing. Tamils were killed, raped, disappeared and billions worth of their properties were looted and destroyed.

All these riots and atrocities have been well documented by the UN and many international human rights and humanitarian organisations.

The numbers of displaced Tamils during these communal riots are as follows :

YearA?A?A?A?A?A?A?A? A?A?A?A?A?A?A?A?A?A?A?A?A?A?A?A?A?A?A?A?A?A? No. of refugeesA?A?A?A?A?A?A?A?A?A?A?A?A?A?A?A?A?A?A?A?A?A?A?A?A?A?A?A?A?A?A?A?A?A?A?A?A?A?A?A?A?A?A?A?A?A?A?A? YearA?A?A?A?A?A?A?A? No. of A?A?refugees
1956A?A?A?A?A?A?A?A? A?A?A?A?A?A?A?A?A?A?A?A?A?A?A?A?A?A?A?A?A?A? 3000A?A?A?A?A?A?A?A?A?A?A?A?A?A?A?A?A?A?A?A?A?A?A?A?A?A?A?A?A?A?A?A?A?A?A?A?A?A?A?A?A?A?A?A?A?A?A?A?A?A?A?A?A?A?A?A?A?A?A?A?A?A?A?A?A?A?A?A?A?A?A?A?A?A?A?A?A?A?A?A?A?A?A?A?A?A?A?A?A?A?A?A?A?A?A?A?A?A?A?A?A?A?A?A? 1958A?A?A?A?A?A?A?A? 35,000
1977A?A?A?A?A?A?A?A? A?A?A?A?A?A?A?A?A?A?A?A?A?A?A?A?A?A?A?A?A?A? 15000A?A?A?A?A?A?A?A?A?A?A?A?A?A?A?A?A?A?A?A?A?A?A?A?A?A?A?A?A?A?A?A?A?A?A?A?A?A?A?A?A?A?A?A?A?A?A?A?A?A?A?A?A?A?A?A?A?A?A?A?A?A?A?A?A?A?A?A?A?A?A?A?A?A?A?A?A?A?A?A?A?A?A?A?A?A?A?A?A?A?A?A?A?A?A?A?A?A?A?A? 1981A?A?A?A?A?A?A?A? 5000
1983A?A?A?A?A?A?A?A? A?A?A?A?A?A?A?A?A?A?A?A?A?A?A?A?A?A?A?A?A?A? 250,000

The victims of these riots have never been compensated nor have they even been allowed to resettle in the places where they were living before the riots in the South of island. Soon after the worst communal riot in 1983, almost all the Tamils living in the South started escaping from the island, seeking protecting in many western countries. They received no compensation either for the loss of their properties or the loss of their kith and kin. The authorities responsible for refugees in many countries have evidence of these incidents.

Immediately after the 1983 communal riots, armed conflict started in the North East and this has produced many more thousands of, in fact, multiple displacements. Some of these people became displaced as a result of the divide and rule tactics applied by the Sri Lankan rulers to the Tamil community. A?A?In the North East mainly in Amparai, Batticaloa, Trincomalee, Mannar and Jaffna A?a??a?? there have been multiple displacements of IDPs living in refugee camps for the last two decades.

Political turmoil

Consequent to the failure of 35 years of non-violent struggle in exercise of the right to self-determination of the Tamils, an armed struggle started in 1983. Since then the ruling powers always created a political turmoil among the Tamils, who had lived in peace and harmony for many centuries, irrespective of religious faith.

Even though there have been many calls by UN VIPs, international institutions/organisations and a Supreme court order (May 2006), IDPs remain in their camps, especially the Tamils denied any glimmer of hope of returning to their own residence or villages.

A?a??A?At the end of 2006, at least 520,000 people in Sri Lanka were victims of conflict-induced displacement in a country of 20 million, making up one of the largest displacement crises in Asia in absolute terms and particularly in terms of the proportion of the population displaced. Upwards of 300,000 people were displaced in the offensive from 2006 onwards, with Tamil and Muslim minorities in the districts of Batticaloa, Trincomalee and Jaffna the most affected. Despite a major return programme initiated by the government in Batticaloa and Trincomalee in recent months, the number of conflict-induced internally displaced people (IDPs) in the country is estimated still to be around 460,000A?a??A? (26 September 2007 A?a??a?? Internal Displacement Monitoring Centre A?a??a?? IDMC).

First racial riot in 1915

During the long history of the island there had never been blood stained stories among the Tamils. The very first racial riot in the island was in 1915. It was between the Sinhala Buddhists and the Muslims – 136 Muslims were killed and 205 Muslims were injured and raped. Nearly 85 mosques were damaged and more than 4,075 Muslim-owned shops were looted by the Sinhala rioters, from Central province to the Western and North Western provinces.

  1. In January 1976, in Sinhala-Muslims riots in Puttalam, a Mosque at Pottuvil (Quela Mosque) was completely destroyed and 18 Muslims who assembled in another Mosque were shot dead by the Police in Puttalam.
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  1. In 1982, from 30 July to 4 August, Sinhala-Muslim riots broke out in Galle and then spread to Kandy, Mawanella and others parts, including Colombo.
  1. In November 2002, Sinhala-Muslim riots took place in Chillaw. A group of Singhalese burnt down many houses belonging to Muslims and several people were severely injured in this incident. A Muslim refugee camp in Puttalam was also attacked and 75 Muslim families were forced to seek shelter in the nearby Mosque.

In Katugoda in Galle, a 22 year old Muslim youth was shot dead and several others were injured.

Muslims living in the North Eastern provinces were always part of Tamil political parties and even won in the post independence elections. The Mother tongue of the Muslims in the island of Sri Lanka is Tamil. This cannot be denied historically or legally. But these days, politically-motivated individuals come out with vague arguments depending on what their purpose is. Some sought to drive wedge among the Tamils.

Political turmoil among the Tamils and the Muslim was created only in the late 1980s when theA?A? government-motivated Muslim home guards, thugs and mercenaries intensified their attacks on the Tamils in the East, especially those in the Amparai district.

Tamils chased out of Amparai

In the 1990s, the Tamils who had been living in Amparai district for centuries were chased out by the government-motivated Muslims, especially from the villages of Samanthurai, Udumpankulam, Chemmanikulam, Thangavelauthapuram, Poorani, Kondavedduvan, Manthoddam, Karavagu, Theekavavi, Palamunai, Ooluvil, Meen Odai Kaddu, Panaamai and Ninthavoor. Many other villages are on the verge of becoming Muslim villages. Meanwhile many Saiva (Hindu) temples were destroyed and Mosques and butcheries were built on the same spot. Examples of this are : A?A?Kali Amman Temple at Karavagu in Kalmunai, Pillayar Kovil at Oddumavaddy, Kannaki Amman Temple at Karathivu, Kali Amman Temple at Sammanthurai. This was the case in Batticaloa and Trincomalee district.

It is common knowledge that the Muslims living in Jaffna were evacuated in 1990 and they were compelled to live in Puttalam. In fact, several times, the political advisor of the Liberation Tigers of Tamil Eelam – LTTE, the late Anton Balasingham, tendered their apology for this unpredicted and unexpected incident.

In 2002, when Anton Balasingam was speaking in a public meeting in Mullaitivu, he said, A?a??A?Linguistically, economically and territorially the Muslims and the Tamils are inextricably inter-related and therefore they have to co-exist as brothers in the northeast. Let us forget and forgive the mistakes made in the past. Tamil Eelam is also the homeland of the Muslims and we have to live in harmony and amity to promote peace and prosperity in the region.A?a??A? (Late Anton Balasingham, 03 April 2002 at Sivasubramaniam Maha Vidyalayam, Puthukuddirrupu in Mullaitivu)

Who prevents MuslimsA?a??a?? resettlement in Jaffna?

Since 1995, the LTTE has not been in control of Jaffna. If this is the case, what has been lacking and who is obstructing the resettlement in Jaffna of the Muslims in Puttalam? There are airports, harbours in Puttalam as well as in Jaffna and the land route, the A9 was opened for nearly four years. This is to say that the government of Sri Lanka prevented the Jaffna Muslims living in Puttalam, from being re-settled in Jaffna. For the last 18 years, the government of Sri Lanka wanted the Muslims to remain in Puttalam, without any fundamental rights, to serve a highly motivated international campaign against the LTTE, that the Muslims from Jaffna had been evacuated by the LTTE. In other words, they were using the Jaffna Muslims to justify the government Sinhalisation and ethnic cleansing of Tamils from the North East.

Last September, a TCHR representative raised the matter about the resettlement of Jaffna Muslims in a meeting held by the Sri Lankan Mission in Geneva. Four Sri Lankan MinistersA?A? – Mahinda Samarasinghe, Keheliya Rambukwella, Athauda Seneviratne and Douglas Devananda, who were on the panel, could not give a proper answer to the question of resettlement of Muslims in Jaffna. This was well witnessed by various diplomats and the representatives of international institutions. This briefing took place as a parallel event, during the 6th session of the UN Human Rights Council.

The displaced Muslims living in Puttalam are in temporary camps without any social, economic and political rights. The government, some NGOs and politically motivated individuals in Sri Lanka and abroad are silent about the day to day problems of these people. Just to get their allocated funds from their masters, these NGOs and individuals raise the issue of the Jaffna Muslims.

Even before the Jaffna Muslims moved to Puttalam, the Buddhist monks and Sri Lankan government were very careful with their political agenda that the Muslim population in Puttalam should not be allowed to spread to any other area within Puttalam. This is one of the reasons Jaffna Muslims are without any fundamental rights in Puttalam. It is a pity that those NGOs and others are either finding this issue too complex or are pretending to not understand the real problems of displaced Tamils in general.

Atrocities against the Muslims in Puttalam

In 1974 tension intensified between the Singhalese and Muslims in Mylumkulam in Puttalam. A?A?Government officials and the Police showed their partiality and supported the Singhalese.

In January 1976, as a consequence of the assault of a Muslim youth by a Singhalese bus driver (CTB), Sinhala-Muslims riots broke out in Puttalam. The Muslims in Sirampiaddy, Pottuvil and other villagers were severely attacked. A Mosque at Pottuvil (Quela Mosque) was completely destroyed and 18 Muslims who were assembled in another Mosque in Puttalam were shot dead. The Muslims working in the Cement Cooperation in Puttalam were attacked and no protection was given by the Police.

During this period, only members of the Federal Party raised this matter in the Sri Lankan Parliament.

In August 2006, a case was filed by some Singhalese against the purchase of 30 acres of land by Muslims in Palavi, Puttalam. This case was rejected by the Court. When the Muslims who were displaced from Jaffna, were moving onto this land, a group of Singhalese, led by a Buddhist monk, immediately chased them away violently, preventing them from settling in Palavi. On the same day they installed a statue of Buddha in that village.

Presently, Muslim farmers and fishermen in Amparai, Batticaloa and Trincomalee are facing similar problems.

Certain actors in Sri Lanka and abroad are making a good living by talking about the Jaffna Muslims. A?A?In practice, they are not really considering the facts and the historical background of the IDPs. While they speak about the Jaffna Muslims, they seem to ignore the fact that there are thousands of Tamils, who have been chased away from Amparai, Batticaloa and Trincomalee long before the Jaffna Muslims, and also ought to be resettled in their original homes.

The government of Sri Lanka is really taking advantage of the recent turmoil it has created among the Tamils.

Ahmadiyya Muslim Community

In another divide and rule tactic practised by the Sri Lankan rulers – tensions and animosity have been created between the members of the Ahmadiyya Muslim Community and the other Muslim population, often resulting in sporadic violence and killings in Sri Lanka. This has been intensified in recent years.

Since Mahinda Rajapaksa came to power, full swing Sinhalisation and ethnic cleansing has been rampant in the North East. Statues of Buddha are planted everywhere, the names of Tamil villages are renamed with Singhalese names and the Tamils and Muslims who lived for centuries in the North East are chased away over night, while the Singhalese are settled, according to an overt plan to change the demography of the North East.

Mandated silent genocide in the North East

What is happening presently in Amparai, Batticaloa, Trincomalee and Jaffna is a mandated silent genocide. Sri Lankan security forces, with the help of the paramilitary are wiping out those who are supporting the right to self-determination of Tamils, and Tamil-speaking youths are kidnapped and killed over-night.

In UN terms, ethnic cleansing is defined as, “a purposeful policy designed by one ethnic or religious group to remove by violent and terror-inspiring means the civilian population of another ethnic or religious group from certain geographic areas”. (UN Doc S/1994/674, para. 130)

According to the think tank of the United Nations, ethnic cleansing constitutes a crime against humanity which could be compared to certain war crimes. These acts also fall within the ambit of the Genocide Convention. Ethnic cleansing has similar features to Apartheid and Nazism. The ethnic cleansing of Tamils from the Eastern part of Sri Lanka is well documented and in the recent past has been witnessed extensively by the International community.

Therefore the United Nations, which has the mandate and authority to investigate, prosecute and punish those who are criminally responsible for the ethnic cleansing, should start the process of investigating the ethnic cleansing of Tamils, in the East and especially in Trincomalee. This should be done at the earliest to bring to justice the higher authorities who ordered the ethnic cleansing and in the meantime to compensate the victims.

Simultaneously, around Trincomalee, Batticaloa and Jaffna and many other villages in the North East, there has also been mass settlement of Sinhalese.

The statistics are for the kind consideration of UN institutions, Experts in the field of human rights, members of civil society and others. The Tables are shown on language basis.

Tamil and Sinhala populations in Trincomalee District, Batticaloa District* (Until 1963 it includes Amparai within Batticaloa district) & Amparai District (created in 1963)

Septilin buy

YEAR

Trincomalee District

Batticaloa District

Amparai District

Tamil

Sinhala

Tamil

Sinhala

Tamil

Sinhala

1827

98.45%

1.53%

99.62%

0.00%

—

—

1881

90.72%

4.21%

93.27%

4.75%

—

—

1891

91.44%

4.3%

93.2%

5.21%

—

—

1901

89.04%

4.22%

92.34%

5.21%

—

—

1911

90.54%

3.82%

92.95%

3.74%

—

—

1921

92.13%

4.38%

93.12%

4.56%

—

—

1946

75.09%

20.68%

92.55%

5.83%

—

—

1953

78.8%

18.22%

87.64%

11.52%

—

—

1963

79.25%

19.9%

95.6%*

3.35%

70.22%

29.34%

1971

70.2%

28.8%

94.49%

4.49%

69.47%

30.18%

1981

65.38%

33.62%

95.95%

3.21%

62.03%

37.64

(http://www.tchr.net/colanization.htm)

Excerpts are given for the consideration of researchers to see how the Sinhalisation is in progress in the North East, especially since President Mahinda Rajapaksa came into power.

A?a??E?Sinhalisation of EastA?a??a??
by M. I. M. Mohideen

The Island, 27 December 2007 – Facts and figures about population growth will help to illustrate how demography patterns have been unnaturally altered or distorted through state aided colonisation, demarcation of new political and administrative units and accelerated irrigation schemes in the Eastern Province.

A?A?A?A?A?A?A?A?A?A?A?A?A?A?A?A?A?A?A?A?A?A?A?A?A?A?A?A?A?A?A?A?A?A?A?A?A?A?A?A?A?A?A?A?A?A? TrincomaleeA?A?A?A?A?A?A?A? BatticaloaA?A?A?A?A?A?A?A?A?A?A?A?A?A?A?A? AmparaiA?A?A?A?A?A?A?A?A?A?A?A?A?A?A?A?A?A?A?A? Eastern
A?A?A?A?A?A?A?A?A?A?A?A?A?A?A?A?A?A?A?A?A?A?A?A?A?A?A?A?A?A?A?A?A?A?A?A?A?A?A?A?A?A?A?A?A?A? DistrictA?A?A?A?A?A?A?A?A?A?A?A?A?A?A?A?A?A?A?A?A?A?A?A? DistrictA?A?A?A?A?A?A?A?A?A?A?A?A?A?A?A?A?A?A?A?A?A?A?A? DistrictA?A?A?A?A?A?A?A?A?A?A?A?A?A?A?A?A?A?A?A?A?A?A?A? Province

TamilsA?A?A?A?A?A?A?A?A?A?A?A?A?A?A?A?A?A?A?A?A?A?A?A?A?A? 93,510A?A?A?A?A?A?A?A?A?A?A?A?A?A?A?A?A?A?A?A?A?A?A?A?A?A? 238,216 79,725A?A?A?A?A?A?A?A?A?A?A?A?A?A?A?A?A?A?A?A?A?A?A?A?A?A? 411,451
(39.78%)A?A?A?A?A?A?A?A?A?A?A?A?A?A?A?A?A?A?A?A? (72.59%)A?A?A?A?A?A?A?A?A?A?A?A?A?A?A?A?A?A?A?A? (20.57%)A?A?A?A?A?A?A?A?A?A?A?A?A?A?A?A?A?A?A?A? (42.42%)

MuslimsA?A?A?A?A?A?A?A?A?A?A?A?A?A?A?A?A?A?A?A? 74,403A?A?A?A?A?A?A?A?A?A?A?A?A?A?A?A?A?A?A?A?A?A?A?A?A?A? 79,317A?A?A?A?A?A?A?A?A?A?A?A?A?A?A?A?A?A?A?A?A?A?A?A?A?A? 116,481 315,201
(29.26%)A?A?A?A?A?A?A?A?A?A?A?A?A?A?A?A?A?A?A?A? (24.17%)A?A?A?A?A?A?A?A?A?A?A?A?A?A?A?A?A?A?A?A? (41.66%)A?A?A?A?A?A?A?A?A?A?A?A?A?A?A?A?A?A?A?A? (32.49%)

SinhaleseA?A?A?A?A?A?A?A?A?A?A?A?A?A?A?A? 89,341A?A?A?A?A?A?A?A?A?A?A?A?A?A?A?A?A?A?A?A?A?A?A?A?A?A? 10,646A?A?A?A?A?A?A?A?A?A?A?A?A?A?A?A?A?A?A?A?A?A?A?A?A?A? 146,371 243,358
(33.96%)A?A?A?A?A?A?A?A?A?A?A?A?A?A?A?A?A?A?A?A? (3.24%)A?A?A?A?A?A?A?A?A?A?A?A?A?A?A?A?A?A?A?A?A?A?A?A? (37.77%)A?A?A?A?A?A?A?A?A?A?A?A?A?A?A?A?A?A?A?A? (25.09%)

TotalA?A?A?A?A?A?A?A?A?A?A?A?A?A?A?A?A?A?A?A?A?A?A?A?A?A?A?A?A?A? 245,250 328,170 387,577 978,010

A?A?

The Eastern Province is 3,839 sq. miles in extent. Originally Trincomalee – 1,016 sq. miles and Batticaloa A?A?- 2,823 sq. miles were the districts in this province. According to the 1921 census, the Sinhalese were 3% of the population in the Trincomalee District and 4.5% in the combined Batticaloa and Amparai District. The Sinhalese were less than 4% in the whole Eastern Province.

The Batticaloa District was divided into the present Amparai District – 1,775 sq. miles and Batticaloa District – 1,048 sq. miles in 1961.

Population Increase between 1949 and 1981.

Tamil population increased from 136,059 to 411,451 – 302%, Muslim population increased from 109,024 to 315,201 – 289%, Sinhalese population increased from 27,556 to 243,358 – 883%. The National average increase of Sinhalese during this period is only 238%. The sudden increase of Sinhala population is the result of Government planned Sinhala Colonisation in Gal-oya, Pannal-oya, and Ambalam-oya in Amparai District, and Kanthalai, Allai, Morawewa, Muthalikkulam, Pathaviya (Part), and Mahadiuluwewa schemes in Trincomalee District. (Excerpt)

HEAD OFFICE:

Tamil Centre for Human Rights – TCHR/CTDH
9, rue des Peupliers – 95140 Garge les Gonesse – FRANCE
Contact person : S. V. Kirubaharan A?a??a?? General Secretary
Tel/Fax: + 33 1 42 67 54 36 – Email: tchrgs@hotmail.com / tchgs@tchr.net

TCHR-UK

Tamil Centre for Human Rights – TCHR/CTDH

PO Box 182, Manchester M16 8ED, UNITED KINGDOM

Contact person : Deirdre McConnell A?a??a?? Director International Programme
Fax: + 44 161 860 4609 – Email: tchrdip@hotmail.com / tchrdip@tchr.net

TCHR-NETHERLANDS
Tamil Centrum voor Mensenrechten- TCHR
Stellingmolen 43
1703 TE Heerhugowaard

THE NETHERLANDS

Contact person : I. Chinniah

TCHR-SWITZERLAND Tamilen Zentrum fur Mensenrechten – TCHR
P. o. Box : 319
8172 A?a??a?? Niederglatt, SWITZERLAND
Contact person : Thambirajah Genegatharan
Email : tchrswitzerland@hotmail.com

Published: Feb 14, 2008 4:54:34 GMT
Comments [ 1 ]:

Local bombs to kill elephants

Published on 11/02/2008 in Blogs, press coverage, Security & Safety and wild life. 2 Comments

How much does infant zantac cost Cheap lozol medicine An elephant has died in Hambantota after an explosive device which it swallowed exploded inside its mouth. This is the eleventh elephant death due to this locally made device called by A?a??E?Hakka PatasA?a??a??, reported from the area in the last few months, the Forest Department officials said. The farmers coat the bombs with animal fodder.
source:
http://www.dailymirror.lk/DM_BLOG/Sections/frmNewsDetailView.aspx?ARTID=6173

arugam pul

Published on 09/02/2008 in Blogs, From our own Correspondent, press coverage and wild life. 0 Comments

Women do penance for elephantsA?A?A? death
Order viramune coupon Saturday February 9 2008 09:44 ISTS Kaththasami Lady era over the counter

COIMBATORE: Ever since the death of three elephants in a train accident near Madukkarai recently, there has been a flurry of reports in the regional dailies about pregnant women in nearby villages doing penance on the advice of a local godman.

Believing the words of the godman that the death of the elephants is a bad omen, many women in Pannimadai village are still performing rituals like lighting A?A?A?deepamA?A?A? with ghee in the evenings and pouring water on Lord Vinayaka.

But godman Ponoothu Malai Amman Arulvaku Sithar P K Narayanasami has scoffed at the newspaper reports that he had advised the local people to do penance for the death of the elephants.

A?A?A?It is irrational to believe that pregnant women will face the wrath of god because of this accident,A?A?A? said Narayanasami, who is staying at Chinnathadagam.

A?A?A?I was upset after seeing the reports. It was all a work of imagination,A?A?A? he added. He accused his friend Rajendran, who is working as a post master in Pannimadi village, of having used his name and misguided the people for his own publicity.

A?A?A?I am a fortune-teller and why should I create panic among the people?A?A?A? he asked.

R Selvi, a resident of Pannimadai, said that on Feb 5, Rajendran approached them and said that to avoid any evil befalling pregnant women, Narayanasami had advised them to mix a variety of grass (A?A?A?arugam pulA?A?A?) in a pot of water and offer it to Lord Vinayaka. Rajendran also asked them to light A?A?A?Panja muga deepamA?A?A? in homes.

A?A?A?We have strong belief in Ponoothu Malai Amman. So we followed what he told us,A?A?A? she said.

source:
http://www.newindpress.com/NewsItems.asp?ID=IET20080208232258&Page=T&Title=
Southern+News+-+Tamil+Nadu&Topic=0

ADRA Vacancy

Published on 04/02/2008 in Blogs, From our own Correspondent, Money Matters and press coverage. 0 Comments

The Adventist Development and Relief Agency (ADRA) is a recognized international humanitarian

agency with the specific purpose of community development and disaster relief.

We are currently recruiting for the following positions based in Pottuville, Ampara with the

AMPARA COMMUNITY EMPOWERMENT PROJECT.

Capacity and Youth Leadership Coordinator

Field Officer- Technical

Health Education Field Assistants

Interested candidates please their Bio Data/CV with the following documents:

  1. Written narrative of the candidates experience as it relates to the position
  2. 1 passport photo
  3. Photocopy of National Identity Card
  4. Photocopy of your certificates diplomas, licenses or any other relevant document
  5. Two non related references with contact details
  6. A recommendation letter from the GS
  7. Certificate of Police Clearance

Submit your applications to:

ADRA Sri Lanka, Main Street, Pottuvil or via email to andrewalucas@gmail.com

Applications must be received by February 15, 2008

——————————

FOR ALL POSITIONS:

  • Must be proficient in written and spoken Tamil and English is mandatory. Fluency in Sinhala is a plus.
  • Possess personality traits such as: flexibility, patience, diplomacy, sense of humor, strong moral character and work ethic, strong attention to detail and follow through.
  • Motivation to work with all ethnic groups

oA?A?A?A? A LEVEL EDUCATION, TECHNICAL TRAININGS, 3 YEARS EXPERIENCE WORKING IN RURAL COMMUNITIES WITH GOVERNMENT, PRIVATE SECTOR OR NGO/INGOs.

DESCRIPTION OF POSITIONS

CAPACITY AND YOUTH LEADERSHIP COORDINATOR

GOALS OF POSITION:

1.A?A?A?A?A?A?A?A?A?A? TO ASSESS CAPACITY BUILDING NEEDS OF CBOs AND DEVELOP AND FACILITATE APPROPRIATE TRAINING MODULES

2.A?A?A?A?A?A?A?A?A?A? TO WORK WITH YOUTH GROUPS IN DEVELOPING PROPOSALS FOR COMMUNITY SERVICE PROJECTS

3.A?A?A?A?A?A?A?A?A?A? TO MONITOR IMPLEMENTATION OF COMMUNITY SERVICE PROJECTS BY YOUTH GROUPS

4.A?A?A?A?A?A?A?A?A?A? TO DEVELOP WAYS TO INCREASE USE OF MULTI PURPOSE CENTERS

SPECIFIC REQUIREMENTS:

1.A?A?A?A?A?A?A?A?A?A? DOCUMENTED EXPERIENCE AS A FACILITATOR OF CAPACITY BUILDING MODULES

2.A?A?A?A?A?A?A?A?A?A? DOCUMENTED EXPERIENCE WORKING WITH YOUTH IN A LEADERSHIP ROLE

FIELD OFFICER: TECHNICAL

GOALS OF POSITION:

1.A?A?A?A?A?A?A?A?A?A? Buy wellbutrin 300 mg A?A?TO ASSIST IN IMPLEMENTATION OF INFRASTRUCTURE, HOME IMPROVEMENT AND WATER SOURCING ACTIVITIES

2.A?A?A?A?A?A?A?A?A?A? TO TRAIN FIELD OFFICER ON HOW TO REPAIR HAND PUMPS AND ASSIST IN OPERATION OF A DRILLING RIG

SPECIFIC REQUIREMENTS:

1.A?A?A?A?A?A?A?A?A?A? Cheap xalatan generic DOCUMENTED TECHNICAL WORK EXPERIENCE IN AREAS SUCH AS: WATER SOURCING, HOME CONSTRUCTION (MASONRY, CEMENT WORK, LATRINE, KITCHEN CONSTRUCTION) OR INFRASTRUCTURE (ROADS, DRAINAGE, PUBLIC BUILDINGS)

HEALTH EDUCATION FIELD ASSISTANTS

GOALS OF POSITION:

1.A?A?A?A?A?A?A?A?A?A? A?A?TO ASSIST IN THE FACILITATION OF HEALTH, HYGIENE AND SANITATION MODULES

2.A?A?A?A?A?A?A?A?A?A? HEALTH EDUCATION FIELD ASSISTANTS WILL THEN CONDUCT HOME VISITS TO FOLLOW UP ON LEARNINGS FROM EDUCATION MODULES

SPECIFIC REQUIREMENTS:

1.A?A?A?A?A?A?A?A?A?A?A?A? DOCUMENTED COMMUNITY HEALTH WORK EXPERIENCE



—
Andrew Lucas
Project Director
Ampara Community Empowerment Project
ADRA Sri Lanka

cell: 077 3207498
CDMA: 063 4921684

Massive development plan for North and East

Published on 29/01/2008 in From our own Correspondent and press coverage. 0 Comments

The Government yesterday announced a massive development plan under the Reawakening programme to restore livelihoods through new agriculture and irrigation projects aimed at a sustainable social and economic integration of the community in the Northern and Eastern Provinces.

Continue reading ‘Massive development plan for North and East’

Arugam Bay Master Plan

Published on 27/01/2008 in Blogs, Ideas, Money Matters, press coverage and the bay. 1 Comment
Rebuilding Sri Lanka for Tourists:
A Report on the Latest Situation
Movement for National Land and Agricultural Reform (MONLAR), Sri Lanka

After the December 2004 tsunami struck, devastating the countries of South and Southeast Asia, the Sri Lankan government moved quickly to announce the launch of a grand plan not just to rehabilitate the affected areas but to rebuild the whole country. They have since gathered commitments of over $3 billion from the international financial institutions and foreign governments to carry this out.

Within days of the disaster, the government had announced that people should not rebuild their houses on the coast. Within weeks, an exclusion zone of up to 200 metres inland from the coast had been announced, displacing fisherfolk and other coastal communities from their land and effectively severing them from their livelihoods. Shortly afterwards, exceptions were announced for tourist businesses, and the government has been talking about the need to promote tourism. In the meantime, non-governmental agencies have been carrying out almost all of the work in cleaning up the destroyed areas, building temporary shelters, regenerating livelihoods and so on.

The Sri Lanka Tourist Board website says, A?a??A?In a cruel twist of fate, nature has presented Sri Lanka with a unique opportunity, and out of this great tragedy will come a world class tourism destination.A?a??A? However, this A?a??A?unique opportunityA?a??A? seems to be reserved solely for developers and those who can afford a A?a??A?world-class tourist destination,A?a??A? but for the majority of tsunami survivors, the opportunity for rebuilding their lives with dignity and sustainability will be lost. For them, the A?a??A?cruel twist of fateA?a??A? was not in the tsunami, but lies in the governmentA?a??a??s tourist- and business-oriented rebuilding plan.

The Master Plans: Arugam Bay, a Blueprint for Sri Lanka

Plans are now being developed to transform 15 coastal towns all around the island into tourist resorts as part of the post- tsunami rebuilding process. The 15 towns under discussion, Wadduwa, Beruwala, Bentota, Hikkaduwa, Galle, Unawatuna, Koggala, Matara, Hambantota, Tangalla, Yala, Arugam Bay, Passikuddah, Nilaweli and Kalpitiya, have been singled out for redevelopment according to different themes.

The first plan to emerge was that for the redevelopment of Arugam Bay, a small town nestled on the edge of a 300 hectare lagoon on the east coast of Sri Lanka, which just happens to be one of the best surfing spots in the world with beautiful beaches. There are indications that this will serve as a model for all the other areas.

Redevelopment Plans A?a??A? Grandiose and InappropriateA?a??A?

The Arugam Bay Resource Development Plan covers a stretch of land 17km by 5km between Komari and Panama, including Pottuvil Town. It envisages the total reorientation of the area away from the current fishing and agricultural communities, supplemented by seasonal guesthouses, into a large development of hotels (A?a??A?low cost budget windsurfer to 5-star touristA?a??A?), a commercial centre (A?a??A?shoppersA?a??a?? paradiseA?a??A?), a yachting marina, floating plane pier and helipad. According to the plan, while only 9 out of 25,000 hectares are currently being used for tourism, this figure is set to increase exponentially through the redevelopment.

Consultants contracted to work on the redevelopment admit that they, A?a??A?have drawn heavily upon past plans (esp. the Tourism Master Plan)A?a??A?which was widely recognised as being A?a??E? grandioseA?a??a?? and A?a??E?inappropriateA?a??a??,A?a??A? referring to a report of the Asian Development Bank. The disconnect between the planned development and the interests of the people is illustrated in the following quote, A?a??E?the location of the helicopter pad near the new pedestrianised road will bring a new vibrant life in to Arugam Bay town centreA?a??a??.

Government Coercion Forces Out Coastal Communities

In the name of A?a??A? redevelopment,A?a??A? the Sri Lanka Tourist Board is ready to acquire not only all the land within the buffer zone declared by the Taskforce for Rebuilding the Nation (TAFREN) of 200 metres from the high tide line, but also a stretch up to a kilometre wide running along 3 kilometres of the coast beyond the buffer zone, as well as a belt of land over 600 metres wide in places around the edge of the lagoon. In addition, an area of sea next to the lagoon entrance will be appropriated for the yachting marina and a strip across the middle of the lagoon for the floating plane landing pier.

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This proprietary sentiment was reflected in statements made by the Sri Lanka Tourist Board Chairman at a meeting organised by Sewalanka Foundation between the community and the Sri Lanka Tourist Board. Saying, A?a??A?The land belongs to the government. Maybe your forefathers lived in that area, but the 860 acres belongs to the government. It will be developed as a tourist zone. We will put up buildings and develop the area and we will ask you to come and work thereA?a??A? After I became the Chairman I captured 5,000 acres of land for the Tourist Board. My target is 15,000 acres,A?a??A? the Chairman left no room for doubt about the true nature of the plans for reconstruction.

There are plans for new housing for the estimated 5,000 displaced families in 5 separate inland locations, in all cases behind areas zoned off for tourism. These resettlements are located well over 1km from both the sea and the lagoon, which are rendered practically inaccessible by the new tourist infrastructure. The plan proposes to allocate houses in the resettlement districts by drawing lots, and there is blatant coercion to move from the government, saying through the Tourist Board that A?a??A?these houses will be given to people who support our program.A?a??A? Further threats from the Tourist Board hint at state oppression of non- compliants, threatening communities that A?a??A?if you built any illegal structures in Arugam Bay, the army and the police will have to come and remove them.A?a??A?
The document also says that the over 70 existing guesthouses and numerous other small enterprises that will have to be relocated would, if they were already registered businesses, be given the option of leasing land within the zones for a period of up to 30 years, while unregistered businesses would have no such rights. None of the businesses will receive compensation.

$80 Million of Tsunami Funds Spent on Creating a A?a??A?Tourist ParadiseA?a??A?

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The initial investment in the planned development is estimated at $80 million. Of that, $50 million is earmarked for a bridge over Arugam Lagoon, which according to the plan A?a??A?will stand as an inspirational symbol that shows progress towards the achievement of prosperity for Arugam BayA?a??A? as A?a??A?the gateway to a tourist paradise.A?a??A?

Another $5 million is allocated for a new road around Arugam Lagoon, and $20 million is proposed for the construction of the new inland townships of 2,500 houses each. The remaining $5 million is slated for water supply and sanitation systems in the new townships and the tourist zone. The cost of the other proposed infrastructure, such as the floating plane pier and helipad, is not yet included in the overall plan, although it is stated in the document that such amenities will have to be funded either by investment by the government or from NGOs.

================================

What else could $80 million do?

The government has decided to stop the weekly food grant of 200 rupees in cash and 175 rupees in rations for the 881,000 people affected by the disaster. $80 million would be sufficient to extend this relief for all for another 6 months.

The government has only started to build 1,659 permanent houses to replace the 41,393 that were completely destroyed, a mere fraction of the housing desperately needed by tsunami victims. $80 million would be enough for 32,000 families to build houses.

================================

Redevelopment Plan Conceived in Isolation

The plan was apparently initiated independently by the Rebuild Sri Lanka Trust, which was set up in the aftermath of the tsunami by 4 individuals and started working in the Arugam Bay area as a A?a??A?non- political private sector initiative.A?a??A? The Trustees include the managing director of Maxim Ltd., a garment manufacturing company; a senior partner in a Colombo law firm, specialising in foreign investment, infrastructure development advisory services and real estate; the Managing Director of Expolanka Freight Ltd, a transport services company; and a retired doctor.

The Rebuild Sri Lanka Trust had within a month of the tsunami contracted a series of consultants to work on the plan. These are Dutch engineering consultants Arcadis; ECOPLAN-Z Limited from New Zealand; and EML Consultants from Sri Lanka. All of these consultants are involved in or are directly linked to work on large Asian Development Bank or World Bank infrastructure projects. The local company, EML Consultants, according to their website, normally works in facilitating US investment in water and environmental services, in carbon trading and in the promotion of plantation agriculture and floriculture.

The plan was finalised in late April of this year, and states that at the time of writing the President had already given approval, and was A?a??A?keen to see the action projects proposed in the report are implemented without delay.A?a??A? In fact, USAID had already published a presolicitation notice for a contract to construct the bridge, road, water supply scheme and wastewater system in Arugam Bay by 8th April 2005, and hosted a pre-bid conference for potential contractors in Colombo on 10th May 2005.

The first the residents of Arugam Bay heard of the plan was at a meeting organised by the Sri Lanka Tourist Board and Sewalanka Foundation in Colombo on 17th May 2005, nearly a month after the plan had been approved and finalized by the government, and more than a month after the USAID presoliciation notice was issued.

An assessment of the plan carried out by Arcadis said A?a??A?the most important shortcoming is that it has largely been produced in isolation in Colombo, with little or no stakeholder involvement. It is evident that the team spent only two days in Pottuvil – Arugam Bay, and apart from the GA officer in Ampara and the DS in Pottuvil, they met only with INGO staff.A?a??A?

================================

Business Interests at the Top

The plan falls under the remit of the Taskforce for Rebuilding the Nation (TAFREN), an extra-governmental body functioning under the authority of the President. TAFREN is headed by 10 business leaders, at least 5 of whom own or manage companies that operate beach hotels.

================================

For Tsunami Victims, Another A?a??A?Cruel Twist of FateA?a??A? In Store

The picture that is becoming clearer by the day shows that the direction being taken in the post-tsunami rebuilding is completely counter to the interests of those people who have suffered in the disaster. They are being driven off their land and out of their livelihoods in the name of a grand plan for the A?a??E?modernisationA?a??a?? of the country.

This process started long before tsunami, but it is now being pushed with the weight of the $3 billion the government has gathered in the name of the tsunami victims. If all of the 15 tourist townships require an investment of $80 million, the cost will be $1.2 billion, or a massive 40% of the total amount committed. If all of the 15 tourist township plans follow the model of Arugam Bay, the number of families pushed out to make way for hotels, yachting marinas, helipads and floating plane landing strips could be well over 75,000.

source:
http://www.50years.org/cms/ejn/story/274
published September, 2005 – but only found on the net now, January, 2008

Sport sans Frontieres Blog

Published on 23/01/2008 in Blogs, press coverage, services and the bay. 0 Comments

Salut,

Le petit billet du jour aura pour thA?A?me mon boulot au Sri Lanka.

JA?a??a??ai A?A?tA?A? recrutA?A? comme responsable de programme par Sport Sans FrontiA?A?res (SSF) (www.sportsansfrontieres.org) pour une durA?A?e dA?a??a??un an. La mission existe depuis maintenant 3 ans (mission post tsunami).

A?A?

Pendant un an je vais habiter avec Valentine (enfin dA?A?jA?A? surnommA?A?e violette pour des raisons dont je suis innocent), chef de mission, et Guillaume, responsable de programme (il sA?a??a??occupe de 22 A?A?coles de la ville de Pottuvil, et coordonne et forme les animateurs de lA?a??a??A?A?quipe et des instituteurs locaux). La premiA?A?re est de Aix en Provence, le second palois.

A?A?

Mes missions sont multiples car je suis responsable de 3 programmes diffA?A?rents.

A?E?A?A?A?A?A?A?A?A?A?A? Le premier, appelA?A? A?A?A?A?Youth ClubA?A?A?A?. Ce sont en fait des centres sportifs crA?A?A?A?s par SSF, et encadrA?A?s par des animateurs locaux que nous encadrons et formons. Ils sont au nombre de 6. Ces centres sportifs sont ouverts 4 jours par semaine. Mon rA?A?le est donc dA?a??a??en faire le tour, dA?a??a??A?A?valuer les sA?A?ances des animateurs, et de faire une rA?A?union une fois par semaine afin de continuer leur formation et de rebondir sur ce qui a A?A?tA?A? fait (en bien ou en mal). Notre but sur ce projet est la pA?A?rennitA?A? des youth club pour 2009, mais A?A?galement leur autonomie, tout comme celle des animateurs.

A?E?A?A?A?A?A?A?A?A?A?A? Le second, appelA?A? formation A?A?A?A?AkkarapatuA?A?A?A? (du nom de la ville oA?A? se passe la formation, A?A? 1h30 de route dA?a??a??ici). Il sA?a??a??agit pour moi de former des instituteurs dA?A?jA?A? en poste, et cela une aprA?A?s-midi par semaine pendant toute lA?a??a??annA?A?e. Mon but est de leur faire intA?A?grer le sport comme outil A?A?ducatif. La tache nA?a??a??est pas aisA?A?e dans un pays oA?A? le sport nA?a??a??existe que par le cricket et la compA?A?tition de haut niveau. Point de sport A?A? lA?a??a??A?A?cole ici.

Ce programme concerne 40 personnes que je dois en plus suivre sur le terrain une fois par semaine (ils sont rA?A?partis par groupes de 2). Au final, il y a un examen thA?A?orique ainsi quA?a??a??une note concernant la pratique.

A?E?A?A?A?A?A?A?A?A?A?A? Le troisiA?A?me, appelA?A? formation A?A?A?A?AddelachchenaiA?A?A?A? (du nom de la ville oA?A? se passe la formation, A?A? 2h de route dA?a??a??ici). Elle est plus ou moins la mA?A?me que la prA?A?cA?A?dente, mais lA?A? ce sont es professeurs et instituteurs en formations. Je lA?a??a??ai aurais une aprA?A?s-midi par semaine (3h) en thA?A?orie, et 1h30 en pratique par semaine, et cela pendant 6 mois. Puis les 6 derniers mois, ils seront en stage dans des A?A?coles, avec obligations de faire pratiquer le sport une fois par semaine A?A? leurs A?A?lA?A?ves.

Ils sont au nombre de 20 et sont rA?A?partis sur une surface qui va mA?a??a??amener A?A? faire beaucoup de route (vraiment beaucoup car 4h de route pour A?A?valuer des A?A?lA?A?ves, cA?a??a??a fait vraiment beaucoup). Buy astelin online

La encore je dois crA?A?er lA?a??a??ensemble des contenus de cours, et les A?A?valuer.

A?A?

Voila un petit peu de quoi va A?A?tre composA?A? mon quotidien. Pas de tout repos. Mais ne vous en faites pas, il y a plein de choses que je vais faire en dehors du boulot. A commencer par surfer. Mais aussi visiter ce beau pays quA?a??a??A?A? lA?a??a??air dA?a??a??A?A?tre le Sri Lanka (malgrA?A? le fait quA?a??a??en ce moment, pour raisons de sA?A?curitA?A?, nos dA?A?placements dans le pays soient trA?A?s limitA?A?s).

Sport Sans Frontieres (Nicolas DASSIE)
Central Road

Cheap bestina reviews

Pottuvil 08 (Sri Lanka)

tel portable:

source:
http://nicosrilanka.spaces.live.com/default.aspx

Virtual Globe Trotting: Sri Lanka

Published on 23/01/2008 in Blogs, Ideas, press coverage and the bay. 1 Comment
January 22nd, 2008

One of my greatest wishes and goals in life is to travel around the world and explore. I would like to have what I call little mini adventures. I love the sense of freedom you get when you travel. Like you can leave all the other stuff in your life at home and just enjoy the pleasures and sites of someplace new, try new things, eat new foods and just explore.

Since I canA?a??a??t just pick up and leave for these great adventures whenever I want, I do still want to learn about new places and cultures and sites. My not so very original idea instead is to read travel guides or watch videos about the places I would like to visit.

Recently while surfing channels on the TV, I found a series called Globe Trekker on PBS. I watched a program last night on Sri Lanka and the Maldives. One of the places the host visited was the Buy accutane 5 mg Pinnewala Elephant Orphanage in Kegalle, Hill Country, Sri Lanka. Apparently when the farmers started taking over more and more land to tea plantations, the elephants were driven out. The orphanage is home to these displaced elephants and also home to many injured elephants due to land mines. You can visit and observe them feeding the elephants as well as watch them go in the water for bath time, which was totally adorable and really tugs the heart strings.

I also found her visit to Arugam Bay in Ampara, Southeast Sri Lanka, Southeast Asia Bupron purchase to really interesting. Because of an ongoing civil war with the Tamil Tigers, the region has its share of terrorist activities occasionally. But apparently both sides of this war, donA?a??a??t have a problem with tourists visiting the area. Some of the most beautiful beaches are there and hard core surfers from around the world go there to surf. I thought their travel advice was pretty practical. ItA?a??a??s like anywhere else in the world, there are good areas and bad, just stay in the areas that are good and donA?a??a??t just wander around, because youA?a??a??ll run into problems. They used NYC has an analogy for this.

As for the Maldives Islands, there are 1190 of them. Tourists can only stay on a fraction of them. I learned they are very careful about conservation on those islands and the sea surrounding them. The host was saying that the islands are a divers paradise and I can believe it. The sea life was really quite amazing.

One of the cool things about learning in general to me is making connections. For example this morning when checking Google news I came across an article about Sri Lanka and the Tamil Tigers. I can honestly say that normally I would probably have passed over that article and never read it. But now that IA?a??a??ve watched that program and understand a bit more about the conflict goin on and seeing the people who live there, its a connection.

Anyway, just thought I would share my little virtual journey. Check out the program and links. Enjoy!!

source:
http://gottahavemoxie.org/blogs/2008/01/22/virtual-globe-trotting-sri-lanka-and-the-
maldives/