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President Rajapaksa calls for revival of Angampora as a national sport

Published on: Sunday, November 18, 2012 //



President Mahinda Rajapaksa has again showed that protecting our heritage should be given top priority in the unending path of Sri Lanka’s development process.Angampora, the native martial art which dates back to over 30,000 years is a very important part of our history as well as our heritage. Foregn invaders had to face this deadly combat art many a time which resulted in the banning of it.
President Rajapaksa should be commended for the initiative taken to uplift Angampora as a national sport.According to the Minister of Sports Mahindananda Aluthgamage, this martial art will be improved through a national sports association and a national level programme will be implemented to improve and develop Angampora in the rural areas as well.
  Angampora is a style of martial art native to Sri Lanka. It combines combat techniques, self-defense, sport, exercise and meditation. Key techniques observed in Angampora are: Angam, which incorporates hand-to-hand fighting, and Illangam, which uses indigenous weapons such as Velayudaya, staves, knives and swords. Its most distinct feature is the use of pressure point attacks to inflict pain or permanently paralyze the opponent. Fighters usually make use of both striking and grappling techniques, and fight until the opponent is caught in a submission lock that they cannot escape. Anga" means parts of the body. Thus Angampora: the fight involving parts of the body. The variant of fighting which involves weapons is called Illangam.
The practice thrived during the medieval period of Sri Lanka. Troops which conquered the Jaffna Kingdom under  the command of Sapumal Kumaraya included fighters who excelled in this art. A generation descending from a heroine named Menike or Disapathiniya who lived around this time, is credited for ensuring the survival of the true fighting style for centuries. Menike, dressed in male clothes, is said to have defeated the killer of her father in a fight inside a deep pit known as Ura linda (Pig's pit), during a historic fight.. Angampora fighters also fought alongside the army of Mayadunne of Sitawaka in the 1562 Battle of Mulleriyawa. Rajasinha I of Sitawaka, who succeeded Mayadunne, became a faithful sponsor of this art.
Sri Lanka – or Ceylon as it was known – has endured countless invasions from India, as well as colonisation by the Portuguese, Dutch and eventually the British. All of them were met with fierce resistance. While the local kings kept a large number of full-time soldiers, farmers were also trained to answer the call of the war drum should belligerents arrive on their shores. Angam pora made up a large part of this national defence and, using guerrilla tactics, unbridled ferocity and no small amount of expertise, it swayed many wars in favour of the Sri Lankans.

The Portuguese in particular were to learn the true power of angam in the most costly circumstances. Despite taking to the field with superior weapons, the Iberian forces were obliterated in the 1562 Battle of Mulleriyawa, fought in marshland against locally trained forces backed by war elephants. This would set a tone: in nearly 150 years of occupation, the Portuguese failed to conquer any more than one third of the island.

From 1656 – 1796, the Dutch enjoyed a little more success, but the resistance from native royalty was no less stubborn. In his 1681 account of life as a prisoner on the island, English sailor Robert Knox described the often fruitless attempts by the Dutch to placate the Ceylonese rulers.

“In this The Dutch therefore not being able to deal with him by the Sword, being unacquainted with the Woods and the Chingulays manner of fighting, do endeavour for Peace with him all they can, dispatching divers Embassadours [sic] to him, and sending great Presents… he neither regarding their Embassadours nor receiving the Presents, but taking his opportunities on a suddain [sic] by setting on them with his Forces.”
In 1796 governance of the island WAS passed to the British Empire, whose campaign against the insurgents was both relentless and bloody. In 1817, having recently gained control of the previously unconquered Kingdom of Kandy, Sir Robert Brownrigg, Governor of Ceylon, acknowledged the danger posed by angam pora and took extreme measures to suppress it. The practise was outlawed via notice in the local newspaper, and many of the teaching Gurus were rounded up and their maduwas (training centres) razed to the ground. From then on, anyone found to be involved with angam pora would be shot in the knee.
This devastated the number of people teaching and learning the martial art. However, it was not eradicated completely. Many people, keen to keep their traditions alive, began to practise in secret and several of the foot movements were disguised in traditional dance. What would have looked like theatrical prancing to the eyes of an inspecting officer were actually the graceful movements essential to angam pora’s survival. This form of traditional dancing is still on show in Kandy today.
 There were two major schools of Angampora: Maruwalliya and Sudhaliya. These schools routinely fought each other in the early modern times of Sri Lanka. Leaders of these schools were known as Maruwalliya Muhandiram Nilame and Sudhalaye Muhandiram Nilame. These fights took place in the presence of the king, and were known as Angam-kotāgæma. The huts used by Angampora fighters for training, were known as "Angam Madu". These were built according to the concepts of Gebim Shasthraya, the traditional architecture.
Both men and women of Buddhist origin are eligible to learn to fight Angampora. The Angam technique is divided into three main disciplines, Gataputtu (locks and grips), Pora Haramba (strikes and blocks) and Maru Kala (nerve point attacks). Gataputtu are placed on an opponent using the fighter's hands, legs or head. Pora Haramba include apporoximately eighteen forms of offensive strikes and seven of defensive blocks. Maru Kala is the technique that incorporates nerve-point attacks capable of inflicting pain on the opponent and also of causing serious injury
Before a practice session starts, the student is expected to meditate and to offer merit to the master. Student lights three lamps as he enters to the Angam Maduwa. He also has to make a pledge not to use the technique for anything except for the self-defense and the defense of his family or country Practicing begins with basic warm-up exercises, gradually moving on to special exercises. Foot movement techniques are the cornerstone of this art of fighting, and a foot exercise called Mulla Panina is the first skill taught. In this, the student is disciplined for making even simple mistakes. This exercise is followed next by more advanced techniques like Gaman Thalawa.
The hand fighting technique known as Amaraya belongs to the next level. A student learns to observe the weaknesses of the opponent, and to attack those weak points with experience. Weapons such as the Suruttuwaluwa/Velayudaya (an apparatus made of four long flexible pieces of metal, with sharp edges on both sides), the combat sword, Keti Kaduwa (a smaller version of the sword), and cane sticks are also used for fighting, together with the Paliha, a shield. In total, there are sixty-four types of weapon, including thirty-two different swords.
 A graduation ceremony known as the Helankada Mangalya is the apex of the life of an Angampora fighter. This ceremony is held inside a Buddhist temple. Panikkirala, or fencing master, is the highest position in Angampora, which is the headmanship of a particular school.[ However, the tradition does not use a rank signal mechanism like belt, to denote the degree of competence of the fighter. The male-fighters usually fight barechest. Although Angampora is designed to kill, it requires the practitioner to adhere at all times to a stringent discipline In extreme cases, fights are held inside deep holes. Some deadly, higher level Angam attacks involve the nervous system of human body. If executed properly, they can stop the blood circulation of vital organs, leading to paralysis or even death. Alongside such techniques students learn an Ayurvedic practice known as Beheth Pārawal, or medical shots, for reversing the effects of such strikes.

Historical Evidences For Angam Kalawa
  • MAHA WANSHAYA: This mentions about ANGAMPORA fighting which was used in the battle of king ELARA and KING DUTUGEMUNU.IT specially describes the fighting styles of GHOTAIMBARA AND THERAPUTHTHABAYA.
  • MAHA WANSHAYA: This mentions that king PARAKRAMABAHU enjoyed a martial art display done by his soldiers in 12th century.
  • CHULA WANSHAYA: This mentions that king 4 VIJAYABAHU enjoyed a fighting display of his army.
  • RAJAWALIYA: This mentions how KONAPPUBANDARA (1 WIMALADHARMASURIA) defeated a Portuguese swordsman by using ANGAMPORA.
  • MAGHA SALAKUNA KAWYA: This mentions about a fighting academy named as “AGE MADILLA” in Kandy in 15th century.
  • JUGAN HANDERSAN: This writer who served for Dutch in 1669 has mentioned about SRILANKAN fighters in his book on SRI LANKA.
  • DR.JOHN DEV: HE has mentioned about the “SUDALAIYA”CLAN and “MARUWALLIYA” CLAN who practiced ANGAMPORA.HE has specially mentioned about the deadly fights done in “URA LIDA” (Gladiator fighting arena)
  • H.C.P BELL: HE merely describes about a fighting clan which was started by a lady named “GALABODA KUMARIHAMI”.Then he reports about the battle of MULLERIYA.

Rihanna's 'Stay': Singer Performs New Song And 'Diamonds' On 'SNL'

Published on: Monday, November 12, 2012 // , ,

Rihanna was the musical guest on last night's 'Saturday Night Live,' hosted by Anne Hathaway.
The singer premiered "Stay," a new song off her upcoming album, "Unapologetic."While the song usually features Mikky Ekko, Rihanna sang it solo.

Justin Bieber, Selena Gomez Split: Pop Star Speaks Outs About Breakup

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We know you spent all weekend crying over the news that Justin Bieber and Selena Gomez have broken up -- and likely so did the Biebs.
On Friday, multiple sources confirmed that the couple, who had been dating for nearly two years, called it quits about a week ago. Sources also claim it was the 20-year-old actress who decided it was time to end the relationship, in part because of their "crazy schedules" and because she had major "trust issues" with Bieber.
Bieber was already rumored to have moved on with Victoria Secret model Barbara Palvin, who he took to see "The Lion King" on Broadway, though the model was quick to deny it.
The breakup seems to have Bieber thrown for a loop. In an interview with Open House Party on Nov. 10, he neither confirmed nor denied the split, telling radio host John Garabedian, "I don't know what to say. I don't know what's going on in my life. To even assess that it doesn't make sense 'cause I have not made any comment."
Bieber seemed more than a little annoyed by the question about the breakup, but some of his recent tweets definitely sound like those of a man who was recently dumped.
"Thank you Boston. Focused on the positive. #30MillionBeliebers with me. I'm never leaving you because you are always there for me," the 18-year-old singer tweeted after his concert on Nov. 11.
But all hope may not be lost, as sources have told TMZ that couple known as "Jelena" might not be totally dunzo. Bieber reportedly wants to give it another go, and it could happen since they've broken up several times before.
While Bieber may want Gomez back, we have a feeling there is more to their breakup than meets the eye. Shortly after news of the breakup hit on Friday night, several of Gomez's "Wizards of Waverly Place" cast members chimed in on Twitter to support their girl.
Actor David Deluise, who play's Gomez' on-screen father, is clearly very dad-like off-screen as well. "All woman should be treated with respect! Listen up boy @selenagomez," he wrote and posted a photo of himself and Gomez. Meanwhile, Gomez' on-screen mother played by Maria Canals-Barrera, also tweeted support for the actress: "With my beautiful, talented and STRONG @selenagomez on our last day of filming the #WizardReunionSpecial"
And it's not just her on-screen parents who have her back either. Actress Jennifer Stone, who plays Gomez' quirky BFF, tweeted, "That's why you don't rob the cradle, because babe's be trippin."
All of this leads us to believe they may never, ever get back together.

Justin Bieber and Selena Gomez: The Way They Were

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Singh sees end of economic ‘gloom and doom’

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INDIA: Indian Prime Minister Manmohan Singh has said the economic “gloom and doom” clouding the country in recent years has been dispelled and that he is determined to push ahead with further reforms. In a speech on Saturday evening in Mumbai, Singh said that in 2006, 10 percent annual growth looked “eminently achievable” and “the sense of optimism was all pervading”.
But he admitted that since then, Indian exports have shrunk and the fiscal deficit has gone up.
“Growth decelerated to 6.5 percent last year and may be only around six percent in the current year,” he said. “This has dampened investor sentiment.
“Doubts are being raised in some quarters about the India growth story going astray,” he said at a corporate function organised by the Economic Times.
Singh vowed that a raft of reforms announced in September would revive the economy and attract foreign investment, with more policy changes in the pipeline.
“We have dispelled gloom and doom, improved the climate for foreign investment (and) are working hard to restore investor confidence and the growth environment,” Singh told business leaders in Mumbai, India's financial capital.
In a strongly-worded speech, Singh said that his government “bit the bullet” when introducing recent reforms, including to the retail sector that will allow global chains such as Walmart and Tesco to open branches for the first time.
The move has attracted fierce opposition, and many Indian states may still act to keep out giant supermarkets to protect small shop owners.
“Some of the steps were considered by many of our critics as politically impossible.
“We bit the bullet and did what we felt was the right thing to do,” Singh said. “Undoubtedly, more needs to be done.” The reforms have already cost the ruling coalition its parliamentary majority with the exit of an allied party that has threatened to bring a no-confidence motion against the government when parliament reopens later this month.
AFP

Iran brushes aside new US sanctions

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IRAN: Iran on Saturday brushed aside newly-imposed US sanctions over media censorship, which it said was essential to preserve “moral values” in the Islamic republic. Dismissing them as “unimportant”, Islamic Culture and Guidance Minister Mohammad Hosseini said the sanctions “against the ministry and the press watchdog are the gift of the new American administration,” Mehr news agency reported.
The United States on Thursday sanctioned his ministry for closing down newspapers and detaining journalists.
State Department spokeswoman Victoria Nuland said Washington was determined to stop the “Iranian government from creating an 'electronic curtain' to cut Iranian citizens off from the rest of the world.” But Hosseini was dismissive.
“We do not want the American version of freedom. We cannot tolerate the break of moral values in Islamic countries ... The press watchdog is a source of pride for us,” he said.
Iran's notorious press watchdog has banned several publications, mostly reformist journals, for breaching its strict regulations since the disputed 2009 re-election of President Mahmoud Ahmadinejad.
AFP

Fears blight ‘Malala Day’

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PAKISTAN: Pakistan marked “Malala Day” Saturday on a global day of support for the teenager shot by the Taliban for promoting girls’ education, but in her home town security fears meant her schoolmates could not honour her in public.
Taliban hitmen shot Malala Yousafzai on her school bus a month ago in Mingora in Pakistan’s northwestern Swat Valley, in a cold-blooded murder attempt for the “crime” of campaigning for girls’ rights to go to school.
Miraculously the 15-year-old survived and her courage has won the hearts of millions around the world, prompting the United Nations to declare Saturday a “global day of action” for her.
People around the world held vigils and demonstrations honouring Malala and calling for the 32 million girls worldwide who are denied education to be allowed to go to school.
Demonstrations backing Malala took place in Islamabad, Karachi, the eastern city of Lahore and Muzaffarabad in Pakistan-administered Kashmir, and Prime Minister Raja Pervez Ashraf saluted Malala’s courage.
But in Mingora, the threat of further Taliban reprisals cast a fearful shadow, and students at Malala’s Khushal Public School were forced to honour her in private.
“We held a special prayer for Malala today in our school assembly and also lit candles,” school principal Mariam Khalid told AFP. “We did not organise any open event because our school and its students still face a security threat.” Though their bid to kill Malala failed, the Taliban have said they will attack any woman who stands against them. Fears are so great that Khalid said even speaking to the media could put students’ lives in danger.
Two of Malala’s friends were wounded in the attempt on her life and one, 16-year-old Kainaat Riaz, said she was still haunted by memories of the attack.
“I am still terrified. I still get tears in my eyes whenever I think of that incident. I saw Malala in the pool of blood in front of me with my eyes,” she told AFP.
Shazia Ramzan, 13, spent a month in hospital after being shot in the shoulder during the attack, but she said it had made her even more determined to go to school.
AFP

Amila and Sanka do Moratuwa proud

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Dilwin Mendis - Moratuwa Sports corr
The people of Moratuwa are not only crazy about this noble game, but they have a thorough knowledge of the subject, they love and always enjoy a good game of cricket, they expect fairplay and sportsmanship on and off the field. Since the introduction of the game people who have wielded the willow and thousands of Moratuwites who have never held a bat enjoy every minute of the game. They discuss cricket, read about the game, watch and some may be dreaming cricket. Cricket is a way of life for Moratuwites.
Two school cricketers of this cricket crazy town have brought honour to their schools, St Sebastian’s College and Moratu Vidyalaya by being the Runner-up of the All Island Schools and the Outstation Schools in the recently conducted Observer Schoolboy Cricketer contest of the year 2012.
They are captains of St Sebastian’s College and Moratu Vidyalaya both are fine all rounders of the game Amila Aponso and Sanka Ramesh respectively. Amila represented Sri Lanka Schools under 19 team earlier and for the under 19 world cup this year too.
Sanka who performed well in all departments of the game for two consecutive years and in the under 23 inter-club cricket tournament conducted by Sri Lanka Cricket was unlucky for not getting selected for the world cup team and no one knows why he was not picked and it is not very clear that how Moratu Vidyalaya is rated as an outstation school as they are playing inter-school matches with the leading schools and has performed well during the past.
It has gone something wrong somewhere when the groupings were done. It is high time the authorities concerned look into this grave injustice.
Amila has been representing his alma-mater for four years and a coloursman and he was a member of the Big Match winning team 2011 against Cambrians. He is a left arm orthodox leg spin bowler and a top order batsman. Last year he took 107 wickets and scored 582 runs. He joined the select band of Sebestianites who took more than 100 wickets.
The others who claimed more than hundred wickets are Ajith Cooray and Nimesh Perera twice. This year under his captaincy the big match was a tame draw and he led Sebs to victory in the limited overs game.
Sanka commenced his cricket career at De Soysa Maha Vidyalaya, Angulana, Moratuwa and his first coach was Sabu Weerasuriya. When he joined Moratu Vidyalaya, his talents were picked up immediately by Prasanna Dissanayake who was the coach of Ajantha Mendis at Vidyalaya.
In the year 2011 and 2012 he claimed 103 wickets each and year 2011 he scored 1,167 runs and leading his alma-mater in 2012 scored more than 900 runs.
He is undoubtedly the best allround cricketer produced from vidyalaya during their 78 year old cricket history. Also he joined the one thousand brigade with the other illustrious cricketers who passed the thousand mark. He had one of the best performances against St Sebastians when he scored a century and took a match bag of ten wickets.
In the game with Zahira College he scored 215 runs in the second innings and saved his school from certain defeat and thus he joins the two hundred brigade along with Ranjith Fernando, Chandana Mahesh (twice), Lucky Rogers, Dammika Wickramanayake, Sampath Perera, Amal Peiris and Chatura Hemakumara.
In his first year itself playing for Singhalese Sports Club he took 29 wickets with a match bag of 10 for 87 vs Colombo Cricket Club.
Both of them have left their schools and representing club cricket and our fervent wish is they will play for their country very soon which is the sole ambition of any young cricketer.
We salute these two young cricketers for bringing honour and glory not only to their respective schools but to their native town Moratuwa.

Kiwis looking to save face

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Elmo RODRIGOPULLE
Now that the Sri Lankan cricketers have wrapped up the one-day series against New Zealand 3-1, the final game at the Sooriyawewa Stadium will be a hit about for the Lankans today. But it will do Sri Lanka cricket a lot of good if they can win the final game and go 4- up. It will also give Lankans the confidence they need to whack the Kiwis in the Two Test matches with the first one beginning at the Galle Stadium on Saturday.
The Lankans will now have the opportunity of making changes, resting their seniors and giving those who haven’t played a chance to showcase their talent.
Sri Lanka won the Fourth one-day game in convincing fashion with leg spinning all rounder Jeevan Mendis being the star performer with 3 for 15. He varied his deliveries well and was rewarded.
Then when Sri Lanka chased victory, Dinesh Chandimal having a knock after a long time made 43 in 65 balls. Kumar Sangakkara gave him good support making 42 not out. Earlier Upul Tharanga smashed 27 in 28 balls. Surprisingly the Kiwi batting could not withstand the pressure put on them and could make only 131 in a game reduced to 32 overs because of rain. Only Brendon McCullum 30, and Kane Williamson and James Franklin 21 each showed form.
Now that the series has been lost the Kiwis will be pushing to win the final game and save face.

Nuwan and Manomi pedal to glory at NYSF

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Priyan de Silva - Matara Sports Correspondent
Y A Nuwan Dulantha of Colombo and G G Manomi Kumari of Ampara took the men’s and women’s cycling titles at the 24th National Youth Sports Festival on Saturday. The Cycling, Race walking and Marathon events were worked off at Matara over the week end.
The Men’s cycling race covered a distance of 102.6 kilometers commencing opposite the Jayasuriya grounds in Matara and passing through Thihagoda, Kamburupitiya, Kirinda Puhulwella, Hakmana, Denagama, Walasmulla, Weeraketiya, Thangalla, Dickwella, Gandara , Devinuwara and finished opposite the Jayasuriya grounds. About 80 cyclists faced the starter and the majority stuck together until Tangalla. With 40 kilometers to go the leading five broke away from the pack and held their lead till the end.
The women’s race which was 50.6 kilometers started at the Jayasuriya grounds and passed through Thihagoda, Kamburupitiya, Kirinda Puhulwella, Yatiyana, Hakmana and finished at Matara. 12 cyclists faced the starter in the women’s event and Manomi Kumari led from the start.
A A D S Madhusanka of Kaluthara won the marathon event for men covering a distance of 42.195 kilometers in a time of 2 hours 44 minutes and one second. W M B Ruwani Nisansal covered the 21.0975 kilometer course in one hour twenty six minutes and forty five seconds to take first place. D M Maheshika Madushani was second with a time of 1:29.19. The delayed start resulted in the competitors having to endure the hot sun at the end.
Cycling - men’s
1. Y A Nuwan Dulantha - Colombo, 2.K G A Priyantha Jayalal- Hambanthota, 3.Ranjeewa Perera - Colombo
Cycling – women’s
1. G G Manomi Kumari -Ampara, 2. Ishara Nilmini – Anuradhapura, 3.A M Dinesha Dilrukshi - Puttlam
Race walking – men’s (over 20 years)
1. M D Sampath -Matara, 2. K P Dhanushka Sampath -Galle, 3. K G S K Abeyrathna-Kurunegala
Race walking – men’s (under 20 years)
1. S Chathuranga -Matara, 2.D W Pradeep Madhusanka- Hambanthota, 3.B L M Kumara - Monaragala
Race walking – women’s (above 20 years)
1. T H Dinusha -Galle, 2. S P Malkanthi Deshapriya – Hambanthota, 3.AM Indira Priyadarshani-Monaragala
Race walking – women’s (under 20 years)
1. P B Gayana -Matara, 2.P P Ayanthi Jayawickrema-Kurunegala, 3. J K M M Dhamayanthi -Monaragala
Marathon (men)
1. A A D S Madhusanka - Kaluthara 2:44.01, 2. G A R Wasantha Kumara – Galle, 3. R M A Y Iranga Rathnayaka -Badulla
Marathon (women)
1. W M B Ruwani Nisansala- Puttlam 1:26.45, 2. D M Maheshika Madushani - Kurunegala 1:29.19, 3. A M Disna - Badulla 1:32.24

Forces dominate NAC

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90th edition concludes with two new SL records :
Yasaratne GAMAGE
D M E D K Fernando of Sri Lanka Army emerged the best athlete and was awarded the N Vyrawananthan Memorial Challenge Cup in the 90th National Athletics Championships concluded at the Sugathadasa Stadium yesterday.
Fernando's performance in the men's triple jump where he leapt 16.37 metres and established a new Sri Lankan record on the second day of the meet also brought him the Wilton Bartleet Challenge Cup for the best male athlete.

D. M. E. D. A. Fernando of SL Army who was adjudged the
Best Athlete of the meet and best male athlete for his performance
of 16.37 metres (NSLR) in men's triple jump
receiving the N. Vyrawanathan Memorial Cup from the chief
guest Sports Minister Mahindananda Aluthgamage. AASL
President Maj. Gen. Daya Rathnayake looks on.
N M Champika Dilrukshi of Sri Lanka Army and Airwoman Eranga Dulakshi were adjudged the best athletes in the female category. On the first day, Eranga clocked 10:11.72 minutes to set up a new Sri Lanka record in women's 3000 metres steeple chase . Dilrukshi was awarded for her performance in the women's 800 metres where she set up a new meet record by finishing the event in 2:04.97 minutes also on the second day.
The three day event concluded with two new Sri Lankan records, five new meet records,one equalizer which were set up by athletes from the Tri Forces except for one record set up by Priyangika Madumanthi of Kurunegala District AA in the women's high jump.
Three women athletes also recorded better timing than the previous record in the women's 800 metres and 1500 metres.
Yesterday in the women's pole vault, R A A Karunawansa of Sri Lanka Navy equalized the previous record of Airwoman K A K L Perera, a height of 3.20 metres which she established last year.
D A S Samanmali of Sri Lanka Air Force who clocked 4:21.97 minutes in the women's 1500 metres set up the only new meet record on the final day. She erased the last year record of another Airwoman, W K L A Nimali's timing of 4:26.25 minutes . G T A Abeyratna of Sri Lanka Navy who finished second also bettered last the timing of Nimali.
W K D S Perera of Sri Lanka Air Force won the gold medal in the decathlon by securing 5885 points while R D Gunasinghe of Sri Lanka Army won the silver with 5718 points. Airman D C Wickramaratne win the bronze with 5571 points.
In the heptathlon, B A S Ayesha of Sri Lanka police collected 3731 points to win the gold. K M K N A Fernando of Sri Lanka Air Force secured the silver with 3662 points while her team mate P S M De Zoysa won the bronze with 3392 points.
Results of the final day
Men's events
20 Km race walk
1. T G S N Appuhami ( SLAF- 1:39:28.40 hrs), 2. S K A C Fernando ( SLArmy - 1:42:05.75 hrs), 3. M D Sampath ( SLNavy- 1:50:52.46 hrs )
Javelin Throw
1. R P V L Dayarathna ( SL Army - 73.27 metres), 2. R M S J Ranasinghe ( SLAF- 68.13 metres ), 3. D S Ranasinghe ( SL Army - 68.09 metres)
1500 metres
1. P H Chamal ( SL Army - 3:52.02 minutes ), 2. M K G A Nissanka Kumara ( SL Army - 3:52.06 minutes ), 3. K P Ruwan Kumara ( SL Army - 3:54.78 minutes )
Long Jump
1. W M P Weerakkodi ( SL Army - 7.35 metres ), 2. J P S Fernando ( Lanka Lions Sports Club- 7.32 metres ), 3. R A E Sanjeewa ( S L Army - 7.25 metres )
100 metres
1. W K Himasha Eashan ( Sri Lanka Schools AA- 10.50 seconds ), 2. M S M Safran ( SL Army - 10.68 seconds ), 3. B R A Hasaranga ( SL Army - 10.77 seconds )
400 metres
1. Y M W G A M Gunaratne ( SLAF- 47.26 seconds ), 2. W A D C D Aloka ( SLAF- 47.25 seconds ), 3. K K K Senaviratne ( SL Navy - 47.56 seconds )
5000 metres
1. D L Samarajeewa ( SL Army- 14:45.61 minutes), 2. N M C C Nawasinghe ( SLAF- 15:04.52 minutes ), 3. W W K Weerasinghe ( SL Navy - 15:21.32 minutes )
Women's events
20 Km race walk
1. Geetha Nandani ( Kalutara District AA - 1:55:04.57 hrs ), 2. P B Gayani ( SL Army - 2:01:28.06 hrs ), 3. L M M S Jayaratne ( SL Army - 2:01:38.73 hrs )
Pole vault
1. R A A Karunawansa ( S L Navy - 3.20 metres -EMR), 2. R R S C Dilrukshi ( Kandy District AA - 3.10 metres, 3. K A K L Perera ( SLAF- 3.10 metres )
Hammer throw
1. A W A C Amarasinghe ( SL Army - 38.16 metres ), 2. G J A Galhena ( SL Army - 35.94 metres ), 3. G F Hassim ( SLA F - 34.39 metres )
100 metres
1. H J C C Silva ( SL Navy - 11.85 seconds ), 2. H P S Buddika ( SL AF -11.87 seconds ), 3. P D Y N Abeywickrama ( SLAF - 12.19 seconds )
1500 metres
1. D A S Samanmali ( SLAF- 4:21.97 minutes NMR ), 2. G T A Abeyratne ( SL Navy - 4:21.98 minutes BPR ), 3. N A Rajasekara ( SL Navy - 4:36.55 minutes )
400 metres
1. R M C S Rasnayake ( SLAF- 54.63 seconds ), 2. U G D Sandamali ( SLAF- 55.12 seconds ), 3. B D G Pathma Kumari ( SL Army - 55.65 seconds )

Illegal drug trafficking on the rise

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Ridma DISSANAYAKE
Illegal drug trafficking in Sri Lanka is on the rise. Heroin and cannabis are the most common drugs seized in the country with 80 percent of these drugs finding their way via the sea route, Sri Lanka Coast Guard Director General Rear Admiral Ruwan Dias said.
The Sri Lanka Coast Guard (SLCG) has a vital role to play in preventing these illegal drugs from coming into the country, he said.
Prevention of trans-boundary movement of narcotics is one of the main responsibilities of the SLCG.
Prevention of illegal fishing, human trafficking and piracy are the other main responsibilities, he said. The SLCG was established in 2009 by Coast Guard Act No 41 of 2009 according to a concept of President Mahinda Rajapaksa.
Since then it has been entrusted with a number of responsibilities such as law enforcement in the coastal areas, territorial waters and maritime zones of Sri Lanka and high seas, providing assistance to the Customs and other authorities in counter smuggling operations and border management, cooperating with law enforcement agencies and Armed Forces by taking measures for the suppression of terrorist in maritime zones, he said

Police officers interdicted following clash

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Priyadarshani Kahawala, Ingiriya Central Group Cor
Two constables, a sergeant and a Civil Defence officer of Moragahahena Police Station were interdicted following a clash between villagers of Yahalakale Estate in Horana and members of the Moragahahena Police on Saturday night. The Police had gone to investigate a case of child abuse at the estate and an argument ensued between the Police and villagers.
This led to a clash between the two factions resulting in three police officers and eight villagers being hospitalised.
Some of the injured are receiving treatment at the Horana Hospital Intensive Care Unit.
The villagers complained that the policemen were under the influence of liquor and assaulted them. Four police officers were interdicted on the orders of Horana ASP Abeyratna Dissanayaka. Investigations are continuing.

Much relief to people at grassroot level

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Budget 2013:


Chaminda PERERA
This Budget has given much relief to the people at grassroot level and it helps promote investment. That is why Opposition Leader Ranil Wickremesinghe avoided giving any comments regarding the budget, Cooperatives and Internal Trade Minister Johnston Fernando said.
He said that the Opposition leader might have understood the salient features in the budget that would give impetus for the country’s development and that may be the reason why he refused to make any comments over the budget.
Speaking at the 2012 Convocation of the Association of Accounting Technicians of Sri Lanka (AATSL) at the BMICH yesterday, Minister Fernando said that all segments of the society have been benefited by the budget.
He said that President Mahinda Rajapaksa’s practical and pragmatic policies helped achieve many objectives in the economic field.
He opined that the UNP leadership and the party lacked this practicality. This lacuna was clearly visible after the people rejected the UNP government in a short span of two and half years, he said.
Fernando said that the government has provided relief to a vast range of sectors from agriculture to investment.
“This budget is a relief to almost all sectors closely connected to the country’s development process. The farmers to investors are reaping the benefits from this budget, he said.
The minister said that some segments with well-known origin alleged the government that it would fail in the management of country’s economy after the government succeeded in eradicating terrorism.
“These cynical elements scoffed at the government when it took vibrant decisions for the uplift of agriculture, investment and many other sectors. He said that the government has made many achievements in the field of economy despite these aspersions.
“Sri Lanka has seen tremendous development in the field of economy under the able and dynamic leadership of President Mahinda Rajapaksa”, he said.
He said that the 2013 budget has created conducive atmosphere for the investment to thrive. Minister Fernando added that ample employment opportunities are available for the AAT fellows.
He said that most of AAT qualified left the State sector as salaries for accountants and account technicians are low in state sector compared to private sector. He said that the cutting edge technological knowledge should be introduced to the AAT fellows.
The minister said that the Act to incorporate the Association of Accounting Technicians of Sri Lanka would be presented to parliament in January giving more legal recognition to the Association.
“This institution is not a burden to the government”. Fernando noted that the government faces challenges in finding employment to those who qualify for the university entrance.
He said that a minimum percentage of students are admitted to universities and the government faces enormous challenges in providing employment to the rest.
Higher Education Ministry Secretary Dr. Sunil Jayantha Navaratne. Association Presdent Ganaka Amarasinghe and Secretary and the chairman of the membership committee Sunil Wanigabadu were also present.

How Obama the Chief Executive shapes the destiny of the Judiciary

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Analysis:
* With the Judiciary supposed to be ‘free of Executive influence’ here in Sri Lanka, we see how that is not so in ‘liberal America.’
* Four of the justices currently seated on the U.S. Supreme Court are in their 70s.
WASHINGTON - President Barack Obama’s election victory on Tuesday may give him the opportunity to deepen his liberal imprint on the U.S. Supreme Court.
A Harvard law graduate who taught constitutional law, Obama, a Democrat, named two liberals to the high court during his first four-year term.
With his re-election, the retirement of one or more justices in the next four years could preserve the present ideological balance or, more significantly, move the bench to the left.
The court’s nine justices are selected for life and their appointments can rank among a president’s most enduring legacies.
Four are in their 70s. Two - Ruth Bader Ginsburg, 79, and Stephen Breyer, 74 - are liberals. Two - Antonin Scalia and Anthony Kennedy, both 76 - are conservatives. The biggest shake-up would come if either of the last two stepped down.
A swing in the liberal direction could foster a new receptiveness to campaign finance regulation. The five-justice conservative majority, led by Chief Justice John Roberts, has ruled against such regulation, most notably in the 2010 Citizens United v. Federal Election Commission dispute.
The chance of more muscle on the left in the future could influence conservative justices today, tempting them to be more forceful or, alternatively, more willing to compromise with liberals.
“I would bet on the shoot-the-moon option,” said Harvard law professor Mark Tushnet, predicting that conservatives would be more aggressive knowing their chances to prevail could diminish if Obama made new appointments.
Washington lawyer Michael Carvin, who argues regularly before the court, including last term against the Obama healthcare law, said the possibility of a leftward shift was unlikely to affect conservatives’ votes but could prompt them to seek to resolve hot-button cases sooner rather than later.
“If anything, it would make them more anxious to resolve contentious questions rather than kick them down the road,” he said.
Carvin, who represents a set of challengers to a key voting-rights law, said conservatives might be more willing now to take cases protesting the requirement that states with a history of discrimination obtain federal approval for electoral changes.

US Supreme Court
The five conservative justices have signaled their resistance to the provision and other race-based policies.
Carvin said they might want to address the matter now “rather than in the future when you’re not sure what the court would be like.”

UNPREDICTABLE

Supreme Court departures, like many of its cases, defy prediction. It is not unusual for justices to stay in their jobs into their 80s or beyond.
The last retirement was in 2010 when Justice John Paul Stevens, then aged 90, stepped down. For decades, speculation about his retirement had been the stuff of election-year news stories.
Before him, Justice David Souter left at age 69 in 2009. Chief Justice William Rehnquist died in office, at age 80, in 2005. Justice Sandra Day O’Connor retired in 2006 at 75, leaving earlier than expected to care for her husband who suffered from Alzheimer’s disease.
No matter who exits and who enters, the court can be expected to stay tightly divided on many social-policy dilemmas. A majority is likely to remain supportive of the rights of gay men and lesbians, although it is impossible to predict how the justices would rule on same-sex marriage.
It is now certain the 1973 Roe v. Wade decision, which made abortion legal nationwide and is supported by the current majority, will endure for at least four more years.
The current nine justices are divided politically as well as ideologically. Conservatives Roberts, Scalia, Kennedy, Clarence Thomas and Samuel Alito were appointed by Republican presidents. Liberals Ginsburg, Breyer, Sonia Sotomayor and Elena Kagan were named by Democrats.
Ginsburg, who has survived colorectal and pancreatic cancer, said in an August interview with Reuters that her health was good. She undergoes regular check-ups and works with a personal trainer.
Appointed in 1993 by President Bill Clinton, she has vowed to remain on the bench at least three more years, to match the record of Justice Louis Brandeis, one of her judicial heroes, who retired at age 82 in 1939, after nearly 23 years.
But she has added, “You have to take it year by year.”

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