Centre for Policy Alternatives on 18 November, 2009

Death Threat against Dr. Paikiasothy Saravanamuttu: A Clarification of Events

The Centre for Policy Alternatives (CPA) wishes to correct and clarify media reportage of the death threat against its Executive Director, Dr. Paikiasothy Saravanamuttu.  CPA is both deeply concerned and appalled at the distortions of the chain of events in the media, particularly the state controlled media, in which it appears that exigencies of government propaganda have dictated a campaign of misrepresentation and vilification against Dr. Saravanamuttu. CPA wishes, therefore, to place on public record the correct facts of the matter, and hopes that this will serve to foreclose any further distortions and misrepresentations.

Download attached PDF for full chronology and press release.

Death Threat against Dr. Paikiasothy Saravanamuttu: A Clarification of Events

Centre for Policy Alternatives on 2 November, 2009

The Centre for Policy Alternatives Vs. Minister of Defence (SC FR 457/09)

In June 2009 a petition was filed by CPA in the Public Interest, requesting the Supreme Court to declare that the state had violated the Fundamental Rights guaranteed to individuals who were placed in “welfare” or “displacement” camps immediately after the end of the war in May 2009. According to the petition filed by CPA the fundamental rights violated by this act included the right to equality and non discrimination [Article 12],  the freedom from arbitrary arrest and detention [Article 13(1) and (2)], the freedom of association and freedom of movement [Article 14 (g) and (h)]. The case is pending before the Supreme Court.

Centre for Policy Alternatives on 28 October, 2009

Comments on ?National Policy on Local Government? as published in the Daily News, 25th September 2009

This brief note responds to several points enumerated in the draft National Policy on Local Government on the proposed use of Information Communication Technology at local government levels.

Comments on ?National Policy on Local Government? as published in the Daily News, 25th September 2009
Comments on ?National Policy on Local Government? as published in the Daily News, 25th September 2009

Centre for Policy Alternatives on 12 October, 2009

Regarding grossly misleading reference to CPA in Tamilnet news report

Editor, Tamilnet (www.tamilnet.com)

12 October 2009

Dear Sir or Madam:

Regarding grossly misleading reference to CPA in Tamilnet news report

The news story titled Fonseka’s legal perils published on your website today, available online at http://www.tamilnet.com/art.html?catid=79&artid=30421, includes a reference and link to a press release by the Centre for Policy Alternatives (CPA).

Issued on 28th September 2008, the press release originally titled “CPA statement on the recent comments by Gen. Sarath Fonseka in Canada’s National Post” responded to specific comments made by Gen. Sarath Fonseka and published in Canadian print media at the time. “CPA statement on Fonseka” is the generic title given to the web link / URL of this press release in your news story.

We are very concerned that the inclusion of CPA’s press release in this manner, without its original title and featured in a news story completely unrelated to its content is grossly misleading and against basic ethics of journalism that call for accurate sourcing of information.

CPA has absolutely no association with Tamils Against Genocide (TAG) and has not issued any press release on war crimes in Sri Lanka.

We urgently request that you delete this extremely misleading link and reference.

Centre for Policy Alternatives on 11 October, 2009

CMEV Final Report ? Major Incidents in the Southern Provincial Council Elections, 10th October 2009

At the close of polls,
CMEV reports a provisional voter turnout of 63.66 %. A breakdown of the
districts indicates 66% in Hambantota district, 68% in Matara district
and 57% in Galle district. This is to be compared with the 2004
Southern Provincial Council Elections where the total turnout was
55.64% with a breakdown of 55.99% in Hambantota district, 54.43% in
Matara district and 56.5% in Galle district.

On Polling Day, CMEV monitors reported 29 incidents in total with 8 major incidents and 21 minor incidents.

Download the full CMEV election day report here.

CMEV Final Report ? Major Incidents in the Southern Provincial Council Elections, 10th October 2009