Maj. Gen. Furuhovde was the first Head of SLMM, serving from March 2nd 2002 to March 6th 2003; this is his second round as the SLMM head. He replaces Major Gen. Trigve Tellifson, who came under heavy fire from the several Opposition parties, and President Chandrika Kumaratunga for allegedly favouring the LTTE at many instances. However the new head, Gen. Furuhovde is reportedly a more impartial leader. And has been praised by the President her self at several occasions. Published: Sat Jan 31 12:07:27 EST 2004

The Minister in Charge, Karu Jayasuriya this week also called upon the public to help the Power and Energy ministry to bypass this difficult period. The Minister requested all domestic users, commercial establishments and state institutions to cut down their consumption by at least 10%, and if possible generate their own electricity to assist the ongoing 'difficult period' faced by the Ceylon Electricity Board, the country’s main electricity supplier. He also requested all establishments not to light up signboards till the situation returns to normalcy, while also calling upon all establishments not to illuminate neon lights after 10 pm and to reduce the use of air conditioners as much as possible.

The country is presently generating nearly 85% of its power out of thermal power, while the balance is generated out of hydro. During a normal period, the country generates nearly 65% hydro and the balance with thermal, but owing to the ongoing drought tables have turned, also leaving the Ministry with a severe financial crisis running to several billions. Published: Sat Jan 31 11:21:49 EST 2004

“Lack of security to the Muslim in the East is the foremost concern of the people. Muslims live in fear as there are sporadic attacks on them and the number of casualties and loss of lives are day by day in creasing. There is damage to the properties of Muslims and no compensation paid to them. The security situation has worsened specially after the signing of the ceasefire agreement as the law enforcement agencies have become inactive. The police and the armed forces have failed to provide security to the Muslims in this region. In the name of peace, Muslims are subjected to intimidation; loss of lives and damage property. For want of security Muslims may resort to methods of self defence and Muslims invite the immediate attention of the Prime Minister Ranil Wickremesinghe who is the signatory to the peace accord and President Chandrika Kumaratunga who is in charge of defence in the country,” the report stated.

The report also has claimed that there is an attempt by the LTTE to eject the Muslims by threat and violence from the highly concentrated area of Muslims in Kinniya. The Council during its fact-finding mission had spoken to the members of the general public living in those areas and religious leaders, and members of other civil organisations in the East. Published: Sat Jan 31 10:03:26 EST 2004