Friday, December 03, 2004
'Nothing helps spread of HIV than silence''
Thursday, December 02, 2004
This year more young female HIV victims were reported from around the world including Sri Lanka.
Sri Lanka records 246 female HIV infected cases with an overall record of 591 cases and 174 AIDS patients including 12 infants. 129 people had died from AIDS with an estimated number of 4000 to 8000 infected cases suspected to be in Sri Lanka.
Health Minister Nimal Siripala De Silva speaking at the World AIDS day conference held at Viharamaha Devi park yesterday guaranteed to increase the amount of antiretroviral (ARV) treatment provided for AIDS infected patients in the country and pledged to provide recently developed medication to prevent from mother to child transmission of HIV virus.
According to Minister Silva the government is providing AVR treatment to nearly 120 patients including the patients at AIDS ward at Angoda Fever Hospital.
The Minister in his speech called for an attitude change on female reproductive health and female rights to ask for a better reproductive environment.
"Raising awareness, providing universal ARV treatment and improvement of health sector services would not help until a strong attitude change is made on HIV/AIDS and use of protection against it," he said.
UNAIDS Sri Lankan representative, Dr. Todd Chaiban insisted that nothing helped spread of HIV than silence.
He insisted on strong marriage, inheritance and criminal laws, which would in turn strengthen the position of a woman within a family giving her a right to demand protection from HIV/AIDS infection.
"Gender inequality, domestic violence and prostitution still continue to be stigmatised subjects jeopardizing the safety of women," he said.
This year more young female HIV victims were reported from around the world including Sri Lanka.
Sri Lanka records 246 female HIV infected cases with an overall record of 591 cases and 174 AIDS patients including 12 infants. 129 people had died from AIDS with an estimated number of 4000 to 8000 infected cases suspected to be in Sri Lanka.
Health Minister Nimal Siripala De Silva speaking at the World AIDS day conference held at Viharamaha Devi park yesterday guaranteed to increase the amount of antiretroviral (ARV) treatment provided for AIDS infected patients in the country and pledged to provide recently developed medication to prevent from mother to child transmission of HIV virus.
According to Minister Silva the government is providing AVR treatment to nearly 120 patients including the patients at AIDS ward at Angoda Fever Hospital.
The Minister in his speech called for an attitude change on female reproductive health and female rights to ask for a better reproductive environment.
"Raising awareness, providing universal ARV treatment and improvement of health sector services would not help until a strong attitude change is made on HIV/AIDS and use of protection against it," he said.
UNAIDS Sri Lankan representative, Dr. Todd Chaiban insisted that nothing helped spread of HIV than silence.
He insisted on strong marriage, inheritance and criminal laws, which would in turn strengthen the position of a woman within a family giving her a right to demand protection from HIV/AIDS infection.
"Gender inequality, domestic violence and prostitution still continue to be stigmatised subjects jeopardizing the safety of women," he said.
JHU threatens to launch a fast-unto-death
Thursday, December 02, 2004
By Damitha Hemachandra
The Jathika Hela Urumaya (JHU) yesterday threatened to launch a fast-unto-death from December 12 at 6 a.m., if the government failed to revive the commission of inquiry appointed to investigate the death of the Ven. Gangodawila Soma Thera.
Speaking at a press conference yesterday JHU Deputy Leader, Ven. Dr. Omalpe Sobhitha Thera said the government had conveniently forgotten its pledge to investigate into the death of Ven. Soma Thera.
" Instead they are getting ready for a big tamasha," he said. He condemned the failure of the government to pay its respect to a great son of the nation, who tried to breathe a new life to the nation and Buddhism.
The Ven. Thera pointed out it was improper to hold a huge concert while many religious groups including the Janavijaya Foundation, the JHU and the Vajiragnana and Vajirarama temple are organizing religious programmes to commemorate the death of Ven. Soma Thera.
Ven. Sobhitha Thera said he was publicly informing the President, Prime Minister and Mahanayaka Theras they would launch a fast unto death campaign if the government failed to respond positively by 6 a.m. on December 12.
The President, who appointed a commission to look into the sudden death of Ven. Soma Thera in Russia last year following great pressure from the Jathika Sangha Sammelanaya had later dissolved the commission prior to the conclusion of its investigation.
Meanwhile Ven. Sobhitha Thera also called upon the government to cancel the liquor licences granted to private supermarkets and Sathosa retail shops, as an act of gratitude to Ven. Soma Thera, who campaigned against alcohol.
"It is disgraceful to see alcohol being considered a day-to-day essential item sold along with sugar, rice and milk powder," he said adding that this is an attempt to conventionalise alcoholism in Sri Lankan society.
By Damitha Hemachandra
The Jathika Hela Urumaya (JHU) yesterday threatened to launch a fast-unto-death from December 12 at 6 a.m., if the government failed to revive the commission of inquiry appointed to investigate the death of the Ven. Gangodawila Soma Thera.
Speaking at a press conference yesterday JHU Deputy Leader, Ven. Dr. Omalpe Sobhitha Thera said the government had conveniently forgotten its pledge to investigate into the death of Ven. Soma Thera.
" Instead they are getting ready for a big tamasha," he said. He condemned the failure of the government to pay its respect to a great son of the nation, who tried to breathe a new life to the nation and Buddhism.
The Ven. Thera pointed out it was improper to hold a huge concert while many religious groups including the Janavijaya Foundation, the JHU and the Vajiragnana and Vajirarama temple are organizing religious programmes to commemorate the death of Ven. Soma Thera.
Ven. Sobhitha Thera said he was publicly informing the President, Prime Minister and Mahanayaka Theras they would launch a fast unto death campaign if the government failed to respond positively by 6 a.m. on December 12.
The President, who appointed a commission to look into the sudden death of Ven. Soma Thera in Russia last year following great pressure from the Jathika Sangha Sammelanaya had later dissolved the commission prior to the conclusion of its investigation.
Meanwhile Ven. Sobhitha Thera also called upon the government to cancel the liquor licences granted to private supermarkets and Sathosa retail shops, as an act of gratitude to Ven. Soma Thera, who campaigned against alcohol.
"It is disgraceful to see alcohol being considered a day-to-day essential item sold along with sugar, rice and milk powder," he said adding that this is an attempt to conventionalise alcoholism in Sri Lankan society.
Probe on Trinco incidents
Thursday, December 02, 2004
By Damitha Hemachandra
The Jatika Hela Urumaya (JHU) yesterday called on the President to initiate an investigation into the conduct of the Police at Trincomalee in attacking a protest organised by the North and East Sinhala Organisation last week.
The protest, which sought to register "the Sinhala protest against the hoisting of the Eelam flag in Trincomalee and the commemoration of LTTE terrorists, who killed innocent Sinhalese, was dispersed by police using rubber bullets and tear gas, while the Army and police watched silently as the LTTE walked through Sinhala villages carrying arms and hoisted the Eelam flag celebrating Prabhakaran's birthday".
JHU Parliamentary group leader, Ven. Aturaliye Ratana Thera questioned as to why the Army and Police groups in Trincomalee failed to prevent the LTTE hoisting the Eelam flag as was done at Mannar by the Army and the police. JHU Secretary, Ven. Thotapola Amarakitti Thera condemned the cowardice of the Sri Lankan government in failing to take action against the TNA MPs, who lit candles and clay lamps.
By Damitha Hemachandra
The Jatika Hela Urumaya (JHU) yesterday called on the President to initiate an investigation into the conduct of the Police at Trincomalee in attacking a protest organised by the North and East Sinhala Organisation last week.
The protest, which sought to register "the Sinhala protest against the hoisting of the Eelam flag in Trincomalee and the commemoration of LTTE terrorists, who killed innocent Sinhalese, was dispersed by police using rubber bullets and tear gas, while the Army and police watched silently as the LTTE walked through Sinhala villages carrying arms and hoisted the Eelam flag celebrating Prabhakaran's birthday".
JHU Parliamentary group leader, Ven. Aturaliye Ratana Thera questioned as to why the Army and Police groups in Trincomalee failed to prevent the LTTE hoisting the Eelam flag as was done at Mannar by the Army and the police. JHU Secretary, Ven. Thotapola Amarakitti Thera condemned the cowardice of the Sri Lankan government in failing to take action against the TNA MPs, who lit candles and clay lamps.
GMOA urges Minister to stop sabotage
Wednesday, December 01, 2004
By Damitha Hemachandra
The Government Medical Officers Association (GMOA), called upon the Health Minister to prevent the attempts by the Deputy Director General Health Services (DDGHS) to sabotage the National Health Policy.
GMOA Secretary, Anuruddha Padeniya pointed out that DDGHS, had issued several orders against the hospital categorising introduced under the Planning Unit of the Health Ministry as a guideline to distribute human and physical resources.
"However, he had been issuing several orders overriding the national policy," Dr. Padeniya said stressing out the importance of protecting the national policy.
Meanwhile, the GMOA and the Health Ministry had agreed that the annual transfers of specialists too should be done in accordance with the National Health Policy.
However, Dr. Padeniya pointed out that the existing and exigency services of peripheral hospitals should be taken into consideration prior to the National Health Policy being fully implemented.
"With 114 specialists taking up new posts in over 50 hospitals, the facilities of the hospitals require improvement to gain best services from these specialists," he said.
The Health Minister during his discussions with the GMOA had agreed to suspend the implementation of Rs. five million bond required for overseas training component of the postgraduates.
The Health Minister also had decided to pursue a different approach to bring down nearly 100 specialists, who are now serving aboard without returning to the country, after completing the government-sponsored postgraduate studies abroad.
By Damitha Hemachandra
The Government Medical Officers Association (GMOA), called upon the Health Minister to prevent the attempts by the Deputy Director General Health Services (DDGHS) to sabotage the National Health Policy.
GMOA Secretary, Anuruddha Padeniya pointed out that DDGHS, had issued several orders against the hospital categorising introduced under the Planning Unit of the Health Ministry as a guideline to distribute human and physical resources.
"However, he had been issuing several orders overriding the national policy," Dr. Padeniya said stressing out the importance of protecting the national policy.
Meanwhile, the GMOA and the Health Ministry had agreed that the annual transfers of specialists too should be done in accordance with the National Health Policy.
However, Dr. Padeniya pointed out that the existing and exigency services of peripheral hospitals should be taken into consideration prior to the National Health Policy being fully implemented.
"With 114 specialists taking up new posts in over 50 hospitals, the facilities of the hospitals require improvement to gain best services from these specialists," he said.
The Health Minister during his discussions with the GMOA had agreed to suspend the implementation of Rs. five million bond required for overseas training component of the postgraduates.
The Health Minister also had decided to pursue a different approach to bring down nearly 100 specialists, who are now serving aboard without returning to the country, after completing the government-sponsored postgraduate studies abroad.
Battle of the farmers
Wednesday, December 01, 2004
By Damitha Hemachandra
Akaraipattu draws a busy picture against the setting sun. Business had returned to normal and the town was buzzing with life despite repeated threats from the Muslim community to hold a protest while black flags from a recent protest could still be seen hanging in the town centre.
Meanwhile tension within the leading communities, the Tamils and Muslims lies warmed up ready to burst at any moment. Akaraipattu has been the newest battle ground in the East and even the recent peace accord put together by the Sri Lanka Monitoring Mission (SLMM) has failed to address the base problem of conflict between two farmer groups in the area.
The conflict, which caused people to lose their lives and others, their property, was triggered when a state owned grassland managed by the community dairy farmers under a gazette notification issued in 1974 was distributed among the Muslim farmer communities.
The land, which was originally 4000 acres was later reduced to a mere 500 acres and is the only grazing land for nearly 10,000 cattle in the area. Despite the availability of free land in the area, this is the only pasture land, which provides a stable supply of grass for the cattle that is the main source of income for many Tamil dairy farmers in the area.
The conflict was roused when members from the Muslim farmer community, who have returned to farming with the dawn of peace, encroached the grassland using temporary agriculture permission dating nearly 30 backs and started cultivation immediately.
This move triggered heavy protest from dairy farmers in the area, who are mainly Tamil. The members of the Akaraipattu Dairy Farmers' Association consisting of Tamil as well as Muslim nationals had complained to the Ampara Government Agent, who holds the final decision over the state land in the area to address the situation. But heavy pressure from the National Unity Alliance (NUA) as well as the Sri Lanka Muslim Congress (SLMC) has checked any strict action from the government authorities.
Secretary of the Association, K.N. Dharmalingham, alleges that the SLMC and NUA are engaged in a contest of granting state land to Muslim farmers in the area. "Encroachment is common in almost every place in the area and many of these encroachers are backed by Muslim politicians," he said adding that most of the government land had been taken over by Muslim paddy farmers, who had used fake temporary agriculture permission granted as far as 1960.
"These politicians have been distributing land without any basis among their supporters and many of them have more than enough land," he said, He also mentioned that children as young as seven or eight had been granted land in some cases.
"Although we have conducted investigations and informed the relevant authorities they have simply refused to take any action," he said.
The main grumble of the dairy farmers is that Akaraipattu has enough paddy land but just one pastureland.
"Most of our farmers have suffered long due to war," Shivapragasagam (Shiva) said.
The story of many Tamil farmers in Akaraipattu is the same. The two decade long war has taxed them heavily. Many farmers are in a low economical situation to compete with the rising demand of agriculture while many farmer families had lost their sons and fathers to the war.
"Dairy farming has become mainly a women's job or the job of the poor," Shiva said.
"We do not have enough money to buy tractors, fertilizers and other necessities required for farming and the government is not ready to grant a helping hand as yet," he added.
Shiva, who is in his late sixties, points out that Sinhala politicians, officials and businessmen, who were in the east in the good old days before the war, were ever ready to lend a hand to Tamil farmers in the area.
"However, the present structure is highly influenced by Muslim politicians and does not grant us any help," he said revealing the intensity of the doubt and antagonism, which separate the two communities.
Meanwhile Dr. Jabbar of the Muslim Peace Council and a prominent medical man in the area, interprets the conflict as a move of ethnic cleansing.
"The LTTE has been trying to expel Muslims from the East, which has been their 'homeland' for centuries," he said reminding of the historical event that King Senarath himself gave permission to the Muslim communities, who sought shelter from the avenging Portuguese from the Kandyan King.
King Senarath gave permission for the Muslim communities to settle in the East and ordered them to live in peace with the rest of the Sinhala community in the area.
"Muslims in the east have been farmers ever since and all we need is land and water to continue with our job," he said adding that the Tamil farmers are building up false accusations and using the dispute over a pasture land to create a conflict, which would drive away Muslims from the East.
"This has been the aim of LTTE ever since and Akaraipattu is not an isolated incident," he said. He also mentioned that the LTTE is operating everywhere in the east including Pottuvil, Manirasakulam and Ampara through Tamil communities and is ethnic cleansing the province systematically- ' First Sinhalese now Muslims," he said.
While denying the use of 'fake temporary agriculture permission' to encroach government land, Dr. Jabbar insists that such permission was issued during the Second World War and after, to fight the food shortage.
The Special Task Force (STF) authorities in the area hold a different view. A top STF official, who insisted on anonymity, said that the problem could be solved simply by government officials operating under the central government taking the right cause.
"Since the whole matter is based on a conflict over a state land the government agent has to act by necessary regulations, hold independent inquiries and take the right action," he said adding that the failure to do so had been the cause of the conflict and bloodshed in the area.
Meanwhile a prominent lawyer and former politician, S.L.Gunasekara who represented the Eastern Province during the last 40 years explained that there is a second gazette notification issued in 1974, which prohibits any form of agriculture and land development within the given land area except grazing and testing of new grass species.
This gazette notification places the temporary agriculture permissions in a questionable position and only the Ministry of Land, Government Agent and Judiciary could make a final decision.
While agreeing that encroachment and misuse of land and resources is inevitable in an area like the east, where government administration and the powers of military, police and terrorists overlap and are in chaos he insisted that the government authorities should take over the normal duties of administration to minimise irregularities and chaos.
"Provincial administration is essentially a duty of government servants and civil services and not of politicians," he said adding that it is the duty of the central government to provide necessary financial policy assistants to this task.
Land could be the next reason for bloodshed in the Eastern Province of Sri Lanka as in the case of Zimbabwe, where one ethnic group was deprived of agriculture land to supply land to another group for another purpose.
The first shadows of hostility between Tamil and Muslim communities over farming land could be found all around the east including Manirasakulam where the lands of the Muslims are being occupied by the LTTE against the situation in Akaraipattu.
Again, negotiations required to release the lands from the clutches of the LTTE are yet to take place creating a perfect atmosphere for hostility and conflict.
Yet the government authorities in the area seem to be maintaining a Rip Van Winkle policy by refusing to take any action against an issue, which would be simple and straight if dealt with correctly. Thus, a dispute over a state land has become a cause for a communal fight allegedly aided by politicians who seek to gain from the situation.
By Damitha Hemachandra
Akaraipattu draws a busy picture against the setting sun. Business had returned to normal and the town was buzzing with life despite repeated threats from the Muslim community to hold a protest while black flags from a recent protest could still be seen hanging in the town centre.
Meanwhile tension within the leading communities, the Tamils and Muslims lies warmed up ready to burst at any moment. Akaraipattu has been the newest battle ground in the East and even the recent peace accord put together by the Sri Lanka Monitoring Mission (SLMM) has failed to address the base problem of conflict between two farmer groups in the area.
The conflict, which caused people to lose their lives and others, their property, was triggered when a state owned grassland managed by the community dairy farmers under a gazette notification issued in 1974 was distributed among the Muslim farmer communities.
The land, which was originally 4000 acres was later reduced to a mere 500 acres and is the only grazing land for nearly 10,000 cattle in the area. Despite the availability of free land in the area, this is the only pasture land, which provides a stable supply of grass for the cattle that is the main source of income for many Tamil dairy farmers in the area.
The conflict was roused when members from the Muslim farmer community, who have returned to farming with the dawn of peace, encroached the grassland using temporary agriculture permission dating nearly 30 backs and started cultivation immediately.
This move triggered heavy protest from dairy farmers in the area, who are mainly Tamil. The members of the Akaraipattu Dairy Farmers' Association consisting of Tamil as well as Muslim nationals had complained to the Ampara Government Agent, who holds the final decision over the state land in the area to address the situation. But heavy pressure from the National Unity Alliance (NUA) as well as the Sri Lanka Muslim Congress (SLMC) has checked any strict action from the government authorities.
Secretary of the Association, K.N. Dharmalingham, alleges that the SLMC and NUA are engaged in a contest of granting state land to Muslim farmers in the area. "Encroachment is common in almost every place in the area and many of these encroachers are backed by Muslim politicians," he said adding that most of the government land had been taken over by Muslim paddy farmers, who had used fake temporary agriculture permission granted as far as 1960.
"These politicians have been distributing land without any basis among their supporters and many of them have more than enough land," he said, He also mentioned that children as young as seven or eight had been granted land in some cases.
"Although we have conducted investigations and informed the relevant authorities they have simply refused to take any action," he said.
The main grumble of the dairy farmers is that Akaraipattu has enough paddy land but just one pastureland.
"Most of our farmers have suffered long due to war," Shivapragasagam (Shiva) said.
The story of many Tamil farmers in Akaraipattu is the same. The two decade long war has taxed them heavily. Many farmers are in a low economical situation to compete with the rising demand of agriculture while many farmer families had lost their sons and fathers to the war.
"Dairy farming has become mainly a women's job or the job of the poor," Shiva said.
"We do not have enough money to buy tractors, fertilizers and other necessities required for farming and the government is not ready to grant a helping hand as yet," he added.
Shiva, who is in his late sixties, points out that Sinhala politicians, officials and businessmen, who were in the east in the good old days before the war, were ever ready to lend a hand to Tamil farmers in the area.
"However, the present structure is highly influenced by Muslim politicians and does not grant us any help," he said revealing the intensity of the doubt and antagonism, which separate the two communities.
Meanwhile Dr. Jabbar of the Muslim Peace Council and a prominent medical man in the area, interprets the conflict as a move of ethnic cleansing.
"The LTTE has been trying to expel Muslims from the East, which has been their 'homeland' for centuries," he said reminding of the historical event that King Senarath himself gave permission to the Muslim communities, who sought shelter from the avenging Portuguese from the Kandyan King.
King Senarath gave permission for the Muslim communities to settle in the East and ordered them to live in peace with the rest of the Sinhala community in the area.
"Muslims in the east have been farmers ever since and all we need is land and water to continue with our job," he said adding that the Tamil farmers are building up false accusations and using the dispute over a pasture land to create a conflict, which would drive away Muslims from the East.
"This has been the aim of LTTE ever since and Akaraipattu is not an isolated incident," he said. He also mentioned that the LTTE is operating everywhere in the east including Pottuvil, Manirasakulam and Ampara through Tamil communities and is ethnic cleansing the province systematically- ' First Sinhalese now Muslims," he said.
While denying the use of 'fake temporary agriculture permission' to encroach government land, Dr. Jabbar insists that such permission was issued during the Second World War and after, to fight the food shortage.
The Special Task Force (STF) authorities in the area hold a different view. A top STF official, who insisted on anonymity, said that the problem could be solved simply by government officials operating under the central government taking the right cause.
"Since the whole matter is based on a conflict over a state land the government agent has to act by necessary regulations, hold independent inquiries and take the right action," he said adding that the failure to do so had been the cause of the conflict and bloodshed in the area.
Meanwhile a prominent lawyer and former politician, S.L.Gunasekara who represented the Eastern Province during the last 40 years explained that there is a second gazette notification issued in 1974, which prohibits any form of agriculture and land development within the given land area except grazing and testing of new grass species.
This gazette notification places the temporary agriculture permissions in a questionable position and only the Ministry of Land, Government Agent and Judiciary could make a final decision.
While agreeing that encroachment and misuse of land and resources is inevitable in an area like the east, where government administration and the powers of military, police and terrorists overlap and are in chaos he insisted that the government authorities should take over the normal duties of administration to minimise irregularities and chaos.
"Provincial administration is essentially a duty of government servants and civil services and not of politicians," he said adding that it is the duty of the central government to provide necessary financial policy assistants to this task.
Land could be the next reason for bloodshed in the Eastern Province of Sri Lanka as in the case of Zimbabwe, where one ethnic group was deprived of agriculture land to supply land to another group for another purpose.
The first shadows of hostility between Tamil and Muslim communities over farming land could be found all around the east including Manirasakulam where the lands of the Muslims are being occupied by the LTTE against the situation in Akaraipattu.
Again, negotiations required to release the lands from the clutches of the LTTE are yet to take place creating a perfect atmosphere for hostility and conflict.
Yet the government authorities in the area seem to be maintaining a Rip Van Winkle policy by refusing to take any action against an issue, which would be simple and straight if dealt with correctly. Thus, a dispute over a state land has become a cause for a communal fight allegedly aided by politicians who seek to gain from the situation.
Differently-abled, yet human
Wednesday, December 01, 2004
By Damitha Hemachandra
The path leading to the Suhada Lama Sevana is not an easy one. The rocky path ends at the abode consisting of nearly 60 physically and mentally differently - abled ‘children’, who with the assistance of three adults and the charity of others, take care of each other.
According to Dushyanthi, the capable office assistant at the Suhada Lama Sevana who manoeuvres her way through with the aid of a wheel chair “every one at the home takes care of each other”.
“We all have little responsibilities and chores to do,” she said while two mentally handicapped people, who were sweeping the place, proved her statement.
Although the name strictly suggests a house for children, Suhada Lama Nivasa houses individuals aged from two years to sixty years.
Other than a day-to-day care it also provides companionship and provides its members with basic education, life skills and vocational training, although most of the inhabitants tend to make Suhada Lama Sevana their home.
According to the Director of the Suhada Lama Nivasa, Sunethra Weerasinghe the institution is in need of funds, facilities as well as volunteer hands and specialists’ knowledge to improve the situation of the children.
“We need more facilities and training to cater to the special needs of these children,” she said adding that the country is yet to realize the necessity of providing fair chances for disabled children.
According to Ms. Weerasinghe most of the inhabitants of the Suhada Lama Sevana suffer from epilepsy and brain fever, which requires daily treatment costing nearly Rs. 450 daily per child.
“Any one who is willing to help us is welcome to assist us with food, medication, education and voluntary assistance,” she said adding that however there is no door-to-door campaign to collect aid for the Suhada Lama Sevana.
Operating in a building owned by the Gangarama Temple and aided by charitable individuals, the Suhada Lama Sevana does not receive any government assistance.
Many children face the challenge of receiving a formal education since many schools refuse admission to disabled children.
However four children at the Lama Sevana are already receiving university education after receiving their basic education at Mahanama College and Vidhyawardhana Vidyalaya.
Yet this is a story common to many institutions, which cater to differently –abled children in the country. Despite Sri Lanka having 200,000 disabled children and 90,000 mentally disabled children, the country is yet to cater to the needs of the differently –abled. Nearly 80% of these disabilities were caused by birth or disease while the armed conflict plays a great role as a cause of physical disability.
Although the country boasts of a wide spread education system, the mainstream schools in the country do not facilitate physically disabled children. The education facilities available for the mentally disabled children are at low levels in the country leaving the disabled children dependent forever.
Nevertheless the future seems brighter with the increased awareness of the requirements of the needs of these special children.
23 educational institutions for children with special needs follow the same educational curriculum as regular schools. Approximately 2,050 children attend these schools with 573 teachers who have been trained to teach children with disabilities. Extracurricular activities such as physical fitness training, sports training, music, dance, and arts are taught while the possibility of these children gaining employment opportunities had increased during the last few years.
The Department of Social Services has introduced preschool education for children with hearing impairment and intellectual disabilities. At present about 75 preschools are functioning successfully throughout the country while more are to be implemented with JICA financing.
The World Bank and JICA report issued on disability in Sri Lanka observes that; ‘Sri Lanka is having difficulty coping with persons with disabilities, as there is a lack of funds, human resources and services’.
By Damitha Hemachandra
The path leading to the Suhada Lama Sevana is not an easy one. The rocky path ends at the abode consisting of nearly 60 physically and mentally differently - abled ‘children’, who with the assistance of three adults and the charity of others, take care of each other.
According to Dushyanthi, the capable office assistant at the Suhada Lama Sevana who manoeuvres her way through with the aid of a wheel chair “every one at the home takes care of each other”.
“We all have little responsibilities and chores to do,” she said while two mentally handicapped people, who were sweeping the place, proved her statement.
Although the name strictly suggests a house for children, Suhada Lama Nivasa houses individuals aged from two years to sixty years.
Other than a day-to-day care it also provides companionship and provides its members with basic education, life skills and vocational training, although most of the inhabitants tend to make Suhada Lama Sevana their home.
According to the Director of the Suhada Lama Nivasa, Sunethra Weerasinghe the institution is in need of funds, facilities as well as volunteer hands and specialists’ knowledge to improve the situation of the children.
“We need more facilities and training to cater to the special needs of these children,” she said adding that the country is yet to realize the necessity of providing fair chances for disabled children.
According to Ms. Weerasinghe most of the inhabitants of the Suhada Lama Sevana suffer from epilepsy and brain fever, which requires daily treatment costing nearly Rs. 450 daily per child.
“Any one who is willing to help us is welcome to assist us with food, medication, education and voluntary assistance,” she said adding that however there is no door-to-door campaign to collect aid for the Suhada Lama Sevana.
Operating in a building owned by the Gangarama Temple and aided by charitable individuals, the Suhada Lama Sevana does not receive any government assistance.
Many children face the challenge of receiving a formal education since many schools refuse admission to disabled children.
However four children at the Lama Sevana are already receiving university education after receiving their basic education at Mahanama College and Vidhyawardhana Vidyalaya.
Yet this is a story common to many institutions, which cater to differently –abled children in the country. Despite Sri Lanka having 200,000 disabled children and 90,000 mentally disabled children, the country is yet to cater to the needs of the differently –abled. Nearly 80% of these disabilities were caused by birth or disease while the armed conflict plays a great role as a cause of physical disability.
Although the country boasts of a wide spread education system, the mainstream schools in the country do not facilitate physically disabled children. The education facilities available for the mentally disabled children are at low levels in the country leaving the disabled children dependent forever.
Nevertheless the future seems brighter with the increased awareness of the requirements of the needs of these special children.
23 educational institutions for children with special needs follow the same educational curriculum as regular schools. Approximately 2,050 children attend these schools with 573 teachers who have been trained to teach children with disabilities. Extracurricular activities such as physical fitness training, sports training, music, dance, and arts are taught while the possibility of these children gaining employment opportunities had increased during the last few years.
The Department of Social Services has introduced preschool education for children with hearing impairment and intellectual disabilities. At present about 75 preschools are functioning successfully throughout the country while more are to be implemented with JICA financing.
The World Bank and JICA report issued on disability in Sri Lanka observes that; ‘Sri Lanka is having difficulty coping with persons with disabilities, as there is a lack of funds, human resources and services’.
Genetically Modifides get the chop till proven safe
Friday, November 26, 2004
By Damitha Hemachandra
More than seventy percent of the members and representative of national and non-governmental organisations, who gathered at Bangkok in Thailand, voted for the suspension of the further release of Genetically Modified Food (GMF) and Genetically Modified Organisms (GMO) until such time that they can be proven, beyond reasonable doubt, to be safe for bio-diversity, human and livestock health.
The World Conservation Union (IUCN) has also agreed to impose a moratorium on the further release of GMF and GMO in a bid to guard against its possible adverse effects on biological resources.
The resolutions provide a clear mechanism for undertaking a state-of-the-science report to be delivered within one year, presenting current knowledge on the development, dispersal and impacts of GMO.
The unregulated rise of GMOs worldwide during recent years, especially in Asia, by a few countries, who hold higher production capacity has led to concern among scientists and government officials.
Sri Lanka however is yet to implement its long suspended decision on genetically modified food items while the Agriculture Authorities have suspended the introduction and propagation of GMO into the country.
The Health Ministry earlier pledged to introduce a compulsory system of labelling, giving the customers a choice between non-GM and GM food, which is being kept on hold due to pressure from food importers.
By Damitha Hemachandra
More than seventy percent of the members and representative of national and non-governmental organisations, who gathered at Bangkok in Thailand, voted for the suspension of the further release of Genetically Modified Food (GMF) and Genetically Modified Organisms (GMO) until such time that they can be proven, beyond reasonable doubt, to be safe for bio-diversity, human and livestock health.
The World Conservation Union (IUCN) has also agreed to impose a moratorium on the further release of GMF and GMO in a bid to guard against its possible adverse effects on biological resources.
The resolutions provide a clear mechanism for undertaking a state-of-the-science report to be delivered within one year, presenting current knowledge on the development, dispersal and impacts of GMO.
The unregulated rise of GMOs worldwide during recent years, especially in Asia, by a few countries, who hold higher production capacity has led to concern among scientists and government officials.
Sri Lanka however is yet to implement its long suspended decision on genetically modified food items while the Agriculture Authorities have suspended the introduction and propagation of GMO into the country.
The Health Ministry earlier pledged to introduce a compulsory system of labelling, giving the customers a choice between non-GM and GM food, which is being kept on hold due to pressure from food importers.
No mechanised gem mining in Castlereagh region
CEA warns National Gems and Jewellery Authority
By Damitha Hemachandra
The Central Environment Authority (CEA), has threatened to take legal action against 49 licence holders and the National Gems and Jewellery Authority (NGJA), if the Authority failed to cancel the licence granted for mechanised gem mining in Castlereagh.
The Director General of the CEA, Manel Jayamanna said that they had already informed the NGJA to cancel the permission granted to 49 people to carry out mechanised gem mining on the banks of the Kehelgamuwa River covering an area of 65 acres.
Mrs. Jayamanna said that strict action would be taken against all the responsible parties if mechanised gemming in the area were not immediately suspended.
Mechanized gemming had increased the threat of soil erosion and landslips affecting the cultivation of tea and also destroying the high bio-diversity of the area.
However, NGJA sources said that they have taken action to minimise the environment destruction caused by mechanised gem mining at Castlereagh while the CEA still maintained that licence for mechanised gem mining could not be granted without an environment clearance certificate from the CEA.
Meanwhile, Environmentalists yesterday pointed out that the slipshod method and policy followed by the NGJA in issuing licences for gemming in the Central Province is causing irrevocable damage to the environment in the area.
The permission granted by the NGJA to conduct large scale gem mining at the left bank of the Bogawanthalawa Oya on Chapelton Estate covering an area of 25 acres had caused excessive turbidity and sedimentation.
Residents of the area had been complaining of itchiness after bathing in the river due to miners directing the water used in mining back to the river.
The CEA authorities said that they have warned the NGJA to revise their policy of granting permission for mining and had ordered them to consult the Central Environment Authority prior to issuing licences for gem mining in environmentally sensitive areas.
Thursday, November 25, 2004
By Damitha Hemachandra
The Central Environment Authority (CEA), has threatened to take legal action against 49 licence holders and the National Gems and Jewellery Authority (NGJA), if the Authority failed to cancel the licence granted for mechanised gem mining in Castlereagh.
The Director General of the CEA, Manel Jayamanna said that they had already informed the NGJA to cancel the permission granted to 49 people to carry out mechanised gem mining on the banks of the Kehelgamuwa River covering an area of 65 acres.
Mrs. Jayamanna said that strict action would be taken against all the responsible parties if mechanised gemming in the area were not immediately suspended.
Mechanized gemming had increased the threat of soil erosion and landslips affecting the cultivation of tea and also destroying the high bio-diversity of the area.
However, NGJA sources said that they have taken action to minimise the environment destruction caused by mechanised gem mining at Castlereagh while the CEA still maintained that licence for mechanised gem mining could not be granted without an environment clearance certificate from the CEA.
Meanwhile, Environmentalists yesterday pointed out that the slipshod method and policy followed by the NGJA in issuing licences for gemming in the Central Province is causing irrevocable damage to the environment in the area.
The permission granted by the NGJA to conduct large scale gem mining at the left bank of the Bogawanthalawa Oya on Chapelton Estate covering an area of 25 acres had caused excessive turbidity and sedimentation.
Residents of the area had been complaining of itchiness after bathing in the river due to miners directing the water used in mining back to the river.
The CEA authorities said that they have warned the NGJA to revise their policy of granting permission for mining and had ordered them to consult the Central Environment Authority prior to issuing licences for gem mining in environmentally sensitive areas.
MLTs draw more blood
Wednesday, November 24, 2004
By Damitha Hemachandra
Medical laboratory technologists yesterday extended their strike to the Cancer Hospital, the Central Blood Bank and the Lady Ridgeway Children's Hospital after the Health Ministry sacked 57 MLTs.
MLT spokesman Ravi Kumudesh said the vacation of post notice issued by the Director General of Health Services was illegal and warned they would pull other para medical services out on strike if the order was not withdrawn.
He said 22 of the MLTs, who had received vacation of post notices were employed at the Lady Ridgeway Hospital, which had been excluded from the strike while the other 35 were on sick leave. Mr. Kumudesh charged that some officials at the Health Ministry were benefiting from the strike and wanted it to continue because the bill from private hospitals for emergency tests conducted during the past week alone amounted to a staggering Rs. 13 million.
For the past few months the MLTs had refused to work overtime forcing government hospitals to seek the assistance of the private sector for emergency medical tests. It is learnt that nearly Rs. 100 million is due to private hospitals for emergency medical tests performed within the last three months.
The MLTs refused to do overtime after the government withdrew special payments made for emergency and essential services.
By Damitha Hemachandra
Medical laboratory technologists yesterday extended their strike to the Cancer Hospital, the Central Blood Bank and the Lady Ridgeway Children's Hospital after the Health Ministry sacked 57 MLTs.
MLT spokesman Ravi Kumudesh said the vacation of post notice issued by the Director General of Health Services was illegal and warned they would pull other para medical services out on strike if the order was not withdrawn.
He said 22 of the MLTs, who had received vacation of post notices were employed at the Lady Ridgeway Hospital, which had been excluded from the strike while the other 35 were on sick leave. Mr. Kumudesh charged that some officials at the Health Ministry were benefiting from the strike and wanted it to continue because the bill from private hospitals for emergency tests conducted during the past week alone amounted to a staggering Rs. 13 million.
For the past few months the MLTs had refused to work overtime forcing government hospitals to seek the assistance of the private sector for emergency medical tests. It is learnt that nearly Rs. 100 million is due to private hospitals for emergency medical tests performed within the last three months.
The MLTs refused to do overtime after the government withdrew special payments made for emergency and essential services.
