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 Cost of Living

Payment on Jan 8

The Cost of Living allowances increased by the government for public servants for the months of November and December 2009 will be paid on January 8 while the total amount of the monthly CoL allowance for January 2010 i.e. Rs 5,250 will be paid along with the monthly January 2010 salary.

The Treasury has already released the necessary funds to meet this requirement.

Meanwhile, the pensioners will receive their CoL increases for November, December 2009 and January 2010 in their pension payment for this month.

Accordingly, a pensioner will receive Rs. 2,375 as CoL payment with effect from November 2009.

Death of Prabhakaran's father

Slain LTTE Leader Velupillai Prabhakaran's father Thiruvenkadawan Velupillai passed away on Wednesday night of natural causes at the Panagoda Army base at the age of 86.

Military spokesman Brigadier Udaya Nanayakkara said T. Velupillai who was under military protection died after a brief illness at the Panagoda Army base.

"The military protection has been provided on request of the deceased and his family members from July 02, 2009 up to date," he added. T. Velupillai has fallen sick for a long time. He was paralyzed and has been treated for a month at the Colombo National Hospital.

T. Velupillai was born in 10.01.1924. He worked as a Government Land Officer from 1943 to 1982. He was father of four (two daughters and two sons), V. Prabhakaran was the youngest son.

Police recover youth's body from river

Mahanama VITHANAGE Malwana Group Correspondent

A body of a youth was found in the Kelani Ganga at Biyagama by the Biyagama Police last Saturday morning.

The body was identified as that of K. Daminda (31) of Kibulwilawatta, a Lorry cleaner of a Gas Company.

This was revealed at the inquest into the death held by the inquirer into sudden deaths, Ragama Dr. H.P. G.G. de Alwis.

K. Chandana Priyalal (37) his brother and several others gave evidence.

Dr. P. Fernando, J.M.O. Ragama Hospital held the autopsy.

The inquirer recorded a verdict of accidental death due to drowning.

Biyagama Police led evidence.

Neluwa PS member dies

Neluwa Pradehsiya Sabha member Upul Priyantha Kumara Wijenayake (32) passed away at the National Hospital, Colombo on Tuesday. He was the former Chairman of the same Pradeshiya Sabha during 2002/2004 period.

His remains are lying at his residence at Wijenayake Niwasa, Batuwangala, Neluwa and will then be kept at the Pradeshiya Sabha office premises at Dellawa Road, Neluwa between 1.00 p.m. to 2.00 p.m. today for the public to pay their respect.

The final rites will be held on the same day at the family burial grounds at 4.00 p.m.

A conspiracy, says Communist Youth Federation

NDF Presidential Candidate's efforts to obtain the votes of minority communities is a conspiracy in itself, said Sri Lanka Communist Youth Federation (SLCYF) in a statement.

He talks of various things detrimental to the country including that of changes to the 13th Amendment and also of a solution beyond that, it pointed out.

The SLCYF added that in his task to implement all these, he had sought the cooperation of the JVP that stood against the granting of minimal rights to minorities and was also responsible for the deaths of thousands of progressives and intellectuals in the country.

It pointed out that the UNP was responsible for prolonging the ethnic problem to the level of a massive war in the country.

President’s diplomacy won many friends

Lakshmi DE SILVA

Sri Lanka’s positive future economic growth is unstoppable now according to a recent IMF report and President Mahinda Rajapaksa’s diplomacy coupled with his charming personality had helped strengthen ties with the neighbouring superpower India and other friendly countries, Public Administration and Home Affairs Minister Dr.Sarath Amunugama said.

He was addressing the National Professionals Forum at the Mahaweli Center auditorium Tuesday. Unlike the previous Executive Presidents who antagonized the leaders of our giant neighbour India President Mahinda Rajapaksa won the hearts of Indian Leaders which paved the way to get help when in need, the minister explained.

Concert

The annual concert and awarding of certificates of Sudharma Dhamma School organized by Muthuhara Lama Samajaya of Millewa, Horana will be held on January 10 at 2 p.m. at the Millewa Rangiri Temple Hall.

Service

A special new year service of ‘Praise and Worship’ will be held on Sunday at 10.30 a.m. at the Cathedral of Christ the Living Saviour (adjoining the BMICH) Colombo 7 under the banner of the ministry of ‘Peace for All’.

Kira in aid

Jayasekera Aponso’s popular stage play ‘Kira’ will be staged on January 9 in aid of Prince of Wales’ College Old Boys’ Association at Sarvodaya Vishva Samadhi Hall Rawatawatte at 3 p.m. and 6 p.m. espectively.

Over 300 JVP and UNP members obtained membership of the SLFP at an SLFP local party branch meeting in Polonnaruwa recently. Here they are having greeted by SLFP General Secretary Minister Maithripala Sirisena.

University Grants Commission Chairman Prof. Gamini Samaranayaka (third from left) speaking at Wednesday’s press conference on the country’s higher education and its progress during the past four years. Vice Chancellors, Prof. Sarath Amungama, Prof. Shanika Himburegama and Prof. Upali Vidanapathirana are also in the picture. Picture by Thushara Fernando