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Presidential Election 1999
Janatha Vimukthi Peramuna (JVP) United National Party/Front (UNP) Sri Lanka Muslim Congress (SLMC) Ealam Peoples Democratic Party (EPDP)
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With just a week away for the Akuressa mini elections, the campaign is hotting up amidst allegations of malpractices, including the entry of shadow candidates. With the UNF nomination list being rejected, the battle for the 21-seat Pradeshiya Sabha is among the PA, the JVP and the Sinhalaye Mahasammatha Boomiputhra Party. The PA and the JVP, which at national level are holding talks for the formation of an alliance, allege that the UNF leadership in the Matara District was carrying out a vigorous campaign on behalf of the Sinhalaye Mahasammatha Boomiputhra Party which was contesting on an airplane symbol, though the UNP has said it will support any party that advocates a peaceful solution to the country's ethnic crisis. (Sunday Times) Full Story Upper Kotmale project halted due to political indecision — PA PA media spokesman Dr. Sarath Amunugama claimed that not a single cent had been utilised from funds allotted to the Upper Kotmale scheme by Japan due to political indecision. Commenting on the intended trip to Japan by the Minister of Enterprise Development, Prof. G. L. Peiris in June to request funds, he claimed that the biggest funding received since the Mahaweli scheme was for the Upper Kotmale scheme.(The Island) Full Story UNP politicos meet in Puttalam The United National Party is in the process of educating its political representatives and the public on the present political situation in the country, with islandwide conferences, workshops and meetings.(The Island) Full Story 60,000 amass in Colombo Against Anti-People Govt. More than 60,000 people participated at a protest movement on the these, “Drive away the treacherous government!” organized by the JVP in Colombo today (8th). Masses who gathered at Campbell Park at Borella, Lake House roundabout at Fort and Hendry Pedric Grounds at Havelock Town marched to Lipton Circus in three giant demonstrations.(Lankatruth) Full Story Power cut interrupts sittings in House Interruptions in the power supply in Parliament yesterday compelled Speaker Joseph Michael Perera to suspend sittings at 10.10 a.m., just ten minutes after sittings commenced.chamber, due to continuing disturbance from the two members. The Speaker suspended sittings for ten minutes but the House could not meet till 10.50 a.m. due to constant interruption in the supply of power. (January 09 The Island) Full Story Celebrations to mark 8th anniversary of presidency PM and Ministers keep away Celebrations to mark the eighth anniversary of President Chandrika Kumaratunga took place at the Presidential Secretariat yesterday without Prime Minister Ranil Wickremesinghe, his ministers and government parliamentarians with the exception of CWC’s Housing and Plantation Infrastructure Minister Arumugam Thondaman and R. Yogarajan.(Nov 13 Island) Full Story Sri Lanka president makes U-turn on peace bid with Tamil Tigers Nov 12 COLOMBO (AFP) - Sri Lanka's President admitted for the first time that the government, which is led by a rival party, had made progress in talks to end decades of ethnic bloodshed. President Chandrika Kumaratunga, who had staunchly opposed arch-rival Prime Minister Ranil Wickremesinghe's handling of the peace process, invited all political parties to work on a "common program" to end fighting. Full Story UNP politicians responsible for Maligawatte incidents must be arrested - JVP The tragic incidents at Maligawatte are highly condemned and the UNP politicians responsible for this incident must be arrested forthwith, the Janatha Vimukthi Peramuna said in a press release yesterday.(Nov 02 Island) Full Story SLMC MPs await PM's assurance The leader of the SLMC rebel group and Highways Minister A.L.M. Athaullah yesterday reiterated their support to the Government but was still awaiting a assurance from the Prime Minister for their demands. (Oct 28 Dailynews) Full Story PA against privatisation UNF in a sorry mess now - Mahinda The United National Front conspired to bring down the People's Alliance government in October last year, and it has backfired on them this year, said Opposition Leader Mahinda Rajapakse at a meeting of the People's Alliance activists at the Ussapitiya auditorium. (Oct 28 Island) Full Story Chandrika willing to revive cohabitation President Chandrika Bandaranaike Kumaratunga has declared that her government was prepared to revive the cohabitation process with the ruling United National Front (UNF) government, but wants them to adhere to her conditions. (Oct 29 Gulf) Full Story Sri Lankan president appeals to opponents, Tigers COLOMBO, Oct. 24 — Sri Lankan President Chandrika Kumaratunga held out an olive branch to her political opponents and to the island's Tamil Tiger rebels on Thursday, appealing to them to work with her to end two decades of ethnic war. But, in a televised speech to the nation that mixed a conciliatory tone with a tongue-lashing, she also accused the ruling party of trying to undermine democracy and the Liberation Tigers of Tamil Eelam (LTTE) of violating a truce. Full Story I can't control gas prices! -Ravi Karunanayake Even though the gas companies unilaterally raise the price of gas he was unable to do anything about it says Mr. Ravi Karunanayake, Minister of Commerce & Consumer Affairs. (Oct 25 Lankatruth) Full Story Pathirana resigns saying PA return to power looks bleak SLFP stalwart from Galle district and former Leader of the House Richard Pathirana who locked horns with President Chandrika Kumaratunga recently has sent his resignation as the SLFP organiser of the Akmeemana electorate to party General Secretary Maithripala Sirisena(Oct 25 Island) Full Story Sri Lanka opposition wants to form government Colombo, Oct 24 (IANS) The main opposition party in Sri Lanka wants President Chandrika Kumaratunga to invite it to form a government if the present administration calls for Parliament's dissolution. Full Story President declines meeting Helgesen! The President has avoided meeting Norwegian Deputy Foreign Minister Vidar Hselgesen informing that she was too occupied in other matters. A very reliable source informs ?Lankatruth? that the President intentionally refrained from meeting Mr. Helgesen who was to meet the President at 7.00 p.m. this evening. (Oct 24 Lankatruth) Full Story Turbulence in Parliament! There was pandemonium in the Parliament today when Mr. Sunil Handunetti, MP from JVP brought a motion at adjournment. Mr. Handunetti?s motion said that since the incidents that took place in the Eastern Province have jeopardized the National Defence and Sovereignty of the country this assembly should request the President to mediate at this juncture to check this situation. The Members of TNA protested and created an apprehensive situation in the Parliament. (Oct 24 Lankatruth) Full Story
Sri Lankan PM, president urged to work together COLOMBO, Oct. 23 - Sri Lanka's prime minister and rival president will have to learn to work together or risk derailing a peace process after a court rejected a bid to amend the constitution, officials said on Wednesday. Full Story Sri Lanka battles for stability, fresh polls ruled out Oct 23 COLOMBO (AFP) - Sri Lanka's ruling party launched a fresh bid to regain its lost parliamentary majority as a court ruling effectively removed the prospect of snap polls. Full Story Opposition will not derail peace process - Mahinda Opposition Leader Mahinda Rajapakse yesterday told visiting Norwegian Deputy Foreign Minister Vidar Helgesen that President Chandrika Bandaranaike Kumaratunga together with the Opposition had no intention of sabotaging the peace process. (Oct 22 Dailynews) Full Story UNF discussion tonight The Political Affairs Committee of the United National Front will meet tonight to discuss recent political developments and its future course of action. (Oct 22 Dailynews) Full Story Norwegian government team meets Opposition leader The Norwegian government delegation Monday morning held wide ranging discussions with the Leader of the Opposition Mr.Mahinda Rajapakse regarding the second round of peace talks between the United National Front (UNF) government and the Liberation Tigers of Tamil Eelam (LTTE) which is scheduled to commence on October 31 at Sattahip in Thailand. In the afternoon the Norwegian team met with the leader of government's peace delegation, Professor G.L. Peiris, ruling party sources said. Full Story
Solutions to Muslim Troubles Found Only in a Unitary State By Walter Jayawardhana reporting from Los Angeles: October 20 05:02 PM: The Janatha Vimukthi Peramuna appealed to the Muslim people of the island nation to consider that the solutions to their problems were found only in a unitary Sri Lanka . Full Story Coalition partner criticises peace bid Already in crisis over its inability to strip President Chandrika Kumaratunga of her powers, the United National Front government is now facing a threat to its majority in Parliament. A crisis within the Sri Lanka Muslim Congress (SLMC), a constituent partner, has now exacerbated with a dissident faction trading serious charges against Norway, currently facilitating the peace process between the government and the Liberation Tigers of Tamil Eelam (LTTE).(Oct 21 Gulf) Full Story JVP scoffs at UNF 'brains' The JVP in a scathing attack on the intellectuals of the UNF government has said that these "brainy persons" were unable to draft the 19th Amendment to be in conformity with the Constitution.(Oct 21 Dailymirror) Full Story JVP protests the arrival of Norwegian Team to Hambanthota Norwegian Deputy foreign Minister Vidar Helgesen and a team of representatives from Norway arrived in Sri Lanka this morning by flight UL 506 of Sri Lankan Airways to draw up the agenda for next round of peace talks between the government and the LTTE. (Oct 21 Lankatruth) Full Story
UNF's dream of one party system shattered, says JVP The JVP said the UNP-led UNF government's `dream' to set up a one-party `system' has been shattered as a result of the Supreme Court determination on the 19th Amendment to the Constitution. It would have helped the government to win a two-thirds majority by offering bribers, the JVP said, describing the fruitless bid as an attempt to gain powers of the Office of the President without facing a presidential election. The Supreme Court determination has not been announced officially.(Oct 20 island) Full Story PA, JVP say poll bad for peace, economy PA constituents and the JVP expressed the belief another parliamentary election early next year would be detrimental to the peace process and the country's struggling economy. (Oct 20 island) Full Story PA seniors angry over Wimal's whip PA seniors were angry over JVP MP Wimal Weerawansa's recent remarks that they, particularly the opposition leader and the chief opposition whip, should be whipped for failing to ensure the presence of the entire group in parliament when the controversial Electricity Reforms Bill came up for voting, party sources said. (Oct 20 island) Full Story SLMC, CWC ready to call the shots UNF constituents, the SLMC and the CWC will take advantage of a disputed government decision to seek a fresh parliamentary mandate, subsequent to the Supreme Court determination on the 19th Amendment to the Constitution, to press the UNP leadership for a non-contiguous unit of devolution covering all predominantly Muslim areas in the north-east and a halt to the Kotmale hydro-power project respectively, party sources said. (Oct 20 island) Full Story Council unable to make ends meet but PA, UNP councillors plan over Rs. 8 m. tour A group of 49 PA and UNP members of the PA-controlled North Western Provincial Council has planned a tour of Singapore and Thailand at a cost of Rs. 8.3 million. It has been pointed out that at a time the government is facing a severe financial crisis it is an utter waste to undertake a tour of this nature which costs almost Rs. 170,000 per member. (Oct 18 island) Full Story Mixed reaction to call for fresh general elections There was mixed reaction from various political parties to the government’s call for a fresh general election following the Supreme Court determination on the 19th amendment to the constitution. The Supreme Court also shot down a provision in the bill that provided a conscience vote for MPs on matters of national importance. (oct 18 Island) Full Story Govt. has many options for stability - GL The government yesterday claimed that it had many options up its sleeve in bringing "stability" to the government but ruled out a referendum saying that it was more in favour of an election. "We are examining all options available to us and will decide on the best course of action. We feel that a referendum is not appropriate," Cabinet spokesman G. L. Peiris said. (Oct 18 island0 Full Story Period for president's power to dissolve parliament could be extended by simple amendment - S.C A simple amendment could extend from one year to three years, the power of the President to dissolve the Parliament. Beyond that any change needs a referendum before the people, the Supreme Court had said, in the determination on the 19th amendment to the Constitution, sources said. The ‘cross over’ rights of MPs, without losing their seats in parliament had been said to be totally unconstitutional.(Oct 17 Island) Full Story 3 MCs vote with opposition to defeat motion In a surprise political turn around three UNP councillors voted with the opposition to defeat a motion of the Kotte Municipal Council presented by its Mayor Ranjith Cooray. (Oct 17 Dailynews) Full Story Opposition calls for LTTE protest ban Claiming that LTTE-led protests in government held areas in the north-east lead to violence, the joint opposition wants the Oslo-led Sri Lanka Monitoring Mission (SLMM) to ban such protests. Expressing serious concern over a spate of incidents in the east, particularly in Trincomalee on Friday subsequent to Wednesday’s bloody clashes at Kanjirankudah, the opposition stressed "there must be an immediate end to these protests".(Oct 13 Island) Full Story Muslims will reject domination: NUA National Unity Alliance leader Ferial Ashraff reiterated last week that the Muslim community did not want to be dominated by the LTTE, or anybody else, in any agreement which emanated from the peace process. (Oct 13 Island) Full Story Call for triple murder suspect ignored LTTE pushes for judicial rights The LTTE wants the government to accept its right to expand its ‘judicial activity’ in the north-east. The LTTE recently took over Kilinochchi Court Complex which was closed for over a decade, informed sources said, adding that the group wants to use the building as its ‘Wanni court complex’.(Oct 13 Island) Full Story CBK ‘letting off steam’ Anura Bandaranaike claimed last week that his sister had only been "letting off steam" at her more recent public meetings and that her bribery allegation against Prime Minister Ranil Wickremesinghe had been an off-the-cuff response to endless needling by certain government elements.(Oct 13 Island) Full Story Political uncertainty looms over Sri Lanka COLOMBO. OCT. 10. Sri Lanka's politics is headed for uncertain times, with its future linked to a judicial pronouncement on a key constitutional amendment proposed by the ruling United National Front (UNF) to prevent the President, Chandrika Kumaratunga, from dissolving Parliament after it completes a year. Full Story SLMM in crisis talks over Kanjirankudah confrontation Released LTTEer among attackers killed The Sri Lanka Monitoring Mission (SLMM) held crisis talks with the STF top brass, and the LTTE yesterday in a bid to ensure that Wednesday evening’s clash at Kanjirankudah, the first serious confrontation since the two sides reached a ceasefire agreement on February 22, would not lead in to tit-for-tat attacks, authoritative sources said.(Oct 11 Island) Full Story LTTE Undue Influence to Obtain Two Thirds Power for PM is Foul By Walter Jayawardhana reporting from Los Angeles: October 05 06:33 PM: It was unacceptable by the people for a terrorist leader of an organization that killed an elected President and two opposition leaders of the country and a Prime Minister of the neighboring country to do undue influence on parliamentarians to change the constitution of the country and attempt to obtain a two thirds parliamentary majority for Prime Minister Ranil Wickremesinghe for that purpose said chief opposition whip Mangala Samaraweera. Full Story Joint Opp. organisation to fight privatisation The joint opposition yesterday established an organisation to fight the government’s privatisation campaign. The "Joint Organisation to Protect National Resources and the Rights of Citizens" consists of members of a number of opposition groups including the PA, JVP, Sihala Urumaya (SU) and SLFP.(Oct 05 island) Full Story I will never give up but fight back -CBK pledges "I have never used Executive powers but if necessary those powers will be executed in the name of security of this country " Her excellency President Chandrika Bandaranayake Kumarathunga yesterday said, delivering a lecture on the event of Hector Kobbekaduwa commemoration at Pilimathalawa. (S ept 22 LT) Full Story
Hindu Charges: LTTE Did Not Drop EELAM By Walter Jayawardhana reporting from Los Angeles: September 20 08:27 PM: One of South Asia’s most influential dailies, the Hindu said in an editorial analyzing the Tamil Tiger negotiator’s statement at the conclusion of the first session of direct talks between the rebels and the Colombo government that the Liberation Tigers of Tamil Eelam (LTTE) rebels had not ruled out separation. Full Story Sri Lanka moves towards constitution change COLOMBO (Reuters-Sept 12 ) - Sri Lanka's government moved towards amending the constitution on Wednesday, a change it said was crucial to maintaining political stability as the government and rebels prepare for peace talks in Thailand. The amendment, which was gazetted on Wednesday, aims to clip the power of the president, elected separately from the government, to dissolve parliament. Full Story Executive vs. Legislature! Crisis Deepens! According to sources the cabinet today unanimously decided to table the 19th amendment to the Parliament. The government is making arrangements to present this amendment on the 13th to approve it in the House(Sept 11 LT) Full Story
PA veteran to support 19th Amendment People's Alliance veteran and former Minister Richard Pathirana has confirmed his support for the 19th Amendment which seeks to curb Presidential powers, a senior PA parliamentarian told the Daily News last night. (Sept 11 DN0 Full Story Govt. agrees to grant separate Muslim administrative unit in the East! It has been revealed that the UNP government which has made all arrangements to grant a separate Elam state to the LTTE in the North has made arrangements to divide Ampare into two administrative districts to appease the Muslim communalists in the East. (Sept 11 LT) Full Story Marxists vow to topple Sri Lanka government over peace bid COLOMBO, Sept 6 (AFP-Prolog) - Sri Lanka's main Marxist party vowed Friday to topple the government of Prime Minister Ranil Wickremesinghe over his attempts to forge an internationally backed accord with Tamil rebels. The leftist JVP, or People's Liberation Front, said Wickremesinghe's government had surrendered to the Liberation Tigers of Tamil Eelam (LTTE) when it lifted a four-year ban on the rebels Wednesday. Full Story Sri Lanka's opposition condemns lifting of ban on Tamil Tigers COLOMBO, Sri Lanka - Sri Lanka's opposition condemned on Friday the decision to legalize the Tamil Tiger rebel group ahead of peace talks, with one party threatening a campaign of agitation to try and overthrow the government. "The government has jumped the gun ... we vehemently condemn the move," Sarath Amunugama, spokesman for the main opposition Peoples' Alliance, told reporters. He said lifting the ban should have been considered only when a political solution was in sight. (Sept 06 Yahoo) Full Story Sri Lanka Lifts Ban on Tamil Rebels Sept 04 COLOMBO, Sri Lanka (AP-NL) -- The Sri Lankan government lifted a ban on the Tamil Tiger rebels Wednesday, paving the way for peace talks to end the island nation's 19-year civil war. Given the midnight hour of the lifting of the 4-year-old ban on one of world's most feared militant groups, there was no immediate reaction in the capital. Full Story S.Lanka president wants peace talks, ban on rebels COLOMBO, Sept. 4 - Sri Lankan President Chandrika Kumaratunga wants peace talks with Tamil Tiger rebels but would continue opposing the lifting of a ban on the guerrillas, her spokesman said on Wednesday. Full Story Chandrika wants her nominee in peace talks team Colombo: Sri Lankan President Chandrika Kumaratunga wants her nominee to join the government delegation being sent to Thailand to hold talks with the Liberation Tigers of Tamil Eelam (LTTE) later this month, her spokesman said on September 4. (Sept 04 II) Full Story Lanka Muslims clarify status of leader in talks Colombo: Sri Lanka's main Muslim party has come to an understanding with the Liberation Tigers of Tamil Elam (LTTE) on the status of its leader at this month's direct talks between the government and the rebel group in Thailand. (Sept 04 II) Full Story Major showdown averted Sri Lankan President Chandrika Kumaratunga yesterday agreed to shed her powers to sack parliament, avoiding a major showdown with the government, political sources said. Full Story Lanka Oppn in disarray as govt pushes for peace Colombo: Sri Lanka's main Opposition which had hopes of manoeuvring itself back into power was on August 16, battling an unexpected internal rift as international support mounted for the government's peace drive. President Chandrika Kumaratunga's People's Alliance (PA), which is the main Parliamentary Opposition in the co-habitation government, saw a senior member openly challenging the leadership, party sources said. (Aug 16 II) Full Story
JVP says Ranil's Sea Passage is a Threat to India and Creates Eelam By Walter Jayawardhana reporting from Los Angeles: August 14 04:29 PM: The Ranil Wickremesinghe administration, by allowing the Liberation Tigers of Tamil Eelam a permanent sea passage to transport its troops from Northern Province to Eastern Province and back had created not only more ability for the terrorist group to establish a separate state but also posed a serious threat to the security of India, Sri Lanka's second largest opposition group the Janatha Vimukthi Peramuna (JVP) charged. Full Story A Common National Programme At a discussion the JVP had with President Chandrika Kumarathunge today (9th), it had been decided to formulate a Common National Programme to salvage the country from the precarious state it confronts at present. (Aug 10 LT) Full Story
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