More foreign jobs for LTTE surrendees

The Foreign Employment and Promotion Ministry has broadened its vocational training programs in the Northern and Eastern Districts from May 1 to grant more foreign employment opportunities to LTTE surrendees.

It has been reported that over 60 LTTE cadres have so far surrendered to three rehabilitation centres, set up by the Security Forces in Jaffna, Batticaloa and Trincomalee districts.

The centres are operated with the assistance of the ICRC, UNICEF and other local government agencies.

Training programs such as sewing for female LTTE surrendees and motor mechanism, carpentry, plumbing and wiring for male surrendees will be conducted by the Sri Lanka Bureau of Foreign Employment (SLBFE) under the guidance of the Presidential Secretariat.

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http://www.sundayobserver.lk/2008/04/20/new03.asp

UNICEF terminates official in Sri Lanka after drug offense

The United Nations Children's Fund (UNICEF) today terminated the service of Lisa Woods, a communication consultant, who was fined by the local courts for being in possession of 80 mg of heroin.

The Sri Lankan Foreign Ministry said in a statement that the UNICEF country office has informed it of the termination. Ms. Woods left the country today.

Ms. Woods, a United States national, had arrived in Sri Lanka on March 5 this year to work with UNICEF on a 4-month assignment to assist in updating the UNICEF website and to write donor reports.

Ms. Wood was admitted to the Intensive Care Unit of a private hospital in Colombo on March 12 after being found unconscious in her hotel. She was placed under arrest by the police for the possession of heroin and produced before the Colombo Magistrate on March 25.

“The Government appreciates the cooperation extended by UNICEF to the law enforcement authorities and for the immediate administrative measures taken against the officer,” the Foreign Ministry said.

Extracted from,
http://www.colombopage.com/archive_08/March28170054JV.html

Government expresses concern on UNICEF Rep's visit to Kilinochchi

Philippe Duamelle, the Country Representative of the United Nation's Children's Fund (UNICEF) was called in to the Ministry of Foreign Affairs yesterday to express concern over his recent visit to Kilinochchi and his meeting with LTTE leaders.

Foreign Secretary Dr. Palitha Kohona emphasised that the UNICEF had not followed the guidelines issued by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs when diplomats and high ranking officials sought to visit the uncleared areas in the Northern Province.

These guidelines which have been issued to ensure the safety and security of the visiting officials, require them to obtain prior clearance from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs. The Foreign Secretary conveyed to the UNICEF Country Representative that non-compliance with these guidelines was unacceptable given the propensity of the LTTE to exploit such visits for propaganda purposes.

Duamelle who assumed duties as the Country Representative of UNICEF in Sri Lanka in September this year, stated that, unfortunately, he was not familiar with the Foreign Ministry's guidelines. But he said he had consulted the Ministry of Defence.

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http://www.dailynews.lk/2007/12/18/news03.asp

UNICEF armour plating vehicles a violation of local laws - FM

Foreign Minister Rohitha Bogollagama yesterday stated in Parliament that the Ministry informed the United Nations International Children's Emergency Fund (UNICEF) in Sri Lanka that fixing bullet proof plates to a vehicle without approval from the Ministry and Motor Traffic Department is a breach of relevant regulations.

He made this statement in response to the statement made by JVP Parliamentarian Wimal Weerawansa on the activities of the UNICEF in Sri Lanka.

He also said it constitutes a significant alteration to the vehicle permissible under the Motor Traffic laws of the country. Bogollagama further said: "I have given due consideration to the statements made by Wimal Weerawansa, M.P. in this House over the past few weeks concerning activities of the United Nations Children's Fund (UNICEF) in Sri Lanka.

"I wish to inform this House that the Ministry of Foreign Affairs has already brought these allegations to the attention of the UN and taken necessary action."

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http://www.dailynews.lk/2007/12/07/pol03.asp

Wimal Weerawansa's special statement in parliment regarding UNICEF - 12/11/2007

Sri Lanka seeks expulsion of UNICEF staff: officials

The Sri Lankan government on Friday called for the expulsion of staff of the United Nations children's fund, accusing them of overstepping their legitimate functions, the foreign ministry said.

UNICEF country chief Phillipe Duamelle was called to the foreign ministry on Thursday, where officials "expressed serious concern" over the agency's participation at a public protest in June, the ministry said in a statement.

"The Country Representative was requested to take appropriate action against the staff members who participated in the demonstration including the withdrawal of the concerned international staff," the foreign ministry said.

The government also asked UNICEF to dismiss its local UNICEF staff who joined the demonstration outside the main railway station in Colombo, the ministry said.

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http://afp.google.com/article/ALeqM5hLRHj_zJp1DeZ8_4AHK9UZIPosmg
Image,
http://www.unicef.org/infobycountry/images/unicef_logo.gif