Sri Lankan Prime Minister calls on all forces to join hands to develop the country's economySat, May 29, 2010, 11:31 am SL Time, ColomboPage News Desk, Sri Lanka.
May 29, Colombo: Sri Lanka's Prime Minister D.M. Jayaratne has called on every one to give up party politics to join hands in building the country's economy.
The Prime Minister addressing the Central Provincial councilors, public sector employees and the public during the ceremony to inaugurate the "Sraddanjalee" programme in Kandy on May 28 had made this statement.
"Let us give up partisan politics and party leaders, religious leaders, government department heads, social groups and the media must join hands to build up the economy by being useful to your community and the country," Jayaratne had said.
He had said that every one hopes for the creation of a society of great patriots and to create a just society and that the teachings of the Lord Buddha should be followed and respected.
The Premier had pointed out that all religions speak of the need to live simple lives and be helpful to one's fellowmen and pointed out that if everyone lived by these teachings a just society could be built.
Monday, May 31, 2010
http://www.colombopage.com/archive_10A/May30_1275233568KA.php
Sri Lanka Transport Board to employ 100 ex-combatantsSun, May 30, 2010, 09:02 pm SL Time, ColomboPage News Desk, Sri Lanka. May 30, Colombo: Sri Lanka state-owned Transport Board will provide jobs for 100 rehabilitated former Tamil Tiger child soldiers.
These ex-combatants of the Liberation Tigers of Tamil Ealam (LTTE) surrendered to the Army following the defeat of the Tigers in the final battle. They underwent a rehabilitation programme conducted by Sri Lanka Rehabilitation Authority.
The youth are now being trained as drivers in a 3-month long training program at Sri Lanka Transport Board's Kondawil Depot in Jaffna, said Northern Province Governor Major General G.A. Chandrasiri.
The entire expenditure of this training programme including uniforms, food and lodging expenses is borne by the Northern Province government.
The youth will be employed as bus drivers in Northern Province.
Since most of the LTTE child soldiers have not received any formal education during their time with the LTTE, the youth are being given vocational training. The child soldiers who kept up with the formal education have been sent to schools to further their studies.
These ex-combatants of the Liberation Tigers of Tamil Ealam (LTTE) surrendered to the Army following the defeat of the Tigers in the final battle. They underwent a rehabilitation programme conducted by Sri Lanka Rehabilitation Authority.
The youth are now being trained as drivers in a 3-month long training program at Sri Lanka Transport Board's Kondawil Depot in Jaffna, said Northern Province Governor Major General G.A. Chandrasiri.
The entire expenditure of this training programme including uniforms, food and lodging expenses is borne by the Northern Province government.
The youth will be employed as bus drivers in Northern Province.
Since most of the LTTE child soldiers have not received any formal education during their time with the LTTE, the youth are being given vocational training. The child soldiers who kept up with the formal education have been sent to schools to further their studies.
A timely move
A timely move
The country is still celebrating Vesak, the holiest event for Buddhists all over the world. Buddhism occupies a unique place in our history and indeed, in our day-to-day lives.
Sri Lanka is one of the few countries where Buddhism survives in its purest form. Sri Lanka has become the leading voice for Buddhist causes in the world arena.
It is therefore appropriate that the Government is planning to introduce five Acts to preserve Buddhism and the Maha Sangha for the future generation, as reported in yesterday’s Daily News.
According to Prime Minister DM Jayaratne, a preliminary proposal in this regard has been presented to the Cabinet. Among the proposals is the creation of a Sangha Sabha comprising leading Buddhist monks to advise the Government on matters related to Buddhism.
Throughout Sri Lanka’s history, Buddhist monks have advised the rulers of the day on matters relating to Buddhism and affairs of the State. This tradition is being continued to this day. The Sangha Sabha will thus be a step in the right direction.
Sri Lanka’s rural society thrives on the close link between the temple, the school and the village. But many rural temples do not enjoy the patronage that their counterparts in the City have, due to various reasons. This could affect the very foundation of the rural society.
The Government must therefore be lauded for its proposed initiatives to meet the needs of rural temples. One such effort is to provide an allowance to needy temples in rural areas to improve their infrastructure and supplement other necessities.
The educational needs of Samanera Bhikkus in these temples must be looked into. All facilities should be granted to their Dhamma schools.
The Government should welcome the views and suggestions of eminent Bhikkus here and abroad as well as lay Buddhists regarding the new proposals, so that any valuable inputs could be incorporated. Next year, it will be 2,600 years since the Buddha attained Enlightenment (2600 Sri Sambuddha Jayanthi).
The new Acts are very timely in this context and will certainly help protect and nurture Buddhism in Sri Lanka for generations to come.
Another boost for North
Now that terrorism is no more, local and foreign tourists are free to travel to all areas which remained inaccessible previously. Among the prime attractions which tourists are flocking to are the country’s famous National Parks, some of which had to be closed from time to time during the conflict due to terrorist infiltration and certain incidents.
In a further boost for tourism and environmental conservation, wildlife authorities are planning to set up several wildlife parks, forest and bird sanctuaries in the Northern part of the country.
According to a report we published yesterday, Nayaru, Kokilai, Chundikulam and Madhu Road have been identified as viable locations for such ventures. The rich bio-diversity and unique natural features found in forests, marshes and lagoons in these areas could provide rich material to develop wildlife sanctuaries.
This is a timely move that will help the economic growth of the province, which had seen little or no development during the past 30 years.
Economic Development Minister Basil Rajapaksa had instructed officials to develop identified areas at the earliest possible time following a feasibility study to promote them as attractive eco-tourist destinations. The ventures will also help generate employment for the Northern youth.
It is also heartening to note that the authorities are also looking at the possibility of expanding the extent of the Wilpattu National Park by encompassing viable land areas which are presently unused in the Northern sector of the park.
All parks in the country including Wilpattu are now fully open to visitors, but Wilpattu is yet to regain its former glory. With repairs being done to the park infrastructure and with the clearing of villus and reservoirs covered with weeds and plants, Wilpattu will once again be a haven for visitors - and animals.
Sri Lanka Tourism and the inbound travel industry should actively promote all national parks. The airing of documentaries on our national parks on international TV channels such as Discovery and Animal Planet will certainly help in this endeavour.
Special packages should be tailored for both local and foreign tourists to view the flora and fauna in our national parks and the open concept zoological gardens due to be opened in the South.
The country is still celebrating Vesak, the holiest event for Buddhists all over the world. Buddhism occupies a unique place in our history and indeed, in our day-to-day lives.
Sri Lanka is one of the few countries where Buddhism survives in its purest form. Sri Lanka has become the leading voice for Buddhist causes in the world arena.
It is therefore appropriate that the Government is planning to introduce five Acts to preserve Buddhism and the Maha Sangha for the future generation, as reported in yesterday’s Daily News.
According to Prime Minister DM Jayaratne, a preliminary proposal in this regard has been presented to the Cabinet. Among the proposals is the creation of a Sangha Sabha comprising leading Buddhist monks to advise the Government on matters related to Buddhism.
Throughout Sri Lanka’s history, Buddhist monks have advised the rulers of the day on matters relating to Buddhism and affairs of the State. This tradition is being continued to this day. The Sangha Sabha will thus be a step in the right direction.
Sri Lanka’s rural society thrives on the close link between the temple, the school and the village. But many rural temples do not enjoy the patronage that their counterparts in the City have, due to various reasons. This could affect the very foundation of the rural society.
The Government must therefore be lauded for its proposed initiatives to meet the needs of rural temples. One such effort is to provide an allowance to needy temples in rural areas to improve their infrastructure and supplement other necessities.
The educational needs of Samanera Bhikkus in these temples must be looked into. All facilities should be granted to their Dhamma schools.
The Government should welcome the views and suggestions of eminent Bhikkus here and abroad as well as lay Buddhists regarding the new proposals, so that any valuable inputs could be incorporated. Next year, it will be 2,600 years since the Buddha attained Enlightenment (2600 Sri Sambuddha Jayanthi).
The new Acts are very timely in this context and will certainly help protect and nurture Buddhism in Sri Lanka for generations to come.
Another boost for North
Now that terrorism is no more, local and foreign tourists are free to travel to all areas which remained inaccessible previously. Among the prime attractions which tourists are flocking to are the country’s famous National Parks, some of which had to be closed from time to time during the conflict due to terrorist infiltration and certain incidents.
In a further boost for tourism and environmental conservation, wildlife authorities are planning to set up several wildlife parks, forest and bird sanctuaries in the Northern part of the country.
According to a report we published yesterday, Nayaru, Kokilai, Chundikulam and Madhu Road have been identified as viable locations for such ventures. The rich bio-diversity and unique natural features found in forests, marshes and lagoons in these areas could provide rich material to develop wildlife sanctuaries.
This is a timely move that will help the economic growth of the province, which had seen little or no development during the past 30 years.
Economic Development Minister Basil Rajapaksa had instructed officials to develop identified areas at the earliest possible time following a feasibility study to promote them as attractive eco-tourist destinations. The ventures will also help generate employment for the Northern youth.
It is also heartening to note that the authorities are also looking at the possibility of expanding the extent of the Wilpattu National Park by encompassing viable land areas which are presently unused in the Northern sector of the park.
All parks in the country including Wilpattu are now fully open to visitors, but Wilpattu is yet to regain its former glory. With repairs being done to the park infrastructure and with the clearing of villus and reservoirs covered with weeds and plants, Wilpattu will once again be a haven for visitors - and animals.
Sri Lanka Tourism and the inbound travel industry should actively promote all national parks. The airing of documentaries on our national parks on international TV channels such as Discovery and Animal Planet will certainly help in this endeavour.
Special packages should be tailored for both local and foreign tourists to view the flora and fauna in our national parks and the open concept zoological gardens due to be opened in the South.
GL urges broader, deeper US-SL relationship
http://www.island.lk/2010/05/29/news1.html
GL urges broader, deeper US-SL relationship
Minister of External Affairs Professor G. L. Peiris has called for deeper ties between Sri Lanka and the United States. "We are in ‘unreserved agreement’ with last year’s Senate Foreign Relations Committee report calling for a ‘multi-faceted relationship’ that embraces trade, security and economic ties, not just human rights," he says.
Speaking on human rights, he emphasises the importance of Sri Lanka’s efforts at reconciliation.
"We understand that military victory was not the end but the beginning," Prof. Peiris said on the second day of his 4-day visit to the United States.
Minister Peiris is in the US to apprise the Congress and US government officials of Sri Lanka’s economic development and reconciliation process.
In his remarks to academics at The Heritage Foundation, he noted the "sea change" evident in Sri Lanka since the victory over terrorism a year ago. "Sri Lanka is a land of great potential" he said.
He also discussed Sri Lanka’s economic achievements and a new outlook for tourism to the country in the coming months. He said, "It is time for the US to take a fresh look at Sri Lanka."
Following the Heritage Foundation event, Minister Peiris met with Undersecretary of Defence for Policy Michele Flournoy, who acts as the premier advisor to the Secretary of Defense Robert Gates and the Deputy Secretary of Defense and handles a wide range of national security and defense policies.
He later met with Congressman Gary Ackerman, Chairman of the Subcommittee on the Middle East and South Asia of the Committee on Foreign Affairs. Later he met with National Security Adviser General James L. Jones who serves as the chief adviser to U.S. President Barack Obama on national security issues.
In an interview with Al Jazeera’s Riz Khan, Minister Peiris spoke of the defeat of LTTE and the great impact it had had on Sri Lanka. He said the end of the LTTE meant "freedom from unmitigated oppression" for all Sri Lankans. When asked about the current state of the Tamil Community after the defeat of the LTTE, Prof. Peiris said, "The vast majority of Tamil’s didn’t want to live under the yoke of the LTTE." He continued, "They are happy about the freedom that has now come to them."
GL urges broader, deeper US-SL relationship
Minister of External Affairs Professor G. L. Peiris has called for deeper ties between Sri Lanka and the United States. "We are in ‘unreserved agreement’ with last year’s Senate Foreign Relations Committee report calling for a ‘multi-faceted relationship’ that embraces trade, security and economic ties, not just human rights," he says.
Speaking on human rights, he emphasises the importance of Sri Lanka’s efforts at reconciliation.
"We understand that military victory was not the end but the beginning," Prof. Peiris said on the second day of his 4-day visit to the United States.
Minister Peiris is in the US to apprise the Congress and US government officials of Sri Lanka’s economic development and reconciliation process.
In his remarks to academics at The Heritage Foundation, he noted the "sea change" evident in Sri Lanka since the victory over terrorism a year ago. "Sri Lanka is a land of great potential" he said.
He also discussed Sri Lanka’s economic achievements and a new outlook for tourism to the country in the coming months. He said, "It is time for the US to take a fresh look at Sri Lanka."
Following the Heritage Foundation event, Minister Peiris met with Undersecretary of Defence for Policy Michele Flournoy, who acts as the premier advisor to the Secretary of Defense Robert Gates and the Deputy Secretary of Defense and handles a wide range of national security and defense policies.
He later met with Congressman Gary Ackerman, Chairman of the Subcommittee on the Middle East and South Asia of the Committee on Foreign Affairs. Later he met with National Security Adviser General James L. Jones who serves as the chief adviser to U.S. President Barack Obama on national security issues.
In an interview with Al Jazeera’s Riz Khan, Minister Peiris spoke of the defeat of LTTE and the great impact it had had on Sri Lanka. He said the end of the LTTE meant "freedom from unmitigated oppression" for all Sri Lankans. When asked about the current state of the Tamil Community after the defeat of the LTTE, Prof. Peiris said, "The vast majority of Tamil’s didn’t want to live under the yoke of the LTTE." He continued, "They are happy about the freedom that has now come to them."
Comprehensive Obstetric Care Unit at Kilinochchi General Hospital declared open
Comprehensive Obstetric Care Unit at Kilinochchi General Hospital declared open
The newly constructed Obstetric Theatre, Labour Room, Special Care Baby Unit(SCBU), Pediatric Ward and Maternity Ward of the Kilinochchi District General Hospital was declared open by Minister for Economic Development Basil Rajapaksa on 27th May.
The Kilinochchi district hospital was refurbished at a cost of Rs.13.8 Mn. and Rs. 12.0 Mn worth of medical equipments for the obstetric theatre also provided under the assistance of UNICEF.
Five Land Cruiser Vehicles donated by UNICEF were also distributed among the Regional Directors of Health Services of the Northern Province during the same event. Meanwhile, Twenty Motor Cycles and Two Canter type double cap vehicles bought at Rs.12.8 Million under World Bank assisted Health Sector Development Project (HSDP) were also distributed for the Anti Malaria units of the Kilinochchi and Mullaittivu Districts.
During the same event, as a measure to strengthen the livelihood of the civilians resettled, ten sewing machines bought by the provincial council were handed over to beneficiaries from Oddusuddan area of Mullaittivu district. The beneficiaries were selected by District Secretary, Mullaittivu, Mrs. Emelida Sugumar.
Mr.Haruhiko Kuroda, President, Asian Development Bank, Minister for Power & Energy Champika Ranawaka, Minister Douglas Devananda, Minister Rishad Bathiudeen, Nothern Province Governor Maj General G.A Chandrasiri and senior officials from the Ministries accompanied with Minister Basil Rajapaksa at the functions held in the hospital premises.
Mrs. R.Kethees Waran, District Secretary, Kilinochchi, Mr.A.Sivasamy, Chief Secretary, other Provincial Secretaries and Senior Officials from the Northern Provincial Council has took part at this event and Mr. R.Raveendran, Provincial Health Secretary has coordinated the programme with the corporation of Hospital Staff and RDHS office, Kilinochchi.
The newly constructed Obstetric Theatre, Labour Room, Special Care Baby Unit(SCBU), Pediatric Ward and Maternity Ward of the Kilinochchi District General Hospital was declared open by Minister for Economic Development Basil Rajapaksa on 27th May.
The Kilinochchi district hospital was refurbished at a cost of Rs.13.8 Mn. and Rs. 12.0 Mn worth of medical equipments for the obstetric theatre also provided under the assistance of UNICEF.
Five Land Cruiser Vehicles donated by UNICEF were also distributed among the Regional Directors of Health Services of the Northern Province during the same event. Meanwhile, Twenty Motor Cycles and Two Canter type double cap vehicles bought at Rs.12.8 Million under World Bank assisted Health Sector Development Project (HSDP) were also distributed for the Anti Malaria units of the Kilinochchi and Mullaittivu Districts.
During the same event, as a measure to strengthen the livelihood of the civilians resettled, ten sewing machines bought by the provincial council were handed over to beneficiaries from Oddusuddan area of Mullaittivu district. The beneficiaries were selected by District Secretary, Mullaittivu, Mrs. Emelida Sugumar.
Mr.Haruhiko Kuroda, President, Asian Development Bank, Minister for Power & Energy Champika Ranawaka, Minister Douglas Devananda, Minister Rishad Bathiudeen, Nothern Province Governor Maj General G.A Chandrasiri and senior officials from the Ministries accompanied with Minister Basil Rajapaksa at the functions held in the hospital premises.
Mrs. R.Kethees Waran, District Secretary, Kilinochchi, Mr.A.Sivasamy, Chief Secretary, other Provincial Secretaries and Senior Officials from the Northern Provincial Council has took part at this event and Mr. R.Raveendran, Provincial Health Secretary has coordinated the programme with the corporation of Hospital Staff and RDHS office, Kilinochchi.
Tri-Star jobs for 1,500 LTTE combatants
Tri-Star jobs for 1,500 LTTE combatants
By Shamindra Ferdiando
The government struggling to find employment for ex-LTTE combatants has been relieved by Desamanya Kumar Devapura, Chairman of Tri-Star Apparel Exporters (Pvt) Limited who has expressed readiness to recruit upto 1,500 currently held in military custody.
Devapura will shortly establish a training facility at Vavuniya to accommodate one-time combatants.
Although the war ended in last May on the banks of the Nanthikadal lagoon with the capture of about 12,000 LTTE cadres, there had not been a large scale initiative to find employment for them before Devapura stepped in.
Former Justice and Law Reforms Minister Milinda Moragoda spearheaded a government strategy which paved the way for the business community as well as the international community to help in rehabilitated LTTE cadres. He went to the extent of involving the All Ceylon Hindu Congress in the process, thereby giving the Tamil community confidence in the government.
Addressing the media at the Nippon Hotel yesterday, Devapura said that the first batch would join the company tomorrow (May 31) as trainees at his main factory at Thelawela Road, Ratmalana.
He said that altogether 1,500 would receive employment at his production facilities, including two new factories which would be set up in Jaffna and Kilinochchi, once the hub of LTTE operations.
A smiling entrepreneur said that Defence Secretary Gotabhaya Rajapaksa had asked him whether he could accommodate some ex-LTTE combatants when Rajapaksa visited Polpithigama recently to open a Tri-Star production facility. Of the 600 workers employed at Polpithigama, 250 were close relatives of security forces personnel.
Devapura emphasized the pivotal importance of finding ex-LTTE cadres employment as quickly as possible as part of the overall strategy to help them integrate with the society.
Responding to a query by The Sunday Island whether he was taking an unnecessary risk by opening up factories and recruiting workers due to expected drop in trade caused by withdrawal of GSP plus concessions, Devapura asserted that the Sri Lankan garment industry could face that threat.
He said that as several major buyers remained committed to Sri Lanka, including Marks and Spencer and Asda, people should not be unnecessarily worried about the GSP plus issue.
When told that it was the government which discussed the issue regularly, he said that the production facilities were booked for the next two or three years. He had received an order for 15 million pieces from Asda and was confident of more major orders.
He said political uncertainly and shortage of power, as in the case of one major competitor, would help Sri Lanka to secure more orders.
Devapura was confident that foreign buyers would remain loyal to Sri Lanka saying it was up to the business community to take advantage of the political stability achieved due to eradication of LTTE terrorism. At the height of the war they had to struggle to ensure continuity, though the country had achieved unprecedented stability.
He said that a factory he set up at Thambalagamuwa, Trincomalee, had accommodated about 400 Tamil and Muslim workers each and about 200 Sinhalese, thereby giving 1,000 families an opportunity to improve their living standards.
Devapura owns 15 production facilities, where about 10,000 are employed.
Commissioner General of Rehabilitation, Brig. Sudantha Ranasinghe, explained measures taken by the government to rehabilitate ex-LTTE cadres and help them resume normal life. He said that providing them with employment would be a major challenge and the government was grateful to Devapura for supporting their effort.
Speaking to The Sunday Island after the press conference, Devapura said that the international community should take a fresh look at Sri Lanka now that the LTTE had been eradicated. He emphasized that his factories in Jaffna and Kilinochchi would be exclusively for ex-LTTE combatants and hoped the business community, which was one of the major beneficiaries of the eradication of the LTTE, would respond in a like manner.
He said that the international community should not turn a blind eye to Sri Lanka’s efforts to provide a new life for ex-LTTE men and women and overall improvement in the situation here.
Devapura is one of the major beneficiaries of a range of government concessions offered to the garment sector, particularly during President Ranasinghe Premadasa’s tenure.
By Shamindra Ferdiando
The government struggling to find employment for ex-LTTE combatants has been relieved by Desamanya Kumar Devapura, Chairman of Tri-Star Apparel Exporters (Pvt) Limited who has expressed readiness to recruit upto 1,500 currently held in military custody.
Devapura will shortly establish a training facility at Vavuniya to accommodate one-time combatants.
Although the war ended in last May on the banks of the Nanthikadal lagoon with the capture of about 12,000 LTTE cadres, there had not been a large scale initiative to find employment for them before Devapura stepped in.
Former Justice and Law Reforms Minister Milinda Moragoda spearheaded a government strategy which paved the way for the business community as well as the international community to help in rehabilitated LTTE cadres. He went to the extent of involving the All Ceylon Hindu Congress in the process, thereby giving the Tamil community confidence in the government.
Addressing the media at the Nippon Hotel yesterday, Devapura said that the first batch would join the company tomorrow (May 31) as trainees at his main factory at Thelawela Road, Ratmalana.
He said that altogether 1,500 would receive employment at his production facilities, including two new factories which would be set up in Jaffna and Kilinochchi, once the hub of LTTE operations.
A smiling entrepreneur said that Defence Secretary Gotabhaya Rajapaksa had asked him whether he could accommodate some ex-LTTE combatants when Rajapaksa visited Polpithigama recently to open a Tri-Star production facility. Of the 600 workers employed at Polpithigama, 250 were close relatives of security forces personnel.
Devapura emphasized the pivotal importance of finding ex-LTTE cadres employment as quickly as possible as part of the overall strategy to help them integrate with the society.
Responding to a query by The Sunday Island whether he was taking an unnecessary risk by opening up factories and recruiting workers due to expected drop in trade caused by withdrawal of GSP plus concessions, Devapura asserted that the Sri Lankan garment industry could face that threat.
He said that as several major buyers remained committed to Sri Lanka, including Marks and Spencer and Asda, people should not be unnecessarily worried about the GSP plus issue.
When told that it was the government which discussed the issue regularly, he said that the production facilities were booked for the next two or three years. He had received an order for 15 million pieces from Asda and was confident of more major orders.
He said political uncertainly and shortage of power, as in the case of one major competitor, would help Sri Lanka to secure more orders.
Devapura was confident that foreign buyers would remain loyal to Sri Lanka saying it was up to the business community to take advantage of the political stability achieved due to eradication of LTTE terrorism. At the height of the war they had to struggle to ensure continuity, though the country had achieved unprecedented stability.
He said that a factory he set up at Thambalagamuwa, Trincomalee, had accommodated about 400 Tamil and Muslim workers each and about 200 Sinhalese, thereby giving 1,000 families an opportunity to improve their living standards.
Devapura owns 15 production facilities, where about 10,000 are employed.
Commissioner General of Rehabilitation, Brig. Sudantha Ranasinghe, explained measures taken by the government to rehabilitate ex-LTTE cadres and help them resume normal life. He said that providing them with employment would be a major challenge and the government was grateful to Devapura for supporting their effort.
Speaking to The Sunday Island after the press conference, Devapura said that the international community should take a fresh look at Sri Lanka now that the LTTE had been eradicated. He emphasized that his factories in Jaffna and Kilinochchi would be exclusively for ex-LTTE combatants and hoped the business community, which was one of the major beneficiaries of the eradication of the LTTE, would respond in a like manner.
He said that the international community should not turn a blind eye to Sri Lanka’s efforts to provide a new life for ex-LTTE men and women and overall improvement in the situation here.
Devapura is one of the major beneficiaries of a range of government concessions offered to the garment sector, particularly during President Ranasinghe Premadasa’s tenure.
August deadline for resettlement of IDP
http://www.defence.lk/new.asp?fname=20100530_05
August deadline for resettlement of IDP
Resettlement Minister Milroy Fernando said that he gave instructions to expedite the resettlement activities including removal of landmines in the North.
He said the Ministry targets at settling all Internally Displaced Persons (IDPs) in the North in their villages before the end of August, 2010.
"IDPs are willing to go back to their homes even before the completion of the demining process. As a responsible government we cannot allow them to do so. The Government is very keen about their safety. Although some landmine casualties have been reported from other countries no such incidents have taken place in the North and the East," the Minister said.
He said some IDPs visit their old lands and return to relief villages very often.
According to the Resettlement Ministry Additional Secretary Dr. Mahinda Moragolla 220,000 IDPs out of a total of 288,938 have already been resettled in their former villages.
Under the World Food Program, IDPs returning to their former villages are being provided food items for six months twenty roofing sheets, kitchenware and Rs. 50,000, he said.
Dr. Moragolla said that the resettlement process would continue even after the IDPs have returned to their villages. All assistance would be given to them to recommence their livelihood in perusing activities relating to agriculture, fisheries or small industries in which they were engaged in previously, he said.
Courtesy: Sunday Observer
August deadline for resettlement of IDP
Resettlement Minister Milroy Fernando said that he gave instructions to expedite the resettlement activities including removal of landmines in the North.
He said the Ministry targets at settling all Internally Displaced Persons (IDPs) in the North in their villages before the end of August, 2010.
"IDPs are willing to go back to their homes even before the completion of the demining process. As a responsible government we cannot allow them to do so. The Government is very keen about their safety. Although some landmine casualties have been reported from other countries no such incidents have taken place in the North and the East," the Minister said.
He said some IDPs visit their old lands and return to relief villages very often.
According to the Resettlement Ministry Additional Secretary Dr. Mahinda Moragolla 220,000 IDPs out of a total of 288,938 have already been resettled in their former villages.
Under the World Food Program, IDPs returning to their former villages are being provided food items for six months twenty roofing sheets, kitchenware and Rs. 50,000, he said.
Dr. Moragolla said that the resettlement process would continue even after the IDPs have returned to their villages. All assistance would be given to them to recommence their livelihood in perusing activities relating to agriculture, fisheries or small industries in which they were engaged in previously, he said.
Courtesy: Sunday Observer
UNICEF helping renovate hospitals in former LTTE areas
UNICEF helping renovate hospitals in former LTTE areas
A year after the defeat of the LTTE, the United Nations Children’s Fund is actively assisting in reviving the hospitals and health facilities in the war ravaged areas of North once dominated by the LTTE.
The UNICEF is refurbishing and renovating four Gramodaya Health Centres in the Northern Province and is also modernising and equipping the obstetric and paediatric units of the Mullaithivu General Hospital.
The UNICEF on Thursday re-established emergency obstetric and paediatric care at the Kilinochchi General Hospital damaged during the conflict.
In a special event, Economic Development Minister Basil Rajapaksa, along with UNICEF Representative Philippe Duamelle, re-opened the new facility.
The hospital is now equipped to handle complicated obstetric procedures and allow pregnant mothers to deliver their babies safely, says a UNICEF release.
Besides providing assistance for the operation theatre, labour room, maternity and paediatric wards that were refurbished and equipped, UNICEF will also help provide a special baby care unit in the Kilinochchi hospital.
As a result, pregnant women, mothers and children will no longer need to travel long distances to access specialised health care, the release said.
"This project will serve the health needs of thousands of women and children now returning back to their homes" the release quoted UNICEF Representative Philippe Duamelle as saying at the opening.
While Sri Lanka is doing well in preventing maternal deaths with 37 per 100,000 live births, there are regional disparities in maternal mortality across the country, the UNICEF release said.
This were further affected by the conflict in the north and east, it said.
"UNICEF is committed to continue supporting the restoration of quality health and nutrition services in these areas," Duamelle said.
In addition to the Kilinochchi hospital, Minister Basil Rajapaksa and Philippe Duamelle also opened the Musali maternity building in Mannar district constructed by UNICEF.
The total estimated cost of Rs 154 million for restoring these health facilities is funded by UNICEF, the release said.
Contributions for the facilities were also received from the Australian Agency for International Development (AusAID), UK Department for International Development (DFID), United States Agency for International Development (USAID) and the Government of Spain, it said. (PTI)
A year after the defeat of the LTTE, the United Nations Children’s Fund is actively assisting in reviving the hospitals and health facilities in the war ravaged areas of North once dominated by the LTTE.
The UNICEF is refurbishing and renovating four Gramodaya Health Centres in the Northern Province and is also modernising and equipping the obstetric and paediatric units of the Mullaithivu General Hospital.
The UNICEF on Thursday re-established emergency obstetric and paediatric care at the Kilinochchi General Hospital damaged during the conflict.
In a special event, Economic Development Minister Basil Rajapaksa, along with UNICEF Representative Philippe Duamelle, re-opened the new facility.
The hospital is now equipped to handle complicated obstetric procedures and allow pregnant mothers to deliver their babies safely, says a UNICEF release.
Besides providing assistance for the operation theatre, labour room, maternity and paediatric wards that were refurbished and equipped, UNICEF will also help provide a special baby care unit in the Kilinochchi hospital.
As a result, pregnant women, mothers and children will no longer need to travel long distances to access specialised health care, the release said.
"This project will serve the health needs of thousands of women and children now returning back to their homes" the release quoted UNICEF Representative Philippe Duamelle as saying at the opening.
While Sri Lanka is doing well in preventing maternal deaths with 37 per 100,000 live births, there are regional disparities in maternal mortality across the country, the UNICEF release said.
This were further affected by the conflict in the north and east, it said.
"UNICEF is committed to continue supporting the restoration of quality health and nutrition services in these areas," Duamelle said.
In addition to the Kilinochchi hospital, Minister Basil Rajapaksa and Philippe Duamelle also opened the Musali maternity building in Mannar district constructed by UNICEF.
The total estimated cost of Rs 154 million for restoring these health facilities is funded by UNICEF, the release said.
Contributions for the facilities were also received from the Australian Agency for International Development (AusAID), UK Department for International Development (DFID), United States Agency for International Development (USAID) and the Government of Spain, it said. (PTI)
Saturday, May 29, 2010
Wedding bells for 53 ex-combatant Sri Lankan couples
Wedding bells for 53 ex-combatant Sri Lankan couplesSat, May 29, 2010, 07:42 pm SL Time, ColomboPage News Desk, Sri Lanka. May 29, Colombo:
The love of 53 couples, all former
members of the Liberation Tigers of Tamil Eelam (LTTE), will culminate in marriage under the auspices of the state they once fought to overthrow.
Rehabilitation Commissioner General Brig. Sudantha Ranasinghe said these lovers are now undergoing rehabilitation and will take each other's hands at a special collective wedding ceremony to be held at Pompemadu rehabilitation center on June 13.
He said the couples will be given the opportunity to start a new life at the Kaithadi collective village, where they are to be settled.
At the same time, the Rehabilitation Authority, the authority designated to rehabilitate and socialize Sri Lanka's child combatants, recently announced that the last batch of rehabilitated child soldiers - 108 boys and 90 girls - have been handed over to their parents.
The love of 53 couples, all former
members of the Liberation Tigers of Tamil Eelam (LTTE), will culminate in marriage under the auspices of the state they once fought to overthrow.
Rehabilitation Commissioner General Brig. Sudantha Ranasinghe said these lovers are now undergoing rehabilitation and will take each other's hands at a special collective wedding ceremony to be held at Pompemadu rehabilitation center on June 13.
He said the couples will be given the opportunity to start a new life at the Kaithadi collective village, where they are to be settled.
At the same time, the Rehabilitation Authority, the authority designated to rehabilitate and socialize Sri Lanka's child combatants, recently announced that the last batch of rehabilitated child soldiers - 108 boys and 90 girls - have been handed over to their parents.
'Reality dawns, at last'
http://www.defence.lk/new.asp?fname=20100529_09
'Reality dawns, at last' - Island Editorial
"Even some of the military superpowers did not want to believe that the Sri Lankan security forces were equal to the task of defeating the LTTE. Propaganda played a major role in the LTTE's terror campaign", states The Island.
In a timely editorial on Saturday (May 29), attributing to the Unite States lift of travel restrictions on its citizens visiting Sri Lanka, the paper further states that, "some na‹ve foreign diplomats who, misled by the pundits of the so-called civil society, thought the LTTE terror machine would survive Prabhakaran's death".
Full text of the Island Editorial on Saturday ( 29th May, 2010)
When Stalin died, it is said, the ordinary people who had suffered silently under his jackboot refused to believe he was dead. They had been so scared of the red tyrant that they did not want to heave a sigh of relief in public and face the consequences in case he was not really pushing up the daisies. They found the news of his demise too good to be true. That is the way with all wicked men.
Time was when it was widely believed that Velupillai Prabhakaran was invincible. Even books were written by some well known authors subtly lionising the Tiger chief. When he breathed his last in the shallows of the Nandikadal lagoon last year, his victims refused to believe he was dead. Likewise there were some na‹ve foreign diplomats who, misled by the pundits of the so-called civil society, thought the LTTE terror machine would survive Prabhakaran's death. Their governments, therefore, did not consider this country safe even after the conclusion of war. But, today, one year after the crushing of the LTTE, the reality of the security situation here has manifestly dawned.
The US has lifted travel restrictions on its citizens visiting Sri Lanka. Better late than never!
Even some of the military superpowers did not want to believe that the Sri Lankan security forces were equal to the task of defeating the LTTE. Propaganda played a major role in the LTTE's terror campaign. Many myths were very effectively disseminated about the outfit. They were aimed at not only boosting the image of the LTTE but also demoralising the State and successive governments. They had worked almost perfectly until 2006, when Prabhakaran blundered by plunging the country back into war.
In fact, what had helped the LTTE survive different political dispensations and thrive for over three decades before being crushed was its adeptness at deception rather than its military prowess or anything else. It had mastered the art of inching towards its goal by making war and talking peace alternately. Nor were the past governments determined to go the whole hog to eliminate terror; they only sought to 'control' the scourge for political and economic reasons. They waged war haphazardly thus giving the LTTE time to regroup and strike back with renewed vigour with a devastating impact each time. Thus, governments came and went but the LTTE survived them bolstering its claim of invincibility. What befell the LTTE in the end is now history.
The LTTE's guerrilla arm, contrary to expectations of some western governments, did not survive the decimation of the outfit's conventional military capability and its top leadership for a number of reasons. The LTTE's plan for a guerrilla struggle was aborted at the initial stages of the Vanni operations. Prabhakaran had large quantities of arms, ammunition and fuel stored underground in the hope that he would be able to have the war suspended with the help of the international community and infiltrate those areas to resume a guerrilla war. But, the army succeeded in effectively countering that move by unearthing his weapons caches and fuel dumps and pinning down all the LTTE combatants at the front without letting them slip back into the newly cleared areas. Another reason why the LTTE cannot wage a guerrilla war at present is the absence of a base within Sri Lanka to operate from. It cannot use its overseas bases for this purpose because it has no way of smuggling in men and material across the sea. Its naval capability has been neutralised.
Most of all, the LTTE rump is too demoralised to resume terrorism, having pathetically failed to achieve anything after thirty years of fighting under a strong leader like Prabhakaran. Who is the surviving LTTE combatant who will want to fight for another thirty years and achieve the same result? By the time the LTTE launched its final battle, it had lost the sympathy of people under its gun. There were no volunteers joining its fighting units unlike at the inception of its struggle and it, therefore, had to forcibly recruit men, women and children thus further antagonising the people, without whose support no guerrilla group could operate. Successful rehabilitation programmes to reintegrate former LTTE combatants into the mainstream of society and the re-democratisation and development processes underway in the North and the East have also helped obviate many conditions necessary for the re-emergence of a guerrilla movement.
These are some of basic facts that a section of the international community did not care to factor in when they predicted that the LTTE terror would outlive the killing of Prabhakaran et al. Now, they stand corrected and that is what the lifting of the US travel restrictions is all about.
Courtesy : The Island
'Reality dawns, at last' - Island Editorial
"Even some of the military superpowers did not want to believe that the Sri Lankan security forces were equal to the task of defeating the LTTE. Propaganda played a major role in the LTTE's terror campaign", states The Island.
In a timely editorial on Saturday (May 29), attributing to the Unite States lift of travel restrictions on its citizens visiting Sri Lanka, the paper further states that, "some na‹ve foreign diplomats who, misled by the pundits of the so-called civil society, thought the LTTE terror machine would survive Prabhakaran's death".
Full text of the Island Editorial on Saturday ( 29th May, 2010)
When Stalin died, it is said, the ordinary people who had suffered silently under his jackboot refused to believe he was dead. They had been so scared of the red tyrant that they did not want to heave a sigh of relief in public and face the consequences in case he was not really pushing up the daisies. They found the news of his demise too good to be true. That is the way with all wicked men.
Time was when it was widely believed that Velupillai Prabhakaran was invincible. Even books were written by some well known authors subtly lionising the Tiger chief. When he breathed his last in the shallows of the Nandikadal lagoon last year, his victims refused to believe he was dead. Likewise there were some na‹ve foreign diplomats who, misled by the pundits of the so-called civil society, thought the LTTE terror machine would survive Prabhakaran's death. Their governments, therefore, did not consider this country safe even after the conclusion of war. But, today, one year after the crushing of the LTTE, the reality of the security situation here has manifestly dawned.
The US has lifted travel restrictions on its citizens visiting Sri Lanka. Better late than never!
Even some of the military superpowers did not want to believe that the Sri Lankan security forces were equal to the task of defeating the LTTE. Propaganda played a major role in the LTTE's terror campaign. Many myths were very effectively disseminated about the outfit. They were aimed at not only boosting the image of the LTTE but also demoralising the State and successive governments. They had worked almost perfectly until 2006, when Prabhakaran blundered by plunging the country back into war.
In fact, what had helped the LTTE survive different political dispensations and thrive for over three decades before being crushed was its adeptness at deception rather than its military prowess or anything else. It had mastered the art of inching towards its goal by making war and talking peace alternately. Nor were the past governments determined to go the whole hog to eliminate terror; they only sought to 'control' the scourge for political and economic reasons. They waged war haphazardly thus giving the LTTE time to regroup and strike back with renewed vigour with a devastating impact each time. Thus, governments came and went but the LTTE survived them bolstering its claim of invincibility. What befell the LTTE in the end is now history.
The LTTE's guerrilla arm, contrary to expectations of some western governments, did not survive the decimation of the outfit's conventional military capability and its top leadership for a number of reasons. The LTTE's plan for a guerrilla struggle was aborted at the initial stages of the Vanni operations. Prabhakaran had large quantities of arms, ammunition and fuel stored underground in the hope that he would be able to have the war suspended with the help of the international community and infiltrate those areas to resume a guerrilla war. But, the army succeeded in effectively countering that move by unearthing his weapons caches and fuel dumps and pinning down all the LTTE combatants at the front without letting them slip back into the newly cleared areas. Another reason why the LTTE cannot wage a guerrilla war at present is the absence of a base within Sri Lanka to operate from. It cannot use its overseas bases for this purpose because it has no way of smuggling in men and material across the sea. Its naval capability has been neutralised.
Most of all, the LTTE rump is too demoralised to resume terrorism, having pathetically failed to achieve anything after thirty years of fighting under a strong leader like Prabhakaran. Who is the surviving LTTE combatant who will want to fight for another thirty years and achieve the same result? By the time the LTTE launched its final battle, it had lost the sympathy of people under its gun. There were no volunteers joining its fighting units unlike at the inception of its struggle and it, therefore, had to forcibly recruit men, women and children thus further antagonising the people, without whose support no guerrilla group could operate. Successful rehabilitation programmes to reintegrate former LTTE combatants into the mainstream of society and the re-democratisation and development processes underway in the North and the East have also helped obviate many conditions necessary for the re-emergence of a guerrilla movement.
These are some of basic facts that a section of the international community did not care to factor in when they predicted that the LTTE terror would outlive the killing of Prabhakaran et al. Now, they stand corrected and that is what the lifting of the US travel restrictions is all about.
Courtesy : The Island
Last modified on: 5/29/2010 12:31:54 PM Sri Lankan Minister of External Affairs urges a "broader, deeper relationship" between the United States and S
http://www.defence.lk/new.asp?fname=20100529_06
U.S. Secretary of State Clinton expresses strong support, optimism for Sri Lanka
The U.S., she says, fully supports Sri Lanka's Lessons Learned and Reconciliation Commission
www.defence.lk">
U.S. Secretary of State Hillary Clinton welcomes G.L. Peiris, Sri Lanka's minister of external affairs, to the U.S. Department of State for a meeting Friday.
U.S. Secretary of State Hillary Clinton offered strong support Friday for Sri Lanka's efforts to rebuild after a successful 25-year struggle against terrorism.
Following a meeting with Sri Lanka's External Affairs Minister Prof. G.L. Peiris, Secretary Clinton praised the Government of Sri Lanka's decision to establish a Lessons Learned and Reconciliation Commission to examine conduct at the conflict's conclusion.
"The United States strongly supports political and ethnic reconciliation in Sri Lanka," Secretary Clinton said. "Such commissions of inquiry have played an important role in advancing accountability and redressing wrongs in other countries emerging from periods of internal strife.
"I think the steps that have been taken by the Sri Lankan Government are commendable and we are supporting that effort."
The cordial meeting was the first for Prof. Peiris, the Minister of External Affairs, with the U.S. Secretary of State. The United States is Sri Lanka's largest export trading partner, and it continues to provide humanitarian assistance and development aid to Sri Lanka.
A delegation of Sri Lankan diplomats, including Ambassador Jaliya Wickramasuriya, also took part in the meeting. For the U.S., Assistant U.S. Secretaries of State Robert Blake and Eric Schwartz were also present.
Secretary Clinton noted that Sri Lanka has resettled the vast majority of the 297,000 people who were displaced by the conflict.
www.defence.lk">
www.defence.lk">
Sri Lankan External Affairs Minister Prof. G.L. Peiris and U.S. Secretary of State Hillary Clinton talk to reporters after their meeting at the U.S. Department of State Friday.
U.S. Secretary of State Hillary Clinton, Sri Lankan External Affairs Minister G.L. Peiris (center) and Jaliya Wickramasuriya, Sri Lanka's Ambassador to the U.S., confer Friday at the U.S. Department of State.
"There has been tremendous progress and many thousands and thousands of such internally displaced persons have returned home," she said. "And we have discussed the need to continue the safe, dignified and voluntary return to homes."
During the meeting, Prof. Peiris told Secretary Clinton that Sri Lanka hopes to resettle the remaining 45,000 displaced people within the next three months.
"It is not a question of just resettling people physically," the Minister said. "We want to ensure a restoration of livelihoods so that they're able to live their lives with dignity without bitterness or rancor. That's very essential."
Secretary Clinton said that U.S. humanitarian aid to Sri Lanka will continue, but that more of it will be targeted to help Sri Lanka repair its infrastructure as displaced persons return home.
"We are still providing humanitarian assistance" Secretary Clinton said, adding, "but we're moving far beyond that to repair schools, the help with infrastructure, to create jobs."
During the meeting with Prof. Peiris, Secretary Clinton noted that the U.S. has lifted its travel warning on Sri Lanka as a "vote of confidence" in the country's security and future.
The Minister told Secretary Clinton in their private session that Sri Lanka hopes to soon hold provincial elections in Northern Sri Lanka, where the fighting was heaviest.
Prof. Peiris also briefed the Secretary on the government's rapid action to do away with the vast majority of the emergency rules that were put in place during the long conflict. Those rules, the Minister said, were no longer necessary.
The Minister informed Secretary Clinton about the exceptional political strength of President Mahinda Rajapaksa, commanding as he does a sufficient majority in parliament to move the country forward decisively.
Secretary Clinton responded that the initiatives required are "ambitious but necessary," and added that she has every confidence in the country's ability to accomplish these daunting tasks positively. Peiris briefed Secretary Clinton about the proposed constitutional reforms and President Rajapaksa's resolve to embark on an inclusive process, which includes consultation with the Tamil leadership. He observed that restoration of livelihoods and the uplifting economic conditions are a necessary prelude to these initiatives, and proceeded to describe the steps being taken by President Rajapaksa's government in this regard.
Secretary Clinton agreed that the economic and political initiatives are complementary, and stated that the government of the United States stands ready to support Sri Lanka in these areas in a spirit of partnership.
Minister Peiris told Secretary Clinton that one of the challenges faced by the government is the creation of space for the Tamil community to elect its leaders freely at the local government level, since the LTTE (Liberation Tigers of Tamil Eelam) terrorists had destroyed its leadership.
Minister Peiris referred to a luncheon in honor of Secretary Clinton, at that time First Lady of the United States, held in Colombo at the residence of then-American Ambassador Teresita Schaffer, at which Minister Peiris and Dr. Neelan Tiruchelvam were guests. He noted that Dr. Tiruchelvam was one of the many victims of the LTTE among the Tamil leadership.
Secretary Clinton welcomed the government's plans for the revival of the electoral process at the local government level in those parts of the country which were affected by the war.
Secretary Clinton, responding to remarks by Prof. Peiris about an enhanced relationship between Sri Lanka and the United States in the post-conflict scenario, on the lines that Senators John Kerry and Richard Lugar had envisaged in a report last year observed that the period during which the perception was entertained in some quarters that Sri Lanka was standing aloof from the international community is now at an end. Secretary Clinton said that she looks forward to cooperation between the two countries in a variety of fields, including economic development.
http://www.defence.lk/new.asp?fname=20100529_08
Last modified on: 5/29/2010 11:06:59 AM
US Secretary of State praises Sri Lanka's steps towards reconciliation
www.defence.lk">The US Secretary of State Hilary Rodham Clinton yesterday reiterated its support for the Lessons Learnt and Reconciliation Commission established by the Sri Lankan President Mahinda Rajapaksa to find out the root causes of the terrorist problem, and to find solutions and reforms.
U.S. Secretary of State Hillary Clinton and Sri Lankan External Affairs Minister G.L. Peiris met Friday to discuss Sri Lanka's progress a year after it successfully concluded its conflict against the LTTE terrorist group. The two diplomats met afterward with reporters.
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A full transcript of the press conference follows:
Remarks With Sri Lankan Minister of External Affairs G.L. Peiris After their Meeting
Hillary Rodham Clinton
Secretary of State
Treaty Room
Washington, DC
May 28, 2010
Secretary Clinton : I am delighted to welcome Dr. Peiris here to the State Department. I first met him 15 years ago when I was in Colombo, Sri Lanka. And it is a great pleasure to have the opportunity to discuss Sri Lanka's efforts to rebuild after more than two decades of violence and terrorist activity that have deprived the Sri Lankan people of the progress they deserve. Dr. Peiris is a capable, experienced public servant whose leadership is helping to move Sri Lanka toward renewal and reconciliation and, we hope, to greater peace, prosperity, and security for the future.
The United States has long been a friend of Sri Lanka. Our countries share a history of democratic institutions, and we have an active USAID program that has invested more than $1.9 billion in Sri Lanka since 1956 and is currently helping to create new opportunities for people who were displaced by the conflict.
Since the LTTE terrorist group was defeated one year ago, USAID has rebuilt or repaired seven schools and a hospital damaged by the conflict, launched public-private partnerships in northern and eastern Sri Lanka to create the equivalent of 5,000 full-time jobs in former conflict zones, supported work training for young people to spur economic development, and provided extensive aid and assistance to internally displaced people seeking to return home. The United States will continue to provide Sri Lanka with humanitarian and de-mining assistance to help heal the wounds of war and bring lasting peace and prosperity to the country.
As part of this effort, the minister and I discussed Sri Lanka's Reconciliation Commission. The United States strongly supports political and ethnic reconciliation in Sri Lanka. Such commissions of inquiry have played an important role in advancing accountability and redressing wrongs in other countries emerging from periods of internal strife. Sri Lanka's commission should apply the best practices from these other commissions and should have the mandate to investigate any allegations of war crimes.
We also discussed the issue of internally displaced persons with the minister. There has been tremendous progress and many thousands and thousands of such internally displaced persons have returned home. And we discussed the need to continue the safe, dignified and voluntary return to homes. Sri Lanka has made progress, and we will continue to support efforts to safeguard the rights of IDPs and complete their relocation.
After decades of LTTE rule in the north, the Sri Lankan Government is committed to re-establishing democracy. I was very pleased by the briefing I received from the minister about the many steps that are being taken to return to democratic order. Sri Lanka will remain a strong, united country by drawing on the strength of all of its citizens, valuing the diversity of its people, and ensuring equal rights for everyone.
So once again, I want to thank Minister Peiris for our productive discussion today and commend him for his commitment to the reconciliation process. The United States pledges our continued support to Sri Lanka, and wishes the Sri Lankan people and the government success in this very challenging but important work ahead.
Mr. Minister.
Minister Peiris : Let me begin by thanking Secretary Clinton very sincerely for her initiative in inviting me here to the State Department at this very critical juncture in our country's contemporary history.
It's a time of great promise and hope for Sri Lanka. New vistas of opportunity are opening up in every sector of life in my country. Today, we have two singular advantages. One is an honorable and enduring peace consequent upon the eradication of terrorism. The second strength we have is an unprecedented degree of political stability which the country has not achieved during the last 25 years. As Secretary Clinton pointed out, we are proud of the tremendous progress that we have made during the short space of one year.
With regard to the resettlement of internally displaced people, an excruciatingly difficult problem, we were not really well equipped to handle it at the time we were called upon to do so unexpectedly. We have been able to resettle people in their natural habitat. But we have not been content with that. It is not a question of just resettling people physically, but we want to ensure a restoration of livelihoods so that they're able to live their lives with dignity without bitterness or rancor. That's very essential.
The other challenge, of course, was the reactivation of the electoral process which had been dormant for a long period because of the turbulence in that part of the country. And there is a need today for political space to be provided for the emergence of a legitimate democratic Tamil leadership, particularly at the local government level, because the LTTE had destroyed the leaders of the Tamil community just as much as they had annihilated the leaders of other communities.
And one of our principal challenges in Sri Lanka is to revive, to strengthen, institutions of democracy. And now that the country is returning to normal, I expressed President Mahinda Rajapaksa's appreciation to Hillary Clinton for the steps that have been taken by the State Department to remove the Travel Warning on Sri Lanka that is a recognition of the basic improvement of the security situation.
The government went to Parliament just three weeks ago to remove more than 70 percent of the emergency regulations under which the country had been governed for as long a period as almost five years, and this demonstrates the political resolve of the government to expunge these regulations as soon as possible, not to apply them for one moment longer than they are necessary. We believe, Madam, that there is a strong correlation between economic contentment and political innovation. As we move forward political motivation as we move forward towards a political resolution, we want to ensure that the people of those areas live with a sense of dignity and well being. So these are some of the challenges that we are facing in our country at present, and this is the trajectory that we envision for the future.
We have, in Sri Lanka, a very committed, courageous political leadership that is capable of grappling with these problems. And we look forward to a multidimensional relationship with the United States on the lines of what is envisioned in the Senate Foreign Relations Committee report of Senator John Kerry and Senator Lugar, who have called for a broadening and a deepening of the relationship between our two counties at this time. I think there's a role for American companies to come in and to participate vigorously in the rebuilding of infrastructure, in the resuscitation of democratic institutions. All of this is possible and we look forward, Madam, to a rich and deep relationship with the United States in the new and exciting situation, which has arisen in my country.
Thank you.
Secretary Clinton : Thank you so much, Minister.
Mr. Crowley : We have time for questions (inaudible).
Question : My question is for both of you and it concerns the reconciliation commission that Sri Lanka is setting up. Human rights groups, including Human Rights Watch, today basically said that the parameters of this commission are much too narrow and that there really should be an independent international investigation of the alleged war crimes that occurred at the - in the last month of the war. And I just wonder what your reflections are on that.
Secretary Clinton : Well, the United States supports the creation of the reconciliation commission. It's a commission on lessons learned and reconciliation. The end of the conflict in Sri Lanka is, as the minister said, a promising opportunity to move forward on ensuring greater respect for the human rights of all Sri Lankans.
Experience in other countries has shown that such a commission that has the credibility and legitimacy within the country has a valuable role in advancing accountability. And we are very supportive of the approach taken by the Sri Lankans. We, of course, will continue to work with them and to observe this commission. We expect that it will be given a broad enough mandate with the resources necessary to be able to follow the trail of any evidence that is presented.
It is especially important that commission members be and are perceived as being independent, impartial, and competent. And the minister has told me in our meeting that that's exactly the kind of people that are being appointed to this commission. We expect that the mandate will enable them to fully investigate serious allegations of violations and to make public recommendations that commission members and potential witnesses must enjoy adequate and effective protection, and the commission must be able to work with the government, so that the government will give due consideration to the recommendations. And we expect that this commission will reflect the desires and needs of the citizens of Sri Lanka who were, after all, the primary victims of this long and terrible conflict.
I think that the steps that have been taken by the Sri Lankan Government are commendable, and we are supporting that effort. The minister and I talked about the continuing role of the United Nations, which intends to have an independent oversight role. But I think that this commission holds promise and we hope and expect that it will fulfill that promise.
Minister Peiris : Well, I think the point of departure is the observation by Secretary Clinton that the paramount consideration is the needs and the priorities of the people of Sri Lanka. Commissions of this nature have made a useful contribution to healing processes in other parts of the world, in post-conflict scenarios. But the focus has to be on the local culture, on the local situation.
So it is our firm conviction that the commission which has been set up in Sri Lanka consisting of people of stature and independence with a mandate that is broad enough to address the critical issues - the mandate specifically empowers the commission to give their minds to these issues. Adequate financial resources have been placed at the disposal of the commission, and the commission enjoys a broad measure of public support within Sri Lanka, which is a decisive consideration.
So our position is that we be given the space to allow the commission to begin its work without impediment or without hindrance. And certainly, along the road, if we feel that there is a need for support, then we would be happy to engage in a dialogue with the United Nations to get the benefit of the wisdom and the experience of the United Nations.
But we think that at the start, the commission must be given every encouragement to set about its work, and there must be a presumption that it is going to succeed. We must begin on that note. It's going to succeed. We want it to succeed. And we want all our friends abroad to support us vigorously and unreservedly in that endeavor.
Mr. Crowley : We'll go to Charley (inaudible).
Question : Madam Secretary, thank you. So many eyes today on the oil spill, and we know there have been some offers of assistance from other countries. From where you stand, from your perspective, do you want more offers of assistance? And are you disappointed that more hasn't been accepted by the United States and the oil company, as so many people in the United States are clamoring for more booms, et cetera? And also, what message do you have to America's neighbors who may experience the ill effects of the spill?
Secretary Clinton: Well, Charley, the United States Government is working every second of every minute to mitigate the effects of this terrible oil spill in the Gulf of Mexico. We are very grateful for the generous offers of assistance that we've received from 17 countries and the European Union, including the European Maritime Safety Agency, the environment unit of the United Nations Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs and the United Nations Environment Program, and the International Maritime Organization.
Countries from all over the world have offered general assistance and then some have made very specific offers, including experts in various aspects of oil spill impacts, research, and technical expertise and equipment, including booms, dispersants, oil pumps and skimmers. And we are very thankful for all of these efforts. The U.S. Coast Guard, which is the lead agency in the U.S. Government's response efforts, continues to monitor developments, evaluate specific needs, assess offers of assistance, and determine our response.
While no offers of direct material assistance have been required by the United States Government thus far, we have accepted and are grateful for assistance in the form of notification regarding the spill sent by the International Maritime Organization to its member states and coordination of EU offers of assistance. And BP has accepted boom and skimmers offered by the governments of Mexico and Norway in coordination with the Unified Area Command. We are in very close, constant communication with other countries that border the Gulf.
This is just a terrible environmental disaster and we are working very hard with all of our partners to try to contain it, prevent further damage. But because of the extraordinary nature of this particular disaster, it is taking some time to fully bring to bear all of the material that is needed. But as the President said yesterday, this is the highest priority from the President on down to every federal government representative that is in the Gulf trying to work to mitigate the impact. But we are, as I said in the beginning, very grateful for the concern and the offers from our partners and friends around the world.
Mr. Crowley : Thank you very much.
Question : Madam Secretary, are you sending that (inaudible) to Sri Lanka for humanitarian aid?
Secretary Clinton: We are continuing to provide to humanitarian aid to Sri Lanka. We are doing so as a part of our very long partnership with Sri Lanka. And we support the Sri Lankan Government's efforts to expedite the delivery of such humanitarian assistance. As I said, the number of internally displaced persons has dropped dramatically. We are still providing humanitarian assistance to those who remain in the camps, but we're moving far beyond that to repair schools, to help with infrastructure, to create jobs.
So the emergency humanitarian aid has moved to be broader than just the immediate necessities because, as the minister has said, we agree with the Government of Sri Lanka that it is not enough merely to return people to their homes. We have to help them recreate livelihoods, we have to rebuild and repair schools, we have to provide the necessities of life to the people who are returning after this conflict finally ended, and help the Sri Lankan Government and the people of Sri Lanka build a firm foundation for peace, security, and prosperity.
Sri Lankan Minister of External Affairs urges a "broader, deeper relationship" between the United States and Sri Lanka
During Meetings with Obama Administration Officials and Members of Congress, Minister Emphasizes the "Sea Change" in Sri Lanka since Victory over Terrorism
Sri Lanka's Minister of External Affairs, Professor G.L. Peiris, continued his U.S. tour to inform Congress and U.S. government officials about Sri Lanka's economic development and reconciliation process. This is the second day in the Minister's four-day trip to the Washington, D.C. His tour, starting in New York on Monday May 24, 2010, will culminate in an official meeting at the United States Department of State to be hosted by Secretary of State Hillary Clinton.
Minister Peiris began Tuesday delivering remarks to academics at The Heritage Foundation, an influential conservative think-tank in Washington, D.C. The Minister's remarks noted the "sea change" evident in Sri Lanka since the victory over terrorism a year ago. "Sri Lanka is a land of great potential" he said. The Minister also discussed Sri Lanka's stunning economic achievements and a new outlook for tourism to the country in the coming months. The Minister said; "It is time for the U.S. to take a fresh look at Sri Lanka."
The Minister called for deeper ties between Sri Lanka and the United States. We are in "unreserved agreement" with last year's Senate Foreign Relations Committee report calling for a "multi-faceted relationship" that embraces trade, security and economic ties, not just human rights. On human rights, the Minister emphasized the importance of Sri Lanka's efforts at reconciliation. "We understand that military victory was not the end but the beginning."
The event was moderated by Walter Lohman, head of the Heritage Asian Study program and key attendees included Ambassador Terry Miller, Director of Heritage Foundation's Center for International Trade and Economics along with Fatema Sumar, foreign policy aide to Senator John Kerry and Nilmini Rubin, foreign policy aide to Senator Richard Lugar.
Following the Heritage Foundation event, Minister Peiris met with Undersecretary of Defense for Policy Michele Flournoy. Flournoy acts as the premier advisor to the Secretary of Defense Robert gates and the Deputy Secretary of Defense and handles a wide range of national security and defense policies.
Minister Peiris continued his day with meeting Congressman Gary Ackerman, Chairman of the Subcommittee on the Middle East and South Asia, Committee on Foreign Affairs. Later the Minister met with National Security Adviser General James L. Jones who serves as the chief adviser to U.S. President Barack Obama on national security issues.
Al Jazeera's Riz Khan interviewed Minister Peiris in the afternoon. During the in-depth interview, Minister Peiris spoke about the defeat of LTTE and the great impact it has had on Sri Lanka. He said the end of the LTTE meant "freedom from unmitigated oppression" for all Sri Lankans. When pressed about the current state of the Tamil Community after the defeat of the LTTE, Minister Peiris remarked "The vast majority of Tamil's didn't want to live under the yoke of the LTTE." He continued, "They are happy about the freedom that has now come to them."
Sri Lankan Ambassador to the United States Jaliya Wickramasuriya held a dinner in honor of Minister Peiris at his residence.
The Minister will continue his meetings with U.S. officials and U.S. media.
U.S. Secretary of State Clinton expresses strong support, optimism for Sri Lanka
The U.S., she says, fully supports Sri Lanka's Lessons Learned and Reconciliation Commission
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U.S. Secretary of State Hillary Clinton welcomes G.L. Peiris, Sri Lanka's minister of external affairs, to the U.S. Department of State for a meeting Friday.
U.S. Secretary of State Hillary Clinton offered strong support Friday for Sri Lanka's efforts to rebuild after a successful 25-year struggle against terrorism.
Following a meeting with Sri Lanka's External Affairs Minister Prof. G.L. Peiris, Secretary Clinton praised the Government of Sri Lanka's decision to establish a Lessons Learned and Reconciliation Commission to examine conduct at the conflict's conclusion.
"The United States strongly supports political and ethnic reconciliation in Sri Lanka," Secretary Clinton said. "Such commissions of inquiry have played an important role in advancing accountability and redressing wrongs in other countries emerging from periods of internal strife.
"I think the steps that have been taken by the Sri Lankan Government are commendable and we are supporting that effort."
The cordial meeting was the first for Prof. Peiris, the Minister of External Affairs, with the U.S. Secretary of State. The United States is Sri Lanka's largest export trading partner, and it continues to provide humanitarian assistance and development aid to Sri Lanka.
A delegation of Sri Lankan diplomats, including Ambassador Jaliya Wickramasuriya, also took part in the meeting. For the U.S., Assistant U.S. Secretaries of State Robert Blake and Eric Schwartz were also present.
Secretary Clinton noted that Sri Lanka has resettled the vast majority of the 297,000 people who were displaced by the conflict.
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Sri Lankan External Affairs Minister Prof. G.L. Peiris and U.S. Secretary of State Hillary Clinton talk to reporters after their meeting at the U.S. Department of State Friday.
U.S. Secretary of State Hillary Clinton, Sri Lankan External Affairs Minister G.L. Peiris (center) and Jaliya Wickramasuriya, Sri Lanka's Ambassador to the U.S., confer Friday at the U.S. Department of State.
"There has been tremendous progress and many thousands and thousands of such internally displaced persons have returned home," she said. "And we have discussed the need to continue the safe, dignified and voluntary return to homes."
During the meeting, Prof. Peiris told Secretary Clinton that Sri Lanka hopes to resettle the remaining 45,000 displaced people within the next three months.
"It is not a question of just resettling people physically," the Minister said. "We want to ensure a restoration of livelihoods so that they're able to live their lives with dignity without bitterness or rancor. That's very essential."
Secretary Clinton said that U.S. humanitarian aid to Sri Lanka will continue, but that more of it will be targeted to help Sri Lanka repair its infrastructure as displaced persons return home.
"We are still providing humanitarian assistance" Secretary Clinton said, adding, "but we're moving far beyond that to repair schools, the help with infrastructure, to create jobs."
During the meeting with Prof. Peiris, Secretary Clinton noted that the U.S. has lifted its travel warning on Sri Lanka as a "vote of confidence" in the country's security and future.
The Minister told Secretary Clinton in their private session that Sri Lanka hopes to soon hold provincial elections in Northern Sri Lanka, where the fighting was heaviest.
Prof. Peiris also briefed the Secretary on the government's rapid action to do away with the vast majority of the emergency rules that were put in place during the long conflict. Those rules, the Minister said, were no longer necessary.
The Minister informed Secretary Clinton about the exceptional political strength of President Mahinda Rajapaksa, commanding as he does a sufficient majority in parliament to move the country forward decisively.
Secretary Clinton responded that the initiatives required are "ambitious but necessary," and added that she has every confidence in the country's ability to accomplish these daunting tasks positively. Peiris briefed Secretary Clinton about the proposed constitutional reforms and President Rajapaksa's resolve to embark on an inclusive process, which includes consultation with the Tamil leadership. He observed that restoration of livelihoods and the uplifting economic conditions are a necessary prelude to these initiatives, and proceeded to describe the steps being taken by President Rajapaksa's government in this regard.
Secretary Clinton agreed that the economic and political initiatives are complementary, and stated that the government of the United States stands ready to support Sri Lanka in these areas in a spirit of partnership.
Minister Peiris told Secretary Clinton that one of the challenges faced by the government is the creation of space for the Tamil community to elect its leaders freely at the local government level, since the LTTE (Liberation Tigers of Tamil Eelam) terrorists had destroyed its leadership.
Minister Peiris referred to a luncheon in honor of Secretary Clinton, at that time First Lady of the United States, held in Colombo at the residence of then-American Ambassador Teresita Schaffer, at which Minister Peiris and Dr. Neelan Tiruchelvam were guests. He noted that Dr. Tiruchelvam was one of the many victims of the LTTE among the Tamil leadership.
Secretary Clinton welcomed the government's plans for the revival of the electoral process at the local government level in those parts of the country which were affected by the war.
Secretary Clinton, responding to remarks by Prof. Peiris about an enhanced relationship between Sri Lanka and the United States in the post-conflict scenario, on the lines that Senators John Kerry and Richard Lugar had envisaged in a report last year observed that the period during which the perception was entertained in some quarters that Sri Lanka was standing aloof from the international community is now at an end. Secretary Clinton said that she looks forward to cooperation between the two countries in a variety of fields, including economic development.
http://www.defence.lk/new.asp?fname=20100529_08
Last modified on: 5/29/2010 11:06:59 AM
US Secretary of State praises Sri Lanka's steps towards reconciliation
www.defence.lk">The US Secretary of State Hilary Rodham Clinton yesterday reiterated its support for the Lessons Learnt and Reconciliation Commission established by the Sri Lankan President Mahinda Rajapaksa to find out the root causes of the terrorist problem, and to find solutions and reforms.
U.S. Secretary of State Hillary Clinton and Sri Lankan External Affairs Minister G.L. Peiris met Friday to discuss Sri Lanka's progress a year after it successfully concluded its conflict against the LTTE terrorist group. The two diplomats met afterward with reporters.
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A full transcript of the press conference follows:
Remarks With Sri Lankan Minister of External Affairs G.L. Peiris After their Meeting
Hillary Rodham Clinton
Secretary of State
Treaty Room
Washington, DC
May 28, 2010
Secretary Clinton : I am delighted to welcome Dr. Peiris here to the State Department. I first met him 15 years ago when I was in Colombo, Sri Lanka. And it is a great pleasure to have the opportunity to discuss Sri Lanka's efforts to rebuild after more than two decades of violence and terrorist activity that have deprived the Sri Lankan people of the progress they deserve. Dr. Peiris is a capable, experienced public servant whose leadership is helping to move Sri Lanka toward renewal and reconciliation and, we hope, to greater peace, prosperity, and security for the future.
The United States has long been a friend of Sri Lanka. Our countries share a history of democratic institutions, and we have an active USAID program that has invested more than $1.9 billion in Sri Lanka since 1956 and is currently helping to create new opportunities for people who were displaced by the conflict.
Since the LTTE terrorist group was defeated one year ago, USAID has rebuilt or repaired seven schools and a hospital damaged by the conflict, launched public-private partnerships in northern and eastern Sri Lanka to create the equivalent of 5,000 full-time jobs in former conflict zones, supported work training for young people to spur economic development, and provided extensive aid and assistance to internally displaced people seeking to return home. The United States will continue to provide Sri Lanka with humanitarian and de-mining assistance to help heal the wounds of war and bring lasting peace and prosperity to the country.
As part of this effort, the minister and I discussed Sri Lanka's Reconciliation Commission. The United States strongly supports political and ethnic reconciliation in Sri Lanka. Such commissions of inquiry have played an important role in advancing accountability and redressing wrongs in other countries emerging from periods of internal strife. Sri Lanka's commission should apply the best practices from these other commissions and should have the mandate to investigate any allegations of war crimes.
We also discussed the issue of internally displaced persons with the minister. There has been tremendous progress and many thousands and thousands of such internally displaced persons have returned home. And we discussed the need to continue the safe, dignified and voluntary return to homes. Sri Lanka has made progress, and we will continue to support efforts to safeguard the rights of IDPs and complete their relocation.
After decades of LTTE rule in the north, the Sri Lankan Government is committed to re-establishing democracy. I was very pleased by the briefing I received from the minister about the many steps that are being taken to return to democratic order. Sri Lanka will remain a strong, united country by drawing on the strength of all of its citizens, valuing the diversity of its people, and ensuring equal rights for everyone.
So once again, I want to thank Minister Peiris for our productive discussion today and commend him for his commitment to the reconciliation process. The United States pledges our continued support to Sri Lanka, and wishes the Sri Lankan people and the government success in this very challenging but important work ahead.
Mr. Minister.
Minister Peiris : Let me begin by thanking Secretary Clinton very sincerely for her initiative in inviting me here to the State Department at this very critical juncture in our country's contemporary history.
It's a time of great promise and hope for Sri Lanka. New vistas of opportunity are opening up in every sector of life in my country. Today, we have two singular advantages. One is an honorable and enduring peace consequent upon the eradication of terrorism. The second strength we have is an unprecedented degree of political stability which the country has not achieved during the last 25 years. As Secretary Clinton pointed out, we are proud of the tremendous progress that we have made during the short space of one year.
With regard to the resettlement of internally displaced people, an excruciatingly difficult problem, we were not really well equipped to handle it at the time we were called upon to do so unexpectedly. We have been able to resettle people in their natural habitat. But we have not been content with that. It is not a question of just resettling people physically, but we want to ensure a restoration of livelihoods so that they're able to live their lives with dignity without bitterness or rancor. That's very essential.
The other challenge, of course, was the reactivation of the electoral process which had been dormant for a long period because of the turbulence in that part of the country. And there is a need today for political space to be provided for the emergence of a legitimate democratic Tamil leadership, particularly at the local government level, because the LTTE had destroyed the leaders of the Tamil community just as much as they had annihilated the leaders of other communities.
And one of our principal challenges in Sri Lanka is to revive, to strengthen, institutions of democracy. And now that the country is returning to normal, I expressed President Mahinda Rajapaksa's appreciation to Hillary Clinton for the steps that have been taken by the State Department to remove the Travel Warning on Sri Lanka that is a recognition of the basic improvement of the security situation.
The government went to Parliament just three weeks ago to remove more than 70 percent of the emergency regulations under which the country had been governed for as long a period as almost five years, and this demonstrates the political resolve of the government to expunge these regulations as soon as possible, not to apply them for one moment longer than they are necessary. We believe, Madam, that there is a strong correlation between economic contentment and political innovation. As we move forward political motivation as we move forward towards a political resolution, we want to ensure that the people of those areas live with a sense of dignity and well being. So these are some of the challenges that we are facing in our country at present, and this is the trajectory that we envision for the future.
We have, in Sri Lanka, a very committed, courageous political leadership that is capable of grappling with these problems. And we look forward to a multidimensional relationship with the United States on the lines of what is envisioned in the Senate Foreign Relations Committee report of Senator John Kerry and Senator Lugar, who have called for a broadening and a deepening of the relationship between our two counties at this time. I think there's a role for American companies to come in and to participate vigorously in the rebuilding of infrastructure, in the resuscitation of democratic institutions. All of this is possible and we look forward, Madam, to a rich and deep relationship with the United States in the new and exciting situation, which has arisen in my country.
Thank you.
Secretary Clinton : Thank you so much, Minister.
Mr. Crowley : We have time for questions (inaudible).
Question : My question is for both of you and it concerns the reconciliation commission that Sri Lanka is setting up. Human rights groups, including Human Rights Watch, today basically said that the parameters of this commission are much too narrow and that there really should be an independent international investigation of the alleged war crimes that occurred at the - in the last month of the war. And I just wonder what your reflections are on that.
Secretary Clinton : Well, the United States supports the creation of the reconciliation commission. It's a commission on lessons learned and reconciliation. The end of the conflict in Sri Lanka is, as the minister said, a promising opportunity to move forward on ensuring greater respect for the human rights of all Sri Lankans.
Experience in other countries has shown that such a commission that has the credibility and legitimacy within the country has a valuable role in advancing accountability. And we are very supportive of the approach taken by the Sri Lankans. We, of course, will continue to work with them and to observe this commission. We expect that it will be given a broad enough mandate with the resources necessary to be able to follow the trail of any evidence that is presented.
It is especially important that commission members be and are perceived as being independent, impartial, and competent. And the minister has told me in our meeting that that's exactly the kind of people that are being appointed to this commission. We expect that the mandate will enable them to fully investigate serious allegations of violations and to make public recommendations that commission members and potential witnesses must enjoy adequate and effective protection, and the commission must be able to work with the government, so that the government will give due consideration to the recommendations. And we expect that this commission will reflect the desires and needs of the citizens of Sri Lanka who were, after all, the primary victims of this long and terrible conflict.
I think that the steps that have been taken by the Sri Lankan Government are commendable, and we are supporting that effort. The minister and I talked about the continuing role of the United Nations, which intends to have an independent oversight role. But I think that this commission holds promise and we hope and expect that it will fulfill that promise.
Minister Peiris : Well, I think the point of departure is the observation by Secretary Clinton that the paramount consideration is the needs and the priorities of the people of Sri Lanka. Commissions of this nature have made a useful contribution to healing processes in other parts of the world, in post-conflict scenarios. But the focus has to be on the local culture, on the local situation.
So it is our firm conviction that the commission which has been set up in Sri Lanka consisting of people of stature and independence with a mandate that is broad enough to address the critical issues - the mandate specifically empowers the commission to give their minds to these issues. Adequate financial resources have been placed at the disposal of the commission, and the commission enjoys a broad measure of public support within Sri Lanka, which is a decisive consideration.
So our position is that we be given the space to allow the commission to begin its work without impediment or without hindrance. And certainly, along the road, if we feel that there is a need for support, then we would be happy to engage in a dialogue with the United Nations to get the benefit of the wisdom and the experience of the United Nations.
But we think that at the start, the commission must be given every encouragement to set about its work, and there must be a presumption that it is going to succeed. We must begin on that note. It's going to succeed. We want it to succeed. And we want all our friends abroad to support us vigorously and unreservedly in that endeavor.
Mr. Crowley : We'll go to Charley (inaudible).
Question : Madam Secretary, thank you. So many eyes today on the oil spill, and we know there have been some offers of assistance from other countries. From where you stand, from your perspective, do you want more offers of assistance? And are you disappointed that more hasn't been accepted by the United States and the oil company, as so many people in the United States are clamoring for more booms, et cetera? And also, what message do you have to America's neighbors who may experience the ill effects of the spill?
Secretary Clinton: Well, Charley, the United States Government is working every second of every minute to mitigate the effects of this terrible oil spill in the Gulf of Mexico. We are very grateful for the generous offers of assistance that we've received from 17 countries and the European Union, including the European Maritime Safety Agency, the environment unit of the United Nations Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs and the United Nations Environment Program, and the International Maritime Organization.
Countries from all over the world have offered general assistance and then some have made very specific offers, including experts in various aspects of oil spill impacts, research, and technical expertise and equipment, including booms, dispersants, oil pumps and skimmers. And we are very thankful for all of these efforts. The U.S. Coast Guard, which is the lead agency in the U.S. Government's response efforts, continues to monitor developments, evaluate specific needs, assess offers of assistance, and determine our response.
While no offers of direct material assistance have been required by the United States Government thus far, we have accepted and are grateful for assistance in the form of notification regarding the spill sent by the International Maritime Organization to its member states and coordination of EU offers of assistance. And BP has accepted boom and skimmers offered by the governments of Mexico and Norway in coordination with the Unified Area Command. We are in very close, constant communication with other countries that border the Gulf.
This is just a terrible environmental disaster and we are working very hard with all of our partners to try to contain it, prevent further damage. But because of the extraordinary nature of this particular disaster, it is taking some time to fully bring to bear all of the material that is needed. But as the President said yesterday, this is the highest priority from the President on down to every federal government representative that is in the Gulf trying to work to mitigate the impact. But we are, as I said in the beginning, very grateful for the concern and the offers from our partners and friends around the world.
Mr. Crowley : Thank you very much.
Question : Madam Secretary, are you sending that (inaudible) to Sri Lanka for humanitarian aid?
Secretary Clinton: We are continuing to provide to humanitarian aid to Sri Lanka. We are doing so as a part of our very long partnership with Sri Lanka. And we support the Sri Lankan Government's efforts to expedite the delivery of such humanitarian assistance. As I said, the number of internally displaced persons has dropped dramatically. We are still providing humanitarian assistance to those who remain in the camps, but we're moving far beyond that to repair schools, to help with infrastructure, to create jobs.
So the emergency humanitarian aid has moved to be broader than just the immediate necessities because, as the minister has said, we agree with the Government of Sri Lanka that it is not enough merely to return people to their homes. We have to help them recreate livelihoods, we have to rebuild and repair schools, we have to provide the necessities of life to the people who are returning after this conflict finally ended, and help the Sri Lankan Government and the people of Sri Lanka build a firm foundation for peace, security, and prosperity.
Sri Lankan Minister of External Affairs urges a "broader, deeper relationship" between the United States and Sri Lanka
During Meetings with Obama Administration Officials and Members of Congress, Minister Emphasizes the "Sea Change" in Sri Lanka since Victory over Terrorism
Sri Lanka's Minister of External Affairs, Professor G.L. Peiris, continued his U.S. tour to inform Congress and U.S. government officials about Sri Lanka's economic development and reconciliation process. This is the second day in the Minister's four-day trip to the Washington, D.C. His tour, starting in New York on Monday May 24, 2010, will culminate in an official meeting at the United States Department of State to be hosted by Secretary of State Hillary Clinton.
Minister Peiris began Tuesday delivering remarks to academics at The Heritage Foundation, an influential conservative think-tank in Washington, D.C. The Minister's remarks noted the "sea change" evident in Sri Lanka since the victory over terrorism a year ago. "Sri Lanka is a land of great potential" he said. The Minister also discussed Sri Lanka's stunning economic achievements and a new outlook for tourism to the country in the coming months. The Minister said; "It is time for the U.S. to take a fresh look at Sri Lanka."
The Minister called for deeper ties between Sri Lanka and the United States. We are in "unreserved agreement" with last year's Senate Foreign Relations Committee report calling for a "multi-faceted relationship" that embraces trade, security and economic ties, not just human rights. On human rights, the Minister emphasized the importance of Sri Lanka's efforts at reconciliation. "We understand that military victory was not the end but the beginning."
The event was moderated by Walter Lohman, head of the Heritage Asian Study program and key attendees included Ambassador Terry Miller, Director of Heritage Foundation's Center for International Trade and Economics along with Fatema Sumar, foreign policy aide to Senator John Kerry and Nilmini Rubin, foreign policy aide to Senator Richard Lugar.
Following the Heritage Foundation event, Minister Peiris met with Undersecretary of Defense for Policy Michele Flournoy. Flournoy acts as the premier advisor to the Secretary of Defense Robert gates and the Deputy Secretary of Defense and handles a wide range of national security and defense policies.
Minister Peiris continued his day with meeting Congressman Gary Ackerman, Chairman of the Subcommittee on the Middle East and South Asia, Committee on Foreign Affairs. Later the Minister met with National Security Adviser General James L. Jones who serves as the chief adviser to U.S. President Barack Obama on national security issues.
Al Jazeera's Riz Khan interviewed Minister Peiris in the afternoon. During the in-depth interview, Minister Peiris spoke about the defeat of LTTE and the great impact it has had on Sri Lanka. He said the end of the LTTE meant "freedom from unmitigated oppression" for all Sri Lankans. When pressed about the current state of the Tamil Community after the defeat of the LTTE, Minister Peiris remarked "The vast majority of Tamil's didn't want to live under the yoke of the LTTE." He continued, "They are happy about the freedom that has now come to them."
Sri Lankan Ambassador to the United States Jaliya Wickramasuriya held a dinner in honor of Minister Peiris at his residence.
The Minister will continue his meetings with U.S. officials and U.S. media.
The interview with Al Jazeera on 27 May
http://www.defence.lk/new.asp?fname=20100528_04
Following is the full text of the interview with Al Jazeera on 27 May.
Fauziah Ibrahim:
Welcome back to 101 East.
This week we are in Sri Lanka as the nation marks its first anniversary after the end of the near 30 year civil war.
Speaking exclusively to us, is President Mahinda Rajapaksa. One year on after declaring victory over the Tamil Tigers, how do you think your country is doing?
President Mahinda Rajapaksa:
Now people are moving freely, moving from north to south, south to north. So people are mixing, so they do their businesses. People are getting used to each other, they've started to trust each other, so this is the only process that we can depend on.
Fauziah Ibrahim:
But a year on, some people are saying that you have not addressed the grievances that started this war in the first place. The Tamil community still feels marginalized. How do you ....
President Mahinda Rajapaksa:(interrupts)
I don't agree with that, because some politicians are making these issues. Or some NGO's. Now if you go to the camps and if you ask them what do you want first? They will say I want my house back, I want a job, I want to educate my children. They will not ask for anything else. So first what we must do is resettle these people. Give them the facilities, give them the things that are enjoyed by others in the south. Why not? Let them enjoy that first, then the people will... once they elect their own people, their representatives, into parliament, into provincial governments.... And then we can discuss with them, we can have a dialogue.
Fauziah Ibrahim:
What do you then say to the Tamil diaspora who are overseas who say you are not doing anything for the Tamil community?
President Mahinda Rajapaksa:
Unfortunately, this is the problem, because they don't want to come back to Sri Lanka. They are enjoying themselves. They have never visited Jaffna. They have never visited beyond Colombo to the north. They have not met the people. They have not discussed with them. Now I am meeting the common man, whether in Jaffna, or Trincomalee or Batticaloa. When I speak to them, I speak to the ordinary people. The masses. But find out from these people whether they have been to Jaffna, whether they have been to Kilinochchi.
Fauziah Ibrahim:
You now have Tamil groups who say they want representation. You have Tamil politicians who say they want a bigger representation of the community. How can you trust these people?
President Mahinda Rajapaksa:
I trust them. They have to trust us also. I trust them, so that's why I called them to have a dialogue with me. Otherwise I wouldn't have, because I know that they, most of these politicians who supported the Tiger movement, the terrorists, they represented them in parliament. So now it's up to us. So we have called them. They have to come with us. They must understand our difficulties also....the difficulties of Government. They must compromise, we are ready to compromise. Because for me whether they are Tamil, Muslim or Sinhalese, it's immaterial.
Fauziah Ibrahim:
You inherited this long drawn out war. You ended this war. Do you think, in your mind, was it inevitable to lose that many civilian lives, especially towards the end of the war?
President Mahinda Rajapaksa:
I deny it, because we never killed any civilians.
Fauziah Ibrahim:
You can categorically, confidently say that the Sri Lankan army never targeted civilians?
President Mahinda Rajapaksa:
No.
Fauziah Ibrahim:
How sure are you? How can you be so sure? It's a war.
President Mahinda Rajapaksa:
It's a war, you're right. By the way the people came to this side, to the government-controlled areas, you can see. If Sri Lankan army acted in a different way, against the civilians, they would never have trusted us. They wouldn't have walked into our camps. 300,000 people. So that shows our army, they trusted our army. Otherwise they wouldn't have walked in. This is why I'm saying this.
Fauziah Ibrahim:
If you are so confident that the Sri Lankan army did not commit any crimes, or war crimes during the conflict, why not allow for an independent body to come in and make their own independent investigation?
President Mahinda Rajapaksa:
This is an internal matter. I don't want my internal matters to be inquired by any other country or any other NGO's. So we will look after that. That's why we appointed a commission so if there is any violations, we will see.
Fauziah Ibrahim:
So you're saying that this commission that you've appointed will investigate alleged war crimes?
President Mahinda Rajapaksa:
If there is anything like that, they will come and complain to us and we will enquire into it.
Fauziah Ibrahim:
Will you take action against those who have committed these crimes?
President Mahinda Rajapaksa:
Yes. Certainly, certainly.
Fauziah Ibrahim:
Even if they're on your side? Even if they are connected to you?
President Mahinda Rajapaksa:
If it is a crime, whether it is my relation, or my army commander or anybody. It is immaterial. It's a crime, crime is a crime, so we have to punish them. We can't punish a person for defeating terrorism. So if the international community wants to punish Sri Lanka for defeating terrorism, I'm not for that.
Fauziah Ibrahim:
You can understand the international community's concern though. If you have an internal investigation, a government that is investigating itself. Where is the transparency? How can we be sure there will be .....
(interrupts)President Mahinda Rajapaksa:
You don't ask that from the Americans! You don't go and ask that of the British about Iraq, or Afghanistan or what is happening in Pakistan? Be fair with us...be fair with us... don't treat Sri Lanka like this because we defeated terrorism. Unfortunately, other countries couldn't defeat terrorism yet, although we have done that.
Fauziah Ibrahim:
Earlier this year, you had an overwhelming electoral victory. And so did some of your family members as well. Now some of your family members are in very high positions in your cabinet. You have brothers in the Economic Development posts, in the Defense sec post and speaker of Parliament. .....there are some 300 other relations who occupy important government positions.
President Mahinda Rajapaksa:
Who gave those figures? 300 relations ... I will tell you, the whole country is related to me. The whole country.
Fauziah Ibrahim:
It's a huge family?
President Mahinda Rajapaksa:
Huge family.
Fauziah Ibrahim:
But you can see how, there is this accusation of nepotism ....
President Mahinda Rajapaksa:
How can you say that?
Fauziah Ibrahim:
Because your family members are in very high positions ...
President Mahinda Rajapaksa:
No, no they have been elected by the people....
Fauziah Ibrahim:
.... Very important positions .....
President Mahinda Rajapaksa:
No, only one! Now he is a minister, I have appointed Gothabaya as the Defense Secretary, yes.
Fauziah Ibrahim:
That's a very important position..
President Mahinda Rajapaksa:
Yes, why not? I have to trust my Defense Secretary.
Fauziah Ibrahim:
And the only person you can trust is those in your family?
President Mahinda Rajapaksa:
No, No ... He is capable, and he has shown that he is capable and I can trust him. So why not?
Fauziah Ibrahim:
What do you then say to critics who say that you are now building the Rajapaksa political dynasty?
President Mahinda Rajapaksa:
I won't. Why should I? It's up to the people. People are electing them, what can I do about it? When they don't want them, they will kick them out. All Rajapaksas will be kicked out. So they have to deliver. If Rajapaksas are delivering, what else do they want?
Fauziah Ibrahim:
Will you be changing the constitution to get rid of the president's term limit?
President Mahinda Rajapaksa:
It's up to the parliament.
Fauziah Ibrahim:
Are you in favour of it?
President Mahinda Rajapaksa:
Yes, I don't mind if it's the Presidential system, or the Prime Minister system. I have no problem, because I'm going to win again.
Fauziah Ibrahim:
You're confident of this? Why do you say that?
President Mahinda Rajapaksa:
People will trust me. I know that people will trust me. When I asked for two thirds majority, they gave me.
Fauziah Ibrahim:
It has been said that you have no tolerance towards any form of opposition, any form of political opposition.
President Mahinda Rajapaksa:
I completely reject that. This is all propaganda.
Fauziah Ibrahim:
By whom?
President Mahinda Rajapaksa:
By the opposition. By the opposition and the NGO's who are being paid by some of these other organizations.
Fauziah Ibrahim:
Going forward and as Sri Lanka tries to rebuild itself after a near 30 year war, and reconciliation as you say is trying to take place. What do you think is the biggest obstacle that faces your people?
President Mahinda Rajapaksa:
We have to build that trust as soon as possible and it's building up. This is the challenge we are ready to take. So, after 30 years we took the challenge to defeat terrorism, so we took that challenge and won. Now it is the economic development, so we do that. Within one year, we resettle the people. 90% have been resettled. By December, everyone will be resettled in this country.
Fauziah Ibrahim:
Mr President, thanks for speaking with us.
President Mahinda Rajapaksa:
Thank you.
Following is the full text of the interview with Al Jazeera on 27 May.
Fauziah Ibrahim:
Welcome back to 101 East.
This week we are in Sri Lanka as the nation marks its first anniversary after the end of the near 30 year civil war.
Speaking exclusively to us, is President Mahinda Rajapaksa. One year on after declaring victory over the Tamil Tigers, how do you think your country is doing?
President Mahinda Rajapaksa:
Now people are moving freely, moving from north to south, south to north. So people are mixing, so they do their businesses. People are getting used to each other, they've started to trust each other, so this is the only process that we can depend on.
Fauziah Ibrahim:
But a year on, some people are saying that you have not addressed the grievances that started this war in the first place. The Tamil community still feels marginalized. How do you ....
President Mahinda Rajapaksa:(interrupts)
I don't agree with that, because some politicians are making these issues. Or some NGO's. Now if you go to the camps and if you ask them what do you want first? They will say I want my house back, I want a job, I want to educate my children. They will not ask for anything else. So first what we must do is resettle these people. Give them the facilities, give them the things that are enjoyed by others in the south. Why not? Let them enjoy that first, then the people will... once they elect their own people, their representatives, into parliament, into provincial governments.... And then we can discuss with them, we can have a dialogue.
Fauziah Ibrahim:
What do you then say to the Tamil diaspora who are overseas who say you are not doing anything for the Tamil community?
President Mahinda Rajapaksa:
Unfortunately, this is the problem, because they don't want to come back to Sri Lanka. They are enjoying themselves. They have never visited Jaffna. They have never visited beyond Colombo to the north. They have not met the people. They have not discussed with them. Now I am meeting the common man, whether in Jaffna, or Trincomalee or Batticaloa. When I speak to them, I speak to the ordinary people. The masses. But find out from these people whether they have been to Jaffna, whether they have been to Kilinochchi.
Fauziah Ibrahim:
You now have Tamil groups who say they want representation. You have Tamil politicians who say they want a bigger representation of the community. How can you trust these people?
President Mahinda Rajapaksa:
I trust them. They have to trust us also. I trust them, so that's why I called them to have a dialogue with me. Otherwise I wouldn't have, because I know that they, most of these politicians who supported the Tiger movement, the terrorists, they represented them in parliament. So now it's up to us. So we have called them. They have to come with us. They must understand our difficulties also....the difficulties of Government. They must compromise, we are ready to compromise. Because for me whether they are Tamil, Muslim or Sinhalese, it's immaterial.
Fauziah Ibrahim:
You inherited this long drawn out war. You ended this war. Do you think, in your mind, was it inevitable to lose that many civilian lives, especially towards the end of the war?
President Mahinda Rajapaksa:
I deny it, because we never killed any civilians.
Fauziah Ibrahim:
You can categorically, confidently say that the Sri Lankan army never targeted civilians?
President Mahinda Rajapaksa:
No.
Fauziah Ibrahim:
How sure are you? How can you be so sure? It's a war.
President Mahinda Rajapaksa:
It's a war, you're right. By the way the people came to this side, to the government-controlled areas, you can see. If Sri Lankan army acted in a different way, against the civilians, they would never have trusted us. They wouldn't have walked into our camps. 300,000 people. So that shows our army, they trusted our army. Otherwise they wouldn't have walked in. This is why I'm saying this.
Fauziah Ibrahim:
If you are so confident that the Sri Lankan army did not commit any crimes, or war crimes during the conflict, why not allow for an independent body to come in and make their own independent investigation?
President Mahinda Rajapaksa:
This is an internal matter. I don't want my internal matters to be inquired by any other country or any other NGO's. So we will look after that. That's why we appointed a commission so if there is any violations, we will see.
Fauziah Ibrahim:
So you're saying that this commission that you've appointed will investigate alleged war crimes?
President Mahinda Rajapaksa:
If there is anything like that, they will come and complain to us and we will enquire into it.
Fauziah Ibrahim:
Will you take action against those who have committed these crimes?
President Mahinda Rajapaksa:
Yes. Certainly, certainly.
Fauziah Ibrahim:
Even if they're on your side? Even if they are connected to you?
President Mahinda Rajapaksa:
If it is a crime, whether it is my relation, or my army commander or anybody. It is immaterial. It's a crime, crime is a crime, so we have to punish them. We can't punish a person for defeating terrorism. So if the international community wants to punish Sri Lanka for defeating terrorism, I'm not for that.
Fauziah Ibrahim:
You can understand the international community's concern though. If you have an internal investigation, a government that is investigating itself. Where is the transparency? How can we be sure there will be .....
(interrupts)President Mahinda Rajapaksa:
You don't ask that from the Americans! You don't go and ask that of the British about Iraq, or Afghanistan or what is happening in Pakistan? Be fair with us...be fair with us... don't treat Sri Lanka like this because we defeated terrorism. Unfortunately, other countries couldn't defeat terrorism yet, although we have done that.
Fauziah Ibrahim:
Earlier this year, you had an overwhelming electoral victory. And so did some of your family members as well. Now some of your family members are in very high positions in your cabinet. You have brothers in the Economic Development posts, in the Defense sec post and speaker of Parliament. .....there are some 300 other relations who occupy important government positions.
President Mahinda Rajapaksa:
Who gave those figures? 300 relations ... I will tell you, the whole country is related to me. The whole country.
Fauziah Ibrahim:
It's a huge family?
President Mahinda Rajapaksa:
Huge family.
Fauziah Ibrahim:
But you can see how, there is this accusation of nepotism ....
President Mahinda Rajapaksa:
How can you say that?
Fauziah Ibrahim:
Because your family members are in very high positions ...
President Mahinda Rajapaksa:
No, no they have been elected by the people....
Fauziah Ibrahim:
.... Very important positions .....
President Mahinda Rajapaksa:
No, only one! Now he is a minister, I have appointed Gothabaya as the Defense Secretary, yes.
Fauziah Ibrahim:
That's a very important position..
President Mahinda Rajapaksa:
Yes, why not? I have to trust my Defense Secretary.
Fauziah Ibrahim:
And the only person you can trust is those in your family?
President Mahinda Rajapaksa:
No, No ... He is capable, and he has shown that he is capable and I can trust him. So why not?
Fauziah Ibrahim:
What do you then say to critics who say that you are now building the Rajapaksa political dynasty?
President Mahinda Rajapaksa:
I won't. Why should I? It's up to the people. People are electing them, what can I do about it? When they don't want them, they will kick them out. All Rajapaksas will be kicked out. So they have to deliver. If Rajapaksas are delivering, what else do they want?
Fauziah Ibrahim:
Will you be changing the constitution to get rid of the president's term limit?
President Mahinda Rajapaksa:
It's up to the parliament.
Fauziah Ibrahim:
Are you in favour of it?
President Mahinda Rajapaksa:
Yes, I don't mind if it's the Presidential system, or the Prime Minister system. I have no problem, because I'm going to win again.
Fauziah Ibrahim:
You're confident of this? Why do you say that?
President Mahinda Rajapaksa:
People will trust me. I know that people will trust me. When I asked for two thirds majority, they gave me.
Fauziah Ibrahim:
It has been said that you have no tolerance towards any form of opposition, any form of political opposition.
President Mahinda Rajapaksa:
I completely reject that. This is all propaganda.
Fauziah Ibrahim:
By whom?
President Mahinda Rajapaksa:
By the opposition. By the opposition and the NGO's who are being paid by some of these other organizations.
Fauziah Ibrahim:
Going forward and as Sri Lanka tries to rebuild itself after a near 30 year war, and reconciliation as you say is trying to take place. What do you think is the biggest obstacle that faces your people?
President Mahinda Rajapaksa:
We have to build that trust as soon as possible and it's building up. This is the challenge we are ready to take. So, after 30 years we took the challenge to defeat terrorism, so we took that challenge and won. Now it is the economic development, so we do that. Within one year, we resettle the people. 90% have been resettled. By December, everyone will be resettled in this country.
Fauziah Ibrahim:
Mr President, thanks for speaking with us.
President Mahinda Rajapaksa:
Thank you.
Friday, May 28, 2010
New beginning for child soldiers
New beginning for child soldiers
With the country in the midst of celebrating the first anniversary of the war victory the normalisation process too is gradually gaining ground from all evidence that is before us. This is not only with regard to the rebuilding of infrastructure of the war battered landscape but also the rebuilding of the shattered lives of the people of the North.
As already evident travel barriers to the North are a thing of past. People from the South are flocking in their thousands to places of worship and historical sites that they had only read and heard of in the past. According to reports all hotels and Guesthouses in the tourists spots in the North and East have been over-booked for the prolonged Vesak holiday.
The North has become a hub of development while businessmen and traders commute to and from the North and the South with regular monotony. In short all the severed arteries that once linked the two communities from the North and South are now in place.
However while enjoying the fruits of freedom in a tangible form one tends to overlook the human misery and suffering that overtook the people of the North and the pathos of their heart-rending existence under the jackboot of a brutal terror.
We say this because the war has taken such heavy toll on the lives of people in the North that for most the healing process would be a long drawn out one while for others the scars of war run so deep that the damage could be permanent. Therefore while addressing the physical development of the Northern landscape there is also a compelling need to heal the mental scars left behind by the prolonged conflict speedily.
It is here that the Government should be commended for addressing the human fall out of the war with the same urgency it is addressing the physical side of developing the war ravaged landscape.
According to our lead story on Wednesday the last batch of child soldiers comprising 108 boys and 90 girls were handed over to their parents by the Rehabilitation Authority. In all, there were 294 child soldiers who were undergoing rehabilitation and 96 of them were released earlier to their parents.
According to Commissioner General of Rehabilitation Brigadier Sudantha Ranasinghe these child soldiers were given all the necessary grounding to make them enter the mainstream of life putting behind their harrowing ordeal. "They played cricket, participated in camp fires, did scouting and learned a lot of other skills like any other child would in a Colombo school. They even went to McDonalds and enjoyed meals," he is quoted as saying.
For them this will be a new beginning away from the bunkers. Whereas before, their life was a gamble, today they have been given the opportunity to savour a new life and the freedom to revel in the joys of youth that was cruelly plucked away from them.
President Mahinda Rajapaksa had pardoned these hapless victims and given them all the facilities to restart life on a clean slate. He should be saluted for this singular achievement of giving back the lives of these child soldiers who were condemned to a premature death.
But for the military victory over the LTTE these children who are between the ages of 12 and 17 would still have been held in LTTE gulags until the time came to lay down their lives for an Utopian dream. This is indeed a telling indictment on those Western countries who advocated negotiations to end the war and spare further bloodshed. In a sense it is a paradox that peace negations failed to end the killings while the military option succeeded to rescue all those condemned to die such as these hapless child soldiers of whom no NGO who were quick to accuse the military of battlefield atrocities, gave a damn.
In this regard it is also opportune to recall the efforts made by UN special rapporteur on children affected by war, Olara Otunu to secure the release of child soldiers in the days of the Ceasefire agreement. Despite the assurance given by the LTTE to send them to their parents it turned out to be yet another empty promise of the outfit. Now they are free thanks to the steps taken to militarily crush the LTTE.
What is now needed is proper follow up action to ensure these children make the best use of their newfound freedom. No doubt among them would be talented youth who were rudely deprived of an education to exploit their talents.
These one time child soldiers who have now received a fresh lease of life should be afforded the proper guidance to make the optimum use of their new lease of life and be productive citizens who will be assets to the nation.
With the country in the midst of celebrating the first anniversary of the war victory the normalisation process too is gradually gaining ground from all evidence that is before us. This is not only with regard to the rebuilding of infrastructure of the war battered landscape but also the rebuilding of the shattered lives of the people of the North.
As already evident travel barriers to the North are a thing of past. People from the South are flocking in their thousands to places of worship and historical sites that they had only read and heard of in the past. According to reports all hotels and Guesthouses in the tourists spots in the North and East have been over-booked for the prolonged Vesak holiday.
The North has become a hub of development while businessmen and traders commute to and from the North and the South with regular monotony. In short all the severed arteries that once linked the two communities from the North and South are now in place.
However while enjoying the fruits of freedom in a tangible form one tends to overlook the human misery and suffering that overtook the people of the North and the pathos of their heart-rending existence under the jackboot of a brutal terror.
We say this because the war has taken such heavy toll on the lives of people in the North that for most the healing process would be a long drawn out one while for others the scars of war run so deep that the damage could be permanent. Therefore while addressing the physical development of the Northern landscape there is also a compelling need to heal the mental scars left behind by the prolonged conflict speedily.
It is here that the Government should be commended for addressing the human fall out of the war with the same urgency it is addressing the physical side of developing the war ravaged landscape.
According to our lead story on Wednesday the last batch of child soldiers comprising 108 boys and 90 girls were handed over to their parents by the Rehabilitation Authority. In all, there were 294 child soldiers who were undergoing rehabilitation and 96 of them were released earlier to their parents.
According to Commissioner General of Rehabilitation Brigadier Sudantha Ranasinghe these child soldiers were given all the necessary grounding to make them enter the mainstream of life putting behind their harrowing ordeal. "They played cricket, participated in camp fires, did scouting and learned a lot of other skills like any other child would in a Colombo school. They even went to McDonalds and enjoyed meals," he is quoted as saying.
For them this will be a new beginning away from the bunkers. Whereas before, their life was a gamble, today they have been given the opportunity to savour a new life and the freedom to revel in the joys of youth that was cruelly plucked away from them.
President Mahinda Rajapaksa had pardoned these hapless victims and given them all the facilities to restart life on a clean slate. He should be saluted for this singular achievement of giving back the lives of these child soldiers who were condemned to a premature death.
But for the military victory over the LTTE these children who are between the ages of 12 and 17 would still have been held in LTTE gulags until the time came to lay down their lives for an Utopian dream. This is indeed a telling indictment on those Western countries who advocated negotiations to end the war and spare further bloodshed. In a sense it is a paradox that peace negations failed to end the killings while the military option succeeded to rescue all those condemned to die such as these hapless child soldiers of whom no NGO who were quick to accuse the military of battlefield atrocities, gave a damn.
In this regard it is also opportune to recall the efforts made by UN special rapporteur on children affected by war, Olara Otunu to secure the release of child soldiers in the days of the Ceasefire agreement. Despite the assurance given by the LTTE to send them to their parents it turned out to be yet another empty promise of the outfit. Now they are free thanks to the steps taken to militarily crush the LTTE.
What is now needed is proper follow up action to ensure these children make the best use of their newfound freedom. No doubt among them would be talented youth who were rudely deprived of an education to exploit their talents.
These one time child soldiers who have now received a fresh lease of life should be afforded the proper guidance to make the optimum use of their new lease of life and be productive citizens who will be assets to the nation.
IIFA an opportunity to showcase Lanka
IIFA an opportunity to showcase Lanka
Ruwini JAYAWARDANA
Economic Development Deputy Minister Lakshman Yapa Abeywardena said hosting the 11th International Indian Film Academy (IIFA) awards is not only a prestige to the country but it is an event which can have a positive effect in Sri Lanka’s development scheme as well.
Deputy Minister Lakshman Yapa Abeywardena visited the Sugathadasa Indoor Stadium yesterday to inspect the progress of the work where the Micromax IIFA awards will take place on June 5. Sri Lanka Tourism Managing Director Dileep Mudadeniya is also in the picture. Picture by Ruwan de Silva
“It is calculated that around 600 million viewers watch the event on television,” he said.
“More than 300 foreign media from over 110 countries will be present to cover the event. This will have a positive effect on the country’s image. Foreign countries especially from the west will realize that Sri Lanka is able to stage such a grand scale event without any problems,” he said.
According to Abeywardena, one reason Sri Lanka was chosen as the Micromax IIFA awards venue is due to the cultural similarities between Sri Lanka and India.
He said each year countries have to bid for the award ceremony to be staged in their country. In the past IIFAs have been celebrated in London, Sun City, Johannesburg, Singapore, Malaysia, Dubai, Amsterdam, Yorkshire and Bangkok. IIFA celebrated its 10th anniversary in Macau last year. Sri Lanka was selected to host this year’s event out of around nine countries.
“This gives us an opportunity to show the world what Sri Lanka has to offer. Tourism is our most rapid developing sector. IIFA will add a boost to the sector. We are expecting a 50 percent increase of Indians who will visit this country next year due to the coverage that the island is getting through this event. It would have cost us around Rs. 4,625 million to launch a promotional campaign regarding the peaceful atmosphere and resources that Sri Lanka has to offer. With the IIFA Awards being staged in the country we can send across that message free,” he added.
Around 2,650 hotel rooms in Colombo have been booked for the event. Hotels from Colombo to Bentota will accompany visitors.
“Not only Colombo, but even other areas will benefit from the event. More than 300 Indian multi- millionaires will take part in the business forum. We are hoping to discuss with Habitat for Humanity on building 100 houses at the IIFA village in Kilinochchi. The fashion show and fund raising cricket match will bring more exposure so that we will gain more rather than the amount we spend,” Abeywardena noted. He said Rs. 1,700 million profit will be obtained through the high-profiled event that will unfold in the city from June 3 to 5.
Monitoring the progress of the new outlook of the Sugathadasa Indoor Stadium, he said the stadium will be revamped in such a manner so that it could be marketed to mega scale events in the future. Apart from the main venues, road development and airport decorations are also under way.
Ruwini JAYAWARDANA
Economic Development Deputy Minister Lakshman Yapa Abeywardena said hosting the 11th International Indian Film Academy (IIFA) awards is not only a prestige to the country but it is an event which can have a positive effect in Sri Lanka’s development scheme as well.
Deputy Minister Lakshman Yapa Abeywardena visited the Sugathadasa Indoor Stadium yesterday to inspect the progress of the work where the Micromax IIFA awards will take place on June 5. Sri Lanka Tourism Managing Director Dileep Mudadeniya is also in the picture. Picture by Ruwan de Silva
“It is calculated that around 600 million viewers watch the event on television,” he said.
“More than 300 foreign media from over 110 countries will be present to cover the event. This will have a positive effect on the country’s image. Foreign countries especially from the west will realize that Sri Lanka is able to stage such a grand scale event without any problems,” he said.
According to Abeywardena, one reason Sri Lanka was chosen as the Micromax IIFA awards venue is due to the cultural similarities between Sri Lanka and India.
He said each year countries have to bid for the award ceremony to be staged in their country. In the past IIFAs have been celebrated in London, Sun City, Johannesburg, Singapore, Malaysia, Dubai, Amsterdam, Yorkshire and Bangkok. IIFA celebrated its 10th anniversary in Macau last year. Sri Lanka was selected to host this year’s event out of around nine countries.
“This gives us an opportunity to show the world what Sri Lanka has to offer. Tourism is our most rapid developing sector. IIFA will add a boost to the sector. We are expecting a 50 percent increase of Indians who will visit this country next year due to the coverage that the island is getting through this event. It would have cost us around Rs. 4,625 million to launch a promotional campaign regarding the peaceful atmosphere and resources that Sri Lanka has to offer. With the IIFA Awards being staged in the country we can send across that message free,” he added.
Around 2,650 hotel rooms in Colombo have been booked for the event. Hotels from Colombo to Bentota will accompany visitors.
“Not only Colombo, but even other areas will benefit from the event. More than 300 Indian multi- millionaires will take part in the business forum. We are hoping to discuss with Habitat for Humanity on building 100 houses at the IIFA village in Kilinochchi. The fashion show and fund raising cricket match will bring more exposure so that we will gain more rather than the amount we spend,” Abeywardena noted. He said Rs. 1,700 million profit will be obtained through the high-profiled event that will unfold in the city from June 3 to 5.
Monitoring the progress of the new outlook of the Sugathadasa Indoor Stadium, he said the stadium will be revamped in such a manner so that it could be marketed to mega scale events in the future. Apart from the main venues, road development and airport decorations are also under way.
Tamil Diaspora urged to support North East rehabilitation
http://www.dailynews.lk/2010/05/28/cdnstory.asp?sid=20100525_01&imid=CDN.jpg&dt=[Tuesday%2024%202010]
Tamil Diaspora urged to support North East rehabilitation
[May 25 2010]
External Affairs Minister Prof. G.L.Peiris has urged the Tamil Diaspora worldwide to get involved in the rehabilitation process after the end of the conflict.
Speaking from UN headquarters in New York, Professor Peiris told BBC News that the Sri Lankan Government was stepping up its effort to rehabilitate displaced Tamil people.
Well as far as the Diaspora is concerned their hope very much is that they would involve themselves constructively in the efforts that are now being made to rebuild the north and the east of the country.
There is a great deal of valuable work for them to do and the whole thrust of the government’s initiative is inclusive. The Sri Lankan Government wants to involve the people of the North and the East and the Diaspora.
Tamil Diaspora urged to support North East rehabilitation
[May 25 2010]
External Affairs Minister Prof. G.L.Peiris has urged the Tamil Diaspora worldwide to get involved in the rehabilitation process after the end of the conflict.
Speaking from UN headquarters in New York, Professor Peiris told BBC News that the Sri Lankan Government was stepping up its effort to rehabilitate displaced Tamil people.
Well as far as the Diaspora is concerned their hope very much is that they would involve themselves constructively in the efforts that are now being made to rebuild the north and the east of the country.
There is a great deal of valuable work for them to do and the whole thrust of the government’s initiative is inclusive. The Sri Lankan Government wants to involve the people of the North and the East and the Diaspora.
Last modified on: 5/28/2010 8:15:43 AM Germany-based LTTE fund raiser arrested
http://www.defence.lk/new.asp?fname=20100528_05
popBoxRevertImage = "../script/Germany-based LTTE fund raiser arrested
Police on Wednesday arrested a key supporter of the now defunct LTTE, on her arrival in Colombo.
Well informed sources said that she had been instrumental in collecting funds in Frankfurt for the terrorist organisation and played a key role in the anti-Sri Lanka demonstrations held in the German Commercial Capital during the final stages of the 'humanitarian operation' launched by the security forces.
"She was a key member of the pro -LTTE group who sat across railway lines and blocked the movement of trains in Frankfurt demanding the Sri Lanka government to halt the operation against the LTTE," sources said.
The woman, who had lived in Germany for a considerable period, was also one of the main organisers of the anti-Sri Lanka demonstration held opposite the Indian Consul General's office in Frankfurt, sources said.
The suspect is a native of Chilaw and is around 50 years of age.
Some of her close relatives too had been involved in the demonstrations against Sri Lanka and had raised funds for the LTTE inse relatives too had been involved in the demonstrations against Sri Lanka and had raised funds for the LTTE in Frankfurt, the sources said.
Her family owns the GS Traders in Frankfurt and her son-in-law who is also an LTTE supporter is looking after the business, the source said.
She is being interrogated by the CID, sources said.
Courtesy : The Island
popBoxRevertImage = "../script/Germany-based LTTE fund raiser arrested
Police on Wednesday arrested a key supporter of the now defunct LTTE, on her arrival in Colombo.
Well informed sources said that she had been instrumental in collecting funds in Frankfurt for the terrorist organisation and played a key role in the anti-Sri Lanka demonstrations held in the German Commercial Capital during the final stages of the 'humanitarian operation' launched by the security forces.
"She was a key member of the pro -LTTE group who sat across railway lines and blocked the movement of trains in Frankfurt demanding the Sri Lanka government to halt the operation against the LTTE," sources said.
The woman, who had lived in Germany for a considerable period, was also one of the main organisers of the anti-Sri Lanka demonstration held opposite the Indian Consul General's office in Frankfurt, sources said.
The suspect is a native of Chilaw and is around 50 years of age.
Some of her close relatives too had been involved in the demonstrations against Sri Lanka and had raised funds for the LTTE inse relatives too had been involved in the demonstrations against Sri Lanka and had raised funds for the LTTE in Frankfurt, the sources said.
Her family owns the GS Traders in Frankfurt and her son-in-law who is also an LTTE supporter is looking after the business, the source said.
She is being interrogated by the CID, sources said.
Courtesy : The Island
Thursday, May 27, 2010
Victory Day Celebrations In New Zealand
Victory Day Celebrations In New Zealand
The United Sri Lanka Association (USLA) of Wellington New Zealand that was constituted in 1983 to do what ever was in it's power to safeguard Sri Lanka's unitary status, commemorated the first anniversary of the elimination of the greatest threat to Sri Lanka's unitary status in recent times, viz. Tiger Terrorism.
President Channa Ranasinghe commenced the commemoration following the singing of the national anthem, by dedicating the event to USLA's founding fathers , especially to those who did so much for this cause in New Zealand but were not still around to see this momentous day one year ago or see today, in particular, the late Dr Ubaya Dias and the late Dr. Upali Manukulasuriya.
President Ranasinghe , calling it Sri Lanka's real independence day, spoke of USLA's contributions to the Rehabilitation of the Ranaviru, the disabled soldiers, towards which USLA had already donated over NZ $ 17,000 and was maintaining a dedicated account for ongoing donations. The money sent so far to the Seva Vanitha Army Branch for this purpose, has been used mainly for purchase of artificial limbs.
Dr. Chula Rajapakse, USLA spokesperson , speaking next recalled the significance of the day being commemorated. Firstly , it was the day Sri Lanka was liberated from the gravest threat to it's integrity in recent times, Tiger Terrorism. This was achieved against the all odd's , leaving this most brutal terrorist group, considered invincible for over three decades, vanquished beyond any doubt, in an operation that lasted for less than two years.
Secondly, today was also the commemoration of the greatest hostage release in human history. The way over 300,000 streamed into the safety of the army, in full view of the world media at the first opportunity, Dr. Rajapakse said, left no doubt that they were indeed Tiger hostages and could not possibly have been the targets of deliberate security forces fire as some tried to make out, even today.
Thirdly today was a celebration of the post liberation achievements in development like the sea ports of Hambantota and the southern international airport, the upgrading of the road network and the unprecedented development programs for the North and East.
He then drew attention to the greatest challenge that Sri Lanka was now confronted with, that from the newly constituted "Transnational Government of Tamil Elam". This was essentially the international network of the Tigers, that remained largely intact with their ill gotten booty to fund their activities , posing an even more difficult threat to counter, this time with the guile of their pen. He observed with satisfaction, that consequent to their efforts, the New Zealand government had acknowledged the need to monitor the activities of this group in New Zealand, and had undertaken to do so.
Despite these, he called on the Sinhalese, to give leadership to forging a national unity and a national identity, which transcended ethnic differences, and to usher in a Sri Lanka where all of Sri Lanka was homeland for all of it's people, be it Wellawate or Jaffna, Trincomalee or Galle. He suggested adopting the New Zealand practice of singing the national anthem in two languages, in Sri Lanka's case in Sinhalese and Tamil, as one of many actions possible to forge a sense of both national unity and national identity.
He next went on to emphasize the further significance of today which was that it was a day to remember and honor the Ranaviru, some of whom made the ultimate sacrifice and others who were left maimed for life, securing Sri Lanka's liberation.
Mr Don Wijewardana , a former USLA president, and author of the recently published book, "How the LTTE lost the Elam War", speaking next identified further sources of ongoing challenge for Sri Lanka . First of these were some western governments and news agencies like British TV Channel 4. These were groups that were unable to accept Sri Lanka's achievement in eradicating terrorism, an achievement at which bigger nations have failed. Even more this had been achieved despite the many impediments instigated by them. Consequently they continue to rake up new allegations such as of war crimes by Sri Lanka and attempt economic sanctions against Sri Lanka like the withdrawal of the European Union's BSP preferential tariff provisions.. Another challenge for Sri Lanka was that posed internally from groups such as the TNA, who are essentially still peddling the Tiger agenda.
Mr Palitha de Silva another former President paid a tribute to the work of some of USLA's founding fathers like, Mr Danny Muthmala, DrUpali Manukulaasurya and Mr. Rudra de Zoysa for their work & commitment to USLA's objectives in the early years of USLA, and so laying the foundation for the future work of USLA.
Mr Rudra de Zoysa, reiterated with passion the importance of never forgetting the ultimate sacrifice made by the Ranaviru and the supreme sacrifice made by others who remained maimed for life. This he had personally witnessed last year on a visit to the Army rehabilitation camps. He urged the audience to contribute generously to the Ranaviru rehabilitation funds.
The event concluded with participants partaking of a meal of milk rice.
Dr. Chula Rajapakse MNZM
Spokesperson,
United Sri Lanka Association.
Wellington NZ
The United Sri Lanka Association (USLA) of Wellington New Zealand that was constituted in 1983 to do what ever was in it's power to safeguard Sri Lanka's unitary status, commemorated the first anniversary of the elimination of the greatest threat to Sri Lanka's unitary status in recent times, viz. Tiger Terrorism.
President Channa Ranasinghe commenced the commemoration following the singing of the national anthem, by dedicating the event to USLA's founding fathers , especially to those who did so much for this cause in New Zealand but were not still around to see this momentous day one year ago or see today, in particular, the late Dr Ubaya Dias and the late Dr. Upali Manukulasuriya.
President Ranasinghe , calling it Sri Lanka's real independence day, spoke of USLA's contributions to the Rehabilitation of the Ranaviru, the disabled soldiers, towards which USLA had already donated over NZ $ 17,000 and was maintaining a dedicated account for ongoing donations. The money sent so far to the Seva Vanitha Army Branch for this purpose, has been used mainly for purchase of artificial limbs.
Dr. Chula Rajapakse, USLA spokesperson , speaking next recalled the significance of the day being commemorated. Firstly , it was the day Sri Lanka was liberated from the gravest threat to it's integrity in recent times, Tiger Terrorism. This was achieved against the all odd's , leaving this most brutal terrorist group, considered invincible for over three decades, vanquished beyond any doubt, in an operation that lasted for less than two years.
Secondly, today was also the commemoration of the greatest hostage release in human history. The way over 300,000 streamed into the safety of the army, in full view of the world media at the first opportunity, Dr. Rajapakse said, left no doubt that they were indeed Tiger hostages and could not possibly have been the targets of deliberate security forces fire as some tried to make out, even today.
Thirdly today was a celebration of the post liberation achievements in development like the sea ports of Hambantota and the southern international airport, the upgrading of the road network and the unprecedented development programs for the North and East.
He then drew attention to the greatest challenge that Sri Lanka was now confronted with, that from the newly constituted "Transnational Government of Tamil Elam". This was essentially the international network of the Tigers, that remained largely intact with their ill gotten booty to fund their activities , posing an even more difficult threat to counter, this time with the guile of their pen. He observed with satisfaction, that consequent to their efforts, the New Zealand government had acknowledged the need to monitor the activities of this group in New Zealand, and had undertaken to do so.
Despite these, he called on the Sinhalese, to give leadership to forging a national unity and a national identity, which transcended ethnic differences, and to usher in a Sri Lanka where all of Sri Lanka was homeland for all of it's people, be it Wellawate or Jaffna, Trincomalee or Galle. He suggested adopting the New Zealand practice of singing the national anthem in two languages, in Sri Lanka's case in Sinhalese and Tamil, as one of many actions possible to forge a sense of both national unity and national identity.
He next went on to emphasize the further significance of today which was that it was a day to remember and honor the Ranaviru, some of whom made the ultimate sacrifice and others who were left maimed for life, securing Sri Lanka's liberation.
Mr Don Wijewardana , a former USLA president, and author of the recently published book, "How the LTTE lost the Elam War", speaking next identified further sources of ongoing challenge for Sri Lanka . First of these were some western governments and news agencies like British TV Channel 4. These were groups that were unable to accept Sri Lanka's achievement in eradicating terrorism, an achievement at which bigger nations have failed. Even more this had been achieved despite the many impediments instigated by them. Consequently they continue to rake up new allegations such as of war crimes by Sri Lanka and attempt economic sanctions against Sri Lanka like the withdrawal of the European Union's BSP preferential tariff provisions.. Another challenge for Sri Lanka was that posed internally from groups such as the TNA, who are essentially still peddling the Tiger agenda.
Mr Palitha de Silva another former President paid a tribute to the work of some of USLA's founding fathers like, Mr Danny Muthmala, DrUpali Manukulaasurya and Mr. Rudra de Zoysa for their work & commitment to USLA's objectives in the early years of USLA, and so laying the foundation for the future work of USLA.
Mr Rudra de Zoysa, reiterated with passion the importance of never forgetting the ultimate sacrifice made by the Ranaviru and the supreme sacrifice made by others who remained maimed for life. This he had personally witnessed last year on a visit to the Army rehabilitation camps. He urged the audience to contribute generously to the Ranaviru rehabilitation funds.
The event concluded with participants partaking of a meal of milk rice.
Dr. Chula Rajapakse MNZM
Spokesperson,
United Sri Lanka Association.
Wellington NZ
Strengthening intelligence vital to stop LTTE regrouping
Strengthening intelligence vital to stop LTTE regrouping
Sri Lanka must strengthen its intelligence-gathering to stop LTTE regrouping abroad as LTTE sympathizers were trying to revive the terrorist outfit, Defence Secretary Gotabhaya Rajapaksa said.
"The security forces, police and intelligence services must take certain steps to ensure that terrorism does not raise its head again in this country," quoting the Defence Secretary World News Australia website said.
Courtesy: President's Information Unit
Sri Lanka must strengthen its intelligence-gathering to stop LTTE regrouping abroad as LTTE sympathizers were trying to revive the terrorist outfit, Defence Secretary Gotabhaya Rajapaksa said.
"The security forces, police and intelligence services must take certain steps to ensure that terrorism does not raise its head again in this country," quoting the Defence Secretary World News Australia website said.
Courtesy: President's Information Unit
Role of Intelligence Services
http://www.defence.lk/new.asp?fname=20100517_02
Role of Intelligence Services
One of the most important aspects in Sri Lanka's successful war against LTTE terrorism has been its covert operations. In fact, clandestine operations, undertaken by different branches of the state intelligence apparatus, particularly the Directorate of Military Intelligence (DMI) and Naval Intelligence, gave the military a hitherto unavailable edge to the government, though the LTTE Intelligence, too, scored significant successes during the conflict.
The police also in their investigations into LTTE activity made major breakthroughs, thereby helping the overall military effort against the LTTE.
As the country celebrates the first anniversary of the armed forces' triumph over the LTTE with a series of events, culminating with an unprecedented military parade on May 20, it would be pertinent to discuss the contribution made by the intelligence services.
Intelligence services have never been the strongpoint of the Sri Lankan forces, though Defence Secretary, Gotabhaya Rajapaksa, after the eruption of major hostilities, pushed them to the limit. Although the LTTE had the initial advantage over the government, state intelligence services gradually turned the tables on the enemy. The LTTE almost succeeded in eliminating the then Army Commander Lt. Gen. Sarath Fonseka (April 2006) and Defence Secretary Gotabhaya Rajapaksa (December 2006). Had they succeeded the UPFA would have collapsed.
The then chief LTTE negotiator Anton Balasingham warned veteran lawyer Gomin Dayasri, who had been a member of the Sri Lankan delegation in Geneva in early 2006 for a meeting with the LTTE, that the Sri Lankan military had been infiltrated.
Balasingham revealed that there were many collaborators among the military. Although the government delegation at that time felt that this was part of Tigers' strategy to unsettle the government, subsequent events revealed the extent the LTTE Intelligence had infiltrated the armed forces.
The arrest of SP Lakshman Cooray following information elicited from an LTTE operative last year, revealed a plan to assassinate President Rajapaksa. Cooray is widely alleged to have helped the LTTE to assassinate the then Chief Government Whip Minister Jeyaraj Fernandopulle. Inquiries revealed how the LTTE had manipulated Cooray to gain access to VIPs. If they had succeeded, the LTTE would have assassinated President Rajapaksa, though they had lost the war in the Vanni.
Among the men in the LTTE payroll had been senior army officers, identities of some of whom would never be known.
The possibility of the LTTE having moles came to light way back in April 2006 when the government ordered retaliatory air strikes following an abortive bid to assassinate the then Lt. Gen. Sarath Fonseka. The LTTE had used a public address system to alert the civilians of an imminent air strike about 30 minutes before Kfirs approached the area. It had been the first air strike targeting the LTTE after several years and the LTTE could not have had any other way to receive a warning than through an informant.
The LTTE intelligence had help from some Army officers and the underworld to go after their colleagues. They assassinated Major Tuan Mutalif, Colonel Tuan Meedin both of the Directorate of Military Intelligence (DMI) as well as Army's No 3 Maj Gen Parami Kulatunga at the initial stages of the eelam war IV. The LTTE Intelligence had caused irreparable damage to both political and military leaderships over the years by eliminating many important leaders.
State intelligence services took advantage of the split caused by one-time LTTE ground commander Karuna to their advantage. The dispute between Prabhakaran and Karuna had been one of the major plus points for the government as it exploited their hostility to sow dissention among the fighting cadre as well as its intelligence service.
Under Defence Secretary Rajapaksa's leadership, state intelligence services built-up a cohesive apparatus, which achieved significant success, including anti-LTTE operations abroad. The Defence Ministry posted several military officers overseas as part of its efforts to streamline covert operations targeting the enemy's international network. Their untiring efforts led to the arrest and extradition last year of Kumaran Padmanathan alias 'KP' widely believed to be chief of arms procurement.
The subsequent seizure of an LTTE vessel (Princess Chrishantha) in Indonesian territorial waters by an undercover squad of Navy personnel highlighted the importance of special operations. Although the full details of the operation cannot still be divulged, the country could be proud of their unprecedented achievement, perhaps the most difficult operation conducted in foreign territory. Had any one of them fell to government authorities, he would have had to serve a prison term. Over the past four years, intelligence services have displayed qualities of a professional service capable of handling major challenges.
Intelligence services of the Army and the Navy at some instances competed for glory. One such instance was the seizure of a truck loaded with over 1,000 kgs of high explosives by the latter in Trincomalee. Although some may have not approved of such rivalry, it may have contributed to the rapid collapse of the common enemy.
Although the Army never identified the body of LTTE intelligence chief Pottu Amman following the final battle on the banks of the Nanthikadal lagoon, he could not have survived the onslaught. Pottu Amman is widely believed to have stayed with LTTE leader Velupillai Prabhakaran until the last 48 hours before the conclusion of the war.
Speaking on the condition of anonymity a senior official says a full picture of operations undertaken by intelligence service may never be made public. He said: "It was a difficult war due to many factors, including foreign interference and a section of the opposition playing politics." Responding to a query by The Island, he said that the recent assassination of a top Hamas commander allegedly by the Israeli Intelligence underscored the high level of commitment on the part of personnel engaged in such operations.
The LTTE intelligence brazenly used Sinhala youth and in some instances the underworld to their gain. They could not have sustained 'hit and run' attacks in the South without the help of locals. Despite early setbacks, investigators gradually rounded up LTTE operatives and their collaborators, including some police and security forces officers. A thorough investigation and appraisal of LTTE strategy is required to study their methods of recruitment. It would be interesting to know whether any security forces or police officer had been a victim of a 'honey trap.' Foreign intelligence services routinely use women to trap government officials and the possibility of some of our own personnel being victims of such operations could not be ruled out against the backdrop of a claim by Minister Dallas Alahapperuma that some of his UPFA colleagues may have been targeted by foreign prostitutes working for the 'enemy.'
To the credit of the LTTE, it had an organized network of intelligence operatives, who gathered information and infiltrated the defence establishment at the risk of their lives. But in the final analysis, security forces had the wherewithal to overwhelm the LTTE and the role played by intelligence services in that victory was SIGNIFICANT.
Courtesy : The Island
Role of Intelligence Services
One of the most important aspects in Sri Lanka's successful war against LTTE terrorism has been its covert operations. In fact, clandestine operations, undertaken by different branches of the state intelligence apparatus, particularly the Directorate of Military Intelligence (DMI) and Naval Intelligence, gave the military a hitherto unavailable edge to the government, though the LTTE Intelligence, too, scored significant successes during the conflict.
The police also in their investigations into LTTE activity made major breakthroughs, thereby helping the overall military effort against the LTTE.
As the country celebrates the first anniversary of the armed forces' triumph over the LTTE with a series of events, culminating with an unprecedented military parade on May 20, it would be pertinent to discuss the contribution made by the intelligence services.
Intelligence services have never been the strongpoint of the Sri Lankan forces, though Defence Secretary, Gotabhaya Rajapaksa, after the eruption of major hostilities, pushed them to the limit. Although the LTTE had the initial advantage over the government, state intelligence services gradually turned the tables on the enemy. The LTTE almost succeeded in eliminating the then Army Commander Lt. Gen. Sarath Fonseka (April 2006) and Defence Secretary Gotabhaya Rajapaksa (December 2006). Had they succeeded the UPFA would have collapsed.
The then chief LTTE negotiator Anton Balasingham warned veteran lawyer Gomin Dayasri, who had been a member of the Sri Lankan delegation in Geneva in early 2006 for a meeting with the LTTE, that the Sri Lankan military had been infiltrated.
Balasingham revealed that there were many collaborators among the military. Although the government delegation at that time felt that this was part of Tigers' strategy to unsettle the government, subsequent events revealed the extent the LTTE Intelligence had infiltrated the armed forces.
The arrest of SP Lakshman Cooray following information elicited from an LTTE operative last year, revealed a plan to assassinate President Rajapaksa. Cooray is widely alleged to have helped the LTTE to assassinate the then Chief Government Whip Minister Jeyaraj Fernandopulle. Inquiries revealed how the LTTE had manipulated Cooray to gain access to VIPs. If they had succeeded, the LTTE would have assassinated President Rajapaksa, though they had lost the war in the Vanni.
Among the men in the LTTE payroll had been senior army officers, identities of some of whom would never be known.
The possibility of the LTTE having moles came to light way back in April 2006 when the government ordered retaliatory air strikes following an abortive bid to assassinate the then Lt. Gen. Sarath Fonseka. The LTTE had used a public address system to alert the civilians of an imminent air strike about 30 minutes before Kfirs approached the area. It had been the first air strike targeting the LTTE after several years and the LTTE could not have had any other way to receive a warning than through an informant.
The LTTE intelligence had help from some Army officers and the underworld to go after their colleagues. They assassinated Major Tuan Mutalif, Colonel Tuan Meedin both of the Directorate of Military Intelligence (DMI) as well as Army's No 3 Maj Gen Parami Kulatunga at the initial stages of the eelam war IV. The LTTE Intelligence had caused irreparable damage to both political and military leaderships over the years by eliminating many important leaders.
State intelligence services took advantage of the split caused by one-time LTTE ground commander Karuna to their advantage. The dispute between Prabhakaran and Karuna had been one of the major plus points for the government as it exploited their hostility to sow dissention among the fighting cadre as well as its intelligence service.
Under Defence Secretary Rajapaksa's leadership, state intelligence services built-up a cohesive apparatus, which achieved significant success, including anti-LTTE operations abroad. The Defence Ministry posted several military officers overseas as part of its efforts to streamline covert operations targeting the enemy's international network. Their untiring efforts led to the arrest and extradition last year of Kumaran Padmanathan alias 'KP' widely believed to be chief of arms procurement.
The subsequent seizure of an LTTE vessel (Princess Chrishantha) in Indonesian territorial waters by an undercover squad of Navy personnel highlighted the importance of special operations. Although the full details of the operation cannot still be divulged, the country could be proud of their unprecedented achievement, perhaps the most difficult operation conducted in foreign territory. Had any one of them fell to government authorities, he would have had to serve a prison term. Over the past four years, intelligence services have displayed qualities of a professional service capable of handling major challenges.
Intelligence services of the Army and the Navy at some instances competed for glory. One such instance was the seizure of a truck loaded with over 1,000 kgs of high explosives by the latter in Trincomalee. Although some may have not approved of such rivalry, it may have contributed to the rapid collapse of the common enemy.
Although the Army never identified the body of LTTE intelligence chief Pottu Amman following the final battle on the banks of the Nanthikadal lagoon, he could not have survived the onslaught. Pottu Amman is widely believed to have stayed with LTTE leader Velupillai Prabhakaran until the last 48 hours before the conclusion of the war.
Speaking on the condition of anonymity a senior official says a full picture of operations undertaken by intelligence service may never be made public. He said: "It was a difficult war due to many factors, including foreign interference and a section of the opposition playing politics." Responding to a query by The Island, he said that the recent assassination of a top Hamas commander allegedly by the Israeli Intelligence underscored the high level of commitment on the part of personnel engaged in such operations.
The LTTE intelligence brazenly used Sinhala youth and in some instances the underworld to their gain. They could not have sustained 'hit and run' attacks in the South without the help of locals. Despite early setbacks, investigators gradually rounded up LTTE operatives and their collaborators, including some police and security forces officers. A thorough investigation and appraisal of LTTE strategy is required to study their methods of recruitment. It would be interesting to know whether any security forces or police officer had been a victim of a 'honey trap.' Foreign intelligence services routinely use women to trap government officials and the possibility of some of our own personnel being victims of such operations could not be ruled out against the backdrop of a claim by Minister Dallas Alahapperuma that some of his UPFA colleagues may have been targeted by foreign prostitutes working for the 'enemy.'
To the credit of the LTTE, it had an organized network of intelligence operatives, who gathered information and infiltrated the defence establishment at the risk of their lives. But in the final analysis, security forces had the wherewithal to overwhelm the LTTE and the role played by intelligence services in that victory was SIGNIFICANT.
Courtesy : The Island
LTTE pose threat to Indian VVIPs - India
http://www.defence.lk/new.asp?fname=20100525_08
LTTE pose threat to Indian VVIPs - India
The Liberation Tigers of Tamil Eelam (LTTE) might be militarily decimated in Sri Lanka but big neighbour India is not taking any chance. It recently extended the ban against LTTE as an `unlawful association' capable even now of jeopardizing `VVIP security' and compromising India's `territorial integrity.'
The notification's mention of LTTE's goal of creating a ``Tamil homeland'' is interesting.
``And, whereas, the LTTE's objective for a separate homeland (Tamil Eelam) for all Tamils threatens the sovereignty and territorial integrity of India, and amounts to cession and secession of a part of the territory of India from the Union,'' the gazette notification said.
So, it means that the LTTE's larger goal -was to carve out a separate country for Tamils comprising members of the community from across the shallow waters of the Palk Strait.
Intriguingly, it added that while the LTTE remnants look upon the Sri Lankan government as ``enemies'' they look upon the Indian government as ``traitors'' - or those who were once trusted but have betrayed that trust.
It went on to mention the Tamil diaspora. ``...through articles in the internet portals, the diaspora continue to spread anti-India feeling amongst the Sri Lankan Tamils by holding the top Indian political leaders and bureaucrats responsible for the defeat of the LTTE. Such propaganda through internet... are likely to impact VVIP security adversely in India,'' the notification said.
A political scientist in Colombo said India's ``very specific'' fears were not surprising and the extension of the ban was expected. The fall-out between India began from the late 1980s. It reached a point-of-no-return with the assassination of former Prime Minister Rajiv Gandhi in 1991.
Courtesy: Hindustantimes
LTTE pose threat to Indian VVIPs - India
The Liberation Tigers of Tamil Eelam (LTTE) might be militarily decimated in Sri Lanka but big neighbour India is not taking any chance. It recently extended the ban against LTTE as an `unlawful association' capable even now of jeopardizing `VVIP security' and compromising India's `territorial integrity.'
The notification's mention of LTTE's goal of creating a ``Tamil homeland'' is interesting.
``And, whereas, the LTTE's objective for a separate homeland (Tamil Eelam) for all Tamils threatens the sovereignty and territorial integrity of India, and amounts to cession and secession of a part of the territory of India from the Union,'' the gazette notification said.
So, it means that the LTTE's larger goal -was to carve out a separate country for Tamils comprising members of the community from across the shallow waters of the Palk Strait.
Intriguingly, it added that while the LTTE remnants look upon the Sri Lankan government as ``enemies'' they look upon the Indian government as ``traitors'' - or those who were once trusted but have betrayed that trust.
It went on to mention the Tamil diaspora. ``...through articles in the internet portals, the diaspora continue to spread anti-India feeling amongst the Sri Lankan Tamils by holding the top Indian political leaders and bureaucrats responsible for the defeat of the LTTE. Such propaganda through internet... are likely to impact VVIP security adversely in India,'' the notification said.
A political scientist in Colombo said India's ``very specific'' fears were not surprising and the extension of the ban was expected. The fall-out between India began from the late 1980s. It reached a point-of-no-return with the assassination of former Prime Minister Rajiv Gandhi in 1991.
Courtesy: Hindustantimes
Last modified on: 5/26/2010 8:05:55 AM Help rebuild
http://www.defence.lk/new.asp?fname=20100526_06
Help rebuild
External Affairs Minister Prof. G. L. Peiris on an official visit in USA urged the Tamil expatriates worldwide to get involved in the rehabilitation process in Sri Lanka expedited with the end of LTTE terrorism.
Speaking from the UN Headquarters in New York, Minister Peiris told the BBC that the Government is stepping up efforts to resettle displaced Tamil people.
"Well as far as the diaspora are concerned our hope very much is that they would involve themselves constructively in the efforts that are now being made to rebuild the North and East of the country," the BBC reported quoting the Minister.
"There is a great deal of valuable work for them to do and the whole thrust of the Government's initiative is inclusive. We want to involve the people of the North and the East and the diaspora," he added. Prof Peiris further said an economic renaissance was improving people's lives all over Sri Lanka.
"And what we are seeing is a kind of economic renaissance, a revival of economic life in those parts of the country which have been affected by the war which has gone for the better part of two decades," he said. Minister Peiris is scheduled to meet Secretary of State Hilary Clinton Friday.
Courtesy : Daily News
Help rebuild
External Affairs Minister Prof. G. L. Peiris on an official visit in USA urged the Tamil expatriates worldwide to get involved in the rehabilitation process in Sri Lanka expedited with the end of LTTE terrorism.
Speaking from the UN Headquarters in New York, Minister Peiris told the BBC that the Government is stepping up efforts to resettle displaced Tamil people.
"Well as far as the diaspora are concerned our hope very much is that they would involve themselves constructively in the efforts that are now being made to rebuild the North and East of the country," the BBC reported quoting the Minister.
"There is a great deal of valuable work for them to do and the whole thrust of the Government's initiative is inclusive. We want to involve the people of the North and the East and the diaspora," he added. Prof Peiris further said an economic renaissance was improving people's lives all over Sri Lanka.
"And what we are seeing is a kind of economic renaissance, a revival of economic life in those parts of the country which have been affected by the war which has gone for the better part of two decades," he said. Minister Peiris is scheduled to meet Secretary of State Hilary Clinton Friday.
Courtesy : Daily News
Last modified on: 5/26/2010 12:10:47 PM President wants IDPs resettled within three months
http://www.defence.lk/new.asp?fname=20100526_08
President wants IDPs resettled within three months
President Mahinda Rajapaksa has instructed that immediate action be taken to resettle all Internally Displaced Persons (IDPs) who are in welfare centres within three months and close all welfare centres in the North.
A family unit will be given Rs. 50,000, food items for six months and 20 roofing sheets. Earlier, the financial assistance was limited to only Rs. 25,000 per family unit.
Plans are underway to recultivate around 100,000 hectares of paddy lands which had been abandoned for a long time due to the war situation in the North region.
Chidren's education will be promoted under this program. Twenty eight newly constructed schools have been opened and another 12 are to be opened in the Vavuniya district soon.
Around 20,000 IDPs in the Vavuniya district have already been resettled.
Other IDPs will be provided with all facilities under the 'Uthuru Vasantha' program in four Provincial Secretariats in Vaviniya, Vavuniya South, Vavuniya North and Vettikulam.
Under the direct supervision of Economic Development Minister Basil Rajapaksa, infrastructure facilities such as highways, drinking water, electricity and housing will be developed. Financial assistance for these projects are expected from international donors, and in particular, the World Bank and Asian Development Bank to carry out these projects.
A discussion was held to resettle the balance 4,500 IDPs immediately with the participation of Resettlement Minister Milroy Fernando, Minister Rishard Badurdeen , Deputy Minister Vinayagamoorthy Muralidaran and District secretary P.S.M. Charles at the Vaviniya District Secretariat recently.
Courtesy : Daily News
President wants IDPs resettled within three months
President Mahinda Rajapaksa has instructed that immediate action be taken to resettle all Internally Displaced Persons (IDPs) who are in welfare centres within three months and close all welfare centres in the North.
A family unit will be given Rs. 50,000, food items for six months and 20 roofing sheets. Earlier, the financial assistance was limited to only Rs. 25,000 per family unit.
Plans are underway to recultivate around 100,000 hectares of paddy lands which had been abandoned for a long time due to the war situation in the North region.
Chidren's education will be promoted under this program. Twenty eight newly constructed schools have been opened and another 12 are to be opened in the Vavuniya district soon.
Around 20,000 IDPs in the Vavuniya district have already been resettled.
Other IDPs will be provided with all facilities under the 'Uthuru Vasantha' program in four Provincial Secretariats in Vaviniya, Vavuniya South, Vavuniya North and Vettikulam.
Under the direct supervision of Economic Development Minister Basil Rajapaksa, infrastructure facilities such as highways, drinking water, electricity and housing will be developed. Financial assistance for these projects are expected from international donors, and in particular, the World Bank and Asian Development Bank to carry out these projects.
A discussion was held to resettle the balance 4,500 IDPs immediately with the participation of Resettlement Minister Milroy Fernando, Minister Rishard Badurdeen , Deputy Minister Vinayagamoorthy Muralidaran and District secretary P.S.M. Charles at the Vaviniya District Secretariat recently.
Courtesy : Daily News
Last modified on: 5/26/2010 8:05:51 AM Child soldiers return home
http://www.defence.lk/new.asp?fname=20100526_01
Child soldiers return home
GIVEN OPPORTUNITY TO RESUME NORMAL LIVES:
The last batch of rehabilitated LTTE child soldiers, 108 boys and 90 girls were handed over to their parents yesterday by the Rehabilitation Authority, Commissioner General of Rehabilitation Brigadier Sudantha Ranasinghe told Daily News yesterday.
They were minors between the ages of 12 years to 17 years. So we had to hand them over to their parents legally through the legal court procedure. Government child probation officers, Social Services Department officers and relevant Divisional Secretaries were also present at the Vavuniya Magistrate's Courts when the children were handed back to their parents. All the children were given certificates, he explained.
"It was the wish of President Mahinda Rajapaksa that all ex-child soldiers of the terrorist group should be rehabilitated and given the opportunity to go back to their parents to resume normal lives," he noted. "These children were rehabilitated at the Hindu College, Ratmalana and they enjoyed life with us. These innocent children were forcibly conscripted to the terrorist movement by the terrorist leaders but now they are reformed as normal children again," he said.
"They played cricket, participated in camp fires, did scouting and learned a lot of other skills like any other child would learn in a Colombo school. They even went to the Mc Donalds and enjoyed meals," Brigadier Ranasinghe added.
These helpless victims of the war were pardoned by President Mahinda Rajapaksa and given all the facilities to train them and bring them back to the normal civil life. Even after they go back to their native places they would go back to their schools and continue studies, like other children of their hometowns or villages," he explained.
"We had a farewell party for the children. Not only the children, but, my daughter also cried when they departed. But I am happy because this is a beginning of a new era for these children who have now much hope for the future," he noted.
There were 294 child soldiers and we had released 96 children back to their parents earlier," he said.
Courtesy : Daily News
Child soldiers return home
GIVEN OPPORTUNITY TO RESUME NORMAL LIVES:
The last batch of rehabilitated LTTE child soldiers, 108 boys and 90 girls were handed over to their parents yesterday by the Rehabilitation Authority, Commissioner General of Rehabilitation Brigadier Sudantha Ranasinghe told Daily News yesterday.
They were minors between the ages of 12 years to 17 years. So we had to hand them over to their parents legally through the legal court procedure. Government child probation officers, Social Services Department officers and relevant Divisional Secretaries were also present at the Vavuniya Magistrate's Courts when the children were handed back to their parents. All the children were given certificates, he explained.
"It was the wish of President Mahinda Rajapaksa that all ex-child soldiers of the terrorist group should be rehabilitated and given the opportunity to go back to their parents to resume normal lives," he noted. "These children were rehabilitated at the Hindu College, Ratmalana and they enjoyed life with us. These innocent children were forcibly conscripted to the terrorist movement by the terrorist leaders but now they are reformed as normal children again," he said.
"They played cricket, participated in camp fires, did scouting and learned a lot of other skills like any other child would learn in a Colombo school. They even went to the Mc Donalds and enjoyed meals," Brigadier Ranasinghe added.
These helpless victims of the war were pardoned by President Mahinda Rajapaksa and given all the facilities to train them and bring them back to the normal civil life. Even after they go back to their native places they would go back to their schools and continue studies, like other children of their hometowns or villages," he explained.
"We had a farewell party for the children. Not only the children, but, my daughter also cried when they departed. But I am happy because this is a beginning of a new era for these children who have now much hope for the future," he noted.
There were 294 child soldiers and we had released 96 children back to their parents earlier," he said.
Courtesy : Daily News
Last modified on: 5/27/2010 8:48:36 AM Sri Lanka is in a new situation - Minister Peiris tells US think tank
http://www.defence.lk/new.asp?fname=20100527_03
Sri Lanka is in a new situation - Minister Peiris tells US think tank
In a meeting with officials at USA's Center for Strategic and International Studies (CSIS), Minister of External Affairs, Prof. G. L. Peiris stated that Sri Lanka, "is in a new situation," having defeated terrorism a year ago.
He said that there is unprecedented confidence, which is the result of durable peace combined with a degree of political stability the country has not enjoyed for quarter of a century.
Since then, the country has experienced no terrorist incidents, and a change of mood in the country; a mood of optimism, of expectation, he added.
CSIS is one of Washington's premier think tanks, specializing in foreign affairs and security issues. Its staff includes many former government officials, including Teresita Schaffer, a former U.S. ambassador to Sri Lanka who moderated the discussion.
Referring to the reconstruction and rehabilitation in the North and East, the Minister stressed, "we have achieved a great deal in an extremely short period. I think Sri Lanka has to be given due credit for this achievement."
Creating jobs, he said, has been a vital component of the resettlement and reconciliation effort.
After a year of peace, "Sri Lanka is back on the world's radar," Minister Peiris said. He noted that tourism is rapidly increasing, as is foreign investment.
"We have shed the over-powering constraints that have inhibited any kind of development," he said. "Hotels are a coming back. Companies are putting up factories in Trincomalee and Kilinochchi."
Referring to the recent report by the International Crisis Group, the Minister stated that the government was never given a copy of the report in advance.
"How can we give any response when we have no indication of the evidence the ICG purports to have?" he asked.
He also noted that the report itself does not offer any real evidence crimes, just allegations and accounts from unnamed sources, many of them made previously.
Professor Peiris also criticized the unspecific nature of the report, which noted that tens of thousands of people were wounded or killed in the fighting. "What is tens of thousands?" he asked, "Is that 10,000, 50,000, 90,000?"
In that vein, the minister noted that non-government organizations are not the "International Community," and that the United Nations Human Rights Council "debated these matters for three days," and concluded that it would not take action.
Minister Peiris also discussed possible changes to Sri Lanka's constitution, including the establishment of a bicameral legislature and amendments to the electoral system.
Earlier Tuesday, the Minister and Ambassador Wickramasuriya met with Rep. Howard Berman, who chairs the House of Representatives Committee on Foreign Affairs, as well as Rep. Nita Lowey (D-NY), the Chairwoman of the Subcommittee on State, Foreign Operations and Related Programs of the House Committee on Appropriations.
The Minister updated the members of Congress on the current situation in Sri Lanka, informing them of the nation's unprecedented economic development and process of reconciliation.
Minister Peiris will continue meeting with members of Congress and U.S. government officials during his visit, informing them of the nation's economic development and process reconciliation, in particular the appointment of a Lessons Learned and Reconciliation Commission in Sri Lanka.
Courtesy : PRIU
Sri Lanka is in a new situation - Minister Peiris tells US think tank
In a meeting with officials at USA's Center for Strategic and International Studies (CSIS), Minister of External Affairs, Prof. G. L. Peiris stated that Sri Lanka, "is in a new situation," having defeated terrorism a year ago.
He said that there is unprecedented confidence, which is the result of durable peace combined with a degree of political stability the country has not enjoyed for quarter of a century.
Since then, the country has experienced no terrorist incidents, and a change of mood in the country; a mood of optimism, of expectation, he added.
CSIS is one of Washington's premier think tanks, specializing in foreign affairs and security issues. Its staff includes many former government officials, including Teresita Schaffer, a former U.S. ambassador to Sri Lanka who moderated the discussion.
Referring to the reconstruction and rehabilitation in the North and East, the Minister stressed, "we have achieved a great deal in an extremely short period. I think Sri Lanka has to be given due credit for this achievement."
Creating jobs, he said, has been a vital component of the resettlement and reconciliation effort.
After a year of peace, "Sri Lanka is back on the world's radar," Minister Peiris said. He noted that tourism is rapidly increasing, as is foreign investment.
"We have shed the over-powering constraints that have inhibited any kind of development," he said. "Hotels are a coming back. Companies are putting up factories in Trincomalee and Kilinochchi."
Referring to the recent report by the International Crisis Group, the Minister stated that the government was never given a copy of the report in advance.
"How can we give any response when we have no indication of the evidence the ICG purports to have?" he asked.
He also noted that the report itself does not offer any real evidence crimes, just allegations and accounts from unnamed sources, many of them made previously.
Professor Peiris also criticized the unspecific nature of the report, which noted that tens of thousands of people were wounded or killed in the fighting. "What is tens of thousands?" he asked, "Is that 10,000, 50,000, 90,000?"
In that vein, the minister noted that non-government organizations are not the "International Community," and that the United Nations Human Rights Council "debated these matters for three days," and concluded that it would not take action.
Minister Peiris also discussed possible changes to Sri Lanka's constitution, including the establishment of a bicameral legislature and amendments to the electoral system.
Earlier Tuesday, the Minister and Ambassador Wickramasuriya met with Rep. Howard Berman, who chairs the House of Representatives Committee on Foreign Affairs, as well as Rep. Nita Lowey (D-NY), the Chairwoman of the Subcommittee on State, Foreign Operations and Related Programs of the House Committee on Appropriations.
The Minister updated the members of Congress on the current situation in Sri Lanka, informing them of the nation's unprecedented economic development and process of reconciliation.
Minister Peiris will continue meeting with members of Congress and U.S. government officials during his visit, informing them of the nation's economic development and process reconciliation, in particular the appointment of a Lessons Learned and Reconciliation Commission in Sri Lanka.
Courtesy : PRIU
U.S. lifts Sri Lanka travel warning
http://www.defence.lk/new.asp?fname=20100527_02
U.S. lifts Sri Lanka travel warning
Department of State has cancelled the Travel Warning for Sri Lanka due to improvements in safety and security conditions throughout the country
The U.S. State Department announced Wednesday that it was lifting its travel advisory on Sri Lanka, citing the peaceful atmosphere that has taken hold a year after Sri Lanka's defeat of terrorism.
"The Travel Warning issued for Sri Lanka on November 19, 2009 has been cancelled, effective May 26, 2010," the State Department said in an announcement. "Department of State has cancelled the Travel Warning for Sri Lanka due to improvements in safety and security conditions throughout the country."
The State Department's decision occurred during a four-day Washington visit of Sri Lanka's Minister of External Affairs, Professor G.L. Peiris. Minister Peiris is scheduled to meet with Secretary of State Hillary Clinton on Friday. On Wednesday, the Minister met with Gen. James Jones, President Barack Obama's national security adviser, as well as with senior U.S. Department of Defense officials.
The State Department's decision was hailed by Sri Lanka's Ambassador to the United States, Jaliya Wickramasuriya.
"We welcome the State Department's decision recognition of Sri Lanka as a peaceful and prosperous nation that is of course safe for visitors," Ambassador Wickramasuriya said. "We have been working with the State Department for some time to lift this warning, and I am heartened that it has occurred during Minister Peiris' Washington visit."
In its statement, the State Department noted that, "The Government of Sri Lanka declared victory over the Liberation Tigers of Tamil Eelam (LTTE) on May 18, 2009. Since the war's declared end, the LTTE has not mounted any attacks in Colombo or elsewhere in Sri Lanka."
In fact, tourism returned dramatically to Sri Lanka just days after the conflict ended, and it has continued to improve, nearly doubling in some months compared to last year, despite the State Department's travel advisory.
Tourism is an important component of Sri Lanka's economy, and tourism officials expect it to continue to expand dramatically.
The New York Times in January listed Sri Lanka as the number one destination to visit in 2010, citing the war's conclusion and Sri Lanka's historical sites, lush forest and broad beaches. National Geographic and the luxury living website Dailycandy.com also both gave Sri Lanka high rankings as a travel destination in 2010.
Embassy of Sri Lanka
Washington DC, USA
26 May 2010
U.S. lifts Sri Lanka travel warning
Department of State has cancelled the Travel Warning for Sri Lanka due to improvements in safety and security conditions throughout the country
The U.S. State Department announced Wednesday that it was lifting its travel advisory on Sri Lanka, citing the peaceful atmosphere that has taken hold a year after Sri Lanka's defeat of terrorism.
"The Travel Warning issued for Sri Lanka on November 19, 2009 has been cancelled, effective May 26, 2010," the State Department said in an announcement. "Department of State has cancelled the Travel Warning for Sri Lanka due to improvements in safety and security conditions throughout the country."
The State Department's decision occurred during a four-day Washington visit of Sri Lanka's Minister of External Affairs, Professor G.L. Peiris. Minister Peiris is scheduled to meet with Secretary of State Hillary Clinton on Friday. On Wednesday, the Minister met with Gen. James Jones, President Barack Obama's national security adviser, as well as with senior U.S. Department of Defense officials.
The State Department's decision was hailed by Sri Lanka's Ambassador to the United States, Jaliya Wickramasuriya.
"We welcome the State Department's decision recognition of Sri Lanka as a peaceful and prosperous nation that is of course safe for visitors," Ambassador Wickramasuriya said. "We have been working with the State Department for some time to lift this warning, and I am heartened that it has occurred during Minister Peiris' Washington visit."
In its statement, the State Department noted that, "The Government of Sri Lanka declared victory over the Liberation Tigers of Tamil Eelam (LTTE) on May 18, 2009. Since the war's declared end, the LTTE has not mounted any attacks in Colombo or elsewhere in Sri Lanka."
In fact, tourism returned dramatically to Sri Lanka just days after the conflict ended, and it has continued to improve, nearly doubling in some months compared to last year, despite the State Department's travel advisory.
Tourism is an important component of Sri Lanka's economy, and tourism officials expect it to continue to expand dramatically.
The New York Times in January listed Sri Lanka as the number one destination to visit in 2010, citing the war's conclusion and Sri Lanka's historical sites, lush forest and broad beaches. National Geographic and the luxury living website Dailycandy.com also both gave Sri Lanka high rankings as a travel destination in 2010.
Embassy of Sri Lanka
Washington DC, USA
26 May 2010
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