No modifications without approval, says Dept. of Motor Traffic

The Department of Motor Traffic states that motor vehicles cannot be subjected to modifications without obtaining the Department’s permission.

Commissioner of the Department Lalith Dharmapriya stated that the modifications can only be made after obtaining approval from the department through the due process.

Meanwhile, the Cinnamon Garden police have seized a vehicle with modifications.

Police stated that steps have been taken to hand over a report to the courts on the seized vehicle.

The vehicle that was seized belongs to a person from the Nawala area.

MC vehicle transporting metal taken into police custody

The police has taken into custody a quantity of metal that had been transported by the Peliyagoda Municipal Council Chairman, in a vehicle belonging to the Municipal Council.

Police stated that the metal was taken into police custody upon a complaint lodged by some members of the Municipal Council.

Police took this quantity of metal belonging to the Peliyagoda Municipal Council into custody 
last afternoon.

Members of the Municipal Council alleged that the Chairman had used a tractor belonging to
the Peliyagoda Municipal Council to transport a quantity of metal without their permission or
knowledge.

The Municipal Council members stated that upon investigating, they discovered that the stock of metal had been transported to the Chairman's house, and that a police complaint has been lodged in this regard.

Deeds, birth certificates among documents found in forging centre

Atara that was operating a centre in which forged documents are being prepared.

A person suspected to be connected to the incident too has been taken into custody.

The Special Task Force has conducted this raid as a result of research conducted by the Ambalanthota  Intelligence Unit.

One hundred and fifty (150) forged birth certificates and eight (80 rubber seals were discovered 

Meanwhile, forged passports, deeds and national identity cards too have been prepared at the centre.

Body of woman with stab wounds found in hotel room

The body of a woman with stab wounds has been discovered in a hotel room in Colpetty.

According to the Police Media Spokesperson SP Ajith Rohana the woman who is a Sri Lankan
national had arrived in the country from Britain a few weeks ago.

SP Ajith Rohana added that further investigations have commenced into the incident.

Inefficiency is the sole reason behind fuel price hike, says Sajith

Deputy Leader of the United National Party, Sajith Premadasa states that inefficiency is the sole reason for increasing fuel prices.

Issuing a communique, the UNP Deputy Leader reiterates that an increase in world oil prices is not the reason for the latest fuel price hike.

The communique issued by MP Sajith Premadasa states that the reasons cited by the government for the fuel price hike, specifically an increase in world oil prices and the difficulty in obtaining fuel, are
unacceptable.

Premadasa notes that there has only been a minor price increase in the world market which could even have been disregarded.

The deputy leader of the United National Party states that increasing the price of petrol by a small percentage, increasing diesel by a high percentage and increasing kerosene by an even higher percentage is a methodology that is not adopted by any third world country.

He notes that a litre of kerosene is provided to fishermen and the farmer community at Rs.106  when it could be provided at a lower price.

Premadasa highlights the hedging agreement, importation of sub standard petrol and the process of supplying "low sulfur" fuel to the Yugadanavi Power Plant as reasons for the losses suffered.

MP Sajith Premadasa states that decisions such as not making use of the oil storage facility constructed ten years ago in Muturajawela and also not making use of the CPC bowsers for transporting fuel has lead to the loss of millions of rupees.

Premadasa points out that the amount due to the CPC from state institutions stands at Rs. 89 billion.

He emphasizes that if the Corporation cannot obtain the money due to it, then the government should pay off the massive debt in order to make the corporation viable and stop robbing the people of their money.

Suspects allegedly connected to prison riot produced in Court

Forty two (42) of the forty six (46) suspects allegedly connected to the riot at the Colombo Magazine Prison on 
January 27 were produced before Colombo Additional Magistrate Prahansa Ranasinghe today.

An officer of the Colombo Crimes Division, told Court that as four of the inmates were sick, they were unable to attend Court.

He told Court that the damage caused to prison property in the incident had been estimated at more than Rs. 4.6 million.

He added that investigations are underway to arrest thirteen others who are connected to the incident.

The officer from the CCD added that the damage is still being assessed.

Thereby, he said that the total amount of the damage caused could exceed Rs. 4.6 million.

The suspects are to be produced before Court on March 13.

Ninth Convocation at Sri Jayawardenapura University postponed

The ninth convocation for the external degree at the university of Sri Jayawardenapura which was
scheduled to be held tomorrow and on Thursday has been postponed.

A communique by the university registrar said that all documents and tickets will be valid for the new
dates.

Meanwhile the first, second and third examination papers of the external degree of the Bachelor of
Commerce at the Sri Jayawardenapura University scheduled for the next few weekends have been postponed until further notice.

The communique also read that the second examination paper of the BSc business administration and the second and third examination papers of the BSc in management have also been postponed.

Furthermore, feedback seminars have been postponed until further notice.

Fuel price hike continues to be a burning issue

The protests against the fuel price hike are continuing. The protests are being held in many parts of the country

A group of councillors of the Southern Provincial Council arrived at the council today with the cut out
of a loaf of bread.

They later read out a statement against the fuel price hike in front of the Council. 

Meanwhile, another group of councillors conducted a protest against the fuel price hike.

The opposition members of the Yatinuwara Pradeshiya Sabha arrived on bicycles wearing black bands.

A tense situation arose arose when they attempted to enter the Council.

The opposition members of the Yatinuwara Pradeshiya Sabha engaged in a protest march, also wearing black bands.

Similar protests have been reported from the Balangoda Pradeshiya Ssabha and the
Kurunegala Urban Council.

Fisherman shot dead in protest - CID records

The Criminal Investigations Department has recorded statements from thirty (30) people pertaining to the
incident where a fishermen was shot dead during an anti-fuel price hike protest in Chilaw recently.

Police Media Spokesperson SP Ajith Rohana said that statements have been obtained from several people including police officers.

The CID is conducting investigations into the incident.

Matara private bus owners on strike

Private bus operators who commence from Matara have begun a strike.

Chairman of the All Ceylon Private Bus Owners Association said that they are protesting against the alleged issuance of route permits in a manner which violates required criteria.

He noted that even though have requested these permits be cancelled on an earlier occasion, this has not
taken place.

When Newsfirst contacted the Chairman of the National Transport Commission Roshan Gunawardena, he said that the matter will be investigated immediately.

Deputy Guard assaulted inside train

A group has assaulted the Deputy Guard of the Trincomalee night mail train.

An officer at the Department of Railways noted that the Deputy Guard was assaulted in the
train that left the Fort railway station at 9 p.m.

Owing to the assault, the night mail train was halted at the Ragama station.

It is important to protect the motherland, says PM

Prime Minister D.M Jayaratne says that it is more important for Sri Lankans to protect the motherland than protect their own lives.

The Prime Minister points out that everyone should unite to ensure freedom, irrespective of nationality,
religion and political affiliations.

Prime Minister D.M. Jayaratne made these comments during a demonstration in Gampola, against a
proposed resolution on Sri Lanka which is to be tabled at the 19th session of the UN human rights council in Geneva, Switzerland this evening.

He also said that there are conspiracies to interfere in independent nations such as Sri Lanka.

Prime Minister Jayaratne also said that certain Western countries, headed by the US are attempting to reverse the triumphs achieved through such resolutions.

He noted that hate and creating divisions are on the agenda of these conspirators.

Meanwhile, demonstrations are being held in several areas across the country against a UN resolution on Sri Lanka.

Protests are being held in Jaffna, Kantale, Balangoda and Mawanella. 

A protest is also being staged in Fort with the participation of around 2000 people.

Lankan fishermen released by Indian authorities

Twenty five Sri Lankan fishermen who were detained in India and then released have been handed over to the navy.

Navy Media Spokesperson Commander Kosala Warnakulasuriya stated that the fishermen had been arrested by the India Coast guard recently when they had crossed the Indian maritime border and had
engaged in fishing activities.

The fishermen had been handed over to the navy by the Indian officers close to the Kankesanthurai sea area.

Multi-day Fishing Society in Gampaha to go fishing again

The Multiday Fishing Society in the Gampaha district has decided to engage in fishing activities yet again from tomorrow.

President of the Society, Jude Perera said that the decision was arrived at during the main council meeting today.

The fishermen refrained from going to sea for fourteen days, due to the increase in fuel prices.

Indian fishermen arrested by the Sri Lanka Navy

Twenty two Indian fishermen who allegedly illegally entered the Sri Lankan maritime border have been arrested.

Police stated that the group of fishermen who was arrested by the navy was handed over to the
Talaimannar police.

The navy had also seized five vessels used by the fishermen.

The police went onto say that the Indian High Commissioner's office in Colombo had been informed of the arrests.

The group of arrested fishermen will be produced in court later.

Meanwhile, twenty five Sri Lankan fishermen who were in the custody of Indian authorities will be handed over to the navy today.

Navy Spokesperson, Commander Kosala Warnakulasuriya told Newsfirst that the fishermen were arrested by the Indian coastguard while engaged in fishing activities in the Indian maritime border recently.

TNA decides not to participate in the UNHRC session in Geneva

The Tamil National Alliance has decided not to take part in the nineteenth sessions of the UNHRC
in Geneva.

Issuing a release the TNA noted that the Sri Lankan question will be featured prominently at the Human Rights Council sessions in Geneva.

According to the Tamil National Alliance the report compiled by the expert panel appointed by the UN Secretary General as well as the the LLRC report have addressed issues of violations of human rights laws, the causes of the conflict as well as the need to evolve an acceptable political solution as the means of achieving genuine reconciliation.

The release adds that the two reports have tackled issues relating to demilitarisation, the need to curb paramilitary groups, the need to strengthen civilian administration, access to information, media freedom and transparency with regard to the detention of detainees.

Leader of the TNA R.Sampanthan says that the TNA constructively engaged with the government to evolve an acceptable solution for over a year.

Fifty suspected LTTE prisoners to be transferred

It has been decided to transfer some of the suspected LTTE prisoners detained at the Vavuniya Prison to the Anuradhpura Prison.

A Prison Spokesperson stated that around fifty such prisoners will be transferred to the Anuradhapura
prison due to lack of space and security reasons.

Meanwhile, reports have revealed that some prisoners at the Vavuniya Prison had launched an attack on the prison officials yesterday.

A senior officer of the prison stated that the prisoners had attacked a group of officers with water when
they had gone to investigate them based on a complaint stating that the prisoners had a mobile phone in their possession.

It has also been revealed that the argument between the officers and the prisoners had become intense and had resulted in the pelting of stones.

The senior officer at the prison stated that the attack had been carried out by some of the suspected
LTTE prisoners detained at the Vavuniya Prison.

Those who do not belong to Thamennawa asked to leave

The police have requested people who do not belong to the Thammennawa - Kataragama areas to leave the area.

Police Media Spokesperson, SP Ajith Rohana stated that the message was conveyed through loud speaker by the Lunugamvehera Police last afternoon, based on complaints lodged by the residents.

Residents have lodged a complaint at the police station stating that the people arriving from
other areas have damaged the rivers and canals by engaging in a search for gem deposits in the area.

Meanwhile, there was an unrest in the area yesterday due to a rumour that another gem deposit had been discovered in the Thammenawa - Kataragama area.

The National Gem and Jewellery Authority stated that due the rumour around ten thousand people had
gathered in the Thammennawa forest area. 

Rumour creates restlessness in Kataragama

Residents in Thammannawa, Kataragama have become restless after a rumour was spread of another
precious stones deposit in the area.

Director General of the National Gem and Jewelry Authority, Nimal Bandara said that around 10,000
people gathered in the area following the rumour and have commenced excavating for precious stones.

Bandara added that subsequently Secretary to the Ministry of Environment, Uthpala Basnayake
inspected the area.

Thereafter speaking to Newsfirst, Uthpala Basnayake said that the area needs to be inspected if in fact there are precious stones in the area and if so, the necessary measures will be taken.

Govt. is prepared to face any charges, says Ministry of External Affairs

The Ministry of External Affairs says that the government is ready to face any allegation that might be levelled against the country at the UN Human Rights Council in Geneva.

Deputy Minister Neomal Perera said as a Democratic country Sri Lanka is ready to face any Commission.

Speaking to Newsfirst the Deputy Minister said that these allegations are being levelled at the country at
time it is seeking legal advise to implement the recommendations put forward by the LLRC Report.

Child pushed out of bus - NTC temporarily suspends permit

The route permit of the bus where a child was allegedly pushed out because the child did not have the
required bus fare has been temporarily suspended.

Chairman of the National Transport Commission, Roshan Gunawardena said that this step was taken last afternoon.

The child is a student residing in the Mawanella area.

Speaking to Newsfirst the student said that the conductor of the bus pushed him out when he found out
that he did not have the required bus fare.

Speaking further the student said that as a result he had to walk 18 kilometres to his house.

Best person to talk about war crimes is Sarath Fonseka, says Sarath Silva

Retired Chief Justice, Sarath N. Silva says that Former Army Commander Sarath Fonseka is the best person that should have been sent to Geneva, if discussions are to be held on war crimes at the United Nations Human Rights Council.

He expressed this view at the Galle District Professionals Meeting that was held at the Galle Town Hall on February 23..

''On the 27th of February, the United Nations Human Rights Council sessions will commence in Geneva. The United States will present a resolution against Sri Lanka stating that an international investigation needs to be carried out against the alleged war crimes that had taken place in Sri Lanka.'' 

'''I saw in the newspapers that a delegation of fifty two individuals comprising minister G,L. Peiris and seven other ministers; are heading to Geneva. Can one say who is the best person that should have been sent there? I know the answer.'' 

''It is Sarath Fonseka, who spearheaded the war, who should have been sent there. Even I have seen his scars when we went to the Nallur Kovil. If he shows these scars to them and say ''I  fought; with a group of terrorists, and that they tried to kill me on three occasions, and once I even had to hold my own intestines in my hands and say that I am still alive and to take me to a hospital,'' then I  think that those charges against war crimes will ease to some extent.'' 

''The rule of law is applicable internationally and we need to face those charges.'''' said the Retired Chief Justice Sarath N. Silva. 

Protester in Chilaw killed by gunshot

Police Media Spokesperson SP Ajith Rohana says that an individual has died due to a gun shot wound during a protest that was held in Chilaw a short while ago.

He added that three others who were injured have been hospitalised.

The police fired tear gas to disperse the protesters.

Police Media Spokesperson SP Ajith Rohana said that the fishermen had behaved in an unruly manner and that the police were compelled to fire tear gas.

Police fire tear gas to disperse fishermen

Police have fired tear gas to disperse a demonstration that was being conducted a few hours ago by fishermen in Chilaw.

Our correspondent stated that the fishermen were protesting against the fuel price hike.

Police media spokesperson SP Ajith Rohana said the fishermen were behaving in an unruly manner.

He added that as a result police were compelled to use tear gas to disperse the demonstrators.

Our correspondent said the fishermen had gathered close to a Church in the area.

Indian fishermen arrested by Sri Lanka Navy

The Sri Lanka Navy has arrested three Indian fishermen who had allegedly violated the Sri Lanka maritime border and had engaged in fishing activities.

Navy Media Spokesperson Commander Kosala Warnakulasuriya stated that the fishermen had been arrested last night.

He stated that the trawlers that had been used for the fishing activities have also been seized by the Navy.

The fishermen had been arrested in the northern sea areas of the country. 

Commander Kosala Warnakulasuriya stated that steps have been taken to hand over the arrested fishermen to the Kankesanthurai Police .