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	<title>Comments on: Unsolicited SMS messages are spam. Please desist Mr. President.</title>
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	<description>groundviews is an award winning Sri Lankan citizen journalism initiative</description>
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		<title>By: Groundviews</title>
		<link>http://www.groundviews.org/2010/01/01/unsolicited-sms-messages-are-spam-please-desist-mr-president/comment-page-1/#comment-16262</link>
		<dc:creator>Groundviews</dc:creator>
		<pubDate>Sun, 28 Mar 2010 17:15:00 +0000</pubDate>
		<guid isPermaLink="false">http://www.groundviews.org/?p=2364#comment-16262</guid>
		<description>Looks like the Rajapaksa regime is still at it:

Midnight voice mail
A state-backed mobile operator has angered its subscribers by providing its list of subscribers to a leading ruling party candidate. The man, whose party is a constituent of the UPFA, is directing voice cuts over mobile phones to subscribers asking they vote for him. One of them received the message when he was woken up at 1.30 a.m. Alas, that&#039;s one vote the candidate wont be getting.

From Sunday Times, 28 March 2010 - http://www.sundaytimes.lk/100328/News/nws_08.html</description>
		<content:encoded><![CDATA[<p>Looks like the Rajapaksa regime is still at it:</p>
<p>Midnight voice mail<br />
A state-backed mobile operator has angered its subscribers by providing its list of subscribers to a leading ruling party candidate. The man, whose party is a constituent of the UPFA, is directing voice cuts over mobile phones to subscribers asking they vote for him. One of them received the message when he was woken up at 1.30 a.m. Alas, that&#8217;s one vote the candidate wont be getting.</p>
<p>From Sunday Times, 28 March 2010 &#8211; <a href="http://www.sundaytimes.lk/100328/News/nws_08.html" rel="nofollow">http://www.sundaytimes.lk/100328/News/nws_08.html</a></p>
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		<title>By: Groundviews</title>
		<link>http://www.groundviews.org/2010/01/01/unsolicited-sms-messages-are-spam-please-desist-mr-president/comment-page-1/#comment-12883</link>
		<dc:creator>Groundviews</dc:creator>
		<pubDate>Sat, 09 Jan 2010 20:02:38 +0000</pubDate>
		<guid isPermaLink="false">http://www.groundviews.org/?p=2364#comment-12883</guid>
		<description>@Bardo, @Lame Duck, @Observer, @Trueman, @Nibras Bawa,

What do you have to say to &lt;em&gt;&lt;a href=&quot;http://www.groundviews.org/2010/01/09/the-shocking-behaviour-of-the-telecommunications-regulatory-commission-of-sri-lanka/&quot; rel=&quot;nofollow&quot;&gt;The Shocking Behaviour of the Telecommunications Regulatory Commission of Sri Lanka&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/em&gt;?</description>
		<content:encoded><![CDATA[<p>@Bardo, @Lame Duck, @Observer, @Trueman, @Nibras Bawa,</p>
<p>What do you have to say to <em><a href="http://www.groundviews.org/2010/01/09/the-shocking-behaviour-of-the-telecommunications-regulatory-commission-of-sri-lanka/" rel="nofollow">The Shocking Behaviour of the Telecommunications Regulatory Commission of Sri Lanka</a></em>?</p>
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		<title>By: Heshan</title>
		<link>http://www.groundviews.org/2010/01/01/unsolicited-sms-messages-are-spam-please-desist-mr-president/comment-page-1/#comment-12778</link>
		<dc:creator>Heshan</dc:creator>
		<pubDate>Fri, 08 Jan 2010 02:49:31 +0000</pubDate>
		<guid isPermaLink="false">http://www.groundviews.org/?p=2364#comment-12778</guid>
		<description>Devon:

What nonsense are you talking? Mahinda gave 500 million rupees to the LTTE. That is how he became President.

----------

Mahinda&#039;s note to cabinet

Rebuilding the Nation under
Jayalanka Housing Programme
First Housing Programme
for North and East

The Reconstruction and Development Agency (RADA) has been directed by me to commence projects for equitable assistance to all needy communities, irrespective of whether they were affected by conflict or Tsunami, in the fields of housing, livelihoods, social and physical infrastructure.

One of the first projects identified for immediate and speedy implementation is the construction of housing units for conflict-affected communities in Kilinochchi, Mullaitivu, Trincomalee, Batticoloa, Ampara, Vavuniya and Mannar districts. Housing requirements obtained from 42 GN divisions in these districts amounted to 1200 housing units. The Board of Management of RADA granted approval to invite offers from consultants and contractors in the area to implement this project. Funds for the project are to be obtained from the Consolidated Fund.

Accordingly, offers were solicited from prospective consultants and parties willing to undertake housing construction in the stipulated areas. GS Builders &amp; Consultants of Vavuniva was selected as the Consultant for the project.

B&amp;K Holdings (Pvt) Ltd of No. 437A, 3rd Lane, Hirunavukulam, Thandikulam, Vavuniya, which offered the lowest quote for a 500 sq. ft housing unit at Rs 624,725/(exclusive of VAT) was selected as the Contractor for the construction of 400 housing units at Trincomalee. Another 400 units in Batticaloa was awarded to Everest Civil Engineering Services of 113/1, Mill Road, Ukulangkulam, Vavuniya, at the same rate of Rs 624,725.00 (exclusive of VAT).

Housing projects in Trincomalee and Batticaloa are in progress, and the total cost estimate for both projects is Rs 499,780,560/-. With the addition of 400 housing units to be implemented in other districts shortly, the entire cost estimate for the required 1200 housing units is Rs 757,166,000/- (inclusive of consultancy fees).I seek the approval of the Cabinet of Ministers to proceed with the construction of the 1200 housing units as envisaged above.

August 2, 2006
Sgd
Mahinda Rajapakse
President

P. B. Jayasundera sheds light

WHEN The Sunday Leader spoke to P.B Jayasundera regarding the secret deal significantly he did not deny meeting Emil Kanthan but referred instead to a meeting at ousted Minister Mangala Samaraweera&#039;s house and stated he had met people but did not know who they were.

Q: Your name has transpired as having been present at meetings..

A: I can only say I have not participated in any discusions with the LTTE

Q: With Emil Kanthan?

A:I haven&#039;t participated with anybody because I attend various discussions with various people. I don&#039;t know the people who come to those meetings and from which group.

Officially Minister Mangala Samaraweera invited us for a meeting so we have gone, so there must have been people but we went as officials. But our dealings are as officials. So I don&#039;t know why Tiran Alles made that statement because my dealings with him was only as chairman RADA, not beyond that.

By Sonali Samarasinghe

http://www.lankaenews.com/English/news.php?id=4387</description>
		<content:encoded><![CDATA[<p>Devon:</p>
<p>What nonsense are you talking? Mahinda gave 500 million rupees to the LTTE. That is how he became President.</p>
<p>&#8212;&#8212;&#8212;-</p>
<p>Mahinda&#8217;s note to cabinet</p>
<p>Rebuilding the Nation under<br />
Jayalanka Housing Programme<br />
First Housing Programme<br />
for North and East</p>
<p>The Reconstruction and Development Agency (RADA) has been directed by me to commence projects for equitable assistance to all needy communities, irrespective of whether they were affected by conflict or Tsunami, in the fields of housing, livelihoods, social and physical infrastructure.</p>
<p>One of the first projects identified for immediate and speedy implementation is the construction of housing units for conflict-affected communities in Kilinochchi, Mullaitivu, Trincomalee, Batticoloa, Ampara, Vavuniya and Mannar districts. Housing requirements obtained from 42 GN divisions in these districts amounted to 1200 housing units. The Board of Management of RADA granted approval to invite offers from consultants and contractors in the area to implement this project. Funds for the project are to be obtained from the Consolidated Fund.</p>
<p>Accordingly, offers were solicited from prospective consultants and parties willing to undertake housing construction in the stipulated areas. GS Builders &amp; Consultants of Vavuniva was selected as the Consultant for the project.</p>
<p>B&amp;K Holdings (Pvt) Ltd of No. 437A, 3rd Lane, Hirunavukulam, Thandikulam, Vavuniya, which offered the lowest quote for a 500 sq. ft housing unit at Rs 624,725/(exclusive of VAT) was selected as the Contractor for the construction of 400 housing units at Trincomalee. Another 400 units in Batticaloa was awarded to Everest Civil Engineering Services of 113/1, Mill Road, Ukulangkulam, Vavuniya, at the same rate of Rs 624,725.00 (exclusive of VAT).</p>
<p>Housing projects in Trincomalee and Batticaloa are in progress, and the total cost estimate for both projects is Rs 499,780,560/-. With the addition of 400 housing units to be implemented in other districts shortly, the entire cost estimate for the required 1200 housing units is Rs 757,166,000/- (inclusive of consultancy fees).I seek the approval of the Cabinet of Ministers to proceed with the construction of the 1200 housing units as envisaged above.</p>
<p>August 2, 2006<br />
Sgd<br />
Mahinda Rajapakse<br />
President</p>
<p>P. B. Jayasundera sheds light</p>
<p>WHEN The Sunday Leader spoke to P.B Jayasundera regarding the secret deal significantly he did not deny meeting Emil Kanthan but referred instead to a meeting at ousted Minister Mangala Samaraweera&#8217;s house and stated he had met people but did not know who they were.</p>
<p>Q: Your name has transpired as having been present at meetings..</p>
<p>A: I can only say I have not participated in any discusions with the LTTE</p>
<p>Q: With Emil Kanthan?</p>
<p>A:I haven&#8217;t participated with anybody because I attend various discussions with various people. I don&#8217;t know the people who come to those meetings and from which group.</p>
<p>Officially Minister Mangala Samaraweera invited us for a meeting so we have gone, so there must have been people but we went as officials. But our dealings are as officials. So I don&#8217;t know why Tiran Alles made that statement because my dealings with him was only as chairman RADA, not beyond that.</p>
<p>By Sonali Samarasinghe</p>
<p><a href="http://www.lankaenews.com/English/news.php?id=4387" rel="nofollow">http://www.lankaenews.com/English/news.php?id=4387</a></p>
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		<title>By: devon</title>
		<link>http://www.groundviews.org/2010/01/01/unsolicited-sms-messages-are-spam-please-desist-mr-president/comment-page-1/#comment-12698</link>
		<dc:creator>devon</dc:creator>
		<pubDate>Wed, 06 Jan 2010 07:03:07 +0000</pubDate>
		<guid isPermaLink="false">http://www.groundviews.org/?p=2364#comment-12698</guid>
		<description>@ heshan,

&quot;If the law worked in SL, Mahinda Rajapakse would have been convicted of treason and sentenced to death. That is how it is done in other countries when you collaborate with the enemy during wartime.&quot;

RIGHT, let me at least try to comprehend what you said. collaborating with the enemy is i guess killing them on the battle field??
bit confused still..... haaaang ooooon, I GET IT!! USA doen&#039;t collaborate with their enemy. that&#039;s why they still haven&#039;t caught Osama Bin Laden! lol

you genius heshan!</description>
		<content:encoded><![CDATA[<p>@ heshan,</p>
<p>&#8220;If the law worked in SL, Mahinda Rajapakse would have been convicted of treason and sentenced to death. That is how it is done in other countries when you collaborate with the enemy during wartime.&#8221;</p>
<p>RIGHT, let me at least try to comprehend what you said. collaborating with the enemy is i guess killing them on the battle field??<br />
bit confused still&#8230;.. haaaang ooooon, I GET IT!! USA doen&#8217;t collaborate with their enemy. that&#8217;s why they still haven&#8217;t caught Osama Bin Laden! lol</p>
<p>you genius heshan!</p>
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		<title>By: Bardo</title>
		<link>http://www.groundviews.org/2010/01/01/unsolicited-sms-messages-are-spam-please-desist-mr-president/comment-page-1/#comment-12679</link>
		<dc:creator>Bardo</dc:creator>
		<pubDate>Wed, 06 Jan 2010 00:55:13 +0000</pubDate>
		<guid isPermaLink="false">http://www.groundviews.org/?p=2364#comment-12679</guid>
		<description>Even if the messages were paid for, it will cost substantially less then 1 rupee per message. Bulk purchases of intangible digital services with little or no variable costs usually get massive discounts.

It&#039;s more likely that the messages were sent out by the telephone companies for free as a goodwill measure, as Dialog Telekom claims. Telephone companies are well within their rights to send out such messages. This is not banned or restricted by any law in effect in Sri Lanka.</description>
		<content:encoded><![CDATA[<p>Even if the messages were paid for, it will cost substantially less then 1 rupee per message. Bulk purchases of intangible digital services with little or no variable costs usually get massive discounts.</p>
<p>It&#8217;s more likely that the messages were sent out by the telephone companies for free as a goodwill measure, as Dialog Telekom claims. Telephone companies are well within their rights to send out such messages. This is not banned or restricted by any law in effect in Sri Lanka.</p>
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		<title>By: Groundviews</title>
		<link>http://www.groundviews.org/2010/01/01/unsolicited-sms-messages-are-spam-please-desist-mr-president/comment-page-1/#comment-12669</link>
		<dc:creator>Groundviews</dc:creator>
		<pubDate>Tue, 05 Jan 2010 16:50:54 +0000</pubDate>
		<guid isPermaLink="false">http://www.groundviews.org/?p=2364#comment-12669</guid>
		<description>Transparency International writes to Dialog Telekom and Telecom Regulatory Commission of Sri Lanka to clarify instructions given to transmit this SMS - http://sunandadeshapriya.wordpress.com/2010/01/05/4-m-sms-from-president-ti-write-to-dialoge-gsm-and-chairman-trc/</description>
		<content:encoded><![CDATA[<p>Transparency International writes to Dialog Telekom and Telecom Regulatory Commission of Sri Lanka to clarify instructions given to transmit this SMS &#8211; <a href="http://sunandadeshapriya.wordpress.com/2010/01/05/4-m-sms-from-president-ti-write-to-dialoge-gsm-and-chairman-trc/" rel="nofollow">http://sunandadeshapriya.wordpress.com/2010/01/05/4-m-sms-from-president-ti-write-to-dialoge-gsm-and-chairman-trc/</a></p>
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		<title>By: Heshan</title>
		<link>http://www.groundviews.org/2010/01/01/unsolicited-sms-messages-are-spam-please-desist-mr-president/comment-page-1/#comment-12649</link>
		<dc:creator>Heshan</dc:creator>
		<pubDate>Tue, 05 Jan 2010 05:45:37 +0000</pubDate>
		<guid isPermaLink="false">http://www.groundviews.org/?p=2364#comment-12649</guid>
		<description>devon:

&quot;errr no, they war mongered and purposely sabotaged the CFA. even you agree that ltte prevented northern tamils from voting since they wanted the war.&quot;

If the law worked in SL, Mahinda Rajapakse would have been convicted of treason and sentenced to death. That is how it is done in other countries when you collaborate with the enemy during wartime.</description>
		<content:encoded><![CDATA[<p>devon:</p>
<p>&#8220;errr no, they war mongered and purposely sabotaged the CFA. even you agree that ltte prevented northern tamils from voting since they wanted the war.&#8221;</p>
<p>If the law worked in SL, Mahinda Rajapakse would have been convicted of treason and sentenced to death. That is how it is done in other countries when you collaborate with the enemy during wartime.</p>
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		<title>By: kichchi</title>
		<link>http://www.groundviews.org/2010/01/01/unsolicited-sms-messages-are-spam-please-desist-mr-president/comment-page-1/#comment-12645</link>
		<dc:creator>kichchi</dc:creator>
		<pubDate>Tue, 05 Jan 2010 04:54:04 +0000</pubDate>
		<guid isPermaLink="false">http://www.groundviews.org/?p=2364#comment-12645</guid>
		<description>I cannot read the Sinhalese Language. But reading the translation there seems to no political strings attached. It is just like any other New year Greetings except for the words &quot;As I promised, I gave you a free and independent country.&quot;. This too is not wrong when considering that it is coming from the Head of State (not King) to the citizens of the country (not subjects).

There are a very large number of other IMPORTANT issues at hand like corruption, injustice, discrimination, oppression of the people (rich and poor alike) and their basic human rights and freedoms, to mention a few. Please concentrate on these issues which are more pressing and only second to the problem of ever rising cost of living.

The particular message may or may not be an abuse of &quot;position&quot; for &quot;political&quot; or &quot;non-political&quot; purposes. Please take it in a lighter vein. If it is seen as &quot;abuse of position for political purposes then it falls under the catogory &quot;corruption&quot;.

Over to you, members of the forum.</description>
		<content:encoded><![CDATA[<p>I cannot read the Sinhalese Language. But reading the translation there seems to no political strings attached. It is just like any other New year Greetings except for the words &#8220;As I promised, I gave you a free and independent country.&#8221;. This too is not wrong when considering that it is coming from the Head of State (not King) to the citizens of the country (not subjects).</p>
<p>There are a very large number of other IMPORTANT issues at hand like corruption, injustice, discrimination, oppression of the people (rich and poor alike) and their basic human rights and freedoms, to mention a few. Please concentrate on these issues which are more pressing and only second to the problem of ever rising cost of living.</p>
<p>The particular message may or may not be an abuse of &#8220;position&#8221; for &#8220;political&#8221; or &#8220;non-political&#8221; purposes. Please take it in a lighter vein. If it is seen as &#8220;abuse of position for political purposes then it falls under the catogory &#8220;corruption&#8221;.</p>
<p>Over to you, members of the forum.</p>
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		<title>By: Jaya Wewa</title>
		<link>http://www.groundviews.org/2010/01/01/unsolicited-sms-messages-are-spam-please-desist-mr-president/comment-page-1/#comment-12638</link>
		<dc:creator>Jaya Wewa</dc:creator>
		<pubDate>Tue, 05 Jan 2010 03:02:17 +0000</pubDate>
		<guid isPermaLink="false">http://www.groundviews.org/?p=2364#comment-12638</guid>
		<description>If HE was provided with our mobile nos why weren&#039;t we able to reply wishing the HE. Doesn&#039;t he want our wishes?</description>
		<content:encoded><![CDATA[<p>If HE was provided with our mobile nos why weren&#8217;t we able to reply wishing the HE. Doesn&#8217;t he want our wishes?</p>
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		<title>By: Lame Duck</title>
		<link>http://www.groundviews.org/2010/01/01/unsolicited-sms-messages-are-spam-please-desist-mr-president/comment-page-1/#comment-12636</link>
		<dc:creator>Lame Duck</dc:creator>
		<pubDate>Tue, 05 Jan 2010 02:38:31 +0000</pubDate>
		<guid isPermaLink="false">http://www.groundviews.org/?p=2364#comment-12636</guid>
		<description>You people are irritated by an SMS by the man who rid the country of terrorism...  NOT by the ugly hoardings springing up at every nook and corner of the city and suburbs selling telecom services to insurance to what not..?  Hope you may have enjoyed frequent bomb blasts &#039;relayed&#039; by all media channels including SMS alerts paid for by you.... what an ungrateful nation this is...?</description>
		<content:encoded><![CDATA[<p>You people are irritated by an SMS by the man who rid the country of terrorism&#8230;  NOT by the ugly hoardings springing up at every nook and corner of the city and suburbs selling telecom services to insurance to what not..?  Hope you may have enjoyed frequent bomb blasts &#8216;relayed&#8217; by all media channels including SMS alerts paid for by you&#8230;. what an ungrateful nation this is&#8230;?</p>
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