UNFPA Assists Displaced Persons in Sri Lanka

COLOMBO — Women and girls uprooted by the conflict in northern Sri Lanka need assistance to maintain their health and dignity, UNFPA, the United Nations Population Fund, said today. The Fund is collaborating with district health authorities to provide personal hygiene supplies to displaced people in Vavuniya district.

In response to the large recent influx of displaced people – including thousands who escaped the combat zone this week – some 13,000 hygiene packs have been handed over to the regional director of health services and another 12,000 packs will be distributed soon. These include soap, washing powder, a toothbrush, other toiletries, undergarments and sanitary supplies for menstruation. They allow women and girls of reproductive age to keep a sense of self-esteem and also facilitate their mobility………………… http://www.unfpa.org/public/cache/offonce/News/pid/2544

Sri Lankan Government, USAID, Partners Hand Over New Livelihood Equipment to Former LTTE Combatants

Sri Lanka - The Sri Lanka Country Director of USAID and Sri Lanka’s Commissioner General for Rehabilitation today handed over equipment to help over 550 former Tamil Tiger combatants to start new civilian jobs in eastern Sri Lanka.

The handover in Batticaloa, which included canoes, pumps, engines and tool kits for rice paddy cultivation and fishing, was part of a USAID-funded IOM pilot project to help reintegrate the demobilized former rebels into civilian life. The Information, Counseling and Referral Services (ICRS) project aims to reintegrate up to 1,000 former members of the armed Tamil groups LTTE (Liberation Tigers of Tamil Eelam) and TMVP (Tamil Makkal Viduthalai Pulikel)……………..  http://www.iom.int/jahia/Jahia/media/press-briefing-notes/pbnAS/cache/offonce?entryId=27078

This is not a conspiracy

British Foreign Secretary, David Miliband had addressed the so called world Tamil forum at the UK Parliament Westminster building. It is reported that delegations from fourteen countries have taken part at this forum. Addressing the so called world Tamil forum David Miliband has mentioned that even though the so called civil war has ended , the so called peace has not reached Sri Lanka. Miliband singing his typical ‘baila’ had buttered the forum by indicating that Britain will be there to protect the so called human rights but, cannot intervene in Sri Lanka’s internal issues.

He said that he endorses the decision taken by the EU to withdraw GSP duty facilities and he indicated that GSP program recognizes so called values as its core and EU’s attention had been drawn to the incidence of harassment and corruption in SrI Lanka which in turn contributed to the withdrawal of the facilities……….  http://www.srilankaguardian.org/2010/03/this-is-not-conspiracy.html

UK official to fly to Sri Lanka for talks

An official from the British Foreign office is due in Sri Lanka on a two day visit today for talks with Foreign Minister Rohitha Bogollagama, the Sri Lankan Foreign Ministry said and the recent controversy involving UK Foreign Secretary David Miliband is expected to figure in the discussions.

Sir Peter Ricketts, the Permanent Under-Secretary (PUS) of the British Foreign Office is scheduled to call on Foreign Minister Rohitha Bogollagama at his Ministry for talks tomorrow, the Sri Lankan Foreign Ministry said without elaborating on the purpose of his visit

(continue reading…)

Ancient Chola period temple unearthed in North

A heap of ruins where a Hindu temple of Chola period was believed to have been buried has been unearthed in the Northern part of Delft.

• The temple is 40 feet long and 10 feet wide.
• It is built with lime stone. 
• The roof is covered with lime mixed plaster.
• The other parts of the temple are in ruins.

Professor P. Pushparatnam of the Jaffna University History Department commenting on the findings, said the people of the locality are unable to say when this temple was built. The ruins indicate that the building would have been built many years ago. It is opined that if this temple had been built during the latter period of the Dutch reign or in the beginning of British rule in Sri Lanka, the people would be in a position to give some clues about the origin of the temple, he said.

The people of the area would not have allowed the temple to go to ruin if it had been built during the Dutch or British period. It can be surmised that the temple was built before European rule in Sri Lanka, Prof. Pushparatnam said.

The statues and the art work on stones, irrigation pipes made of baked clay and a coin found by one of Prof. Pushparatnam’s students with the name of Rajaraja Cholan embossed on it clearly indicate that the temple would have been built during the Chola period.

ITAK begins three day election campaign in Moothoor Tamil villages

Ilangkai Thamizh Arasuk Kadchi (ITAK) Monday began a three day campaign by holding election meeting in every Tamil village in the Moothoor East, Verukal DS division, Moothoor DS division in Trincomalee district. ITAK leader and the chief candidate for the Trincomalee district Mr.R.Sampanthan is leading the campaign with other six candidates in the list. ……….  http://www.tamilnet.com/art.html?catid=13&artid=31322

Government suppresses protest demonstration of IDPs in Jaffna

• Resettlement will be in the NOo man’s land,

• Announcement is only an eye wash and an election propaganda.

• Attitude of the GA is seen as an act of speaking on behalf of the Government

A protest demonstration demanding immediate resettlement of people displaced from Valikaamam North occupied by Sri Lanka Army (SLA) as High Security Zone (HSZ) organized by the Welfare Organizations for Internally Displaced Persons (IDPs) on 1 March in front of Jaffna Secretariat had to be given up due to the strong opposition to it by Jaffna Government Agent (GA) K. Ganesh, the representatives of the welfare organizations said. The GA had refused to accept the memorandum of the protestors saying that the matter of resettlement should not be made a political issue in the context of the forthcoming parliamentary election, the organizations further alleged. …………………  http://www.tamilnet.com/art.html?catid=13&artid=31325

CNN International reveals Sri Lanka’s civil war aftermath in a half-hour special

Witness to SurvivalSri Lanka’s bloody civil war came to an end amongst some of the fiercest fighting, with both the government and the insurgents facing allegations of war crimes. During this time, the Tamil-dominated north was virtually off limits to journalists, aid agencies and human rights organizations. It was, essentially, a war without witness.

CNN’s Sara Sidner gained rare access to Jaffna in Sri Lanka and the people who suffered the ravages of nearly three decades of civil war. While the truth of what happened may be hard to ascertain, the stories of those who lived through it offer a rare glimpse into the power and endurance of the human spirit.

Sara_Srilanka splSidner explores the lives of parents and children who suffered loss, trauma and displacement. She spends time with a mother and daughter……………..  http://www.afaqs.com/perl/media/media_newslets/?id=44544

Soldiers ‘victimised by government’

A human rights group representing the families of disappeared military men in Sri Lanka has accused the government of victimising soldiers. Visaka Dharmadasa, convenor of the Association of War Affected Women (AWAW), said her organisation is currently campaigning to get soldiers arrested by the Rajapaksa administration released. “During the war, we have been visiting Kilinochchi to seek the release of arrested soldiers from the LTTE,” she told BBC Sinhala service, Sandeshaya…………  http://www.bbc.co.uk/sinhala/news/story/2010/03/100308_womens_day.shtml

Is the British Conservative Party making a strategic change in relation to Sri Lanka?

The Shadow Foreign Secretary, The Rt Hon William Hague’s address to the Global Tamil Forum signals potential change in Conservative Party’s approach to the conflict in Sri Lanka.

• A Conservative Government will ensure that British Tamils have access to air their views
• Meaningful political reform and reconciliation should be an urgent priority.
• President Rajapksa committed to the UN Secretary General Ban Ki-Moon in May 2009 that the Sri Lankan government would investigate alleged violations but so far little concrete action has been taken.
• Elections alone do not signal the existence of a fully functioning democratic system, particular concern is freedom of expression: including that of the national press, and the freedom to lawfully dissent.

Last week’s Global Tamil Forum inaugural conference was, the first time ever, a Conservative Shadow Foreign Secretary addressed a gathering organised by the Tamil lobby in relation to the conflict. According to many observers, this is a clear signal of the change in Conservative Party’s approach to the conflict and also acknowledgement of the British Tamil Diaspora’s role in shaping a future Conservative Government’s policy towards Sri Lanka

Full Speech of The Rt Hon William Hague : http://www.uktamilnews.com/?p=13063

The main Conservative opposition in United Kingdom also took a highly unusual step of issuing congratulatory messages from both, the Leader of the opposition and the Shadow Foreign Secretary, to the conference last week………….. http://www.lankanewsweb.com/news/EN_2010_03_09_001.html 

Australia blames post war Lanka

Australia says the aftermath of the conflict in Sri Lanka is resulting in more and more asylum seekers attempting to cross over to Australia with the latest boatload of 28 Sri Lankans being intercepted today, the Australian Associated Press reported. Australian Deputy Prime Minister Julia Gillard says conflict in Asia is responsible for the upsurge in asylum seekers headed for Australia by boat.

Authorities intercepted another two vessels over the weekend, taking the total of arrivals to 20 in the first 66 days of the year. A boat carrying 28 passengers and two crew was intercepted northwest of Adele Island in the early hours of this morning. Yesterday, authorities intercepted a boat carrying 80 passengers and three crew……………  http://www.dailymirror.lk/index.php/news/2213-australia-blames-post-war-lanka.html

Global Tamil Women Forum calls for end to violence against Tamil women in Sri Lanka

Global Tamil Women Forum (GTWF) joins worldwide calls for end to violence against women to mark International Women’s Day. In United Kingdom, GTWF joined thousands of women, of all ages and backgrounds, in a march organised by Million Women Rise on Saturday 6 March 2010 through central London, to celebrate and honour women’s activism, courage and continued struggle against global male violence in all its forms.

A representative of the GTWF spoke of the trauma inflicted on Tamil women in Sri Lanka who are subjected to ongoing violence and sexual abuse by government forces with impunity. “The United Nations removed more than 100 Sri Lankan peacekeepers from Haiti after they were accused of sexual exploitation and abuse, so you can imagine the fate of Tamil women at the………………..  http://www.lankanewsweb.com/news/EN_2010_03_09_002.html 

A Statement by the Asian Human Rights Commission
Government campaign against Transparency International and moves to arrest J.C. Weliamuna

 The Asian Human Rights Commission reliably understands that there is a move to arrest and detain J.C. Weliamuna, the chairperson of Transparency International in Sri Lanka (TISL) on fabricated charges. During the last few weeks there have been several media attempts on the part of the government to make insinuations against the Sri Lankan branch of Transparency International. There were publicised reports about the misuse of funds which TISL has publically claimed as completely fabricated and false. There have also been reports over government media channels about NGOs and INGOs trying to destabilize Sri Lanka and an announcement that the government will carry out an all out campaign against such organisations. …………  http://www.lankanewsweb.com/news/EN_2010_03_09_003.html

Ban voices concern about lack of progress on key issues in Sri Lanka

8 March 2010 – Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon today expressed concerns about the lack of progress on political reconciliation, the treatment of internally displaced persons (IDPs) and the setting up of an accountability process in Sri Lanka since the United Nations signed a joint statement with the Government last year in the wake of the end of its civil war with separatist Tamil rebels.

Mr. Ban told reporters that he had “a frank and honest exchange of views” last Thursday about these subjects during a telephone conversation with President Mahinda Rajapaksa of Sri Lanka, where the runner-up candidate in January’s presidential elections, General Sarath Fonseka, was subsequently arrested for alleged “military offences” and the parliament was dissolved…………….  http://www.un.org/apps/news/story.asp?NewsID=34014&Cr=lanka&Cr1=

U.N. move uncalled for – President

Sri Lankan President Mahinda Rajapaksa has objected to the intention of U.N. Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon to appoint a panel of experts to advise him (Mr. Ban) on Sri Lanka and said the move was uncalled for. On February 26, Mr. Ban’s spokesperson had said in New York that Mr. Ban had informed Mr. Rajapaksa in the course of a telephone conversation about his intention on the panel. Mr. Ban’s spokesperson had said the panel would advise him on the way forward on accountability issues. 

Since the military defeat of the LTTE in May, various functionaries in the U.N. have been issuing statements on the need for a committee to investigate alleged human rights violations in the 34-month long Eelam War IV. Colombo has rejected the suggestion and repeatedly pointed out to the resolution by the Human Rights Commission lauding Sri Lankaon the military defeat of the Tigers. The President’s Secretariat here on Saturday quoted Mr. Rajapaksa as pointing out to Mr. Ban no such action had been taken regarding other states with continuing armed conflicts on a large scale, involving major humanitarian catastrophes.

Army gathering information about foreigners living in Colombo

The military intelligence units are in the process of gathering information about foreigners living in star class hotels in Colombo and suburbs following information received that a team had been sent to the country to gather and report details about internal affairs of the country to the UN, sources from the military intelligence units said.………… http://www.lankanewsweb.com/news/EN_2010_03_08_003.html

The suspicion among the intelligence units have increased following the continuous questions posed by UN Secretary General Ban Ki-Moon to President Mahinda Rajapaksa about the questioning of the former Army Intelligence Unit head and 17 other Army intelligence unit personnel over the assassination of The Sunday Leader Editor, Lasantha Wickrematunge

Lankan refugee a Tiger agent

A Sri Lankan refugee being held on Christmas Island in Australia with her two young children after authorities declared her to be a security threat worked for the legal system run by the Tamil Tigers or the LTTE, the Australian website reported. The Australian has learned that the woman, who was rescued by the Customs vessel Oceanic Viking in October, lived and worked in the Vanni district in Sri Lanka’s north, which was controlled by the Liberation Tigers of Tamil Eelam.

Speaking from Indonesia, the woman’s brother said his sister had been employed in the de facto justice system set up by the LTTE, which was described by the US State Department as “agents” of the Tamil Tigers………….  http://www.lankatimes.com/fullstory.php?id=25448

India helped Sri Lankan Army to KILL more than 30,000 Tamil Civilians to get New contracts similar to those currently given to China!

 India Not interested in any Political package to Tamils?

 A senior Foreign Ministry official told Lanka News Web that although the media highlighted that Indian Foreign Secretary Nirupama Rao arrived in the country to push for the devolution of power, the visit was in fact aimed at securing several contracts in Sri Lanka for Indian companies. 

Fonseka ‘tortured’ army officers

The Sri Lankan government accuses its former military chief Gen Sarath Fonseka of torturing army officers and soldiers while in office.  Lakshman Hulugalle, the Director General of Media Centre for National Security (MCNS) told BBC Sandeshaya that Gen Fonseka has “taken revenge” from certain officers while he was the commander…………….  http://www.bbc.co.uk/sinhala/news/story/2010/03/100308_fonseka_torture.shtml

Sarath Fonseka to continue his fast: Wife

Colombo: Sri Lanka’s former Army Chief Gen Sarath Fonseka, currently under military custody, has decided to continue his fast despite being provided a telephone to speak to his daughters. Daily Mirror quoted Fonseka’s wife Anoma as saying that her husband had rejected the telephone provided by the Army as he insisted that he would speak to his two daughters, settled abroad, only through her phone. “He is continuing his fast. He will withdraw the fast only if he is allowed to speak to our children through my mobile phone. He does not trust anyone,” it said. …………   http://www.zeenews.com/news609580.html

Ban’s Sri Lanka advisory panel rejected by Rajapaksa while India – China support Sri Lanka

  UN Secretary General Ban Ki-moon has personally informed Sri Lankan President Mahinda Rajapaksa, according to media reports in Colombo that he will “name a panel of experts to advise him, the Secretary General, on the way forward on accountability issues related to Sri Lanka.”

The Path to Economic and Political Emancipation of the Conflict-Affected Region in Sri Lanka[i]

Germany and Japan are two prime examples of successful resurrection of battered minds and economies after ruinous adventure of war. Nazi Germany and Imperial Japan pursued militaristic paths for dominance of their respective geographical regions of the world. In the same way, the Liberation Tigers of Tamil Eelam (LTTE or the ‘Tamil Tigers’) waged a relentless and ruthless war for separation of the Eastern and Northern Provinces from Sri Lanka. The consequences have been disastrous for the Tamil minority community in particular, and for Sri Lanka as a whole. Though the German and Japanese military pursuits of dominance were transnational wars, LTTE’s separatist war was national. However, it could be argued that, though in pretence LTTE’s war against the Sri Lankan state was internal, its ultimate intent was to create a pan-Tamil national state based in Eastern and Northern Provinces of Sri Lanka (Bandarage, 2009; Sarvananthan, forthcoming).

However we frame the LTTE’s war of separation (whether national or transnational), as a matter of fact, LTTE was an institution that resembled militaristic adventurism of the regimes of Nazi Germany and Imperial Japan in the run up to and during the Second World War. The modus operandi of the LTTE also has close resemblance to the Khmer Rouge (Pol Potist) regime of Kampuchea (now known as Cambodia) in the late-1970s (Sarvananthan, forthcoming)……….  http://transcurrents.com/tc/2010/03/economic_freedom_the_path_to_e.html

From the BBC: People in Sri Lanka discuss the latest political developments

The arrest a month ago of Sri Lanka’s former army chief and defeated presidential candidate, Gen Sarath Fonseka, along with some of his supporters, has raised fears among rights groups in the country.

The authorities accuse the general of having worked with what they call anti-government forces. Here people in Sri Lanka discuss the latest political developments as they prepare for general elections in April. There is a palpable feeling that something serious has gone wrong. When a government decides to arrest the main opposition candidate, I read such an action as a clear indication of a serious deterioration of the democratic process…………  http://transcurrents.com/tc/2010/03/people_in_sri_lanka_discuss_th.html

Lankan refugee’s suicide attempt triggers tension

Lankan refugee’s suicide attempt triggers tension March 8: A woman inmate of the transit camp for Sri Lankan refugees at Royanur, near Karur, attempted self-immolation soon after she returned home from the police station late on Sunday evening, triggering violence and tension in the area……………….  .http://article.wn.com/view/2010/03/08/Lankan_refugee_s_suicide_attempt_triggers_tension/

ROAD TO JAFFNA REQUIRES GOVERNMENTAL REGULATION

Pilgrims just leaving the Nallur Temple say “Saadu, Saadu”

In its bid to attract votes from the North prior to the Presidential Election, the government relaxed several of its security measures.  One of these was the restrictions on travel to Jaffna by the A9 highway.  This was promise that the government made, implemented immediately, and has kept even after the election.  Unfortunately, as I discovered on a visit to Jaffna last week, there were also promises the government made and did not keep which has bitterly disappointed the people.  They include the reunification of detainees in the camps with their families, and the dismantling of High Security Zones to enable people to get back their long lost lands………. http://www.lankaeverything.com/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=2619:-road-to-jaffna-requires-governmental-regulation&catid=21:politic&Itemid=148

India To Support Pilleyan – Accepts TMVP Election Manifesto

According to TMVP spokesman Azad Maulana visiting Indian foreign Secretary met Pilleyan today and invited him to visit India with a TMVP delegation. Pilleyan presented the manifesto of the TMVP for the upcoming general elections to the Indian Foreign Secretary.

LTTE CHIEF’S MOM FLOWN TO MALAYSIA FOR MEDICAL CARE

TNA and Congress ‘misleading voters’, says EPDP

• A solution based on the ‘Oslo Agreement’  -TNA (Tamil National Alliance) 

• Implementation of the Vaddukoddai Resolution – ACTC (All Ceylon Tamil Congress).

• Strengthen the hand of President Mahinda Rajapaksa – EPDP (Eelam People’s Democratic Party)

Proposals put forward by the Tamil National Alliance and the All Ceylon Tamil Congress in their election manifestos were part of an attempt to prevent their alienation from LTTE sympathizers and extremist Diaspora, EPDP political spokesperson, M. Stalin said. He was commenting on the TNA announcement that they were proposing a solution based on the ‘Oslo Agreement’ of December 2002 while the ACTC had demanded the implementation of the Vaddukoddai Resolution. While hoping that their proposals would not alienate themselves from the expatriate LTTE sympathisers, the EPDP spokesperson said.

Bishops meet resettled refugees in Jaffna

JAFFNA, Sri Lanka (UCAN) — Six Catholic bishops have met resettled Tamil war refugees in Jaffna diocese in northern Sri Lanka, listened to their grievances and given them relief aid. The delegation on March 6 went to see for themselves the problems people are facing as they try to rebuild their lives.

During their tour of the Kilinochchi, Mulangavil, Vidaltaltivu, Iranamadhu and Kiran areas, the bishops handed over bicycles, solar lamps, oil lamps, clothing for school children and school items worth about 3.5 million rupees (US$30,650). The party included president of the Sri Lankan bishops’ conference Bishop Vianney Fernando, and Bishop Harold Anthony Perera, chairman of the National Catholic Commission for Justice, Peace and Human Development………………  http://www.ucanews.com/2010/03/08/bishops-meet-resettled-refugees-in-jaffna

LTTE proxies searching for Chief Velupillai Prabhakaran

The government is concerned that some umbrella organizations of the LTTE are still trying to trace their leader LTTE Chief Velupillai Prabhakaran and the matter has been discussed with India, the government said. Foreign Minister Rohitha Bogollagama conveyed these concerns at a meeting held with Indian Foreign Secretary Nirupama Rao today.

Minister Bogollagama also informed Rao that Sri Lanka would continue to be vigilant and engage in countering measures against terrorism to protect the territorial integrity and sovereignty of the country.  “We discussed terrorism and the continuous need for us to be vigilant in counter terrorism measures. I shared with the Indian Foreign Secretary our concerns in the international front in the lines on which some of the umbrella organizations of the LTTE are still trying to trace their head,” Minister Bogollagama told journalists.

Five charges against Sareth Fonseka

Five charges under the Army Act and will face a Court Martial

General Sarath Fonseka will be tried on over five charges under the Army Act and will face a court martial within the next few days, the Army Spokesperson said. According to the military, the summary of evidence over charges against General Fonseka, made in compliance with provisions of the Army Act was completed and handed over to Army Commander over the weekend.

Military Spokesperson Major General Prasad Samarasingha told Daily Mirror Online that legal officers in the Army Directorate of Legal Services are now in the process of reviewing the contents and maintain that there is a prima facie case against General Fonseka on more than five charges under the Army Act.……………. http://www.dailymirror.lk/index.php/news/2226-fonseka-faces-five-charges.html

Chinese Nevy are living in Paalaitheevu.

 Pilgrims who returned from Paalaitheevu after attending the lent period prayers in St. Antony’s church Sunday said that they had seen many Chinese Tents and food packets with Chinese writing on them during the annual festival held Saturday and Sunday. Sri Lanka Navy (SLN) occupies many of the pilgrims’ halls behind the church and no one was allowed to enter them, the devotees said. Chinese navy presence in Kachchatheevu has been confirmed by Tamil Nadu journalists who had participated in the St. Antony’s Church festival recently, according to a Tamil daily in Tamil Nadu.  ………http://www.tamilnet.com/art.html?catid=13&artid=31318

Chinese products available in Kachchatheevu.

Navy officers inform the Sri Lankan and Chinese navy officers are living in Kachchatheevu

Tamilnadu Journalist and Devotees who had visited the Kachchatheevu to partake the annual St.Anthony’s Church festival recently had informed that they were able to witness many products from China. They pointed out that this would be a massive threat to India. The Indian Journalists informed that massive amount of items manufactured from China were available at kachchatheevu,and when they attempted to photograph them, they were obstructed by the Sri Lankan navy personnel. Such activities prove that Chinese are living in Kachchatheevu which can be confirmed from the activities was mentioned by them…………. http://www.lankasrinews.net/view.php?2b24OXn4a43V54Ie4a4YAQ6ce2acYBP3cd2zdmA2e0dW0MmUce03cYBJ0cd3vlmAd0

by eelamranjan

 THESE dramatic pictures show the moment when a biker became a human fireball as flames engulfed his scooter.The 22-year-old had just paid for his petrol at the station on Borough Road, Birkenhead, at 8pm on Thursday and was starting the bike when the fire started.He dropped the Vespa scooter and fled, trying to put out the flames on his legs.The bike fell on to a set of fuel pumps and set them on fire as well.

 

At its height the blaze was 20ft high and reached the canopy of the Shell garage.Protective clothing meant the biker escaped unharmed.Birkenhead Watch Manager Mark Cotgrave praised the quick actions of assistant Venkata Prasad Turata who was working in the Shell shop at the time.He said: “I would like to praise the quick thinking of the garage attendant for isolating the pumps which prevented the fire from escalating further than it did.

Political reforms after polls by Mahinda: A Big Joke!

• End of democracy in Sri Lanka if Mahinda gets 2/3 majority.

•  TNA would face their worst defeat at this election.

• Presidents prommissed ‘Political Package’ if he wins the presidential election was a JOKE.

• Constitutional change is long overdue

National Freedom Front Leader Wimal Weerawansa told the SLBC Sinhala Service on Sunday (March 7) that he expected the UPFA to win around 12 seats from the Colombo District at the forthcoming Parliamentary Election.

According to him those Tamils and Muslims who did not cast their votes at the last Presidential Election were bound to vote for the UPFA this time. Although Tamils know that NO Political Package will be implemented by President who prommissed one if he wins the Presidential election. He predicted that the TNA would face their worst defeat at this election having made the wrong choices and aligned themselves with anti-national forces. (continue reading…)

ADB assists resettled IDPs in Jaffna peninsula

In the context of Sri Lanka government failing in its duty to provide assistance to the resettled Internally Displaced Persons (IDPs) in Jaffna peninsula as promised, Asian Development Bank (ADB) has stepped in to help the IDPs, paying each of the 16,831 IDP families with the second stage payment of 25,000 rupees, sources in Jaffna said. It is alleged that the government is yet to pay the first stage of payment of 5,000 rupees to some of the IDP families, the sources added. …………………  http://www.tamilnet.com/art.html?catid=13&artid=31317

Magistrate courts to be built in Vanni where IDPs are yet to be resettled

Sri Lanka government is actively engaged in building police stations and magistrate courts in the districts of Ki’linochchi and Mullaiththeevu in Vanni where Internally Displaced Persons (IDPs) are yet to be resettled, sources in Vanni said. Secretary to the Ministry of Justice made a sudden visit Wednesday to Ki’linochchi and Mullaitheevu with the view to find locations for the magistrate courts to be built. He was accompanied by Buddhist Priest Rev. Athamba Buthara Kalyanasitha Thero and the magistrates of Vavuniyaa, Mannaar and the magistrates appointed to Ki’linochchi and Mullaiththeevu, the sources added…………… http://www.tamilnet.com/art.html?catid=13&artid=31316

Tamil Minorities are ‘Vines and Creepers’

• ‘ Tamils have to believe they are a minority and accept that fact’ says President Mahinda.

• ‘There is NO special place for the Tamils, and that they as a minority have to give way to the majority’s cultural hegemony’ says Mahinda.

There is hardly a whimper about the state of Tamil politics after the presidential election where the kingmaker status of the key Tamil politicians turned out to be, well, highly overestimated. Since then, most Tamil leaders have been gravitating towards the government, splintering the Tamil political project even further.

Well, all this took my mind back to a time when D. B. Wijetunge was the president, and he said that minorities are ‘vines and creepers’ that grow among the shade giving canopy of the majority…………..  http://www.srilankaguardian.org/2010/03/vines-and-creepers-time.html

Prabakaran’s arrogance distanced addressing perceived ‘plights’ of Tamils says Sampanthan

• NO to  ‘Vaddukkoaddai Resolution’.

• NO to  ‘Thimphu principles’.

• NO to  ‘Indo-Lanka agreement’

• TNA have started working on a model of solution based on ‘internal self-determination’

Condoning his elite master cum terror Chief Prabakaran for the perceived ‘plight’ of certain ‘Tamil’ interest groups including sections of the esoteric diaspora community, former TNA parliamentarian group leader R. Sampanthan hinted out the use of alternative forces at pursuing a ’self-determination solution’ in the reunited island nation.

“We have started working on a model of solution based on ‘internal self-determination,’ ever since some ‘foreign diplomats’ had expressed dissatisfaction on the LTTE leader Mr. V. Pirapaharan’s silence on pursuing solutions in that line”, Thinakural the ultra- secessionist news outlet quoted Sampanthan as saying at Trincomalee, Thursday(March 4), briefing a selected group of TNA activists. (continue reading…)

“India’s help to Sri Lanka on Tamil IDPs will continue”

Ms. Rao is here on a three-day visit on the invitation of the Sri Lankan government to the island nation. Her visit comes a few days after the External Affairs Minister S.M. Krishna told the Rajya Sabha in a written answer that the war in the island nation was over but the search for a political settlement continued.

“The government [of India] is of the view that the conclusion of the military operations in Sri Lanka provides an opportunity to make a new beginning and pursue a lasting political settlement in Sri Lanka,” the Minister had said and added that “the necessity of reaching a political settlement has been stressed to the Sri Lankan government.”………..  http://beta.thehindu.com/news/international/article202399.ece

India, Sri Lanka ‘sister countries’: Nirupama Rao

China is Big Brother of Sri Lanka!

A statement issued by the Indian mission here said that while speaking at the inauguration ceremony, the Foreign Secretary recalled her association with the initiative, which went back to 2006 when she was the High Commissioner of India in Sri Lanka, and added that she was happy to see the initiative reach an important milestone as signified by the establishment of SLICELT.

She referred to India and Sri Lanka as “sister countries”, which shared a “model, unique, and time-tested” relationship. Speaking of the high human development indicators in Sri Lanka, she felt that there was much for India to learn from Sri Lanka and stated that in this sense, relationship between India and Sri Lanka was one of “give and take”………..  http://beta.thehindu.com/news/international/article202341.ece

Nirupama Rao calls on Sri Lankan President

• Did NOT talk about the promissed ‘Political Package’ to the Tamils after Presidential election.

• Issue of the 100,000 Tamil IDP’s had now gone away from the attention of the international community.

• Nirupama Rao congratulated the President for his resounding victory in the recent Presidential election.

• Indian Prime Minister looked forward to an early visit by President Rajapaksa to India.

Sections of the Tamil Diaspora are of the view that New Delhi should use its good offices to prevail upon Sri Lanka not to rush into holding of election to the Northern Provincial Council in view of the prevailing situation. This is the first visit of Ms. Rao to Sri Lanka since she took charge of the office of Foreign Secretary and it is the first visit of any Indian official of her stature since the re-election of Mr. Rajapaksa in the January 26 Presidential election…………………  http://beta.thehindu.com/news/national/article202025.ece

Canada refuses Kohone Visa over alleged ‘War Crimes’.

A planned visit to Toronto by Colombo’s Permanent Representative at the UN in New York, Dr. Palitha Kohona has been put on hold for security reasons following protests by local groups over alleged ‘War Crimes’. Kohona, who also served as the Foreign Secretary in Colombo prior to his appointment in New York was scheduled to deliver a lecture at the Munk Centre for International Studies at the University of Toronto on Wednesday. Student groups in Toronto have vehemently protested at Kohona’s visit saying he represented a country that has been blamed for war crimes and other human rights abuses. The students have even called on the Canadian authorities to deny a visa to the former Foreign Secretary and also to ban him from entering the premises of the university. Dr. Kohona could not be reached for comment . Foreign Minister Rohitha Bogallagama refused to comment on the matter, saying he was not aware of such a development.

Magaret McKone, Executive Director at the University said the planned lecture had to be postponed pending a standard ‘security assessment’ but did not elaborate.

The student groups raised among other issues the deportation of Canadian MP Bob Rae in mid last year considering him a security threat to Sri Lanka and the abductions and killings of journalists.

Sarath Foseka on Hunger Strike

NO Political package or 13+

Basil wants Tamils to help develop the North  Senior Presidential Advisor Basil Rajapaksa who leads the UPFA from Gampaha District, yesterday appealed to the Northern people to grasp the opportunity extended by the government of President Mahinda Rajapaksa and rally around to develop the Northern Province during the next seven years he would be in power…………. http://www.infolanka.com/news/IL/1158.htm

Arrest of 6 LTTE suspects in Berlin
Lankan mission gave sensitive info to German Intelligence 

Sensitive information provided to the German Intelligence Service by the Sri Lanka Embassy in Berlin and complaints made by the peace-loving Tamil community in Germany led to last week’s arrest of six Tamil men suspected of raising funds for the LTTE, Major General Jagath Dias, Sri Lanka’s Deputy Ambassador in Berlin said.Talking to Sunday Island over the phone from Berlin, he said although LTTE terrorism was wiped out from Sri Lanka, its overseas network is still live and active and it could still pose a threat to the sovereignty of the country…………..  http://www.island.lk/2010/03/07/news4.html

Security forces pose an obstacle to journalists traveling to Jaffna

Army and Navy personnel have posed an obstacle to journalists traveling from the South to report on the resettlement of the displaced persons and the current situation in Jaffna.

A journalist who traveled to the Nagadeepa area had been informed by a Navy officer on February 28th that permission could not be given for him to carry out his work as they had not been directed to accept the media accreditation card issued by the Government Information Department.

The journalist had traveled to the North to report on the resettlement of people on either side of…………  http://www.lankanewsweb.com/news/EN_2010_03_07_004.html

Enews Editor flees country for protection

Lankaenews Editor, Sandaruwan Senadhira it is really learnt has fled the country recently due to the threat on his life. He played a key role in popularizing news websites in Sri Lanka.

Many attempts made by the President and his brothers to take charge of the locally and internationally popular Lankaenews website, were unsuccessful. The staff including Senadhira and News Editor Bennet Rupasinghe started to receive death threats thereafter.

The website unofficially supported Common Opposition Candidate General Sarath Fonseka at the Presidential election and one of its feature writers, Prageeth Eknaligoda was abducted on January 24 and………….   http://www.lankanewsweb.com/news/EN_2010_03_06_002.html

Six military ‘suspects’ detained over Lasantha’s killing 

Police spokesman SSP Prishantha Jayakody yesterday (March 6) said that it was too early to say whether former Army Chief Gen. (retd) Sarath Fonseka would be questioned in connection with the ongoing investigation into the assassination of Lasantha Wickrematunga, the editor of The Sunday Leader.

He didn’t rule out the possibility of the Criminal Investigation Department (CID) seeking a statement from Fonseka now held on conspiracy charges at navy headquarters……………  http://www.island.lk/2010/03/07/news2.html

“New” Information Given by Lasantha’s Brother for Further Investigation

• A politician had given the contract to kill Lasantha to Kalu Thushara.
• The “hit” was monitored by Lakshman Kumara from within the prison by using cellular no 07163…..
• The weapon used to kill Lasantha was sourced from Vavuniya.
• Minister who master-minded the operation had visited Lakshman Kumara in prison that night in a special room and gave him biriyani and Rs. 1.8 million for a job well done.”

Mr. “X” as I would call him had been released from Welikada Prison on an amnesty granted to prisoners on Independence Day in 2009. He was sentenced for embezzlement of state funds. Whilst in prison he was sharing a cell with a few others. Amongst those incarcerated with him were convicted murderers. He heard an inmate convicted for murder talking to another about a contract undertaken by him to kill someone and that the job was done on that day and had bragged as to how the operation was conducted. He said that this murderer had organized a “hit” on someone called Lasantha and a sharp instrument was used to carry out the task.

At that point he did not know who this “Lasantha” was, but learnt later when he was watching Sirasa news on TV that night. He said that he had met Lasantha once when he had a problem with higher authorities at the Buddha Sasana Ministry when he gave an interview to The Leader……………..  http://transcurrents.com/tc/2010/03/new_information_given_by_lasan.html#more

Was Sarath Fonseka Involved in Murder of Lasantha Wickrematunge?

A high profile investigation into the murder of Lasantha Wickrematunge and the attacks on Editors Upali Tennekoon, Keith Noyahr and Namal Perera is underway as senior sleuths attached to the Criminal Investigations Department (CID) and the Terrorist Investigations Department (TID) sift through a smattering of leads which may eventually pinpoint who were responsible for these attacks on journalists at the height of the war against the LTTE.

Sinhalese Journalist Up In Arms Against GTF

Most of the Sinhalese journalists look on the Sri Lankan ethnic problem with skewed eyes and write as if the Tamils can exist in Sri Lanka only as creepers on a Sinhala tree. They have no right to self determination or a homeland, although they had lived in a Tamil kingdom from time immemorial in the Northeast until the British unified them with the rest of Ceylon in 1833. Here is a Sinhalese response to the GTF meeting in London last month. Please read on. (continue reading…)

No party should be given a two-thirds majority in parliament

In recent days, some contributors to the Press have examined the goal set by the United People’s Freedom Alliance (UPFA) to get at least 151 of its candidates elected/appointed to Parliament at the impending polls. These commentators have made various insightful observations. The Citizens’ Movement for Good Governance (CIMOGG) discusses the issue further here so that voters may have yet more background information on this vital matter so as to decide how they should vote.

The UPFA obviously wants to secure this level of Parliamentary strength to enable it to rewrite the Constitution disregarding any views other than its own. Disquietingly, voters have been given only a vague notion of what it plans to do. For a start, it has indicated that future Presidents would be figureheads without any executive powers. The proposed Prime Minister would be possessed of all executive powers, presumably without the kind of immunity given to the current Executive President………… http://transcurrents.com/tc/2010/03/no_party_should_be_given_a_two.html#more

Unacknowledged suffering can return to haunt history, says NPR

During the popular Diane Rehm show in Washington’s National Public Radio (NPR) Friday, responding to a question on the muted response of Obama administration to the slaughter of civilians in Sri Lanka, NPR’s commentator Gjelten said, “When people feel that their suffering is not acknowledged and recognized by the international community, they tend to develop grudges, and they remember this. And they are scarred by that experience. One sobering lesson is that, when Nations feel historic grudge, it can come back to haunt history generations later… These grudges come back to the surface, and they can re-ignite in new conflicts.” ……………….  http://www.tamilnet.com/art.html?catid=13&artid=31307

Sampanthan warns of ‘hidden agenda’ of Sri Lanka government

“Sri Lanka government does not want any area in the island where minority community lives in majority. Hence the government led by President Mahinda Rajapakse is implementing its ‘hidden agenda’ to colonize such areas with Sinhalese to reduce the majority of minority community,” Mr. R. Sampanthan, leader of Ilankai Tamil Arasu Katchchi (ITAK) and the chief candidate for the Trincomalee electoral district, said addressing representatives of Tamil civil groups in Trincomalee.
………………..  http://www.tamilnet.com/art.html?catid=13&artid=31308

GTF resolution inspires Tamil polity

Whereas the Tamils democratically gave the mandate for the independence of their own country Tamil Eelam by endorsing the Vaddukoddai Resolution of 1976, in the 1977 general elections, the Global Tamil Forum (GTF) calls upon the international community, governments, leaders and the UN to conduct a UN monitored referendum in the North-East region of Sri Lanka and among the displaced Tamils living in other countries, to determine if they wish independence or to be part of a united Sri Lanka, says a crucial part of the GTF resolution passed unanimously in London last week. The GTF resolution, not voluntarily surrendering the cause of Eezham Tamils but leaving it to the democratic choice of the concerned people, should inspire polity in the name of Tamil nationalism in the island and in the diaspora, Tamil circles commented. ……………. http://www.tamilnet.com/art.html?catid=79&artid=31306

Nandikadal revisited

Houses and buildings in ruins, vehicles abandoned-legacy of a three decade old war

Around 10,000 motor cycles and 25,000 bicycles belonging to LTTEers and civilians who fled, are seen stacked in the Wellimulliwaikkal and Nandikadal areas and other areas in the Mullaitivu district. They, together with the innumerable ruined abodes ranging from what were once thatched cottages to well built houses, remain as the legacy of the three decade old war.The region bears tell tale marks of the war that was fought fiercely between the LTTE and Government forces. Remains of military vehicles such as bullet proof trucks and jeeps still lie around………………  http://www.sundaytimes.lk/100307/News/nws_16.html

Stupid Indians  talk Tough after China takes control of Sri Lanka

• India calls for the promissed Political Package!

•  ‘NO Political package’ says Sri Lankan Government.

India will press Colombo to immediately unveil a Political settlement for the Tamil minority in the country. The message will be communicated to President Mahinda Rajapaksa by Indian Foreign Secretary Nirupama Rao, who arrived in Sri Lanka yesterday on a three day official visit. But the Sri Lankan government will NOT implement any Political package as President does not require the Tamil votes to form the government.

Due to the Killing of 40,000 Tamil Civilians by the Sinhale Army in the last two months of war on LTTE , the Sinhala community are backing Mahinda. Also the China has taken advantage of the situation and taken more control of the SL Government.

“In May it will be a year since the LTTE was routed out, but despite rhetorical assurances the Sri Lankan Government has so far failed to forward any solution to the problems of the ethnic Tamils. Rao will deliver a message from the Central Government urging Rajapaksa to act fast on his promises,” an official from New Delhi’s External Affairs Ministry told The Sunday Leader. According to the Sri Lankan Foreign Ministry, Rao will meet President Rajapaksa, Foreign Minister Rohitha Bogollagama, senior government officials and leaders of opposition political parties during her stay in Colombo.

Tamils Forced to take Arms again by Mahinda! Another round of Violence seems Certain.

As the Sri Lankan Government will NOT implement any political package to solve the discrimination of the Tamil minorities in Sri Lanka it is obvious the Tamils will take Arms again against the Sinhale Government.

Sri Lanka wants the Tamil separatists to resume their war for independence again. The Sri Lankan government  politicians feel that they are better off with aids from China, Russia, Iran, Japan and India than to work towards a democratic country. The War and Killing of Tamils was the trump card to Mahinda’s landslide Victory.  

Many in the Tamil minority want to partition the island, handing the north, and the east coast, over to the Tamils, for a separate nation due to continues discrimination by the government. A year ago, the Tamil separatists were defeated after a long battle for partition. While the LTTE (the main Tamil separatist organization) has been defeated, the organization still exists among Tamils elsewhere. Many of the two million Tamils in Sri Lanka still support the LTTE, as do many Tamils in southern India and overseas. Of particular value for separatist militants are the 1.2 million Tamils living, and prospering, in the West. Many support partition of Sri Lanka, and this is an idea that will not go away due to the ongoing discrimination by the sucssesive sinhale govenments of the country who refuse to implement a Political Package. There are still thousands of Tamils, in Sri Lanka, and everywhere, who are still willing to fight and kill for this goal. (continue reading…)

Mobilize the forces against chauvinists and repression

There is a serious erosion of democracy in the country. This is accepted by all opposition forces including the conservative bourgeoisie. The protest of the Mahanayke theros of all chapters of the Maha Sangha was unprecedented. Mahinda had to forget his Janaranjana title, bestowed on him by the Sangha Sabha and had to take sharp underhand steps to control the sangha protest. It will remain a black mark on him for some time to come. However, the rural Sinhala masses is still content to follow him without raising questions. Not only the rural masses but even the urban Sinhala working class is still not prepared to come out in protest for democracy. Mahinda while claiming that he has eliminated the most dangerous terrorist movement in the world, is on the other hand organizing protests against the western powers for raising human rights issues. Wimal Weerawansa, the unofficial deputy president or better still the additional president, led a pseudo peasant demonstration outside the British high commission, condemning both Brown and Miliband…………………. http://www.lakbimanews.lk/columns/col4.htm

Seven Soldiers detained for the murder of Lasantha

Seven soldiers belonging to the Sri Lanka Army’s Military Intelligence Unit will continue to be detained as investigations continue into the murder of Sunday Leader Editor Lasantha Wickrematunge.  The seven suspects are being held for further questioning by the Terrorist Investigations Department and the Criminal Investigations Department.

The seven soldiers have been separated from an original seventeen taken into police custody as evidence unfolds which may link the soldiers to the murder of Wickrematunge, detectives said. ……….  http://www.thesundayleader.lk/2010/03/07/seven-soldiers-detained-for-the-murder-of-lasantha/

‘Fonseka Damaged, Politicised The Army’

The controversy surrounding the victory of Mahinda Rajapaksa in the Sri Lanka presidential election over combined opposition candidate Sarath Fonseka, refuses to die down. World attention is focussed on the detention of General Fonseka, the former Army Commander and once-wounded war hero who led the action against the LTTE. So far, except for general statements hinting at a coup attempt and a broad conspiracy, the Sri Lankan government has chosen to remain silent about the real reasons behind Fonseka’s confinement and impending trial.

In an exclusive interview, Defence Secretary Gotabhaya Rajapaksa — a former combat officer in the Sri Lankan Army, the real boss of the armed forces and also the President’s equally controversial brother — tried to make a case for the government. He spoke to senior journalist and author INDERJIT BADHWAR:………   http://www.tehelka.com/story_main44.asp?filename=Ne130310fonseka_damaged.asp

Jaffna haunted but hopeful?

In a recent visit to Jaffna, I was introduced to an old Tamil technocrat, whom my host described as a social activist, who dodged bullets by both the LTTE and anti LTTE Tamil paramilitary groups and campaigned for civic rights in the peninsula. “Still, he is facing threats,” my host quipped.
“Why still?” I queried. That led to a verbal outburst from otherwise tranquil old gentleman, who went on to narrate the dilemma, he and many other Tamils face, even after the defeat of the Tamil Tigers. The gist of the reply from the man is that freedom had not dawned in Jaffna-though one agent of oppression, the LTTE had been eliminated. Such claims could not easily be discounted. A few blocks away from my guest house, was the Uthayan newspaper office. The editor M V. Kanamaylnathan and his deputy do not venture out of the office fearing their safety………………..  http://www.lakbimanews.lk/special/spe10.htm

Why emergency when there is no emergency?

 President Mahinda Rajapaksa has summoned parliament on Tuesday – a month after its dissolution – to allow for the extension of the state of emergency. The president was acting well within the ambit of the constitution which states that he may summon parliament after dissolution if he is satisfied that “an emergency has arisen of such a nature that an earlier meeting of Parliament is necessary”. Parliament shall stand dissolved upon the termination of the emergency or the conclusion of the general election, whichever is earlier.

While the president is within his constitutional right (he is not always so), one question begs answering: With the LTTE defeated and the government otherwise keen to emphasise that normalcy has returned to the country, why do we need the state of emergency extended?……………. http://www.lakbimanews.lk/special/spe2.htm

National list or goon list: Super rich or Super famous

The electoral system is such that only the super rich and the powerful have a chance of winning at a general election.

United Peoples Freedom Alliance (UPFA) MP Mohamed Mussammil claimed that we were not able to meet the objectives of the national list because of the basic flaws of our electoral system. He added that only the super rich or super famous are elected by the people and in most cases the henchmen are given the chance through the national list.
“Everyone has to admit that the core idea was good, because the list gives a chance for the intellectuals and professionals as well as political veterans to contribute to the country. No matter what we say, we know that sometimes people don’t elect the most suitable candidates. 95% of our parliamentarians have been the biggest spenders in the election and since a politician has to cover an entire district only the super rich can familiarize themselves by propaganda. So the national list gives the political parties the chance to counter these super rich with the super intellectuals, that was the concept,” he said…………. http://www.lakbimanews.lk/special/spe8.htm

Intra-party battles to the fore as campaigning kicks off

Campaigning for the general elections is now underway with candidates bracing themselves for another four weeks of gruelling campaigning to secure a place in the next parliament with some addressing public issues and others continuing to blatantly flaunt election laws by pasting posters in every conceivable nook and corner.

Some candidates have launched their own websites to promote their candidature while there has been a call by a few to conduct an environment-friendly campaign by refraining from using polythyne as well as excessive amounts of paper for posters……………. http://www.sundaytimes.lk/100307/News/nws_20.html

Parties said OK to women’s quota, then leered at them

During the last few weeks, we could hear various people expressing their views about increasing the women’s representation of Sri Lanka’s politics. Women from a variety of fields argued that 30% representation must go to women. Though political leaders agreed to such a move, nomination lists prove again that they have kept women out by and large.
Rosy Senanayaka who contests the general election in Colombo District from the UNP, was one of the strongest voices and she stated that arrangements are being made to bring about laws to secure 30% representation for women. For that, she points out all women must work together irrespective of party divisions.  “We are working irrespective of party affiliations to achieve this political objective for women,” she said……………….  http://www.lakbimanews.lk/special/spe4.htm

4-foot ballot papers, thousands of extra boxes

The Elections Department is considering a change in the format of ballot papers, restrictions on the number of counting centre agents and the introduction of more ballot boxes to deal with problems arising from the increased number of candidates for the April 8 general elections.

A senior election official said yesterday these and other measures were being considered because of practical difficulties in conducting the polls and the counting of votes. He said the time factor was one of the major problems as 50-inch ballot papers in some areas would be difficult to handle at the polling booths………… http://www.sundaytimes.lk/100307/News/nws_04.html

UNP DNA vow to join to form government

Though not in tow at the forthcoming General election, the UNP and the Democratic National Alliance (DNA) have come to an understanding to form a fresh alliance after the general election. Former JVP MP for the Anuradhapura district K D Lal Kantha says that the DNA led by his party has come to a clear understanding with the UNP-led United National Front (UNF) to form a government after the April 8 parliamentary poll. “At the moment we are continuing to have a comprehensive dialogue with the UNP-led UNF”, the former JVP MP told ‘LAKBIMAnEWS.

“These discussions have been conducted on an unofficial level, but we are confident of making our consultations official in due course”, he said. MP Lal Kantha also maintained that the DNA has already held discussions with a number of other political parties which are not keen to join the UPFA ahead of the April 8 election.  Coupled with the support of Tamil and Muslim parties from the North-East the possibility of preventing the UPFA from forming a government after April 9 was a realistic goal, he insisted.

Some UNP MPs to challenge Ranil over affidavits, undated letters

Some UNP MPs plan to go to courts after the election if the party puts into effect undated resignations letters and affidavits they have signed before nominations saying they would not cross over, on the request of UNP leaders.
Controversial UNP Moneragala District leader Ranjith Madduma Bandara said that he will go to courts after the election if the party leadership puts into effect the undated resignation letter/affidavit he signed before the party granted him nomination. He said he signed the undated letter unwillingly, in order to obtain nominations. “I don’t know whether such letters are valid in a court of law”, he noted……………. http://www.lakbimanews.lk/news/laknew10.htm

Only 13 candidates out of 7168 candidates have handed over their ‘Declaration of Assets’  to the Department of Elections

Several civil society organizations and election monitoring bodies will demand the Elections Commissioner Dayananda Dissanayake to show them the asset declarations of the candidates who handed them over with the nominations. By Saturday only 13 candidates out of 7168 candidates have handed over their Declaration of Assets to the Department of Elections.
“Only three candidates UPFA Gampaha District leader Basil Rajapaksa, UPFA Kalutara District Candidate Mahinda Samarasinghe and UNP’s Ravi Karunanayake handed in their declarations with the nominations and 10 more have handed over theirs by Saturday morning. And since these documents should be available to the public we have decided to demand the commissioner,” Campaign for Free and Fair Elections (CaFFE) spokesman Keerthi Tennakoon. ………….. http://www.lakbimanews.lk/news/laknew11.htm

7150 Candidates are crooks? They refuse to declare their assets

President Mahinda refuse to intervene. He is aware that most of his Party candidates are crooks?

Non of the Tamil Politicians want to declare Their Assets, Why?

Buddhists Monks of JHU (Racist Party) refuse to declare their assets as well!

“So far, party leaders have not done so. The rot begins at the top on either side of the political divide,”

Elections Commissioner Dayananda Dissanayaka has turned down a number of requests to make public the declared assets and liabilities of candidates contesting the upcoming Parliamentary Elections. According to sources, the requests have come from individuals, organisations, political groups and the media after nominations for the elections closed on February 26.

“The regulation stipulates that candidates declare their assets and liabilities within three months of the nominations, but there is no law to prosecute those who fail to do so,” said Keerthi Tennakoon, an independent polls observer with the Campaign for Free and Fair Elections (CaFFE)…………….. http://www.sundaytimes.lk/100307/News/nws_21.html

Declaration of assets and liabilities, a liability now?

The Act on the Declaration of Assets and Liabilities requires all candidates who are running for public office to declare their assets as they hand over nominations but so far only 13 candidates out of 7168 candidates have handed over their declaration forms to the department of elections and to its assistant district commissioners. …………..  http://www.lakbimanews.lk/special/spe11.htm

Double Standered  stand of  UN Chief Ban Ki-moon on Killing of Tamil Civilians

• UN Chief BanKi-moon “running scared,” of Sri Lankan government.
• UN Chief Ban Ki-moon’s ”reticence due to pressure from India and China” says France’s Gerard Araud .
• Sri Lanka’s Foreign Minister Rohitha Bogollagama asked senior UN official Nambiar(who helped Sri Lankan Government Kill 30,000 Tamil Civilians), a job for his son with the UN Secretariat. 
• UN Special Rapporteur Philip Alston publicly urged Ban to appoint an international panel to investigate presumptive war crimes in Sri Lanka.
• What Ban is belatedly doing about 30,000 Tamil Civilians deaths in the first half of 2009 is less and later than what he did for 160 deaths in Guinea in September.
   

Following what even the UN called the “bloodbath on the beach,” Ban visited Sri Lanka in May 2009 and issued a statement about reconciliation with the Tamils and accountability for war crimes. But in the months that followed he took NO action.

UN Secretary General Ban Ki-moon has informed Sri Lankan President Mahinda Rajapaksa that he will name a panel of experts to advise him, the Secretary General, on the way forward on accountability issues related to Sri Lanka. ………….  http://www.dailymirror.lk/index.php/news/2187-experts-to-advise-ban-on-sl.html 

UN Chief Ban supports State Terrorism?

The government said today that UN Chief Ban Ki-moon has informed President Mahinda Rajapakse that the panel of experts appointed by him will not advise the Sri Lankan government in any way. 

Foreign Minister Rohitha Bogollagama told Daily Mirror online that the UN Secretary General had also informed President Rajapakse that the panel would advise the Secretary General on the ‘process’ and ‘progress’ Sri Lanka was making in terms of the accountability factor and not on any other issues………………………….  http://www.dailymirror.lk/index.php/news/2193-ban-assures-no-advice-for-govt.html 

EU To Hold Talks With Sri Lanka Regarding Duty Free Status

The European Union could initiate talks with the Sri Lankan government after that country’s General Elections next month, and which are aimed at retaining the nation’s duty free status, or GSP plus trade concessions, according to an article posted on the Sri Lankan government’s website.

As reported, late February the EU temporarily removed Sri Lanka free export status. Sri Lanka enjoyed the duty free export status because the country agreed to rules on human rights as stipulated in GSP, enjoying exemption of duties for export into the EU as it committed itself to 27 conventions in the field of human and labour rights………….  http://www.eurasiareview.com/2010/03/32202-eu-to-hold-talks-with-sri-lanka.html

Police collect information of Vanni IDPs living out of refugee camps in Tamil Nadu

Tamil Nadu police and its intelligence unit personnel are actively engaged in collecting details of the persons internally displaced from Vanni during the later stages of war who had gone to Tamil Nadu in South India from the detention centres in Vavuniyaa, sources in Tamil Nadu said. Information is being gathered particularly of those who are living with their relatives and friends in Tamil Nadu. Involvement of Sri Lanka intelligence in this investigation is suspected as many Vanni IDPs from Vavuniyaa detention centres were abducted by SL intelligence department and forced into turning informers, sources in Vavuniyaa said……………..  http://www.tamilnet.com/art.html?catid=13&artid=31304

Government continues to deceive IDPs in resettlement in HSZs in Valikaamam

Sri Lanka government continues to deceive the people evicted from their properties in Valikaamam north and east in Jaffna, which were declared High Security Zones (HSZs) by Sri Lanka Army (SLA), without allowing to them to resettle in their homes as promised time and again by government ministers and officials, A. S. Nadarajah, the president of the Federation of Welfare Organizations in Jaffna peninsula told TamilNet Friday. Even the promises made by President Rajapakse and his brother Basil Rajapakse prior to the recent presidential election have not been fulfilled, he added. ……………    http://www.tamilnet.com/art.html?catid=13&artid=31302

Ministers’ salary increases by 70,000 to 170,000/- implemented

The President made this promise at his Temple Trees in November 2009 when addressing the SLFP trade Unions.. He agreed to increase their salaries in January 2010 with arrears from November. But ,as always , the President and his Cabinet of Ministers  don’t even make mention of the salary increases now. They have completely forgotten it. After all why should they be worried ?  as they have got their own salary increases  in due time , Ranil noted.

Beware of using ATM Machines in Sri Lanka

On the night of March 4 (Thursday) 2010 around 9.45 p.m I used the HNB ATM machine situated next to the Bible Society in Colombo-03. I inserted my Nations Trust Bank ATM card (cirrus) into the machine to withdraw Rs.10,000/=. The words “Transaction in progress” appeared on the screen. A few seconds later the card was ejected with the message on the screen “insert card”. I tried twice and had the same results.

I then informed the security officer on duty and called the HNB hotline. The customer care assistant informed me that nothing could be done until the next morning and to report this matter to the person in charge of ATM at the same branch.

I then proceeded to Wellawatte Nations Trust Bank situated close to vaverset Place and took a mini statement which indicated that Rs.10,000 had been debited from my account and further Rs.150/- has been debited as service charge. Service charge is charge only if the card from one bank is used in another bank……………………..  http://www.infolanka.com/news/IL/1150.htm

Sri Lanka to protect Colombo from floods with Chinese finance

Sri Lanka will build a flood protection system for parts of the capital Colombo with Chinese funding, a government minister said. Colombo suburbs of Kotte, Dehiwela-Mount Lavinia, Maharagama, Kesbewa and Moratuwa will be protected from storm water flooding by the project, minister Gamini Lakshman Peiris said.

‘Govt. responsible’ for Prageeth abduction

Sandhya Ekneligoda told BBC’s Outlook programme that she could not think of anybody else, “especially because what happened before and after his disappearance”. Mr. Eknaligoda, a journalist, cartoonist and a film maker, who last worked for Lankaenews website is missing since 24 th January.

US concerned over journos

The United States has expressed concern over the challenges being faced by journalists in Sri Lanka and says that such an environment was taking its toll on the journalism profession and the public at large.

“Unfortunately, recent times have been challenging for journalists in Sri Lanka. Such an environment takes its toll on the journalism profession,” Valerie Fowler, Deputy Chief of Mission of the US Embassy for Sri Lanka and Maldives, said. “People fear reporting the truth; they hesitate before writing or producing stories and consequently self-censor their reporting; or they succumb to the bribes and influence pervasive in the environment around them,” she said in her keynote address at the graduation ceremony of the College of Journalism.

In the process, such an environment also takes its toll on the public at large and on democratic traditions as a whole, Fowler said.

Sri Lanka, Britain Spar Again Over Tigers

COLOMBO, Mar 5 , 2010 (IPS) – Tensions between Sri Lanka and Britain may have calmed down somewhat after the civil conflict ended in this South Asian country last year, but are rising again after the government accused London of aiding the defeated Tamil Tigers to regroup internationally.

The latest tensions were sparked by British Foreign Secretary David Miliband’s attendance at the Global Tamil Forum (GTF), held on Feb. 24 in London.

The Sri Lankan government did not take lightly the fact that Miliband spoke to the forum, which is considered a grouping of support networks and sympathisers of the Liberation Tigers of Tamil Eelam (LTTE), as the Tamil Tiger rebels are called. ………………  http://www.ipsnews.net/news.asp?idnews=50555

Fresh call for war crimes probe timed for elections – Govt 

Secret plan by govt. group to axe its own seniors

A person at the highest level of the government has given instructions to two politicians of two political parties that are supporting the UPFA to take actions secretly to sabotage the election campaigns of a group of senior SLFPers and UNP stalwarts who joined the government say reports.

Among the politicians who are to be axed are five from Colombo District and two from Kandy and Ratnapura Districts say these reports. The top person of the government who has given instructions to axe the aforesaid politicians has asked the two politicians to get the support of two politicians in Colombo District who have not entered Parliament yet, two politicians from Matale and Galle and several popular individuals for this scheme………………  http://www.lankatruth.com/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=4883:secret-plan-by-govt-group-to-axe-its-own-seniors-&catid=35:local&Itemid=62

LTTE may seek asylum in UK - Sri Lankan High Commissioner to Pakistan Air Chief Marshal Jayalath Weerakkody

The Sri Lankan High Commissioner to Pakistan has said that some LTTE leaders in the guise of asylum seekers could take refuge in the UK which could pose a grave threat to regional as well as global peace.

“Yes absolutely, if terrorists get asylum in Britain as civilian immigrants, it could pose grave security challenges,” Air Chief Marshal Jayalath Weerakkody said in response to this scribes’ enquiries in the backdrop of the chances of relocation of Tamil rebels to the Britain. He added, “I don’t think that the Britain is promoting terrorism but if somebody tries to organise the terror elements or the relics of crushed Tamil rebels, it is not only a cause of concern for us but for every country as it could endanger world’s peace.” (continue reading…)

Hindu Priest who “always wanted things for other people” dies an hour before service in the Temple in Crawley

TRIBUTES have been paid to a much-loved religious leader who died while preparing for a service. Father-of-three Swami Swamiratnasarama Suntharesan died at the Sri Lankan Hindu temple, in Three Bridges, after a suspected heart attack. 

It is believed Swami Suntharesan died at around 1.30pm last Thursday, though his body was not discovered until an hour later when members of the congregation began to arrive for a service. Family, friends, and members of his congregation have paid tribute to a “born religious leader”, who died at the age of 47. His daughter Vaishnavy, 17, said: “He never expected anything other than the temple to grow. He never wanted stuff for himself and he always wanted things for other people. 

“If someone asked him for help  he would never say no; he was always willing to do it” …………..   http://www.thisissussex.co.uk/crawley/elections/Crawley-religious-leader-dies-hour-service/article-1879159-detail/article.html

China, India, compete helping Colombo’s demographic onslaught of Tamils

While Colombo plans allotting lands for ‘retired’ Sinhala army personnel in the so-called ‘resettlement’ schemes of Tamil North and East of the island of Sri Lanka, China and India compete in proving who is the best facilitator of Colombo in its demographic onslaught, Eezham Tamils circles said. China has emerged as Sri Lanka’s biggest single lender in 2009, revealed Colombo sources adding that China’s top aid to the North was spent particularly on creating conducive environment for Colombo’s occupying armed forces there. India is already helping Colombo’s communication strategies disrupting Tamil demographic contiguity. In the meantime, relieving Colombo from Western pressure, Indian envoy in Colombo said Sri Lanka could export more garments to India under Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement………..  http://tamilnet.com/art.html?catid=79&artid=31295

More than 100,000 Tamil Children traumatised

Redd Barna (Save the Children) aid worker from Norway, Vidar Strøm, has said that there are over one hundred thousand children who have been traumatised, to a greater or lesser degree, after being exposed to the war and then for the internment camps in the North. Redd Barna has gained access to the camps only after December 01 and is working to create child-friendly environment within the camps. “The goal is to make a very abnormal situation as normal as possible,” Mr. Strøm told the official website of the organisation. ………….  http://tamilnet.com/art.html?catid=13&artid=31298

India helps in silencing War witnesses of  Sri Lanka

Some recent ‘abductions’ of Eezham Tamil refugees who have come to Tamil Nadu after the war may have connections to orchestrated efforts in silencing war crime witnesses, allege informed media circles in Chennai. Within the last one month, a special group of people, released from the detention camps of Colombo, was sent to Tamil Nadu to carry out certain specific tasks, the sources said adding that the group includes some former LTTE members of key positions and those who were employed in the former Tamil Eelam civil administration, including the police.

Recently, a doctor, having knowledge of war crimes was abducted in Tamil Nadu, allegedly by some belonging to the said group, accompanied by Indian intelligence operatives, the Tamil Nadu media sources further revealed……….. http://tamilnet.com/art.html?catid=13&artid=31296

Government launches campaign to defeat Sampanthan

The government has launched a special operation with the help of several heads of security forces to defeat TNA Leader R. Sampanthan, who is contesting the forthcoming general election from the Trincomalee District, reliable sources said.
Political sources say the TNA could secure two of the four parliamentary seats in the Trincomalee District while the UPFA and the UNP could receive one slot each.
However, the government is trying to gain the maximum benefit of the fissures in the TNA and is looking at winning the Trincomalee District and securing the bonus parliamentary slot as well. In this backdrop, Basil Rajapaksa is of the firm belief that Sampanthan should be defeated in the District while allowing another TNA candidate, Soundar Raja alias Nagesh carry out his campaign without any hindrance in the Trincomalee District………… http://www.lankanewsweb.com/news/EN_2010_03_03_005.html

Total security provided to Pillayan’s party removed from Sunday

A TMVP activist told Lanka News Web that the security provided by the government to TMVP members and provincial councilors was completely removed during the weekend. The TMVP is to contest the forthcoming general election in the North and East Provinces separately.

The spokesperson said the lives of the party members were at risk mainly from the paramilitary groups operating in the areas with state patronage. He added that regardless of who has given the order to remove the security on what grounds, the final target of this action is Eastern Province Chief Minister and TMVP Leader Sivanesathurai Chandrakanthan alias Pillayan.

U.N. rights chief slams abuses in Sri Lanka, Iran

* Sri Lankan investigation, Iran visit urged

* Pillai calles  for an independent investigation into War Crimes allegations in Sri Lanka.

* 47-member body often fails to deal with human rights violations as countries unite in regional alliances to shield each other from scrutiny

By Jonathan Lynn

GENEVA, March 4 (Reuters) – Human rights abuses in Sri Lanka are damaging prospects for reconciliation after 25 years of civil war and a violent crackdown on dissent in Iran is deeply worrying, the top U.N. human rights official said on Thursday. Repeating her call for an independent investigation into war crimes allegations in Sri Lanka, U.N. High Commissioner for Human Rights Navi Pillay told the U.N.’s Human Rights Council she was singling out outstanding cases in different countries.

“I am convinced that Sri Lanka should undertake a full reckoning of the grave violations committed by all sides during the war, and that the international community can be helpful in this regard,” she said in a speech presenting her annual report……………….. http://in.reuters.com/article/domesticNews/idINLDE6231DB20100304?rpc=401&feedType=RSS&feedName=domesticNews&rpc=401&sp=true

Sri Lankan security forces subjected to dictatorial rule Group of lawyers complain with evidence to UNHRC in Geneva

A group of lawyers have reportedly visited Geneva to forward a complain with evidence to the UN Human Rights Commission (UNHRC) during its 13th session of the Sri Lankan police and security forces being subjected to a dictatorial rule.………..   http://www.lankanewsweb.com/news/EN_2010_03_04_003.html

According to information received from sources in Geneva, the group of lawyers is to discuss the complaint with the officials during the course of the week. Reliable sources said the group had taken along with them video graphic evidence to back their complaint. Meanwhile, Attorney General Mohan Peiris is also engaged in a tour in Geneva

15 NGOs engaged in destabilizing the government identified

Defence Ministry sources said that 15 non government organizations (NGOs) that are engaged in destabilizing the government after receiving funding amounting to millions of dollars from European countries have been identified and that investigations have been launched into their activities.

Sources also said that the Defence Ministry has already requested the President to amend the NGO Act in order to prevent such NGOs from operating in the country in future…………….  http://www.lankanewsweb.com/news/EN_2010_03_04_005.html

Punguduthivu Shri Ganesa Maha Vithyalayam – 100 Years

School in Punguduthivu celebrated 100 years of educating children in its village in Jaffna. Popular speaker and a great Tamil scholar Mr Suthi Sivam was the chief guest.  The event was attended by few Tamil leading politicians but as they were candidates at the forthcoming election and from different political parties non of them spoke at the function which was unusual.

MORE PHOTOS :  http://www.pungudutivu.org/

http://www.pungudutivu.org/sri-ganesha-maha-vithyalayam-century-celebrations

BRIAN SENEWIRATNE CHALLENGES PALITHA KOHONNA

”It was OK to bomb hospitals (which was done in the Vanni)” –  What would we do without idiots like that?

“Human Rights Watch – what is that?”

We will also be denied the chance of taking that other War criminal(s), the Rajapakse Brothers Unlimited

I was delighted to hear that the Hon Palitha Kohonna, however dishonourable he may be, is about to address a meeting in Toronto. This is just great news. My only regret is that Toronto is too far for me to duck out there and hear what this gentleman who is ‘careless with the truth’ has to say. No, not to laugh loudly, but to ask him some searching questions that will get  his knickers in a knot.

From the emails I have had, a number of people are questioning whether this should be allowed to go ahead. I think it is a very wrong attitude to take. On the contrary, they should be encourage fellows like this to speak. If you can get that other prize idiot, Gotabhaya Rajapakse, to speak , that will be
even greater. As for his brother, the President, I doubt if he will dare to speak, being more comfortable in his stable in Hambantota addressing his dim-bat fans, than facing the likes of you. Note that the President sent his idiot brother to face that BBC interview, which I have quoted in full in the dvds which I have recorded and re-recorded, – that part where he says that  it was OK to bomb hospitals (which was done in the Vanni). What would we do without idiots like that?

FULL LETTER : (continue reading…)

Sri Lanka’s 27 year emergency extended again

Sri Lankan president Rajapakse has extended the nations State of Emergency again today. The nation has been in a state of emergency for 27 years since 1983. The emergency laws provides exclusive powers to the President and allows the arrest and detention of suspects for long periods without trial. It also allows police and troops to carry out search operations without a warrant from a magistrate. Parliament was dissolved on 9 February in order to conduct General Elections next month (April) but President Mahinda Rajapaksa is to convene a special session of the house next week to extend the State of emergency. The president on Monday night signed a proclamation extending the tough laws by a further month, an official said on Tuesday……………….  http://truthdive.com/2010/03/03/sri-lankas-27-year-emergency-extended-again/

‘Digamadulla Sinhalese VOTE for ourselves’ – where is this heading?

‘Regardless of party colors, cast your vote for a Sinhalese’ - Racist posters in Muslim area with the blessing of the Sinhale Police.

 The election campaign in Digamadulla District is being conducted on a racial line against the Muslim candidates.

Already posters are displayed everywhere in the District which carry slogans ‘regardless of party colors, cast your vote for a Sinhalese’. These posters have been popularized under the name of ‘Digamadulla we Sinhalese’

The number of candidates for the Digamadulla District is 7. At the last General election, 4 Muslims, two Sinhalese and one Tamil were elected. Minister Ferial Ashroff, Minister Athaullah, SLMC A.M.H. Naushad and Mohomed Faizal are the MPs representing this District.

Dan TV disturbing with NTV and Vasantham TV

According to reports reaching us, Dan TV transmissions are disturbing NTV and Vasantham TV on UHF. Several viewers are complaining of the disturbance and have informed the TRC too which is as usual not willing to take any action. The disturbance of E FM transmission outside colombo was highlighted on this blog several months ago and a few days later TRC frequency monitoring vehicles were seen heading towards Negombo but no action has been taken to rectify the matter. So the TRC seems powerless to monitor their own frequency allocation, which is a sad situation indeed.

No sooner opened than obstructions are begun

(Lanka-e-News, March 2, 2010, 6.40PM) The website www. freesarathfonseka.com which was opened just yesterday (01) by former Chief Justice Sarath N Silva who was the Chief guest, is already meeting with obstacles and opposition from the Govt.

The website which was opened at Rajakeeya Mawatha office of the Democratic National Alliance (DNA) was attended by a large crowd of DNA leaders This website was opened with a view to collecting signatures on line for the freeing of General Fonseka who is now in custody. While forcing the Govt. to release him it is seeking international assistance for this petition…………………… http://www.lankaenews.com/English/news.php?id=9180

China emerges as Sri Lanka’s top lender in 2009

COLOMBO (AFP) – China has emerged as Sri Lanka’s biggest single lender in 2009, overtaking the World Bank and the Asian Development Bank, the treasury said Wednesday. China lent 1.2 billion dollars to build roads, a coal power project and a port in the island’s south last year, more than half the total of 2.2 billion dollars in foreign aid in 2009. Project loans accounted for 1.9 billion dollars of the total, with another 279.6 million dollars in grants, the treasury said ahead of the 2010………..  http://news.yahoo.com/s/afp/20100303/wl_sthasia_afp/srilankachinaeconomyaid

China selling MA60s to Myanmar and Sri Lanka

China wanted more Tamil civilians Killed?

The China National Aero-Technology Import and Export Corporation (CATIC) has ordered nine MA60 transports on behalf of two Asian customers, according to a Xian Aircraft official. Sri Lanka will be buying six of the turboprop-powered aircraft from CATIC, while the remaining three will go to Myanmar, says the official. The countries are acquiring the aircraft with the help of a Chinese government preferred loan scheme, the source adds.  Sri Lanka is to receive two of its MA60s this year, with the remainder to be delivered in 2011, says the Xian official, with Myanmar’s three to be handed over in September. Both countries want the aircraft in a 56-seat configuration, the official adds. ………  http://www.flightglobal.com/articles/2010/03/03/339007/china-selling-ma60s-to-myanmar-and-sri-lanka.html

Sri Lanka faces sanctions

• Major Religious Superiors in Sri Lanka said there was a loss of faith in the democratic process and just governance.

• Tamil civilians were killed and injured in great numbers by actions on both sides.

• Government has restricted the capacity of international aid and human rights organisations to monitor the treatment of Tamil civilians.

• over 100,000 people are still in the camps

A BRISBANE Church agency is calling for the Australian Government to take a stronger stance on human rights violations in Sri Lanka. Brisbane archdiocese’s Catholic Justice and Peace Commission (CJPC) made the call in the wake of a warning that Sri Lanka may lose preferential trade benefits unless human rights concerns are addressed.

This follows the European Union’s (EU) announcement that Sri Lanka’s $3.47 billion textile and clothing industry may have its tariff benefit suspended within six months unless 27 international human rights conventions are met. CJPC executive officer Peter Arndt, in explaining the commission’s position said: “The EU’s threat of removal of trade benefits is part of a very loud and prolonged chorus of concerns about human rights in Sri Lanka. “On the same day as the announcement, the Conference of Major Religious Superiors in Sri Lanka said there was a loss of faith in the democratic process and just governance…………..  http://www.catholicleader.com.au/news.php/top-stories/sri-lanka-faces-sanctions_55135

SLA systematically terrorises female detainees

Torture of female detainees in special camps of the Sri Lankan Army in Vavuniyaa continues to the extent of making many of the detainees insane, reports reaching from Vavuniyaa said. The torture is mainly carried out by female soldiers of the SLA, according to information provided by reliable civil society sources, which claim that they have hard evidence to prove it if there is any credible international investigation.

Meanwhile, a large number of female detainees were recently moved to an isolated zone within Cheddiuku’lam internment area with severe restrictions for even relatives to see them. …………..  http://tamilnet.com/art.html?catid=13&artid=31291

100 Tamil youths taken to Boosa prison from Vavuniyaa detention camp

Sri Lankan Terrorist Investigation Department (TID) arrested Friday 100 Tamil youths detained in Ne’lukku’lam Technical College detention camp in Vavuniyaa for further interrogation and later took them to Boosa prison in the south, according to information given to Human Rights Commission (HRC) Colombo. Recently two groups of young Tamil women from some detention centres in Vavuniyaa had been arrested on two separate occasions and taken to Boosa prison, sources in Vavuniyaa said. ………   http://tamilnet.com/art.html?catid=13&artid=31289

Government engaged in setting up Sinhalese colonies in Vanni

“Sri Lanka government is actively engaged in colonizing the Vanni districts of Mannaar, Mullaiththeevu and Ki’linochchi with the families of armed force personnel and Sinhalese people,” Suresh Premachandran, former Tamil National Alliance (TNA) parliamentarian and one of the TNA candidates contesting Jaffna electoral district, said in a press briefing held Wednesday at his Jaffna office. ………………… http://tamilnet.com/art.html?catid=13&artid=31293

Swamy Nithyananda scandal Video with Tamil actress

http://www.techsatish.net/2010/03/02/swamy-nithyanandha-scandal-video-with-tamil-actress/#comment-57316

Swami Nithyananda, a so-called spiritual preacher to the world was today caught in the video, which showed that Swami Nithyananda had a sexual affair with an unknown Tamil actress, in the video. It was a shocking video for all people who believed in him as a truly spiritual person for all these years, and revealed his hidden stuff. The video clip triggered many questions about him, his background and real life style. Its really hard to believe that any Guru these days.

Swamiji Nithyananda caught red handed while he was having esx with top Tamil actress. Leading Tamil news channel SUN News telecast sex video scam fraud Swamiji and created shock waves across the Tamil Nadu state and abroad………….  http://www.time2news.com/2010/03/swami-nithyananda-fraud-scandal-video-with-tamil-actress-broadcasted-on-sun-tv/

Swamy Nithyananda scandal video – Affair with  actress  Ranjitha : http://www.southdreamz.com/2010/03/swamy-nithyananda-scandal-video-affair-with-an-actress.html

Swamy Nithyananda’s Sex scandal video with Tamil actress : http://indihot.com/india/swamy-nithyanandas-sex-scandal-video-with-tamil-actress.html

Actresses Ragasudha and Ranjitha in Nithyananda sex scandal?

Two popular Tamil actresses have been caught red-handed getting intimate with Swamiji Nithyananda, who is known as the guru of Tamil Nadu. The alleged sex video scam of the Swamiji, aired by Sun News, has created shock waves across the Tamil Nadu State and beyond. Following the reports that the girls in the video are Tamil actresses, it is speculated that they are Ranjitha and Ragasudha………….  http://entertainment.oneindia.in/tamil/exclusive/2010/ragasudha-ranjitha-nithyananda-sex-030310.html

A Turnround Challenge for NE Tamils?

In the last days of the war (17th-19th May) “the Tigers were completely and tightly encircled and their doom was certain. A little patience would have avoided needless and extreme civilian suffering and death.” (New York Times- 21/ May/ 2009, page 9)

Moses, after years of slavery of his people in Egypt, led them to the promised land, with the help of external assistance, that of God. After wandering all over the Middle East, he staked his people’s homeland in the only area where there was no oil. So with the Tamil Leaders! After years of politically representing and leading the NE Tamils, with the external assistance of the diaspora, the Tamil Leaders have now led the marginalised NE Tamils to an arid future. In the 2010 Presidential Elections, NE Tamil leaders- betting with a unerring certainty on the wrong horse- converted an already dispirited people into an irrelevancy…………. http://www.island.lk/2010/03/03/features5.html

India insists on political settlement - Nothing says government

India has stressed to the Sri Lankan government “the necessity” of reaching a political settlement acceptable to all the communities there, including the Tamils, PTI quoted India’s External Affairs Minister S M Krishna as saying today.

“The government is of the view that the conclusion of the military operations in Sri Lanka provides an opportunity to make a new beginning and pursue a lasting political settlement in Sri Lanka,” External Affairs Minister S M Krishna said while replying to a written question in the Rajya Sabha.

He said the way forward lies in a peacefully negotiated political settlement within the framework of a united Sri Lanka acceptable to all the communities there, including the Tamils. “The necessity of reaching a political settlement has been stressed to the Sri Lankan government,” he added.

No Tamil political party has overwhelming support of Tamil people as the TULF did in 1977

by Tarrin Constantine

• What is wrong in erecting the statue of Buddah in Jaffna? 
• Tamil Diaspora should do away with its fanatic ‘Thamil Eelam’ crusade campaigns.
• At the entrance to Elephant Pass there is a large name board depicting the slogan “Ayubowan, Jaffna Welcomes You”.
• The state of the University of Jaffna is very pathetic.

Thirty years of armed struggle and the ‘Disney Land’ dream of the Liberation Tiger’s being made to ‘bite the dust’, the people of the North and East are striving to progress with what was left behind.

Busloads of Sinhalese are flocking to the Northern Province daily. The entire stretch of Pannai Bridge is flooded with tourist buses from the South. People from distance places sitting in barren lands and eating food parcels brought by them is a common scenario in the Jaffna peninsula nowadays. Army personal manning sentry points could be seen sleeping, leaving their weapons at rest. In places like Pandaitherippu, Sillalai and Chandillipai people speaking Sinhalese are roaming the street even in the night. These villages had never seen Sinhalese in the past, except few bakery owners. The liquor bars in Kayts and Pandaitherippu are being run by the Sinhalese. Sinhalese hawkers are selling plastic chairs and goods imported from China in the pavement of Jaffna town……………… http://transcurrents.com/tc/2010/03/no_tamil_political_party_has_o.html

China emerges as Sri Lanka’s top lender in 2009

COLOMBO (AFP) – China has emerged as Sri Lanka’s biggest single lender in 2009, overtaking the World Bank and the Asian Development Bank, the treasury said Wednesday. China lent 1.2 billion dollars to build roads, a coal power project and a port in the island’s south last year, more than half the total of 2.2 billion dollars in foreign aid in 2009. Project loans accounted for 1.9 billion dollars of the total, with another 279.6 million dollars in grants, the treasury said ahead of the 2010…………. http://news.yahoo.com/s/afp/20100303/wl_sthasia_afp/srilankachinaeconomyaid

TULF reiterates call for Indian model

The TULF, in its election manifesto, has reiterated its call for a decentralization of powers in Sri Lanka along the Indian model. Leader of the party V. Anandasangaree said a unitary constitution was unlikely to devolve powers to the Tamil areas.The merge of the north and the east would harm no one, he observed, adding that the Tamils, Muslims and others displaced by the war should be resettled in their own homes in the Wanni.

The TULF manifesto also calls for the full payment of compensation to those affected by the war and extends its fullest support for legislation to punish violators of human rights. Mr. Anandasangaree added that his party wanted the removal of high security zones and child soldiers presently under rehabilitation be returned to their parents……….. http://www.infolanka.com/news/IL/1133.htm

FR violation petition filed seeking voting rights for IDPs

A Fundamental Rights violation petition was filed before the Supreme Court alleging authorities had failed to ensure the right of Internally Displaced Persons (IDPs) living in the Northern and Eastern Provinces to participate as citizens of Sri Lanka in the democratic process of exercising their votes.

The Centre for Policy Alternatives and its Executive Director Paikiasothy Saravanamuttu in a petition filed through Attorney-at-Law Mohan  Balendra cited Commissioner of Elections Dayananda Dissanayake, District Secretaries of Jaffna, Mullaitivu, Vavuniyia and Kilinochchi –K. Ganesh, Emelda Sukumar, P.S.M. Charles and Rupavathi Ketheeswaran– respectively as well as the Attorney General as respondents…………..  http://www.dailymirror.lk/print/index.php/news/news/5075-fr-violation-petition-filed-seeking-voting-rights-for-idps.html

Seminar and discussion on Women’s participation in politics in Sri Lanka

56% Registered Woman Voters but only  5% Women represent Parliment.

• If All the Women Vote for the Women Candidates than more than 50% MP’s will be Women.
• Women are more jealous of other Women doing well compared to Men?
• Asian Women can Never stand on their own legs?
• Time for the Asian Women to ‘wake up’?

52% of Sri Lanka’s total population of 20, 217,000 (2008 census) according to the Department of Census and Statistics of Sri Lanka, and 56% of registered voters. There are only 11 women Parliamentarians out of the total 225 members in Sri Lanka, which is less than 6% according to a recent survey carried out by the Women and Media Collective…………….  http://transcurrents.com/tc/2010/03/in_pictures_seminar_and_discus.html

The long suffering of Tamils in Sri Lanka

Refugee in Paris this summer, Sriramanan Ratnasingam A former head of the secretariat of the north-est for Human Rights (Nesohr) at Sri Lanka Is not a witness as others in the war between the Colombo government and the separatist rebels of the Liberation Tigers of Tamil Eelam (LTTE). Wounded by shrapnel when he was brought in April, on the forehead with an ambulance and a camera, he proposes, we are receiving, to show his wounds, traces of the conflict that has seen, on may , the defeat of the LTTE after thirty years of fighting.
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It also offers on the situation of the country a new vision, that escapes both the government propaganda that the LTTE, on the serious obstacles still facing Sri Lanka. The government’s military victory over the LTTE has in fact not ended the conflict. He said the country remains under siege. The military remains pervasive and freedoms are repressed by a militaristic and autocratic regime. (continue reading…)