http://www.news.lk/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=16958&Itemid=44
A significant upsurge in British tourists visiting Sri Lanka
Wednesday, 29 December 2010
This year has seen an unprecedented upsurge in the arrivals of British tourists to Sri Lanka. The number of British tourists visited Sri Lanka for the period from January to November this year amounted to 95,320 being 17% of the total visitors to Sri Lanka and second only to India.
The number 95,320 is an increase of over 30% compared to the British tourists’ arrivals for the same period last year, which amounted to 72,858.The 600,000th tourist visited Sri Lanka sealing the target for the year was also a British tourist. Sources from the British High Commission in Colombo said that it expects the arrivals from the UK to surpass 125,000 by the end of this year. The sources said that the Consular Section of the High Commission has put forward several measures to guarantee a safe trip to Sri Lanka, including the SMS alert system introduced in April this year, which keep abreast the British tourists about contact details. The High Commission also informed that its Consular Section promote the importance of cultural sensitivity among the British tourists and gets long term visitors to register themselves on the Consular Section database. (niz)
Wednesday, December 29, 2010
http://www.nationalsecurity.lk/MCNS/defence-security/index.php
Thursday, December 30, 2010
BBC report completely fabrication - MEA & Dr. Gunadasa Amarasekera
28 Dec 2010 - 14:48
The Ministry of External Affairs and Dr. Gunadasa Amarasekera of the Patriotic National Movement state that the 'BBCSinhala/Sandeshaya' web report of December 24th titled saying “Sri Lanka War Panel ‘pro-LTTE’ ” is a complete fabrication.
The BBC report states that “Sri Lanka’s Foreign Minister has accused some members of the Presidential Panel investigating the war, of being pro-Tamil Tigers, a Sinhala nationalist organization affiliated to the Government claims”. The report continues, “Chairman of the Patriotic National Movement (PNM), Dr. Gunadasa Amarasekera said Foreign Minister Prof. G.L. Peiris advised him not to appear before the Lessons Learnt and Reconciliation Commission (LLRC)”.
The Ministry of External Affairs in a statement issued on 25th December stated that the report carried by the website ‘BBCSinhala/Sandeshaya’ with the dateline of 24th December 2010 under the caption “Sri Lanka War Panel ‘pro-LTTE’”, is a complete fabrication.
"The Ministry of External Affairs will be taking up with the British Foreign Office and the management of the BBC, this serious instance of a gross departure from the ethics of responsible reportage", the statement further said.
Subsequently Dr. Gunadasa Amarasekera, the Chairman of the Patriotic National Movement has issued the following statement:
Alleged Statement regarding the presence of pro-LTTE figure in LLRC
I have come to know of a BBC news broadcast reporting about a statement allegedly made by me that Minister of External Affairs, Prof. G.L. Peiris had told me that there are pro-LTTE figure among the members of the Lessons Learnt and Reconciliation Commission. This is a fabricated news item. Prof. G.L. Peiris neither made any claims on the matter nor had any conversation with me in the recent past.
Gunadasa Amarasekera
The Ministry of External Affairs, Prof. G.L. Peiris has categorically asserted that there was no such conversation between himself and Dr. Amarasekera and that Prof. Peiris has not had any conversation with Dr. Amarasekera within the last year. Courtesy: PRIU
BBC report completely fabrication - MEA & Dr. Gunadasa Amarasekera
28 Dec 2010 - 14:48
The Ministry of External Affairs and Dr. Gunadasa Amarasekera of the Patriotic National Movement state that the 'BBCSinhala/Sandeshaya' web report of December 24th titled saying “Sri Lanka War Panel ‘pro-LTTE’ ” is a complete fabrication.
The BBC report states that “Sri Lanka’s Foreign Minister has accused some members of the Presidential Panel investigating the war, of being pro-Tamil Tigers, a Sinhala nationalist organization affiliated to the Government claims”. The report continues, “Chairman of the Patriotic National Movement (PNM), Dr. Gunadasa Amarasekera said Foreign Minister Prof. G.L. Peiris advised him not to appear before the Lessons Learnt and Reconciliation Commission (LLRC)”.
The Ministry of External Affairs in a statement issued on 25th December stated that the report carried by the website ‘BBCSinhala/Sandeshaya’ with the dateline of 24th December 2010 under the caption “Sri Lanka War Panel ‘pro-LTTE’”, is a complete fabrication.
"The Ministry of External Affairs will be taking up with the British Foreign Office and the management of the BBC, this serious instance of a gross departure from the ethics of responsible reportage", the statement further said.
Subsequently Dr. Gunadasa Amarasekera, the Chairman of the Patriotic National Movement has issued the following statement:
Alleged Statement regarding the presence of pro-LTTE figure in LLRC
I have come to know of a BBC news broadcast reporting about a statement allegedly made by me that Minister of External Affairs, Prof. G.L. Peiris had told me that there are pro-LTTE figure among the members of the Lessons Learnt and Reconciliation Commission. This is a fabricated news item. Prof. G.L. Peiris neither made any claims on the matter nor had any conversation with me in the recent past.
Gunadasa Amarasekera
The Ministry of External Affairs, Prof. G.L. Peiris has categorically asserted that there was no such conversation between himself and Dr. Amarasekera and that Prof. Peiris has not had any conversation with Dr. Amarasekera within the last year. Courtesy: PRIU
More ex- LTTE combatants reintegrated into society
http://www.defence.lk/new.asp?fname=20101227_06
More ex- LTTE combatants reintegrated into society
After successful completion of their rehabilitation programmes, nearly hundred ex-LTTE combatants were released on Saturday (25 Dec) at a ceremony held in Vauniya to mark Christmas.
There were 98 male and two female former LTTE cadres and they had been handed over to their family members, said sources from the Bureau of the Commissioner General of Rehabilitation.
The government has so far rehabilitated and released over 4,500 former LTTE cadres, including over 300 females.
Rehabilitation and Prison Reforms Minister Chandrasiri Gajadeera said that government's efforts in re-integrating of former LTTE combatants into the civilian life had received many accolades from international quarters. The Government had trained them in different vocations enabling them to find job opportunities elsewhere before they were being released.
"We are helping ex-combatants to return to society and re-integrate with their families as some of them are breadwinners," he added.
More ex- LTTE combatants reintegrated into society
After successful completion of their rehabilitation programmes, nearly hundred ex-LTTE combatants were released on Saturday (25 Dec) at a ceremony held in Vauniya to mark Christmas.
There were 98 male and two female former LTTE cadres and they had been handed over to their family members, said sources from the Bureau of the Commissioner General of Rehabilitation.
The government has so far rehabilitated and released over 4,500 former LTTE cadres, including over 300 females.
Rehabilitation and Prison Reforms Minister Chandrasiri Gajadeera said that government's efforts in re-integrating of former LTTE combatants into the civilian life had received many accolades from international quarters. The Government had trained them in different vocations enabling them to find job opportunities elsewhere before they were being released.
"We are helping ex-combatants to return to society and re-integrate with their families as some of them are breadwinners," he added.
Tuesday, December 28, 2010
Defence ties to expand further:
http://www.dailynews.lk/2010/12/29/sec01.asp
Defence ties to expand further:
Indian Defence Secy meets President
Suraj A Bandara
The longstanding good defence relationship between India and Sri Lanka should be further expanded and strengthened, Indian Defence Secretary Pradeep Kumar said when he called on President Mahinda Rajapaksa at Temple Trees yesterday.
The defence dialogue on promoting bilateral relations between the two countries should be further extended to include infantry and air force, the Indian Defence Secretary said.
It was agreed that the two countries will have a joint naval exercise in Sri Lankan waters next year. The Indian Defence Secretary informed President Rajapaksa that India will offer more training opportunities for the Sri Lankan Security Forces personnel in the future.
An Indian Air Force demonstration will be held in line with the Diamond Jubilee celebrations of the Sri Lanka Air Force next year, he said.
President Mahinda Rajapaksa acknowledged the continuing good relations between Sri Lanka and India and welcomed the initiatives to strengthen defence cooperation in between the two countries.
The Indian Defence Secretary emphasized the importance of increasing not only defence relations but also relations in all other spheres between the two countries. He said he held comprehensive discussions with both Sri Lankan External Affairs Minister Prof G L Peiris and Defence Secretary Gotabhaya Rajapaksa in this regard. Indian High Commissioner in Sri Lanka Ashok K Kanta, Economic Development Minister Basil Rajapaksa, Secretary to the President Lalith Weeratunga, Defence Secretary Gotabhaya Rajapaksa, External Affairs Ministry Secretary Romesh Jayasinghe and a number of Indian Security Forces representatives were present.
Defence ties to expand further:
Indian Defence Secy meets President
Suraj A Bandara
The longstanding good defence relationship between India and Sri Lanka should be further expanded and strengthened, Indian Defence Secretary Pradeep Kumar said when he called on President Mahinda Rajapaksa at Temple Trees yesterday.
The defence dialogue on promoting bilateral relations between the two countries should be further extended to include infantry and air force, the Indian Defence Secretary said.
It was agreed that the two countries will have a joint naval exercise in Sri Lankan waters next year. The Indian Defence Secretary informed President Rajapaksa that India will offer more training opportunities for the Sri Lankan Security Forces personnel in the future.
An Indian Air Force demonstration will be held in line with the Diamond Jubilee celebrations of the Sri Lanka Air Force next year, he said.
President Mahinda Rajapaksa acknowledged the continuing good relations between Sri Lanka and India and welcomed the initiatives to strengthen defence cooperation in between the two countries.
The Indian Defence Secretary emphasized the importance of increasing not only defence relations but also relations in all other spheres between the two countries. He said he held comprehensive discussions with both Sri Lankan External Affairs Minister Prof G L Peiris and Defence Secretary Gotabhaya Rajapaksa in this regard. Indian High Commissioner in Sri Lanka Ashok K Kanta, Economic Development Minister Basil Rajapaksa, Secretary to the President Lalith Weeratunga, Defence Secretary Gotabhaya Rajapaksa, External Affairs Ministry Secretary Romesh Jayasinghe and a number of Indian Security Forces representatives were present.
Sunday, December 26, 2010
Sri Lanka second most popular SAARC destination:
http://www.sundayobserver.lk/2010/12/26/new01.asp
Sri Lanka second most popular SAARC destination:
Tourist arrivals to reach new peak next year
by Shirajiv SIRIMANE
Sri Lanka will account for the second highest number of tourist arrivals in the South Asian region next year.
With the ‘Visit Sri Lanka 2011’ initiative and co-hosting of the ICC Cricket World Cup in 2011, Sri Lanka anticipates over 725,000 arrivals which places the country ahead of Pakistan, Bangladesh, Nepal, Bhutan and Maldives. Only India is ahead of Sri Lanka. Currently the Maldives attracts around 600,000 and Sri Lanka passed this mark last week.
Sri Lanka Tourism Director General S. Kaleiselvam said that in addition to the record number of arrivals of 625,0000 so far for the year, the industry has also generated US$ 480 million in revenue. “This is over a 40 percent increase as against the previous year,” he said.
He said that next year Sri Lanka is expected to pass the US $ 560 million mark in revenue. The previous highest revenue target was achieved in 2006 when the country recorded an income of US$ 410 million from the industry.
He said that the proposed ferry service between Sri Lanka and India would also boost arrivals as many middle income South Indians would patronize this service. “In addition many Sri Lankans too would use this service and there would be an overall increase of traffic both ways,” he said.
Reports from India said the State owned Shipping Corporation of India has invited bids for commencing the ferry service between India and Sri Lanka from January next year.
Sources in the shipping ministry has told PTI that the “Shipping Corp has issued Expression of Interest for bids for the ferry service between Tuticorin and Colombo”. Sources said that many shipping companies are likely to come forward.
Kaleiselvam said the response from investors for the proposed Kalpitiya Tourism Zone too was very encouraging. In addition, many international hotel chains such as Shangri-La too have already invested in Colombo.
A 40 room three star hotel has been opened in Jaffna while another 40 room luxury hotel will open next year in Pasikuda.Currently Sri Lanka has 14,700 star class rooms and 5,000 guest houses. Moreover, home stay facilities are available for 500 guests. “More rooms are currently being added by both local and foreign investors and Sri Lanka is ready for ‘Visit Sri Lanka 2011,” he said.
More airlines are also expected to fly to Sri Lanka next year, while those already serving Colombo plan to increase their frequencies.
The local airlines, SriLankan and Mihin, also plan to add more destinations. This will also be a boost to tourist traffic
Tamil diaspora were losers in engineering London protest
http://www.lakbimanews.lk/special/spe9.htm
Tamil diaspora were losers in engineering London protest
- Praba Ganeshan
UPFA Colombo district MP Praba Ganesan says that the recent protests held in London by the Tamil Diaspora were a case of them being ignorant of the reconciliation measures undertaken by President Mahinda Rajapaksa between the Sinhalese and Tamil people in Sri Lanka, since the end of the ethnic conflict in 2009.In an interview with Jatila Karawita, MP Praba Ganesan, a member of the Democratic Peoples Front (DPF) party noted that the government led by the president has been able to win over the minority communities since the war ended last year.Hence, their next challenge will be to win over the Tamil Diaspora in countries such a UK, Germany, Switzerland and Canada and he vowed to play a decisive role in this regard during the interview.
Interview -
Even though the government has been able to defeat the LTTE and save the country, yet it has not been able to win over the Tamil people to their side. Isn’t that the case ensuing from the recent cancellation of the President’s speech to the Oxford Union in London?
It is wrong to surmise that the government has been unable to win over the minority communities more specifically the Tamil people to their side since the war’s end. On the contrary, the minority communities, more specifically the Tamils, are throwing their support towards the president and the government, because they know the president and government are geared to reconcile the minority communities with the majority Sinhalese. But, what occurred in the UK was something for which the Tamil Diaspora should be blamed. The Diaspora there is ignorant of what is taking place in Sri Lanka. The ground situation, during the time of the war and after its completion are entirely different or poles apart, so to say, in Sri Lanka. The Diaspora in the UK has clearly failed to notice this. The relationship between the Sinhala and Tamil people are currently at an all-time high.
But don’t you agree that the protests staged by the Tamil Diaspora in the UK against the President that prevented him from delivering his speech at the Oxford Union was a blow to the country?
I do not think or even consider it as a blow but as a drawback and setback to the Tamil Diaspora in the UK. Because, if the President had been able to deliver his speech to the Oxford Union he would have been able to enlighten the Diaspora there as to what measures have been undertaken by the government in the North-East since the end of the war.It is an accepted fact that the Tamil Diaspora in the UK pumped in millions of rupees to the LTTE to sustain their war effort against the security forces. These pro-LTTE and anti-Sri Lanka elements should think of channeling those large amounts of money to rebuild schools, hospitals, libraries etc. destroyed in the North-East, rather than trying to waste them on futile protests against the President or the UPFA government.The Tamil Diaspora in the UK was the loser due to the cancellation of the President’s speech to the Oxford and not Sri Lanka the sooner they understand or realise this the better it will be for them.
Don’t you consider that the Tamil Diaspora abroad has become a major headache to this government, and what do you make of the allegations levelled by the government at UNP MP Dr. Jayalath Jayawardena for having sided with the pro-LTTE groups in sabotaging the president’s speech to the Oxford Union and Dr. Wickremabahu Karunaratne for having spoken on behalf of such LTTE remnants in the UK recently?
My personal view is that the Tamil Diaspora in the UK is at least 75 per cent responsible for sabotaging the President’s speech. The rest could be Sinhala groups in the UK, the British government and several other elements who are keen to revive the LTTE global network. It is the duty of the government not to make the Tamil Diaspora overseas a headache in their efforts to usher in peace and prosperity to the North-East of Sri Lanka. As the picture is yet unclear I am unable to shed more light on it, but I firmly believe that all these groups would have contributed either directly or indirectly to cancel the president’s speech. As for the allegations leveled at Dr. JJ and Dr. Wickremabahu, I think there are some inquiries taking place and if at the end of those investigations if they are proved to be guilty, then action should be taken in keeping with what has been laid down in the country’s constitution.
What role do you hope to play as a Tamil MP in diminishing the adverse impact of the Tamil Diaspora overseas to this country?
I have already planned to take a group of MPs from our party the DPF and other minority parties to countries like the UK, France, Germany, Switzerland and Canada and educate the Diaspora there regards what the actual ground situation in this country is and how they should contribute to enrich the lives of their communities by supporting the Mahinda Rajapaksa administration.There will no doubt be a lot of pressure on me or even threats when I undertake this journey, but I am going to face up to this challenge on behalf of our people and will not back down. I intend to undertake this trip after January 20, 2011.
What do you make of the development plans initiated by the government in the North-East?
I must state that the development of the North and the East is taking place at a rapid pace. It is accepted that the resettlement drive has hit a snag somewhat but it is the duty of all the leaders of the minority parties in this country to support the president and the government to develop those areas instead of bickering among ourselves. Development should cover all areas of the country and its benefits should be accrued equally by all communities living in this country irrespective of caste, creed or race differences. I am currently content with the development taking place in the North-East having travelled to some of the major towns and its results could be long-term and not short-term, this is what the people should understand.
What is your view of the war crimes charges directed at the security forces by the Tamil Diaspora and pro-LTTE groups?
There is no war that has been waged in this world that has turned out to be 100 per cent perfect or incident free. Some of these allegations have been utterly cooked up or fabricated lies like the doctored videos churned out by Channel 4 of UK. It is with the intention of looking into these allegations that the government appointed the LLRC (Lessons Learnt and Reconciliation Committee) and to prevent the emergence of a war in the country to a scale where the security forces and the LTTE waged during the past 30-year period.
You won the last election contesting from the UNP ticket and how do you justify crossing to the government? Isn’t it a betrayal of the trust placed in you by your voters?
I have never betrayed my people whether they be in the Colombo North or in the North and the East of the country. What prompted me to cross over was that I felt I cannot serve my people better by sitting with the UNP who could never ever hope to gain power in this country. So it dawned on me the best course of action was to tie up with the UPFA and provide support to the president’s drive to reconcile all communities irrespective of any differences after the war ended.The decision I have taken have been approved by my people as well and can boldly say that even if an election is held tomorrow that my people will elect me with the highest number of preference votes as I live with the people and work for them
Tamil diaspora were losers in engineering London protest
- Praba Ganeshan
UPFA Colombo district MP Praba Ganesan says that the recent protests held in London by the Tamil Diaspora were a case of them being ignorant of the reconciliation measures undertaken by President Mahinda Rajapaksa between the Sinhalese and Tamil people in Sri Lanka, since the end of the ethnic conflict in 2009.In an interview with Jatila Karawita, MP Praba Ganesan, a member of the Democratic Peoples Front (DPF) party noted that the government led by the president has been able to win over the minority communities since the war ended last year.Hence, their next challenge will be to win over the Tamil Diaspora in countries such a UK, Germany, Switzerland and Canada and he vowed to play a decisive role in this regard during the interview.
Interview -
Even though the government has been able to defeat the LTTE and save the country, yet it has not been able to win over the Tamil people to their side. Isn’t that the case ensuing from the recent cancellation of the President’s speech to the Oxford Union in London?
It is wrong to surmise that the government has been unable to win over the minority communities more specifically the Tamil people to their side since the war’s end. On the contrary, the minority communities, more specifically the Tamils, are throwing their support towards the president and the government, because they know the president and government are geared to reconcile the minority communities with the majority Sinhalese. But, what occurred in the UK was something for which the Tamil Diaspora should be blamed. The Diaspora there is ignorant of what is taking place in Sri Lanka. The ground situation, during the time of the war and after its completion are entirely different or poles apart, so to say, in Sri Lanka. The Diaspora in the UK has clearly failed to notice this. The relationship between the Sinhala and Tamil people are currently at an all-time high.
But don’t you agree that the protests staged by the Tamil Diaspora in the UK against the President that prevented him from delivering his speech at the Oxford Union was a blow to the country?
I do not think or even consider it as a blow but as a drawback and setback to the Tamil Diaspora in the UK. Because, if the President had been able to deliver his speech to the Oxford Union he would have been able to enlighten the Diaspora there as to what measures have been undertaken by the government in the North-East since the end of the war.It is an accepted fact that the Tamil Diaspora in the UK pumped in millions of rupees to the LTTE to sustain their war effort against the security forces. These pro-LTTE and anti-Sri Lanka elements should think of channeling those large amounts of money to rebuild schools, hospitals, libraries etc. destroyed in the North-East, rather than trying to waste them on futile protests against the President or the UPFA government.The Tamil Diaspora in the UK was the loser due to the cancellation of the President’s speech to the Oxford and not Sri Lanka the sooner they understand or realise this the better it will be for them.
Don’t you consider that the Tamil Diaspora abroad has become a major headache to this government, and what do you make of the allegations levelled by the government at UNP MP Dr. Jayalath Jayawardena for having sided with the pro-LTTE groups in sabotaging the president’s speech to the Oxford Union and Dr. Wickremabahu Karunaratne for having spoken on behalf of such LTTE remnants in the UK recently?
My personal view is that the Tamil Diaspora in the UK is at least 75 per cent responsible for sabotaging the President’s speech. The rest could be Sinhala groups in the UK, the British government and several other elements who are keen to revive the LTTE global network. It is the duty of the government not to make the Tamil Diaspora overseas a headache in their efforts to usher in peace and prosperity to the North-East of Sri Lanka. As the picture is yet unclear I am unable to shed more light on it, but I firmly believe that all these groups would have contributed either directly or indirectly to cancel the president’s speech. As for the allegations leveled at Dr. JJ and Dr. Wickremabahu, I think there are some inquiries taking place and if at the end of those investigations if they are proved to be guilty, then action should be taken in keeping with what has been laid down in the country’s constitution.
What role do you hope to play as a Tamil MP in diminishing the adverse impact of the Tamil Diaspora overseas to this country?
I have already planned to take a group of MPs from our party the DPF and other minority parties to countries like the UK, France, Germany, Switzerland and Canada and educate the Diaspora there regards what the actual ground situation in this country is and how they should contribute to enrich the lives of their communities by supporting the Mahinda Rajapaksa administration.There will no doubt be a lot of pressure on me or even threats when I undertake this journey, but I am going to face up to this challenge on behalf of our people and will not back down. I intend to undertake this trip after January 20, 2011.
What do you make of the development plans initiated by the government in the North-East?
I must state that the development of the North and the East is taking place at a rapid pace. It is accepted that the resettlement drive has hit a snag somewhat but it is the duty of all the leaders of the minority parties in this country to support the president and the government to develop those areas instead of bickering among ourselves. Development should cover all areas of the country and its benefits should be accrued equally by all communities living in this country irrespective of caste, creed or race differences. I am currently content with the development taking place in the North-East having travelled to some of the major towns and its results could be long-term and not short-term, this is what the people should understand.
What is your view of the war crimes charges directed at the security forces by the Tamil Diaspora and pro-LTTE groups?
There is no war that has been waged in this world that has turned out to be 100 per cent perfect or incident free. Some of these allegations have been utterly cooked up or fabricated lies like the doctored videos churned out by Channel 4 of UK. It is with the intention of looking into these allegations that the government appointed the LLRC (Lessons Learnt and Reconciliation Committee) and to prevent the emergence of a war in the country to a scale where the security forces and the LTTE waged during the past 30-year period.
You won the last election contesting from the UNP ticket and how do you justify crossing to the government? Isn’t it a betrayal of the trust placed in you by your voters?
I have never betrayed my people whether they be in the Colombo North or in the North and the East of the country. What prompted me to cross over was that I felt I cannot serve my people better by sitting with the UNP who could never ever hope to gain power in this country. So it dawned on me the best course of action was to tie up with the UPFA and provide support to the president’s drive to reconcile all communities irrespective of any differences after the war ended.The decision I have taken have been approved by my people as well and can boldly say that even if an election is held tomorrow that my people will elect me with the highest number of preference votes as I live with the people and work for them
Sri Lanka Second most popular SAARC destination
http://www.defence.lk/new.asp?fname=20101226_01
Sri Lanka Second most popular SAARC destination
Tourist arrivals to reach new peak next year
Sri Lanka will account for the second highest number of tourist arrivals in the South Asian region next year. With the ‘Visit Sri Lanka 2011’ initiative and co-hosting of the ICC Cricket World Cup in 2011, Sri Lanka anticipates over 725,000 arrivals which places the country ahead of Pakistan, Bangladesh, Nepal, Bhutan and Maldives. Only India is ahead of Sri Lanka. Currently the Maldives attracts around 600,000 and Sri Lanka passed this mark last week.
Sri Lanka Tourism Director General S. Kaleiselvam said that in addition to the record number of arrivals of 625,0000 so far for the year, the industry has also generated US$ 480 million in revenue. “This is over a 40 percent increase as against the previous year,” he said.
He said that next year Sri Lanka is expected to pass the US $ 560 million mark in revenue. The previous highest revenue target was achieved in 2006 when the country recorded an income of US$ 410 million from the industry.
He said that the proposed ferry service between Sri Lanka and India would also boost arrivals as many middle income South Indians would patronize this service. “In addition many Sri Lankans too would use this service and there would be an overall increase of traffic both ways,” he said.
Reports from India said the State owned Shipping Corporation of India has invited bids for commencing the ferry service between India and Sri Lanka from January next year.
Sources in the shipping ministry has told PTI that the “Shipping Corp has issued Expression of Interest for bids for the ferry service between Tuticorin and Colombo”. Sources said that many shipping companies are likely to come forward.
Kaleiselvam said the response from investors for the proposed Kalpitiya Tourism Zone too was very encouraging. In addition, many international hotel chains such as Shangri-La too have already invested in Colombo.
A 40 room three star hotel has been opened in Jaffna while another 40 room luxury hotel will open next year in Pasikuda.Currently Sri Lanka has 14,700 star class rooms and 5,000 guest houses. Moreover, home stay facilities are available for 500 guests. “More rooms are currently being added by both local and foreign investors and Sri Lanka is ready for ‘Visit Sri Lanka 2011,” he said.
More airlines are also expected to fly to Sri Lanka next year, while those already serving Colombo plan to increase their frequencies.
The local airlines, SriLankan and Mihin, also plan to add more destinations. This will also be a boost to tourist traffic.
Courtesy : Sunday Observer
Sri Lanka Second most popular SAARC destination
Tourist arrivals to reach new peak next year
Sri Lanka will account for the second highest number of tourist arrivals in the South Asian region next year. With the ‘Visit Sri Lanka 2011’ initiative and co-hosting of the ICC Cricket World Cup in 2011, Sri Lanka anticipates over 725,000 arrivals which places the country ahead of Pakistan, Bangladesh, Nepal, Bhutan and Maldives. Only India is ahead of Sri Lanka. Currently the Maldives attracts around 600,000 and Sri Lanka passed this mark last week.
Sri Lanka Tourism Director General S. Kaleiselvam said that in addition to the record number of arrivals of 625,0000 so far for the year, the industry has also generated US$ 480 million in revenue. “This is over a 40 percent increase as against the previous year,” he said.
He said that next year Sri Lanka is expected to pass the US $ 560 million mark in revenue. The previous highest revenue target was achieved in 2006 when the country recorded an income of US$ 410 million from the industry.
He said that the proposed ferry service between Sri Lanka and India would also boost arrivals as many middle income South Indians would patronize this service. “In addition many Sri Lankans too would use this service and there would be an overall increase of traffic both ways,” he said.
Reports from India said the State owned Shipping Corporation of India has invited bids for commencing the ferry service between India and Sri Lanka from January next year.
Sources in the shipping ministry has told PTI that the “Shipping Corp has issued Expression of Interest for bids for the ferry service between Tuticorin and Colombo”. Sources said that many shipping companies are likely to come forward.
Kaleiselvam said the response from investors for the proposed Kalpitiya Tourism Zone too was very encouraging. In addition, many international hotel chains such as Shangri-La too have already invested in Colombo.
A 40 room three star hotel has been opened in Jaffna while another 40 room luxury hotel will open next year in Pasikuda.Currently Sri Lanka has 14,700 star class rooms and 5,000 guest houses. Moreover, home stay facilities are available for 500 guests. “More rooms are currently being added by both local and foreign investors and Sri Lanka is ready for ‘Visit Sri Lanka 2011,” he said.
More airlines are also expected to fly to Sri Lanka next year, while those already serving Colombo plan to increase their frequencies.
The local airlines, SriLankan and Mihin, also plan to add more destinations. This will also be a boost to tourist traffic.
Courtesy : Sunday Observer
2011 to usher in a more promising year
http://www.defence.lk/new.asp?fname=20101226_05
2011 to usher in a more promising year
Another year is fast approaching as the 2011 New Year dawns next Saturday. In this context, it is time to take stock of how we fared during the current year and prepare ourselves for the coming year with renewed confidence and greater targets. We should make a careful assessment of what we have achieved during the year as well as our failures, if any. Hence, we could identify and capitalise on our strengths and prepare for the coming year with greater confidence. Sri Lanka has achieved several significant milestones during the year 2010. The following year after eradicating terrorism, Sri Lanka showed encouraging signs of development and regaining economic prosperity. Sri Lanka maintained an economic growth of 8.5 percent during the third quarter of this year, one of the highest in the Asian region. This was mainly due to the steady progress in a number of key sectors which blossomed after the Tigers were defeated. Since the restoration of normalcy in the North and the East, the Government embarked on yet another humanitarian mission to resettle over half a million people displaced due to the LTTE's terror acts. Despite various reservations expressed by the majority of the international community and International Non-Government Organisations, Sri Lanka set an all-time world record in the resettlement of displaced persons in the East. With this proven track record Sri Lanka accomplished a similar resettlement mission in the North. All displaced persons would be resettled by the end of the year. The Government embarked on numerous infrastructure development projects in the North and the East, thereby opening a new chapter in the history of these provinces. Today, not only the people in the East, but also those in the North, who have been subjected to untold misery during the LTTE's terror, have also started making an active contribution to the national economy. More importantly, a greater dialogue has begun between the people in the North and those in the South, making the maximum use of the freedom they won after the Security Forces vanquished the LTTE leaders. Cash has started flowing to the North and the East, thereby increasing the purchasing power of the people living in those provinces. A significant milestone was also achieved in the history of the country's democracy as the masses rejected petty party politics and supported democratic forces to emerge victorious. Despite numerous attempts by extremist forces to capture power with the insidious support of interested foreign elements, voters across the length and breadth of the country extended their unflinching support to President Mahinda Rajapaksa, who was re-elected at the Presidential election in January. The United People's Freedom Alliance (UPFA), under the leadership of President Rajapaksa, rewrote Sri Lanka's election history at the general election in April this year. The UPFA scored a landslide victory with a thumping majority to secure a record 144 seats in the 225-member legislature - a feat that would be hard to equal under the current preferential voting system. Even after terrorism was eradicated and despite the overwhelming public support President Rajapaksa and his government received at two major elections, a section of the international community continued their campaigns to tarnish Sri Lanka's image and its valiant Security Forces. However, a resolute President stood firm and did not bow down to international pressure and went ahead with the humanitarian operation. After the successful completion of the humanitarian operation, Sri Lanka embarked on another battle; to win the 'economic war' as well. The economic policies of the Mahinda Chinthana put the country on the right track and the dividends are already becoming increasingly evident. While the country maintained an economic growth of over eight percent, the country's per capita income also doubled over the past five years. This unprecedented progress enabled Sri Lanka to elevate its position from a low income group country to that of middle income during the current year. The World Bank and the International Monetary Fund have commended Sri Lanka's performance in economic development. The World Bank last week endorsed that the country's economy is heading in the right direction. World Bank Managing Director, Dr.Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala has said that Sri Lanka's remarkable rise from past challenges is a testament to the tenacity of the Sri Lankan people and the commitment of the country's leadership. The World Bank, by no means, would make such a statement to please any individual or a country, without making a thorough analysis of the country's performance. Hence, this statement would have a positive impact on Sri Lanka and this indeed is an excellent endorsement of the country's performance. The World Bank Managing Director had made this statement after a careful study of Sri Lanka's economy. This is a very positive sentiment coming from the World Bank chief. In recognition of the country's emergence as a growing economy, the World Bank chief endorsed Sri Lanka's new eligibility for financing from the IBRD, the World Bank's lending arm for middle-income countries. This would be in addition to the assistance Sri Lanka is already being granted by IDA. Sri Lanka has achieved all these landmark achievements in development as the Government did not suspend any new development projects even during the height of the LTTE terror. Despite waging an unrelenting battle against the most ruthless terror outfit in the world, President Rajapaksa and his Government embarked on some of the largest development projects simultaneously. This is precisely why Sri Lanka enjoys the dividends of peace in next to no time. The benefits of the Upper Kotmale and Norochcholai mega power generation projects, Moragahakanda, Uma Oya, Kumbukkan Oya irrigation projects, Southern and Colombo-Kandy expressways, Colombo, Galle, Oluvil, Trincomalee and Hambantota port projects and the new Mattala International Airport project would be enjoyed by one and all in the coming year. All Sri Lankans, irrespective of colour, creed or political hue, must make a tangible contribution to the country's development drive that would help make this beautiful island the Wonder of Asia during the new decade. Courtesy : Sunday Observer
2011 to usher in a more promising year
Another year is fast approaching as the 2011 New Year dawns next Saturday. In this context, it is time to take stock of how we fared during the current year and prepare ourselves for the coming year with renewed confidence and greater targets. We should make a careful assessment of what we have achieved during the year as well as our failures, if any. Hence, we could identify and capitalise on our strengths and prepare for the coming year with greater confidence. Sri Lanka has achieved several significant milestones during the year 2010. The following year after eradicating terrorism, Sri Lanka showed encouraging signs of development and regaining economic prosperity. Sri Lanka maintained an economic growth of 8.5 percent during the third quarter of this year, one of the highest in the Asian region. This was mainly due to the steady progress in a number of key sectors which blossomed after the Tigers were defeated. Since the restoration of normalcy in the North and the East, the Government embarked on yet another humanitarian mission to resettle over half a million people displaced due to the LTTE's terror acts. Despite various reservations expressed by the majority of the international community and International Non-Government Organisations, Sri Lanka set an all-time world record in the resettlement of displaced persons in the East. With this proven track record Sri Lanka accomplished a similar resettlement mission in the North. All displaced persons would be resettled by the end of the year. The Government embarked on numerous infrastructure development projects in the North and the East, thereby opening a new chapter in the history of these provinces. Today, not only the people in the East, but also those in the North, who have been subjected to untold misery during the LTTE's terror, have also started making an active contribution to the national economy. More importantly, a greater dialogue has begun between the people in the North and those in the South, making the maximum use of the freedom they won after the Security Forces vanquished the LTTE leaders. Cash has started flowing to the North and the East, thereby increasing the purchasing power of the people living in those provinces. A significant milestone was also achieved in the history of the country's democracy as the masses rejected petty party politics and supported democratic forces to emerge victorious. Despite numerous attempts by extremist forces to capture power with the insidious support of interested foreign elements, voters across the length and breadth of the country extended their unflinching support to President Mahinda Rajapaksa, who was re-elected at the Presidential election in January. The United People's Freedom Alliance (UPFA), under the leadership of President Rajapaksa, rewrote Sri Lanka's election history at the general election in April this year. The UPFA scored a landslide victory with a thumping majority to secure a record 144 seats in the 225-member legislature - a feat that would be hard to equal under the current preferential voting system. Even after terrorism was eradicated and despite the overwhelming public support President Rajapaksa and his government received at two major elections, a section of the international community continued their campaigns to tarnish Sri Lanka's image and its valiant Security Forces. However, a resolute President stood firm and did not bow down to international pressure and went ahead with the humanitarian operation. After the successful completion of the humanitarian operation, Sri Lanka embarked on another battle; to win the 'economic war' as well. The economic policies of the Mahinda Chinthana put the country on the right track and the dividends are already becoming increasingly evident. While the country maintained an economic growth of over eight percent, the country's per capita income also doubled over the past five years. This unprecedented progress enabled Sri Lanka to elevate its position from a low income group country to that of middle income during the current year. The World Bank and the International Monetary Fund have commended Sri Lanka's performance in economic development. The World Bank last week endorsed that the country's economy is heading in the right direction. World Bank Managing Director, Dr.Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala has said that Sri Lanka's remarkable rise from past challenges is a testament to the tenacity of the Sri Lankan people and the commitment of the country's leadership. The World Bank, by no means, would make such a statement to please any individual or a country, without making a thorough analysis of the country's performance. Hence, this statement would have a positive impact on Sri Lanka and this indeed is an excellent endorsement of the country's performance. The World Bank Managing Director had made this statement after a careful study of Sri Lanka's economy. This is a very positive sentiment coming from the World Bank chief. In recognition of the country's emergence as a growing economy, the World Bank chief endorsed Sri Lanka's new eligibility for financing from the IBRD, the World Bank's lending arm for middle-income countries. This would be in addition to the assistance Sri Lanka is already being granted by IDA. Sri Lanka has achieved all these landmark achievements in development as the Government did not suspend any new development projects even during the height of the LTTE terror. Despite waging an unrelenting battle against the most ruthless terror outfit in the world, President Rajapaksa and his Government embarked on some of the largest development projects simultaneously. This is precisely why Sri Lanka enjoys the dividends of peace in next to no time. The benefits of the Upper Kotmale and Norochcholai mega power generation projects, Moragahakanda, Uma Oya, Kumbukkan Oya irrigation projects, Southern and Colombo-Kandy expressways, Colombo, Galle, Oluvil, Trincomalee and Hambantota port projects and the new Mattala International Airport project would be enjoyed by one and all in the coming year. All Sri Lankans, irrespective of colour, creed or political hue, must make a tangible contribution to the country's development drive that would help make this beautiful island the Wonder of Asia during the new decade. Courtesy : Sunday Observer
Enshrine peace & love in your hearts - President
The purpose of celebrating Christmas is to enshrine the message of peace and love in one's heart, stated President Mahinda Rajapaksa in his Christmas message.
Following is the message :
I wish a Happy Christmas to all Sri Lankans and citizens of the world who celebrate the birth of Christ at this Christmas!
The purpose of celebrating Christmas is to enshrine the message of peace and love in one's heart. It is especially a time to spread the message of love and compassion towards the poor and peace among all peoples.
Our great commitment in the recent past to promote solidarity among communities, is in keeping with the teaching of Christ to 'love thy neighbour'. Our efforts to free our people from poverty have been appreciated by Christians and those of all other faiths, alike.
Christ taught that, whosoever shall receive a child in my name receiveth me. Christian tradition holds that the three kings came to worship the new born child guided by the star light that marked his birth. Similarly, we must bring the joyous message of Christmas closer to the hearts of our children. Thus, we will be able to come closer to the peace and love of Christ through Christmas.
I wish you all a Happy Christmas filled with peace and joy.
Courtesy : President's Media Unit
The purpose of celebrating Christmas is to enshrine the message of peace and love in one's heart, stated President Mahinda Rajapaksa in his Christmas message.
Following is the message :
I wish a Happy Christmas to all Sri Lankans and citizens of the world who celebrate the birth of Christ at this Christmas!
The purpose of celebrating Christmas is to enshrine the message of peace and love in one's heart. It is especially a time to spread the message of love and compassion towards the poor and peace among all peoples.
Our great commitment in the recent past to promote solidarity among communities, is in keeping with the teaching of Christ to 'love thy neighbour'. Our efforts to free our people from poverty have been appreciated by Christians and those of all other faiths, alike.
Christ taught that, whosoever shall receive a child in my name receiveth me. Christian tradition holds that the three kings came to worship the new born child guided by the star light that marked his birth. Similarly, we must bring the joyous message of Christmas closer to the hearts of our children. Thus, we will be able to come closer to the peace and love of Christ through Christmas.
I wish you all a Happy Christmas filled with peace and joy.
Courtesy : President's Media Unit
Aftermath of defeating Sea Tigers :
http://www.defence.lk/new.asp?fname=20101225_01
Aftermath of defeating Sea Tigers :
Foreign Navies request SLN training
The Sri Lanka Navy will provide training to Navy personnel from several countries including America, Australia, Pakistan and India.
Navy Commander Vice Admiral Thisara Samarasinghe said yesterday that Navy personnel from 12 countries are due in Sri Lanka to participate in the training programs.
He said Navy personnel who were in Sri Lanka to participate in the Navy's 60th anniversary appreciated the Sri Lankan culture, friendship and valour of the Sri Lankan Forces.
They had also spoken high of the Sri Lankan Forces who had played a major role in defeating terrorism. The Navy Commander said that plans are also under way to send Sri Lankan Navy personnel for training to different countries.
Courtesy : Daily News
Courageous President
http://www.defence.lk/new.asp?fname=20101224_02
Courageous President
(By :Carlo FONSEKA )
One of the defects of my character is timidity. That must be why I have inordinate admiration for leaders with so much courage. Even as well-informed and intellectually sophisticated commentators on international affairs have been warning us, we are living in dangerous times. Dr Dayan Jayatilleka perceives nothing less than 'a global psywar against Sri Lanka'. Izeth Hussain senses 'considerable British displeasure over the way the Government is handling the ethnic problem'.
At a time like this it took extraordinary physical, intellectual and moral courage for President Rajapaksa to set foot on hostile British soil to address the world from a platform in the University of Oxford. (With strategic prescience he had ventured into dangerous territory with a small army of handpicked loyalists. No doubt he judged that attempting to beard the lion in his den could be a very hazardous exercise).
Invitation to Oxford
Having vanquished the most ruthless and diabolical terrorist group in modern history whose atrocities included decimation of the quintessence of Tamil intelligence and culture, President Rajapaksa had no disabilities to plead. So he had readily accepted the invitation to speak at Oxford. I am sure he would have told the world how he had pulled off the allegedly impossible: namely, liquidation of the most blood-thirsty, maniacal, well-funded and internationally hyped up terrorist group the world has known.
He would have explained to the world why he was impelled to do so. And, I believe, he would have adumbrated what his homegrown plan is for redeeming the dignity, honour and well-being of the Tamils of Sri Lanka. But that was not to be. Those innocents who sincerely believe that Oxford is the sanctuary of free thought were manifestly dismayed by the unilateral cancellation of the invitation to speak due to intense pressure from political activists.
They seem to regard the Oxford episode as a diplomatic blunder and a political debacle. My perception is different. I think President Rajapaksa grabbed the invitation to speak at Oxford as an opportunity to enact a political scene on a world stage and make a few points dramatically.
First: with a sense of pardonable pride he would have told the world that he had achieved something that was widely believed to be impossible.
Second: by accepting the invitation to speak at Oxford, he made the point that he had nothing to hide about the liquidation of terrorism.
Third: by setting foot in the UK, he demonstrated that he dared legal arrest for alleged war crimes.
Fourth: by venturing upon hostile territory he conveyed the message that he cannot be intimidated by a 'global psywar'.
Fifth: by accepting the invitation he demonstrated his ability to walk tall on a world stage with his nose in the air.
The matter that calls for explanation is how people associated with so prestigious an institution as Oxford University could have unilaterally and summarily cancelled an event involving a Head of State. I suggest the following explanation for your critical consideration.
Ancient History
Everybody knows that the University of Oxford is one of the oldest, best and most famous centres of learning in the world. Its beginnings have been traced to 720 AC, but it became firmly established only in the 12th century AC. From its beginnings up to the time of the Reformation in the 16th century Oxford was governed by the Roman Catholic Papacy. Catholic monks and friars of various denominations were the masters and scholars.
Today people believe that Oxford is a sanctuary of free thought and speech. But that is not what its early history reveals. As it happened Roger Bacon (1214 - 1292) was Oxford's first science man of repute. He was imprisoned for 10 years by the religious authorities for doing experiments they disapproved of.
Any deviation from strict Roman Catholic orthodoxy was simply not tolerated. After the Reformation and the birth of Protestantism, Oxford came to be governed not by the Pope in Rome, but by the English Crown. Notoriously, however, during the five year reign of the ardently Roman Catholic Queen Mary Tudor, 270 Protestants were burnt to death for heresy.
Then during the reign of Queen Elizabeth I (1558 - 1603) some 30 Oxford Catholics were killed for refusing to recognize the Queen as the spiritual head of the Church. Queen Elizabeth made sure that what was taught at Oxford was politically acceptable to the rulers. (Perhaps the present authorities at Oxford who cancelled the invitation to President Rajapaksa feared that he might say things that would be unacceptable to the present rulers).
Recent History
Coming to the 20th century, the two world wars greatly affected Oxford University. It is on record that in 1914 there were 1400 undergraduates in Oxford and only 369 in 1918. A vast number of bright young students and teachers had been killed in World War I. Bertrand Russell who was a pacifist was appalled by the slaughter of these innocents and blamed it partly on the defective education system in the country which included Eton and Oxford University. Here is what he said: "... Eton and Oxford set a certain stamp upon a man's mind just as a Jesuit College does... In almost all who have been through them, they produced a worship of 'Good form' which is as destructive to life and thought as the medieval Church. 'Good form' is quite compatible with a superficial open-mindedness, a readiness to hear all sides, and a certain urbanity towards opponents.
But it is not compatible with fundamental open-mindedness, or with any inward readiness to give weight to the other side. Its essence is the assumption that what is most important is a certain kind of behaviour, a behaviour which minimizes friction between equals and delicately impresses inferiors with a conviction of their own crudity.
As a political weapon for preserving the privileges of the rich in a snobbish democracy it is unsurpassable. As a means of producing an agreeable social milieu for those who have money with no strong beliefs or unusual desires it has some merit. In every other respect, it is abominable". (In the light of the above identification and description of Oxford's educational philosophy by Russell who surely knew what he was talking about, what happened to President Rajapaksa in this shameful episode makes sense).
Myth
Contrary to popular belief in our country, Oxford is certainly not a sanctuary of free thought. In discussing this matter further it is necessary to be clear what is meant by 'free thought'. There are two senses in which the phrase is used, one narrow and the other wide. In the narrow sense, a free thinker is one who does not believe in any organized religion. Unlike in the earlier centuries, free thought in this sense is now widely tolerated in the UK. Free thought in the wider sense is another matter.
Thought is not really free if people are liable to penalties of one sort or another for holding certain beliefs. For example, to this day in England under the blasphemy laws, it is illegal to express disbelief in the Christian religion, though in practice the law is not implemented. That is why the great English exponent of popular science and biologist Professor Richard Dawkins of Oxford University has become both famous and rich by writing the bestselling book titled 'God Delusion'.
Bertrand Russell cites three specific instances in his own life to demonstrate that there has been no real freedom of thought in England in recent times. One is that the Courts intervened to prevent him from being brought up without being taught any religion as required by the last will of his free-thinking father. The second is that the Liberal Party refused to accept him as a parliamentary candidate because he was an open nonbeliever.
The third is his dismissal from his lectureship in Cambridge because of his pacifist views in World War I. It may be noted in passing that Cambridge University itself came into existence in the early 13th century when a group of scholars from Oxford left it after a controversial dispute with the people of the town of Oxford. So much for Oxbridge being a haven of free thought!
All in all the Oxford episode has not been a debacle or disaster. Given Oxford's history what came to pass was neither wholly surprising nor altogether unpredictable. In my estimate one invaluable consequence accrued from this experience: President Rajapaksa emerged as a man of supreme courage. It is salutary to remember, however, that so much courage can be a dangerous thing. As Ernest Hemingway said: "If people bring so much courage to this world, the world has to kill them to break them, so of course it kills them.
The world breaks every one and afterward many are strong at the broken places. But those that will not break, it kills. It kills the very good and the very gentle and the very brave impartially. If you are none of these, it will kill you too, but there will be no special hurry". Because I am none of those I am going on merrily - on seventy eight...
Courtesy : Daily News
Courageous President
(By :Carlo FONSEKA )
One of the defects of my character is timidity. That must be why I have inordinate admiration for leaders with so much courage. Even as well-informed and intellectually sophisticated commentators on international affairs have been warning us, we are living in dangerous times. Dr Dayan Jayatilleka perceives nothing less than 'a global psywar against Sri Lanka'. Izeth Hussain senses 'considerable British displeasure over the way the Government is handling the ethnic problem'.
At a time like this it took extraordinary physical, intellectual and moral courage for President Rajapaksa to set foot on hostile British soil to address the world from a platform in the University of Oxford. (With strategic prescience he had ventured into dangerous territory with a small army of handpicked loyalists. No doubt he judged that attempting to beard the lion in his den could be a very hazardous exercise).
Invitation to Oxford
Having vanquished the most ruthless and diabolical terrorist group in modern history whose atrocities included decimation of the quintessence of Tamil intelligence and culture, President Rajapaksa had no disabilities to plead. So he had readily accepted the invitation to speak at Oxford. I am sure he would have told the world how he had pulled off the allegedly impossible: namely, liquidation of the most blood-thirsty, maniacal, well-funded and internationally hyped up terrorist group the world has known.
He would have explained to the world why he was impelled to do so. And, I believe, he would have adumbrated what his homegrown plan is for redeeming the dignity, honour and well-being of the Tamils of Sri Lanka. But that was not to be. Those innocents who sincerely believe that Oxford is the sanctuary of free thought were manifestly dismayed by the unilateral cancellation of the invitation to speak due to intense pressure from political activists.
They seem to regard the Oxford episode as a diplomatic blunder and a political debacle. My perception is different. I think President Rajapaksa grabbed the invitation to speak at Oxford as an opportunity to enact a political scene on a world stage and make a few points dramatically.
First: with a sense of pardonable pride he would have told the world that he had achieved something that was widely believed to be impossible.
Second: by accepting the invitation to speak at Oxford, he made the point that he had nothing to hide about the liquidation of terrorism.
Third: by setting foot in the UK, he demonstrated that he dared legal arrest for alleged war crimes.
Fourth: by venturing upon hostile territory he conveyed the message that he cannot be intimidated by a 'global psywar'.
Fifth: by accepting the invitation he demonstrated his ability to walk tall on a world stage with his nose in the air.
The matter that calls for explanation is how people associated with so prestigious an institution as Oxford University could have unilaterally and summarily cancelled an event involving a Head of State. I suggest the following explanation for your critical consideration.
Ancient History
Everybody knows that the University of Oxford is one of the oldest, best and most famous centres of learning in the world. Its beginnings have been traced to 720 AC, but it became firmly established only in the 12th century AC. From its beginnings up to the time of the Reformation in the 16th century Oxford was governed by the Roman Catholic Papacy. Catholic monks and friars of various denominations were the masters and scholars.
Today people believe that Oxford is a sanctuary of free thought and speech. But that is not what its early history reveals. As it happened Roger Bacon (1214 - 1292) was Oxford's first science man of repute. He was imprisoned for 10 years by the religious authorities for doing experiments they disapproved of.
Any deviation from strict Roman Catholic orthodoxy was simply not tolerated. After the Reformation and the birth of Protestantism, Oxford came to be governed not by the Pope in Rome, but by the English Crown. Notoriously, however, during the five year reign of the ardently Roman Catholic Queen Mary Tudor, 270 Protestants were burnt to death for heresy.
Then during the reign of Queen Elizabeth I (1558 - 1603) some 30 Oxford Catholics were killed for refusing to recognize the Queen as the spiritual head of the Church. Queen Elizabeth made sure that what was taught at Oxford was politically acceptable to the rulers. (Perhaps the present authorities at Oxford who cancelled the invitation to President Rajapaksa feared that he might say things that would be unacceptable to the present rulers).
Recent History
Coming to the 20th century, the two world wars greatly affected Oxford University. It is on record that in 1914 there were 1400 undergraduates in Oxford and only 369 in 1918. A vast number of bright young students and teachers had been killed in World War I. Bertrand Russell who was a pacifist was appalled by the slaughter of these innocents and blamed it partly on the defective education system in the country which included Eton and Oxford University. Here is what he said: "... Eton and Oxford set a certain stamp upon a man's mind just as a Jesuit College does... In almost all who have been through them, they produced a worship of 'Good form' which is as destructive to life and thought as the medieval Church. 'Good form' is quite compatible with a superficial open-mindedness, a readiness to hear all sides, and a certain urbanity towards opponents.
But it is not compatible with fundamental open-mindedness, or with any inward readiness to give weight to the other side. Its essence is the assumption that what is most important is a certain kind of behaviour, a behaviour which minimizes friction between equals and delicately impresses inferiors with a conviction of their own crudity.
As a political weapon for preserving the privileges of the rich in a snobbish democracy it is unsurpassable. As a means of producing an agreeable social milieu for those who have money with no strong beliefs or unusual desires it has some merit. In every other respect, it is abominable". (In the light of the above identification and description of Oxford's educational philosophy by Russell who surely knew what he was talking about, what happened to President Rajapaksa in this shameful episode makes sense).
Myth
Contrary to popular belief in our country, Oxford is certainly not a sanctuary of free thought. In discussing this matter further it is necessary to be clear what is meant by 'free thought'. There are two senses in which the phrase is used, one narrow and the other wide. In the narrow sense, a free thinker is one who does not believe in any organized religion. Unlike in the earlier centuries, free thought in this sense is now widely tolerated in the UK. Free thought in the wider sense is another matter.
Thought is not really free if people are liable to penalties of one sort or another for holding certain beliefs. For example, to this day in England under the blasphemy laws, it is illegal to express disbelief in the Christian religion, though in practice the law is not implemented. That is why the great English exponent of popular science and biologist Professor Richard Dawkins of Oxford University has become both famous and rich by writing the bestselling book titled 'God Delusion'.
Bertrand Russell cites three specific instances in his own life to demonstrate that there has been no real freedom of thought in England in recent times. One is that the Courts intervened to prevent him from being brought up without being taught any religion as required by the last will of his free-thinking father. The second is that the Liberal Party refused to accept him as a parliamentary candidate because he was an open nonbeliever.
The third is his dismissal from his lectureship in Cambridge because of his pacifist views in World War I. It may be noted in passing that Cambridge University itself came into existence in the early 13th century when a group of scholars from Oxford left it after a controversial dispute with the people of the town of Oxford. So much for Oxbridge being a haven of free thought!
All in all the Oxford episode has not been a debacle or disaster. Given Oxford's history what came to pass was neither wholly surprising nor altogether unpredictable. In my estimate one invaluable consequence accrued from this experience: President Rajapaksa emerged as a man of supreme courage. It is salutary to remember, however, that so much courage can be a dangerous thing. As Ernest Hemingway said: "If people bring so much courage to this world, the world has to kill them to break them, so of course it kills them.
The world breaks every one and afterward many are strong at the broken places. But those that will not break, it kills. It kills the very good and the very gentle and the very brave impartially. If you are none of these, it will kill you too, but there will be no special hurry". Because I am none of those I am going on merrily - on seventy eight...
Courtesy : Daily News
US commends resettlement process
http://www.defence.lk/new.asp?fname=20101224_03
US commends resettlement process
The United States yesterday commended the government's speedy process in resettling those internally displaced during the conflict between security forces and the LTTE.
"I commend the Government's efforts in resettling most of those who were internally displaced by the fighting," US Ambassador to Sri Lanka Patricia Butenis said at an event where the US Government donated five ambulances to the Army.
Praising the Sri Lanka Army and the local and international INGOs for successful de-mining operations in the country, she said "due to the heroic efforts of the Sri Lankan Army and Sri Lankan and international de-mining organizations, large swaths of the North and East are now cleared of mines. However, much work still remains and our continuing support will enable the process to be completed more quickly, she said.
"Demining is an essential element of this resettlement process. The mines have meant that people can't return to their homes, that farmers can't plant and harvest crops, that villagers have to worry about explosives in water wells, and that children can mistake a mine for a toy."
Courtesy : President's Media Unit
US commends resettlement process
The United States yesterday commended the government's speedy process in resettling those internally displaced during the conflict between security forces and the LTTE.
"I commend the Government's efforts in resettling most of those who were internally displaced by the fighting," US Ambassador to Sri Lanka Patricia Butenis said at an event where the US Government donated five ambulances to the Army.
Praising the Sri Lanka Army and the local and international INGOs for successful de-mining operations in the country, she said "due to the heroic efforts of the Sri Lankan Army and Sri Lankan and international de-mining organizations, large swaths of the North and East are now cleared of mines. However, much work still remains and our continuing support will enable the process to be completed more quickly, she said.
"Demining is an essential element of this resettlement process. The mines have meant that people can't return to their homes, that farmers can't plant and harvest crops, that villagers have to worry about explosives in water wells, and that children can mistake a mine for a toy."
Courtesy : President's Media Unit
http://www.defence.lk/new.asp?fname=20101223_01
Minister GL Peiris stresses the need for maritime security
Thailand seemed the appropriate venue for the recently concluded Third Asia-Middle East Dialogue. One of the issues uppermost on the agenda of this meeting that attracted senior ministers, deputy ministers and high ranking officials from the two economically and strategically important regions, was current security challenges and inter-regional solutions to meet them.
In recent months Thailand has made the headlines especially in the western media because of major human smuggling cases that saw over 550 Sri Lankan Tamils shipped out to Canada raising the hackles of many Canadians and causing new political tensions there.
Why Thailand made centre- stage is because the voyages by the two ships, the "Ocean Lady" and "MV Sun Sea" that reached Canada in a period of about nine months-the second in August last- originated in Thailand.
The ships left from ports along the Gulf of Thailand and the Sri Lankan Tamils who boarded the ships had arrived in Bangkok at various times in the guise of tourists.
It seemed clear enough that a major operation in human smuggling was underway mounted by Sri Lankans and Thais. It was also a clear possibility that other elements were involved in what was obviously a well-planned criminal conspiracy.
Such an operation also meant the movement of illegal funds. Those who wished to reach distant destinations such as Canada paid huge sums of money to the people smugglers.
The organizers appear to be remnants of the now militarily defeated LTTE which had in its active days operated out of Thailand especially along Thailand's long coastline, to transship illicit arms and military ordnance into Sri Lanka working alongside criminals from the region.
What makes the voyages of the two ships all the way from the Gulf of Thailand to Canada without being intercepted by any of the navies/ coast guard in the region so newsworthy, is that it indicates the ineffectiveness of regional surveillance and the urgent need for much closer co-operation and sharing of intelligence to thwart these attempts.
This dangerous situation is compounded by the fact that there appears to be a nexus between terrorist organizations and criminals gangs who have been known to traffic in people and also smuggle them to preferred destinations such as Canada and Australia.
Thai Prime Minister Abhisit Vejjajiva, Foreign Minister Kasit Piromya and some other visiting ministers drew attention to the issues of terrorism and maritime security.
However it was External Affairs Minister Prof. G. L Peiris's keynote address that attracted particular attention. He was not merely articulating theories, the kind of airy-fairy thoughts often heard from politicians on occasions such as this.
Prof. Peiris was speaking as a minister of a government that had only one and a half years earlier defeated arguably the most sophisticated and ruthless terrorist organizations in the world.
The Minister was speaking from a position of strength for the Sri Lanka Government had shown the world that instead of pampering such terrorist organizations and recognizing them as political equals as some of Sri Lanka's mediators would wont us do, they were dealt with in perhaps the only way they would have understood and they could have been dealt with.
External Affairs Minister's address therefore was more in the nature of lessons learnt and conveyed than as a theoretical exercise.
What was even more noteworthy as several foreign delegates and Thai diplomats later said was that he was able to pack into the five minutes allocated several lessons and cogent thoughts relevant to making the Asian region stable for the movement of people and goods.
One clear lesson was that the LTTE had by the very nature of the war it fought, to interdict weapons into the theatre of conflict. The ordnance had to be brought in by sea for there was no other practical way in which they could have done it.
Under cover of genuine cargo shipments and assumed names for vessels to avoid detection the LTTE and others who shipped weapons on their behalf had to use the commonly traversed seas lanes.
Had Sri Lanka not adapted its sea power to produce a blue-water navy, the country would have been hard put to stop the induction of weapons by the LTTE. The Sri Lanka navy's ability to be more than a coast guard and venture out into the deep seas and challenge the LTTE many hundred miles out was a key factor in the defeat of the terrorists.
Equally by challenging the LTTE out in open sea, destroying floating arsenals and patrolling the waters far from Sri Lanka's coastline, Sri Lanka kept the sea lanes safe for other regional users of these vital routes.
That actually was one of the key lessons that Minister Peiris was implicitly conveying when he underlined the need for maritime security. This was also stressed when the minister spoke at the Foreign Correspondents Club of Thailand to an audience of diplomats, journalists and representatives of INGOs and NGOs.
He brought together the issues of terrorism, human smuggling, illegal financial flows that in turn could fund terrorism or other criminal activity that could affect individual regional states or destabilize the region.
Sri Lanka had seen to it that the war against the LTTE did not bring instability to the region. But it is for the regional states to collaborate and co-operate in ensuring that it remained safe and secure if the economic and social advancement of the Asian region is to be sustained.
It might be remembered that the Indian Ocean Region (IOR) is home to more than 2 billion people. It forms a critical part of the world's shipping routes and networks including important choke points.
The Heidelberg Institute for International Conflict Research (HIIR) in its Conflict Barometer 2008 said that IOR harbours 146 of the world's total of 345 conflicts in various forms or 42.3 % including 6 of 9 wars and a considerable proportion of high intensity conflicts.
The figures might have changed like the defeat of the LTTE last year ending one of Asia's longest running wars. But it has not changed that much and new issues have been added to the dynamics such the increasing piracy in the western Indian Ocean. The danger posed by Somali pirates to maritime communication is an issue Prof Peiris mentioned
The Indian Ocean remains the world's most important energy route. Half the world's oil production is transported by sea tankers via the Indian Ocean and over 35% of oil comes from the IOR.
Regional and extra-regional states are confronted with major challenges in gaining access to necessary energy resources. With the economies of China and India continuing to expand there is a growing reliance on imports.
It might also be remembered that these major sea lanes run quite close to Sri Lanka's southern shores. With the new thrust of the Sri Lankan navy it has kept the sea lanes safe and will do so in the future.
But as Minster Peiris pointed out the linkages developing between terrorism and piracy could pose a threat to the freedom of the sea lanes. What is needed is to strength regional/national maritime surveillance and enforcement and intelligence capabilities if this growing menace is to be effectively mitigated.
External Affairs Minister Peiris has made the case for dealing with these issues expeditiously and collaboratively. It is perhaps in response to the minister's remarks that Thai Foreign Minister Kasit Piromya suggested during their bilateral meeting that a working paper on human smuggling, trafficking and terrorist issues be presented to the next meeting of the Bali Process.
That process was initiated by Indonesia and Australia so that regional states could evolve collaborative solutions to these problems.
Courtesy: The Island
Minister GL Peiris stresses the need for maritime security
Thailand seemed the appropriate venue for the recently concluded Third Asia-Middle East Dialogue. One of the issues uppermost on the agenda of this meeting that attracted senior ministers, deputy ministers and high ranking officials from the two economically and strategically important regions, was current security challenges and inter-regional solutions to meet them.
In recent months Thailand has made the headlines especially in the western media because of major human smuggling cases that saw over 550 Sri Lankan Tamils shipped out to Canada raising the hackles of many Canadians and causing new political tensions there.
Why Thailand made centre- stage is because the voyages by the two ships, the "Ocean Lady" and "MV Sun Sea" that reached Canada in a period of about nine months-the second in August last- originated in Thailand.
The ships left from ports along the Gulf of Thailand and the Sri Lankan Tamils who boarded the ships had arrived in Bangkok at various times in the guise of tourists.
It seemed clear enough that a major operation in human smuggling was underway mounted by Sri Lankans and Thais. It was also a clear possibility that other elements were involved in what was obviously a well-planned criminal conspiracy.
Such an operation also meant the movement of illegal funds. Those who wished to reach distant destinations such as Canada paid huge sums of money to the people smugglers.
The organizers appear to be remnants of the now militarily defeated LTTE which had in its active days operated out of Thailand especially along Thailand's long coastline, to transship illicit arms and military ordnance into Sri Lanka working alongside criminals from the region.
What makes the voyages of the two ships all the way from the Gulf of Thailand to Canada without being intercepted by any of the navies/ coast guard in the region so newsworthy, is that it indicates the ineffectiveness of regional surveillance and the urgent need for much closer co-operation and sharing of intelligence to thwart these attempts.
This dangerous situation is compounded by the fact that there appears to be a nexus between terrorist organizations and criminals gangs who have been known to traffic in people and also smuggle them to preferred destinations such as Canada and Australia.
Thai Prime Minister Abhisit Vejjajiva, Foreign Minister Kasit Piromya and some other visiting ministers drew attention to the issues of terrorism and maritime security.
However it was External Affairs Minister Prof. G. L Peiris's keynote address that attracted particular attention. He was not merely articulating theories, the kind of airy-fairy thoughts often heard from politicians on occasions such as this.
Prof. Peiris was speaking as a minister of a government that had only one and a half years earlier defeated arguably the most sophisticated and ruthless terrorist organizations in the world.
The Minister was speaking from a position of strength for the Sri Lanka Government had shown the world that instead of pampering such terrorist organizations and recognizing them as political equals as some of Sri Lanka's mediators would wont us do, they were dealt with in perhaps the only way they would have understood and they could have been dealt with.
External Affairs Minister's address therefore was more in the nature of lessons learnt and conveyed than as a theoretical exercise.
What was even more noteworthy as several foreign delegates and Thai diplomats later said was that he was able to pack into the five minutes allocated several lessons and cogent thoughts relevant to making the Asian region stable for the movement of people and goods.
One clear lesson was that the LTTE had by the very nature of the war it fought, to interdict weapons into the theatre of conflict. The ordnance had to be brought in by sea for there was no other practical way in which they could have done it.
Under cover of genuine cargo shipments and assumed names for vessels to avoid detection the LTTE and others who shipped weapons on their behalf had to use the commonly traversed seas lanes.
Had Sri Lanka not adapted its sea power to produce a blue-water navy, the country would have been hard put to stop the induction of weapons by the LTTE. The Sri Lanka navy's ability to be more than a coast guard and venture out into the deep seas and challenge the LTTE many hundred miles out was a key factor in the defeat of the terrorists.
Equally by challenging the LTTE out in open sea, destroying floating arsenals and patrolling the waters far from Sri Lanka's coastline, Sri Lanka kept the sea lanes safe for other regional users of these vital routes.
That actually was one of the key lessons that Minister Peiris was implicitly conveying when he underlined the need for maritime security. This was also stressed when the minister spoke at the Foreign Correspondents Club of Thailand to an audience of diplomats, journalists and representatives of INGOs and NGOs.
He brought together the issues of terrorism, human smuggling, illegal financial flows that in turn could fund terrorism or other criminal activity that could affect individual regional states or destabilize the region.
Sri Lanka had seen to it that the war against the LTTE did not bring instability to the region. But it is for the regional states to collaborate and co-operate in ensuring that it remained safe and secure if the economic and social advancement of the Asian region is to be sustained.
It might be remembered that the Indian Ocean Region (IOR) is home to more than 2 billion people. It forms a critical part of the world's shipping routes and networks including important choke points.
The Heidelberg Institute for International Conflict Research (HIIR) in its Conflict Barometer 2008 said that IOR harbours 146 of the world's total of 345 conflicts in various forms or 42.3 % including 6 of 9 wars and a considerable proportion of high intensity conflicts.
The figures might have changed like the defeat of the LTTE last year ending one of Asia's longest running wars. But it has not changed that much and new issues have been added to the dynamics such the increasing piracy in the western Indian Ocean. The danger posed by Somali pirates to maritime communication is an issue Prof Peiris mentioned
The Indian Ocean remains the world's most important energy route. Half the world's oil production is transported by sea tankers via the Indian Ocean and over 35% of oil comes from the IOR.
Regional and extra-regional states are confronted with major challenges in gaining access to necessary energy resources. With the economies of China and India continuing to expand there is a growing reliance on imports.
It might also be remembered that these major sea lanes run quite close to Sri Lanka's southern shores. With the new thrust of the Sri Lankan navy it has kept the sea lanes safe and will do so in the future.
But as Minster Peiris pointed out the linkages developing between terrorism and piracy could pose a threat to the freedom of the sea lanes. What is needed is to strength regional/national maritime surveillance and enforcement and intelligence capabilities if this growing menace is to be effectively mitigated.
External Affairs Minister Peiris has made the case for dealing with these issues expeditiously and collaboratively. It is perhaps in response to the minister's remarks that Thai Foreign Minister Kasit Piromya suggested during their bilateral meeting that a working paper on human smuggling, trafficking and terrorist issues be presented to the next meeting of the Bali Process.
That process was initiated by Indonesia and Australia so that regional states could evolve collaborative solutions to these problems.
Courtesy: The Island
Australia rejects bogus asylum seekers due to Lanka's normalcy
http://www.defence.lk/new.asp?fname=20101221_02
Australia rejects bogus asylum seekers due to Lanka's normalcy
- UNHCR
The UN High Commission for Refugees (UNHCR) says improved political conditions in Sri Lanka is one of the reasons that led to the jump in the number of rejected cases of asylum seekers in Australia, who should be sent home.
Regional representative of the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees Richard Towle says large numbers of people now coming through the asylum system in Australia are not refugees and "the challenge is how to find fair and humane, and effective ways of allowing them to leave this country to go home", quoting Towle, Australia's Fairfax newspaper reported.
The deportation of failed asylum seekers has already been announced as central to the Australia government's efforts to stem the flow of boats.
So far, however, only a handful of asylum seekers has been deported. The Australia government is believed to be examining further incentives for people to return home, Fairfax reported.
Mr. Towle also called for greater regional co-operation and improved conditions in South-East Asia to prevent asylum seekers from making the perilous voyage from Indonesia. He said the problem has little to do with Australia's border protection policies, but rather a "protection vacuum" throughout the region that has been forcing people to risk their lives on unseaworthy vessels.
Australia rejects bogus asylum seekers due to Lanka's normalcy
- UNHCR
The UN High Commission for Refugees (UNHCR) says improved political conditions in Sri Lanka is one of the reasons that led to the jump in the number of rejected cases of asylum seekers in Australia, who should be sent home.
Regional representative of the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees Richard Towle says large numbers of people now coming through the asylum system in Australia are not refugees and "the challenge is how to find fair and humane, and effective ways of allowing them to leave this country to go home", quoting Towle, Australia's Fairfax newspaper reported.
The deportation of failed asylum seekers has already been announced as central to the Australia government's efforts to stem the flow of boats.
So far, however, only a handful of asylum seekers has been deported. The Australia government is believed to be examining further incentives for people to return home, Fairfax reported.
Mr. Towle also called for greater regional co-operation and improved conditions in South-East Asia to prevent asylum seekers from making the perilous voyage from Indonesia. He said the problem has little to do with Australia's border protection policies, but rather a "protection vacuum" throughout the region that has been forcing people to risk their lives on unseaworthy vessels.
Tuesday, December 21, 2010
Minister Nimal Siripala tells Sri Lankans in Australia:
http://www.dailynews.lk/2010/12/22/news33.asp
Minister Nimal Siripala tells Sri Lankans in Australia:
Beat LTTE cheats to help Lanka leap
Min Nimal Siripala urges Sri Lankan expatriates to fight against propaganda of defeated terrorists, Irrigation and Water Resources Management Minister Nimal Siripala de Silva urged Sri Lankan expatriates to work against the propaganda activities carried out by the remnants of the defeated LTTE terrorists.
Addressing the Sri Lankans living in Melbourne, Australia, Minister Silva stressed that "though you live away from your Motherland, you must always render your duty and responsibility to your country. Hundreds of thousands of your relatives and friends who live in that island expect that you would perform your duty to Sri Lanka."
He said after defeating the terrorism, the country is now on a mega development path and that "it is very important, at this juncture, to present the correct situation of our country to the world.
"The international community should be kept well-informed about the development process being implemented in our country."
The Minister made these comments after launching the new website of the Sri Lanka Freedom Party's branch in Melbourne, Australia over the weekend.
"Websites of this nature could play a pivotal role in disseminating correct information to the entire world. We must make use of the information technology to help the country's development process." He blamed the Opposition UNP and JVP parties for carrying out an anti-Sri Lankan propaganda campaign.
"Instead of enjoying the benefits and freedom which we achieved after defeating terrorism, these power hungry politicians are spreading false allegations and are trying to put international pressure on our Motherland."
"By doing this, they are also trying to reawake the terrorism that was crushed a year ago by our heroic forces." "At the moment, remnants of LTTE are also visible in some countries and the actions of UNP and JVP are also encouraging them."
"Therefore, this kind of patriotic websites has a very crucial role to play to defeat the anti-Sri Lanka campaigns carried out by the separatists forces and at the same time give the correct information on Sri Lanka."
Minister de Silva said it is imperative to place the true picture of the country before the international community in order to "attract foreign investments to fund for the country's development goals." "These websites should also be used to promote Sri Lanka's tourism industry which is now being rapidly developed after the war has ended."
He called on all expatriates to make their contribution in whatever manner to help the Motherland's development program and make Sri Lanka the best place to live on earth."
Minister Nimal Siripala tells Sri Lankans in Australia:
Beat LTTE cheats to help Lanka leap
Min Nimal Siripala urges Sri Lankan expatriates to fight against propaganda of defeated terrorists, Irrigation and Water Resources Management Minister Nimal Siripala de Silva urged Sri Lankan expatriates to work against the propaganda activities carried out by the remnants of the defeated LTTE terrorists.
Addressing the Sri Lankans living in Melbourne, Australia, Minister Silva stressed that "though you live away from your Motherland, you must always render your duty and responsibility to your country. Hundreds of thousands of your relatives and friends who live in that island expect that you would perform your duty to Sri Lanka."
He said after defeating the terrorism, the country is now on a mega development path and that "it is very important, at this juncture, to present the correct situation of our country to the world.
"The international community should be kept well-informed about the development process being implemented in our country."
The Minister made these comments after launching the new website of the Sri Lanka Freedom Party's branch in Melbourne, Australia over the weekend.
"Websites of this nature could play a pivotal role in disseminating correct information to the entire world. We must make use of the information technology to help the country's development process." He blamed the Opposition UNP and JVP parties for carrying out an anti-Sri Lankan propaganda campaign.
"Instead of enjoying the benefits and freedom which we achieved after defeating terrorism, these power hungry politicians are spreading false allegations and are trying to put international pressure on our Motherland."
"By doing this, they are also trying to reawake the terrorism that was crushed a year ago by our heroic forces." "At the moment, remnants of LTTE are also visible in some countries and the actions of UNP and JVP are also encouraging them."
"Therefore, this kind of patriotic websites has a very crucial role to play to defeat the anti-Sri Lanka campaigns carried out by the separatists forces and at the same time give the correct information on Sri Lanka."
Minister de Silva said it is imperative to place the true picture of the country before the international community in order to "attract foreign investments to fund for the country's development goals." "These websites should also be used to promote Sri Lanka's tourism industry which is now being rapidly developed after the war has ended."
He called on all expatriates to make their contribution in whatever manner to help the Motherland's development program and make Sri Lanka the best place to live on earth."
Humanitarian Op continues
http://www.dailynews.lk/2010/12/22/news01.asp
Humanitarian Op continues
*LTTE trying to regroup abroad
*Aims to level charges against Sri Lanka
Danushka GODAKUMBURA and Bakthi DHARMAPRIYA MENDIS
President Mahinda Rajapaksa yesterday said that the humanitarian operation will not end merely because terrorism was wiped out from the country. He said the humanitarian operation will continue until the memories of bitter experiences embedded in the minds of people wither away.
He added that it will continue till the vestiges of separatism are dispelled from the minds of the people. The President was speaking at the passing out of 253 Cadet officers at the Diyathalawa Military Academy yesterday.
The President added that the Cadet officers who passed out from the Diyatalawa Army Academy will make their contribution to this unaccomplished mission.
He said they succeeded in liberating the country from the clutches of terrorism due to the high standard of discipline maintained by them. He was of the opinion that all members of the Security Forces should abide by the military and civil law of the country. He added that the humanitarian operation has come at an important juncture where it will focus on winning the hearts of the people who underwent untold hardship due to terrorism.
The humanitarian mission includes the liberation of people from the clutches of terrorists, demining the area held by the terrorists, resettling the people and provision of facilities to them.
The President said the people and the Security Forces were organized against terrorism.
He said the people exercised utmost restraint in the face of hundreds of ruthless terrorist attacks that killed thousands of people for the past 30 years.
“We should honour these people by allowing no room for terrorism or separatism to raise their head in our Motherland again” , he added.
He added that those who love their mothers and the Motherland alike will reach the top rung of excellence.
He told the Cadet officers that they should always keep in mind the sacrifice made by their predecessors for the unity and territorial integrity of their Motherland. He said that these officers should respect these heroes of the land.
The President said that the remnants of LTTE terrorists who were defeated in the country are regrouping in foreign countries and these elements are trying to put the country in disrepute by levelling charges of war crimes at the Security Forces.
He said the Government has already initiated a fight against these elements at international level. They charge the Security Forces of committing war crimes during the humanitarian operation that liberated thousands of people of all communities from the clutches of terrorists.
President’s Secretary Lalith Weeratunga, Defence Secretary Gotabhaya Rajapaksa and Army Commander Lt General Jagath Jayasuriya were present.
The President was accorded a guard of honour by the Cadet Officers after his arrival along with Defence Secretary Gotabhaya Rajapaksa, President’s Secretary Lalith Weeratunga, Army Commander Lt Gen Jagath Jayasuriya and Army Training Academy Commandant Brig J R Kulatunga.
Officers who excelled in different curricular activities were also presented with awards.
Parents of the officers were present to witness the passing out parade.
Humanitarian Op continues
*LTTE trying to regroup abroad
*Aims to level charges against Sri Lanka
Danushka GODAKUMBURA and Bakthi DHARMAPRIYA MENDIS
President Mahinda Rajapaksa yesterday said that the humanitarian operation will not end merely because terrorism was wiped out from the country. He said the humanitarian operation will continue until the memories of bitter experiences embedded in the minds of people wither away.
He added that it will continue till the vestiges of separatism are dispelled from the minds of the people. The President was speaking at the passing out of 253 Cadet officers at the Diyathalawa Military Academy yesterday.
The President added that the Cadet officers who passed out from the Diyatalawa Army Academy will make their contribution to this unaccomplished mission.
He said they succeeded in liberating the country from the clutches of terrorism due to the high standard of discipline maintained by them. He was of the opinion that all members of the Security Forces should abide by the military and civil law of the country. He added that the humanitarian operation has come at an important juncture where it will focus on winning the hearts of the people who underwent untold hardship due to terrorism.
The humanitarian mission includes the liberation of people from the clutches of terrorists, demining the area held by the terrorists, resettling the people and provision of facilities to them.
The President said the people and the Security Forces were organized against terrorism.
He said the people exercised utmost restraint in the face of hundreds of ruthless terrorist attacks that killed thousands of people for the past 30 years.
“We should honour these people by allowing no room for terrorism or separatism to raise their head in our Motherland again” , he added.
He added that those who love their mothers and the Motherland alike will reach the top rung of excellence.
He told the Cadet officers that they should always keep in mind the sacrifice made by their predecessors for the unity and territorial integrity of their Motherland. He said that these officers should respect these heroes of the land.
The President said that the remnants of LTTE terrorists who were defeated in the country are regrouping in foreign countries and these elements are trying to put the country in disrepute by levelling charges of war crimes at the Security Forces.
He said the Government has already initiated a fight against these elements at international level. They charge the Security Forces of committing war crimes during the humanitarian operation that liberated thousands of people of all communities from the clutches of terrorists.
President’s Secretary Lalith Weeratunga, Defence Secretary Gotabhaya Rajapaksa and Army Commander Lt General Jagath Jayasuriya were present.
The President was accorded a guard of honour by the Cadet Officers after his arrival along with Defence Secretary Gotabhaya Rajapaksa, President’s Secretary Lalith Weeratunga, Army Commander Lt Gen Jagath Jayasuriya and Army Training Academy Commandant Brig J R Kulatunga.
Officers who excelled in different curricular activities were also presented with awards.
Parents of the officers were present to witness the passing out parade.
Lanka requests US:
http://www.dailynews.lk/2010/12/22/news02.asp
Lanka requests US:
Don’t be pushed by false propaganda
External Affairs Minister Prof G L Peris yesterday expressed hope that the US embassy in Colombo and the US Department would convey to the Senators and Congressmen the need to avoid being pushed by false propaganda towards the adoption of a pre-judgemental attitude towards the LLRC.
The Minister made these remarks when he met the US envoy in Sri Lanka Patricia Butenis at the Foreign Ministry yesterday.
Minister Peiris met Butenis in the context of news reports that several United States Senators and members of Congress had addressed on December 10, a letter concerning Sri Lanka to Secretary of State Hillary Clinton.
The Minister pointed out to the US Ambassador that the text of the letter as carried by the media, appears among other matters to assert that the effort of the Government of Sri Lanka through the Lessons Learnt and Reconciliation Commission (LLRC) lacks mandate and broad scope.
The Minister noted that on the contrary, the Terms of Reference establishing the Commission expressly call for it to make recommendations to prevent recurrence of the inflicted strife of the past, while promoting further national unity and reconciliation among all communities. Accordingly, the Commission has the necessary amplitude for its effective functioning.
In fact the Minister added, the robust manner in which the LLRC is setting about its task is seen from its already having held 35 public sessions in Colombo. Additionally, it has met in the East in Trincomalee, in Mutur and in Kuchchaveli. In the North sessions have been held in Vavuniya, in Kilinochchi, in Mullativu and in Jaffna. While during the sessions in Colombo, over 85 persons have made representations, the public in the North and in the East were especially facilitated in presenting submissions, through the prior circulation of forms to enable the advance gathering of information.
Committee (IAC) chaired by the Attorney-General, to oversee and facilitate follow-up. Among the practical results stemming from the setting up of the iac, is the establishment of an appropriate mechanism to which the Commission can now channel the complaints it receives for immediate investigation and remedial action, where so warranted.
Minister Peiris recalled to the US Ambassador that when he met Secretary of State Cliton in Washington on May 28 this year, the Secretary had observed with regard to the LLRC that “this Commission holds promise”.
It is therefore important to allow the Commission the necessary space and time to accomplish its objectives. The Minister went on to express the hope that the US Embassy in Colombo and the State Department in Washington would convey to the Senators and Congressmen, the need to avoid being pushed by false propaganda towards the adoption of a pre-judgemental attitude.
The Minister discussed as well with the Ambassador the matter of US Embassy communication put out into the public domain by the Wikileaks website. Prof Peiris reiterated the stated position of his Ministry that Sri Lnaka does not condone the act of putting in the public domain in an illegal manner, privileged and confidential information. He said that he is constrained however to point out that the purported cables do contain glaring instances of allegations totally unwarranted by the ground reality, being conveyed to Washington. As examples, the Minister cited the claims of children being sold into slavery, with the boys to work in camps and the girls to prostitution rings. The Minister emphasized that the conveying of such mendacious stories clearly fabricated to denigrate Sri Lnaka, are totally negative to the objective of diplomacy, which is building bridges and promoting understanding.
The Minister expressed the view that at least where future instances may be concerned, greater circumspection would be appropriate.
Lanka requests US:
Don’t be pushed by false propaganda
External Affairs Minister Prof G L Peris yesterday expressed hope that the US embassy in Colombo and the US Department would convey to the Senators and Congressmen the need to avoid being pushed by false propaganda towards the adoption of a pre-judgemental attitude towards the LLRC.
The Minister made these remarks when he met the US envoy in Sri Lanka Patricia Butenis at the Foreign Ministry yesterday.
Minister Peiris met Butenis in the context of news reports that several United States Senators and members of Congress had addressed on December 10, a letter concerning Sri Lanka to Secretary of State Hillary Clinton.
The Minister pointed out to the US Ambassador that the text of the letter as carried by the media, appears among other matters to assert that the effort of the Government of Sri Lanka through the Lessons Learnt and Reconciliation Commission (LLRC) lacks mandate and broad scope.
The Minister noted that on the contrary, the Terms of Reference establishing the Commission expressly call for it to make recommendations to prevent recurrence of the inflicted strife of the past, while promoting further national unity and reconciliation among all communities. Accordingly, the Commission has the necessary amplitude for its effective functioning.
In fact the Minister added, the robust manner in which the LLRC is setting about its task is seen from its already having held 35 public sessions in Colombo. Additionally, it has met in the East in Trincomalee, in Mutur and in Kuchchaveli. In the North sessions have been held in Vavuniya, in Kilinochchi, in Mullativu and in Jaffna. While during the sessions in Colombo, over 85 persons have made representations, the public in the North and in the East were especially facilitated in presenting submissions, through the prior circulation of forms to enable the advance gathering of information.
Committee (IAC) chaired by the Attorney-General, to oversee and facilitate follow-up. Among the practical results stemming from the setting up of the iac, is the establishment of an appropriate mechanism to which the Commission can now channel the complaints it receives for immediate investigation and remedial action, where so warranted.
Minister Peiris recalled to the US Ambassador that when he met Secretary of State Cliton in Washington on May 28 this year, the Secretary had observed with regard to the LLRC that “this Commission holds promise”.
It is therefore important to allow the Commission the necessary space and time to accomplish its objectives. The Minister went on to express the hope that the US Embassy in Colombo and the State Department in Washington would convey to the Senators and Congressmen, the need to avoid being pushed by false propaganda towards the adoption of a pre-judgemental attitude.
The Minister discussed as well with the Ambassador the matter of US Embassy communication put out into the public domain by the Wikileaks website. Prof Peiris reiterated the stated position of his Ministry that Sri Lnaka does not condone the act of putting in the public domain in an illegal manner, privileged and confidential information. He said that he is constrained however to point out that the purported cables do contain glaring instances of allegations totally unwarranted by the ground reality, being conveyed to Washington. As examples, the Minister cited the claims of children being sold into slavery, with the boys to work in camps and the girls to prostitution rings. The Minister emphasized that the conveying of such mendacious stories clearly fabricated to denigrate Sri Lnaka, are totally negative to the objective of diplomacy, which is building bridges and promoting understanding.
The Minister expressed the view that at least where future instances may be concerned, greater circumspection would be appropriate.
Lankans in Italy condemn Britain over allowing LTTE rump have its way
http://www.island.lk/index.php?page_cat=article-details&page=article-details&code_title=13955
Lankans in Italy condemn Britain over allowing LTTE rump have its wayDecember 20, 2010, 8:50 pm
The Sri Lankan Associations in Rome, the clergy, Buddhist Priests and other Associations from Milan to Catania held a massive demonstration and protest in front of the British Embassy in Rome, on December 16, to condemn the British government over its permitting a banned terrorist organization, the LTTE, to hold demonstration at the Heathrow Air port and in front of the Dorchester Hotel, where Sri Lanka’s President Mahinda Rajapaksa was staying and thereby violating its own Anti-terrorist Laws.
Despite the freezing temperature, the Sri Lankans gathered in their numbers to show their solidarity with President Rajapaksa who had by his unflinching resolve and commitment wiped out the most ruthless terrorist organization in the world and freed the Sri Lankan nation from the threat of terrorism.
Despite it being a working day, the Sri Lankans and Italians members of the Anti-terrorist Organization, with Buddhist priests representing every single Temple in Italy, participated in the demonstration. They requested the British Government to adopt the same standards as the Italian government, which is working closely with the Sri Lankan Mission in Rome to eradicate LTTE terrorist cells from Italy. The President of the Sri Lankan Association handed over an appeal to the British Ambassador in Rome Mr. Chaplin.
Sri Lanka has what it takes to be Wonder of Asia” – World Bank
http://www.news.lk/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=16887&Itemid=44
Sri Lanka has what it takes to be Wonder of Asia” – World Bank
Monday, 20 December 2010
Implement inclusive policies in Mahinda Chinthana
“Sri Lanka has what it takes to be the Wonder of Asia through inclusive growth acceleration… implementing policies that promote the inclusion of all segments of society in the growth process, as envisaged in the Mahinda Chintana, will be crucial. Sri Lanka has won the war, now it must win the peace,” was the view of Dr. Okonjie-Iweala, Managing Director of the World Bank, as she concluded her two day official visit to Sri Lanka (18).
Raising investments, improving productivity of those investments through innovation policies, skills development and macroeconomic stability will be important in getting there, she said.Having studied the progress of development projects assisted by the World Bank, the trend of national economic policy, and after meetings with President Mahinda Rajapaksa, Governor of the Central Bank Nivard Cabraal and other key persons in the banking, finance and development sectors, the World Bank’s Managing Director reaffirmed the World Bank’s strong and expanding support to Sri Lanka as it transitions towards a middle-income country in lasting peace and noted the country’s potential in realizing its development goals. Earlier (17), delivering a speech on “Accelerating Inclusive Growth in Sri Lanka” on the occasion of the 60th Anniversary of the founding of the Central Bank. She announced Sri Lanka’s eligibility for financing from IBRD, the World Bank’s lending arm for middle income countries, in addition to continued financing from IDA. It’s a move which has the potential to more than double the amount of resources available to Sri Lanka every year from the World Bank to realize the country’s ambitious development goals. A media release (18) from the World Bank on the visit of Dr. Okonji-Iweala said: Earlier today, she met with people who have benefitted from World Bank assisted projects in the Eastern Province, receiving firsthand accounts of how these projects are achieving the twin goals of inclusive development and enhanced economic growth. On her way to Batticaloa, she noted, "Flying over the east coast, I was awed by the incredible beauty of the country. It is clear that the end of the conflict offers enormous growth potential for Sri Lanka including in exportable services. I see tremendous opportunities in the tourism sector, especially linking up with the health sector to provide Health and Fitness tourism.”Her visit to the Eastern Province follows meetings yesterday with President Rajapaksa, Central Bank Governor Nivard Cabraal, and other senior officials along with the private sector. She delivered a speech on “Accelerating Inclusive Growth in Sri Lanka” on the occasion of the 60th Anniversary of the founding of the Central Bank. During her speech, the Managing Director announced the country’s eligibility for financing from IBRD, the World Bank’s lending arm for middle income countries, in addition to continued financing from IDA. It’s a move which has the potential to more than double the amount of resources available to Sri Lanka every year from the World Bank to realize the country’s ambitious development goals. Dr. Okonjo-Iweala visited a Nenasala (telecenter) in Kallady, one of 600 telecenters in Sri Lanka which are linking over 70,000 monthly users supported by the E-Sri Lanka project and improving computer literacy and information technology (IT) skills. The project is promoting grassroots community-implemented innovation, with 180 innovations funded and 1000 software programs created to date.
She met with fishermen who used the Fishing Lanka application to use GPS technology and SMS to track and share the location of fish. This has increased incomes of the fishermen by allowing them to catch more fish in a shorter period of time while saving on fuel costs for their boats due to more precise information. The project has also advanced the Government’s efficiency and transparency in delivering services by introducing Information Communications Technologies (ICT) to over 92 percent of Government agencies. The gov.lk portal offers over 130 online translations and services. For example, 18 million birth, marriage, and death certificates have been scanned and copies of them are now routinely issued within 10 minutes.
“The E-Sri Lanka project is important because it gives access to the entire population to become computer literate. This will be crucial if Sri Lanka is to expand industries like Business Process Outsourcing and become a knowledge hub,” she said. Dr. Okonjo-Iweala also visited the IFC SME Toolkit Project supported by Dialog Axiata PLC, which assists with building capacity for Small and Medium Enterprises (SMEs). The SME Toolkit is an online information and training resource available in both Sinhala and Tamil and has benefitted 5,000 small businesses, of which 1000 are located in post-conflict Northern and Eastern provinces. Average revenue has increased significantly and the program has created thousands of new jobs. In Thiraimaidu, Dr. Okonjo-Iweala visited one of the 832 villages that has benefitted from the Reawakening Project. The project provides income generation opportunities for vulnerable people, including victims of the conflict to restore normalcy to their lives and encourage social and economic integration. The 200,000 families that have benefited so far from the program discuss priorities through their Village Development Organizations and have seen their incomes increase by up to 50 percent.
One of beneficiaries of the project, 40 year old Siriyalatha Weerakoon, said “As a widow, I had many difficulties earning enough to support my family. I was able to receive Rs. 20,000 in support from the program to cultivate Black Gram and earned Rs. 50,000 after a success harvest. From this, I was able to repair my house and spend money on improving my children’s education. I have now become the president of the Microfinance committee and work hard to help others,” she said. While speaking with the local fishermen there, she promoted the Fishing Lanka application that she learned about from the fishermen at the Nenasala in Kallady as a means to further increase their incomes and was encouraged by the news that one of the residents is garnering a university education, the first from the village and a source of pride. “Seeing these communities rebuild after facing tremendous difficulties is very encouraging,“ she said. Later, at the Eastern University, Dr. Okonjo-Iweala met with students supported by the Higher Education Project, which emphasizes employability skills such as computer literacy and English language. It has benefited over 100,000 students and 5,000 staff throughout Sri Lanka. The program is now being scaled up to benefit 1,000,000 students and about 20,000 academic staff throughout the country. Students showed Dr. Okonjo-Iweala their favorite websites and practiced their English skills. She was impressed by the university’s investments on assisting its disabled students such as converting certain works into Braille for the visually challenged students and encouraged the students and faculty to work hard and pursue their dreams. “I’m touched by the support given to the disabled students. They all have brilliant minds that should not go to waste and we will continue to help as much as we can to further these opportunities,” she said. Former Eastern University Agricultural Sciences student and current assistant lecturer, 27 year old Ragupriya told the audience how the project supported the purchase of proper laboratory equipment to improve the quality of their research infant weaning on rice and pulses. “With the new equipment, I was able to develop my research and have my work published. This gave me an opportunity to attend the Rice Congress conference in Viet Nam this year to present my findings and allowed me to share and gain global knowledge,” she said. On Friday afternoon, during her speech at the 60th anniversary of the Central Bank, Dr. Okonjo-Iweala affirmed the World Bank’s continued assistance in helping Sri Lanka realize its development goals and highlighted the importance of investment, innovation, inclusive development, and knowledge sharing. “The expansion of the knowledge economy and the search for innovative ideas by all Sri Lankans will be important to successfully accelerate growth and improve living standards,” she said. Since the World Bank Group’s first development credit to Sri Lanka for the Aberdeen – Laksapana Power Project in 1954, the institution has become one of Sri Lanka’s largest development partners. It has worked closely to support the country’s progress in infrastructure, education, health, and environmental protection. It is currently supporting the implementation of 17 projects totaling $1.25 billion in assistance aimed at maximizing impact and results.
Sri Lanka has what it takes to be Wonder of Asia” – World Bank
Monday, 20 December 2010
Implement inclusive policies in Mahinda Chinthana
“Sri Lanka has what it takes to be the Wonder of Asia through inclusive growth acceleration… implementing policies that promote the inclusion of all segments of society in the growth process, as envisaged in the Mahinda Chintana, will be crucial. Sri Lanka has won the war, now it must win the peace,” was the view of Dr. Okonjie-Iweala, Managing Director of the World Bank, as she concluded her two day official visit to Sri Lanka (18).
Raising investments, improving productivity of those investments through innovation policies, skills development and macroeconomic stability will be important in getting there, she said.Having studied the progress of development projects assisted by the World Bank, the trend of national economic policy, and after meetings with President Mahinda Rajapaksa, Governor of the Central Bank Nivard Cabraal and other key persons in the banking, finance and development sectors, the World Bank’s Managing Director reaffirmed the World Bank’s strong and expanding support to Sri Lanka as it transitions towards a middle-income country in lasting peace and noted the country’s potential in realizing its development goals. Earlier (17), delivering a speech on “Accelerating Inclusive Growth in Sri Lanka” on the occasion of the 60th Anniversary of the founding of the Central Bank. She announced Sri Lanka’s eligibility for financing from IBRD, the World Bank’s lending arm for middle income countries, in addition to continued financing from IDA. It’s a move which has the potential to more than double the amount of resources available to Sri Lanka every year from the World Bank to realize the country’s ambitious development goals. A media release (18) from the World Bank on the visit of Dr. Okonji-Iweala said: Earlier today, she met with people who have benefitted from World Bank assisted projects in the Eastern Province, receiving firsthand accounts of how these projects are achieving the twin goals of inclusive development and enhanced economic growth. On her way to Batticaloa, she noted, "Flying over the east coast, I was awed by the incredible beauty of the country. It is clear that the end of the conflict offers enormous growth potential for Sri Lanka including in exportable services. I see tremendous opportunities in the tourism sector, especially linking up with the health sector to provide Health and Fitness tourism.”Her visit to the Eastern Province follows meetings yesterday with President Rajapaksa, Central Bank Governor Nivard Cabraal, and other senior officials along with the private sector. She delivered a speech on “Accelerating Inclusive Growth in Sri Lanka” on the occasion of the 60th Anniversary of the founding of the Central Bank. During her speech, the Managing Director announced the country’s eligibility for financing from IBRD, the World Bank’s lending arm for middle income countries, in addition to continued financing from IDA. It’s a move which has the potential to more than double the amount of resources available to Sri Lanka every year from the World Bank to realize the country’s ambitious development goals. Dr. Okonjo-Iweala visited a Nenasala (telecenter) in Kallady, one of 600 telecenters in Sri Lanka which are linking over 70,000 monthly users supported by the E-Sri Lanka project and improving computer literacy and information technology (IT) skills. The project is promoting grassroots community-implemented innovation, with 180 innovations funded and 1000 software programs created to date.
She met with fishermen who used the Fishing Lanka application to use GPS technology and SMS to track and share the location of fish. This has increased incomes of the fishermen by allowing them to catch more fish in a shorter period of time while saving on fuel costs for their boats due to more precise information. The project has also advanced the Government’s efficiency and transparency in delivering services by introducing Information Communications Technologies (ICT) to over 92 percent of Government agencies. The gov.lk portal offers over 130 online translations and services. For example, 18 million birth, marriage, and death certificates have been scanned and copies of them are now routinely issued within 10 minutes.
“The E-Sri Lanka project is important because it gives access to the entire population to become computer literate. This will be crucial if Sri Lanka is to expand industries like Business Process Outsourcing and become a knowledge hub,” she said. Dr. Okonjo-Iweala also visited the IFC SME Toolkit Project supported by Dialog Axiata PLC, which assists with building capacity for Small and Medium Enterprises (SMEs). The SME Toolkit is an online information and training resource available in both Sinhala and Tamil and has benefitted 5,000 small businesses, of which 1000 are located in post-conflict Northern and Eastern provinces. Average revenue has increased significantly and the program has created thousands of new jobs. In Thiraimaidu, Dr. Okonjo-Iweala visited one of the 832 villages that has benefitted from the Reawakening Project. The project provides income generation opportunities for vulnerable people, including victims of the conflict to restore normalcy to their lives and encourage social and economic integration. The 200,000 families that have benefited so far from the program discuss priorities through their Village Development Organizations and have seen their incomes increase by up to 50 percent.
One of beneficiaries of the project, 40 year old Siriyalatha Weerakoon, said “As a widow, I had many difficulties earning enough to support my family. I was able to receive Rs. 20,000 in support from the program to cultivate Black Gram and earned Rs. 50,000 after a success harvest. From this, I was able to repair my house and spend money on improving my children’s education. I have now become the president of the Microfinance committee and work hard to help others,” she said. While speaking with the local fishermen there, she promoted the Fishing Lanka application that she learned about from the fishermen at the Nenasala in Kallady as a means to further increase their incomes and was encouraged by the news that one of the residents is garnering a university education, the first from the village and a source of pride. “Seeing these communities rebuild after facing tremendous difficulties is very encouraging,“ she said. Later, at the Eastern University, Dr. Okonjo-Iweala met with students supported by the Higher Education Project, which emphasizes employability skills such as computer literacy and English language. It has benefited over 100,000 students and 5,000 staff throughout Sri Lanka. The program is now being scaled up to benefit 1,000,000 students and about 20,000 academic staff throughout the country. Students showed Dr. Okonjo-Iweala their favorite websites and practiced their English skills. She was impressed by the university’s investments on assisting its disabled students such as converting certain works into Braille for the visually challenged students and encouraged the students and faculty to work hard and pursue their dreams. “I’m touched by the support given to the disabled students. They all have brilliant minds that should not go to waste and we will continue to help as much as we can to further these opportunities,” she said. Former Eastern University Agricultural Sciences student and current assistant lecturer, 27 year old Ragupriya told the audience how the project supported the purchase of proper laboratory equipment to improve the quality of their research infant weaning on rice and pulses. “With the new equipment, I was able to develop my research and have my work published. This gave me an opportunity to attend the Rice Congress conference in Viet Nam this year to present my findings and allowed me to share and gain global knowledge,” she said. On Friday afternoon, during her speech at the 60th anniversary of the Central Bank, Dr. Okonjo-Iweala affirmed the World Bank’s continued assistance in helping Sri Lanka realize its development goals and highlighted the importance of investment, innovation, inclusive development, and knowledge sharing. “The expansion of the knowledge economy and the search for innovative ideas by all Sri Lankans will be important to successfully accelerate growth and improve living standards,” she said. Since the World Bank Group’s first development credit to Sri Lanka for the Aberdeen – Laksapana Power Project in 1954, the institution has become one of Sri Lanka’s largest development partners. It has worked closely to support the country’s progress in infrastructure, education, health, and environmental protection. It is currently supporting the implementation of 17 projects totaling $1.25 billion in assistance aimed at maximizing impact and results.
Sri Lanka tells EU not to allow use of EU as Platform for LTTE apologists
http://www.nationalsecurity.lk/MCNS/defence-security/index.php
Sri Lanka tells EU not to allow use of EU as Platform for LTTE apologists
21 Dec 2010 - 13:59
Sri Lanka’s Ambassador to Belgium, Luxembourg and the EU Ravinatha Aryasinha has strongly protested the denial of Sri Lanka’s ‘right of reply’ at an “exchange of views on Sri Lanka” held at the European Parliament last week.
In a letter of protest addressed to Human Rights Sub-Committee Chair, Heidi Hautala who was not present during the discussion, Aryasinha pointed out that in the over one hour long discussion on Sri Lanka on December 6, of the 32 MEPs on the Sub-Committee, only one chose to speak, and other than for a few comments by the European Commission, most of the time was given to a number of Non-Governmental Organizations”.
The Ambassador said despite his being present and demanding Sri Lanka’s ‘right of reply’, its denial by the Presiding officer at the time, “leaves the unmistakable impression that the Human Rights Sub-Committee is not interested in having a reasoned and balanced discussion on Sri Lanka, but is merely content to allow itself (the European Parliament) to be used as a platform for LTTE apologists to discredit the Government of Sri Lanka”.
This week during the plenary sessions of the Parliament held in Strasbourg, Ambassador Aryasinha who addressed the ‘Friends of Sri Lanka’ of the European Parliament - a cross party group which comprises 25 MEPs from over 10 EU member countries, drew attention to this issue.
He urged them to prevail upon European institutions and their respective home governments “to prevent efforts by LTTE apologists to seek to discredit Sri Lanka, which having overcome its 30 year long struggle against LTTE terrorism, is now firmly embarked on a path of reconciliation and development”. He said “it would be a mistake if European Institutions and member states allow rump LTTE cadres and other LTTE apologists to dictate foreign policy towards Sri Lanka”.
He cautioned that “these institutions and states should be mindful that these elements, as in the past, are continuing to be active and are raising funds in these countries using the cover of human rights, and would pose law and order problem to their hosts, as is evident from the continuing number of arrests of LTTE and its front organization activists in many parts of Europe.”
Addressing the group, ‘Friends of Sri Lanka’ Chairman MEP Geoffrey Van Orden, who called on President Mahinda Rajapaksa in London recently and attended a briefing given to Members of the British Parliament and Members of the European Parliament by the President, informed the group of the discussion he had with the President.
He said the ‘Friends of Sri Lanka’ is advocating that full benefit of the post war development should be enjoyed by the people of Sri Lanka and that to this end the EU should play a prominent role.
The group also took note of the rapid strides taken in Sri Lanka to re-settle and provide livelihoods to most IDPs from the conflict, to re-integrate into society all child combatants and many others who surrendered were arrested, to progressively relax emergency regulations and the on-going work of the Lessons Learnt and Reconciliation Commission (LLRC) which had already made a number of interim recommendations which were being implemented by the Government. They agreed to intensify efforts to protect the good image of Sri Lanka, both within the European Parliament and in EU member state capitals.Courtesy: News.lk
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Sri Lanka tells EU not to allow use of EU as Platform for LTTE apologists
21 Dec 2010 - 13:59
Sri Lanka’s Ambassador to Belgium, Luxembourg and the EU Ravinatha Aryasinha has strongly protested the denial of Sri Lanka’s ‘right of reply’ at an “exchange of views on Sri Lanka” held at the European Parliament last week.
In a letter of protest addressed to Human Rights Sub-Committee Chair, Heidi Hautala who was not present during the discussion, Aryasinha pointed out that in the over one hour long discussion on Sri Lanka on December 6, of the 32 MEPs on the Sub-Committee, only one chose to speak, and other than for a few comments by the European Commission, most of the time was given to a number of Non-Governmental Organizations”.
The Ambassador said despite his being present and demanding Sri Lanka’s ‘right of reply’, its denial by the Presiding officer at the time, “leaves the unmistakable impression that the Human Rights Sub-Committee is not interested in having a reasoned and balanced discussion on Sri Lanka, but is merely content to allow itself (the European Parliament) to be used as a platform for LTTE apologists to discredit the Government of Sri Lanka”.
This week during the plenary sessions of the Parliament held in Strasbourg, Ambassador Aryasinha who addressed the ‘Friends of Sri Lanka’ of the European Parliament - a cross party group which comprises 25 MEPs from over 10 EU member countries, drew attention to this issue.
He urged them to prevail upon European institutions and their respective home governments “to prevent efforts by LTTE apologists to seek to discredit Sri Lanka, which having overcome its 30 year long struggle against LTTE terrorism, is now firmly embarked on a path of reconciliation and development”. He said “it would be a mistake if European Institutions and member states allow rump LTTE cadres and other LTTE apologists to dictate foreign policy towards Sri Lanka”.
He cautioned that “these institutions and states should be mindful that these elements, as in the past, are continuing to be active and are raising funds in these countries using the cover of human rights, and would pose law and order problem to their hosts, as is evident from the continuing number of arrests of LTTE and its front organization activists in many parts of Europe.”
Addressing the group, ‘Friends of Sri Lanka’ Chairman MEP Geoffrey Van Orden, who called on President Mahinda Rajapaksa in London recently and attended a briefing given to Members of the British Parliament and Members of the European Parliament by the President, informed the group of the discussion he had with the President.
He said the ‘Friends of Sri Lanka’ is advocating that full benefit of the post war development should be enjoyed by the people of Sri Lanka and that to this end the EU should play a prominent role.
The group also took note of the rapid strides taken in Sri Lanka to re-settle and provide livelihoods to most IDPs from the conflict, to re-integrate into society all child combatants and many others who surrendered were arrested, to progressively relax emergency regulations and the on-going work of the Lessons Learnt and Reconciliation Commission (LLRC) which had already made a number of interim recommendations which were being implemented by the Government. They agreed to intensify efforts to protect the good image of Sri Lanka, both within the European Parliament and in EU member state capitals.Courtesy: News.lk
Print E-Mail Article
prevent efforts by LTTE apologists to seek to discredit Sri Lanka, which having overcome its 30 year long struggle against LTTE terrorism, is now firm
http://www.nationalsecurity.lk/MCNS/defence-security/index.php
Sri Lanka tells EU not to allow use of EU as Platform for LTTE apologists
Sri Lanka’s Ambassador to Belgium, Luxembourg and the EU Ravinatha Aryasinha has strongly protested the denial of Sri Lanka’s ‘right of reply’ at an “exchange of views on Sri Lanka” held at the European Parliament last week.
In a letter of protest addressed to Human Rights Sub-Committee Chair, Heidi Hautala who was not present during the discussion, Aryasinha pointed out that in the over one hour long discussion on Sri Lanka on December 6, of the 32 MEPs on the Sub-Committee, only one chose to speak, and other than for a few comments by the European Commission, most of the time was given to a number of Non-Governmental Organizations”.
The Ambassador said despite his being present and demanding Sri Lanka’s ‘right of reply’, its denial by the Presiding officer at the time, “leaves the unmistakable impression that the Human Rights Sub-Committee is not interested in having a reasoned and balanced discussion on Sri Lanka, but is merely content to allow itself (the European Parliament) to be used as a platform for LTTE apologists to discredit the Government of Sri Lanka”.
This week during the plenary sessions of the Parliament held in Strasbourg, Ambassador Aryasinha who addressed the ‘Friends of Sri Lanka’ of the European Parliament - a cross party group which comprises 25 MEPs from over 10 EU member countries, drew attention to this issue.
He urged them to prevail upon European institutions and their respective home governments “to prevent efforts by LTTE apologists to seek to discredit Sri Lanka, which having overcome its 30 year long struggle against LTTE terrorism, is now firmly embarked on a path of reconciliation and development”. He said “it would be a mistake if European Institutions and member states allow rump LTTE cadres and other LTTE apologists to dictate foreign policy towards Sri Lanka”.
He cautioned that “these institutions and states should be mindful that these elements, as in the past, are continuing to be active and are raising funds in these countries using the cover of human rights, and would pose law and order problem to their hosts, as is evident from the continuing number of arrests of LTTE and its front organization activists in many parts of Europe.”
Addressing the group, ‘Friends of Sri Lanka’ Chairman MEP Geoffrey Van Orden, who called on President Mahinda Rajapaksa in London recently and attended a briefing given to Members of the British Parliament and Members of the European Parliament by the President, informed the group of the discussion he had with the President.
He said the ‘Friends of Sri Lanka’ is advocating that full benefit of the post war development should be enjoyed by the people of Sri Lanka and that to this end the EU should play a prominent role.
The group also took note of the rapid strides taken in Sri Lanka to re-settle and provide livelihoods to most IDPs from the conflict, to re-integrate into society all child combatants and many others who surrendered were arrested, to progressively relax emergency regulations and the on-going work of the Lessons Learnt and Reconciliation Commission (LLRC) which had already made a number of interim recommendations which were being implemented by the Government. They agreed to intensify efforts to protect the good image of Sri Lanka, both within the European Parliament and in EU member state capitals.Courtesy: News.lk
Australia rejects bogus asylum seekers due to Lanka's normalcy
http://www.defence.lk/new.asp?fname=20101221_02
Australia rejects bogus asylum seekers due to Lanka's normalcy
- UNHCR
The UN High Commission for Refugees (UNHCR) says improved political conditions in Sri Lanka is one of the reasons that led to the jump in the number of rejected cases of asylum seekers in Australia, who should be sent home.
Regional representative of the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees Richard Towle says large numbers of people now coming through the asylum system in Australia are not refugees and "the challenge is how to find fair and humane, and effective ways of allowing them to leave this country to go home", quoting Towle, Australia's Fairfax newspaper reported.
The deportation of failed asylum seekers has already been announced as central to the Australia government's efforts to stem the flow of boats.
So far, however, only a handful of asylum seekers has been deported. The Australia government is believed to be examining further incentives for people to return home, Fairfax reported.
Mr. Towle also called for greater regional co-operation and improved conditions in South-East Asia to prevent asylum seekers from making the perilous voyage from Indonesia. He said the problem has little to do with Australia's border protection policies, but rather a "protection vacuum" throughout the region that has been forcing people to risk their lives on unseaworthy vessels.
Australia rejects bogus asylum seekers due to Lanka's normalcy
- UNHCR
The UN High Commission for Refugees (UNHCR) says improved political conditions in Sri Lanka is one of the reasons that led to the jump in the number of rejected cases of asylum seekers in Australia, who should be sent home.
Regional representative of the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees Richard Towle says large numbers of people now coming through the asylum system in Australia are not refugees and "the challenge is how to find fair and humane, and effective ways of allowing them to leave this country to go home", quoting Towle, Australia's Fairfax newspaper reported.
The deportation of failed asylum seekers has already been announced as central to the Australia government's efforts to stem the flow of boats.
So far, however, only a handful of asylum seekers has been deported. The Australia government is believed to be examining further incentives for people to return home, Fairfax reported.
Mr. Towle also called for greater regional co-operation and improved conditions in South-East Asia to prevent asylum seekers from making the perilous voyage from Indonesia. He said the problem has little to do with Australia's border protection policies, but rather a "protection vacuum" throughout the region that has been forcing people to risk their lives on unseaworthy vessels.
97% already resettled including 4,816 families at Oddusudan" - DS
http://www.defence.lk/new.asp?fname=20101221_03
97% already resettled including 4,816 families at Oddusudan" - DS
Government initiated development projects of Rs. 666.6 billion underway since 2009 at Oddusudan- Mullaittivu...
"A total of 4,816 families including 14,853 individuals - 97% of the total inhabitants at Oddusudan have been resettled since 9th Dec, 2009" said Mrs. S. Madhialagan- Divisional Secretariat at Oddusudan.
Speaking with defence.lk exclusively on the progress of resettlement, rehabilitation and development in the area, Mrs. Madhialagan further asserted that many of the remaining families according to statistical data-have either moved-out to other pastures or migrated during the cause of terrorist activities in the area.
"Oddusudan DS which includes five Grama-Seva Divisions(GS) was considered the strategic heart of Mullaittivu District during the phase of terrorist presence-the very reason that crippled normalcy while furthering any sort of development activities taking place" she said.
Referring to her service of 6 years at Oddusudan, Mrs. Madhialagan said that the past 12 months have been immensely noteworthy, which she asserts the Government's unequivocal effort for reconciliation in the war ravaged land. Since, its liberation from LTTE, Oddusudan is making a commendable development stride - provided bulk of assistance for agriculture and irrigation by the government including fertilizers and crop seeds at concessional rates vis-ā-vis aids.
She also made note of the Security forces contribution with labour and material to speed-up the development projects under-taken. Schools, hospitals, roads, public transportation and electricity are among the many infrastructure facilities provided with the latter made possible since July, this year.
According to DS Mrs. Madhialagan, the Thirumurikandy Kovil and many other similar places of worship have been renovated and open for public with the assistance of security forces and Police.
View video for the exclusive interview with Oddusudan DS Mrs. S. Madhialagan on 14th Dec, 2010.
97% already resettled including 4,816 families at Oddusudan" - DS
Government initiated development projects of Rs. 666.6 billion underway since 2009 at Oddusudan- Mullaittivu...
"A total of 4,816 families including 14,853 individuals - 97% of the total inhabitants at Oddusudan have been resettled since 9th Dec, 2009" said Mrs. S. Madhialagan- Divisional Secretariat at Oddusudan.
Speaking with defence.lk exclusively on the progress of resettlement, rehabilitation and development in the area, Mrs. Madhialagan further asserted that many of the remaining families according to statistical data-have either moved-out to other pastures or migrated during the cause of terrorist activities in the area.
"Oddusudan DS which includes five Grama-Seva Divisions(GS) was considered the strategic heart of Mullaittivu District during the phase of terrorist presence-the very reason that crippled normalcy while furthering any sort of development activities taking place" she said.
Referring to her service of 6 years at Oddusudan, Mrs. Madhialagan said that the past 12 months have been immensely noteworthy, which she asserts the Government's unequivocal effort for reconciliation in the war ravaged land. Since, its liberation from LTTE, Oddusudan is making a commendable development stride - provided bulk of assistance for agriculture and irrigation by the government including fertilizers and crop seeds at concessional rates vis-ā-vis aids.
She also made note of the Security forces contribution with labour and material to speed-up the development projects under-taken. Schools, hospitals, roads, public transportation and electricity are among the many infrastructure facilities provided with the latter made possible since July, this year.
According to DS Mrs. Madhialagan, the Thirumurikandy Kovil and many other similar places of worship have been renovated and open for public with the assistance of security forces and Police.
View video for the exclusive interview with Oddusudan DS Mrs. S. Madhialagan on 14th Dec, 2010.
D aide probed for LTTE links in India
http://www.defence.lk/new.asp?fname=20101221_01
D aide probed for LTTE links in India
Mumbai's Anti Terrorism Squad (ATS) is questioning a key member of Dawood Ibrahim gang for alleged links with the LTTE terrorists to supply arms for terror activities in India.
ATS has sought a fresh remand for D-Company top lieutenant Mirza Mohiddin Baig, currently under Crime Branch's custody, to question him in connection with terror links in India.
Additional Director General of Police, Rakesh Maria, confirmed to MiD DAY that Baig is being interrogated for terror links in India. He refused to give further details.
Baig, who was on the Interpol's wanted list, was arrested in Colombo on May 8, 2009, after a long stint in Sri Lanka, and deported to India.
The police had recovered three pistols and 18 live rounds from him.
Since then, the gangster had been in judicial custody until last week when the Indian Crime Branch took over, after his name cropped up again after intelligence reports indicate that D-Company is procuring arms and ammunition from the remaining members of LTTE for operations in India.
Investigations by ATS and the Crime Branch provide evidence that D-gang members have allied with the Pakistani Lashkar-e-Taiba for spreading terror in the country.
Reports indicate that under the 'Karachi Project', terrorist organizations have been using Dawood's network in India for logistic support.
A few hundred of the LTTE core cadre have gone underground with huge quantities of arms and deadly explosive RDX after Prabhakaran was killed last year.
Baig was arrested soon after the operations.
Baig's questioning assumes significance in light of reports that LTTE is planning to target the country's Prime Minister and Home Minister.
Police sources said that Baig could also be questioned for the alleged involvement of D-Company, directly or indirectly, in the Varanasi bomb blast earlier this month.
Baig climbed up the mafia ranks after he was running illegal ISD facilities.
Dawood's second-in-command, Chhota Shakeel, soon made him the nodal person in Mumbai.
The gangster from Kortula in Karim Nagar district in Andhra Pradesh was assigned the task to deliver arms to D-Company shooters in Mumbai, before he was arrested by the Crime Branch's Criminal Intelligence Unit. An AK-47 rifle and four imported revolvers were recovered from Baig during the raid on his hideout in 2000.
The gangster had then confessed of having links with gun suppliers in Bangkok, Nepal, Pakistan and Sri Lanka, a former Crime Branch officer said.
Baig soon jumped bail and escaped to Dubai and later surfaced in Colombo.
Rashid Malbari, another ace shooter in Dawood's gang, was carrying out underworld operations from Sri Lanka.
Courtesy: www.midday.com
D aide probed for LTTE links in India
Mumbai's Anti Terrorism Squad (ATS) is questioning a key member of Dawood Ibrahim gang for alleged links with the LTTE terrorists to supply arms for terror activities in India.
ATS has sought a fresh remand for D-Company top lieutenant Mirza Mohiddin Baig, currently under Crime Branch's custody, to question him in connection with terror links in India.
Additional Director General of Police, Rakesh Maria, confirmed to MiD DAY that Baig is being interrogated for terror links in India. He refused to give further details.
Baig, who was on the Interpol's wanted list, was arrested in Colombo on May 8, 2009, after a long stint in Sri Lanka, and deported to India.
The police had recovered three pistols and 18 live rounds from him.
Since then, the gangster had been in judicial custody until last week when the Indian Crime Branch took over, after his name cropped up again after intelligence reports indicate that D-Company is procuring arms and ammunition from the remaining members of LTTE for operations in India.
Investigations by ATS and the Crime Branch provide evidence that D-gang members have allied with the Pakistani Lashkar-e-Taiba for spreading terror in the country.
Reports indicate that under the 'Karachi Project', terrorist organizations have been using Dawood's network in India for logistic support.
A few hundred of the LTTE core cadre have gone underground with huge quantities of arms and deadly explosive RDX after Prabhakaran was killed last year.
Baig was arrested soon after the operations.
Baig's questioning assumes significance in light of reports that LTTE is planning to target the country's Prime Minister and Home Minister.
Police sources said that Baig could also be questioned for the alleged involvement of D-Company, directly or indirectly, in the Varanasi bomb blast earlier this month.
Baig climbed up the mafia ranks after he was running illegal ISD facilities.
Dawood's second-in-command, Chhota Shakeel, soon made him the nodal person in Mumbai.
The gangster from Kortula in Karim Nagar district in Andhra Pradesh was assigned the task to deliver arms to D-Company shooters in Mumbai, before he was arrested by the Crime Branch's Criminal Intelligence Unit. An AK-47 rifle and four imported revolvers were recovered from Baig during the raid on his hideout in 2000.
The gangster had then confessed of having links with gun suppliers in Bangkok, Nepal, Pakistan and Sri Lanka, a former Crime Branch officer said.
Baig soon jumped bail and escaped to Dubai and later surfaced in Colombo.
Rashid Malbari, another ace shooter in Dawood's gang, was carrying out underworld operations from Sri Lanka.
Courtesy: www.midday.com
Sunday, December 19, 2010
Singaporean sentenced in LTTE arms deal in USA.
He was convicted in October of conspiracy to provide material support to a foreign terrorist organization, Washington Examiner reported.
Federal prosecutors say Naidu was part of a conspiracy to buy weapons for the LTTE.
The State Department designated it as a terrorist organization in 1997.
Prosecutors say Naidu tried to buy $ 900,000 in weapons from an undercover business in Maryland. Courtesy:dailynews.lk
Federal prosecutors say Naidu was part of a conspiracy to buy weapons for the LTTE.
The State Department designated it as a terrorist organization in 1997.
Prosecutors say Naidu tried to buy $ 900,000 in weapons from an undercover business in Maryland. Courtesy:dailynews.lk
Indo-Lanka unity could crush terrorism
http://www.defence.lk/new.asp?fname=20101219_02
Indo-Lanka unity could crush terrorism
Sri Lanka achieved a significant milestone in the global battle against terrorism over one-and-a-half-years ago when its valiant Security Forces crushed the world's most ruthless terror outfit - the LTTE.
At the time, barely anyone believed that the LTTE could be crushed militarily as the Tigers seemed to be so powerful, holding on to land with sea and air power. They not only unleashed untold misery on millions of innocent civilians with indiscriminate bomb explosions targeting public places, but also assassinated the Heads of State in India and Sri Lanka.
Hence, demolishing Tiger power and vanquishing the LTTE leadership are undoubtedly a landmark achievement in the world's military history. The LTTE's separatist campaign could have possibly even destabilised the South Asian region. Thanks to the bold decisions of President Mahinda Rajapaksa and the immeasurable contribution by the Security Forces, the LTTE crumbled like nine pins.
As highlighted by Minister of External Affairs Prof. G.L. Peiris in Bangkok recently, Asian countries should co-ordinate their policies and actions to ensure that such conflicts do not endanger stability and the economic progress of the region. No country could deal with such a situation like this alone and needs regional assistance to maintain its status quo.
According to recent reports from India, certain quarters, with the help of a section of the Tamil Diaspora, are now attempting to resurrect the defunct LTTE. Media reports from India said that the LTTE is trying to regroup and, moreover, planning to launch
spectacular strikes on high-profile VVIP targets such as Indian Prime Minister Manmohan Singh, Home Minister P. Chidambaram and Tamil Nadu Chief Minister M. Karunanidhi, who have voiced strongly against terrorism.
Quoting intelligence sources, the report added that certain ex-cadre of the LTTE, who escaped the wrath of Sri Lanka's Security Forces, were attempting to regroup in India to plan attacks on India's top political leaders, particularly when they travel in the Tamil Nadu State.
India's Additional Solicitor General (ASG) Amarjit Singh Chandhioke asserted that the Indian Government has adequate means to ban the terror outfit and cited several pro-LTTE articles and speeches delivered by its supporters in recent times.
India had listed the LTTE as a terror outfit since 1992. The ASG defended the May 14 notification extending the ban on the LTTE, claiming that the outfit has Tamil Nadu as its base and is involved in smuggling explosives and communication devices.
Considering the LTTE's previous track record of assassinating the then Indian Prime Minister Rajiv Gandhi in 1991 and President Ranasinghe Premadasa in 1993, security agencies have taken this matter seriously. Gandhi had to pay the supreme price of being a vociferous leader against terrorism as he was assassinated by an LTTE suicide bomber in the Southern state nearly two decades ago. India would never forgive the LTTE for assassinating one of its greatest sons.
As Prime Minister Manmohan Singh is likely to visit Tamil Nadu next month to attend a series of public functions, the Indian Security
Forces would take no chances for any terror acts in the world's largest democracy.
Although the LTTE leaders have been vanquished and its terror machine destroyed, one cannot for a moment rule out the possibility of any desperate attempt by its few residue members, who could stage a comeback with major devastation. With Sri Lanka's firm security blanket in place with no room whatsoever for any terror acts in the island, the LTTE could come into the limelight in India.
Commander of the Sri Lanka Army, Lieutenant General Jagath Jayasuriya, has said that the Security Forces are ready to face any challenge in the aftermath of the elimination of terrorism. Lt. Gen. Jayasuriya told the 55th anniversary of the SLA Armoured Corps Regimental Headquarters at the Rock House Camp in Modera last week, that the Sri Lanka Army is on constant alert against any resurfacing of terrorism in the country.
Sri Lanka and India should work more closely to eradicate terrorism in the South Asian region. Sri Lanka's military capability and its first-hand experience in overpowering the world's most brutal terrorist group should be combined effectively with India's military might to crush terrorism in the subcontinent forever.
It was indeed heartening to listen to India's National Security Advisor Shiv Shankar Menon during a meeting he had with Sri Lankan media heads in New Delhi earlier this month. Menon, the former Indian High Commissioner to Colombo, has reiterated that Indian soil would never be allowed for terror acts in the future.
Menon said that India has always rejected terrorism and added that no mainstream Indian political party had supported the LTTE during the past 30 years. "Indian soil will never be allowed to be used for terror acts. India has been very firm on that score and would assure no room for terrorism," he was quoted as saying.
He said that the security of India and Sri Lanka is interconnected in most aspects. Hence, the two neighbouring countries should work more closely to ensure security in the region. If the two countries work closely with its experienced and capable security network, the revival of the LTTE would be a mere pipe dream.
The Governments of Sri Lanka and India have a greater mutual understanding in every aspect, helping in all areas while respecting each other's independence. Menon, during the interview, said that India would never interfere with Sri Lanka's internal affairs and would only extend its support in whatever areas they wish. While recommending that Sri Lanka should have its own homegrown solution for the problems of its people, Menon said that people in Tamil Nadu or elsewhere should not get unduly worried if people in the North are happy with the solutions they get.
These bold statements by Menon amply demonstrate his excellent diplomacy and statesmanship at the highest level. This attitude would certainly further strengthen the bilateral relations between the two countries which date back to centuries.
Indo-Lanka relations have never been on such a good footing and this is an excellent opportunity for both India and Sri Lanka to draw up a joint mechanism to crush terrorism.
As President Rajapaksa quite rightly told the UN General Assembly three years ago, terrorism in any part of the world is terrorism and should be dealt with in similar fashion.
Courtesy : Sunday observer
Indo-Lanka unity could crush terrorism
Sri Lanka achieved a significant milestone in the global battle against terrorism over one-and-a-half-years ago when its valiant Security Forces crushed the world's most ruthless terror outfit - the LTTE.
At the time, barely anyone believed that the LTTE could be crushed militarily as the Tigers seemed to be so powerful, holding on to land with sea and air power. They not only unleashed untold misery on millions of innocent civilians with indiscriminate bomb explosions targeting public places, but also assassinated the Heads of State in India and Sri Lanka.
Hence, demolishing Tiger power and vanquishing the LTTE leadership are undoubtedly a landmark achievement in the world's military history. The LTTE's separatist campaign could have possibly even destabilised the South Asian region. Thanks to the bold decisions of President Mahinda Rajapaksa and the immeasurable contribution by the Security Forces, the LTTE crumbled like nine pins.
As highlighted by Minister of External Affairs Prof. G.L. Peiris in Bangkok recently, Asian countries should co-ordinate their policies and actions to ensure that such conflicts do not endanger stability and the economic progress of the region. No country could deal with such a situation like this alone and needs regional assistance to maintain its status quo.
According to recent reports from India, certain quarters, with the help of a section of the Tamil Diaspora, are now attempting to resurrect the defunct LTTE. Media reports from India said that the LTTE is trying to regroup and, moreover, planning to launch
spectacular strikes on high-profile VVIP targets such as Indian Prime Minister Manmohan Singh, Home Minister P. Chidambaram and Tamil Nadu Chief Minister M. Karunanidhi, who have voiced strongly against terrorism.
Quoting intelligence sources, the report added that certain ex-cadre of the LTTE, who escaped the wrath of Sri Lanka's Security Forces, were attempting to regroup in India to plan attacks on India's top political leaders, particularly when they travel in the Tamil Nadu State.
India's Additional Solicitor General (ASG) Amarjit Singh Chandhioke asserted that the Indian Government has adequate means to ban the terror outfit and cited several pro-LTTE articles and speeches delivered by its supporters in recent times.
India had listed the LTTE as a terror outfit since 1992. The ASG defended the May 14 notification extending the ban on the LTTE, claiming that the outfit has Tamil Nadu as its base and is involved in smuggling explosives and communication devices.
Considering the LTTE's previous track record of assassinating the then Indian Prime Minister Rajiv Gandhi in 1991 and President Ranasinghe Premadasa in 1993, security agencies have taken this matter seriously. Gandhi had to pay the supreme price of being a vociferous leader against terrorism as he was assassinated by an LTTE suicide bomber in the Southern state nearly two decades ago. India would never forgive the LTTE for assassinating one of its greatest sons.
As Prime Minister Manmohan Singh is likely to visit Tamil Nadu next month to attend a series of public functions, the Indian Security
Forces would take no chances for any terror acts in the world's largest democracy.
Although the LTTE leaders have been vanquished and its terror machine destroyed, one cannot for a moment rule out the possibility of any desperate attempt by its few residue members, who could stage a comeback with major devastation. With Sri Lanka's firm security blanket in place with no room whatsoever for any terror acts in the island, the LTTE could come into the limelight in India.
Commander of the Sri Lanka Army, Lieutenant General Jagath Jayasuriya, has said that the Security Forces are ready to face any challenge in the aftermath of the elimination of terrorism. Lt. Gen. Jayasuriya told the 55th anniversary of the SLA Armoured Corps Regimental Headquarters at the Rock House Camp in Modera last week, that the Sri Lanka Army is on constant alert against any resurfacing of terrorism in the country.
Sri Lanka and India should work more closely to eradicate terrorism in the South Asian region. Sri Lanka's military capability and its first-hand experience in overpowering the world's most brutal terrorist group should be combined effectively with India's military might to crush terrorism in the subcontinent forever.
It was indeed heartening to listen to India's National Security Advisor Shiv Shankar Menon during a meeting he had with Sri Lankan media heads in New Delhi earlier this month. Menon, the former Indian High Commissioner to Colombo, has reiterated that Indian soil would never be allowed for terror acts in the future.
Menon said that India has always rejected terrorism and added that no mainstream Indian political party had supported the LTTE during the past 30 years. "Indian soil will never be allowed to be used for terror acts. India has been very firm on that score and would assure no room for terrorism," he was quoted as saying.
He said that the security of India and Sri Lanka is interconnected in most aspects. Hence, the two neighbouring countries should work more closely to ensure security in the region. If the two countries work closely with its experienced and capable security network, the revival of the LTTE would be a mere pipe dream.
The Governments of Sri Lanka and India have a greater mutual understanding in every aspect, helping in all areas while respecting each other's independence. Menon, during the interview, said that India would never interfere with Sri Lanka's internal affairs and would only extend its support in whatever areas they wish. While recommending that Sri Lanka should have its own homegrown solution for the problems of its people, Menon said that people in Tamil Nadu or elsewhere should not get unduly worried if people in the North are happy with the solutions they get.
These bold statements by Menon amply demonstrate his excellent diplomacy and statesmanship at the highest level. This attitude would certainly further strengthen the bilateral relations between the two countries which date back to centuries.
Indo-Lanka relations have never been on such a good footing and this is an excellent opportunity for both India and Sri Lanka to draw up a joint mechanism to crush terrorism.
As President Rajapaksa quite rightly told the UN General Assembly three years ago, terrorism in any part of the world is terrorism and should be dealt with in similar fashion.
Courtesy : Sunday observer
Terror suspect in Canada loses appeal
http://www.defence.lk/new.asp?fname=20101219_04
Terror suspect in Canada loses appeal
Hours after losing a major legal ruling, a Sri Lankan-Canadian facing terrorism-related charges began the process Friday of appealing to the Supreme Court of Canada.
Suresh Sriskandarajah, 30, has been ordered extradited to the United States for trial on allegations he worked for the Tigers in his native Sri Lanka between 2004 and 2006.
That order was upheld Friday by the Ontario Court of Appeal in one of six decisions released on key aspects of Canada's anti-terrorism laws.
"The evidence against Sriskandarajah, while mostly circumstantial, was extensive," the three judges wrote.
The ruling means Sriskandarajah - an accomplished academic with several degrees from local universities - is back in custody.
But his lawyer, John Norris, said Sriskandarajah is seeking leave to appeal to the Supreme Court and will apply for release on bail until the case is heard.
It will likely take about six months for word on whether the Supreme Court will grant leave for the appeal, which would involve a constitutional argument that Canada's anti-terrorism provisions are too broad.
That same argument was rejected by the Ontario Court of Appeal, which found laws passed in 2001 justifiably focus on the prevention of deadly terrorist acts and don't improperly cover conduct outside the scope needed to achieve that goal.
The three judges also dismissed arguments that there is no evidence Sriskandarajah knew he was dealing with members of the Tigers or realized he was supporting terrorists.
Sriskandarajah faces up to 25 years in prison for allegedly researching and buying submarine and warship design software, and communications equipment for the Tigers.
He is also accused of using students to smuggle goods into northern Sri Lanka under the code name Waterloo Suresh and laundering money in U.S. bank accounts for Tiger activities, including travel.
Sriskandarajah has said he only wanted to help young people after decades of civil war in the island country he left as a boy.
Sriskandarajah was arrested in 2006 after a joint FBI-RCMP investigation into supporters of the Tigers, a group declared a terrorist organization by the U.S. in 1997 and by Canada in 2006.
In all, 12 men were arrested in Canada and the U.S. Sriskandarajah was portrayed as the leader of four suspects with ties to the University of Waterloo.
Charges against two of them have since been dropped. Sriskandarajah's friend and co-accused, Ramanam Mylvaganam, is already in the U.S. after exhausting his appeals.
An unrelated aspect of the probe involved an attempt by four Canadians to purchase $1-million US worth of missiles and AK-47 assault rifles in New York from a police agent posing as an arms dealer.
Courtesy : Sunday observer
Terror suspect in Canada loses appeal
Hours after losing a major legal ruling, a Sri Lankan-Canadian facing terrorism-related charges began the process Friday of appealing to the Supreme Court of Canada.
Suresh Sriskandarajah, 30, has been ordered extradited to the United States for trial on allegations he worked for the Tigers in his native Sri Lanka between 2004 and 2006.
That order was upheld Friday by the Ontario Court of Appeal in one of six decisions released on key aspects of Canada's anti-terrorism laws.
"The evidence against Sriskandarajah, while mostly circumstantial, was extensive," the three judges wrote.
The ruling means Sriskandarajah - an accomplished academic with several degrees from local universities - is back in custody.
But his lawyer, John Norris, said Sriskandarajah is seeking leave to appeal to the Supreme Court and will apply for release on bail until the case is heard.
It will likely take about six months for word on whether the Supreme Court will grant leave for the appeal, which would involve a constitutional argument that Canada's anti-terrorism provisions are too broad.
That same argument was rejected by the Ontario Court of Appeal, which found laws passed in 2001 justifiably focus on the prevention of deadly terrorist acts and don't improperly cover conduct outside the scope needed to achieve that goal.
The three judges also dismissed arguments that there is no evidence Sriskandarajah knew he was dealing with members of the Tigers or realized he was supporting terrorists.
Sriskandarajah faces up to 25 years in prison for allegedly researching and buying submarine and warship design software, and communications equipment for the Tigers.
He is also accused of using students to smuggle goods into northern Sri Lanka under the code name Waterloo Suresh and laundering money in U.S. bank accounts for Tiger activities, including travel.
Sriskandarajah has said he only wanted to help young people after decades of civil war in the island country he left as a boy.
Sriskandarajah was arrested in 2006 after a joint FBI-RCMP investigation into supporters of the Tigers, a group declared a terrorist organization by the U.S. in 1997 and by Canada in 2006.
In all, 12 men were arrested in Canada and the U.S. Sriskandarajah was portrayed as the leader of four suspects with ties to the University of Waterloo.
Charges against two of them have since been dropped. Sriskandarajah's friend and co-accused, Ramanam Mylvaganam, is already in the U.S. after exhausting his appeals.
An unrelated aspect of the probe involved an attempt by four Canadians to purchase $1-million US worth of missiles and AK-47 assault rifles in New York from a police agent posing as an arms dealer.
Courtesy : Sunday observer
Houses for terror hit families
http://www.defence.lk/new.asp?fname=20101218_02
Houses for terror hit families
Arrangements are made to offer housing facilities to nearly 3,000 homeless families who were made to desert their houses and property in fear of LTTE terrorist attacks in Anuradhapura district.
The Anuradhapura District National Housing Development Authority initiated the preliminary action to implement the housing program.
NHDA Senior Manager Anuradhapura R Dhanapala said data and information of displaced families who are not possessing proper housing facilities in Kebithigollewa, Padaviya, Welioya, Mahawilachchiya, Horowpothana, Medawachchiya, Galenbindunuwewa were being collected and analysed through the Anuradhapura District Secretariat, at present.
The proposed housing construction project would be affiliated to the ongoing Uthuru Vasanthaya program launched for he overall development of the Northern Province, since the particular villages are located close to boundaries of Mannar, Vavuniya and Mulaithivu districts. It has been roughly estimated that Rs 350 million would be required for the completion of the housing schemes to be put up in these districts.
"Families who fled in fear of LTTE attacks in the past are now arriving at their former villages, where most of the houses were devastated by terrorists and jumbos. In the light of this situation the NHDA has come forward to assist them in securing suitable housing facilities," Dhanapala emphasised.
Referring to Mahanikawewa hamlet in Kebithigollewa division he said that LTTE terrorists attacked innocent civilians of the village. Nearly 60 families were given shelter in a refugee camp.
They are now leaving the refugee camp to resettle in their village. The NHDA has selected 12 families whose houses have been totally destroyed and are offering new houses at a cost of Rs 1.5 million, according to the senior manager.
Houses for terror hit families
Arrangements are made to offer housing facilities to nearly 3,000 homeless families who were made to desert their houses and property in fear of LTTE terrorist attacks in Anuradhapura district.
The Anuradhapura District National Housing Development Authority initiated the preliminary action to implement the housing program.
NHDA Senior Manager Anuradhapura R Dhanapala said data and information of displaced families who are not possessing proper housing facilities in Kebithigollewa, Padaviya, Welioya, Mahawilachchiya, Horowpothana, Medawachchiya, Galenbindunuwewa were being collected and analysed through the Anuradhapura District Secretariat, at present.
The proposed housing construction project would be affiliated to the ongoing Uthuru Vasanthaya program launched for he overall development of the Northern Province, since the particular villages are located close to boundaries of Mannar, Vavuniya and Mulaithivu districts. It has been roughly estimated that Rs 350 million would be required for the completion of the housing schemes to be put up in these districts.
"Families who fled in fear of LTTE attacks in the past are now arriving at their former villages, where most of the houses were devastated by terrorists and jumbos. In the light of this situation the NHDA has come forward to assist them in securing suitable housing facilities," Dhanapala emphasised.
Referring to Mahanikawewa hamlet in Kebithigollewa division he said that LTTE terrorists attacked innocent civilians of the village. Nearly 60 families were given shelter in a refugee camp.
They are now leaving the refugee camp to resettle in their village. The NHDA has selected 12 families whose houses have been totally destroyed and are offering new houses at a cost of Rs 1.5 million, according to the senior manager.
Indian southern States alerted on LTTE attacks
http://www.defence.lk/new.asp?fname=20101217_09
Indian southern States alerted on LTTE attacks
The Indian government has issued an alert to all southern States, particularly Tamil Nadu, following intelligence reports that the LTTE may be trying to regroup in India.
Intelligence inputs have indicated that the Prime Minister could be attacked when he visits Tamil Nadu in the first week of January.
Reports also indicated that LTTE cadres could already be hiding in Tamil Nadu, collecting equipment or explosives to build up their capability to launch attacks.
Highly placed sources in the Union Home Ministry said yesterday that intelligence agencies had warned of fresh threats from the LTTE to Prime Minister Manmohan Singh, Tamil Nadu Chief Minister M. Karunanidhi, Union Home Minister P. Chidambaram and Union Home Secretary G. K. Pillai, the Hindu reported.
They said the inputs, emanating from different quarters, indicated a threat to Dr. Singh who is scheduled to visit Tamil Nadu in the first week of January.
Courtesy : President's Media Unit
Indian southern States alerted on LTTE attacks
The Indian government has issued an alert to all southern States, particularly Tamil Nadu, following intelligence reports that the LTTE may be trying to regroup in India.
Intelligence inputs have indicated that the Prime Minister could be attacked when he visits Tamil Nadu in the first week of January.
Reports also indicated that LTTE cadres could already be hiding in Tamil Nadu, collecting equipment or explosives to build up their capability to launch attacks.
Highly placed sources in the Union Home Ministry said yesterday that intelligence agencies had warned of fresh threats from the LTTE to Prime Minister Manmohan Singh, Tamil Nadu Chief Minister M. Karunanidhi, Union Home Minister P. Chidambaram and Union Home Secretary G. K. Pillai, the Hindu reported.
They said the inputs, emanating from different quarters, indicated a threat to Dr. Singh who is scheduled to visit Tamil Nadu in the first week of January.
Courtesy : President's Media Unit
Ex-LTTE cadres well looked after - IOM Chief
http://www.defence.lk/new.asp?fname=20101217_07
Ex-LTTE cadres well looked after - IOM Chief
Former LTTE combatants at rehabilitation centres are well looked after and there had been no complaints, International Organisation for Migration (IOM) Chief of Mission in Sri Lanka, Richard Danziger stated.
Addressing the media at the IOM Colombo office, on the eve of the International Migrants' Day, Danziger said that the IOM had provided opportunity for ex-LTTE combatants to reintegrate into civilian society by providing job opportunities and training in different vocations.
"We are helping ex-combatants to return to society and re-integrate with their families as some of them are breadwinners," he added.
Responding to a query, the IOM Head said there seemed to be no cases of ill-treatment and the programme was being conducted at a satisfactory level.
The IOM had commenced a programme to help those rehabilitated even before the war came to an end in the North, he said.
With regard to funding, Danziger said that the USA and Netherlands had been helping the IOM but it needed more funding.
He said that it as important to ensure that the migrants enjoyed their rights. "The Sri Lankan migrants overseas have contributed a lot to the country's economy," he pointed out.
When questioned about the Sri Lankans who had tried to enter other countries illegally and been deported, he said, "You cannot stop migration but Sri Lanka has upgraded border management and we are working closely with the government."
Courtesy : President's Media Unit
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