News
Lankan survivor of 9/11 recounts disaster on 20th anniversary
Srinath Jinadasa, 79, an American citizen of Lankan descent who miraculously came out alive from the World Trade Center (WTC) in New York 20 years ago last week, was in the U.S. news as the media focused on the anniversary of the audacious terrorist strike on an iconic building using hijacked aircraft.
Jinadasa who worked for the Port Authority of New York and New Jersey as a structural engineer said last week that the Authority among other things owned the WTC site and operated the PATH subway system between New York and New Jersey. He was recalled to work to help deal with issues relating to t operating PATH facilities other than the WTC line after unwinding at home for about a week after his ordeal.
“I did experience some anxiety for a while. I could not make myself go to the WTC site until after the victims remains were removed from there,” he said.
He also recounted tht his sister, Anoja Wijesekera, who worked for UNICEF in Kabul (Afghanistan), was evacuated the day following the WTC attack after so-called Northern Alliance launched an attack on that city.
“I think the U.S. had to bring justice to Al Qaeda and Bin Laden. However lots of politicians were using the attack to further their political ambitions, I think resulting in an over-reaction to the tragedy,” he said.
“The democracy proselytizers used the tragedy as an opportunity to promote regime change in the Middle East and beyond. Think of Afghanistan, Iraq, Egypt, Libya, Tunisia, Syria, Yemen, Ukraine etc. Politicians of all stripes from all over jumped in. Big mess!
“This I think turned on the Islamists – Islamic State , Iranians and who knows who else? The very sad attack only last week in France, last year in Sri Lanka. So many Islamist /Islamic State attacks all over the world – America, France , Britain, India, Indonesia, Russia, Middle East, etc, etc. I think this is what Osama was envisioning when he planned the 9/11 attack to provoke an over-reaction in the west and a resulting counter reaction from the Islamists. I think Osama succeeded well beyond all his expectations.”
Jinadasa, a son of the late H. Jinadasa Samarakkody, a member of the old Ceylon Civil Service, who retired as Secretary to the Treasury, said that at the time of his escape from the ???? floor, he waited for some time before he began his descent.
“I watered the (indoor plants) in my office and carried a wet towel when I walked down.” he said. I did not think the building will collapse but I did not factor the steel in the concrete melting in the very high temperatures generated.”
Srinath who has now retired to Florida said that in hindsight, he would say that the democracy/human rights proselytizers made use of the even to spread havoc in the Islamic world and further provoke the Jihadists. This was most likely what Osama wanted and succeeded in doing, he said.
“Furthermore it launched a huge, wasteful security industrial complex.”
Indian Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi departed today (06) from Air Force Base Anuradhapura concluding his State visit to Sri Lanka. The Indian Premier embarked on a tour to Sri Lanka at the invitation from President Anura Kumara Disanayake.
This visit underscores the enduring relationship encapsulated by the theme “Friendship of Centuries, Commitment to a Prosperous Future,” further solidifying the bonds between India and Sri Lanka.
This marks Prime Minister Modi’s fourth visit to Sri Lanka, which has further enhanced the economic, cultural, and historical relations between the two nations, while also reinforcing their multifaceted partnership. This visit by the Indian Prime Minister reinforces Sri Lanka’s important role in India’s “Neighbourhood First Policy” and ‘MAHASAGAR’ vision concerning diplomatic relations.
This state visit is anticipated to yield significant results on various collaborative initiatives, fostering a path towards mutual growth and development. The citizens of Sri Lanka will soon be able to witness the fruitful outcomes of these partnerships, and Indian Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi’s visit will mark a significant milestone in the government’s pursuit of sustainable development focused on the needs of the people.
Accompanying Indian Prime Minister Modi were Indian External Affairs Minister Dr. S. Jaishankar, National Security Advisor Ajit Doval, Foreign Secretary Vikram Misri and a delegation of senior officials from the Indian government.
[PMD]
Latest News
President Dissanayake and Indian PM Modi jointly commission upgraded Maho-Omanthai railway line & Maho-Anuradhapura railway signalling system
The upgraded Maho–Omanthai railway line and the newly installed Maho–Anuradhapura railway signalling system were officially commissioned by Indian Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi and President Anura Kumara Disanayake today (06)
The Prime Minister of India is currently visiting Sri Lanka at the invitation of President Anura Kumara Disanayake, reinforcing the longstanding bond encapsulated in the theme “Friendship of Centuries Commitment to a Prosperous Future” between the two nations.
Highlighting one of the key aspects of this visit, the two leaders participated in these inaugural ceremonies. The President and the Prime Minister of India jointly unveiled the commemorative plaque and commissioned the railway line and signalling system.
The upgraded Maho-Omanthai Railway Line project was carried out with funding through the Indian Credit Line, totalling an investment of US$ 91.27 million. The Maho–Anuradhapura railway signalling system, established as a result of President Disanayake’s recent visit to India, was funded by the Indian Government at a cost of USD 14.89 million.
[PMD]
Latest News
Prime Minister Modi and President Dissanayake pay homage to the sacred Jaya Sri Maha Bodhi
Indian Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi, currently on a State visit to Sri Lanka, along with President Anura Kumara Disanayake paid homage to the sacred Jaya Sri Maha Bodhi in Anuradhapura this morning (06) and received blessings.
Following his visit to the sacred site, Prime Minister Modi proceeded to the Udamaluwa, where he met with the Chief Incumbent of the Atamasthanadhipathi and Chief Sanghanayake of Nuwarakalaviya, Most Venerable Dr. Pallegama Hemarathana Nayaka Thera, for a cordial discussion.
During the meeting, the Prime Minister shared that relics of the Buddha were discovered in excavations conducted in his home state of Gujarat during the 1960s. He further stated that he would discuss with the President of Sri Lanka the possibility of exhibiting these sacred relics in Sri Lanka.
Responding to a request made by the Atamasthanadhipathi to develop Bodh Gaya as a spiritual city, Prime Minister Modi assured that he would take the necessary steps after discussions with President Disanayake and work towards making it a reality.
The Maha Sangha, led by the Atamasthanadhipathi, chanted Seth Pirith and invoked blessings on the Indian Prime Minister.
The Indian Prime Minister also left a commemorative note in the special guest book at the site. In addition, he formally declared open the newly constructed ‘Makara Thorana’ within the Jaya Sri Maha Bodhi premises.
The occasion was also attended by Chief Incumbent of the Ruwanweli Maha Seya Temple Ven. Ethalawetunawewe Gnanathilaka Thera and other Atamasthana Viharadhipathi Theras, Minister of Foreign Affairs, Foreign Employment and Tourism Vijitha Herath, Minister of Trade, Commerce, Food Security and Cooperative Development, Wasantha Samarasinghe, Minister of Health and Mass Media Dr. Nalinda Jayatissa, North Central Province Governor Wasantha Jinadasa, Indian High Commissioner Santosh Jha and others.
[PMD]
Indian Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi concludes State Visit to Sri Lanka
President Dissanayake and Indian PM Modi jointly commission upgraded Maho-Omanthai railway line & Maho-Anuradhapura railway signalling system
Prime Minister Modi and President Dissanayake pay homage to the sacred Jaya Sri Maha Bodhi
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