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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
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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

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’

Reconsider your need to travel to Sri Lanka !

Published on 14/01/2008 in Blogs, press coverage and Security & Safety. 1 Comment

Safety and Security

Terrorism

Terrorism is a threat throughout the world. You can find more information about this threat in our General Advice to Australian Travellers.

Civil Unrest/Political Tension

We advise you to reconsider your need to travel to Sri Lanka at this time because of ongoing civil unrest, the volatile security situation and the very high risk of further attacks by the LTTE. There have been attacks against aid workers. Attacks occur frequently and further attacks can happen at any time, anywhere in Sri Lanka, including the south. Australians could inadvertently become victims of violence directed at others.
Tensions between the Government of Sri Lanka and the Liberation Tigers of Tamil Eelam (LTTE) are high. There has been a significant escalation in the number of serious incidents of politically motivated violence, including in tourist areas in the centre and south of the country. On 2 January 2008, the Government of Sri Lanka announced it would withdraw from the ceasefire agreement it signed in 2002 with the LTTE. The security situation could deteriorate further without warning.
You should pay close attention to your personal security and monitor the media and other local information sources for information about possible new safety or security risks.
On 27 November 2006, the LTTE indicated that it would pursue an independent state through renewed struggle rather than negotiation. Road access to the north of the country, including to Jaffna, has been restricted because of intermittent fighting at Muhamalai. A State of Emergency was declared by the Government of Sri Lanka on 13 August 2005 following the assassination of the Foreign Minister and remains in effect. The State of Emergency gives additional powers to security forces including the authority to establish road blocks and impose curfews. Further powers were given to the security forces under emergency regulations introduced in December 2006.
Air and ground attacks in late 2007 in areas held by the LTTE escalated the conflict in the north. On 2 November 2007, the LTTE announced that the leader of its political wing was killed in an aerial attack by the Sri Lanka Air Force. These events may increase the risk of further attacks by the LTTE in any part of Sri Lanka, including Colombo.
On 5 December 2007, 15 civilians on a public bus in North Central Province were killed and 23 injured in a roadside bomb attack.
On 28 November 2007, an explosion in a clothing shop in a Colombo suburb killed 20 civilians and injured 34. These attacks appear to have targeted civilians. Also on 28 November 2007, a suicide bombing at a government ministry in central Colombo killed two people and injured a further two. On 2 January 2008, a roadside bomb targeting a military bus killed four people and injured 23 in central Colombo. The majority of those killed and injured were civilians. On 8 January 2008, a Sri Lankan government minister was killed and 10 civilians injured in a roadside bomb attack targeting the minister’s convoy. The attack took place on the road between Colombo’s international airport and the city centre. A second blast occurred in a phone booth near major hotels in the Fort district and the headquarters of the Sri Lankan Air Force headquarters.
Although tourists have not been targets of politically motivated violence, the LTTE have undertaken attacks at locations frequented by tourists, including the international airport in Colombo and the Temple of the Tooth in Kandy. There has been a significant escalation in the number of serious incidents of politically motivated violence throughout Sri Lanka, including in tourist areas in the centre and south. On 22 October 2007, the LTTE launched a ground and air attack on the Sri Lanka Air Force base at Anuradhapura, near the popular tourism facilities in the cultural triangle. The attack killed over 30 people and destroyed several military aircraft. Several bombs were reportedly dropped on the base during the attack. On 15 October 2007, the LTTE attacked a military camp located in Yala National Park, a popular tourist location, killing eight people. On 16 October 2007, a military vehicle hit a landmine in Yala National Park in Southern Province killing one and injuring three people.
Attacks could occur at any time and in any place, including infrastructure associated with the Sri Lankan Government such as military establishments, public transport, airports, sea ports, oil depots and public buildings, as well as political offices of anti-LTTE Tamil organisations. Nearby locations could sustain collateral damage. Potentially affected locations also include shopping malls, clubs, hotels, restaurants, bars, movie theatres, schools, places of worship, embassies, tourist areas (including national parks), markets and outdoor recreation areas, major sporting events and religious festivals.
Events of political significance, including elections, could be catalysts for violence and civil unrest. You should avoid all demonstrations and large public gatherings as they may turn violent.
You should be particularly vigilant on and around anniversaries and days of national significance such as May Day (1 May), Vesak (which falls in May), the Kandy Esela Perahara Festival (which falls in August), Heroes week (late November), the Tamil and Sinhala New Year festivals (13-14 April), the anniversary of the 2002 cessations of hostilities (22 February) and of the first LTTE suicide bombing (5 July), as militants have in the past used such occasions to mount attacks. Security forces discovered an explosive device and components for an explosive device in central Colombo in early October 2007. On 23 August 2007 police arrested five men for allegedly planning an attack on the Kandy Esela Perahara Festival. There were further arrests on 26 August 2007 following the recovery of an unexploded bomb on a street in Kandy.
On 28 May 2007 a bomb blast near a Sri Lankan Air Force base south of Colombo killed at least seven civilians and injured more than 35 other people, including Sri Lankan Police personnel. On 29 April 2007 Tamil Tiger aircraft bombed the Sri Lanka Air Force (SLAF) base at Ratmalana and an oil refinery in Colombo. On 26 April 2007 the Bandaranaike International Airport near the capital Colombo and its access roads were temporarily closed when Sri Lankan troops at the nearby SLAF base at Katunayeke fired anti-aircraft guns following reports a Tamil Tiger aircraft was in the area. The LTTE launched aerial attacks on the SLAF base on 26 March 2007, forcing the temporary closure of Bandaranaike International Airport, and on the SLAF base at Palali, Jaffna on 23 April 2007, killing armed forces personnel. The Sri Lankan Government has warned more aerial attacks could occur, including, but not limited to, in the High Security Zone in Colombo 1 and 2 suburbs and parts of Colombo 3 suburb where a number of international hotels are located.
You should avoid anti-aircraft batteries and their immediate surroundings, including high-rise buildings, especially during blackouts. New batteries have been established in central Colombo in areas frequented by tourists, including hotels. . In the event of anti-aircraft fire you should stay indoors in a secure location because of the risk of falling projectiles and shrapnel. You should also avoid travelling at night time when anti-aircraft fire is more likely to occur. On 29 April 2007, 14 people were injured and buildings were damaged after anti-aircraft weapons were fired over Colombo.
In the event of a Sri Lankan Government-enforced security related blackout, Australian government officials have been advised to avoid anti-aircraft batteries and their surroundings, including tall buildings and to take cover in a secured area for protection against projectiles, likely to be on the ground floor of an internal room with solid concrete walls and ceiling and no, or limited, windows. If unable to leave a tall building, they have been advised to take cover in an inner room with solid walls using heavy furniture for additional overhead protection. They have been further advised to stay indoors for at least one hour after the cessation of firing of any anti-aircraft guns.
Due to the on-going conflict, the SLAF base at Katunayeke could be targeted at any time. The co-located international airport could be closed without warning and commercial aircraft could be at risk, particularly at night. In light of the increased threat, some airlines have suspended flights to Colombo or changed flight schedules suspending commercial late night flights. We recommend you contact your airline to confirm flight details.
Recent reports indicate that terrorists may be planning suicide attacks against the headquarters of the Sri Lanka Air Force (SLAF) in Sir Chitampalam A Gardiner Mawatha in central Colombo and the main SLAF fighter wing at Katunayake, collocated with Bandaranaike International Airport, the country’s main international airport.
Truck bombings could occur at any time in any part of Sri Lanka. You should exercise extreme caution, maintain high personal security awareness and avoid locations known to be targeted by terrorists in Sri Lanka. On 24 July 2007 a roadside bomb targeting a military bus in Mannar district killed nine soldiers. On 24 May 2007 a road side bomb targeting a military bus was detonated in the Fort Area of the Colombo 15 suburb near the port and naval base, killing one soldier and injuring several others, including civilians.
We are aware of media reports that the High Security Zone Residents’ Liberation Force (HSZRLF) has threatened to attack civilian targets in the south including hospitals and dams. The Ellalan Force, which claimed responsibility for the bombing of civilian buses on 5 and 6 January 2007, issued a statement on 21 January threatening further attacks.
Northern areas (including Wilpattu National Park): We advise you not to travel to the north of Sri Lanka, including the area north of the highway between Puttalam, Anuradhapura and Polonaruwa and Wilpattu National Park. An explosion in Wilpattu National Park in May 2006 killed seven visitors. The Government of Sri Lanka and the LTTE have engaged in significant battles in the area between Mannar and Omanthai near Vavuniya, as well as Muhamalai in Jaffna. In October 2007, the government began a new offensive against LTTE positions north of Giant Tank near Adampan in Mannar district.
East and south-eastern areas (including Yala National Park): We advise you not to travel east of Pollonaruwa town on the A11 road or to points east of a straight line between Polonaruwa town and the South Coast, passing through Badulla including Yala National Park. On 16 October 2007, the LTTE attacked an army camp in Panama in Ampara district in the east. A day earlier, the LTTE attacked a military camp in Yala National Park in Southern Province near Hambantota. Eight people were killed. Vehicles travelling in Yala National Park hit landmines in October and November 2007. Vehicles have reportedly been attacked with improvised explosive devices in the vicinity of Yala National Park and Kataragama in the South-East.
There have been incidents of violence against aid workers. On 20 August 2007, a member of the Danish Demining Group was shot dead in Jaffna, while his co-worker was injured. On 23 June 2007 an aid worker with the Danish Refugee Council was shot dead in Jaffna. On 2 June 2007, two volunteer Red Cross workers were abducted from a train station and murdered. On 13 June 2007, an expatriate aid worker with Mercy Corps was shot on a beach at the Club Oceanic Hotel in Trincomalee.
The Government of Sri Lanka and the LTTE have engaged in significant battles in Mannar district between Adampan and Madhu, as well as near Omanthai in Vavuniya district and in the general vicinity of Trincomalee. In November 2007, the Government of Sir Lanka attempted to breach the LTTE’s defences in Jaffna. Military strikes have also occurred in the Batticaloa, Ampara, Mannar, Mulaitivu, Killinochchi and Hambantota districts. Travellers have inadvertently been caught up in these actions. An attack on a passenger train on 6 June 2007 in Batticaloa district derailed several carriages and caused injuries to a number of civilians. A passenger train was attacked with an improvised bomb on 18 December 2007 in Trincomalee, causing no injuries.
Reports indicate a pro-government Tamil paramilitary faction has threatened aid workers operating in Eastern Province.
If you are already in the “Do Not Travel” areas described above, including the Wilpattu or Yala National Parks, and concerned for your safety, you should consider departing if it is safe to do so. Politically motivated violence including assassinations, bombings in public places and on roads is escalating and there is widespread civil unrest. Communal and inter-ethnic tensions in these regions are very high and further violence is highly likely, particularly between Muslim communities on the east coast and pro-government Tamil paramilitaries.

Crime

There is a danger of kidnapping for ransom of foreign nationals in Sri Lanka, including in Colombo. All Australians in Sri Lanka, particularly those of Sri Lankan Tamil origin, should ensure that appropriate identification is carried at all times.
Violent crime continues to increase, including sexual assault and robbery. Policing in remote areas is often hampered by a lack of resources and poor infrastructure.
There have been incidents of violence against aid workers. On 2 June 2007, two volunteer Red Cross workers were abducted from a train station and murdered. On 13 June 2007, an expatriate aid worker with Mercy Corps was shot on a beach at the Club Oceanic Hotel in Trincomalee.
Petty crime such as pick-pocketing and bag snatching occurs, particularly on public transport.

Local Travel

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Due to the volatile security situation in Sri Lanka, Australian government officials and dependants have been advised to limit travel (particularly at night), maintain a high degree of awareness at roadblocks and checkpoints and avoid using public transport. Australian diplomatic and consular staff have also been advised to exercise heightened security vigilance, avoid travel to locations that may be potential targets and curtail all non-essential travel. Anti-aircraft batteries and their immediate surroundings, including high-rise buildings, should also be avoided. In the event of anti-aircraft fire you should stay indoors in a secure location because of the risk of falling projectiles and shrapnel.
Security personnel may impose curfews, roadblocks and security checks at short notice across the country, and may require proof of identification, such as your current passport.
There can be lengthy delays when travelling to the airport as a result of checkpoints established by the security forces. Sections of the road to the airport are occasionally closed at night, requiring all traffic to be diverted along narrow local roads. Travellers should allow adequate time for security checks on the road to the airport and maintain a high degree of security vigilance if diverted from the main road along the narrow local road system.
Check points between government held areas and “uncleared areas”, (i.e. areas controlled by the LTTE) including on the main A-9 highway which links the north and south of the country, can be closed without notice. The checkpoint at Muhamalai, the entry point to Jaffna, has been closed since 11 August.
Transport conditions throughout Sri Lanka are hazardous. There are a high number of road deaths and injuries, particularly on inter-city buses and three-wheeler taxis. The standard of driving and vehicle maintenance is poor. There have been a number of fatal accidents on Sri Lankan railways in recent years.
Marked and unmarked landmines are widespread in parts of the north and east, especially in Vanni, Jaffna and along the A9 road in the north.
On 28 December 2005 the Government of Sri Lanka announced arrangements for foreigners seeking to enter the uncleared areas of the north and east which are presently under LTTE control. Foreign staff of diplomatic missions, international organisations and international non-government organisations accredited with the Sri Lankan Ministry of Foreign Affairs will be allowed to cross entry and exit checkpoints into uncleared areas without restriction. All other foreigners must seek approval from the Sri Lankan Ministry of Defence before being allowed to enter uncleared areas. For advice on the location of uncleared areas, you can contact the Sri Lankan Ministry of Defence on telephone number (+94 11) 243 3215.
Road access between Jaffna and the rest of Sri Lanka has been closed since 11 August 2006. The LTTE has refused to guarantee the safety of shipping in waters around Jaffna. On 9 November 2006, LTTE Sea Tigers attacked Sri Lankan Navy ships escorting a passenger ferry from Trincomalee to Jaffna. The LTTE launched a suicide attack against a cargo vessel in Jaffna on 21 January 2006. Australians in Jaffna who wish to depart should do so by air.
The waters around the northern and eastern coast of Sri Lanka are declared restricted zones by the Government of Sri Lanka. Government security forces have fired upon unauthorised vessels in coastal areas. In September 2006 a vessel was destroyed in waters beyond the territorial sea.
Piracy occurs in the coastal areas of Sri Lanka. The LTTE hi-jacked a Jordanian cargo vessel off the north-east coast in December 2006. See our travel advice on shipping and ports for more information. The International Maritime Bureau issues weekly piracy reports on its website.

Airline Safety

Due to the on-going conflict, the SLAF base at Katunayeke could be targeted at any time. The co-located international airport could be closed without warning and commercial aircraft could be at risk, particularly at night. We recommend you contact your airline to confirm flight details.
Passengers on international flights to and from Australia are only allowed to carry a small amount of liquids (including aerosols and gels) in their carry-on baggage. You can find out more information at the Department of Infrastructure, Transport, Regional Development and Local Government website. Similar restrictions apply to flights in an increasing number of countries. Contact your airline for further information.
If you have concerns about the safety standards of a particular airline or aircraft, we recommend you research the airline or aircraft through organisations such as Australia’s Civil Aviation Safety Authority Pristiq price with insurance and the International Civil Aviation Organisation (ICAO). The Department of Infrastructure, Transport, Regional Development and Local Government has published fact sheets on security for air travellers. When staff at Australia’s overseas missions are advised not to use particular airlines due to safety concerns this will be included in travel advice.
The European Union (EU) has published a list of airlines that are subject to operating bans or restrictions within the EU. The United States Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) through its foreign assessment program focuses on a country’s ability, not the individual airline, to adhere to international standards and recommended practices for aircraft operations and maintenance established by ICAO.
source:
http://joyceheyzer.spaces.live.com/Blog/cns!79F27886F50B9A13!1961.entry?wa=
wsignin1.0

Floods everywhere

Published on 12/01/2008 in people, press coverage and wild life. 0 Comments

Cheapest aciclovir cream Floods devastate lives across globe (11 January 2008)

Purchase parietal pleura Floods have wreaked havoc across the world this week as heavy rain hit Southern Africa, Australia, the US, Sri Lanka and Britain.

An Australian woman was killed after flood waters in New South Wales swept her car from a causeway on Saturday.

Thousands were left stranded in eastern parts of the country after some of the worst flooding the country has seen in more than 20 years following a long period of drought.

Aid agencies warned of the risk of diseases from dirty water after floods devastated parts of Zambia, Mozambique and Zimbabwe at the beginning of the week.

Chris McIvor, Save the Children’s director in Mozambique, said: “The warning bells have been ringing for two weeks. The flooding could get a lot worse very quickly.

“We know that what children will need most urgently is shelter, clean water to drink and enough food to eat.”

Officials estimated that millions had been forced to flee their homes and several people are believed to have died.

The downpour has also drowned livestock and left many fields waterlogged, raising the prospect of food shortages in the months to come.

Monsoon flooding forced about 30,000 people in eastern Sri Lanka to take refuge in temporary shelters, according to officials.

Homes in the eastern district of Ampara, a largely flat agricultural area that was hit by the 2004 tsunami, had to be abandoned after heavy rain began on Monday.

Governor Arnold Schwarzenegger declared a state of emergency in several parts of California after heavy rain and strong winds lashed the state, causing flash floods, mudslides, heavy snow and power cuts.

Torrential downpours also came to Britain at the end of the week, leaving homes and businesses in Ireland and north Wales hit particularly hard by floodwater.

Kate Martin

source:
http://www.edie.net/news/news_story.asp?id=14035&channel=0

#68 Mambo’s Surf Cafe

Published on 08/01/2008 in accomodation, From our own Correspondent, press coverage and the bay. 15 Comments

2013 update:

Our local correspondents regret that they are unable to provide any further photos, comments or news from this #68 establishment.
Aygestin generic name This is due to the fact that “Mambo’s” management (or their manager) have banned them Order bentyl 10mg from their premises. Even a young child wasA?threatenedA?by him (a Mr. “Ranga”) and a group of A?”Mambo” supporters. We deeply regret this weirdA?behaviourA?and sad incident. And will no longer support or mention this particularA?establishmentA?in future.

However, anyone else isA?herebyA?invited to contribute to this page and post.
Below is an extract from our earlier post.

Arugam.info has not left the boys from Hikkaduwa out for any other reason, but for the fact that their brilliant place is not situated on the main road as such.
In fact, #68 Mambo’s can’t be accessed by road at all: The well developed complex is actually located on the sandy beach, near famous surf point itself. Only a 4×4 can be driven there, across the beach front.

A bit of history:}
Mambo is a house hold name in Hikkaduwa, on the South Coast.
The two resorts are Sri Lanka’s main surfing destinations.
But they have opposing seasons.
About 2003 clever business man Mr. “Mambo” decided to offer all year round facilities to his mainly Japanese guests. When a local offered an ‘inaccessible’ place for sale at Arugam Bay it was time to act and the place was swiftly purchased.
Some nice bungalows were build, a restaurant constructed and best of all:
A good, new PARTY PLACE was born.

Some locals, Arugam Bay – or mostly distant PottuVille people – did not see the benefit such a new, western orientated approach would bring to the area and there has been some predictable opposition.
It has much to do with different life styles – and nothing religious or political of course.

The boys from the South do know how to attract tourists, how to make them happy, how to have a good party and how to deal with western girls:
East Coast guys may have some learning and catching up to do.
Of late, Arugam.info has been informed that Mambo may develop a branch at nearby Peanut Farm – half way between Arugam Bay and Panama.
Another brilliant choice, if so!
Because, away from all this local jealousy, in the middle of an undeveloped, peaceful and beautiful area any visitor and tourist can and will really be able to enjoy a true party in unspoiled nature settings. Without unwanted local interferences.
Arugam.info certainly welcomes #68 Mambo as a valuable contribution to the services the Bay can offer.

Simon’s Tattoo

Published on 24/12/2007 in Blogs and press coverage. 0 Comments

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Navy Divers in Panama

Published on 24/12/2007 in press coverage and the bay. 0 Comments

Private resort in Marawila attacked

Published on 06/12/2007 in front page, Money Matters, press coverage and Security & Safety. 4 Comments

A private sports resort in Marawila was set on fire by an unknown gang early last morning, the management told the Daily Mirror yesterday claiming that it was the second such attack within the past one week forcing it to shut down operations.

Aquarius Sports Resort chairman Dr. Dietmar Doering said that around 15 -20 men stormed the premises on Tuesday at the time a few German and American guests were inside, damaged property and set fire to the place.

A?a??A?On Poya day, just one week ago four rooms of our hotel, which has been leased to a local party, were smashed by the same or a related gang. A driver of a Government Minister from the area had refused to pay a bill and a subsequent fight resulted in the destruction of four of our hotel rooms and two shops in Marawila. Vehicles too were smashed. The total damage was around 15 million rupees. A settlement subsequently resolved the dispute while none of the parties claimed damages from the other party,A?a??A? Mr Doering said.

He said he had now decided to wind up his operations in the country as his life and that of his guests were under threat owing to frequent attacks on his resort.

A?a??A?Law and order is no longer in the hands or in the control of the authorities here. We are in the process of issuing warning notices to European travel trade organisations based on the incidents which happened here last night,A?a??A? he said.

When contacted by the Daily Mirror the Marawila police confirmed that an incident had taken place but refused to divulge further details.

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Arugam Bay hits the top as a A?a??E?Best DestinationA?a??a??

Published on 21/11/2007 in Blogs, Money Matters, press coverage and the bay. 0 Comments

Arugam Bay

At a packed hall of enthusiastic tourism crowds, the World Travel Market Responsible Tourism Awards Ceremony took place at Excel in Docklands London on the 14th November 2007 and Arugam Bay in Sri Lanka was awarded the A?a??E?Highly Commended Best DestinationA?a??a?? award. This recognition no doubt is a tremendous boost and an instrument for the revival and development of tourism in Arugam Bay and also adds a high profile for Sri LankaA?a??a??s tourism. There will no doubt be immeasurable publicity generated reaching the tourism industry and consumer media worldwide and this will certainly contribute towards image building of Sri Lanka as a responsible and sustainable tourism destination.

The World Travel Market (WTM) is the premier trade fair in the travel and tourism industry and draws a huge number of top executives, service providers, buyers and government tourism officials every year in November to London. Approximately 5,500 buyers and suppliers representing 202 countries and territories attend the WTM. The World Travel MarketA?a??a??s World Responsible Tourism Day was sponsored by the Virgin Holidays and held in association with the United Nations World Tourism Organization (UNWTO).

Fiona Jeffrey, Chairperson of the World Travel Market at the opening ceremony said A?a??A?WTM World Responsible Tourism Day on 14th November is the day that the aimless talking had to stop and the action began. For the first time ever we will bring the entire planet and the travel and tourism industry together in a way that has never been previously done.A?a??A?

Responsible Tourism Partnership, also a WTM World Responsible Tourism Day accredited logo user for the work its doing in the Responsible Tourism sector, says that it is delighted to have been able to assist Arugam Bay to receive this very important international tourism accolade and also recognize the work of several NGOs and organizations such as Sewalanka Foundation , Arugam Bay Tourism Association and ICEI in Arugam Bay who have been actively working rebuilding livelihoods promoting community tourism efforts. There is tremendous international interest currently in green and responsible tourism, this is strongly seen not only from the consumer side but also from the travel and tourism industry side and this international award for Arugam Bay will open the eyes of the tourism policy makers and the tourism industry to advance in sustainable tourism development.

Arugam Bay is classed among the top ten surf destinations in the world and there is so much more. The village itself is a delightful experience, there are no big hotel chains there and the community has developed tourism with their own hard work and imagination. Three star establishments rub shoulders with low-key stilt cabins and coconut palm leaf cabanas, and tourists share the beach with local fishermen. The wild and rugged scenery, elephants browsing at the edge of the village, abundant birdlife, and mysterious archaeological sites have made this a long time favourite destination for travellers.

The three ethnic groups ( Buy tadacip from india Sinhalese, Tamils and Muslims) work and live in harmony. The population is 3,000 families and tourism establishments consist mostly of small family managed hotels/guesthouses and restaurants.

The community wants community-based tourism and feel that what makes Arugam Bay attractive is the community involvement and it should not be made a mass tourism destination. In Arugam Bay, tourism not only brings money, but it also creates a vehicle for peace for three ethnic groups to work and live in harmony. Community wants to link with government and protect the lifeline to the community and create a different model for Sri Lanka Tourism. The community is not against development but demands that it should benefit the community and not keep them away and only involve outsiders. The success will be when the experiences achieved by the community are used for future development.

http://lankapage.wordpress.com/2007/11/21/sri-lanka%E2%80%99s-arugam-bay-hits-the
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Walker Construction

Published on 20/11/2007 in Money Matters and press coverage. 0 Comments

By Feizal Sameth

Colombo, Nov 20 (Bernama) — A top Malaysian conglomerate involved in construction and infrastructure development which has taken a majority stake in a Sri Lankan company is stepping up work on road development and housing projects here.

MTD Capital Bhd recently bought out Kapila Heavy Equipment Plc and last week renamed the Colombo firm as MTD Walkers Plc.

It is the company’s third subsidiary in Sri Lanka, after MTD CML Construction Ltd and MTD Construction Ceylon Pvt Ltd which handle housing and road development. MTD Walkers will tackle engineering tasks.

MTD group managing director Datuk Azmil Khalid told shareholders of MTD Walkers at an extraordinary general meeting here last week that it has submitted bids under the guidance of the Malaysian government to undertake construction of the Colombo-Kandy Alternate Highway and the Colombo-Katunayake Expressway.

Both are proposed major arteries running out of Colombo to key cities as well as the international airport complex.

He said construction of 25,000 housing units is being carried out by MTD CML at an investment cost of over 2.7 billion rupees (RM81.6 million).

In addition, MTD Walkers is marketing automated tea rollers locally and abroad in India, Africa and elsewhere. These are technically advanced machines optimising efficiency and enhancing greater profitability with minimum labour costs, he said.

MTD Capital acquired 90 percent of Kapila Heavy and also took over its management in June this year and is restructuring it.

Plans are underway to rebuild the group’s new head office in Colombo while improving the working environment of its workshops and branches at Ratnapura, Bandarawela and Galle, all outside Colombo, Azmil said.

The former Kapila Heavy has prime property in Colombo worth millions of rupees, the biggest asset of the company.

H. Channa Caldera, director of the renamed company, said it is actively pursuing infrastructure projects such as the petroleum oil storage tank for the Ceylon Petroleum Corporation as well as projects for the Sri Jayawardanepura-Kotte Municipal Council, Sri Lanka Telecom and the Dialog Telekom head office expansion.

He added that the group is also involved in local infrastructure and other development work for the Ministry of Irrigation and the Mahaweli Authority of Sri Lanka as well as the construction of a steel bridge at Arugam Bay in the Eastern Province Femcare shipping .

Walkers was one of the well-known British companies in Sri Lanka. It was sold to an Indian company, Bolts, and Hapila Heavy bought it 15 years ago.

Azmil told the meeting that the company had incurred heavy losses and the new management is in the process of cleaning the balance sheet and generating business.

— BERNAMA

source:
http://www.bernama.com.my/bernama/v3/news_business.php?id=297317

Ayurveda

Published on 18/11/2007 in press coverage, presse-deutsch, services and stop over Ideas. 2 Comments

Sri Lanka In der Heimat der Heilslehre sind Anwendungen mehr als Wellness

BlA?A?tterzA?A?hlen im Ayurveda-Dickicht

Duftende KrA?A?uter, aromatische KA?A?che, A?A?lige Massagen: zu Besuch im Resort einer Familie, die sich seit 200 Jahren der Lehre vom Wissen des Lebens widmet. Purchase methotrexate

Von Stefan Nink

Die beiden links noch, dann bin ich mir ganz sicher, dass es 87 sind. Nicht 86 oder 88, und auch nicht 92, wie ich zwischenzeitlich mal meinte. Nein: 87. Man mag gar nicht glauben, wie kompliziert es sein kann, in einer Badewanne zu liegen und BlA?A?tter zu zA?A?hlen. Das soll ich aber, damit ich nicht einnicke. Als ob diese Gefahr jemals bestehen kA?A?nnte! Das Badewasser wirft gleich BlA?A?schen, so heiA?A? ist es, und stA?A?ndig lA?A?uft mir das A?a??l in die Augen, mit dem mein Kopf eben noch massiert wurde. AuA?A?erdem piekst das Spinatzeugs, in das sie mich gepackt haben. Ich versuche, mit dem groA?A?en Zeh ein Loch in das KrA?A?uterdickicht an der WasseroberflA?A?che zu stoA?A?en. KA?A?hler wird es dadurch nicht. Zur Ablenkung kontrolliere ich noch mal das Ergebnis der ayurvedischen Algebra.

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Dass ich die BlA?A?tter des Bhodibaums zA?A?hlen soll, dessen dA?A?rres GeA?A?st A?A?ber der Wanne kront, hat der Doc empfohlen. Lord Buddha habe das auch getan. Ich dachte, der Erleuchtete habe unter einem Baum meditiert. Dass er wie ich auf kleiner Flamme gegart worden war, wusste ich nicht. Was ich aber weiA?A?, ist: Der erste Anwendungstag ist gleich vorbei, ich darf sein Ende nur nicht verschlafen.

Wenn Sie beim Stichwort “Ayurveda” von Massagen im FA?A?nf-Sterne-Resort trA?A?umen, von samtenen A?a??len und regenbogenfarbenen Gesundheits-Cocktails, die ihnen Kellner zusammen mit frischen FlauschhandtA?A?chern an den Pool bringen, wenn Sie an Duftkerzen denken und an “CafA?A? del Mar”-KlA?A?nge – eben all das, was Ihnen Frauenzeitschriften penetrant als Ayurveda verkaufen -, dann erwartet Sie hier eine unsanfte Landung in der RealitA?A?t. Das “Siddhalepa Ayurveda Health Resort” in Sri Lanka ist alles andere als ein WohlfA?A?hl-Tempel, eher der HotelgeschA?A?ftszweig des berA?A?hmtesten Ayurveda-Familienunternehmens im Land. Die Hettigodas beschA?A?ftigen sich seit mehr als 200 Jahren mit nichts anderem als mit der “Lehre vom Wissen des Lebens”. Man kann sich vorstellen, dass ihnen ayurvedische Kleidungs- und Einrichtungstipps in deutschen Lifestylemagazinen egal sind.

ZunA?A?chst bekommt jeder eine kurze EinfA?A?hrung in die Lehre vom Vid (Wissen) des Ayu (Leben). Der Doc sieht aus wie aus einem Sri-Lanka-Bildband: asketische Gestalt, markante GesichtszA?A?ge, eisgraues Haar. Und ganz traurige Augen hat er, da passt es gut, dass er erst einmal seufzt: Ayurveda erklA?A?ren? UnmA?A?glich! Nach 35 Jahren Berufserfahrung kA?A?nne er vielleicht die GrundzA?A?ge der Lehre beschreiben, mehr nicht: ,Jeder Mensch hat ein bestimmtes VerhA?A?ltnis der drei Lebensenergien Vata, Pitta und Kapha in sich. Ist dieses VerhA?A?ltnis gestA?A?rt, wird er krank. Ayurveda versucht, das ursprA?A?ngliche Gleichgewicht wiederherzustellen.” Er seufzt noch einmal, als wisse er nicht genau, was er mit mir anfangen soll. Weil ich aber nun schon mal da bin, stellt er mir Fragen zu meinem Befinden.

Dann misst er fA?A?r eine Minute den Puls und diagnostiziert: “Sie sind ein Kapha-Typ, davon ist am meisten in Ihnen. Vom Moment, als Sie aus dem Mutterleib kamen, bis zu jenem Tag, an dem man Sie sechs FuA?A? tief unter die Erde schaufelt.” Und das bedeutet? Der Arzt schaut traurig. “Sie sind ein wenig behA?A?big. Bleiben lieber sitzen, als zu laufen. Nehmen sehr schnell sehr viel zu. Sind maA?A?los beim Essen. Beim Trinken auch. Und auch beim . . .” Stopp! Es reicht! Was tun wir dagegen? Die Antwort wird von einem besonders traurigen Blick untermalt: “Man kann nichts dagegen tun. Sie sind und bleiben Kapha. Zurzeit sind Sie allerdings ziemlich aufgedreht, weil das Vata auA?A?er Kontrolle ist. Das dA?A?mpfen wir. Ansonsten lassen wir alles, wie es ist.”

In meinem Fall geht das Vata-DA?A?mpfen wie folgt: Zuerst wird mein Kopf massiert, bis ich es tief drinnen im Hirn knacksen hA?A?re. AnschlieA?A?end wird etwa ein Barrel A?a??l in meinen KA?A?rper geknetet. Und dann muss ich raus auf einen Steinweg, zum Umherwandeln. Ein bA?A?ser Architekt hat Zehntausende Kiesel in den Boden einfA?A?gen lassen, die alle mit ihrer spitzen Seite nach oben schauen. Das Umherwandeln tut hA?A?llisch weh, was mich aufregt und eigentlich kontraindiziert sein mA?A?sste. Aber die werden schon wissen, was sie tun – oder mich tun lassen.

Wie der FuA?A?weg ist die komplette Anlage nach ayurvedischen Gesichtspunkten gebaut. Die Pfade zwischen Blumen und Palmen beispielsweise folgen verwirrenden Kurven, damit sich die GA?A?ste auf den Weg konzentrieren mA?A?ssen und so den Stress vergessen, den sie zurA?A?cklieA?A?en, als sie hierherkamen. Am rundlich geschwungenen Pool, den ich mit Geborgenheit assoziiere, liegt ein deutsches PA?A?rchen. Er liest ihr aus dem “Herrn der Ringe” vor. Ich bin sicher, dass sie lA?A?ngst eingeschlafen ist.

Wie ein Fantasy-Roman hA?A?rt sich auch die Geschichte des Unternehmens an, in dessen Resort unser Feintuning A?A?berholt wird. Asoka Hettigoda erzA?A?hlt sie, Tochter des Chefs, eine zierliche, quirlige Frau, deren ayurvedischer Dreiklang ihr offenbar ein Charisma bis knapp unter die Haarwurzeln beschert . Asoka erzA?A?hlt, wie ihr UrurgroA?A?vater auf der Suche nach Weisheit in den Himalaja pilgerte. Wie er dort einen Yogi traf, der ihm die Rezeptur eines heilenden Balsams anvertraute. Wie der Yogi prophezeite, UrurgroA?A?vater werde ein VermA?A?gen mit dem Balsam verdienen. Zum Dank solle er die HA?A?lfte des Gewinns an die Armen geben. Asoka erzA?A?hlt, wie die Hettigodas seitdem 50 Prozent aus dem VerkaufserlA?A?s jenes Balsams spenden. Bis heute.

Sollte man ihre Geschichte fA?A?r eine zauberhaft gewebte Firmenlegende halten und diese A?A?berlegung versehentlich offen aussprechen, dann packt einen Anoka ins Auto und fA?A?hrt A?A?ber StraA?A?en voller Menschen, hupender Autos und auf dem Mittelstreifen meditierender KA?A?he hinaus nach Mount Lavinia. Dort haben die Hettigodas ein Ayurveda-Krankenhaus gebaut. Die Behandlung ist fA?A?r alle kostenlos. “Das hat der Yogi damals gemeint”, sagt sie und beginnt, mit jedem Patienten im Wartezimmer zu plaudern. Wie gut, dass ich behA?A?biger Kapha-Typ bin, der lieber gemA?A?tlich rumsitzt und zuhA?A?rt als aufgeregt auf spitzen Steinen zu wandeln.

Die Sprache der Einheimischen klingt A?A?brigens, als kA?A?men aus dem Mund Murmeln gerollt, ganz viele und ganz schnell, ein ganzer Sack voll bei jedem Satz. Lustigerweise sieht die Schrift auch so aus: Viele knubbelige, runde Kringel purzeln neben- und A?A?bereinander Richtung Satzende. Und erst die Namen! “Belimal, Ashwaganda Arishtaya, Dasamoola Ariwaya”. Was sich fA?A?r europA?A?ische Ohren wie eine BeschwA?A?rungsformel anhA?A?rt, sind die Zutaten fA?A?r den Cocktail des Abends, den “Herbal Dream”. Balan Pushpendran mixt ihn, der Chefkoch des Resorts. Mittags und abends taucht er am BA?A?fett auf und kontrolliert, wer was isst, denn Kapha-Menschen wie ich brauchen natA?A?rlich andere Speisen als Pitta-Wesen. Wenn Balan merkt, dass es einem schmeckt, lA?A?dt er fA?A?r den nA?A?chsten Morgen zum Ayurveda-Kochkurs in seine KA?A?che ein. Da lernt man dann, dass CurryblA?A?tter gut gegen einen hohen Cholesterinspiegel sind, scharfe Chilis dagegen keinen positiven Effekt haben. Die ayurvedische KA?A?che macht kein groA?A?es Geheimnis um ihre Kunst: vegetarisch, ein Curry als Basis, variiert mit GemA?A?sen und immer wechselnden GewA?A?rzen. “Zimt!”, ruft Balan, sei ganz wichtig fA?A?r seine Kreationen und auf Deutsch so ein schA?A?nes Wort. Er mischt den Zimt in ein Okra-Curry und reicht einen ProbierlA?A?ffel weiter. Himmlisch!

Das ist das Besondere an einem Aufenthalt im “Siddhalepa Ayurveda Health Resort”: Man darf, ach was, man soll hinter die Kulissen schauen. In Balans KA?A?che, in den KrA?A?utergarten und in die Fabrik der Hettigodas, in der 1500 Angestellte aus 800 verschiedenen KrA?A?utern ayurvedische Produkte herstellen, die ihnen landesweit fast 3000 Zulieferer lastwagenweise herankarren. Dr. Weerasingha ist 87 und so etwas wie der Spiritual Rector des Unternehmens. In der Hand hA?A?lt er ein Curryblatt und sagt mit leiser Stimme: “Sehen Sie sich dieses Blatt genau an! Haben Sie es betrachtet?” Habe ich, es ist ein Curryblatt, eindeutig. Das stimme, sagt Dr. Weerasingha, aber natA?A?rlich sei Blatt nicht gleich Blatt. “Zu welcher Jahreszeit wurde es gepflA?A?ckt? FrA?A?h morgens oder in der Mittagshitze? In welcher Klimazone stand der Strauch? Wie alt war er? Nein, sagt er, man kA?A?nne nicht einfach ein beliebiges Curryblatt nehmen und es zusammen mit 54 anderen Substanzen zu einem MassageA?A?l verarbeiten. “Es gibt sehr detaillierte, bis zu 3000 Jahre alte Vorschriften zu diesem Blatt. Und Ihr im Westen bietet Kurse an, in denen man Ayurveda A?A?bers Wochenende lernen kann.” Dr. Weerasingha keckert leise. Dann verabschiedet er sich und schlurft zurA?A?ck ins BA?A?ro. Sein Lachen bleibt noch ein paar Sekunden in der Luft hA?A?ngen. Es vermischt sich mit dem Geruch von Tamarinde und Nelken.

Im Resort wartet der traurig dreinblickende Ayurveda-Arzt auf mich. Er misst den Blutdruck und scheint sehr zufrieden zu sein. Offensichtlich haben wir dieses aufmA?A?pfige Vata in seine Schranken gewiesen. Wie lange ich denn noch bleiben sollte?, mA?A?chte ich wissen. Er nickt und verschreibt weitere Massagen, WandelgA?A?nge und BA?A?der. Und er ermahnt mich: “Zwischen den Behandlungen machen Sie bitte nichts. Keine Interviews. Keine Recherchen. A?A?berhaupt nichts.” Er ahnt, was ich antworten mA?A?chte, und bevor ich ein Wort rausgebracht habe, wird er kategorisch: “Nein! Das Notebook bleibt aus. Achten Sie lieber auf die Stille. HA?A?ren Sie auf das Rascheln der Palmen, lauschen Sie dem Meer, lernen Sie, die Vogelarten auseinanderzuhalten! Und zA?A?hlen Sie die BlA?A?tter des Bodhibaumes A?A?ber der Badewanne!” Und wenn ich schon weiA?A?, dass es 87 sind? Er lA?A?chelt milde. “Ich bin sicher, dass Sie sich verzA?A?hlt haben.”

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Jessica Leas Vision

Published on 11/11/2007 in Blogs, From our own Correspondent, Money Matters and people. 1 Comment

Filming Mangroves

Used static caravans for sale yorkshire dales Gayani, Dr. Lionel and I went east with Peter from Diokonie and Monfrie and Elke, filmmakers that Diokonie commissioned to do a short (very short, 5-10 minutes) documentary on the mangrove project in Panama. Click here to see an example of their previous work.

Donors crack me up. Originally they were going to go with us in a Sewalanka vehicle. It is actually good for me that they chose to take their own vehicle, otherwise there would not have been room for me (or that is the story I would have been told, but you will see that this would not have actually been true). The reason for taking a separate vehicle is that Sewalanka’s vehicles were determined too uncomfortable. Sewalanka does actually have some very nice vehicles in their fleet, but only certain people have the pleasure of using those vehicles. Now the vehicle we used would have actually been slightly uncomfortable if everyone was in it as there are only air conditioning vents in the front and the only windows that open are at the front two rows of seats (it has four rows). Thus, those of us relegated to the back would be quite hot.

So it was actually reasonable that Diokonie wanted to use their own, fancy, white SUV. Unfortunately, these SUV’s not only suck up quite a bit of fuel, but are also very particular about their fuel. About half way to Arugambay they needed more petrol and apparently did not receive 100%. Thus, their vehicle could only go for 20 minutes and then it needed to rest for 30 minutes while the particles in the petrol settled. Well, Argumabay is very far away and it was decided this just wasn’t going to work, so everyone loaded up into the Sewalanka vehicle to finish out the trip. Magically I did not get left on the roadside for space considerations. I was (as implied above) relegated to the very back seat, by myself, with a pile of luggage. I don’t want to sound like a whiny foreigner, but I will anyway. I do have this torn disk in my neck so it is really starting to irritate me that I always end up in the back seat. This means I get the brunt of the bouncing and these roads are not smooth by any stretch of the imagination. So my neck really, really hurt all week long (it is better today, so maybe I didn’t do any permanent damage).

Anyway, we made it to Arugambay and Ranga had some string hoppers waiting for us (Ranga runs the Beach Hut, which is basically where all NGO and INGO staff stay when in Arugambay as he is the best cook around). This made me happy even though it had taken us 14 hours to get to Arugambay. I’m regularly told it takes seven, but I have never made it in seven. I knew it would take a little longer due to the increased security and we added some time with the SUV issues, but still, twice as long!

The film crew had very specific ideas of what they wanted to capture, which is good because otherwise we would have wasted a lot of time seeing little pet projects of Dr. Lionel. Anyway, first order of business was to get to Panama, where the project takes place. This is the village next to Arugambay, so not a major feat, except the lagoon had flooded due to the recent rains and the road was washed out. Flooded to the exact height of the wheel of our Sewalanka vehicle, which unlike the fancy INGO white SUVs does not have the plastic tubbing on the tailpipe so that you can drive through water. Thus, we put the car in neutral and pushed it about half a kilometer to the other side of the lagoon. When I say we, I mean our driver (Pyas — in picture testing depth of water) Peter, the film crew and myself. Yep, Dr. Lionel did not help. I wasn’t so surprised that Gayani didn’t as women in Sri Lanka [warning: enormous generalization about to be written] tend to go the frail route, but Dr. Lionel is not so old that he couldn’t try to be some assistance. Afterwards, and yes I am terribly offended by this statement, Dr. Lionel said he now knows what help I can provide on trips to the east — I can push the car. I have to say I’ve just about had it with this man!

Anyway, we got to Panama and looked in on the nursery. There were two boats to take us to see the mangroves being replanted on the lagoon. We loaded up film equipment and people and headed out. The film crew were rather funny because they were clearly getting exasperated with people not following directions. I find this funny because it isn’t that people are trying to be irritating, but understanding English with thick German accents when English is your second or in some cases third language, is difficult. Anyway, they got what they wanted on the boats and we went to see the ladies planting.

In Panama the planting is done mostly by women. In the other village we went to (without film crew), the men do the planting. The difference — Panama is Sinhala and the other village is Tamil. Anyway, they filmed the ladies planting and interviewed them.

I am a little worried I somehow irritated the filmmakers. Once we hit land we were standing around and they were setting up so I was taking photos. When they were done setting up I walked away from the group and just stood there, trying to stay out of the way. Anyway, Elke was telling everyone to be quiet for the filming and then she singled me out and said, “Jessica, no photos.” Not in a mean way (although Germans do have a hard time sounding nice), but I still felt like I missed something. Every time on the boat when they began filming I stayed quiet and I sat on their boat just so their film wouldn’t have me in it. I mean I was working very hard at staying behind the scenes and not getting in the way. There is the possibility that she mentioned me by name because she could remember my name and it was clear she was having problems with the Sinhala names (I totally understand as I’m awful with names too).

Anyway, they got their interviews and film and we went down to another planting location and filmed another group of women.

Then they wanted to climb this rock to get a nice overview of the scene. This took an extraordinary amount of time, but I assume it was successful. We went back into the village for lunch (it was around 4 p.m. by this point so we were starving) and they set up a little community meeting to be filmed. I sat inside the house to stay out of the shot, so I can’t provide specifics of the meeting, but it sounded from inside like they were really discussing things (although it was technically a fake meeting, just organized for the filming).

The village kindly offered a tractor to pull us back across the lagoon. The following day the village broke through the lagoon wall that separates the lagoon from the ocean and let the extra water flow out to sea. Elke and Monfrie told us that night that once the water was released they counted eight crocodiles sitting in the lagoon. The lagoon we walked through the day before pushing a car!

On Wednesday the filmmakers wanted to go back to Panama and film in the village, but Dr. Lionel really wanted Peter to see the other village. So we broke up — I went with Peter and Dr. Lionel. Gayani did not drink enough the day before (hydrate or die people!) and thus was in bed all day with a headache. This was a problem as she was sort of the star of the film the day before, explaining things, translating, etc. and without her this meant a hole in the film. Anyway, apparently the dealt with it o.k. and it all worked out on their end.

In the Tamil village the mangrove plants in the nursery were much healthier and way taller. No one could explain why this was (Peter asked a couple of times and people acted as if they did not understand him). The fishermen prepared two small boats for us and we rowed down the lagoon in the rain. I don’t think Pieter really felt this was necessary, and as these were boats fashioned after traditional boats — read extremely small, it was not the most comfortable ride. I enjoyed it because without a motor we were able to see many birds. Of course, it was raining, so no photos were taken.

When we got back to shore there was a traditional wooden boat sitting on the ground and all the fishermen told us how much better that type of boat was compared with the fiberglass boats they all use now that were given to them by various INGOs (names stamped on the side just so we know who gave what). So I asked, how they used to acquire their boats and they answered that they made them. I don’t understand this. It has been almost three years since the tsunami — if they don’t like the boats they were given, why haven’t they replaced them with the type they used to make for themselves anyway. Not to mention that the shoreline is littered with these old wooden boats and some of them are still seaworthy. The real problem is that the tsunami relief process has created a serious problem in Sri Lanka — now everyone just expects whatever they want to be handed to them. It really is a huge problem. I don’t even work for an INGO, yet every time I go to Arugambay someone asks me for something. Generally it is not a necessity and usually the person asking is absolutely not in need (I imagine some of the hoteliers most likely make more money than me).

O.k. end of tirade (for now). Gayani and I were supposed to return to Colombo on Wed., but because filming was not completed on Tuesday, we stayed an extra day. We got back to Arugambay early Wednesday afternoon and Peter thought he’d get to write a few e-mails, but Dr. Lionel would not stop talking to him. Luckily, cell phones were turned back on at some point and this kept Dr. Lionel busy for a bit, so hopefully Peter got some work done.

Yep, in response to the attack in Yala the government turned off all cell phone coverage in the east. Because I’m sure cell phones are the Tigers only means of communication. Phone service was disabled for two weeks, but if you ask anyone in the east they will say they had no phones for one to two months, depending on the person. I found the lack of coverage blissful, but I guess if I had to deal with it for the full two weeks I would not have been as happy.

Thursday we drove back to Colombo. For some reason, Dr. Lionel felt we should all travel together until the turn off to Andurandapuran. Dr. Lionel decided he would accompany the Germans to see another project they are funding. We were all invited, but there wasn’t space in their vehicle for another person and Gayani wasn’t interested in going, so I didn’t go either. I’m not sure why, but Dr. Lionel rode with us until the turn-off. I think it was just to not allow me the front seat in the car as long as possible. Clearly I have issues.

Purchase xalatan generic name Around 2 p.m., long after deserting the Germans, we started to look for food. My thoughts on food while you travel here are that you eat what you can find. Gayani wanted rice and curry and you would think this wouldn’t be a problem, yet it was. Many places only had fried rice and this, apparently, was unacceptable. So we didn’t eat until 3 when we found some rice and curry for Gayani. I have to say that Gayani isn’t the easiest person to travel with what with the preventable sickness and the picky eating habits.

And now I’m back in Boralesgamuwa. Today was basically uneventful. Harshana finally got his visa to England (he was supposed to leave Sunday, but has now rescheduled to Tuesday). I am really happy for him, but a little sad because if he hadn’t received the visa we would be using the grant money to go to Bali to study community based tourism there. Since England is so expensive the grant that was for two will only be used for one and I’m left in the cold. At least in this case I agree as Harshana did have far more to do on the Arugambay project than I and thus should reap the rewards. He promised to bring me a jar of lemon curd so I’ll be happy with that.

source:
http://expatwithelephants.blogspot.com/2007/11/filming-mangroves.html

Building Hotels in the East ..

Published on 08/11/2007 in Money Matters, press coverage and Security & Safety. 0 Comments

By Paul Tighe
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Nov. 8 (Bloomberg) — Sri Lanka’s army and the Liberation Tigers of Tamil Eelam fought near the northern city of Jaffna as President Mahinda Rajapaksa vowed in his annual budget speech to “eradicate” terrorism in the South Asian island nation.

At least 52 LTTE fighters were killed when the army stopped an advance at Muhamalai, the Defense Ministry said on its Web site late yesterday. The LTTE said 16 soldiers were killed when army units attacked its positions, TamilNet reported.

The Tamil Tigers have “demonstrated that they will never be ready to surrender arms and agree to a democratic political settlement,” Rajapaksa told Parliament. “In this background, we have no alternative but to completely eradicate terrorism.”

The LTTE, which is fighting for a separate homeland, controls areas in the north after being driven from the eastern region by the army in July. Sri Lanka’s military stepped up attacks on LTTE bases in the north and targeted its naval unit, including destroying its last weapons-smuggling vessel since capturing the Eastern Province.

The 24-year-long conflict has resulted in the deaths of more than 70,000 people. Fighting intensified as two attempts at peace talks in Geneva failed last year.

Soldiers are in control of LTTE bunkers at Muhamalai, the Defense Ministry said, adding that 11 servicemen were killed in the fighting yesterday.

LTTE forces repulsed the army’s attack, TamilNet cited Irasiah Ilanthirayan, the LTTE’s military spokesman, as saying. As many as 100 soldiers were wounded, he added.

During the past year, the government has stopped the rebels’ arms smuggling operations, targeted their illegal fundraising activities and curbed their overseas operations, Rajapaksa said in his speech.

Air Base

The Tamil Tigers showed they are unwilling to seek peace by attacking an airbase in the northeast last month, Rajapaksa said. The LTTE said members of its “Black Tiger” unit used for suicide missions raided the base on Oct. 22. Eight aircraft and helicopters were destroyed, the military said.

“Despite the armed strengths and the brutal actions of terror, we were able to rescue the entire Eastern Province,” the president said.

The government has said it is seeking $1.8 billion in aid for the region. Redeveloping the three eastern districts, after 24 years of fighting, will add 2 percentage points to economic growth, the government estimates.

Building hotels in Batticaloa, Ampara and Trincomalee will open up the 462-kilometer (287-mile) coastline of white sands, surf and palm trees to tourists. The government also plans to hold elections in the province next year.

Defense Spending

Sri Lanka needs to keep defense spending at 3.5 percent of gross domestic product and find a “lasting solution” to the conflict with Tamil rebels, Rajapaksa said.

“The fight against terrorism is not a fight against the Tamil people,” Rajapaksa said. “It is our duty to and responsibility to protect and preserve the democratic rights of Tamils, Muslims and Sinhalese in all parts of the island.”

The rebels say any peace agreement must be based on a separate homeland. Tamils made up 11.9 percent of the population, according to the 2001 census, the government’s Census and Statistics Department said. Sinhalese make up almost 74 percent of Sri Lanka’s 20 million people.

The government has rejected a settlement that divides the country and is offering to devolve power to some provinces.

To contact the reporter on this story: Paul Tighe in Sydney at Order isoniazid pronunciation ptighe@bloomberg.net

source:
http://www.bloomberg.com/apps/news?pid=20601091&sid=aNv8jI_zOWus&refer=india

Frazer’s Blog

Published on 23/10/2007 in Blogs and press coverage. 0 Comments

Work and Play

Just so it doesn’t look like it’s all fun and no work here, I’ve added a couple of pics of some of the roads I am doing at the moment. I’m just about finished the bottom layer of a couple of kilometers, with the macadam (stone) and surfacing to seal it all off will be started soon. We’re going balls to the wall to try and get as much finished off before the rain, but I fear we may be fighting a losing battle.

First (or sub-base for you engineers) layer in Lahugala

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Setting out in Panama

Also, here are a couple of photos of beaches that we are lucky enough to be able to enjoy. Both are pretty deserted (Pottuvil Point has a reasonable break so it does get a lot of surfers when it is on) at present which makes them nice. Peanut Farm has a lovely gentle slope and is very calm at the moment, I had a very peaceful swim around there last weekend.

Peanut Farm
Pottuvil Point. How’s the serenity?

This weekend Fergus and I went down and spent Saturday afternoon at Pottuvil Point, where we went for a wee paddle around the lagoon on a contraption consisting of a pallet nailed to a couple of the local fishing “canoes”. During the wet season we’ll get a couple of big torches and go out at night and try and spot crocodiles (there are some “beauties” in there”). Merete (the owner of Stardust where I was staying at the beginning of the year) had the opening party for her restaurant on Saturday night, which she has finished rebuilding after the tsunami. It’s been a bit of a labour of love for her, slowly slowly at times, but she is pretty happy she has finished and it is a beautiful building with great views of the sea and a nice breeze to keep it all cool.

Last week the LTTE attacked a small Army camp south of Panama, inside the Yala National Park. The usual knee-jerk reaction happened, with the military sending in a whole bunch of troops to look for them but by the time they arrived they were long gone. However they have decided to piss everyone off and cut off the mobile networks again in Thirukkovil and Akkaraipattu, and also this time in Pottuvil which they didn’t do last time, so I am kind of cut off with telecoms at the moment, probably for another week or so. It ain’t so bad though.

South Africa won the world cup, at least it wasn’t the Poms. But I’m over rugby…

source:
http://intheeyeofthetiger.blogspot.com/2007/10/work-and-play.html

Party Time

Published on 23/10/2007 in parties and press coverage. 1 Comment

RAIN DANCE

PIX: indi samarajiva/ organises

Subha Wijesiriwardena parties hard and takes notes at the second Ministry of Sound party on Lankan shoresA?a??A?

On the 8th of September at the River View Hotel in Wadduwa, Sri Lankan party animals did us proud. According to Mahesh Wijetunge, Event Manager for EN-V Productions, this party, the second such Ministry of Sound party in Colombo, was celebratory of MoSA?a??a?? 16th Anniversary. Under the open night sky in Wadduwa, people partied on until sunrise, with relentless vigor, in both rain and shine. I bet British DJ Richard Dinsdale has never had people dancing for him in the pouring tropical rain before.

As a friend of a friend said A?a??A?A?a??A?but, there is no ministry of soundA?a??A?, and until a few months ago, not many Sri Lankans had a reason to believe otherwise. On the 23rd of June however a party took place that changed that. This party helped rocket Ministry of Sound to fame in Colombo, and ever since the mere mention of A?a??A?MoSA?a??A? has been enough to get masses flocking for tickets.

RAIN DANCE

MoS A?a??a??Round One
The first MoS party, in June, was unfortunately held at H2O. In poor little ColomboA?a??a??s largest club which can hold 750 people, there were 1600 (and 400 more were turned away, said Mr. Wijetunge). This provided partygoers with a stifled and uncomfortable party atmosphere. Add to this the free can of Axe Deodorant (a main sponsor) provided with every ticket, and soon enough, the inside of H2O smelt very strongly of a combination of bad A?a??E?for menA?a??a?? deo and sweat.
The dance floor was a far from safe place for the ladies, and upon about the sixth time of being felt up, I gave up and went home. The root cause for the unpleasantness was the evident overselling of tickets, but if you had somehow managed to overlook this, the music was as it always is with MoS: very, very good.

RAIN DANCE


Round Two
This time, they said A?a??A?MoSA?a??A?, A?a??A?Richard DinsdaleA?a??A? and A?a??A?Outdoor eventA?a??A?, and the people said A?a??A?Hurrah!A?a??A?A?A? And it truly was the turning point. The party itself was in a rather obscure hotel in Wadduwa, called A?a??A?River View HotelA?a??A?. However, the party was outside by the pool, on a spacey lawn and the outdoors did a brilliant job providing both space and rain, but IA?a??a??ll get to the rain later.

The organizers offered packages of rooms/tickets, with rooms at the more sophisticated and popular Blue Water. Due to either the price of the packages on offer (Rs.15,000 was the cheapest) or the distance to the party from Colombo itself (about a one-hour drive down Galle Road), or both, the party didnA?a??a??t see the most ideal turn out, only 1200 in contrast to last timeA?a??a??s near 2000. But this may have been for better rather than worse.

RAIN DANCE

Party people
Despite the exorbitant package deals, everything at the party was more or less affordable. That said, the night would have been ruined for those dependant solely on drinking because the only alcohol available other than beer, was sold by the bottle. This was a definite drawback, as, for example, a bottle of Smirnoff was Rs. 4000. This wasnA?a??a??t ideal for a small group, or a couple. A Carlsberg buddy was Rs. 200, this too a little pricey for such a small bottle. Food was available too, for those who wanted it.

Cost of keflex This was somewhat made up for: The open air was an ideal setting for a party at which you never stopped dancing, and the space accommodated everyone comfortably. Glow sticks that were given free at the entrance were essential to the rave atmosphere, and although the Frangipani garlands for the girls were a nice touch, they didnA?a??a??t last around our necks long. Once again, cans of Axe Vice Deodorant were handed out free, but the open air did not allow for one to get stifled by the smell!

RAIN DANCE

The dance floor, boarded on the deep end of the pool, killed two birds with one stone: it worked as the dance floor, but also as a safety precaution in not having a deep end of a pool at a rave. There were inflated baby pools by the side, and these were made use of by folks lounging in them, drink in hand. On the lawn on either sides of the pool, there were tables for those that were quick to grab them. The DJ was showcased on a high stage directly in front of the dance floor, covered by a huge dome.

MoS are famous for their use of the best sound and lighting equipment, and they didnA?a??a??t disappoint this time. The lights were well suited for a rave and the sound was delivered via 12 large speakers on either side of the dance floor. This guaranteed that the music was crystal clear and you could feel that heavy bass A?a??a?? signature of house music A?a??a?? passing right through your body if you got close enough.
Not everyone seemed to fully appreciate the music, but I only say this based on the relatively empty dance floor. Each to his own A?a??a?? perhaps people skulked out of the rain and enjoyed the sound. By the end of the night there were more people in the pool than on the dance floor, fully clothed, shirts, pants, dresses and all. This seemed slightly ridiculous, as the tickets and all the promo material emphasized the dress code to be A?a??E?strictly beach wearA?a??a??. It seemed that not all Colombo partygoers can exchange their high heels and make up for shorts and flip flops.

RAIN DANCE

Richard Dinsdale A?a??a?? the life of the party
It was the music, it really was. Even by our impressionable standards, the understanding that house music means Bon Sinclair is rapidly fading. The previous MoS party too showcased a lot of the usual suspects (Fedde le GrandA?a??a??s A?a??A?Put Your Hands up 4 DetroitA?a??A? is literally so last year) at the beginning, making my hopes for the extraordinary crumble in despair. Although music from the likes of DJ Shadow and Justice saved the day, the experience over all was much more satisfying this time.

While the highlight of this party was Richard Dinsdale
(http://myspace.com/richarddinsdale), resident Ministry of Sound DJ, local DJs Van Luup and Shiyam got the party nice and warmed up for Dinsdale. Keep your eyes open for Van Luup and Shiyam; they are definitely on their way up as DJs and mingling with the likes of Dinsdale must have been educational. It couldnA?a??a??t have been bad for their reputations either.

While it might be argued that Dipesh Parmar A?a??a?? DJ at the last MoS party, was for technical reasons, a better DJ than Dinsdale, in terms of overall experience, the party in Wadduwa wins effortlessly over the one that was at H2O.

As at any proper rave, there had to be the famous lyrics A?a??A?I canA?a??a??t get no sleepA?a??A?. While A?a??A?Sandstorm Insomnia 2000A?a??A? (Faithless vs. Darude) is an anthem and a clichA?A?, there were highly offbeat tracks aplenty too. He threw in New OrderA?a??a??s A?a??A?Blue MondayA?a??A? all the way from1983 and A?a??A?Do It AgainA?a??A?, brand new from the 2007 Chemical Brothers album A?a??A?We Are the NightA?a??A?.

It seems to me as though our understanding of a DJ is someone who queues up the next track, mixes it soundly with the track that is playing, and plays it. Perhaps this is due to our extreme lack of exposure. Are we easy to impress because we are otherwise starved for good contemporary music on mainstream radio and in local nightclubs? Perhaps.

RAIN DANCE

Dinsdale was in another league simply because of this; he was more than just playing a set play list. He judged his crowd superbly, and spun unusual rhythms that kept people dancing for hours. For all that, we never once found out what the man sounded like. He left all the talking to DJ Van Luup (who, like many Sri Lankan DJs seemed to thoroughly enjoy it), and simply did his job.

The Rain Dance
When the rain began, not only did no one budge from the dance floor, but people under the tents joined in on the manic rave and the party turned into something that strongly resembled a tribal dance. It felt as though we were partaking in some ritual, all facing Dinsdale reverently, in awe, in worship, soaked to the skin. Despite the weather conditions, the party went on. A friend of mine returned to the hotel at which we were staying at about nine am the next morning.
Between having grown quickly out of ColomboNightLife parties and despairing about the mundane hip hop that dominates nightclubs here, Dinsdale was a blessing. After all, our only other hope for getting to party that way lies with the Offshore Life group, who has been missing in action for awhile now.

How much does keflex 500 mg cost All in all, the MoS party was a satisfying experience, and we can only hope for more. But before foreign DJs and party tours can find Sri Lanka a tempting location, local organizers need to start making the right decisions. Needless to say, the organizers, Action Station Events and EN-V Productions, made a big blunder on their part with the choice of venue and overselling tickets for the previous MoS party. However, they did a good job in winning back the crowds with this one. If this trend of thinking in the long term becomes a habit with local organizers and event managers, Sri Lanka can easily become a top international party location.
Colombo is a city that is swamped by a party culture that is limited by the commercial, the indoors and the mediocre, and not just with regard to the music it advocates either. Time is nigh for drastic changes in the taste and attitudes of the casual city partygoer, and the hardcore are waiting for something new. But until then, albeit rarely, it is nice savouring electronic rhythm in your veins, watching sunrise by the sea to Faithless, and then returning home with music in your head and sand between your toesA?a??A?Bullet

This entry was posted on Tuesday, October 9th, 2007 at 6:23 am and is filed under Feature. 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:
The Leisure Times

Attack in deep South

Published on 19/10/2007 in press coverage and Security & Safety. 0 Comments

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Yala attack plan to shift attention away from North

Desperate LTTE in diversionary attacks:

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“Remark by arugam.info webmistress:
In keeping with our pledge and promise, all security related news are published. After careful consideration, even this depolrable incident is not considered to present any danger for visitors to the Bay. Firstly, foreigners are NEVER targeted, secondly the place of this incident is far away from your famous Arugam Bay.”
The LTTE this time has come with a different game plan with the launch of a sudden attack on an isolated Army detachment in the Southern end of the country. The intention of the LTTE is quite evident.

It wants to give the message to the country and also to the international community about their capability to launch attacks on Security Forces even in the South despite the setbacks suffered by the outfit in the Wanni and


Environment Minister Patali Champika Ranawaka visited the Yala National Park on Tuesday after Monday eveningA?a??a??s LTTE attack on Thalgasmankada Army Post. Here the Minister meeting the wild life officers.

A?A?the Jaffna Forward Defence Lines.

But, it is very evident from this attack that the LTTE is in a desperate state. If not, why target an Army detachment guarding the Yala National Park. It also betrays a sign of desperation after the outfitA?a??a??s inability to launch any major attack in the North or in the Wanni.

Out of the seven soldiers attached to the detachment manned by the troops of the 18 Sri Lanka National Guard six were killed in this unexpected attack.

Many feared that the LTTE had infiltrated the Yala National Park in large numbers as the tractor which was heading towards Thalgasmankada Army detachment to collect the bodies of the soldiers was caught in a landmine explosion just 600 metres away from the detachment.

One soldier was killed and five others injured in this mine explosion increasing the number of deaths to seven.

Elite Commandos and Special Forces were flown to the Yala National Park on Wednesday morning to launch a massive search operation and track down the Tiger cadres who had infiltrated the National Park.

Even two days after the search operation, troops found no proof of a Tiger presence despite searching many parts of the Park including block II of the park hemmed between Kumbukkan Oya-the border of the Ampara district and Menik Ganga.

Therefore, it is believed that the number of Tiger cadres who had launched this attack would not have exceeded ten.

Yet, the existence of even a handful of Tiger cadres inside the National Park will be a threat as they can launch unexpected attacks not only on Security Forces and Police personnel but also the civilians visiting the park, in their desperation.

That was why the Defence Authorities have taken steps to screen all parts of the National Park to give a full security guarantee to the people visiting the Park before it is open to the public.

Apart from this the security of the historic Situlpawwa Raja Maha Vihara has to be considered in view of the large number of Buddhists visiting the sacred area as it is located just six kilometres away from the Thalgamsmankada Army detachment.

However, this is not the first occasion the LTTE carried out such attacks inside the Yala National Park. There had been many occasions where the LTTE had set fire to a number of Holiday Bungalows inside the National Park in the late 1990A?a??a??s.

But according to records this is the first occasion the LTTE was able to kill seven soldiers inside the Yala National Park located in the southern tip of the country.

What is most important here is to find out how the Tiger cadres infiltrated the Park. There are many possibilities for them to infiltrate the national park considering the enormous jungle area it covers bordering many districts including Ampara, Moneragala, and Hambantota.

According to Security Forces the most probable way for the LTTE infiltrate the national park is through Ampara border across Kumbukkan Oya which demarcates Ampara district and the Hambantota district.

Zone II of the National Park located between Kumbukkan Oya and Menik Ganga, according to sources, provides a safe haven for any group to operate freely considering the number of rock caves in the region.

This area could have been used by the LTTE to infiltrate into the Zone I of the National Park and launch this


The Wild Life department vehicle that gamagedot d

attack on Thalgasmankada located some six kilometres into the land from the location which links Menik Ganga into the sea.

The Security Forces believe that groups of Tiger cadres who fled from Kanchikudichchiaru jungle would have entered the this area across the Lahugala National Park in the Ampara border with the Police Special Task Force launching a number of search operations in the jungle patches of the Ampara district in search of the Tiger cadres who fled from Thoppigala.

There had been information that a team led by LTTE leader Ram had fled further southwards from the Thoppigala in their bid to escape Security Forces operations.

The presence of the STF in the area has paved the way for the LTTE to flee from the Kanchikudichchuaru jungle towards further south of the Ampara district.

The other possibility for the LTTE to move into the area is by mingling with the fishermen arriving there to the Yala National Park area for seasonal fishing.

There had been information from a hunter, that some suspected people were living inside a rock cave in the Block II area of the National Park.

Therefore, it is quite clear the LTTE infiltrated the jungle through the Ampara border from Panama and Lahugala jungle.

Another possible way for the LTTE to infiltrate the Yala National Park is mingling with the pilgrims from the North to the annual Kataragama perahera through the jungle terrains passing the Yala National Park.

The recently concluded Kataragama perahera gave ample opportunities for fleeing Tiger terrorists from the Eastern theatre to move towards the southern end mingling with these pilgrims on Pada Yatra.

Though it was compulsory for the Security Forces to screen them before arriving at Kataragama they had many opportunities to move away from these pilgrims and take refuge in jungle patches easily.

The Security Forces who were guarding the Yala National Park had not been on alert as the area had not come under such a terror attack for the past few years.

The LTTE took this chance to overrun the Army detachment killing six soldiers there in the detachment as the Security Forces guarding the National Park have not conducted any search operations outside their detachment.

But this cannot be taken as a serious lapse on the part of the Security Forces as they never expected such an attack from the LTTE at this point, though there had been many incidents in the past inside the Yala National Park.

There had been several terror attacks on Thalgasmanakada in 1986, and in 1996. The LTTE set fire to a few holiday bungalows inside Yala National Park in 1996.

In October 1997 there was an incident in which the Kataragama bus depot was set on fire while a few vehicles were set ablaze in Galge area inside the Yala National Park.

The LTTE had selected an easy target to transmit a message across the world announcing their presence at a time the outfit was at the receiving end of a severe hiding both on ground, sea and through air attacks, its worst ever reversal in the near three decade old conflict.

There had been wide publicity to this incident as it involved a world famous Wild Life Park and also due to its location hundreds of miles away from the theatre of battle in the Wanni and in the Jaffna peninsula.

Had the LTTE launched this attack targeting a small Army detachment in Weli Oya or in Jaffna the incident would have gained the least prominence to the LTTE since such incidents were commonplace in the North.

Even if they did the same thing in Trincomalee or in Batticaloa, that also would not had any effect as this type of isolated incidents are frequently reported when Security Forces launch search operations to check Tiger infiltrations into the province possibly from the Northern sector.

One major objective of the LTTE through this attack is to divert the attention of the Security Forces from the Wanni in the face of the severe beating taken by the outfit. They want the Security Forces to deploy a major strength, at least a Brigade to secure an area like the Yala National Park, which stretches over 97,889 hectares.

It is vital for the LTTE to shift a considerable strength from the Wanni battle front as it facing an acute shortage of fighters to face the Security Forces advancing towards their Wanni strongholds slowly but steadily.

Such a vacuum in the Wanni battle front will enable the LTTE face the Security Forces easily with the limited number of cadres available with them.

During this week alone more than 100 Tiger cadres were killed in the confrontations with the Security Forces West of Omanthai. The number of Tiger cadres killed in these confrontations in this location have increased to 1,500.

Heavy LTTE casualties were reported when troops crippled a Tiger advance on Wednesday at the defence lines North of Uyilankulam, Mannar.

The limited encounter between Forces and the LTTE sprung amidst stormy weather with the onset of monsoonal rains.

Earlier, on Monday the Security Forces were able to kill more than 30 Tiger cadres in the FDLs West of Omanthai. Many of these cadres were female cadres and bodies recovered by the Security Forces were handed over to the LTTE later through the ICRC.

Yesterday too the security Forces averted another major LTTE move towards Security Forces defences in Periyathampanai in the West of Omanthai killing at least 13 LTTE cadres and injuring 10 of them. Seven bodies of the LTTE were recovered by the Security Forces along with their personnel weapons.

What is most significant is that the LTTE is realising that the fall of the Wanni bastions is inevitable in the face of determined efforts by the Security Forces to continue their advance towards the uncleared areas amidst heavy resistance from the LTTE.

In the same way the LTTE is also receiving severe beatings from the Security Forces in the Jaffna FDLs. According to the military at least five LTTE cadres are being killed on daily basis in the Jaffna FDLs in Muhamalai, Kilali and Nagar Kovil.

The recovery of a large haul of arms inside a house in Jaffna was a major breakthrough to the Security Forces since this detection could well have averted a major disaster that could have been planned by the LTTE to gain the upper hand.

That was the biggest recovery ever made by the Security Forces in the Jaffna peninsula. Troops acting on information given by civilians detected this massive LTTE war chest inside a false wall of a house.

The recovery included 622 Kilograms of C-4 explosives packed in boxes, 6334 live rounds of T-56 ammunition, one T-56 weapon, one silence pistol, 21 boxes of bicycle balls, eight suicide jackets, five claymore mines, five cellular phones, one Global Positioning System(GPS) set, 20 T-56 magazines, 790 T-56 silencer ammunition, 70 LTTE code sheets and a large stock of batteries.

This is the second largest quantity of C4 explosives detected in a single instance after the recovery of an explosive laden freezer truck in Trincomalee.

It is clearly evident that LTTE is now in a major preparation to launch a massive attack on vital security installations either in Jaffna or elsewhere in the country in order to rise from its present debacles.

Therefore, the attack on the Thalgasmanakada Army detachment can be seen as one step towards destabilising security in the South as it was the only place they could find to attack the Security Forces.

Therefore it is vital on the part of the Security Forces and also the public to be alert to possible LTTE moves to launch a desperate and inhumane attack targeting civilians in Colombo to exert pressure on the Government to hold back military operations targeting the groupA?a??a??s Wanni strongholds.
source:
http://www.dailynews.lk/2007/10/19/fea02.asp