Opposition LeaderRanil Wickremesingheyesterday toldParliament that theassets obtained fromthe LTTE leader now incustody KumaranPathmanathan alias KPhad not been includedin the progress reportof the Ministry of Finance andPlanning.

“The report therefore is not com-plete and its contents cannot be debat-ed,” he said, displaying the annualProgress Report during the Budgetdebate yesterday.

Opposition leader Wickremesinghesaid: “Are we going to debate thisincomplete report? KP’s assets shouldhave been included in this.”

Remarks were made by the govern-ment members on Wickremesinghe’sspeech.

UNP MP Ravi Karunanayaka: WhenKP’s name is mentioned, his support-ers get embarrassed.

The Island www.island.lk

INDIA WHITEWASHNEW ZEALAND 5-0 INONE-DAY SERIES

SMALL SCALE FISHERIESHELP PROMOTE JOBS,NUTRITION

AN ACTION PLAN FOR THE UNP 1610

Can the government mint aheavy one-rupee coin andincrease its value?

Ravi K says a reduction inweight of the rupees coin isindicative of its devaluation.

Will the

World

End

in 2012

Saturday 11th December, 2010

into specific – if volunteers thought about eat-

M or cheese cubes they were puttended to eat 2-6 grams of candy when

they imagined eating the food or cheese

rather than 4-12 grams of candy or

tedly

hi k yourself thinner with the fantasy diet

BY J.B. MÜLLER

The number of elephants killed annually has

been growing within an elephant population

that has been diminishing since colonial times.

Nearly all these regrettable deaths could be attrib-

uted to the increasing human-elephant conflict that

has been raging for some time as humans steadily

encroach upon the elephant’s long-established natu-

ral habitat. What is the core of this problem and is

there a practical way out that could be maintained

over the long-term?

Dhaneshi Yatawara reports: “Today humans have

lost the fascinating symbiosis they had with elephants

over generations. Human ancestors fearlessly crossed

the thick jungles, the home of the Sri Lankan ele-

phant. Yet today, there are media reports on human

deaths due to the human elephant conflict. Does this

mean elephants have become a threat to human exis-

tence?According to the statistics of the Department of

Wildlife, in 2008 elephants killed 30 people and 50 in

2009. In 2010 up to September 30,

the number of people killed by

elephants was 60. It is report-

ed that 57% of annual ele-

phant

deaths are caused by the human-

elephant conflict; 110 of the 189 ele-

phants death recorded in 2007 falling

into this category. Fifty-four elephant

deaths have been recorded this year

until May and the highest incidence of death has

been indicated in the North -Western (Vyamba)

Province.The elephant is the emblem par excellence of the

evergreen environment and a deep-rooted cultural

symbol. To a Sri Lankan, a Perahera [ceremonial reli-

gious procession] is never complete without being

led by a large number of caparisoned elephants. Yet,

today the human-elephant conflict has aggravated.

The reason is mainly due to the loss of elephant

habitat caused by the alienation of land for the ever-

growing needs of humans. Encroaching on the limit-

ed elephant habitat by humans is making this majes-

tic beast homeless.

Other reasons are the insatiable greed of some for

the valuable ivory tusks and the search for gaja-

muthu or ‘elephant pearls’ said to be found within

the hollow of some tusks. And so, the uncon-

scionable slaughter goes on. Endemic poverty and

innate greed coupled with widespread bribery and

corruption combine to decimate these magnificent

beasts. Our common and overarching Sri Lankan

culture generally finds wanton killing repugnant in

the extreme.

However, the consciences of people have been now

awakened and public opinion is at last turning

against the needless killing of these

animals. It is therefore

timely to learn

some facts

about

this tragic business and to also marshal support to

contain a wholly unnecessary conflict. There is, per-

haps, a way out as you read on.

Repelling without killing

One specific plant species that could be grown in

the vicinity of human settlements threatened by ele-

phants is the well-known Gaja-madara (known as

Oduvan/Odaichi/Nilaippalai in Tamil). It is called

‘Gaja-madara’ because elephants are believed to be

afraid, even terrified, of the shrub-like tree, and even

its leaves are not damaged by insects and both birds

and snakes avoid this shrub. Its seeds, leaves and

bark are very poisonous. It is an endemic plant in

India and Sri Lanka.

The shrub is listed by the USDA, ARS, National

Genetic Resources Program. Germplasm Resources

Information Network - (GRIN) [Online Database].

National Germplasm Resources Laboratory,

Beltsville, Maryland. Bibliography for “Cleistanthus

collinus” by Title As of 21 Nov 2010 3:17AM.

Bulletin du Muséum National d’Histoire Naturelle.

(2); Pharmacographia indica : (2);

Pharmacographia Indica. (1); The

Philippine Journal of Science. (2);

Cleistanthus collinus (Roxb.)

Benth.Madara/ Mal Madara

Odaichi / Nilaippalai

Indrayava

It acts as a 100 per cent

repellant and deters the ani-

mals from even approaching

settlements. It is called

Cleistanthus in Latin and

is a plant genus of the

family Euphorbiaceae.

The genus comprises

140 varieties, found

from Africa to the

Pacific Islands.

Cleistanthus collinus

is known for being toxic to humans if

ingested in any form. It is alleged that it was fre-

quently used in the old days for homicidal and sui-

cidal purposes. Scientific investigations have shown

that ingestion of its leaves or a decoction of its

leaves causes hypokalemia (kaliuresis and cardiac

arrhythmias.)

K.G. Nissanka states: “The small town of

Panamure rekindles memories in some who still

remember the saga of the Panamure Ali-Raj?, the

magnificent bull-elephant who became a legend due to

its stubborn resistance to being tamed after being cap-

tured along with his herd. The controversy that erupt-

ed after the killing of this king of beasts in 1950 led to

a public uproar and the eventual banning of elephant

kraals in 1952.’

The word ‘Kraal’ is owes its etymology to the

Sinhala word ‘G?la’ which was mispronounced by the

Portuguese and Dutch. They introduced the word to

the world as ‘kraal.’ Elephant Kraals were held in the

Island in 1820, 1846, 1847, 1857, 1859, 1860, 1863, 1866,

1871, 1881, 1883, 1887, 1895, 1896, 1898, 1902, 1907, 1912,

1914, 1918, 1922, 1924, 1929, 1944, and the last in 1950.

In all twenty-five (25) kraals were held. (Elapatha

1997 and Dissanayake 2004).

This last kraal [1950] was organized and directed

by Sir Francis Molamure, Sam Elapatha Dissawe

and Barnes Ratwatte Dissawe of Balangoda. Sri

Francis was a nephew of the famous Maduvanväla

Dissawe of Kolonne Korale.

What is significant and of interest to us is that at

this kraal that Sir Francis stepped into the stockade

to face the charging bull-elephant. As he retreated

slowly, the heel of his boot went into a ditch and he

lost his balance and fell over backward. According

to the late Sepala Illangakoon, as he did so, Sam

Elapatha Dissave who was just behind him, threw

his ‘magic stick,’ a 45 centimetre long baton at the

bull that skidded to a frenzied halt before the stick

lying before it. That ‘magic stick’ was a branch from

a Gaja-Madara shrub. The Panamure Ali-Raja, who

rose to legendary fame for resolutely defending his

herd until he was put to death with a shot fired by a

young planter, Sam Kadirgama. It was not a true

tusker [Ätha] as folklore has it but a massive young

bull-elephant who was the leader of the herd. The

tragic episode brought much disrepute to the descen-

dants of the Maduvanväla Clan and was commemo-

rated in a sad song which goes like this:

“Panamure... //

“Panamure Ath Raaja... //

“Abheetha Nada Pa Hasthi Raja Ea... //

“Kale Satan Pa Thejaa...

“Panamure Ath Raaja….”

The capture of wild elephants in kraals was a

common practice of the elites of that day. The

Panamure kraal became folklore with many poems

and this song articulating what were one of the cru-

elest deeds committed at the time when cruelty was

not at the levels seen today. The tusker which led

the herd was killed when all attempts to tame it

failed bringing to an end a sad episode which put the

small town of Panamure permanently on the map of

the last elephant kraal held there.”

Locally, a very old Gaja-madara tree stands in the

premises of the Buddhist temple at Väli-oya, Kaltota

(or Galthota) and is said to be from the Coromandel

Coast of South India. One sapling was transferred to

a famous Buddhist temple at Balangoda with a

Buddha statue on top of a hill which is visible to the

entire area. Another tree is said to be found near the

Dafter-Jailani rock cave shrine of a Muslim saint at

Kurugala, 24 kilometres off Balangoda. Even

though reptiles, leopards and wild buffalo are plenti-

ful in the area they give a wide berth to the shrine

because of the Gaja-madara tree in the vicinity.

Other locations are: Gaja Madara Walauwa, No:75,

Kurunegala Rpad., Polgahawela; and at Kahawatte.

Chilli another repellant

Another repellant for elephants is the humble

chilli (miris/kochchi-kai)) plant! The pungent odour

of both the green as well as the ripe chillies deters

elephants from approaching village settlements. Dr.

A.C. Visvalingam of the OPA has stated:

Continued on page 3

The carcass of a dead elephant

being burned at Gomagala in the

Hambegamuwa area on November

30. (file photo)

Arippu:The Abandoned,

Ancient Seaport,

Ruined and Forgotten

The Science ofChristmas: the First Noel

Upon Christ’s birth, legend hasit, a star appeared in the skyover Bethlehem, leading thethree magi to the manger whereJesus lay. The question ofwhether it had a non-miraculousastronomical explanation - wasthere really an extra bright starthat night? - has been debatedfor some time.

WORLD VIEW

As 2012 draws ever closer,the questions increase asdoes the confusion, concern,

even fear of what will “happen” tous. This is not being helped by theever increasing number of books,TV programmes and even fulllength movies, many of which aremisinformed or motivated by profit.The worst are those books in par-ticular that seek to sell throughfear, uncertainty and doubt, underthe general heading of “how tosurvive 2012”.

Will the World End in 2012

Vol. 30 No. 23 Saturday 11th December, 2010, 24 pages Rs. 20 Registered in Sri Lanka as a Newspaper - Late City Edition

Financial review

Sri Lanka will finalise a mega deal withShangri-La Asia later this month for theconstruction of a luxury hotel at the pres-ent army headquarters premises later thismonth.

Informed sources say the transaction isone of the biggest investments made in thetourism sector in the post-war period. TheHong Kong-based luxury hotel group willpay Rs. 8.5 million for a perch, sources say.

Responding to a query by The Island,sources said that the government hadassured to hand over six of the 10 acres of

land earmarked for the project soon afterthe finalisation of the transaction.

Sources said that the governmentexpected the project to get off the groundsoon. Sources said that the entry ofShangri-La Asia Limited would be atremendous boost to Sri Lanka’s post-warrevival plans.

Shangri-La Chairman/CEO Ean KhoonKuok had met President MahindaRajapaksa a few months ago at TempleTrees, where they discussed the company’sentry.

Mega deal with Shangri-La tobe finalised shortly

The Police Narcotics Bureau, in a jointoperation with the Customs at theColombo Port yesterday, seized 60 kilos

of heroin hidden in a container. The streetvalue of the haul, the biggestdetection made to date, wasestimated at Rs. 360 million.

Previously about 40 kilosof heroin had been detectedin Chilaw.

Heroin was found insidewhat looked like potatoesof all sizes made out ofplaster of Paris and was inthe midst of large quanti-ties of potatoes packed inwooden boxes.

PNB sleuths had to cut open each andevery potato in the wooden boxes. Not allboxes contained the ‘heroin potatoes’.

At the time this edition went to pressthe officials were still in the process ofexamining the potatoes and there were

many more boxes to be examined.The detection was made on a tip-off

received by the PNB.Three sri lankan and a Pakistani

national were arrested andthey are being interrogat-ed.

Investigators are alsokeen to ascertain whetherthe stuff seized yesterday aswell as in the recent past inlarge quantities were forlocal consumption or for re-export through transship-ment.

According to the PNB offi-cials imports from Sri Lanka

to European countries caused less suspicionthan from Pakistan or the Golden Trianglefrom where drugs originate.

A special team of CID officers, too, has

Britain’s Prince Charles and Camilla, Duchess of Cornwall react as their car isattacked, in London, Thursday, Dec. 9, 2010. Angry protesters in London haveattacked a car containing Prince Charles, the heir to the British throne, and hiswife Camilla, Duchess of Cornwall. ( Pic.- AP)

BY CHITRA WEERARATHNEBY SAMAN INDRAJITH

UNP MP RaviKarunanayake yesterdayattempted to demonstratein Parliament how thepurchasing power of therupee had declined bycomparing the weightand size of the newlyminted one rupee coinwith the older rupee coin.

Karunanayake, who held up thecoins one after the other, one minted in1988 and the other in 2009 and said theappearance of the two coins was sym-bolic of the devaluation of the rupee.

Later, the two coins were sent acrossto Speaker Chamal Rajapaksa througha chamber aide.

The Speaker was seen observing thecoins keenly.

Ravi K uses rupeecoins to showdecline in value

KP’s assets notin finance ministry report

- Ranil

Sixty kilos of narcotics seized:Biggest haul in SL

BY NORMAN PALIHAWADENA

BY SHAMINDRA FERDINANDO

Ravi

Ranil

The Parliament on Friday (Dec. 10)passed Budget 2011 with a majority of116 votes. The Appropriation Bill 2011received 156 votes in favour and 40against. The UNP and DNA votedagainst, while the TNA abstained.

Budget 2011: 156for and 40 against

BY SAMAN INDRAJITH

President MahindaRajapaksa on Friday toldParliament that the gov-ernment was aware of aconspiracy to cause riftsamong the security forces.

Making the Budgetdebate’s final speech,President Rajapaksa said that there wasa subtle attempt to cause friction withinthe military in a post-war era. ThePresident warned conspirators not to

MR warns ofplot to divideforces

Police Narcotics Bureau and the Customs made thedetection. Drugs concealed in fake spuds had a streetvalue of Rs. 360 million.

Additional District Judge of ColomboM. A. R. Marrikar yesterday refused toissue an interim injunction to preventthe UNP from holding its AnnualConvention on Dec. 12, 2010.

Only notice was issued on the partyleaders and the secretary returnable onDecember 16.

The Petitioner, Ranjith Sri LalWickremasinghe, Opposition leader ofthe Bentota Pradeshiya Sabha, a mem-ber of the UNP, had said in his plaintthat there was no provision in the UNPparty constitution to hold a specialparty convention scheduled for Dec. 12,2010.

The plaintiff had said that he, a partyEx-Co member, had not been called forthe Convention.

The plaintiff requested the Court toissue an injunction against the holdingof the meeting. The plaint was support-ed by Vidura Ranawaka, instructed by

Summadu Sandamal Liyanarachchi.Maithree Gooneratne, appeared for

the third defendant Tissa Attanayake,

Attempt to put off convention thwarted

Charles and Camillaattacked by protesters

LONDON (AP) - Prince Charles inhis tuxedo looks anxiously ahead as aprotester’s fist pounds on his car. Hiswife Camilla’s mouth gapes in shockabove her emerald dress.

These are the dramatic images cap-tured by an Associated Press photogra-pher as student protesters vented theiranger on the most elite, and supposed-ly well-protected, of targets - a car con-taining the heir to the British throneand his consort, the Duchess ofCornwall.

The couple were heading to a the-ater for a charity variety performanceThursday when their Rolls Roycecrossed paths with a volatile gang ofdemonstrators who attacked the vehi-cle with fists, boots and bottles - andchanted “Off with their heads!”

Young, excited and angry, the pro-testers had broken off from a large stu-dent rally and were running throughLondon’s West End, bent on spreadingmayhem among the throngs of pre-Christmas shoppers.

They broke a Starbucks window,overturned a couple of postcard stands

- but seemed as surprised as the royalswere when they came face to face.

Adnan Nazir, a 23-year-old podia-trist who was following the protesters,was among the first to recognize theroyal couple in their customized RollsRoyce with its extra-large windows.

“I said, ‘It’s Camilla!’ I wasn’t try-ing to alert them. I was just surprisedto see her,” he said. “A few peopleturned around and started hitting thewindows. People started kicking thecar.”

The attackers, up to 20 of them,surrounded the limousine and pound-ed it with fists and bottles, smashing awindow, and splashed the gleaming carwith paint amid chants of “Off withtheir heads” and “Tory scum.”

The car behind, an official royalJaguar, also came under attack,

In the confusion, Nazir said, a win-dow opened. Charles kept his calm,gently pushing his wife toward thefloor to get her out of the line of fire.

“Charles got her on the floor andput his hands on her,” Nazir said.

BY SAMAN INDRAJITH

Senior MinisterD.E.W. Gunasekera onFriday (Dec.10) saidthat several heads ofgovernment statutorybodies, investigated bythe Committee onPublic Enterprises (COPE), had

BY SAMAN INDRAJITH

Corruption: Officials missing,internal audit ‘very’ weak

D.E.W.

Two persons fleeing after robbing apawn broker’s shop on Friday (Dec.10) fired at police killing two person-nel and wounding another inWarakapola town. Police headquar-ters said that one gangster had firedat the police during the chase.

The wounded policeman is receiv-ing treatment at the Warakapola hos-pital.

Police spokesman SP PrishanthaJayakody told The Island that the two

suspects fled along the Warakapola-Minuwangaoda road after robbing thepawn broker’s shop.

The police had acted swiftly afterreceiving a tip off, though the robbersmanaged to flee.

SP Jayakody said that the policehad launched a search operation totrack down the robbers believed to behiding in the “koth kele” jungle closeto Warakapola town.

Police chasing robbers fired at: Two killedBY HARISCHANDRA GUNARATNA

UNP MPs Dr. Jayawardene, BuddhikaPathirana, Tissa Attanayake, SajithPremadasa and Karu Jayasuriya leavecourt on Friday.

(Photo Nishan S. Priyantha)

BY DILANTHI JAYAMANNE

Health Minister Mithripala Sirisena blamesSri Lanka’s ambassadors and embassy staff inEurope and other developed countries over thecancellation of President Mahinda Rajapaksa’sspeech at the Oxford Union.

The Minister said the government would have

Sirisena blames Lankanambassadors, says theyshould be recalled

Sirisena

Colombo Port

Mahinda