UPFA garners majority in provincial elections; Rajapakse urges Sri Lankans to set aside political differences and work for nation’s prosperity; Former DG of India’s NCB: Efforts underway to control LTTE’s drug network worth $200-300 million
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  • In the provincial elections held in the northern districts of Sri Lanka after a gap of nearly 15 years, the UPFA garnered 72.39 per cent votes in the Uva Province. In the Jaffna Municipal Council polls, the UPFA was able to gather 50.67 percent of votes. In the Western Provincial Council elections, the UPFA won Colombo, Gampaha and Kalutara districts, securing two-thirds (68 out of 102 seats) majority. The UNP on its part retained only four city electorates in the Colombo District with slim majorities. The victory of the UPFA was interpreted by analysts as an endorsement of the policies of the Rajapakse government1.

    President Rajapakse urged Sri Lankans to set aside their political and communal differences and work for the prosperity of the entire nation. He asserted that his government would do its utmost to develop and uplift the people of the Uva-Wellasa region2.

    A former Director General of India’s Narcotics Control Bureau stated that efforts were underway by various non-state groups to control the drug syndicate established by the LTTE. Reports estimate the LTTE’s drug smuggling business to be worth at least $200-300 million3.

    India pledged to support infrastructure development projects in the country’s conflict-affected northern region. A bilateral agreement to this effect was signed between the Institute of Construction Training and Development (ICTAD) of the Sri Lankan Ministry of Construction and Engineering Services with India’s Construction Industry Development Council (CIDC)4.

    India has also sent eighty former Indian soldiers to assist in de-mining operations. Two Indian companies - Horizon group and Sarvatra Technical Consultants, are lead Indian companies responsible for the effort. Horizon Chief Executive, Maj. Gen. (retd) Shashikant Pitre stated that it could take almost two years to de-mine the area5.

    The EU also pledged Euro 62 million for emergency rehabilitation activities in the Northern and Eastern districts6. Senior Presidential Advisor Basil Rajapakse on his part claimed that around 40,000 IDPs have already been settled in the East in the past month. He also claimed that the Rajapakse government had established a world record in settling displaced people7.

    In other developments, the Sri Lankan government arrested Kumaran Pathmanathan, also known as KP, who had taken over the LTTE organization in the aftermath of the death of Prabhakaran. KP was responsible for organizing LTTE activities in foreign countries and in charge of procuring weapons and equipment. Defence Affairs Spokesman, Minister Keheliya Rambukwella, on being asked by reporters if KP would be extradited to India in connection with the assassination of Rajiv Gandhi, stated that it would depend on the nature of request by India. He also confirmed that no such request had been made by the Indian government so far8.

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